Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1884-12-31
Christmas at Alpena.

Christmas proved to be very pleas
ant day at this city. The sleighing
was first class-about a foot of snow
being on the ground, and the weather
was agreeable. Most of the youngsters
were happy, having received some
Santa Claus remembrance.
Three of the Sunday schools had
their Christmas celebrations on Christ
mas eve. At the Methodist church
q large and handsome Christmas
tree was set up and loaded with
gifts for the youngsters. Three trees
were placed in the Congregational
church, and, as usual, there was q
large gathering of the children, es-
pecially considering what stormy
evening ~ was, very elaborate
and proved exceedingly entertaining.
On the platform was a Christmas
tree and in one corner was q good
representation of a brick fireplace
and chimney top. The "cantata"
represented winter, Christmas, etc.
Winter, well represented by Mrs.
Rocho, entered with her attendants
Jack Frost and the various winds.
The winds were represented by num-
Der of the ladies of the society.
Winter Intercepted her attendants in
regard to their acts and her part of
the work was admirably done. The
Storm King now appeared on the
scene. Then came songs, Christmas
carols, Rotations, ETC., which were
much appreciated by the many per-
sons who were present. "Long Ago"
now appeared and acted his part ex-
ceedingly well. His discourse prov
ed entertaining. He represented the
past. The four shephards entered
and rendered fine Christmas glee.
Then came an exhibition by a num-
Der of the school children that was
much appreciated. The last to ap-
pear was Santa Claus who entered,
apparently by the chimney. He re-
ceived warm greeting from the
youngsters and proceeded to the give
out presents. An amusing feature Of
the entertainment was when "Long
Ago, called for his boys Rev. Little,
James j. Potter and V. G. Rocho and
presented to each q walking cane
made of candy.
The cantata was as good one as
we have seen in Alpena, and was adj
mirably well represented. We un-
derstand that the persons who took
part in the cantata had only one week
to learn their parts. They deserve
warmest praise. Many persons went
to the church with the intention of
staying but a short time, but got so
interested in the festivities, that they
remained to the close.
At twelve o'clock at night on Christ
mas eve, services commenced at the
French Catholic church. The church
was handsomely decorated.
During Christmas day, there was
service at all the churches.
The Christmas festivities of the
German Lutheran church, on Second
street, took place on Chistmas night.
There was tree, songs, recitations,
ETC., which are said to have been very
interesting by those who could under
stand German.
At the Norwegian church. on Dun
bar street. the Christmas festivities
took place on Friday evening and
proved very entertaining.
The principal amusements during
Christmas day were feasting, sleigh
ing, skating at the Kinks, and racing.
,Wc-'-"s,on s"o ,nue was prepared by
having the scraper 90 over it, max
ing three tracks. Ia INC AFTERNOON
the street was alive with teams, and
nearly all the fast trotters in town
were out, Some exciting races oc.
CURED, but many were suddenly
brought to stop by teams being in
the way.
Taken altogether Christmas proved
q very enjoyable day for numbers of
Alpena people, and we are glad to
record the fact, and trust it will not
be the last one,