Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-25
BRIGHT AND CHEEKY
HAPPY OCCASION FOR INMATES
OF INSTITUTIONS.

Christmas DAY, 1&6, QaWneu COiu anu
crisp, just as the official weather prophet
had predicted in The Star yesterday. and
there was no suggestion of unsettled condi-
tons except q smattering of snow which
came down in the face Of the icy blasts
from the north about o'clock this morning.
1t dawned as a typical New England Christ
mas and the noises of passing vehicles
cracked in the sharp atmosphere. while ice
formed quickly on water in exposed places.
The lowest temperature was IL degrees
above zero, at o'clock this morning. .-"-
Owing to the biting cold the streets wore
a Sunday appearance during the early hours
of the day, but in the homes of Washington,
where the cheerful Yuletide firelights glow
ed, there was happiness, contentment and
thankfulness about the family boards. Be-
cause of the generosity Of the citizens
Christmas cheer was carried into many
homes of poverty and even penetrated the
gloom beyond the bars of prison cells.
Pealing Of Bells.
The gladstone day was announced in the
early morning, before the break of Christ
mas day by the peaing of the bells of the
Catholic churches In the crisp air. calnng
the faithful to the early. masses. Inside
these edihces in the mellow glow of myriad
candles and with the subdued music the
scenes presented were impressive in the ex-
IRENE. Later in the day the chimes and
bells OF the churches of other denomina-
lions rang out the token of Peace on earth
good will toward men, and interesting and
solemn services were held From the White
House and the mansions of the rich in the
west end to the veriest howell in Frogtown
there was Christmas cheer and the spirit Of
the Christ child prevailed.
In the residence sections of the city happy
childhood in evidence pyeryWhara- Girls
and boys with their new toys and wraps
and other things. displayed them to their
little friends and roInped about in the in
MIGRATING arctic atmosphere until they had
created splendid appetite for their Christ
mas dinners of roast turkey, mince pie,
plum pudding and other good things. The
unfortunate children who spending their
childhood in charitable or corrective institu-
lions were also made to feel the true spirit
of the occasion and We're given entertain
ments, gifts and bountiful dinners.
At Bell Winter Home.
Christmas at the Bell Winter Home, at the
head of Franklin street, Anacostia, was a
joyous occasion for each one of the twenty
seven juveniles who are cared for there. and
this morning they began a celebration of the
day with their toys that were distributed
last evening from a Christmas tree in the
home. Later in the day substantial meal
of turkey. with the usual accessories and
sweetmeats. was served them.
The children were assembled last evening
in one of the large rooms to view their
Christmas tree which was handsomely dec
GRATED. At its base were placed many gifts,
some from friends of the little ones, the
others furnished by the management of
the home. Toys. confectionery, books, etc.
were distributed. Miss Frances Davenport
the matron of the home, saw that each child
was supplied with present. Rev. Willard
G. Davenport, the rector of Emmanuel P. e.
ant hn foI
in the singing of hymns appropriate to the
occasion.
German Orphan Asylum.
Christmas day at the German Orphan Asy-
lum, Harrison street extended, Anacostia,
was observed by the providing OF special
fare for the fifty-four children cared for in
the asylum, and in the enjoyment by them
of a number of gifts, which were presented
by Superintendent Jacob Gerstenberg and
Mrs Gerstenberg, the matron. The smaller
children followed the custom Of hanging up
their stockings before retiring last evening,
and they were rewarded by finding them
filled with sweetmeats and the like this
morning when they arose. In addition to
the presents from the superintendent and
his wife. the little ones today received
many gifts from relatives or friends who
visited them.
The Christmas dinner at the asylum con-
sisted of rice soup. fried pork, turkey, cram
y,
cake and fruits. The dinner. which was
,erved at noon. was furnished by the au-
thorities of the institution. 4he children
will have their annual Christmas tree en-
tertainment Sunday next. at which time
gifts supplied by the board Of directors will
be presented and program rendered In
one of the halls.
Rupert Home for the Aged.
The Rupert Home for the Aged Harri-
son street extended Anacostia, was the
scene of pleasing Christmas eve assembly,
when men and women Of advanced years.
constituting those who make their homes in
the institution, gathered round Christmas
tree bearing decorations of tinsel ard lights
and surrounded with gifts
All the inmates of the home, numbering
tWenty-seven, were summoned to the as
sembly hall, on the second floor, by the
sounding of a gong by Mrs. Hermine Ramm,
the matron. In the center Of the room, oc-
cupying an elevated position, stood the
Christmas tree. 1t was aglow with lighted
candles and about its branches were woven
gilded decorations. Piled about the tree
were numerous present, almost all of them
of the practical variety. .--e4-..sr
The Christmas eve gathering hal been
planned by the members of the Ladies' Aid
Society, which organization supplied the
gifts, and the ladies had furnished many
articles of wearing apparel for the needs
of the inmates. When the aged residents
had been seated Mrs. Ramm announced the
purpose of the gathering and pointed out
the different gifts intended for the comfort
of the inhabitants of the home. On one
side of the tree were the gifts. for the