The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-12-25

Whistles, shouts, and stamps of
merriment greeted this jovial an
nouncement made by Spencer Arthur
Abbott, ex-balI player, who assumed
the role of the Christmas saint at the
EIks' entertainment for the poor chill
dren of Topeka. 1t was a sight to
warm the cookies of the heart of
Scrooge-500 children, more or less,
gathered in the huge Elks' hall, spark
ling eyes riveted on the twinkling
Christmas tree, tinsel dripping from
the branches, and a red-cloaked Santa
Claus beside it.
How many invitations did you
send?" Ralph Montgomery, exalted
ruler of the Topeka lodge, was asked.
About 400,'' he responded.
''An accept?"
we've prepared for 600 at least. They
all come-bring their friends, families
and relations"
The Orphans Home, the Provident
Association, and other charitable in
stitutions in town send lists to the
Elks' committee, and the kiddies of
Topeka are right royalty entertained.
They collect downstairs, march into
Sthe hall to the stirring strains of the
"Ragtime Violin,'' fddled by Ray Halls
orchestra, received their gifts, stuff en-
trancingly in the Dunton cafe, and
Elliott entertains them with moving
pictures every 25th of December.
Tree and Dinner Table.
The Elks' hall, one of the prettiest
in the country, is effective in its hol-
iday dress. Below the tree on the
platform stretches a snowy covered
table, Uttered with dolls, cradles
trumpets, and cars. There are rain
bow scarfs for the older girls, ties and
pocket knives for the boys-dolls,
dishes and beds for the ten-year-olds
with tool chests and pop-guns for
their brothers. There are dolls and
dishes for the little sisters, trains and
harmonicas for the boys. For the
youngsters just learning to toddIe are
woody dogs, tin plates, harnesses and
horns. Every baby that comes to the
Elks party is carried away brandish-
ing a pink rattle or squeaky rubber
doll. For each child is a purple and
white bag, brimfull of nuts, oranges
and candy-and a bright Lincoln pen
ny, which ]. E. Crockett gives with a
CHEEKY, Merry Christmas
Every year the Elks give this big
Christmas party-moSt of the children
know what to expect.
"Going to see Santa CLAUSE" one
of them was asked.
You bet"
Afraid of him?"
Nope"
Ever see him before?"
Sure" said the young gster, win
somely, been here before. I seen
him twict.'
Floyd Baker collected them in the
dressing rooms until the signal was
given for them to tramp upstairs.
They tumbled above like the kfddies
in the nursery rhyme
They went with a whoop,
They went with a bawl-
They went with a good will.
Or went not at aIIi''
They were in such unseemly haste
to see the tree that half of them
sprawled over the slippery floor Ed
Kellam set them on their feet again, |
and they scampered joyfully down the
aisle.
Pretty well behaved set of young
sters, eh % remarked George Clark, |
who was helping to seat them, mo
tice how every boy pulled off his car
as he came in? Notice the clean rim
around their dirty faces? They were
them trained"
Only white children come to the
morning tainment-another is |
provided for the pickaninnies. A
brown faced woody haired lad pre-
sented himself at the door this morn
This isn't the time for you to |
come. sonny he was told.
I'm not a darky," he insisted, |
I'm a Mexican
KeIlam and the Mexican Boy.
Ed Kellam came to the rescue. |
Whats your name, yOungster?' % he
asked in Spanish. The boys eyes
glowed, he poured forth an eloquent |