The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1888-01-05
Written for the FLoRDIANl
Christmas nj the Asylum.

Written for the FLoRDlANl
Christmas nl lhe Asylum.
0, what sad pleasure it must be to prepare
for the happiness of Gods children whose men
tai equilibrium has been destroyed And how
pleasant the thought that for many days before
Sunday, Dec 25th, the hearts of the patients at
the Insane Asylum were gladdened by the
knowledge of the arrival of boxes of fruit and
other remembrances fran their relatives friends
and benevolent persensin general, but their
happiness did net reach its zenith Till the Wed
nesday following Christmas Day when they
partook of the following plentiful and whole
some menu: turkey, pork, rice, nice bread I,
cake of several kinds lea and fruit. Both male
and female, white and coorcd, Jared alike and
all shared the same kindness and attention from
the jealous, far-seeing Superintendent, the
kind and thoughtful Marion and the well ap-
pointed efficient nurses and attendants
The writer Was especially pleased to observe
the happiness manifested at the Christmas tree,
and the order and patience exhibited by
the inmates which forcibly reminded me
of company of well trained disciplined
soldiers as they waited their turn to
receive their presents. Conceive Of if you
can, more difficult task than to train irrespon-
sbe persons and gain their respect and conf
dence!
The tapers having been lighted at twilight and
the patients escorted to the Office wherein .
graceful cedar tree had been placed and decked
with pretty things for them, it only remained to
distribute the gifts which were numerous and
well selected.
The females we're especially delighted with
the dolls, scrap-books, work-haskets, and other
things both useful and ornamental. These gifts
were supplemented by oranges, nuts, rasins.
candy and other CONNECTIONS.
Some had baskets filled, others had brought
their aprons into requisition and all seemed ap-
precia,ive; then the rays of happiness which
beamed from their faces would have softened the
heart of the most Indifferent and careless. After
an hour Of solid enjoyment they withdrew and
repaired to their comfortable rooms for the
uight Those who could not attend were per:
sonally remembered by the Superintendent
and Matron the next morning and re-
ceived their good things" with snthu-
sasm. Let US hope the occasion will be
repeated in their dreams and that much benefit
will be derived from the Christmas celebration
of 1887. II the donors of the boxes received
from Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Barlow, Lake
City and elsewhere, could have witnessed the
delight derived from their thoughtful kindness,
am sure they would feel doubly repaid for
any effort made in behalf OF the inmates Of that
institution. Tie young ladies who generally as
sist in The arrangement of the presents on the
tree were detained from being present, and al
though they were missed, the occasion was
success, thanks to all interested parties
The hospitality of Capt. A. Meseley aud fam
lily to all visitors has been remarked BY all those
who have been fortunate enough to be enter
tanned at headquarters. May the Asylum con-
tinue to be conducted by such an able and we'll
qualified Superintendent.
JANUARY, 1883. Jessie WAuoHoPH.