Video Vault: Christmas 1963, joy and sadness in Cleveland post John F. Kennedy assassination

CLEVELAND - The holiday season in 1963 was a very solemn time. President John F. Kennedy’s assassination numbed the nation and darkened what should have been a joy-filled season.

Our video clips end with a message from Cleveland Mayor Ralph Locher commenting on the nation’s tragedy.

But let’s start with happier signs of normalcy in 1963.

We begin with shots of decorations hanging on utility poles in the suburbs (Cedar Center?) and then workers installing “Season’s Greetings” on the Illuminating Building (55 Public Square).

The Cleveland Press Christmas parade is an annual event back then and Santa is the grand marshal.

Christmas lights on TV can be a fun, festive scene but in 1963 and in black and white, not so much.

Two minutes and twenty seconds of Christmas festivities in Huron Road Hospital follow the black and white lights. The hospital closed in 2011.

A few quick shots of Public Square again and then on to the mayor’s speech.

Enjoy.