Letters to Santa - 1977

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, November 28, 1977 (5:18)
Tuesday, November 29, 1977 (4:22)
Wednesday, November 30, 1977 (7:41)
Thursday, December 1, 1977 (10:13)
Friday, December 2, 1977 (10:11)

Monday, December 5, 1977 (7:17)
Tuesday, December 6, 1977 (10:06)
Wednesday, December 7, 1977--missing
Thursday, December 8, 1977--missing
Friday, December 9, 1977--missing

Monday, December 12, 1977 (9:28)
Tuesday, December 13, 1977 (9:32)
Wednesday, December 14, 1977 (10:22)
Thursday, December 15, 1977--missing
Friday, December 16, 1977 (12:14)

Monday, December 19, 1977 (10:29)
Tuesday, December 20, 1977 (10:11)
Wednesday, December 21, 1977--missing
Thursday, December 22, 1977--missing
Friday, December 23, 1977--missing

Christmas Eve Letters to Santa from 1976 (13:07)