Dear editor:

Thanks to the thoughtfulness of four young gentlemen — Hank Hanson, Pete Williams, Willis Huss and Mike Peters — the attractive Christmas display once again graced the frigid water of the St. Joseph River.

So unique was this holiday creation that, for many years, visitors known to be from outlying towns have visited Niles just to get a glimpse of this unusual display about which they have heard so many gratifying comments.

In order to gain any insight into the character of the gentleman who designed this unusual and delightful attraction, you would have to know something of his background.

He was a much loved and highly respected individual who owned and operated a well-known and busy greenhouse in our community known simply as East Main Gardens. This florist shop was located at 1521 Main St. here in Niles, and operated by a soft-spoken gentleman named Roy Peters, whose engaging personality easily endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. His well-kept shop was of considerable portion and boasted aisles wide enough to easily negotiate without tripping. Although he kept close enough nearby to answer your questions, he did not endeavor to pressure you into making a purchase.

I vividly recall visiting his gardens one day and being momentarily shocked to witness a live skunk traipsing the grounds adjacent to Roy.

Roy briefly met my glance, half grinned, then muttered, “Don’t worry, he isn’t going to bother you.”

To this day, I’ll never know if Roy just had blind faith in that little critter not to spray me, or if he had known for a fact the animal might have visited a veterinarian and been surgically altered.

As I think back, neither can I remember if this display is continually erected in the exact same spot each year, but if not, they might vary it ever so slightly each year so that it will more easily be viewed by youngsters in more than one area. We cannot bring this fine gentleman back, but we can keep his memory alive for future generations of his family.

Lou Liebetrau

Niles