Woolsey Family to light up The Dalles

By Yahaira Alvarez

Like the gathering of family at the holidays, an old friend will return to us this Friday when a young boy will light the Woolsey Christmas tree east of Sorosis Park the day after Thanksgiving.

Sam Woolsey and his wife Ann Marie Woolsey at 751 E. 18th St., will ring in the holidays with their 80-foot-tall Christmas tree with more than 250 painted light bulbs that jet out through the night sky. 

The lighting of the tree has been a holiday tradition since 1953 and has since been celebrated with family, friends and neighbors in the years past. No doubt, many look to it for inspiration and a sign of good things to come. Woolsey, who first flipped the switch on the lights when his parents moved into the home when he was 10 in 1960, said he might have been a bit skeptical of Santa at the age.

But his faith was restored this year. All 10 strings of the Christmas lights made it to the top bow without a crack.

“This year none broke,” he said. 

The Woolseys plan on celebrating the holiday tradition with his family of 5. This year, Woolsey’s grandson, Arthur, 3, will have the honor of lighting the tree. 

No doubt the lighting will likely beckon the holiday spirit of many in his neighborhood and those passing by.

“It is something that gives people pause, and they appreciate the feeling it gives,” Sam said last spring when he lit it during the beginning of the pandemic. “It gives a sense of peace in some respects, and at this time, it shines a little light on things.”

With so many changes and cancellations this year, some are struggling to get in the holiday spirit. The Woolsey family however, are determined to shine light on our small town and make a difference. “I still believe, I still believe,” said Sam.

Ann Marie Woolsey and the family’s 80-foot pine tree festooned in lights on E. 18th St.