The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-12-26

Over 900 Poor Tacoma Children Mad e
Happy In Exposition Hall.


TACOMA. Dee. 25.-[Special. l-Christmas
passed quietly. A. V. Fawcett's Christmas
dinner for children who were not furnished
with good meal by parents or guardians,
and the excellent music in a majority of
the churches were features of the day.
Dinner was served for the children at the
exposition building. in which Christmas
tree had been provided at the suggestion
1,025 children, ana Mr.. Fawcett, the host
estimated that nearly 1000 partook of his
hospitality. For two or three years he
has been thinking of some sort of a holi-
day treat for children. Today everything
favored the execution of his plan.
At 1890 this afternoon the main floor of
the exposition building presented a pic
ture both aesthetic and appetizing. The
entire space except that beneath the gal
leries was occupied by seven long rows of
tables with a square enclosure in the GEN.
ter. There force of sixty-five ladies and
gentlemen made their headquarters as
walters and carvers the latter being
headed by r. II. Norton. of the Tacoma
Sun. Scores of steaming hot turkeys were
being rapidly carved into portions suited
to the capacities of the expectant guests.
The tables seemed already crowded with
good things. The pieces of golden pump
kin pie, fruit cake and dishes of
cranberry sauce set at every plate. with
dishes piled with red apples at intervals,
lent briiliancy of coloring to the scene.
Hundreds of white tufts of celery com
pleted the harmonious effect of the colossal
spread.
Viewed from The galleries ii was mosaic
of still life. All that was lacking was ac-
ton. That was at once supplied. Seven
hundred girls and boys, ranging from 3 TO
IS years In age. who were already in line
made an advance movement and sur
rounded the tables in good order There
was no confusion
AZ first the children were quiet and cook
their time about getting down 10 work.
But soon, under the influence of turkey,
cranberry sauce and sweet corn. their
hands and Tongues got into full play. and
merry hum assembled from the tables
The yictuals steadily disappeared, and the
good feeling increased until l o'clock,
when the dessert was served
Soon the crowd at the tables began to
thin out. and = rush followed in the direc-
tion OF the candy stand and the Christmas
tree.
On presenting one @! the l,-JU dinner
tickets which had been issued each child
was given 4 half-pound box of candy
Next all formed in line ana charged on
the large tree which stood In machinery
hall, surrounded by = counter III the form
of a square. Outside Of this was an en-
closure. against the four sides of which
the children crowded franticallv, and
asked for whatever took their fancy. 4
force OF ladies and gentlemen IN charge OF
Editor Franklin X. Lane. OF the Meas.
were Kept busy FOR more than an hour
handing out gifts and looking out for re
peaiers." There were dolls and TOYS of
nearly every descr. pl}on. and oranges and
popcorn for all. The children left the hall
picture. of contentment. AMI appeared for
once 10 have all tnat heart could wish.
The glad voices OF the happy children rose
towards the close % pitch that must
have satisfied the host with the results OF
his long anticipated "trest.
About one-tAird Of the children attend
ing were girls. There were not spectators
enough present 70 embarrass the children.
Among the resources OF the conmissarv
department were 100 turkeys Sea loaves Of
bread, lao cakes. oo0 pies. and about 500