Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-12-30

usual manner in Wilmington. II Ia
fact worthy of note, however, that
there were more Manifestations of
charity than usual Many of the
churches had special services and az
rule there were elaborate muaical pro-
grammes.
The Peoples Mission gave a free
dinner to all tho Eoor men who called.
The Trustee7 of the Poor and some
secret anizations dispensed charity.
There were treats for the little ones at
tbs Home for Frientlless and Destitute
Children and at ST. Peter's Female
Orphanage. Gifts were distributed at
the Florence Crittenton Home. There
were enjoyable festivities and gooi
dinners at the State Insane Hospital
and the almshouse. City Railway en-.
ployes received gifts from patrons Of the
verious lines. The motormen and con-
ducturs OF the Wilmington Il New
Castle railway were presented with
pulse warmers by tho managers Of Mrs.
Jarley's Wax Works, people living in
Nav Castle. There were exchanges of
presents in many Of the public and pri
vate schools and Sunday schools. Munic-
ipal Court Crier Heal was ths recipient
of soveral giTte. The loys at st. j useph's
Home for Colored Children were treated
to turkey dinner and fruits and
candies. The Hurlan Il iioiingswnrth
Go. gave each of the Western Union
messenger hoys present Of 81. Tho
boys also received gifts from others.
Three nassea wero celebrated at Farm
hurst by Father Connolly. who was ac-
companied by a number of singers.
Mutual benefit and improvement
and the general welfare of the com
munity' are principles of the VIII.
inington Bicycle Club.
That the club has in mind the general
welfare nf tbs community was demon
strated in a most conmsndHhle manner
on Christmas, when % needy families
were supplied with provisions and ofher
necessities While the entertainment
COMMITTEES, nj which William Kirk Is
chairman, had the affair in charge, the
general membershi p of the club resolved
itself into q COMMITTEES Of the whole
and all contributed 10 its SUCCESS.
Donations were received from the mem
hers at the clubhouse until late Friday
night. and some Of the members worked
during the entire night 10 apportioning
the supplies out and making preparation
for the distribution. In addition to
the contributions from the members
E1hNuuu " COulTlpuJbu 10
mounds of meat and the Phillips 1homp-
son Co. contributed 100 pounds Of
buckwheat. The members OF tho club
donated -four, sugar, general groceries
and money, the total Of supplies being
worth about 5000.
The distribution took place ON Christ
mus morning and two wagons were re-
auired to do the work. The names and
addresses of needy families had been
obtained manly through the churches
and there was no difficulty in finding
them when the distribution was made
Each one OF the families assisted was
in need and in most cases there wus
littla or nothing in the house when the
club boys arrived with tubfull OF
good things. The charity was I'M
heralded. so far as the henefciaries
were concerned and in each case was
great surprise.
Where families were found to have
no fuel in the house quantity of coal
was sent around ut once, In addition to
the ediblos. and where there was sick
ness medicine was also given or money
turned over with which to pay for
medicine.
At one place the boys found large
family, consisting of father mother and
Heveral small children. They we're about
to sit down to all the dinner they ex.
pected to have, which was exceedingly
humble and meagre. When the boys
entered with the provisions il took hut
moment for the parents to realize
that somebody had remembered them.
The father quickly inquired who had
been 30 kind, and, when informed that
the donation was from the Wilmington
Biycle Club, exclaimed, "Well, my
prayer has been answered" The chill
dren, too, were slmust overcome with
joy, and one little girl, noticing a duck
among the articles contributed, caught
hold of it and pressed it in her aruis rs
O mother does her chilli There were
many other similur scenes. and when
the days work was done nobody was
happier than the members of the club
themselves
Ii is altogether likely that charity on
Christmas will be feature of the
clubs annual existence 10 the future
The Municipal Court room in the
City Hall presented an animated ap-
pearance on Christmas morning, when
about go children assembled and re
ceived gifts toys and candy from
the members of Sunshine Circle OF
Kings Daughters. A handsome Christ
mas tree, which had been donated by
Logue & Raymond, had been beauti.
fully trimmed aud delighted the eyes OF
the little ones, who had been sent cards
of invitation. The ceremonies were
opened by Assistant City Solicitor Ga.
houn, who made a few remarks, after
which the children sang"My Country,
IT'S OF Thee. Joseph Eggleston oil
Kingswood Church made an address oil
welcome to the children and Miss Reba
Smiths Sunday school class sang "Thy
kingdom come: Thy will be done. " A
pleasing address was made by Chiel
Justica Lore and President of City
Council LeitGh led in singing after
which prayer was offered ny The Rev.
W. l., S. Murray, d. D., and the chill
dren repeated with him the Lords
Prayer Each child received bag Of
candy, an orange and an apple and the
girls received dolls, while the boys were
presented with horns. a handsome
doll, which had been donated by Chiai
of Police Dolan, was sent to little
girl who was too sick to attend.
The members OF Sunshine Circle de
serve great credit for their magnificent
undertaking, They wish TO thank al
who assisted in the noble work.
Mrs Johanna Stoecklo and her SOC
Harry Stoeckle last Friday presented
turkeys and clothing to members o.
poor families living in the vicinity o.
their Eome, at Fifth and Adams strepts.
utl. aF Tho ntop,ona Sfaft