Omaha daily bee., 1896-12-26

Oeen led nut it was estimated that nearly
800 people had avalled themselves Of the
privilege.
The provcnder necessary 20 feed 80 many
people he'd been collected from friends OF
the Salvation army during the pact wccR
Oy the memrcrs Ct the army under the dircc'
ticn OF Captain Gregory. Tho commission
men ana groccS had contributed literally
aad number OF the churches had sent
fruit candy ard Buts remaining from their
Christmas tree celebrations.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
The WomeE'a Christian association Old
Ladies Home was the scene OF a fitting
celebration OF the Joyous Christmas time.
Tho hearts OF the eleven old women who
make their home at this Institution were
made glad by the generous gifts showered
upon them from all quarters. The aid So
cieties OF the various churches, as wtil as
tho various womcu's organizations IN the
city, contributed must literally 10 the nome
ana each Of the inmates was the recipient
Uf number Of timely and useful presents
calculated to gladden. the hearts Of the sill
vcr-haired mothers OF the present genera
tion. Not the least appreciated was a boun-
tiiul supply of the many good things which
20 to make up an old-fashouod Christmas
dinner.
Tho Children's Home, an adjunct Of the
Old Ladies' Homo, and conducted as well
by the Momen's Christian association, Is In
tho same yard. In this arc twelve children,
and they were not allowed to forget the
occasion. a number OF presents OF toys and
clothing were provided by the friends of
tho institution and these were distributed
among the little ones. A generous dinner OF
turkey and the usual accessories was pro-
vidod for their entertainment, and the oc-
casion was made an event to be remem-
hcred.
Out on the rolling prairie northwest of
the city stands the rather imposing brick
structure known 5s the st. James Orphanage,
and old Santa Claus did not fail to remem-
Der the cighty-siX children of all ages who
know no other home than the comfortable
quarters presided over by the Sisters of
Mercy. A bountiful dinner Of goodies and
delicacies was followed last evening by a
Christmas tree weighted down with gifts for
every child in the institution. There were
drums aud horns for the boys, dolls innu-
merable for the girls and candy and nuts
without stint Toys of every description
were distributed freely and the occasion was
most hilarious. The numerous friends and
benefactors of the orphanage had contribu-
ted literally in order to supply the ele-
ments necessary for the occasion, a young
woman on California street having done
meritorious work in this direction by col
lecting donations.
The Christmas celebration at the Creche
commenced Christmas eve with tree which
was loaded with toys, candy and nuts for
each of the thirty-three youngsters who are
as well as the thirty or more who have
graduated from its fostering care. These
former inmates were invited to be present
at the celebration and they were out in full
force. The occasion was a memorable one
and the enjoyment of the sixty or seventy
little tots knew no bounds when the tree
was stripped of its burden. Pandemonium
broke loose at once and was only stopped
temporarily, when the little ones were put
to bed 1t broke out again yesterday morn
ing at daylight and continued unabated all
day. y dinner of turkey and all the acces-
sories, including plum pudding, served to
mark an epoch in the lives of the little ones
yesterday and made the occasion one long
to be remembered. Liberal contributions
were made by the supporters of the Creche
and lis friends in order to provide for the
celebration.
WITH THE AFFLICTED.
At the hospitals the holiday was cele-
brated in true festal style. Everyone served
a Christmas dinner much out of the ordi-
nary to the patients and almost everyone
had Christmas tree and gifts for the un-
fortunate ones VINO are compelled to remain
as occupants. Much of this enjoyment was
tho result of the donations that had been
received, although the hospital officials
themselves assisted financially and other
wise
At the Presbyterian hospital the tree was
spread for tho little ones on Christmas eve.
the institution, but also for some of the
adults At noon yesterday a substantial
Christmas dinner was served.
The Methodist hospital celebrated in much
the same style. The donations were large
and afforded great amount of pleasure and
enjoyment to the patients.
The Clarkson Memorial hospital also re-
ceived large donations, particularly from the
churches. A big Christmas dinner was the
feature of the day yesterday. On the night
lNaf,N fI,. obi L,,r,A
which bore gifts, candy and nuts for every
one of them
At the Emmanuel hospital one tree was set
UP, but gifts were given to every child in
the institution and to some OF the adults.
The Christmas dinner was big feature of
the celebration. The donations received
from the stores of the city and from the
churches were very large.
The religious aspect Of the day was con-
sidered at st. Joseph's hospital. At mid
night on Thursday night high mass was
celebrated in the building and at o'clock
yesterday morning services were held.
fine dinner was served at noon. In the
evening the children were entertained by
Santa Claus and his Christmas tree. Every
child and many of the older patients were
remembered with gifts. The donations were
Quite a little was made of the day at the
county hospital. In the morning at 1890
O'Clock services were held in the building.
At noon very substantial and extensive
dinner was served to every one in the in
The bill of fare included turkey,
cranberry sauce, vegetables, plum pudding,
fruit, candy, nuts and popcorn and cigars
and tobacco for the male patients. In the
evening a concert was given by the mem
bers of the st. Andrews Brotherhood of
st. Johns church.
Both the city and the county jails were
the scenes of some Christmas festivities
yesterday. At the former a chicken and
rabbit breakfast was served in the morn
ing, and a big turkey dinner, with all the |
holiday concomitants. was dished up early
In the afternoon. The spreads were en-
joyed by between twenty and thirty pris- |
Cured at o'clock. Turkey, cranberry |
sauce, celery, apples, coffee, mince pie and |
cigars comprised the bill OF fare The meal |
was served to every one in the Jail, bread |
and water prisoners included, to the num- |
ber Of ninety.
HAD LITTLE TO GIVE.
The Associated Charities were able to throw |
)ut CLEAN of sunshine into the dark lives |
" the poor, destitute and i'll yesterday. The |
donations were small and meager, both of |
'lothes and provisions. What was sent in |
vas distributed on Thursday among some |
ifty families who were OF the most deserv- |
ng character. The result of the appeal that |
vas made publicly by the charities was of
most disappointing character to the sec
etary.
The demand for assistance was far in ex-
ess of the amount that was available for
ha tnrIa tha 10