Dates back to 1935: Rosalia Garden Club keeps cheer baskets tradition going

Rosalia Garden Club members gathered at the Rosalia Methodist Church basement to assemble 50 cheer baskets. They were intended for people who recently experienced a death in the family, illness or an accident.

Mary Ann Bowman, long-time Rosalia resident, was seven-years-old when her mother began delivering the cheer baskets in 1935. They included several sweets and Christmas related items.

"There is a need for cheer at Christmas time," Bowman said. She noted cheer basket recipients are often by themselves, so the baskets give them something good to look forward to.

Since 1935, about 50 cheer b...