Vindicator file photo

Vindicator file photo
FIFTY YEARS AGO: Usherettes from Rayen School serenade Vindicator Columnist Esther Hamilton in Stambaugh Auditorium at the 25th annual Alias Santa Claus Club Show in this photo that ran Dec. 4, 1955. Esther began the Santa Club in the early days of the Depression, when she was writing for the Youngstown Telegram. More than 3,000 Youngstowners turned out for the 1955 show and a record $31,102 was raised for the needy. Flanking Esther were Frank Sennes, left, a Youngstown native and owner of the Moulin Rouge nightclub in Hollywood who booked the show, and Pat O'Brien, a Hollywood and Broadway star who was master of ceremonies. The notes on the poster were silver dollars, donated to the cause.