HOULTON, Maine — It is that time of year again when the Christmas season is all around us. As December approached this year, the traditional craft fairs were held around the town, the annual downtown “Open House,” the Light Parade and the ceremonial lighting of the tree.
As people make their lists and hustle throughout the town looking for that special gift to put under the tree, it is so easy to forget there are those who are struggling to provide a few presents for their Christmas.
For one Houlton family, the real meaning of Christmas began more than 30 years ago. The local fire department had been called out to a residential fire on the outskirts of town. The structure was not totally destroyed and later as the firemen were putting out the hotspots throughout the debris, one of them came across a little doll’s cradle. It had only some minor damage. This one particular fireman salvaged it and passed it on to another firefighter saying, “Here’s a project for you.”
It was from that one incident that a Christmas tradition developed and is now being carried out by the second and third generations.
The firefighter, who wished to remain anonymous, decided to make some more cradles using the original as a pattern. That first year he made nine and gave them to the local Salvation Army and later to churches.
“He wasn’t much of a carpenter,” said his wife, “but he pieced them together. She assisted him by doing the painting. She also tried her hand at sanding when he wasn’t looking.
She bought the baby dolls and made flannel coverlets or crocheted an afghan for each of them. Now their daughter is helping with the blankets.
The cradle maker passed away a few years ago, but his son took the unfinished cradles to his home in the South to finish them for Christmas that year and has continued to this day, assisted by his own son. The number of cradles has varied over the years, anywhere from four to nine. The son foots the bill for the postage, which sometimes amounts to $40 or more to send them back to his hometown.
Most recently they have arrived at Houlton Elementary School, where teachers were able to help select some little girls who might not be receiving too much under the tree.
This is the kind of story that makes Christmas. Here is just one example of the angels among us, who don’t want any extra recognition, but are giving of themselves for the pure joy of Christmas. Look at the example they have set for their own children, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As I shopped for special Christmas cards this year I found this verse that seems to capture the spirit of this story.
“I believe there are angels in the world today. They don’t wear robes and you won’t recognize them by their harps or halos. But they come into our ordinary lives with an extraordinary way of looking at the world and everyone in it through a lens of caring and compassion. I believe there are angels in the world today, whether they know it or not … angels who add light to every life they touch.”
Let’s hope we can all stop and look around us and think of at least one kind deed this Christmas. There are many folks who will spend this holiday alone. If each of us made an effort, what a Merry Christmas it would be.
The Houlton Pioneer Times is interested in hearing from any of our readers who may have received a little doll’s cradle similar to the one pictured, during the last 30 years. We wonder where they all are now. Please write to us at Houlton Pioneer Times, 23 Court Street, Houlton, ME 04730 or email us at pioneertimes @nepublish.com or call 532-2281 and share your story with us.
