Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-12-05
1OO,O[OLNE TREES
TO WEAR GAY GARb
California Christmas Fete
viii Be Treat for Rich
and Poor.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch TO Inc star.
SAN FRANCISCO, December 5.-No
child in California will be too poor this
year to enjoy the spirit OF Christmas
in so far as it is represented by beau
tifully decorated and lighted Christmas
tree for it is estimated that at least
100000 outdoor trees throughout the
State will sparkle with baubleS and
electric lights.
This State makes quite a TODD over
outdoor Christmas trees, having q
Statewide organization to foster the
idea. OF course, working. as it does,
with Chambers of Commerce and other
civic and booster bodies, the outdoor
Christmas Tree Association doesn
mind if some one mentions that Callfor-
mia mild Winter climate is suitable Tor
such an idea to grow in, but the idea
really goes deeper, and the seed WASH
planted by Californians, Inc.
Clarence F. Pratt of San Francisco,
whose home is at the edge OF Sutro
Forest-which is in the center OF this
crowded city-five years ago decorated a
tall evergreen tree in his yard Alter
the Christmas season was over, the
mother of a poor child near his resi-
dence called on Mr.. Pratt and thanked
him for his thoughtfulness, telling him
how her little boy enjoyed the tree, nav
IOle Vi Ills OMIl. lilo SNfN NA~N
founder of the Outdoor Tree Association
the idea that many other children, and
perhaps prownups as well, would get
more enjoyment from the Christmas
season if outdoor trees were decorated.
100000 Trees Goal.
Luncheon gatherings are being or
have been held throughout the State TO
launch this years activities. A goal OF
10000 decorated trees in Northern ana
Central California and an equal num-
Der in the south has been set and there
is confidence that it will be reached.
The theme of the gatherings this year
Is to restore cheer in the hearts OF the
States Youngsters despite the culmlna-
tion of hard times. Confidence that the
goal set will be reached Is helped by
the low prices for decorations prevail
ing this year. l.,
The idea has appealed to persons m
4arested in forest conservation ana DOM
state and National foresters are touno
taking an active part IN the community
gatherings. Though the tree assocla-
ton does not condemn all CnrhtLIlaS
tree cutting, it does condemn lnolScrIlill-
nate cutting and emphasizes the greater
pleasure to the greater NUMBER eIteL
tv decoration of living trees. ForesVers
nubIic education in forest conservation.
MANY thousands of persons living IN
Central California will attend renglous
ceremonies Christmas morning In Gen.
Grant National Park, where the Gen;
Ssrent SaoiIoia. "the oldest living thing,
Is annually decorated as the NaIioh 3
Christmas tree. o,;o1
Here in San Francisco seVeraI spee .,sa
features are being sponsored ny @te
outdoor Tree ASsoclation One -
the nature of a tribute TO JoIin MC
Iaren, builder and SuperIIVeiiuei"
Golden Gate Park.
Tree to Be Decorated,
A tree in the park will be decorated
hnd nm his birthday, December ~
trben he viii be IS years old, the chill
rlren of the city will give him an out
door marty. s. A thousand dolls Will DC
ho,,ohf for a thousand children ana
there will be huge birthday CAKE lol
John McLaren. L.,
one of the beauty spots OF the CITY
will be the Shriners' Hospital 1or Zip
pied Children, where taA eve W. - es e..
the benefit of this hospital that tne
annual shrine East-West foot ball game
Is held in San Francisco, and oe-
Iioht TO the children in the hoSpltaI at
the Christmas New Year season is tne
visits by noted gridiron heroes from all
parts of the country. j..
A pastoral scene will be staged IN
Golden Gate Park for several evenings
before Christmas, spotlights being
thrown on a shepherd and his MOCK.
Inquiries have come to the Outooot.
Tree Association from many parts OF
tha country and the idea has spread to
other States. notably oregon and Utah.
Quite a number of saplings have been
dug up in Sutro Forest and sent to
other cities as a physical link between
the California association and those
being formed elsewhere. Sponsors OF
the association here hope that ulti-
mately the movement will be Nation
wide, bringing more cheer at CHRIST
mas time and promoting interest in
preservation of tree life.