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Holidays can be such special times in our lives. They can become a ‘living library’ of a family’s stories of the past, and of how a family observed them. These accounts make wonderful gifts of family legends and lore.

These accounts can be a wonderful depository for generations to come, about fun things each generation before them held dear.

My daughters, Sonja and Terri Michelle, grew up with stories about me growing up, and the memories of holidays that were precious to me. Those memories included getting my favorite doll Nancy and a record player when I was five. Also special were the library of Little Golden Books and Bible Story books Lena and I got for Christmas every year. And I can’t forget my favorite thing, the plastic net stockings we got filled with fruit, nuts, candy and toys.

I was also blessed with stories Mama told about her growing up and her favorite memories of her Christmas.

Mama was seven years old when one of Washington’s most momentous events happened for her and her friends. It was a Christmas memory she never forgot.

Leo, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lion that was featured on every one of the Company’s movie productions, came to Washington. You too have seen Leo (or one of his namesakes) on the ending credits of an MGM movie or production. His roar is unforgettable.

On Saturday, December 20th, 1930, Leo the Lion was brought to Washington by the MGM Company during a tour of the states. He was to perform simple tricks in front of the Turnage Theater. It was a very big deal! The entourage that brought him here consisted of magnificent motor cars, and the truck that his cage was on were decorated in gold and red. The was a huge calliaphone that provided the music for his grand appearance. His cage was 15 feet long and six feet wide. It was six feet in height making it comfortable for Leo to move about in.

Mama and her Fourth Street neighbors who were about her age; Nellie, Everlena and Elsie Smith who lived next door, and Louise Jones who lived next to the Smiths were all excited about Leo’s visit. They practiced ‘roaring’ for days to be able to ‘communicate’ with Leo.

It was a little disappointing to the children that Leo never let out his classic roar, even when prompted by the huge crowd of children who came to see him. Mama roared the loudest of her friends, but Leo was not impressed. But his appearance in front of the Turnage was a thrill to the tremendous crowd that came to see him. I wouldn’t have minded seeing Leo too!