Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1890-12-12
LOCAL.
Tie Result Of the santa Claus Fest Of the
Ladies auxiliary.


Claus Fest, prominent officer of the Aux
iliary remarked to a reporter OF this pape
that she had never seen so large a meetin!
OF so much interest exhibited. The hand
some result of the Fest which has been tn
subject OF conversation of the town, onl,
shows what the Auxiliary can do when il
tries.
The Y. NJ. G. A. building was a scene Of
of brightness and gayety. On Tuesday The
gymnasium fixtures were removed from the
large hall and the decorations for the COM
ing Santa Claus Fest begun. The next day
work began in earnest and the busy work
ers could be seen coming and going all day
long, until at o'clock Thursday all was
ready for visitors.
At the Water street side Of the gymnasi-
cedar branches, under which the French
Market WAS held. The broad counter was
covered With q little of everything. Pretty,
Frenchy looking fancy work, odd pieces of
bric-a-bTac, genuine fruits, and also astove
made Of soap, spice balls, &c, &c. The
windows at the back of the shed were
filled with pumpkins, potatoes, onions: tur-
nips, and all the vegetables necessary to
the perfection of French soup, while at a
side table French coffee, French chocolate
and French rolls were served.
Passing on ore came to the Toy Booth,
Santa Claus sitting in his sleigh surround
ed by toys OF every description. The deco
rations of this stall We're entirely suitable
to its patron saint, bright curtains, red
bunting, cedar, holly and furs, were freely
used on the floor. the walls and the sleigh.
So many toys had been provided for the
youngsters that they oyerilowed the sleigh
onto two or three tables and the floor.
Among all kinds it is hard to particularlze.
But hook and ladder affair awoke great
longings in the breasts OF two incipient
firemen. So persistent were they, that each
one realized quite q sum Of money in trying
to secure for himself the greatest number
OF votes.
The Fancy Booth was next in order. The
decorations were pink and blue bunting.
white lace curtains, growing plants, pic
lures, mirrors, rugs, &c. Two handsome
piano lamps added both hight and beauty.
Fancy work of every kind that the feminine
mind can originate and fingers execute,
could be found in this pretty parlor-libe
booth.
At the far end of the room was that
shrine of mystery ''The Lady of the Lake, =
1oIyo c.;
rounded by cedar branches, towards the
rear were two large cedar trees, between
them sprung an arch Of cedar and spruce
some ten feet high, from the arch and Oh
the trees hung quantities of the long gray
southern moss, through which bright red
holly berries gave a touch OF color. In
front of the arch was hung superb Ian
tern, back of the arch two other lamps
threw soft light upon the bosom of the
lake, over which a boat was riding with a
doll dressed in white as the only passenger.
This lady was very popular with both chill
dren and adults, who threw their money in
the bask et at her feet, for she would saifaway
and Returning bring them the value of their
money in a wrapped package.
The New Y ear Booth with decorations
of white and gold was truly an art room.
Two beautiful haDd-painted scenes, one in
imitation of old tapestry. the other of storks
in different poStures, were greatly admired.
In smaller works of art were several pic
ture frames, needle books, penwipers, book
marks, and Il large representation of the
owl family seated in shells in groups of
from two to six. Books of every style and
price were also here, cards Of every descrip-
ton. and letter paper in all varieties.
The Candy Booth was decorated with
red, white and gold bunting, and portieres
of different colOrs made rich and warm
back ground for the tall Norway spruce
tree. laden with all kinds of Xmas tree dec
orations, and fanked on either side 10y ia
homemade candy.
In the centre of the room a slightly rails
ed platform had double arch springine
from opposite corners and crossing in The
centre. The arches were trimmed witt
white and yellow bunting, from the centre
hung large japanese lantern, and on thu
lantern hanging from flying trapeZe hunG
two japanese dolls. This booth was th'
home of the dolls, at one corner was a shoe
with the ''little old woman who lived there
dressed bride doll, On still another table wa
veritable Little Lord Fauntleroy, and il
another conspicuous place was an "Olt
Virginia darkey.' One cannot mention
fractional part of the doll show, but the.
were there-dolls handsome and dolls ugly
some beautifully dressed, some plainl.
dressed, some III gauZe and some in fur, ant
some, alas, not dressed at all,
Thursday night the Faculty Of the Yves
leyan Female Institute gave very enjoya
BILE entertainment of music and elocution
Friday night the arrangement of the stag
as Mrs. Somers parlor in the farce of Thu
Mouse Trap, Was extremely handsome, ant
the play was exceeding well given.
Saturday night the cantata of catchin.
Kris Kringle was given. Santa Claus him
self with snowy hair and beard. dressed il
furS and with dolls and toys fastened al
over him came out Of the Chi nuey ard wal
caught at last, to the great wonder and de
light Of the little people. Little 5-year- OLE
Minnie Wilson carried the house by storm
in this piece.
The Restaurant had no special decora
tions. but was very popular branch of TIL
Santa Claus Fest and was constantly pat
ronized The amount realized from tn
entire Fest as We get it itemized from tn
official report is as follows:
Restaurant .S1T3 8