The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1888-12-29
THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL.

Oy Vic w. ~. 1. ~. AL VIC AOGu-
odist Church on Christmas eve, was
a most successful affair. The doors
were opened at seven o'clock P. M.
and in short time it was filed by
a merry, happy audience. The fair
weather was favorable to the pleas
ure of the entertainment; it seemed
an auspicious omen of Heavens
blessing upon the efforts of the
Temperance Union to make all
happy upon their first Christmas
eve Festival. It was noticeable
fact that more little children were
present than had ever been before
upon any previous Christmas en-
tertainment. Many babies were
there who, from the shelter of their
mothers arms, looked with glad
surprise upon the gay scene around
them, now and then peeping toward
the door, timidly watching for Santa
Claus. The church was beautifully
decorated with wreaths and gar
lands of evergreens and white roses.
artistically arranged. Banners and
pictures adorned the walls, above
the organ hung an exquisite paint
ing of Gala Lilies. The word "Wel-
come" in green letters, occupied a
conspicuous position. The refresh
ment booths were bowers of ever
green's and white roses, and were
in charge of Mrs. Tullis and Mrs
Tucker. The Christmas tree was a
marvel of beauty and was the chief
attraction for the children. Mr.. F.
K. Gillette and Mrs. Louise Brod-
head were in charge of the booth
table, and displayed great tact and
Judgment in the distribution Of
books to the 100 children. each of
whom were remembered. The small
ones received bright picture books,
and the older ones exquisite little
art booklets. The exercises opened
with a stirring overture by the
Ketchum Juvenile Band, which was
followed by a hymn by the choir,
the reading of an appropriate scrip
ture lesson, and prayer. Mrs. T. T.
Huntington was then introduced
and made a short but interesting
address, replete with good advice
to the young in our midst. A very
touching allusion was made to the
death of one of the members of the
Union, who had breathed her last
only few hours before the Christ
mas Festival. After music by the
Boys Band, Miss Nora Griffin re-
cited, in a most pleasing style,
a'Twas the Night Before Christmas,
which made the children laugh to
their hearts content. Mrs. Snow
md Mrs. Van Wormer then sang a
most beautiful Christmas anthem
which was heartily appreciated and
applauded by the audience. Mrs.
! w. II. Brodhead made an eloquent
and characteristic address, which
want of space forbids our comment
ing upon. The rapturous applause
which greeted her was the echo OF
appreciation from the hearts of the
audience. Next followed selec-
ton from II Travatore, "Ah, So
Fair" by the band, which was loud
ly applauded. Mrs. Laura C. Tucker
Supt. of Press Work. then surprised
the President, Mrs. w. II. Brod'
head, by making the following
graceful presentation address as she
handed her an exquisitely bound
volume: SIN behalf of the members
of our Union, it gives me pleasure
to present to you this art work,
"The Wild Flowers of the Pacific
Coast" as a token of our lofty and
affectionate regard, and trust that
you will accept it as a free-will
offering from those to whom you
have endeared yourself by that kind
and courteous bearing which has
shed it's genial influence around US
and contributed so much to the
pleasant harmony of our Union
The remembrance Of these happy
associations in the lines Of duty in
the great cause in which we have
enlisted will ever be sunny picture
in the chambers of our hearts. And
when in after years the tide of DIES.
tiny has drifted us far apart, may
YOU cherish these pages which glow
with the colors of the beautiful
flowers of the wildwood as gar
len of pleasant and tender mem.
aries of each one, who tonight upo'
his Christmas eve offer you this
souvenir of affection and regard.
This appropriate and touching al
dress received a burst of applause
and when the President recovered
her composure, after such a sudden
and pleasant surprise, she replied in
these few beautiful and appreciatlve
words: II accept with the utmost
thanks and pleasure the beautiful
gift rendered me by the Union
While I shall prize it for it's own
loneliness, it will possess a higher
value for the sake of the kindness
that prompted the giving. The
thought of your kind appreciation
will lie like a flower on my heart
around which will come clustering