The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1888-01-06
NUMBER 259.
Waif from the Pine Woods.

4
HUNTINGTON. December 90.
Huntington has been the scene OF un-
usual festivity since the dawn Of Christ
mas morning. The dark pine woods are
sun bright with its holy light, and the
echoes OF its song have not vet died
away.
Yesterday holy Innooents Day,. all
the afternoon a gay throng Of people
emerged from every direction toward
All Saints Church, where a brief ser
vice was held and carols were sung i'm
honor OF the Christchild; after which
procession was formed, led by one OF the
larger boys bearing an elegant banner,
which moved slowly over 10 the Casino,
all singing that most joyous OF all the
carols:
Carol, Christians carol! Carol Joyfuuyl
Carol the glad tidingsi Carol merrlyI"
There were over hundred in that pro-
cession and, 90 most Of them, this was
something entirely new aud strange, but
IL was most beautiful and impressive. IL
reminded me Of Yule time Ina "merrie"
England, and Huntington has the honor
cf introducing this lovely custom for the
first time into this land of flowers.
The tree was lighted at the Casino
while the procession was moving, aud
when il paused at the door IL was a gIo-
rious sight that greeted the astonished
spectators, for the tree was a marvel of
richness and beauty. The children
marched once round it., and then when
all were seated the story OF Santa Claus
was told, and something OF the wonder
ful way in which Christmas trees began
10 grow in the olden time.
Santa Claus is generally regarded as a
myth and simply an innocent delusion
To the little children, who have such im-
plicit faith in him, and these people
were somewhat surprised 10 learn that
st. Nicholas was no myth but great
and holy soul, "A wise and devoted bshop,
who spent all his time i'm caring for the
poor and sick, who was ths special ia
vorite of the little children, and whose
influence has spread out through the
ages, just as the circles widen out Ia
never ending succession when pebble
is thrown into the water.
After the story the tree was disman-
tied, and there was general and gener-
Gus distribution of gifts. Besides those
which hung upon the tree, there was IA
large number of books and other heavy
articles arranged under the tree, and
most Of these gifts were provided by
three or four ladies who have the inter
ests Of the church and the community
at heart. Parents and children received
such presents as they had never received
before, and think there was not per-
son present who was not made better
and happier for the new thought that
had come 10 them about Christmas.
There has been great irregularity in
the mails during this week, owing to
the accident on st. Marys River and
therefore unavoidable, but the attention
OF the managers of the road has been
called to the matter, and the result will
probably be that AN arrangement will
be made to give us "A morning 1 well as
an evening mail, which will be greatly
To the advantage of the town. Increase
in the number of mails and enlarged
railroad facilities are of immense impor-
tance 10 a young and growing town,
and in this respect certainly Huntington
has received most distinguished favors.
DIR. Warner, who came 10 Huntington
week ago, has removed his cottage
from the woods out on 10 DE Castro ave-
nue., and already IL Is enclosed and the
ground planted with orange trees, and IL
promises ere long To be handsome and
an attractive residence. Such expedi-
tious work is encouraging, and an enter
prising spirit like this will lac sure 10
succeed, especially here where n lot can
be procured and house built ON such
easy terms, and where the delicious air
and luxuriant growth are alluring 10 all
new corners.
s. G. Deming, OF Jacksonville, spent
his Christmas holiday i'm Huntington,
and G. g. Deming, ESD, Of New York,
arrived on special train to-day,
Il. NJ. +.