The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-12-26
A HAPPY HOLIDAY.
The Anniversary OF the God.Child's
Birth Celebrated AT the Churches
and Elsewhere.
Merrily Rang the Christmas Bells--'
Fine Weather adds to the Live.
illness Of the Scene.
CHRISTMAS DAY.

/ appearance anu CfCI1 pouS aDPNalSu w
have their full allotment of joy. The
merry jingle of the sleigh bell was heard
on every hand, proclalming gladstone
tidings of the happy event. The church
bells also rang musically on the morning
air, summoning the truly christian and
devout TO the places of worship. where
appropriate services we've held.
At the first peep of day the little ones
were astir. and a hurried inspection made
of the stockings that hung under the
mantel pieces. Many were the excIama-
tons of joy and surprise, as some unex-
pected and coveted article was brought to
view. Santa Claus" was the thought of
every child in the city, and on several oc-
casions he was censured for not bringing
the most desired of all articles As a rule,
however, he gave general satisfaction and
his presents were very acceptable.
Business was almost wholly suspended,
and all the public buildings were hermet-
ically sealed One of the most popular
pastimes of the day, was the devouring of
the Christmas turkey. Family reunions
were numerous, and brought good cheer
to the home circle, and joliity and mirth
reigned supreme.
| CHURCH FESTIVITIES.
The Central Presbyterian held its cele-
| bration on Christmas eve Excellent
singing was rendered by the choir, but
the fun began when Santa Claus" made
his appearance, impersonated by Mr..
Louis Hoffmaster On his back was
bag of toys of every description, and each
of the little folks received nice present.
A magnificent Christmas tree was ablaze
with candles, and nicely decorated
Oranges and candies were freely distribu-
ted, and the evening was one of genuine
Ijoy.
Christmas services, with Holy Com
munioa, were held in Trinity church yes
terday morning, the Rev. c. H. kellogg
officiating. The children's service took
place on Monday evening, at which time
some beautiful carols were sung.
The Christmas entertainment at the
First Methodist Episcopal church last
evening was a fine affair The King of
the Nations" was the subject of a dia-
logue taken part in by the Sunday school
Children.
The Broadway church school, held
their Christmas festival Monday evening.
Appropriate services were held at the
Baptist church, and also the other church
es in the city.
TREE.
A most pleasant time was had at the
residence of Mrs A. c. Burial of 1903
Third avenue, on Christmas eve A few
friends, besides the family were present
to enjoy the occasi on. A Christmas tree
formed al important featu re of the even
ing's amusement. Among the guests were
Mrs. Frysinger and children of Rockford
AT DoNALDsoNs.
Mr. and Mrs David Donaldson are we'll
known for their hospitality, and last night
a few of their numerous friends were
right royalty entertained at their pleasant
residence at 1109 Fonrth avenue. During
the evening music was furnished by Mrs.
Yuill and James K. Cooke, VIII Collins
and Will Don. About ten o'clock the
guests sat down to bountiful collation.
that would do justice to the most skillfnl
epicures.
IL THE PRISON CELL.
By the request of the prisoners in the
Rock Island county Jail, we publish the
I following acknowledgment of the kind.
r ness, of Sheriff Reticker and his lady:
Rock ISLAND COUNTY PRISON.
December 25th 1888.
ToHe Sheriff Of Rock Island County,
DEAR SIR; In taking it into consideration,
that the most of us have been for the first
time in our lives separated from our home
and family on Christmas Day, neverthe-
less, you and your lady have not lost sight
OF the fact that such may be the case, and
for the second time in short while. have
striven TO tighten the burden of our i'm
prisonment, by occasionally extending your
kindness in the form of good substantial
dinner, and also in many other WAYS
They would be very pngreatful
| hearts indeed that would not
acknowledge it, and although We have
risen on Christmas morning and have not
foundfhat anticipated stocking" hanging
up, with plenty of good things in it, still
your dinner took away the sting of disap-
pOintment, the more so as it was as album
dant as it was unexpected Many Of us who
are today imprisoned, keenly feel the
separation on this of all days frou our
home and friends; no matter how humble
the home, still it is as dear to our hearts
as the king his palace, for we can not
r forget with what anxiety we in times Of
the past looked forward to the coming of
this day, which always has brought glad
t ness with it to the cabin as we'll as the
2 castle. And when misfortune has over
taken and deprived US of those enjoy
HiSHt0 w "CiV "oHb W cAptCt III tiie years
that are gone on occasions like the present,
e we feel more grateful to the hand that has
extended its kindness to US In the persons
+ Of our sheriff and his lady, and although
we hope we may be far away from Rock
Island county prison next Christmas
morning, still we will carry the remem-
: brance of your kindness in our hearts and
4 pray your path through life may be freed
: from thorns. We also feel it our duty TO
pass vote of thanks TO our kind and
e gentlemanly turnkey. Mr.. Calhoun, for
t his consideration of our many wants no
i matter in what form they may appear
"THE PRISONERS .
t The Police Court.
t William Dudley for being drunk and
! I. l..