Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-01-05
SHAMoKIS. Dec 25. 1S5i

/
| Old Christmas here again with its grateful
cheer, its smiles, its gifts and all its friendly
| greetings How many advanced in years live
over again the rosey and smiling Christmas
holydays of youth and how many children
Eow amid its innocent enjoymens are trea-
suring up happy memories when life shall be
III the scar and yellow leaf, and but few more
Christmas suns to rise upon their horison.
Santa Claus came clad in his winter vest.
ments, and scattered along his footsteps hail,
snow, rain and sleet out Of DOORS and his in
door greetings were therefore still more 10Y.
Gus and happy. What a contrast this morn.
ing in the hospitable mansion of Dr. Atwater,
with the snow-clad trees and mountains with
out; and with the streets of Shamokin cover
ed with snow and rain. as the children of the
village, in their clean and neat attire wended
their way to the usual celebration of Christ
mas provided for them at the Doctors resi-
dence through the ever consderate and
thoughtful kindness of Judge Helfensten.
What happy visit was anticipated by these
little seekers after happiness as they came
from their homes through the winter morning,
and fully were their hopes realised, and how
did their happy faces tell the story of their
joyful hearts as they met all the pleasant
arrangements made for their enjoyment. 1t
was most interesting sight to see nearly
three hundred boys and girls assembled to-
gether on such an occasion. Their neat ap-
pearance and good behavior was only eaualled
blythe qualification they evinced at being thus
made the particular objects of the Judges
regard and attention.
The preparations for the entertainment
were most perfect and complete. The fret
object that attracted attention was u beauti-
fnl Christmas tree, handsomely decorated
with "matzebaums," and around which the
children flocked, highly delighted with all the
strange looking figures that hung among its
branches. The tree certainly was a curiosity,
and seemed to have been planted there under
the immediate direction of Santa Claus HIM
self, and invigorated by April showers and
summer suns.
The Magic Latern called forth shouts OF
applause, and just as everJ one was wander
ing what would come next in walked the We
ritable Santa Claus himself Then, you may
be sure, scene followed that beggars descrp-
tion The old traveller seemed to be wearied
and fatigued; and he said his visit must be
short one, MS he had other and simila dutys
to perform elsewhere. But he admonished
the children that in order TO merit his appro-
baton and secure an other visit from him
next winter they must be dutyrul, obedient
and truth loving With many good wishes
and hopes that they would enjoy all the good
things spread before them, the kind cid gen
t!emen departed as suddenly and mysterious
ly as he came. While all these amusements
were going on some very fine music on the
Piano lents its attractions to the scene and
threw over the whole soothing and gentle
influence.
The day was becoming far advanced when
new movement Indicated that distribution
OF gifts was about to commence. In one
room on large extension table, was an i'm
mense pile of cakes and candies and in an
adjoining room was an other table covered
with nicely arranged assortment of books.
They we're selections from the Sunday School
Union" ann suited through different ages Of
those present. The distribution Of the pre-
sents as each one came forward, was my
gratifying 10 number of ladies and gentle
men that had been invited to witness the
entertainment. The healthy appearance Of
the children and their remarkable good be-
havior called forth great many approbatory
remarks and indicated in this mining village
sober moral and prosperous little commu-
nifty.
1t is gratifying to know that in the whole
history of this important enterprise of deve-
loplng this Coal Region, and constructing the
Philadelphia and Sunbury Rail Road, proper
regard has been paid to Sunday as day Of
entire cessation from all business, so that no
one, no matter how humble. nor how elevated
his position, is required or allowed to do secu.
lar work on Sunday-so that a coal train, nor
passenger car, nor other car of any kind has
been known to run on Sunday.