The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1883-12-28
Christmas Eve in Whiting.

Christmas observed among us IN
manner not only highly entertaining to our ciu-
zens but one also well calculated to benefit all,
both socially and morally. The public entertain
ment, though Initiated by the Baptist Sunday
school and conducted by its superintendent, was
held in the Union church and participated in by
the young people OF all denominations Its lead
ing feature was an appropriate Christmas canta.
ia, embracing in Its programme large variety OF
characters including Santa Claus, whose pecu
liar costume, witty sayings and ridiculous selec
ton of presents from his capaciou6 store-house
was the source of irrepressible bursts of mirth
from the little ones, mingled with the more stem
torian applause of children OF larger growth.
Next in order came the presentation of presents,
TO the Rev. Mr.. Mayhem and wife and also to
Mr., and Mrs. Hubbard, all of whom have render
ed the public valuable service, not only in con
tributing to the success of the ENTERTAINMENT but
to the musical and social develop ment of our
young people. The presents were numerous and
costly, and evidently complete surprise 10 those
upon whom they were Bestowed, and brought out
hearty impromptu acknowledgement from the
gentlemen, whose sentiments were obviously lul-
ly endorsed by their lady companions. Follow
ing these presentation ceremonies came the gen
eral distribution of the rich treasures of the
heavily laden Christmas tree Rich, not per
haps when their worth is measured by sordid
golden standard Though many of them were
costly, but rich in that higher sense, which
gives TO happinA IS and christian social develop
ment a more than pecunlary value. Over 500
presents were distributed among the audience,
every one of which bore with II IA friendly greet
ing from the giver which will not soon be forgot
happy in giving or happy in receiving. Such oc'
casions cannot fail to stimulate "A healthy social
sentiment, to promote that union and harmony
without which, especially in our smaller rural
communities, every social enterprise must fai
and religion intelligence and morality must give
place in greater or less degree to heathanism
stupidity and vice. We need not dwell upon the
merits OF the musical entertainment. MIR. Hub
bard's well-knoWn capacity as a singer anC
teacher of music is a sufficient guarantee of the
quality of his works. Where ali performed theii
SO WOulH a. fn- m 4
make invidious distinctions. The solos, chorus
es and the acting were all excellent The repre-
sentatiOn of the ringing OF merry Christmas bells
the singing of neighboring church choirs, the ap
proach and departure of Santa Claus and hi
reindeers, etc, were admirably executed Their,
was one feature of the musical entertainment
concerning which il we speak somewhat enthu
siasucaly we are sure we shall only speak tn,
sentiments of all. That was the part pcrforme,
by the children. If melody and grace are tn
true standards by which TO judge of the merit o
singing and acting the little girls who took par
had no superiors on that platform What is NOR
pleasing on such occasions than the simple viva