Depot Museum celebrating Christmas in the '40s

It was Christmas in Shafter on Saturday at the Shafter Depot Museum, as they held their annual Christmas at the Depot event. Santa arrived and took a seat in the museum's new caboose, giving the kids, young and the young at heart, a chance to make their Christmas wishes known.

There was also live Christmas music, as the Shafter Brass Band entertained the crowd as they perused the museum and checked out all of the decorated trees. Refreshments also were served, including baked goods, cookies, and coffee and hot chocolate.

As in years past, the Shafter Depot Museum is holding its annual Christmas Tree Decorating event. Each year, companies, families and clubs decorate a Christmas tree according to the theme of the event.

This year, it's the 1940s. The Post Office tree was decorated with a number of letters and other collectible items. The Shafter Press tree was adorned with mini headlines of past newspapers, all from issues of the 40s.

The trees were just one part of the special event at the Depot. There are a number of new exhibits, including the caboose holding Santa Claus. Residents are encouraged to make it to the museum before the end of the year to vote for your favorite tree. The winning tree gets bragging rights for the rest of the year.