Looking Back – December 22

Chef Carrie Douglas and Smith Elementary student Emily Clark discussed the first-grader's choices of "building materials" during a learning unit on gingerbread houses highlighted by a field trip to McDowell Adult Education Center in 2009. Each of the 59 youngsters participating took home a boxed a gingerbread house of their own creation. From The Republic archives

2009

Newlywed couple Shannon and Byron Ayers received a pick-up truck full of toys, when they requested their wedding guests bring gifts for the Fireman’s Cheer Fund rather than wedding gifts.

1994

Strong markets in the U.S. and overseas helped Arvin Industries Inc. reach the $2 billion mark in sales two weeks before the end of the year, surpassing the $1.94 billion final sales figure for 1993.

1969

Columbus was a picture of a traditional, white Christmas as residents shoveled their way out from under a 4-inch blanket of snow that fell on the first day of winter.