Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-12-26
Christmas Day
Proves Ideal One
For Waterville Folks

December rs, 1924 Will be remem-
bered by Waterville people for some
time as an ideal Christmas day.
There was just enough snow on the
ground to make 1t white Yule Tide
but not enough to make the walking
uncomfortable. The temperature was
just low enough to make it the best
kind of a winter day.
Few Sundays find Waterville as
quiet as it was yesterday to the cas-
ual spectator. Especially on Main
street was absence of activity nott-
ceable. Stores that ordinarily keep
open every day in the week were
closed tightly and the curtains pull
ed in order that employees and en-
ployers might enjoy the best holiday
In the year.
The only sign Of Christmas in the
business section was the municipal
Christmas tree beautiful in the day.
time. all evergreen standing in Cas-
tonguay square with a white back
ground and dazzling at night with
the array of colored lights. Now and
then pedestrian would wander
along the sidewalk and occasionally
an automobile could be seen but for
the greater part of the day the streer
was practically deserted.
Even the Waterville fire depart
ment had holiday. And 1t is GER
tain they deserved one after the ex-
cellent work, that the firemen did
during the cold, snap. Not call of
any kind came into the Central sta
ton during the day or early evening.
During the first three days of the
week the station platform was
crowded with people going and COM
ing to spend the holiday but yester-
day the station was AMIDST lonely
with its absence of activity.
The busiest places in the city out
side of the homes were the hills ana
fields In the outlying country. Here
one could find grou.s of children
many of them trying out their
Christmas sleds. skis and toboggans
while at Community park the skat-
ing rink was another busy place.
Although snow was predicted very
little snow fell Wednesday although
there was just enough for the chill
dren. The sliding was wonderful
with hard icy coating beneath the
thin layer of snow.
At the Waterville Post Office, prob
ably the busiest place in Waterville
during the past week the clerks
wound up the rush Of Christmas
mail at II o'clock yesterday morn
ing and through the kindness of
Postmaster Edgar J. Brown they
went home to enjoy their Christmas
dinners.
Hundreds OF Christmas baskets
had been distributed to needy famii-
les throughout Waterville and even
yesterday workers were busy
Frightening homes where cheer
would have otherwise have been
lacking. During the past few weeks
several organizations in the city
have been working at top speed
gathering warm clothing, fuel and
food to distribute among the poorer
people OF the city. Business condi-
lions have not been of the best in
Waterville during the past year and
there was neei for more work than
usual.
A few of the instances that might
be mentioned might be the work of
tae City officers aided by the SEN
tinel. the Rotary. Kiwanis and Lions
clubs. The Elks, Woman's Associa-
ton and other woman's organiza-
tons. several Catholic organizations,
the Salvation Army and many in
dividuals.
This work will not stop with the
passing Of Christmas but will be
continued through the winter
months. No family need suffer if
any Of these service organizations be
notified. Ways will be found to help
every worthy case.