The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1913-12-26
HOLIDAY SPIRIT PREVAILED
THROUGHOUT DISTRICT
YESTERDAY.
Poor n Destitute Were Looked
After by Fraternsl Societies
n ertainments Held.

With the spirit OF peace on earth.
good Will to men" prevailing. Christ
mas was observed in Wheeling and
vicinity yesterday in a quiet manner
me general observance was as a
holiday, all banks and business
houses being closed throughout the
day. h day was marred somewhat
by the rain. which fell almost inces-
sanity. but the weather could not
suppress the spirit OF gladness and
joy prevalent yesterday.
The rich and poor. high and low.
enjoyed the day in a manner OF Joy
and thanksgiving. Not only in Wheel.
ing but throughout all the and hi
dren who h night before had hung
up their stockings on the mantei.
after a night of dreams OF Santa
Claus and his deers, were out OF bed
at the first ray of down to see whsx
the Jolly old fellow had left for them.
To the children Christmas is al
ways looked upon as the ~happiest
day OF the year and practically every
charitable society and fraternal or
~ganization OF the city united in an eff
tort TO bring cheer and gladness to
The home OF the poverty-stricken.
Through their generosity il was pos
sible for every n OF the $4,000 resi-
tents OF Wheeling to eat a square
meal yesterday. Hunger was ban
lshed and the tables of the destitute
contained all the dainties of the
season.
Many Contributed.
Eight hundred baskets of provisions
We're distributed yesterday morning
by the Wheeling lodge Of Elks. in ac-
with "A custom OF several
years standing. The Wheeling sun
day school Toy Mission on Christmas
eve distributed toys and candy to
LOO children. Yesterday the local
lodge OF Moose. Modern Woodmen OF
America. Woodmen OF the World and
other secret orders a v out baskets
or provisions. toys and gifts. TO the
poor OF the city.
The Salvation Army distributed
nearly 500 baskets. each containing
"a large chicken. in addition To other
provisions. and last night held "A pub
lie entertainment. at which the poor
children of the city were the guests.
Toys and fruits We're given to each
child present. Capt. NcCrea playing
the part Of Santa Claus. An interest
ing program was rendered.
Special dinners were served the
residents at the many charitable
homes and o~rphanages about the
city. In the homes for children toys
and treats were given the little in
mates. Among the institutions oh
serving the day were Kings Daugh-
ters' Day Nursery. Children's home
at WOodsdale. Altenheim Home for
Aged and Friendless Women. Flor.
ence Crittcnden home, Home Of the
Good Shepherd. st Nincent's Home
for Girls and others.
In the various penal institutions OF
the county special dinners were
served the Inmates. elaborate menus
being provided In the city workhouse.
county Jail and county infrmary. AZ
the Moundsville peniteutiary the l.
poo Convicfs were given "a day OF rest.
three excellent meals. and provided
with entertainment.
AS a Holiday.
Business was practically at a stand
still. Almost all places Of business
were closed. and the holiday was
welcomed by the clerks for whom the
T past few weeks have been so strenu-
. Gus.
II was a holiday at the local post
office and though the lobby windows
were closed all day. the entire force
was kept busy handling the incomins
mail and clearing the Office from the
rush of the past three days.
MANY social functions took place
In the city. and railroads and trolley
lines did a larry" business despite the
I i~nclcmencv OF the weather. Theater-
goers We're DELIGHTFULLY."- entertained
with tho unusually good bills at the
local lighthouses.