Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1853-12-31
Communication.
Christmas .Amusemenis- Ch,ldren of
l1ti- Shamokin.
ri, SANTA CLAUS. t

CHRISTMAS .dmusemenfs-7he Ch,ldren of
1tt. Shamokin. r)
90 ri, SANTA CLAUS.
nbf Shamokin, Dec. 2s, 1853
Christmas with lis merry pesls OF laugl ter
has yisi,ed us once mere. Its annual return
never fails TO call forth a loud shou, OF well
CONS. Old aud young, alike Join in the
heartfelt greeting. How many delightful
recollections cluster around the very name
OF Christmas and Santa Claus. The heart
leaps londly forward 10 mingle among their
ten thousand sacred aud glorious associations.
How many 10 whom life has been constant
and perhaps bitter struggle, have here rested
from their honest toll, to listen 10 the "song
Of the slden time" and fancy themselves
once again beaealh the roof Of the old home,
on Christmas eve, with The happy circle
around the blazing fire, listening for the FIST
step Of the mysterious bat munifcen, bene.
factor, Santa Claus. We remember well
his first knock at the door, and how we re-
retreated timidly to our others side, while
others older and more courageous, helped
themselves 10 the contents of the spacious
bag, unmindfui OF the well directed blows;
and when the last ';good night" was said, and
we heard his footsteps relreating down the
street how bold we became; and laughed
a, the idea of so good an old gentleman do
ing his young friend any harm. All haih
then, merry Christmas Come with your
good cheer Come with your joyous hearts,
your smiling faces and your glorious memo
ties. There is none but what will pause
awhile 10 bid you hearty welcome. a
An accident occurred in our little village,
arising from The presen, advent Of Christmas,
that is worth recording and rememberng,
for j, was one of those pleasing little episodes
that il calcual ed 10 soften the rough path ol
life, and touch all within lis range with a
happy and mellow influence. Judge Hell
fenstien, with his usual kind and liberal
feeling, extended an invitation 10 The children
of Shdmokin 10 meet him on Saturday morn
ing at the residence of Dr. Atwater. The
invitation was readily accepted by over Two
hundred boys aud girls, ranging in age from
three to fourteen years, They came with
their laughing faces which with their neai
appearance and good behavior was pleasant
sigh, 10 see This, am sure, more than
repaid the Judge for his efforts 10 prepare
the entertainment. The room in which the
children were received contained large
Christmas tee, full of Nart-ebaums aud 9th
srwise ''done up" in the old Dutch fashion
bu, looking us fresh and beautiful as il il had
been transferred from some FAIRY realm, and
planted there by The Fairy Queen. An hon
or more was consumed in examining ant
sdmiring the tree, and then the doors of The
large drawing rooms connected with III,
Docois mansion were thrown open and III,
children trea ted 10 some fue music on ih
Piano, Flute and Guitar. After this the,
we're shown into an other room where wa
extended an immense table, on which wer
pile. OF books, cakes, candies, &c. Ever
boy and gill was presented with book, an
heir pockets or handkerchieis filed wi
good things. Several ladies were presen
who seemed TO draw much delight in pin
the rh ldren and directing their movement
gentleman from curiosity kep,a regisie
OF their Names as each one received the
book, also their age, and how many coul
read aAd write II was gratifying fac
that OF the two hundred, one hundred an
thirty could read, and one hundred read an
write. This reflects great praise on ii
common school system of our prosperol
town, and promises for the future an intel
gent and viituons community.
Thus passed Christmas in Shamokin. tt
children will long remember il, and in Il
"good time coming" for Shamokin, may II
Judge long live 10 wish his little friends
"merry Christmas"