Letters to Santa - 1980

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 1, 1980 (5:08)
Tuesday, December 2, 1980 5:52)
Wednesday, December 3, 1980 (4:57)
Thursday, December 4, 1980 (7:43)
Friday, December 5, 1980 (9:32)

Monday, December 8, 1980 (6:58)
Tuesday, December 9, 1980 (6:20)
Wednesday, December 10, 1980 (6:24)
Thursday, December 11, 1980 (6:27)
Friday, December 12, 1980 (8:05)

Monday, December 15, 1980 (9:29)
Tuesday, December 16, 1980 (6:48)
Wednesday, December 17, 1980 (7:23)
Thursday, December 18, 1980 (9:56)
Friday, December 19, 1980 (9:57)

Monday, December 22, 1980 (9:17)
Tuesday, December 23, 1980 (6:51)
Wednesday, December 24, 1980 (10:06)