The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-11-26

fchooi.
Seventy-two newsboys and bootblacks
filed out Of Thomas Shaw's music store
yesterday al 2:10, and all in line, with
blue ribbon badges marched to the Wo-
mans Exchange Dining hall for their
regular Thanksgiving dinner. They were
orderly and by their respectful demeanor
showed much appreciation Of Mr.. Shaw's
kindness. Six turkeys had been steamed
TO fine flavor for the boys. The dining
room tables were placed end to end
langthwise Of ri1e dining hall. The long
er table was probably 20 feet long, al
which there were seated sixty-two of the
young visitors. The other was a double
length table, on the south side of the hall,
at which were located the other ten OF
the company.
The dinner was feast royal. Every
boy was given all he could eat of tur-
key, gravy and dressing, bread, butter,
coffee, apples, bananas, sauce and in fact
everything that goes with a first class
Thanksgiving dinner.
The boys stood respectfully at their
places, and when Colonel Pat Rohrbaugh
spoke the first word returning thanks,
more than two-thirds OF them bowed
their heads as reverently as the most
disciplined Sunday school attendant.
When the amen was pronounced, how
ever, the boys got into their chairs in
just about the same length of time that
1t takes a pendulum to start the other
way. Some Of them, too, were getting
molar action on "drumstick" or an ap-
pie even before they struck the chairs,
but it was ali the trot Of an intense ap-
petite and did not SAVIOR of anything
rude.
Occasionally. when the walters back
was turned. some of the more juoilant of
the young fellows would twirl a couple
of apples or bananas above their heads,
and by means of a sort of artless high
sign fetch the horse laugh on some out
side ci1um VINO stood looking through the
big plate glass at the feast But it was
all the ebullition of a Young American
spirit that sees at hand a treat for his
stomach.
dressed them in a common sense. SIM
pie way, and they were strictly attentive
He asked them some questions.
Thirty-five of the company were occa-
sional attendants at Sunday school They
were about half and half newsboys and
boorblacks. Twelve Of them We're act
uahy saving money and contributing 10
the support of their mothers. More than
two-thirds OF them attend public school.
Considering the occasion, the boys were
remarkably polite and well behaved
There were, too. some strong faces in the
crowd
OF the occasion, Mr. Shaw said:
"These newsboys and bootblacks will
help to make up the list Of our business
men. There are among them boys of
talent and merit. An occasion of serious
thought once in a while will serve no
mean purpose with the boys. An inter
est shown in them will, in a great many
start a thought that will make
them in turn manly, Industrious, good
citizens. We must not neglect the boys
Successful men come out of all ranks OF
life, and effort vii always tell. Some OF
the boys who ate with me at my first
dinner seven years ago are now success
ful and trusted employees"
Another free dinner was that given by
the Salvation Army at their headquarters
on North Main street. With the Army's
usual spirit OF charity and good work,
there were from seventy-five to one hun
1red there, most of whom were unfort-
unate enough not to have the better |
things of life at home. The dinner wa. |
credit to the people who had |
It in charge and great gift to those |
who enjoyed it.