Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-26

Santa Claus visited all of the charitable
institutions in Pittsburg and Allegheny
yesterday, leaving toys and presents for
everyone. Santa Claus was very real to
the little folk, but all who could under
stand knew that kind-hearted Mrs. Gusky
was the Santa Claus who sent them their
beautiful gifts. None we're slighted. nor
was there anything but joy in the hearts of
the little folk.
1t was o'clock sharp when the waiting
crowds around Gusky's store, at Third and
Market street, saw Santa Claus walk out of
the big doors end, with stately mien, seat
himself in a big barouche drawn by six
horses. Had he stepped out of the child
picture book lie could not have been nearer
to the youthful ideal, and at every step his
bells made merry music. Mrs. Gusky was
unable to attend, but her brothers, Messrs
William and Levi De Wolf, took charge Of
the arrangements There were 16 carriages
following the barouche, filed with those
who considered it more blessed to make the
children of the two cities happy on this
festive occasion, than to spend the day in
idle amusement Gray-haired men and
women, and handsome maids and young
wagons, gay with bunting and evergreen,
and filled to the brim with useful and
pretty presents came next, SO that the
caravan of Santa Claus stretched out like
a long procession from the store, far up
toward the Sixth street bridge. Boys ran
after the barouche, and called upon Santa
Claus to throw them a present, which he
occasionally did, throwing them a handful
of candy.
The entire procession drove first to the
Ridge Avenue Orphan Asylum in Alle-
gheny, where the little ones were not only
ready but anxiously awaiting the arrival of
Kris Krinkle. When he came in the chill
dren sang a pretty Christmas carol, and
then the Rev. c. R. Donehue, of the West
End Presbyterian Church, whom Mr. De
Wolf had asked to assist, spoke to the chill
dren. In the meantime two of the large
drays had been unloaded and the goods car
ried into the reception room. There was
present for every little one, and as wrap
pers were torn away a great chorus of obs
and ah's made everyone in the party feel
happy.
Coffee and light lunch had been pro-
vided for the party, and while they were
lunching the noise coming from the play
room announced that the children were en-
ioying themselves. At this point the party
divided into two sections, the one going back
to the Pittsburg side, the other contfnu-
ing in Allegheny. The Colored Orphans
Home on Glenwood avenue was the second
place to be visited IN, Allegheny. Here
the little tots dressed in best bib and
tucker were found in the school room ready
to see their friends. A number of songs
were sung, not only with vIgor, but with
great skill, and then every tot was given
something which will make them long for
the return of Christmas and their friends
the Guskys The Women's Christian
Home, on Locust street, was next visited,
and here every inmate, both old and young,
received a present. The large orphan home
of the United Presbyterian Church
on Monterey street was the next place
visited, and here scenes similar to those in
the other institutions occurred. Every one
was happy, and the joy of the children as
present after present was shown them ex-
cee6ed all bounds. The two Dorcas Day
nurseries on Nixon street and North avenue
were also visited, and the children who had
assembled at their usual daily home we're
given something to remind them that
Christmas was indeed time of pleasure and
happiness. The Allegheny Day Nursery
was not forgotten, and here the children
were provided with presents and good
things
The Allegheny General Hospital was
reached at 2:50, and as Santa Claus followed
by bis good natured train walked through
the wards where the sick and suffering lay,
lead by wee sufferer, there was not face
but lit up with pleasure, and memory long
dormant burst into new life, and made them
all children again. Here another large wagon
load of presents was unloaded. and the
party lett for the Protestant Boys Home
on Anderson street. The boys were wait
ing for Santa Claus, and welcomed him
with shout such as only healthy, enthu-
siastic youngster can utter. They crowded
around the presents and showed their ! b..
probation by cries of glee as they un-
fastened boxes of tools and other things
dear to the hearts of boys. At
the Home of the Friendless on
Washington street the children
went through some pretty exercises before
the presents were distributed. The house
of the Little Sisters of the Poor was the
next place to which the procession, now
growing weary after its hard days work,
almost children for a second time, were
seated in their dining room awaiting Santa
Claus. A number of sweet faced, black
habited sisters and few nuns fitted
amongst them, while Father Wall, of the
Cathedral, and two Benedictine priests made
the visitors welcome Two or three of the
old ladies insisted on dancing jig with
Santa Claus, and for "a few minutes they
forgot their years and danced like young
girls. Useful gifts were then given to all,
and many warm skirts and dresses were
provided them for the winter which seems
never to intend coming.
The department of the men was then
visited. Here one old gentleman insisted
on playing flute, until nearly everyone
was deafened, but he enjoyed it, and the
rest of the party we're happy. Jackets and
everything else that the old men could de-
sire was furnished them, and when the
Sisters, who seemed happier than the recip-
tents of the presents, had hidden all
goodby, the line of march was taken up to
the Home of the Good Shepherd on Troy
Hill Here presents for children, inmates
and novices were left, while the sweet
faced Sisters in their snowy garb fitted
about looking out for the comfort of the
visitors. An Augustinian in the habit of
his order was also present, and seemed to
be filled with happiness because of the
little ones joy.
But at St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, near
the Home of the Good Shepherd, the chill
dren outdid themselves Their theater, 4
with its pretty little stage, was crowded
with the children and their friends, while an
attractive programme was given by the
orphans. A Christmas song in German
opened the programme, after which there
was drama in one act. The motion song,
"We Are Happy" sang by number of
little boys, came next. Then came 'Dumb