-Chronicle photo by Charlotte Baker

There he is, that "Right Jolly Old Elf," all ready to make the Christmas wishes of good girls and boys come true starting Christmas Eve from the lawn of the Columbia County Courthouse in Dayton. The spirit of the season was resplendent around town and in Dayton's shops on Main Street, and the events and special programs by area churches only add to the joy of the holiday. We include some of Dayton's beautifully decorated residences inside this issue on page 5. Merry Christmas!