Christmas in Newfoundland during the 1940’s was much different than the rest of North America. The accordion sang in kitchens as families and friends in rural outports gathered in biscuit-box and salt-box homes to sing and to dance and to enjoy each other’s company. They went to
church and celebrated the joyous season. They didn’t have much, money was scarce, and gifts were few and far between. Many Newfoundland children hadn’t been introduced to Santa Claus and they hadn’t experienced the modern Christmas season we have today. The families made do with what they had, and they were happy.
This was true among the small inlets and coves all along the coast of Placentia Bay, including the modest community of Ship Harbour. Nestled between hills, the vast Harbour provided shelter for the many families who chose to live there. Christmas 1941 was much different for children of the fishermen Griffin, Griffiths, Newman, Power, Ledwell, Norman, Meade and Murphy. While in the midst of the greatest war the world had ever seen, the Argentia US Naval & Air Force Base was established nearby to the community. Those whom had lived quiet lives living along the shoreline had soon become accustomed to large naval ships, sailors, and soldiers parading around their community. They spoke with an accent not much like those of the harbour but were kind to the locals and this was especially true during Christmas.
The many servicemen deployed to fight the war and stationed in Argentia during this time spent Christmas away from their families across the United States. Some of these men were assigned on board the USS Texas also known as the BB35. The Texas and her crew took on the hazardous role of escorting merchant convoys across the U-Boat infested North Atlantic to reinforce the Allied war effort. This year the men and women aboard the ship created their own Christmas away from home and brought in the local children to join in on the occasion.
Local researcher Barbara Griffin, who’s relatives were present during this time, explains that Christmas that year was celebrated by 28 local children on board the USS Texas anchored off Joe Newman’s wharf in Ship Harbour. Along with them were their parents and 
guardians as well as other elders of the community. Children were picked up by small boats and brought to the anchored ship. While on board the Texas, there was an elaborate Christmas dinner of foods the children may have never experienced before in their lives.
Excitement was undoubtedly high among the children as Santa Claus, an unfamiliar sight along the Newfoundland shore, also made an appearance to spread gifts to each child for Christmas. As they received each gift, a quaint gesture from the American troops, a glow in the eye of each child warmed the hearts of those on board who couldn’t be with their own children for Christmas. As the evening came to a close, the Newfoundland families and the visiting soldiers said their goodbyes as they were shipped by a small boat back to their homes along the rocky shore. A lifelong memory was left in the minds of those who had attended, and the Americans were remembered with fondness by all for their immense kindness.
I enjoyed the article and photos…but was curious about one thing,the comment that Santa Claus was little known….I was born in Point Verde/Placentia during WWII. and I can remember Santa Claus at least when I was 2 years old…so I assume he was around before that.
Santa Claus was heavily popularized in the 1930s by Coca-Cola ads, & then again by Eaton’s catalogue although Father Christmas has been around for much longer than that. The popular image of Santa Claus was combined with this & the American presence in the area had already been spread.
In this era of hate it is nice to be reminded of the kind Americans stationed in Argentia and St. John’s. I grew up in St John’s and saw first hand how they changed the lives of Newfoundland families by offering well paying jobs and their random acts of kindness.
Thank you for posting this…my Dad, a “Newfie” by birth, left Newfoundland in 1928…… joined the US Navy in 1943 and just missed being stationed in Argentia….the fellow next to him won that assignment….Dad went off to the Atlantic..did his tour of duty and came home safe to us when the war started winding down….”the fellow next to him” lived in the same small town as we did in Upstate NY…after they both came home they often spoke of Newfoundland and exchanged stories…..it was an unexpected gift to my Dad….
My older in-laws as children during WW – 2 received gifts at Christmas from the U.S. Santa, … This is why I love America !!!
Even tho this was 10 yrs before my time there, the local people were happy, Church was very important . They did like their 151 rum and the squeez box and wooden spoons were the music. And Moose was the meat and of course the fish. I feel lucky to have experienced their cultural
I grew up on a small Island in Placentia Bay now resettled. Santa was always a big part of Christmas in our home & school. We had Christmas concerts & a visit from Santa . I remember Santa giving each student a gift with beautiful wrapping paper . My parents & grandparents always had beautiful Christmas trees & decorations. The tradition was to visit each house in the Harbour on Christmas Day to view all the beautiful trees & decorations. We hung our stockings on Christmas Eve & Christmas morning we were all excited to get lots of goodies & a beautiful wrapped toy under the tree. Christmas Eve we went to midnight mass & sang in the choir.I remember how our beautiful church was lit up with candles. Christ was in Christmas in years passed.If we could only bring it back. We celebrated Christmas in my hometown always.Its great the Americans could help the less fortunate people & bring Christmas to them.
Thank you for posting enjoyed reading the article and looking at the pictures. Much simpler time nothing like the crazy times we live in today
As mother told me the story ( Isabell Ledwell ) & class mates went aboard the the uss Texas into Ship Harbour Placentia Bay , & had dinner a movie & a American santa give out gifts to all of them she told me its was the happiest day of her childhood life , its was a very enjoyable memory for her . Thank you for posting the article .
Born in Argentia .relocated to Freshwater in 1941 , Christmas was very much celebrated in Newfoundland , AS far as I remember there was a tree and Santa Claus. Tree wasn’t decorated with lights but homemade ornaments. We usually got an orange or candy pr of mitts sometimes a sled or new pr of gaitors,(winter boots) the women made sweet bread,molasses puddings, and fruit cakes. It was a custom then to visit the neighbours during the 12 days of Christmas..
In the book Navy 103 shows a picture of Freshwater people going to Argentia for Santa Claus and Christmas. In fact my mother and brother Joseph are in the picture along with other residents I recognize.
Walking into the north Rec,where the party was held was something I will always remember.. The lovely heat, colourful lights on the tree and decorations everywhere. Service men gave a bag of candy and fruit to all the children. Row by row the children filed up to the stage to meet Santa. A present was given each and every child. It was a magical time.
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