The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1915-12-24
XMAS OF 1915
GREATEST EVER,
TRADING SHOWS
Oficials Of All Businesses in
Bridgeport Unite in This
Belief.

'srrhe greatest Christmas New Eng
land has ever seen,'' is the concensus
of opinion of railroad, express, bank
ing and department store heads in this
city today as they labored with the
3dnaI shipments, sales and check pay
dments for the belated holiday gift Civ
ers.
At the railroad station the platforms
were thronged from early morning
with a happy, prosperous appearing
crowd of men and women who lugged
weu-flled satche1s, suit cases and
hampers in preparation for their jour-
neys or greeting their incoming
friends. The uniforms of soldiers and
sailors on furlough mingled with
those Of military school students and
the poinsetta decorated bodices of the
well gowned women who aighted from
incoming trains.a
Express matter, cared for during the
entire night, was still arriving in huge
quantities at the express = depot. It
was shipped out in train loads of five
filled. Tt was estimated that express
matter lone would fill 25 cars today
while parcel post and mail matter
would crowd even larger number OF.
the huge railway carriers.
In the department and smaller
tsores throughout the city only broken
lines of stock were availble at NOON
time, the greatest shopping period
ever experienced here having been
nearly closed. Store officials declared
that shopping had been done early
during the month and continued stead
lily. The tail-end rush tonight is ex.
pected to well care for the entire city.
The charitable organizations have
made marked progress in the collec-
ton of funds and preparation for dis
trfbutfon of dinners and necessities It
is said there are fewer needy persons
there ia VISa oz+
with other seasons and contributions
to many causes consequently
been light. Special dinners VIII be
served and baskets distributed by the
Salvation Army. Christian Union, Hill
side home, county Jail, E1ks and other
institutions and organizations.
Banks, which will keep open until
late this evening, have been busily en-
gagged in passing out quantities of gold
pieces ranging from the $3.50 denom-
ination to the double eagle, which
have been distributed by employers
among their Office forces and will sink
heavily into the Christmas stockings
tomorrow.
Special preparations for an extra
ordinary Christmas eve are being
made by local clubs and it is expect
ed they will be thronged during the
evening hours.
Christmas spirit will extend even
into the Sound, for all tugboat and
barge captains in the harbor will have
the day off without work. Those YES
sells that have not left the breakwater
by sundown tonight will, according to
ancient custom, remain at anchor.
of visits between their
masters will be made and general con-
among the crews will reign.
Extra rations will be served in the
All vessels under way will
celebrate the day by doing only the
necessary shifting of sails and special |
dinners will be served.
Restaurants and 1unchrooms have
prepared especially attractive menus
for those without homes in this city
At Lakeview Home the menu will
consist of turkey, cranberry sauce |
(Cons3uued on Page 2.)