The Somerset reporter., 1897-12-30
ALL KINDS OF FANCY BISCUIT FRESH EACH WEEK.
Show. Cash Grocery Comp.
For THE REPORTER.
Christmas at North Madison.

Christmas at North Madison.
The pleasant, brightly lighted rooms
of Mr.. and Mrs. Edgar Clark of North
Madison, were comfortably filled with
neighbors and friends who had assem-
bled ON the evening of Dec. Is to partic-
ipate in the time-honored festival of
Christmas greetings, sixteen families
being represented as follows: Albra
Adams, Ruel Robbins, Ephriam Dean,
Edgar Clark, Merrill Dean, j. X. Bick-
nell, Mrs. Phronia Jewett, Mrs. Nettie
Brann and their families; Ansel Salley,
c. d. Holbrook and their wives; Bert
and Clifford Clark, Henry, Phil and
Amos Hoyt, l.. w. Jackman, Dell
Mathews, Mrs. Louise Jewett, Miss
Grace Foster
Not many towns can boast of a smarter
old lady than is Grandma Brann. She
is in her seth year and yet rode in the
evening through the piercing cold about
a mile to see the Christmas tree and
seemed to enjoy it as much as the
others.
In one corner of the room stood a
proportional tree whose branches
were laden with Christmas fruit artisti-
cally arranged, and after an interesting
program of choice selections, consisting
of music, declarations and tableaux had
been well carried out, Santa Claus was
introduced and dispensed with lavish
hand the Christmas gifts. Each and all
were we'll remembered Nirth and good
cheer reipned supreme
When the tree had been lightened of
its burden, refreshments were served,
consisting of cake, candy and nuts.
At seasonable hour we babe our
host and hostess merry Xmas and all a
good night, thankful in our hearts for
the advent into this world of the Babe
of bethlehem who came to proclaim
"Peace on earth, good will toward
man
Much is being said now adays in re-
gard 10 the manner in which Christmas
should be observed. We are told by
some that the time has come when we
should cease to teach children through
myth and fable but to give all honor
directly to the One whose birth we eel
citrate with gift making and good cheer.
1t is well known that Christmas began
to be known as the chldrens' festival
many years ago in the protestant districts
of Germany, and was devoted to the dis
play of presents and lighting of the
Christmas tree.
The presents made by the older men,
bers of the family we're collected to-
gether and distributed by character
corresponding to our Ssnta Claus. A
Jolly, well fed man of generous proper
ri oh tn oil al n n IA
and when family or number of fami
lies had assembled around the fire he
would suddenly appear wearing white
robe and an enormous white wig and
distribute the gifts of nuts, little enkes
and sweeties.
We cannot be easily persuaded to give
up our dear old Santa Claus who has
brought to the hearts of so many mil
lions of children practical illustration
of peace on earth good will toward man
When he goes much of the sweetness
and brightness of Christmas tide goes
with him. Through him all classes and
conditions are reached who would be
largely cut off if Xmas was made simply
a church festival
Santa Claus is a very beautiful myth
and let's cherish our Christmas festival
of gift making and let good cheer
abound more and more as the years go
by.
Let Germany cherish her Knecht Ru-
pert, Holland and the Netherlands their
st. Nicholas, England her Yule log
trimmed with the holly berries and we
will still bless and cling to our dear old
Santa Claus.
MAY l.. BIoKNELL.