Evening journal., 1921-12-15
THURSDAY, DECEMBER IS, 1921
CHRISTMAS cARoIINc IN MANY FORMs.

rTvE custom OF outdoor carol singing Christmas eve,
Il which has been spreading through the country so
apidy during the last few years and which has been
reflected only to limited extent in Wilmington, has In
he OF its extension developed different character
sites in various cities. which coming in for serious
discussion that the Yuetde Is approaching
,y community workers and others who will organize this
Fear's singing groups.
The National Bureau for the Advancement OF Music,
ahich made survey OF the cities in which carolng
through the streets done last year. at the same time
made study OF the methods followed in rehearsng and
assuming the ltineran bands mapping out the districts
be covered selecting stopping places, and collecting
nnds for charitable purposes where this feature
# the arrangements.
This study shows that where the town has Commu-
atty Christmas Tree in some central place is usual for
The caroers to meet and sing in body around the tree
before dividing up into groups to visit the residential
sections.
In the absence OF a general rendezvous the starting
place OF each group rule the church. school house
Or community center where It has been rehearsed.
There are rarely more than twenty-five singers in a
,and and rarely less than ten. They for the most
)art young people although it has been found that the
presence OF few older folk lends dignity and insures
lose adherence to the business in hand
Many cities are following the plan nrst adopted and
most thoroughly worked out in Detroit, OF mapping out
he entire city every neighborhood may be served
Lighted candles in the windows the signal to the
caroers to stop and give their music.
1t has also been the practice In Detroit to collect money
during the singing for the local Chdrcn's Aid Society
so that music may be the means OF bringing material help
10 the unfortunate while giving spiritual pleasure 10
hose who perform and those who listen Last year over
1000 volunteers recruited from Y. NJ and Y. w. c. AS.
sunday schools, high schools settlements and clubs
Joined together ) form the Community Christmas CAROL
ars covering the city with miles OF song"
In Dallas Tex Roanoke Va, Greeley, Colo, and many
,her cities in the south and west the places visited were
mainly hospitals and homes for the aged and the shut
rs. the caroers often wearing red camhrc caps and
apes over their outer garments, in the style Of the
waits" Of old England to bring with them brighter
Yuletde atmosphere.
In Germantown. suburb OF Philadelphia, an expert
nent made with trained singers from church choirs
md musical societies, who received no compensation and
collected funds FOR their services but whose organ-
ailons were given certain for charitable work by
j. Hoppe, prominent resident in the district visited
mis- year is hoped to extend the plan by having many
citizens contribute
Cities in which the Community Service has represen-
stive usually have their caroling plans worked out by
that organization acting either Independently or in CO.
operation with local individuals and groups
Last year The Community Service included in its prepa-
rations campaign to teach the public "a carol day. in
order that young and old might join the singing This
campaign viii be given even more attention this year
To stimulate the learning OF the carol words and music
The national headquariers OF the organization has issued
word sheet Of Christmas carols and bulletin entitled
tores Of the Christmas Carols" by Professor Peter w
oykema Of the University Of Wisconsin who has made
extensive research into the origin and history OF these
traditional songs In that bulletin which print else
where in paper today, Professor Dykema has given
some OF the beautiful legends that cling to God Rest You
Merry Gentlemen" "Hsrk, the Herald Angels Sing" 20
Little Town Of Bethlehem and others Of the best known
carols
80 wilmington vocatsts form your groups select your
carols and begin practice to the that you may make
Christmas eve here in 1921 something long to be remem-
oered as the real beginning OF Christmas carons
IN our community.
And Wilmington househoders, lay in your stocks Of
candles so that you viii be able TO display on Christmas
eve the flaming signal that the harmonious courtesies Of
the carolers will be appreciated.
BEHIND THE GUN