Letters to Santa - 1979

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.

Mary Thompson 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 1979 (6:12)
Tuesday December 4 1979 (7:46)
Wednesday December 5 1979 (8:44)
Thursday December 6 1979 (6:50)
Friday December 7 1979 (7:29)

Monday December 10 1979 (7:43)
Tuesday December 11 1979 (6:21)
Wednesday December 12 1979 (6:56)
Thursday December 13 1979 (7:58)
Friday December 14 1979 (6:50)

Monday December 17 1979 (6:13)
Tuesday December 18 1979 (8:05)
Wednesday December 19 1979 (11:31)
Thursday December 20 1979 (9:42)
Friday December 21 1979 (10:08)

Monday December 24, 1979 is missing