The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-26

ed as they were given what they asked
for. as far as possible.
For the third Christmas the boys and
girls were invited TO write letters to Santa
Claus telling what they wanted. and In
each instance their wish was granted.
This was accomplished through a large
check covering the expenses. presented
by a good friend OF the schools. a wealthy
RI sident OF the city. who masks his iden-
tity under tho title OF Santa Claus"
At the boys school the Christmas en-
tertainment was held Thursday evening,
being a cantata entitled Santa Claus"
Christmas dinner was served at noon
yesterday and the tree and distribution
OF gifts occupied the afternoon.
At the girls school the dinner was
served at noon and the Christmas tree
gifts and an entertainment OF songs and
recitations occupied several hours last
night.
At the Hospital for the Insane the
chief celebration was held Christmas Eve,
when there was an entertainment, par
ticipated In by some OF the attendants
and inmates. the feature Of which was
Convention" Gifts were made the in
mates and at noon yesterday a special
Christmas dinner was served.
At the state almsbouse the inmates
were taken for ride In the morning and
Christmas tree exercises, with a dis
'i""ei"h VI sHts, "as neiu IN tne AFTER
noon.
A special dinner was one OF the fea-
lures OF the day.
STATE HOME AND SCHOOL
The chief part Of the Christmas oele-
bration at the State Home and School
was held. according TO the usual custom.
Christmas Eve and gifts were distributed
among the children from a big Christmas
tree and a general good time ensued.
Preceding the distribution of gifts the
children gave a program OF recital tions
and dialogues and sang several Christmas
songs The holiday spirit pervaded the
nome all day yesterday and everything
was made as enjoyable as possible for the
children. a special dinner was served
at noon.
r. I. WORKING BOYS HOME.
Christmas was observed at the Rhode
Island Working Boys home, on Park
turlong mansion. In due form yesterday,
but no set program was carried out The
usual special dinner was served and par
taken OF by such OF the boys as remained
The day was one of absolute freedom,
Tor tho some 40. or thereabouts, young
si sters who i've there. as Supt. Wallace
believed that liberty OF action was one
OF the cardinal principles of thorough
enjoyment OF the day. Most OF the boys
embraced the occasion TO pay visits TO
all who had younger brothers and sisters,
remembered them with gifts. For that
purpose AL OF the boys had been pro-
fact made possible throug the
thoughtfulness of kind friends of the
home The lads did not want for sub
stantlai remembrances themselves. for
which they extend hearty thanks to en-
ployers and friends.
AT LOCAL CHURCHES.
At the Souths Baptist church yesterday
the christmas cantata, Star OF Bethle-
hem hem" musie by w. +. sudds. words by
church choir, under the direction of Prof
r. r. Stout, the noted Gospel singer.
Inc sopranos were Miss Ethel Domin.
Miss Sagrid Olsen and Miss Alice Com.
The bass solos were by Harry Marshall,
ana Prof Stout took the tenor part After
the cantata al the audience went into the
a Christmas tree had been provided for
the children. Charles Normandie acted
as Santa Claus, and the singing and reci-
tations were by the members OF the In
Pleasing Christmas exercises were held
at the Union Congregational church in
the vestry at 4:ao yesterday afternoon.
and besides the Sunday school 90 poor
children were entertained.
Mrs. Harry Wolf and Miss Hazel Wolf.
assisted by Robert l.. Stanton as Santa
ment. and Frank A Thurber. vioiinIst.
and Mrs. Julia Rich. pianist assisted
with instrumental selections. Candy and
getting the 30 guests.
The committee which had charge of the
affair was. as follows Miss Harriet
Pierce chairman: Miss Mary Cram, Miss
Edith Stokes. DR. Robert Phillips, Orrin
Otis swift, superintendent OF the Sunday
school. and Frank o. Clapp. assistant SUI
perintendent.
AT the Pearl street Baptist church "The
Story of the Christ Child in Art, Story
and Song was illustrated by lantern
slides OF famous paintings. The primary
and Junior depar rtnents sang carols and
participated in pleasing entertainment.
on the tree. which was decorated with
electric lights, We're presents for the pri-
mary and junior departments OF the Sun
day school There was also a smaller
tree. on which were placed by members
or the different classes small bags OF
money for the poor. This money will
be sent to the Baptist Home for Mission
aries Children at Newton Centre, Mass
A silk umbrella was presented 10 Rev
j, A Hainer. pastor OF the church. by
the young mems Bible class