New Year's Eve 1955

Well, it's New Year's Eve – the last day of 2025. Hope it was a good year for you! (I'm at the age now when I'm beginning to realize that any year in which you make it through the whole twelve months is a good one!)

Seventy years ago today it was New Year's Eve 1955. Below is the front page of the Lorain Journal from that date.

Nothing too earth-shattering going on as 1955 drew to a close. The local economy was doing well, with an article noting that, "Business in Lorain has moved once more into new high territory during the year just drawing to a close."

The city was getting ready to celebrate. "Thousands of New Year's Eve celebrators in the Lorain area are all set to ring out the old year and usher in 1956 at gay and festive parties in night clubs, in private homes and at dances," noted one article.

Let's tale a look at the entertainment page. As usual, for the movie-going crowd there was something for everyone (including kids, with a Cartoon-O-Scope Carnival at the Ohio, including Tom & Jerry; Donald Duck; and Jasper Puppetoons; all in Cinemascope.

If you felt like going out to dance, there was a New Year's Eve Party at Avon Isle Park (subject of a recent post) as well as the Saddle Inn. Ben Hart's Show Bar featured recording artists the Chuz Alfred Quintet, known for their recoding of "Caravan."

The YouTube page with "Caravan" notes, "A native of Lancaster, Ohio, “Chuz” (for Charles) Alfred came of a musical family. His father played piano and headed what was known as “The Alfred Melody Syncopators”, an outfit of local renown. Chuz's sister, Sue or “Suz,” played sax while in high school.

As usual, the Journal sponsored its annual "First Baby" contest. There were plenty of goodies for the lucky baby (but note, both parents had to be residents of the City of Lorain).

Lastly, there was the annual sponsored ad reminding everyone to drive safely. No Grim Reaper in the ad for 1955 (good!) – just a flabbergasted Old Year and a top-hatted Baby New Year.