The Republican journal., 1915-12-30
Christmas Festivities.
They Began Dec. 23d and were Continued
Friday and Saturday. The Municipal
Christmas Tree Great Success.


THE MUNICIPAL CHRISTMAS TREE.
Friday was pleasant day with mild tenn
perature that caused the general remark,
"Not much like last year,"-when the first
municipal Christmas tree was lighted under
adverse conditions. 1t was 30 cold then that
the band had to get under cover or the music
would have frozen in their instruments. This
year the weather was favorable and people be-
| gan to gather before the hour-7 o. m.-for
lighting the tree, and when the exercises be-
gan postofice square was filled to overfowing
Rev. Arthur A. Blair. chairman Of the Asso-
| ciated Charities. which had charge of the tree
this year, presided at the exercises. which began
with q selection by the Belfast band, stationed
on the post office steps. Then all sang "Joy to
the World" with band accompaniment. Both
the selection and the accompaniment were
beautifully rendered. Prayer was offered by
Rev Arthur E. Wilson, and Mayor Charles R.
Coombs then made brief address in which he
urged all to remember when they were chill
dren and to do everything in their power to
make the little ones happy and thus ensure
their own real enjoyment. The thoughts he
they are carried out in his own life. At the
close OF the Mayors address Mr.. Blair
nounced that the Maple Leaf quartet, who
were with the Jere N cAulffe company, play
ing an engagement at the Colonial Theater,
had kindly offered to sing, and they contribut
ed no little to the enjoyment of the occasion.
They were heartily applauded and responded
to several encores with ac acc0mDapiments hv
the band. The exercises closed with all sing
ing America. and then everybody looked for
the appearance of Santa Claus, whose coming
was heralded by the ringing of bells as his
team came up Main street. Santa Claus (Elon
B. Gilchrest) was attired all in red and as he
neared the crowd he stood up and shouted to
the children and rang the bells he carried in
each hand. His driver (Chares E. Sherman), },
also standing, was in costume that made him
unrecognizable by his nearest friends. As the
team approached the police cleared space
for the children to march around the tree and
be welcomed by Santa Claus and receive their
presents. Each one given bag of can
dies and nuts and no less than 500 packages
were distributed.
| The tree with its many colored electric
lights, with large star of white incandescent
lights at the top, and the strings of colored
lights stretched dagonally across the square
made up brilliant spectacle. The tree will
be lighted each night during the week.
A double quartet, under the direction of Mr.
| Elbridge S. Pitcher. in la-ge red auto truck,
went directly after the public exercises to
/ sing Christmas carols to the shut-ins and those
unable to attend the Christmas exercises.
| Mrs. Charles M. Craig, Mrs. Fred N. Savery,
Rev. Horace B. Sellers and Mr.. VIM. B. Wood
bury of the Associated Charities, with many
assisting, attended to the delivery of 80 din
ners, including meats, vegetables, bread, cram
berries, apples and candy, making this num-
ber of homes bright with Christmas cheer.
Much was also done by private citizens, and no
efforts were spared to make this Merry
| Christmas to all.
In the Churches.
A Christmas party for the children Of the
primary department held in the North
church Thursday afternoon, Dec. 23d under
the direction of Mrs. Charles M. Craig as
sisted by Mrs. Irving Cross, Mrs. W. B.
Woodbury., Mrs. Fred R. Poor and Mrs. Bert
rand L. Davis. The party was a great success,
the children having delightful time playing
games, receiving the gifts from the Christmas
tree and partaking of refreshments. Gifts
were also brought for the poor and needy.
The Christmas party for the children of the
Sunday school in the Unitarian church parlors
Friday afternoon was a great success. The
first half hour was given over to games, then
the younger children gave little program of
songs, recitatons, etc., it being the first public
appearance of some of them After that Mrs.
S. Augustus Parker read from Dickens Christ
mas Carols, and then came the distribution of
gifts from the tree. Mr.. and Mrs. Santa Claus
appeared, the Rev. Arthur E. Wilson taking
the part of Santa. and Ruth Dinsmore imper-
sonating the lady. Each child received little
gift, together with box of candy and pop
corn, and ice cream in cones was served.
Saturday afternoon happy Christmas party
was held in the Baptist vestry under the au-
spices of the Sunday school and was enjoyed
by a large number of little folks. Games were
enjoyed, and refreshments served. Charles E
Rhoades, superintendent Of the Sunday school
was ably assisted by willing helpers and it was
merry time for all who attended
In the Universalist church at o'clock Satur.
day night a Christmas tree was enjoyed by the
children. All received gifts and games wer.
played.
The Home for Aged Women
Was well remembered. Mr.. Edward Sb
ley sent turkey, Mrs. Lillian Gardner fow
and apples Mrs. J. E. Webber fruit pudding
Mrs. Cyrene Jackson basket of grapes
oranges and candy for a centerpiece, Mrs
Charles A. Pilsbury and Mrs. Wayland Knowl
.. ton, large frosted cakes, Mrs. E. J. Morrison
and Mrs. R. F. Dunton individual Christina.
cakes, Mrs. A. o. Stoddard oranges and ielly
Mrs. M. W. Richs Sunday school class pre-
sented red and white quilt, and all the in
mates were remembered with Individual pitt
from relatives and friends
The Girls Home.
J 1t was very happy Christmas for the 25 in
mates of the Girls Home on Northport avenue
Mrs. Ira M. Cobe sent three turkeys, with
vegetables, ETC., for the Christmas dinner, Mr.
Edward Sibley sent turkey, and Mrs. Berths
Hadley Robinson of Norfolk, Va. barrel Of
sweet potatoes and apples. At 4 p. m, Satur
day many guests were gathered in the dining
room, and the girls of the Home gave the
following program: Song Carol SWeetJv O. aroj