By Eric Reinagel
12/24/05 — BLOOMING VALLEY — When Frank John Ferguson goes to the local hardware store he hears about how his great-grandfather was one of the first in the valley to put up Christmas lights. People still remember how great-grandfather Frank Frederick Ferguson would decorate a huge tree at his place.
That tradition started by the eldest Frank Ferguson has created a lasting legacy that has trickled down through the generations as three houses side-by-side-by-side on State Street prove.
In the middle is 56-year-old John Ferguson’s house, bookmarked by his 80-year-old father, George Ferguson, and John’s 30-year-old son, Frank.
The three houses and yards are all decorated with Christmas lights.
“I’ve done it ever since I was old enough to do it,” said George, explaining that his father started decorating when he lived on Route 198.
“He just liked to do it,” said George, who knew his son and grandson would also inherit the Christmas spirit.
“Now I’m trying to keep up,” said George. “Trying to keep ahead of my son.”
Decorating for Christmas may not be a formal competition between the three generations, but those passing by naturally compare the houses.
“It’s a little bit of a competition between the three of us to see if we can outdo each other,” said Frank. “Every year we purchase new things and don’t tell each other until it’s time to put out.”
Frank said this year he found a new panoramic snowfall projector that he traveled to Cranberry to buy.
“I knew Dad wouldn’t find it,” he said. “They checked it out and asked where I purchased it.”
The three men usually find themselves out the same weekend every year without even telling each other. When it’s 50 or 60 degrees in November on a weekend, they’re outside so that the lights are up by Thanksgiving.
But Frank and George don’t even hesitate when asked who has the best decorations — it’s John, they say.
“I don’t know,” said John, modestly. “But I have the best electric bill!”
Eric Reinagel can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at ereinagel@meadvilletribune.com
