Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-12-16

The Christmas shopping feature OF
the approaching holidays was very
much in evidence yesterday and last
evening, and we may expect it to con-
tinue without interruption during the
ensuing week, reaching its natural
elimination next Saturday. Through
out the day and far into the night the
retail stores, great and small, were
crowded with buyers, and the hun
dreds Of employees were really glad
when midnight struck last night, and
they were at liberty to seek that re-
pose to which they were well entitled
after week of hard work, and many
clerk, male and female alike, will
sleep late this morning, and may well
be excused from attendance upon early
religious services. The coming week,
however will be still more trying than
that just past, and next Saturday night
will very probably be business record
breaker.
The weather yesterday and last eve
ming was delightful, although a little
more snow would have been appreciat-
ed by those who so joyously crowded
the leading thoroughfares. There was
a decided touch of frost in the air all
day, the morning having been a really
cold one, and late in the afternoon
and throughout the early evening snow
fakes fell lazily, but not in sufficient
quantities to fairly cover the ground.
The crowds of shoppers were early
in evidence, and they kept the rush
up until a late hour last night, fairly
tanning the leading stores. At such
places as Stone & Thomas, Taylor's,
George E. Stifel & Co.'S, Graves, Stan
tons, Dillon's, Banners, Shocks,
Sheff's, Hillman's, NicoPs, Kraus :,
Gundlings, House & Hermann's, Hey
manns, and all the rest of the long
at, there was a constant procession
- people coming and going, and en-
quiry of leading retailers elected the
information that business had never
been better, and that record break
ing week was the expectation for the
coming six days. The displays of hol-
iday goods, from toys to clothing, and
from those light and airy, not to say
fairy, creations which women most
appreciate to jewelry, and from books
to smokers outfits, was never larger
or better, and the efforts of the trades
men to please and interest have been
cordially appreciated by the purchas-
ing public. Many stores both large
and small were open last night until
midnight, and that will be the prac-
tice all during the coming week. Just
what the aggregate Of the Christmas
trade this year will be is, of course,
something that even newspaper re-
porter cannot ascertain, but all the
signs point to about the greatest vol
ume of business Of a holiday Wheeling
ever experienced
The preparations for the proper cell
ebration of the great Christian festi-
val are evidenced in all directions, but
nowhere more noticeably than in the
churches. This morning we present
the musical programmes in preparation
BY the cho1rs OF all the leading
churches throughout the city, as has
been our annual custom for twenty
years past.
During the few days which will in
tervene before Christmas all the spare
time of the entire population will be
devoted to enthusiastic preparation
for the great event and the ordinary
affairs of life will be relegated to a
subordinate position. The Christmas
shopper and the Christmas giver have
the floor They are only in evidence
one week in the year, and have the
right of way.