Story & Photos by Pappy
If you do not know about the “Forty and Eight”, let me give you a short history of it. Its official name is “La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux.” Now my French is not too good but I am told it translates as “The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses.” The American Legion can trace the roots of this organization back to 1920. French railroads were used by our armed forces during World War I and their boxcars would hold Forty Men or Eight Horses, therefore, 40 and 8. Which is a very short story of this organization.
And now to the Christmas Party held on Saturday, December 17th at the Legion Post in Overgaard. It was another great party with a huge Potluck just as it was on Thanksgiving. Trust me, is was good chow. I ate TWO helpings and could hardly walk after number two. Pig! The party was much more than Food. The big guy, Santa showed up with his number one Elf. Having been advertised as a “kids party” we had a bunch of excited youngsters on hand when the bells on Santa’s Sleigh were heard and he came walking into the Club House with a hardy HO, HO, HO. A large Throne Chair was set up in the Dining room for Santa to sit and hold the kids on his lap as they told him their wishes for Christmas. With the help of his number one Elf he passed out presents to all those that told him they had been good boys or girls this year.
Santa and his elf are also know as Tom & Judy Alstatt and again, like so many times, they worked so very hard to assure this event was a success and it surely was that! Anything with the “Little People” is such a happy event and is generally a success. Hope my pictures will show you all the fun and joy everyone experienced. THANKS 40 & 8 for all your work to get this day in place. Hey! I want all of you to be sure to be SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY this Holiday and into the New Year.
Pappy
