Putnam patriot., 1918-12-27
CHRISTMAS CHEER
FOR ALL
Every Home Had Mere or Less
to Add 10 the bog of the
Greatest Holiday Of Them
All.
Public Institutions All Jared Well

Back from France, sitting IN his
uniform at the Christmas dinner Ia
bic relating stories that stilled the
click of knives and forks, sat the re-
turned soldier boy This scene was
witnessed in many. home on Christ
mas Day. What better present could
the mother, the father, the brothers
and sisters receive than the return of
their ''boy" The "boy" turned to
manhood by doing mans work that
the world may be rid OF the bloody
heel of the Kaiser and all that it and
its attributes stood for. Perhaps no
homes so happy as these. In other
homes the joy of peace restored by
such young men as sat at ovher tables
was reflected. But there were homes
where there was vacant chair.
Where the voice of boy will never
more be heard. The heroes who
stayed at home and watched, worried,
waited and then received the sad
news, gathered in humble submission
to the will of the Almighty. They
had done their all. They had given
of their flesh and blood that the world
might be better place to live in,
Dry eyed and with sad smiles they ate
their Christmas meal. The same
thought was in the minds of all and
occasionally the little mother would
lift her napkin above her mouth as
an escaped tear started upon its jour
ney across her wrinkled cheek.
While such homes were saddened
there was an underlying JOY. The
boy had not given his life in vain.
His memory will ever be cherished.
But it was great holiday, joyous
holiday. In observing the nativity of
the Saviour all christian nations re-
ioiced that the great world war had
come to an end and thanks for the
blessing was freely given. The great
gift-giviiig time was observed in this
country as never before osperity
was abroad in the land and taere YVES
plenty Those fprtanatessaw that
those less fortunate had something 10
be thankful for. The shopkeepers re
port that never did they do such
volume of business. The Salvation
Army, the Flks, and private individu-
ais. after investigation which dis
closed worthy, needy people, saw that
such people We're provided for. 1t IS
hoped that no one was overlooked, as
there was plenty for all.
At the Windham County Temper
arv Home the children, 12l of them,
were generously remembered. At
o'clock in the afternoon there was
Christmas tree. This followed the
fine dinner served, which included
roast pork, vegetables, pudding. pas
try, candy, nuts, fruits, etc. Gifts
were sent to the home from all parts
of the county, and every child was
well remembered The Howe-Marot
school, pupils of the Putnam High
school, l.. +. Smith and others were
especially generous in their gifts. 1t
was great day for the inmates of the
fine institution and the superintend-
ent and matron, Mr.. and Mrs. ID. Z.
Park, saw that everyone shared in the
spirit of the day.
At the Day Kimball Hospital there
was an exchange of gifts and many
things were sent in from outside.
There was an illumination Christmas
eve and wreaths and candles orna-
| mented the windows. This was in hon.
| or of the proposed visit Of the choir
singing Christmas carols. On ae-
| count of the downpour Of rain this
had to be given up The choir Of the
Baptist church, however, went to the
hospital Christmas morning and sang
for the inmates. The usual Christ
mas dinner was provided. This con-
sisted of turkey, chicken, vegetables,
cake. ice cream, etc. All who were
well enough enjoyed the day as much
az possible in the environment OF the
| sick room.
At the town farm, Superintendent
| and Matron. Mr.. and Mrs. jerome
Shippee, saw that their charges had
something to cause them to realize
that Christmas time is good VIII
time, and that there are those who re-
member even the unfortunate poor on
this great occasion. There were gifts
and fine Christmas dinner.
At Brooklyn Jail the inmates we're
made to feel the spirit of the day and
the menu provided was an excellent
one.
In this city the day passed off very
quietly. Only one arrest was made
for intoxicati0n