The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1910-01-14
Christmas mt the County Home.

| To all who helped
1.-THE very best Christmas we ever
had That was the comment of each
one of the inmates, as they passed
| from the room, on Wednesday after
| noon, December 10Th, at the close of
the very enjoyable program which had
been prepared for them. And in
many ways, 1t was, the best" be-
cause although the weather was so
unfavOrable, the roads in some places
almost impossible, number Of ladies
and gentlemen braved the cold and the
wind, and were promptly on time, to
give pleasure and share the joys of
the Christmas season, with those OF
our citizens, whom poverty and mis-
fortune had placed there as wards of
the county. The steward and stew
ardess, Mr.. and Mrs. Humbert, al
ways ready and glad to lend assist
ance, had turned the large dining
room into a very attractive place,
with wreaths and garlandS of ever
green, flags and red Christmas bells.
The Christmas gifts which had been
carefully selected, with view to
gratifying as near as possible, the
wishes of the inmates, were grouped
around prettily decorated Christmas
tree, on one side Of the room, the in
mates occupying seats on the oppO-
site side. The County Commissioners,
with their wives, had all expected to
be present, but on account OF the
snow drifts and closed roads, Mr..
Brown and two daughters were the
only ones present. A number of the
inmates were unable to leave their
rooms, and SO failed to hear the de-
lightful music of the Westminster
Orchestra, who were present in full
force, under the leadership of Prof.
Bailey Morelock. This was an unex-
pected treat to the inmates, and was
appreciated and enjoyed to the fullest
extent. The program consisted of
music by the orchestra, prayer by Rev.
P. H. Miller, ID. D., pastor OF Grace
Lutheran Church; an address by Rev.
Calvin g. Slagle pastor of St. Paul's
Reformed Church.; recitation Of
poem written by Miss Mary B. She'll
man, and recited by Miss Azalea Ship
ley; an address by Mrs. s. K. Herr,
which was preceded by Master Geary
Stonesifer, who sang sweetly II love
to tell the story of Jesus and His love-"
As the strains of the orchestra died
away after the addresses, the merry
shout OF Santa Claus was heard, and
the genial old gentleman impersonated
by Mr.. George Jackson came bounding
into the room, with his basket full OF
good things, and a bundle of pretty
toys for Charlotte, the two year old
child of one of the inmates, and who
distributed, with a kind word to each
all the gifts which had been provided
for them. To Mr.. and Mrs. Humbert
was presented vase Of carnations as
token Of regards, from the inmates.
Santa Claus was very much up to
date" and sang, to their great de-
light and with as much spirit as he
sang in 'fThe Little Tycoon" to more
fashionable audience, I've rings on
my fingers and bells on my toes" and
he can congratulate himself on having
given unbounded pleasure. Everyone
was happy, and life seemed brighter,
at least for one day.
And for all this pleasure 1
want to thank all who so gener-
ously responded to my request for aid.
From all parts Of the county it came;
from our young townsmen Charlie
Vanderford and his cousin, Kennith
Mills, in far away Mexico; from John
Snowden and wife, worthy colored
people, u AOW
of Massachusetts; from the Christian
Endeavor Societies OF the Lutheran
and Presbyterian churches of Taney-
town; from the teachers and pupils of
the Warfieldsburg and Medford
schools; and from many friends whom
I could not thank by note nor in per-
son, but whose contributions came
unanimously, and with kind words Of
encouragement, which makes me feel
proud and grateful for the confidence
placed in me by my fellow citizens Of
of our much loved and generous Car
roll county. To all who aided in MAX
ing an attractive program, return
thanks in the name of the inmates,
who not only enjoyed the beautiful
music OF the orchestra, but appreciated
the giving of their time, by busy men,
and making them feel they are not
altogether friendless. "Inasmuch as
We have done it unto one of the least
of these, my brethren, We have done it
unto me-" ---'. r.-- ---.- ------------
Yours "In His Name"
MARY BOSTWICK SHELLMAN.