One of the most exciting events downtown during the Christmas season was the lighting of the Christmas stars that started at First Street and continued throughout the town. The town was illuminated on Thanksgiving night each year and continued through New Year's Eve. The red and green stars were made by Vincenzo Malena in his blacksmith shop on Railroad Street, and one is on display at the Monongahela Area Historical Society.

The Christmas parade in Monongahela was always a well-attended event in town. Merchants and organizations entered floats advertising their businesses, and community bands marched to the joyous songs of the season. Pictured here is Smaldone’s Children Clothing Store’s elaborate entry, with Santa coming down the chimney.

This scene shows one of the great snowfalls experienced by Monongahela. The entrance of the iron bridge was snow-covered and treacherous for traveling. It was located at Second Street when houses, no longer there, lined both sides.

People in town still talk about the great snowfall of 1950. It was easy to see why, as Main Street is so snow-covered that it was very difficult for cars to maneuver. The snow may have stopped cars and taxis from venturing out, but the people shown are going about their daily business, snow or no snow!

Landefeld’s, known as the “Big Store,” was established in 1878 by Henry Landefeld and grew until it stood at the head of the list as the largest exclusive clothing and furnishing store in the Monongahela Valley. It carried men’s clothing, children’s clothing, furnished goods, and trunks and offered merchant tailoring. The store was located at 235-237 Main Street.