Evening journal., 1913-12-26
CITY MAKES
MERRY UNDER
XMAS TREE
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dren cheered on Christmas Eve when
the big community tree was lighted
up by Colonel George A. Elliott. He
was happy and he had a right to be.
because, as chairman of the commun-
ity tree he worked hard for weeks on
the project intended to make others
happy. AS the hundreds of children
from school No. 2S started singing
Christmas carol. Colonel Elliott
threw a switch and the thousand
electric bulbs shone forth brilliantly.
Ihe First Infantry Band also play
ed some selections. The crowd of
men and women who lined the side
walks cheered as the big tree became
a blaze Of color.
Wilmington's needy children 200
OF them-were the recipients of the
police treat for Christmas yesterday
morning in the County Court House.
Big hearted policemen who at times
chase the boys here ana there in the
city were as happy as the "kiddies-
themselves. Chief George Black
gave his personal attention TO The
work OF handling the children. Thev
entered the King street entrance Of
the County Court House and marched
TO the Market street entrance, where
Oihcers Bowen, Johnson and Purcell,
assisted by Mrs. j. Frank White.
handed the presents to them. Each
bag contained a box Of candy. nuts.
an apple and an orange and a pair
of warm stockings.
Hundreds Of Wilmington people stood
around and watched the little ones. The
sight was revelation TO many. Here
came little girl OH crutchcs, who was
assisted down the steps, followed by
boys and girls with tattered clothes and
makeshift shoes, odd ones in many in
stances. \ little hoy with one leg went
IN front of little girl with one arm.
White and colored mothers rubbed ol-
bows, and their shabby dresses and the
pinchod countenances OF the children
showed plainly that Christmas had not
much Joy for some homes. Among the
interested spectators in the Court House
were Police Matron Davis and Alatron
Mary White. who is to retire at the end
Of this month. Mrs. White was tine
originator of the Christmas tree for the
poor children. The little ones were
happy. delighted, and the expression on
their little faces was a wonder of Joy
business as they received their presents
The children stayed around for time
and like the grownups enjoyed the band
concert by the First Infantry Band. Fol
lowing the children who held tickets
came 100 who had not received the
pastehoards from the policemen. They
also received their presents. but after all
had been given away four little children
arrived with tickets George 4. King saw
the disappointed little ones and took
them down town, where he bought for
them boxes Of candies, apples and
oranges.
Those who saw the cheer brought
into hundreds of lives by the dis
tribution of gifts certainly must have
felt it to be worth while, and the
chances are that the community
Christmas tree will receive the heart
lest support of the public next year.
And, possibly the happiest person Of
all is the big hearted Wilmingtonian
who has given $500 annually for sew
eral years for a Christmas treat at
City Hall for the needy children. and
who insists that his name shah not
be made public.
The committee in charge OF the
community tree celebration is still in
need of money TO meet the expenses
Of the celebration.