The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-26
Pays Mid-AfternoOn Visit to
the Postoffice, Creating
Quite a Stir
POSTMISTRESS
FORGETS CHANGE
The President Bought Two 25-Cent
Books of Stamps and Mrs. Simp.
son Became COnfused-Will
Send the Money Today

Pass Christian. Miss. eDeember 5
President Wilson. by a mid-afternoon
visit to the town postofflce. made Christ
mas day memorable one in the history
of this quaint seaside CITY, Only a few
natives had caught glimpse of the Presi-
! dent and his family. when, in the cold
gray dawn. they motored to a cottage a
mile away from the tiny railroad. The
peaceful quiet of the holiday afternoon
was broken suddenly when word spread
everywhere that the President was out
walking.
Observing holiday hours, the postoffice
was closed. but some one set off immedi-
ately to the home of Mrs Annette smp-
son, the postmistress, to inform her that
the President was waiting. She came
quickly, followed by two little daughters.
one of them attired for the occasion in a
mortar board hat of the collegiate type.
Merry Christmas, sir; l did not expect
you" said Mrs. Simpson.
'Oh, didn't think there would be any
one over here but [ thought I'd try"
said the President. ITS very kind of you
to come over
POstmistress Forgets Change
The President bought two % cents books
of stamps and in her confusion the post
mistress forgot to give him 50 cents
change. This, however. viii be dispatched
to him tomorrow.
~ wish he had said something about
letting me have three years more" Mrs.
Simpson. who is a candidate for reap
pointment, later told her friends. They're
fighting me hard for the place.
AS the President stood at the door of
the postoffice several little children
walked shyly up to him and grasped his
hand The President stopped, playfully
asked their names and wished them a
merry Christmas. His attention soon was
ARRESTED by the arrival Of the tawn mail
| carrier, WHO drew up proudly with his
sacks Of mail, climbing out of a small
canvas covered cart, attached to whien
was a peculiar looking animal of shaggy
limbs, in color a reddish brown.
"Its part dog" volunteered somebody
in the crowd and the President smiled
at the dlmunitive horse. Originally. the
land pony. but since carrying Uncle Sans
mail he has grown a thick unkept fuzz
and boasts hesitating gate in keeping
with the frequent stops of his daily
route.
The President continued his walking.
1t was about the eodest day in the MEM
ory OF the Oldest inhabtant. The mer-
curry touched 10 degrees early in the fore
noon and hoyered thereabouts all day
To those of the presidential party who
expected warm and balmy temperatures.
the winter cap, didn't come up 70 ex-
pectations, though Mayor Saueier and
other prominent weather foreeasters in
the vicinity maintained that the cold
spell was but temporary.
Day Unusually Cold
The President set the seal of approval
on the climate however, oy seorning an
overcoat, as did Dr. Cary r. Grayson, L.
S. N. his physician, though a nalf dozen
correspondents found overcoats COM
Portable necessity. The President was
warmly clothed underneath his salt end
pepper suit with heavy woolen sweater
vest? He walked home in apparent en-
joyment Of. his stroll
Earlier In the day Mr. Wilson had
taken "A short walk with Mrs. Wilson on
the beach road that runs for several miles
alCng the guls coast. They also took A
but spent most of the day IL tne square,
shaped cottage which Is the winter
White House for the next thee weeks.
They exchanged presents, ~ead scores of
holiday greetings that came by telegraph
ana mail, and sat down tonight to y
christmas dinner a happy family party.
For a complete change from the city
Of Washington. where he has been over
Nhelmed with official tasks, the President
co I'D not have chosen Il more cut OF tho
way setting. The natives are needing
the Presidents desire ,or rest and isoia
ton by keeping idlers fonl the vicinity
oe his house.
Original Settlers Spanish
The cottage is only one OF a number
thar dot the shore OF the Mississippi
sound. the entrance 10 wnich named
lass Christian, after It's Spenisi diseov-
erer, Christiano, lies few nIles due
south from the Presidents hoase. Iha
original settlers were Spanish and
French the language OF the latter stiY
being spoken by many of tn. inhabitants.
Some Of the quaint old dwellings, remain.
bu- for the most part the shore is dotted
BY big bungalows and cottages.
The Presidents home is raised cot
tage square shaped. with colonial coll
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