Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-24
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
WILL BREAK PRISON
WALLS TOMORROW
Men and Women at Penal
Institutions of City Will
Have Day of Gladness on
Christmas.

Christmas in a prison! How desolate
the words sound! And yet Visit to any
of the penal institutions of Philadelphia
would show that even the cold gray con-
fines of a jail can be penetrated by the
Yuletide spirit,
Christmas is a day of rest at the East
ern Penitentiary There is no work and
there is no school, and not even visitors
are permitted. This. according to War
den bob" McKenty, Is in entire accord
with the wishes of the prisoners, who. IL
the real truth were known, are not as
keen about visiting days as the average
person might imagine.
In keeping with the principles of dem
ocracy which prevail at the penitentiary,
no gifts but those of the simplest and
most useful character will be distributed,
and no presents will be permitted to en-
ter from the outside. share and share
alike is the guiding rule here" said the
warden.
However, the favorite dishes OF the
prison menu will be served at tomorrow's
| dinner, and in the afternoon the prison
band will furnish musical entertain
ment
MANY of the men and women confined
| at the penitentiary are some dollars rich
er than they were before the holiday
season,
| skilful worlmen among them, the prod
net of whose labors made ideal gifts II
| did not take Phlladelphians long to real
| ize this. and many did their Christmas
shopping at the penitentiary exclusively.
PRISONERS DELIGHT CHILDREN.
The day will be made happier for the
prisoners, too, because OF the knowledge
| that through their efforts l45 little chill
dren are going to have merry Christmas.
| Several weeks ago the men and women
contributed voluntarily to fund for the
children of the prisoners, and almost 500
| was collected. With the money Warden
/ McKenty has purchased sweaters and
| TOYS and dresses and dollies. and they
\ have ben sent here, there and everywhere
throughout the state.
AT MoYAMENsING PRISON.
| Although no gifts of any kind will be
received at the Moyamenslng County
Prison, superintendent Fred A. Cooke has
given orders for the preparation Of
dinner extraordnaire, and Mrs. Z, II.
| Stotesbury has sent the women prisoners
| a large vietrola with many choice records,
the music from which VIII resound
| throughout the corridors during the day.
More than a dozen Christmas trees will
be erected at BloolSley, and Superinten-
dent Daniel W. Seltzer and an army Of
volunteer assistants are having all that
mortal men can do making ready for the
big feast. Beginning at 5 IN the morning,
| the nurses of the Philadelphia General
! Hospital will sing Christmas carols, and
from then ON the day is to be given
! over TO merriment.
GIFTS FOR ALL
There will be wonderful dinners and
gifts for all In addition, several philan-
thropic candy merchants have donated
many boxes of candy, which will be dis
! tributed. Another patron has promised
q nice new 5Q-eent piece for every blind
man in the institution.
PRIVILEGES FOR INMATES.
Many special privileges will be allowed
the inmates OF the House of Correction at
Holmesburg tomorrow In the hrst place
breakfast, which ordinarily consists OF
bread and coffee, will be supplemented on
Christmas morning with large Dutch
eako with plenty Of raisins in it.
Early In the morning many OF the Cath
Ollie inmates will leave their cells and go
TO the little chapel on the hTst floor OF the
main building where Mass will be cele-
brated by a priest from ST. Leos Roman
Catholic Church, Taeony. Later, a serv-
ice for the Protestants Will be held in the
auditorium.
WANAMAKER TO SPEAK.
Arrangements for the religious exercises
have been made by Mrs. Mary W. Fales.
Of 4i0l Spruce street sister Of John
I WanamakeE Addresses viii be made by
Mr. Wanamaker, the Rev Hugh c. Nc
Bride, pastor OF the Taeony Presbyterian
lChureh, Mrs Fales and William a. Pat
terson, the superintendent. Members oi
the choir Of Bethany Presbyterian
Church viii sing Christmas hymns Cor
the men. real Christmas dinner con
sistlng Of turkey, cranberry sauce celery
and an the other good things that "a
with such 8 feast viii be served
Aside from being q day or big "eafs. =
the day is or special importance TO the
inmates because. FOR the hrst time IN the
history 81 the institution. the old striped
suits VIII not be worn. The man here
after win wear dark brown coats. trou-
sars and CABS. This is the moat satisiac-
tory Christmas gift that could have been
devised for them.