The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-26
CHRIS MAS CHEER
 ROUTS DESIGNATION FROM MANY HOMES
Hundreds of Baskets of Good Things Distributed
 Throughout the City Ellzs Bring Happiness to Many Homes Salvation
 Army 's Good Work

With a mantle of white covering the, ground and a cold that was both m vigorating and penetrating, Bridseport Rwoke yesterday morning to one CT tne happiest celebrations of the anntyers- ar,v of the Savior,s coming that has ever been experienced in this old and growing city. From the veriest hoyel to the home where butler and servant touched the buttons. that lighted nufs- tries and splayroon1s, little ones were up an early hour yesterday morning with buIging eyes to see what KITS Krfngle had brought for them
 From the .night before, when In biaze Of co1ored light and the back ground of the stars and stripes, hum dreds of children had been showereo ssl with candy, nuts and oranges from the Municipal tree, until late last night continuous joy retgned in the homes. the institutions and the streets of Bridgeport.
 Christmas trees were the order or Christrnas eve and as the little tots dreamed in slumber land of the com Ing of the white bearded, red garbed dispenser of toys and cheer, the cid CTS were busy until a late hour plac- Ing the colored spangles and other baubIes about the fragrant branches of the spruce
 . As fhs voungster awoke early yes- kerday we'll filled stockings greeted the, eye and little hands eagerly sought within to see what could be carried back into the cosy bed
 Later sarFepttious trips were made to parlor and bedrooms where on branches and beneath the tree were laid the larger gifts that were to keep the children busy and happy u1- til the evening shadows drew on to bring weary heads and hands to an- other slumberfand.
 al v of joy, for renembrances were gem eraI from friends of old in many homes children and grand-children gathered for a renewal of the day that brings Peace on Earth < When the first surprises had been passed the rnors serious occupation of the day were begun. Church services, visits to Sother home distributions of cheer and blessing to the needy. and then the midday meal. followed by more isivts. then retrospection as the thoughts of years gone by crowded through the memory of old and younE, alike.
 Idfes unfortunates at Lakeview were treated to a portion of the Christmas cheer yesterday through the efforts of Dr.F and Mrs. AIacDon- aid assisted by tn e we'll Known trio of entertainers, James Bradshaw William Jackson and Charles M. Wellington A holiday atmosphere was noted throughout the institution. There was a Christmas tree in every ward brilliantly lighted by many col ored lights while festoons and wreaths were draped in the windows and about the various rooms. Dr. Mac Donald enacted the role of Santa Claus and no one was forgotten. Each of the men received a wooden pipe and two packages of tobacco as personal gifts from him. The women inmates were rernembezed with some thing useful an those who have prov ed faithful in their work received a small sum of money in an envelope.
 At noon a chicken dinner with all fixings was served under the personal direction of Dr. and Mrs. Macdonald
 The informal entertainment follow ed For nearly two hours NIessrs Bradshaw. Jackson and Wellington pleased immensely with a program o1 stories jokes and parlor magic There were religious services in the chape conducted by a priest of St Charles parish and Rev P. B, Matthias, pas. ter of the Kings Highway chapel
 Over $500 were cheered by the char dty Of the EIks, who dfstributed 15 baskets filled with turkey, chicken and the other viands that make fer holiday meal Members of the loea lodge are said to have contributed : sum approximating $1.5oO for the pur pose and frldfvidua ually, with their car f4 ltti eAiNJlus5 they spent the QaY De1OTl Ehrtstmas carrying the baskets int, appEny ed rheme of the needy. II some Instances where fuel and cloth ang were scant they made additiona gifts andsthe blessings of many home were given to the worthy order whel the father1ess. friendIess and widow sat down yesterday to paftake of tn choice Fiands that had come to then so unexpectedly.
 At the isolation hospital three slittl ones arose to find well h1led stocking and both attendants and patients sa down to a big dinner.
 At the Christian Union on Bani street, commonly called the Mission, 75 homeless men were cared for at turkey dinner presided over by. Rev e. W. Simpson.
 The local Salvation Army d1stri but ed Sa0 baskets yesterday morning t worthy families who were with out tn means of providing for Christina dinner. The baskets were well file and each contained besides a chicke plentiful supply of trimmings. Bi families, so far as possible, receive larger supply. As each basket wer to a family, between 1.30o and 40 persons enjoyed a Christmas dime through the generosity of the Salva ton Army. The money was slow i coming into the Army tllis year, som $500 being received in compariso with the $1.1oo which was taken i last year.
 On New Years day Christine tree celebration will be held in tk Army headquarters for the poor chi drens It is planned to provide mol than 500 children with warm clotl ing and mittens besides candy an oranges.
 BORG BOYLE