The following are segments of stories taken from the front pages of the Whidbey Island Record 50 and 15 years ago on Thursday, Dec. 23, 1965 and Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000.

50 years ago

Editor: Ace Comstock

Santa backs down, asks cousin Peter

“The village children watch in dismay as Santa’s plane disappears into the distance. But behold…look here, the nimble spirit is coming back — from the opposite direction — and this time he is perched high on a magic fire engine.

“Thoughtful children are going to suspect some kind of magic must have been involved last Saturday, but thanks to Santa’s helpers, the Freeland Merchants Association and the South Whidbey Parachute club, that’s all they will suspect.

“Because of poor wind conditions, Santa arrived at the shopping district minus parachute, but was there just the same and no one thought to quibble about the details.”

15 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Dog lost in burglary found

“A black Labrador retriever scared away from a Lone Lake Road home during a burglary last week is safe with his family after a week-long search. The dog, named Tug, was found by Mike Dudley on the beach near Bells Beach Wednesday.

“Tug’s owner, who does not want to be identified for fear the burglars may return to her home, said the dog had settled down into a sheltered place behind a rock to stay out of the weather. She said Dudley saw Tug there several times and decided to call her.

“Tug was hungry and confused when he returned home, but was settling back into family life by Friday. He apparently bolted out of his house on Nov. 27 when burglars kicked in the front door of his owners’ home. The burglars stole a .38 caliber pistol along with several other items.”