Lorain’s First Baby of 1963

To kick off 2016 on the blog, here’s another one of those full-page ads announcing the goodies that would be awarded to the first baby born after midnight in the New Year at St. Joseph Hospital.

This particular ad above ran on Monday, December 31, 1962 in the Lorain Journal.

Some of the goodies included: a floral arrangement from Zelek Flower Shop; two take-out barbecued chickens from Dewey Road Restaurant; an electric bottle sterilizer from Middendorf Pharmacy; an 8x10 colored portrait from Michaels Studio; $10 worth of dry cleaning from Flash Cleaners; a savings account of one dollar per pound at Citizens Home and Savings Association Co.; and a baby scale from Kline’s Department Store.

So who was the first baby of 1963?

It was Tanya Yvette Randleman, the tiny baby daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Randleman, 221 W. 13th Street. She arrived at 11:28 a.m. and weighed in at seven pounds, six and a half ounces and measured 19 inches.

As the Journal reported, “The “proud papa” wasn’t around to share in the happy moment. Randleman is serving with the U.S. Air Force in Alaska and was notified by telegram.

“The parents of Miss 1963 have another daughter, Terrie Elaine who is four years old."

Tanya didn’t have her first name yet when she was announced as Lorain’s first baby. It was not revealed in the Journal until January 3rd.

Here’s hoping that Tanya has enjoyed a happy life. Perhaps she will see this today, her 53rd birthday, and provide us with an update!