Asheville daily citizen. [volume] (Asheville, N.C.) 1890-1900, 1892-12-26

prepared wreaths of evergreen with
which the walls of the reception room
were decorated. Willie Johnson, the bus
mess manager of the establishment, was
in becoming new suit, and looked less
careworn than year ago. The clearing
out Of disorderly characters about that
time had a salutary effect, and though
some OF the same parties are there again,
they do not care to undergo a similar
experience.
A unanimous vote OF thanks was given
Miss Chester and the Flower Mission for
the Christmas entertainment, and Miss
Chester received from Willie Johnson a
tasteful Christmas gift which she will
long keep and prize as a souvenir of
Christmas at the almshouse in 1892.
Buncombe county's almshouse is a
poor specimen of architecture. but the
view from its western windows is one
which an artist might delight to copy.
Looking across, and beyond, the suburb
OF Silverville, as the southwest part Of
Asheville is called, the peaks of the wes-
tern mountains loom up beyond the
rocky barrier which wells in the French
Broad, concealing it from view. The
almshouse is passably clean and always
supplied with an abundance of plain,
wholesome food, and though some that
ought to be there shrink from going,
they would find its creature comforts
greatly in excess of those they now en-
JOY in their open cabins with scarcely
enough food to keep soul and body to-
gether. Many improvements might be
made, but as a whole it compares favor.
ably with those in other portions of the
State.
Al WILDWOOD.
The children of Wildwood Sunday
school participated in program of
Christmas songs and recitations, the
delights Of Christmas tree and a well
come visit from Santa Claus, at the home
OF their leader. Miss Alice Woolsey, last
Saturday afternoon. At o'clock the
company formed on the veranda and
marched into the house. When the bill
lard hall was reached the company sep.
arated as they entered and ercircled the
magnificent tree. tastefully trimmed with
tinsel, the branches bending under the
weight Of bags ofcandy, brightly dressed
dolls and other articles, all brilliantly
Illuminated by the twinkling lights from
myriads of miniature candles. The base
OF the tree was piled high with drums,
trumpets, books, toolchests, and boxes
OF tenpins and games, and n table near
by bore similar load.
With gaping eyes and mingled "ohs"
and "ahs" the program was begun.
During the recital of the last number the
smothered exclamations burst forth into
screams of delight, as the most wonder
iul apparition of a yeritable Santa Claus
bounded into the room, clad in flrs, pipe
in mouth and whip in hand, a huge pack |
OF toys strapped to his back and a |
Merry Christmas to ALL" Aided by the |
Jolly old fellow Miss Woolsey awarded |
the prizes for excellence in conduct and |
attendance in the Sunday school and |
distributed the holiday gifts. Anticipa-
ton gave way to possession, and the
little folks were hugging loved dollies,
blowing horns and chattering congratu-
lations, while the parents and friends
who made the number of persons present |
more than a hundred, partook of re-
freshments in an adjoining apartment. |
As the children left the house candy and |
oranges were added to the we'll filled |
arms. The entire affair was planned by |
Miss Woolsey, who also provided the
gifts.