The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1922-12-28
SANTA GREETS
THE CHILDREN
Candy Distributed to Youngsters from
Community Christmas Tree
Sunday Afternoon
HUNDREDS OF KIDDIEs PRESENT
Local Post of American Legion Spon-
sers Happy Affair y

ticism in regard to the kindly old gem
tleman was dissipated Sunday after
noon when he appeared in person be-
fore several hundred Of the children,
as well as a myriad Of grownups, and
distributed bags Of candy with prod
igal hand. In order that the great
mans coming might be the climax, q
half-hour program was rendered by
way Of introduction. The Cakes Boost
ers band appeared in the first winter
open air concert ever held here, rem
dering several pleasing numbers. A
prayer Of Thanksgiving was offered
by Rev. j. D. Smith, after which the
Community choir favored the gather
ing with one of their splendid num-
bers. Rev. H. E. Dierenfield had been
chosen to deliver the principal ad-
dress and he gave a ten minute talk
for the especial benefit Of the little
folks. That he struck a responsive
chord was evidenced by the liberal
applause. A vocal number by the
Boy Scouts and Camp Fire girls was
followed by the rendition Of "Joy to
the World" by the Community choir,
the audience joining in the song. Tho
program was very brisf, lasting bare
ly q half hour, but then those in charge
realized that the kiddies had come to
get q glimpse Of Santa Claus and rs-
ceive q bag Of candy from his own
hands, and they couldn't be expected
to have their hope deferred too long.
The only regrettable feature was
the fact that Santa had an accident
just at the edge of town. He planned
to drive his team Of reindeers right
up to the foot Of tho tres, which had
been erected at the intersectipn o&
Second and Union streets, but when
he reached the Roney corner one Of
the animals developed q sudden attack
Of lameness and the good old fellow
was obliged to telephone for car. in
which to complete his trip: Kenneth
Bush generously volunteered to go to
Santa's assistance and he was brought
into town to the accompaniment Of
yells of delight from the throats Of
several hundred children. Of course
he had lots Of places to visit and his
time was limited, so he could remain
here only a few minutes, but those
few minutes were each fraught with
sixty seconds Of unalloyed delight for
the assembled youngsters, some Of
whom actually were permitted to
shake hands with this marvellous per-
sonage. It was also noticed that more
than one of the grownups took occa-
sion to wipe away tear or two, not
Of sorrow, either.
Members of the Legion, which Or
ganization had charge of the affair
are to be congratulated upon the sue
cess Of their efforts. When the idea
was first proposed the question Of Sc
curing a suitable tree was discussed
following which letters written to Soc
railway officials resulted in that COM
pany agreeing to furnish the tree and
deliver it at Oakes without charge
Considering that this entailed a large
amount of work, as the tree was sent
here from Solana, Minn., the favor il
not one to be passed by lightly. K. w
Bush superintended the preliminary
arrangements, while Addison Denning
acted as master of ceremonies at the
program, and to both boys, as well
as to others who helped at various
times, are due the thanks Of our peo-
pie. The community Christmas tree
has come to stay.