by Paula Bosse
Here are 4-page length photos in the December 24, 1957 issue of LOOK magazine – “Christmas in Dallas” by David Zingg with photographs by Frank Bauman.
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“When Christmas comes to Dallas, the city of oil, boom and gleaming limousines becomes a resplendent land of magic. Even without snow, the Christmas spirit of Dickens, Bethlehem and Santa Claus seems to adopt the dimensions of 10 gallons of Texas. Here’s a brilliant sample of Christmas in the modern Southwest.
“In the early days of Texas, the arrival of Christmas used to be greeted with a volley of pistol shots. In some areas, withered mesquite bushes served as Christmas trees. Guns have since been silenced and trees easy to come by, but the lush spirit of Texas remains. As always, a great sense of joy and joy seems to sweep across the western plains to brighten Christmas in Dallas. “
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Photo title below: “Santa greets the city from the roof of a skyscraper, under a gleaming tower.”
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“The glittering headdress on a store mannequin typifies the richness of Dallas Christmas.”
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“The double exposure contrasts the Dallas County Sheriff’s gang member with the beacon and lighted window cross of the National Bank of the Republic building.”
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“Photographer Frank Bauman portrays himself and a window full of toys in the gold frame of a mirror.”
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“In Neiman-Marcus, a stuffed tiger carries a fabulous load of a million dollars in gems.”
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“The faces of children pressed against a window full of toys express the ancient anticipation of Christmas morning.”
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“The lights from the busy cars of Christmas shoppers form a colorful pattern around the oldest Christmas tree in Dallas, in Highland Park.” (Sadly, our beloved Pecan Tree is no more.)
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“A fairy makes Christmas come true by throwing candy at kids at Oak Cliff Mall.”
Merry Christmas to all!
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Sources and Notes
All images of LOOK magazine, December 24, 1957, from the author’s collection. Photos by Frank Bauman.
More Christmas Flashback Dallas Posts Can Be Found here.
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Copyright © 2020 Paula Bosse. All rights reserved.
