Christmas tree lot is a backdrop for family traditions, special moments

Members of the Jefferson City Jays baseball team stand by while waiting to help set up the Jefferson City Optimist Club’s annual Christmas tree lot on the corner of Dunklin and Broadway on Friday morning. Photo by Kris Wilson.

By Angie Hutschrieder

Sunday, November 27, 2011

For 57 years, the Optimist Club of Jefferson City has sold Christmas trees on the corner of Dunklin and Broadway streets. This year is no different, and Ralph Diele says he is ready for another season of memories and fun.

Optimist members and members of the Jefferson City High School baseball team came out to set up the lot Friday morning. They began trimming and measuring the trees at about 8 a.m., and had already begun to sell a few trees. By the time they were done with setup at 11 a.m., Diele said, they would be in full swing selling trees.

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When shoppers show up to the lot, typically they have childhood memories or traditions ....