Christmas for 332 area families in 1931 became a very special time because of the work done by the members of Leo Carey Post 56 of the American Legion and the Albert Lea Fire Department.

Saturday, December 22, 2001

Christmas for 332 area families in 1931 became a very special time because of the work done by the members of Leo Carey Post 56 of the American Legion and the Albert Lea Fire Department.

Dismal economic conditions 70 years ago resulted in this era being called the Depression. High unemployment and pure poverty meant many local parents were confronted with two challenges. One was playing host to Santa Claus, and the other was trying to provide any vestige of the Christmas spirit for their children. And it’s at this point that the group the Tribune called the &uot;fire boys&uot; volunteered to make Dec. 25 a special day for as many of the children of the community’s impoverished families as possible.

Those fire boys, in reality, were the adult volunteer members of the Albert Lea Fire Department The Dec. 21, 1931, issue of the Tribune explained:

&uot;Some time ago the fire boys volunteered to fix up any old toy brought to them. And what a bunch of junk they received! However, not all the stuff was junk. Some of the toys received were as good as new, except they needed cleaning up, a few repairs, and a lot of bright colored paint. Even the junk pieces were repaired and made as good as new. ….

&uot;The fire boys want to thank all those who contributed these toys. Surely a lot of kids are going to be made glad this Christmas because of the kindness of the fire boys and those who have cooperated with them. It’s the real Christmas spirit!&uot;

Several local firms also helped the firemen with this recycling project of those toys so they could be passed along to other children. Included in these donated items and services were plenty of paint, bicycle and tricycle parts, small wagon wheels, and welding where needed.

The same Tribune article has these comments:

&uot;Albert Lea firemen reported late this afternoon (Dec. 21, 1931) that the hundreds of toys brought to them for repairs are now ready for Santa Claus when he drives up to the fire barn on Christmas evening.

&uot;The toys are going to be distributed to the boys and girls about the city who would otherwise be missed.

&uot;Those who are interested in toys and children should take a trip down to the city hall and look over the gaudy display of toys of every color and description before they are taken away.&uot;

The term &uot;fire barn&uot; was based on an earlier era when several horses were actually stabled near the entrance of the Albert Lea City Hall. These well trained animals were an essential part of the fire department’s operations because they pulled the equipment to the scenes of the blazes.

Albert Lea’s City Hall in 1931, then located at 202 N. Broadway Ave., was a combination of fire station, city offices, police station and jail.

Toys of all types had been rejuvenated by the firemen. They included kiddy cars, sleds, wagons, dolls, mechanical devices, and a large array of assorted playthings. Several of the firemen became what the Tribune said were &uot;proficient painter.&uot; Another volunteer fireman was given the title &uot;doll doctor&uot; in recognition of his new found restoration skills.