BELFAST ITEMS

Iowa Recorder; Greene, Butler, Iowa; June 24, 1936

AREDALE
     Mr. and Mrs. John McWilliams will leave here for Tuesday for a three months' vacation trip to Belfast, Ireland. They will sail from New York on the Tuscania, Friday. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams left Ireland 33 years ago and have since then made Iowa their home. Their many friends join in wishing them a pleasant voyage and a happy reunion with relatives and friends.

Waterloo Daily Courier; Waterloo, Black Hawk, Iowa; Dec 4, 1949

[Picture with caption] - Marshalltown, Ia.- Dressed in a new suit, Michael Myers, 4, of Marshalltown, sits on one of the suitcases he will take along when he goes back to his birthplace, Belfast, Ireland, this month. Michael has lived in Marshalltown since he was 10 months old and has had visions of his native Ireland. His aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Wild, will accompany him and act as guide. Michael has blue eyes and hair touched with red.

     Marshalltown, Ia., - Four-year old Michael Myers will travel 8,000 miles to celebrate his Christmas this year.
    He's packing now to go to a house in Belfast, Ireland, that presents a problem for a youngster preparing for Santa Claus. It has a fireplace in every room.
    Michael was born in Belfast. He left there when he was 10 months old and has lived here ever since.
    He's going with his aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Wild, who is returning to her former home to visit relatives and sell a house.
    Along with the customary baggage, Michael and his aunt will ship canned food, flour, sugar, candy and other items for their friends and relatives in Ireland.
    They expect to arrive in Belfast Dec. 16.
    After picking out the proper fireplace, Michael will play Santa himself for his Irish cousins.
    They will receive from him among other things, popcorn, almost an unknown item in Ireland.
    They in turn, will perform pantomimes for their American visitor that traditionally open the Irish Christmas.
    Michael's father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Myers, will miss the Belfast celebration. Myers, a native of Marshalltown, is now a patient in the Veteran's hospital.
    They will celebrate quietly at the hospital.