Letters to Santa - 1973

Letters to Santa programs were a staple of the Christmas season at WJMA. Beginning about 1964 the letters were read by "Santa Claus" Bill Little Sr, but beginning in 1973 the letters were read by Mr. Postmaster and Miss Priority Message in Santa's Orange post office. Arch Harrison was the Postmaster and Ann Harrison was Miss Message. They read letters each Christmas season until 1980 when Miss Message went away to school. The Postmaster continued through Christmas 1983 assisted by Sparky the Wonder Elf.

Many of the Letters to Santa programs have been preserved. Unfortunately the 1977 collection is not complete and some days are missing. Beginning with the December 12 program, stories written by Grymes School students were included in the program.

Molly Hoffman is the announcer who begins and ends each program. The programs were sponsord by Virginia Federal Savings & Loan.

Enjoy!

Video of Arch Harrison talking about Letters to Santa

You may also enjoy hearing again:
WJMA Monday At One program featuring the carols of Alfred Burt or
A Christmas Carol with Lionel Barrymore broadcast for many years on Christmas Eve.

Monday, December 3, 1973is missing
Tuesday, December 4, 1973is missing
Wednesday, December 5, 1973is missing
Thursday, December 6, 1973 is missing
Friday, December 7, 1973 is missing

Monday, December 10, 1973 is missing
Tuesday, December 11, 1973 (8:15)
WednesdayDecember 12, 1973 (10:22)
Thursday December 13, 1973 (11:37)
Friday December 14, 1973 (8:43)

Monday December 17, 1973 (10:31)
Monday December 24, 1973 (8:01)

1973 Letters to Santa promo (:32)
Tuesday December 18, 1973 (8:12)
Wednesday, December 19, 1973 is missing
Thursday, December 20, 1973 is missing
Friday December 21, 1973 (6:30)