The San Francisco call., 1908-12-26
CHRISTMAS CHEER
SPREAD IN OAKLAND
Ideal California Weather Greets
Bay Cities and Gladdens
Day

Christmas weather, with a bright sun
and invigorating breeze, greeted Oak
land today. Glimpses into homes in
every quarter of the city showed state
" trees decked with chains and gar
dren.
The orphans at the West Oakland
home were given a memorable treat
with gifts and music and feast to
satisfy the heartiest appetite of the
growing boy and girl. The young
sters were visited by Santa Claus as
part of the fun.
The Fred Finch orphanage of Fruit
vale gave its little ones the big event
of their year
st. Joseph's Home for Deaf Mutes at
Fortieth street and Telegraph avenue
was another institution where gladness
was spread among the afflicted and un-
fortunate.
Elaborate ceremonies at high mass
Were observed at IL o'clock today in
the Catholic churches of this city.
Early morning masses were largely at
tended and the churches were thronged
throughout the morning. st. Marys
church. st. Francis de Sales and ST.
Patrick's were houses of worship where
otiNiSCS Ol d1 especially Impressive
ture were held
The Episcopal churches drew large
congregations. Holy communion was
held at o'clock In the morning and
other ceremonies were observed all
through the day.
Members of the First Congregational
church gathered at IL o'clock this
morning in their annual devotional
observance of the day. Music and a
EQaxr
Charles r. Brown, were given. Fillow-
ing the close, a chorus of children
from the Sunday school sang a Christ
mas cantata, The Child Jesus under
the direction of A. Stewart. There
were also solos, choruses and selec-
tions on the violin for the children.
Invalids in hospitals were no forgot
ten. Old people in ST. Joseph's ward
at Providence hospital were made to
feel young again by a big tree loaded
with gifts.
Miss Florence Beaudry and Mrs. Lou
Agnew secured the gifts after the pref
erences of the ward inmates had been
made known. Mrs. ]. F. Smith and
Mrs. Leonard Smith sent in Christmas
greetings on the breakfast trays. Mrs.
Hugh Hogan furnished flowers.
The Kings Daughters of the Califor-
MIA Home for Incurables was the scene
of pretty festivities with two large
trees and a wealth of presents for in
mates.
The Ladies' relief society in their
Institution at Alden gave the orphan
children and enfeebled old people a
great treat last night. There was a
chimney erected for the entrance of
Santa Claus and /. Harrison Clay, as
st. Nick, slid down in most approved
fashion. He gave dolls and toys to
the girls and athletic outfits to the
boys. Nor did he overlook the aged
members of the big family, and left
them all happy.
Miss Matilda Brown, president, Miss
Ann Miner, secretary, and Miss
Jessie Campbell, corresponding secre-
tary We're officers of the organization
who assisted. Mrs. Samuel Prather.
Miss Alice Knowles, Mrs. Frank Wes-
ton, Mrs. Arthur Tasheira, Mrs. Spen-
Ger Browne, Mrs. Rowland G. Browne.
and Miss A. Gill, directors, were also
active In arranging the event, Miss
Halle Bakewell led the carols
Benjamin Fay Mills and his wife and
daughter. with the Fellowship mem
bers carried Christmas cheer to the
inmates of the city jail. The little girl
sang song and her voice in the dark
corridors brought tears to the eyes of
the prisoners. Mills then delivered a
short address, followed by his wife.
An excellent turkey dinner was served
to the prisoners.
Hundreds of poor people were fed
by salvation Army workers, by the
volunteers of America and at the Who
soever Will Mission in lower Broadway.
Baskets packed with eatables were
sent out in abundance to hungry fami-
lies.
Oakland lodge of Elks No. III OBJ
served its annual custom of distribut-
ing baskets of good things in quiet
way. Scores of homes We're made han
pier In this way and the Elks respond
ed to the call so generously that there
was no need to stint