The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-29
At TEE MALE ORPHAN ASYLUM.
santa Claus Visits the Boys and Is the
Cause of Great Merriment.

There were many jolly faces gathered
together In the reception-roOm OF the Male
Orphan Asylum yesterday af;ernoon.when
Santa Claus paid his annual visit TO the
institution The room was tastefully
decorated for the occasion. and n large
Christmas-tree loaded down with all
sorts Of good things filled one corner Of
the room. Underneath IL various kinds
OF presents were heapcd up for the boys.
Mrs Gin, the efficient superintendent, had
her eyes everywhere. and thanks to her
foiethought and care everything passed
of as smooth as ever.
Owing to the recent severe illness OF
. Capt. Thomas Cunningham. the father OF
Mrs GILL. tine public had not been invited
TO the Christmas celebration. which had
been reduced 10 a mere family affair.
But Notwithstanding this fact quite a
number OF ladies. who take a deep In
Teresa In the welfare Of the institution,
were present, and followed the exercises
with great delight
The institution itselt impressed every
body in the most favorable manner, and
Ire manner in which things are run at
the asylum shows plainly that Mrs. Gill
las the Institution at heart. and Is al
ways ready 10 Go all in her power 10
Rake II prosperous one.
At the northeast corner OF the lot a
lardscme and spacious greenhouse has
been recently put up. where the boys will
be instructed hereafter in raising flowers
Thanks to the kind disposition of the city
fathers direct water connection from
the main In the street has been secured
for the greenhouse. and the boys VIII
therefore not be compelled 10 carry the
water into the structure.
AS soon as spring sets In the grounds
win he laid out In a tasteful manner, and
an additional gate in front OF the green
house will hereafter lead from the street
directly into the gardet. Special care will
be given TO the trees and shrubbery, and
uniform grade Will be adopted for the
whole property.
Shortly after o'clock yesterday after
noon Mrs. GIL took her seat at the organ
In the reception-room. and at the sound
Ing OF the call some fifty orphan boys OF
all sizes and ages flied into the room. and
soon filled the benches assigned for them.
Rev. Mr.. Cook, who himself at one time
was an Inmate Of the institution, directed
the exercises. and after a song by the
boys, made a brief address OF welcome.
Another song followed. and after a
prayer by the Rev Mr.. Cook. the signal
was given for the entrance of Santa Claus,
who was heartily greeted by all the
young ones. After q few brief remarks
he handed The various presents TO the
boys. creating great deal of merriment
The exercises ended with another song
and some brief remarks by MIR. Anderson,
the teacher. whereupon the boys marched
Into the dining-room on the lower floor.
whore a tempting Christmas dinner. con-
sisting of turkey ard other delicacies,
awaited them. Without any superabun-
dance OF ceremonies the boys took their
seats and at once went TO work 10 dis
pose OF the viands set before them.
The afternoon was happy one for the
boys as we'll as the lookers-on, who were
reminded very forcibly of their own child
hood days, when Santa Claus used to
visit them and make them happy by dis
pensing Of the variety of presents In his
possession.