The cold did not deter people from coming out and enjoying some of the seasonal fun available in San Jose's Christmas in the Park event. They have a snow machine and the snow wasn't disappearing quickly at all. Many people were seen bundled up more than usual.
The holiday spirit warmed hearts at the tree-lighting fundraiser hosted by Action Day Primary Plus schools and daycare. Carole Freitas and her husband founded the company in 1968. She remembers the last record low in San Jose -- 29 degrees on December 5, 1972. That was the year the Temptations' "Papa Was a Rollin Stone" topped the charts, "1776" was the top movie and the San Francisco 49ers played their first full season at Candlestick.
"That's the same year my daughter was born. Well, we lost a lot of fruit trees. We had fruit trees just starting here and the frost killed them so we had to start again. It was freezing cold," said Freitas.
Kay Wood missed the cold snap of '72. She moved here in '74, but it's been cold enough since then for her to know she needs to spend the night at her daughter's place.
"...Because I live in a mobile home and they do get cold very fast," said Wood.
Over at Christmas In the Park, most people came prepared, but if not, a local vendor was ready to help. Colleen Moss said, "We have scarves and beanies and antlers and hats. No earmuffs, but we do have gloves." When we asked her if those antlers keep people warm she replied, "They give you magical powers to stay warm."
For now, the cold is an excuse to pull out the headgear and cozy jackets. Just cross your fingers the power doesn't go out, like back in '72.
"We had a new baby and our power went out so we had to keep her warm like the pioneers by the fireplace," recalled Freitas.
Better get that firewood ready, just in case.
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