New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-19
HOME OF ST. NICHOLAS.
1T Is VISITED BY A POLAR BEAR AND 4
FAIRY
A DELIGHTFUL WAY OF ENTERTAINING THE
CHILDREN DURING THE CHRIST
MAS HOLIDAYS

CHILDREN DURING THE CHRIST
MAS HOLIDAYS.
There IS pretty. original Christmas entertain
ner that IS easily managed. and the accessories
for which are within the reach Of any Sunday
school The Bear. the chief actor was not al all
feared by the children In the place where the
game was tried. and where II was so much en-
toyed that II IS thought the programme may be
used by others.
The dramatis persone the Bear. Saint Mich
olas and the Snow Fairy.
The stage IS covered with unbleached muslin
with flakes OF cotton batting sprinked over It 70
represent snow. The iceherss IN the BACKGROUND
are formed by draping muslin loosely over three
or four steDlGdders OF different heights. Sharper
points are made with slender upright pieces Of
hoard Tho talest OF these peaks is surmounted
by q shining star. strip Of blue cambria at the
base represents open water. IN which a tiny ship
Is anchored-a toy such any boy can make.
These icehergs must be placed as far back pos
s,hle leaving just for the actors to pass be-
hind them
The Saint has a fur coat and long. flowing
heard The Snow Fairy wears ermine made Of
canton flannel She has pointed Brownie cap
also white. and carries n white wand tipped with
& silver
The Bear IS dressed in a strong. unhleached mus
In skin the short hind legs making careful walk
ing necessar, on the part Of tho icn-year-old boy
who takes the character This muslin is covered with
a layer Of cotton batting. 1t IS fastened by strings
70 the head % a bear which be bought a
TOW store Hands and feet are encased IN black
gloves and stockings a small pillow will be
needed 20 pad the animal into the risht proper
lions He walks erect until the closing tableau.
The house is built OF rod and white paper boxes
brck-shaped and Hed with candy. II there are
not enough boxes 10 form the four sides Of the
house. the back may he left open. as it is not
seen bv the audience The window openings to
be covered with rose-coored tissue paper. fas-
ened 70 The inside. before the brown pasteboard
yoof bent in the right shape, IS carefully laid
in place Y e lighted by bit OF candle.
The experiment Of building ne house should be
made with the empty boxes nrst end the pro-
lions remembered. to be followed IN the short time
allowed for putting IL upon ne stag. which can
he done while opening exercise az ten or twelve
minutes Is being conducted outside the closed cur
Scene THE Home Of St. Nicholas The curtain
,es s on AM an bn In the backgronrd
Scene 1.-THE Church Of St Nicholas. After the
me lighted church IS seen near ar the front Of the
hg s55ne Fifth Pr 1Fi P6ia ioI Bar
The Bear comes s.owy from behind the iceberes
q. the left walks around and examines the house
With great curiosity. shifting the boxes. when he
!, s'f<rg Wb6 Win h,s aendant Fairy ap6roache
from the richt side Of the icebergs. and In panto-
Scene Iv-The Church Fulns It's Mission
root which he carries behind the iceborss s.
Nicholas and his attendant appear from The back
ground and motion 90 him 10 return. Then they
an proceed to take down the house handing The
bricks 10 the superintendent and his assistants for
distribution. The Bear il the chief actor an The
time His antics the better for beins largely
:npromptu He helps himself 20 The candy. and
altogether T. a most sweet tenpercd weN-hchaved
animal When the house has disappeared. the
curtain falls 20 rise once more on the closing
Scene Wood night 70 nc Bear and His Friends
:, Nicholas is seen seated in the centre Of the
sage. whore the house has stood. with his Fairy
beside him holding her silver wand. while the good
Bear les AT his feet. a red light thrown over this
ecere is reflected IN The snow and tho icebergs.
and IN the glow Of this rosy aurora the curtain
falls