A Christmas angel spurs memories of helpful youth

Well, the holidays have faded away, all the trimming put away for another year. I did have a visit from my Christmas angel, Mathew, from next door. He's growing a lot just now and I can see a fine young man.

He and I have become friends this year. He helped me clean my yard this past spring. His mother is doing a good job with teaching values. I'm always impressed when Mathew brings his friends to introduce them to me.

Mathew is a tribute to the young people in Dayton, and he's my friend.

Earlier in Dayton's history there were other young men like Mathew. Emma Loftus recorded the likes in her diaries. To name a few you can start with Bert and Bushy Perondi, Albert "Wheels" Peri and Ray Walamsley. There were others, and even a few young women Emma thought a lot of and mentioned their worth in her writings. Emma was always quick to point out the virtues of the young people in Dayton.

The Hankammer children were mentioned a lot. Ursula, Wilma "Sparky," and Bobbie Hankammer were raised by Chester and Helen Barton and Bob Hankammer the children's father.

They were a great deal of help to Emma. When Emma had Whispering Pines, a resort at Lake Tahoe, they helped her clean cabins, wash all the laundry and tend to business if Emma had to leave. Every one of the young people in Emma's accounts grew up to be folks you would be proud to call your friend.

I sometimes think we overlook the possibilities of the young people in our neighborhoods. They are sometimes thought of as being bothersome and noisy critters.

Just remember, these young folks are our future. Take time to engage them in conversation. You may just find a compassionate, caring, thinking person who just wants the world to know they're here.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to a bright New Year and a lot of new adventures. If I make it to next Christmas, I hope my Christmas angel comes to see me once again.

• The Dayton Museum is located on Shady Lane and Logan in Old Town Dayton. The Web site is daytonnvhistory.org. Group tours are available. Call 246-5543, 246-0462 or 246-0441.