The sun., 1897-12-27
THE CHRISTMAS EVERGREEN.
Pretty and Ingenious Effects Pro-
Iuccn by Mechanical Genius
In Many Homes.

Pretty and Ingenious Effects Pro-
duccd by Mechanical Genius
In Many Homes.
Some people take great deal OF pride
in the Christmas tree, which is to the
younger members Of the family the visi-
BILE manifestation of the day
| The symbolic evergreen is trimmed
in many ways and by many people.
Once in II while some boy is fortunate
to have Il father with a mechanical turn.
Then the Christmas tree becomes some
thing to view with awe and which U.S.
rally fills the small boy with a button
bursting pride in his ''pop,' whom to
him is the greatest man that ever lived.
There were several examples of me-
chanical genius in the Christmas tree
line this year.
One Of the most notable was the tree
and it's surroundings which graccs the
parlor OF James Semerteen's residence, at
No. 1OlS Spruce street. His tree was
surrounded by a miniature park, with
swings, windmills, revolving tower
decorated with many colored electric
lISluS, Ndt'I NIi'tiS, IL ICiIlS NilSSt "itii
eight cars, dancing pavilion with dancers
moving over the floor all in operation
The motive power is electricity, and the
little park presents an interesting
miniature of the regular summer park,
rifle ranges, hit the nigger, five room
house completely lighted by electricity
and sporting an electric bell, barn yard
scene, lake with miniature boats, refresh
ment stands, a fountain with ten sprays
and live fish and police officer, are
interesting details OF this little park,
which a big sign proclaims to be Linden
Park.
John p. Mills, OF 1873 Walnut street
has an exceedingly interesting con-
glomeration Of mechanical effects. An
armored battle ship boasting the name
of Defender, rocks upon miniature sea.
The Philadelphia tnnnell is represented
with Il train issuing from the end two
swings in motion, a Ferris wheel, merry
go-rounds and many other details in
life-likc motion 60 to make up a very
ingenious bit Of mechanism.
A tree ten feet high with 200 balls and
the usual number OF gauzy fairies gwces
the parlorof +. p. Frcyc.
The floor represents typical farm
yard scene with all its homcIy details Of
stock The whole arrangement is the
work of the children. and Mr.. Fvyc's
Christmas was greatly enjoyed ut home
watching his childrrn's Happiness with
their pretty tree.
Mr.. William Ruth. of Gl3 y. jackson
street, has one Of the pwtttSt. 1t is one
which is seldom seen in This section, as
the display represents Christmas in the
South. The scene is Iaih ON an old south
rrn homestead situated on the summit ola
Mauiiul Hill. The house is built on tie
cottage style with two Nrr0ndas rnclr-
cling t h" entire house. and surrounded
bva laig" lawn. On the lawn to the left
VI the house there j. a regiment nl solid
irrs enc ampnd, and directly in front Of
the house tlc villagers are having Il lawn
,arty. and the boys in hluc can he seen
figuring among the fair sonl hrrn l|>Si'-.
Situated il ~hou diStanSr from the house
there j. chicken coop. back OF which
an old negro can he seen reaching over
the fence, u.t in the act ot selecting for
himself lnbcknoWn to his master, Il fine
pu let. This scene affords much pleas
urc for the children. In the distance,
travelling up h" road, Il circrs can he
seen, with all the lakirS win"
travel with Il show Of that kind
and a man and woman OF
every nation following in the procession.
There are numerous olhrr things which
are very pleasing and which 60 to make
the scene Il pretty one.
The largest tree sold in the city is that
Of Master Glenn Harris CongIlon, at No..
1907 West Ninth street. \ steam loco
motive with it's train and trolley car
make round trips at the base and a
clock work freight follows the steam
express.