The Portland daily press., 1898-12-26
HAPPY OLD AGE AND YOUTH.
They Enjoyed Christmas Trees ON Sat
urday Night.

1t was a sight TO gladden. the eyes OF
anyone who was fortunate enough to stem
into Preble chapel Saturday evening.
and see the happiness brought by Santa
Claus to 100 children, ranging in ages
from years up. 1t was the annual
Christmas tree, provided for tile children
of the parish. and the tree fairly groaned
under its weight of presents and goodies
for the little folks None were forgotten.
for there was a gift for every child en-
rolled on the Chapel books, whether pres
emit or not. The tree was handsomely
trimmed with favors bags OF candy, pop
corn and bright ornaments to catch the
eye and cause loud ordinations of de-
light from the little ones, and tine pres.
ts-enwell there were DOLLS skates, sleds.
in fact, nearly everything that the heart
of youngster GOULD wish at this time of
year, to make him firm believer in
Santa Claus.
The children were gathered in the yes
try of the chapel, and as their benevolent
pastor, Mr.. Phelan, remarked, given a
little social talk and time to cool down
a wee mite in their enthusiasm, and at
z O'Clock they proceeded upstairs where
short services were held. after which
Superintendent Talbot distributed the
gifts. Talk about happiness, but If ever
there was happy lot of little ones it was
there Here a little tot, hardly able to
walk, marched up the aisle, the proud pos
SCISSOR of a large doll, nearly as big as her.
self. There a youngster with new sled
acted as if he could hardly wait to get
out of doors to try 1t on the first bit of
snow. Another received pair of skates
and how happy he looked as he Rugged
his treasures tightly. So 1t continued
until all the presents were distributed
from the tree, and the little ones were also
made glad by receiving bags of candy.
fruit, etc., which had also been provided
for them. The PRESS man did not lose
sight of them then, for he followed sew
eral of them up the street to hear their
chatter and see them compare their pres
ents with each others. Some of the larg-
or boys who were the proud owners of
new sleds, had taken several of the young
or ones for ride, and the last seen of
them they were marching sturdily up
Congress street, hauling their happy load
of human freight, in some cases with both
arms full of presents, land keeping sharp
lookout for teams.
In surong contrast to the youthful
faces at Preble chapel, were those who
gathered about the Christmas tree at the
Home for Aged Men, Saturday evening,
for they also had tree we'll loaded with
presents and, although not SO enthusi
astio as the youngsters, seemed to enjoy
Before the distribution of presents took
place there was a short entertainment,
consisting of music by Miss Mary Jordan
and Arthur Jordan; Rotations by the
Masters Moseley and little Miss Fox At
ter the entertainment, Mr.. Charles Curtis
acted as master of ceremonies and his
witty remarks and brief speeches as he
took the presents from the tree kept
every body in good hImor. The tree was
filled with useful articles and also includ.
ed the usual decorations Of candy bags
and pop corn, and although the recipi
ents had got past the Kris Eringle stage
of life. they nevertheless showed as much
enthusiasm as many a younger person
az they eagerly watched the presents as
they were taken from the tree and won
dered who was to get that Jackknifs or
perhaps mysterious package, all tied
up in paper.
In one corner of the room sat an old
gentleman, probably the Oldest one pres
emit. nodding his head and trying hard to
keep awake, although it was early in the
evening. He 10 in the habit Of retiring
at o'clock, and 1t was long past his
| bed time, but he wanted to see the fun
with the youngsters" On sofa in the
| front parIor were seated three familiar
faces, all merry, and perhaps ready with
joke as some of the party would receive
new knife or bag of candy, for there
were several sweet tooths still among
them. So it continued until the tree
was stripped and all had received some
token of remembrance from friends OF
relatives. Who wouldn't say MERRY
l OuIlSUllLttSt WHO'LL Az III ii<6O AloRRAAO6S "
so many hearts, old and young.
AT THE BOYS HOME.
| The directors of the Boys Home desire
to express their hearty thanks to thu
many friends VINO have contributed sc
generously gifts of money. toys, book
and games for the boys Christmas l
would have afforded much pleasure tt
the donors if they could have been pres
emit on Saturday afternoon, when th'
Christmas festivities were observed ant
the little boys were gladdened by tn
sight Of their Christmas tree, and to man:
of them it was their first.
Master Philip Drew of the Columbia
don sted q large frosted Christmas cake
made by Geo. G. Shaw & Co.. which
he cut in fourteen pieces and passe'
around to each little boy The cake wa
beautifully frosted and bore in the centre
the words Merry Christmas" AM