While the recently forecasted snow was a false alarm for us, its early announcement fits a growing trend. Of course, we know winter is coming, but it seems like every year we "jump the gun" on the season earlier and earlier. I used to joke that we would see Christmas decorations out before Halloween and now that is the norm.
Black Friday used to be the day after Thanksgiving, still three weeks away, and astronomical winter is weeks away from that. For more on the mathematical reason for the seasons see this previous blog.
The past few issues of the Conway Daily Sun and ads on television promote "early access" to Black Friday before Veterans Day. Some commercials declare that it is now "Black Friday Month!" An ad in today's paper announced 2-Day “door busters” this weekend for Veterans Day with a focus on Christmas decorations. Another ad shows discounted Halloween candy and a sale on holiday versions of Mickey Mouse and Snoopy.
I must admit though that I am a victim of this early season syndrome myself. I found myself humming holiday tunes today. So to fit in we recently installed a new "Winter in the Whites" display near the front entrance at the Conway Public Library - a display of local history to help you get you in the mood and hint at the resources we have in the Henney History Room in case you want to explore more.
Do you remember the skimobile at Cranmore?
Why would we display these items about Byrd, Greely and Chinook? Did you know the Mountain Washington Valley has deep connections to polar explorers? We offer a free outreach program on this topic for local schools and community groups.
Conway's first winter carnival was held in 1922. More about this event can be seen through our online collection of the Reporter news at this link here.
A number of the images in this display are from the newspaper.
For more details on this or any other historical subject in the White Mountains, contact us at the Conway Public Library's Henney History Room.