The herald., 1920-01-01

| secretary OF the N. L. buildings as
sisted by Mr.. J. Delgenorese, and
Mr.. Robertson will continue TO have
| charge of the Y. NJ. c. A. buildings.
Xmas Night at the X. c. Hut.
No, Santa Claus did not forget
the sailor boys at the Naval station.
They even had a great big Xmas tree
and lot of other good things.
There was never a happier crowd
OF boys and girls and old folks than
the one gathered at the X. C. Hut
Xmas night. Everyone was just
brimful of Xmas gladness.
The hut was decorated most artis-
tically as well as most Christmasy.
In the center of the hall was the
largest Xmas tree in town. 1t ex-
tended from the floor to the ceiling
and was filled with all sorts of pretty
things that Old Santa loves to put on
mis- trees.
Streamers of red, white and blue
ribbon extended from the sides of
the walls and were caught up to the
center of the ceiling with large Xmas
bells
Everywhere could be seen large
sprigs of holly.
Refreshments were served in
abundance. Tables filled with candy,
cake and lemonade and barrels of
apples and oranges were placed
around the hall and all enjoyed a
real feast
When the grand march started, the
boys took their partners and march
ed around the hall in one big circle
led by AN old Civil War Veteran.
Then the guests of honor arrived.
The coEmandant of the station,
Capt. G. N. Cooper, Admiral Milton,
Lieut.. Commander Walsh and their
wives end families Joined the merry
Xmas party.
The grand march con .inued and
as the sailor boys marched each on
was presented with Xmas box
from the X. c. There wasn't any,
thing missing in that box-even the
cigarettes and match-cases were
there. The boys were just delighted.
After all the boys received their
boxes. the band turned the march
into waltz and everyone danced
around the big Xmas tree.
When the dance was in full swing
the lights were turned out and a
large flashlight of various colors was
thrown on the Xmas tree and the
dancers. 1t was a picture of Fairy
land" itself.
Dancing wasn't the only amuse-
ment, for there was a real program
too. 1t was a most enjoyable one
consisting mostly of stunts by the
boys themselves. There wasn't ono
in the gathering who didn't enjoy
a few good laughs.
The program lasted for about an
hour and then the band started
again.
Just as ii was nearing the last
dance, the tree was stripped of it's
anu tue SlIlS were 8lNcu
the little souvenirs-just little re-
membrance of a wonderful Xmas
night.
The dancers at the X. c. Hut
always stop at IL o'clock sharp, but
as it was Christmas night an excep-
ton was made and the music waited
till midnight bells were ringing and
then-"Home, Sweet, Home"-and
everybody went home glad and
happy.
Even the boys in the hospital, the
brig, and those on duty were re-
membered. for the X. c. Ford with
its Santa Claus boxes brought each
one of these unfortunates his box
before the dance.
The whole affair was gotten up
and managed so beautifully that we
cannot help but commend and con-
graduate the one who thought and
carried out the plan-Mr. John
Loughran.
The Xmas party is but one of the
many tuOuSutiul tuluSS ne has uOHo
for the boys, and though they come
and go, We know that they appre-
ciate his thoughtfulness.
The X. c. Hut has never been SO
well managed as it has been since
Mr.. Loughran took charge. Not only
have the boys gotten pleasure, but
our young people and Old folks as
well. We need not worry when our
girls are at the X. c. Hut dances,
for they are the best conducted
dances in the city.
Not only do the boys have a good
time, but they know and appreciate
the fact that at the X. C.. Hut they
will meet only the best girls in the
town, for before a girl enters the
dances she must register.
The registrar is only one of the
precautionary measures taken to see
that everything come up to the mark
set by the X. G. secretary.
Mr.. Loughran made a name for
himself before he landed in Algiers.
His repu' alton at Camp Gordon and