Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1912-12-13
SANTA CLAUS SEEN
BY MANY CHILDREN
Escorted to Fenton's Store by
First Regiment Band
Came on Mixed Train from South Lon.
donderry-crowds Assembled at sta
lions Along the Route.

Santa Claus arrived in town wednes-
day afternoon and was given a royal
welcome by the boys and girls. In spite
of the fact that his train was an hour
late the enthusiasm of his young friends
at the station did not wane. 1t would
be difficult to guess the number of per-
sons at the station when Kris Kringle
stepped off the train, but all who were
there know that the old gentleman was
pleased with his reception.
Santa Claus left South Londonderry at
1.50 o'clock and a large crowd gathered
at the station to see him off. Dressed In
his regulation suit and with big pack
on his back, his merry eyes twnkling
and his beard falling over his breast,
there was no doubt that it was Santa
himself. He distributed pictures of him
self from the rear of the mixed train and
as he left the station he waved goodbye
to the boys and girls All along the
West River railroad he was met by
crowds of youngsters and at each stop
he threw pictures of himself into the
groups. The schools were closed early
in order that the little people might
have a glimpse of the bearer of gifts.
The train lost time all the way down,
and between West Townshend and
Townshend one of the freight cars jump
ed the rails on a curve and Santa was
held up. The crew worked with will
youngsters would be waiting in Brat
tleboro.
At $50 the First Regiment band
marched down Main street from their
headquarters and following came an
open barouche trimmed in honor of the
distinguished guest. The harness were
decorated with pompoms and the ba
rouche was covered with gay colored
decorations. Charles Bemis attired in
green and red handled the reins that
guided four spirited horses In front of
e. ]. Fenton & Co.'S store the band
stopped and played several selections.
Then, followed by the throng that had
gathered, the band started for the sta
ton
When the word was passed around
that the mixed" was an hour late the
youngsters played tag, rode on the bag
gage trucks, managed to keep in the
way of the railroad men and played
pranks. Chief Police George Wilson
was there and he contrived to keep
warm by holding restraining hand on
some of the more lively members of the
crowd.
On account of the cold many men,
women and children crowded into the
waiting rooms. A few minutes before 5
O'Clock the train whistle was heard and
there was a grand rush. The mixed"
pulled in and as it stopped Santa Claus
played the Riddles yelled, the dogs
barked, men and women laughed and
Santa smiled and shook hands. He was
guided to the barouche by the chief
and with the band leading the caval-
cade started for f. j. Fenton & Co.'S
store. Mr.. Fenton had secured long
sticks of red fire and Santa's carriage
was brightly illuminated. Along Bridge
and Main streets the children crowded
about his carriage and he threw pictures
to them.
The band stopped in front of the store
and played while the barouche continued
up Main street and back to the store,
and for at least 10 minutes the old
gentleman threw youngsters pictures and
toys. At last he pressed his way through
the crush and into the Fenton store and
then to the north window of the main
store, where he showed the marvellous
mechanical toys he has been making
since last Christmas. The sidewalk was
blocked until after o'clock. When
Santa became tired two boys took
his place in the window and showed off
the toys.
1t was a great day for Santa. great
day for the children from Londonderry
to Brattleboro and, whisper It, a great
day for the grown-ups in the crowds.