The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-12-25
CITY OBSERVES
CHRISTMAS IN
JOYOUS SPIRIT
Catholic and Protestant
Churches Filled for
YuIe Services.
POOR ARE REMEMBERED
Food, Clothing and Toys
Are Distributed by
Charity Groups.

AT Cnurcn ana IN Jne nome, at
welfare stations and other charitable
centers where the needy gathered,
indianapolis today held the most
festive celebration of Christmas
since 1929.
Churches we're filled for the OBJ
servance of the most important
festival of the Christian calendar
Protestant churches repeated pro-
grams given last night. Devout
Catholics attended early masses to-
day, the traditional Christmas eve
midnight mass having been discon-
tinued this year.
1t was not white Christmas.
Rising temperatures during the
night and early today removed
whatever hope the weather bureau
held for snowfall today. The rain
and Sleet storm which yesterday
turned streets and sidewalks into
rivulets through which late holiday
shoppers waded, abated during the
night, and little snow remained.
Cloudy and rainy weather was to-
days prospect.
Rejoicing and feasting marked the
holiday observance in indianapolis
homes.
Retail Sales Increase
The poor, always the objects of
the Christmas solicitude of the more
fortunate, appeared to have Jared
we'll. Charitable and other organi-
cations turned in reports that the
needy had been taken care of as far
as possible.
Increased giving. attributed to
favorable upturn of economic con-
ditions, made possible a wider dis
tribution of clothing and food. Re-
tail sAles had increased between 10
and 20 per cent, indicating bounti-
full holiday for thousands.
Postoffice employees, who for weeks
have struggled under load I'M
precedented during the depression,
celebrated the holiday in their
homes. There was one delivery of
parcels and special delivery mail was
handled as usual.
All mail received up to last night
had been delivered.
Rail Traffic Heavy
Holiday traffic over trunk rail-
road lines continued heavy today.
Highways we're damned with holi-
day parties en- route to the city and
other Indiana cities and towns for
family reunions.
Public buildings and banks were
closed.
Today's program began with the
early morning masses in Catholic
churches. The Protestant services
we're conducted later.
At James Whitcomb Riley Hospi-
tai for Children Santa Claus deliv-
cred gifts while nurses sang carols.
Even the inmates of the Marion
County Jail had a Christmas pro-
gram. The st. Philip Neri Boys
Choir was secluded to give a special
Christmas program during the din
ner hour when special menu will
be served.
Holiday Baskets Distributed
Holiday baskets by the thousands
were distributed yesterday and this
morning. Sunshine Mission deliv-
cred 80 baskets. Children-more
than 400-received candy, toys and
dolls at pageant in the Mission
headquarters, 1044 Virginia-av.
Indianapolis Flower Mission de-
livered food and clothing to so homes
and the 1908 club of the organiza-
ton under direction of Mrs. Frank
Bowers, president, made many chill
dren happy with toys and dolls.
Candy and fruit were distributed
by the Variety Club at the Chris
mas party at the Indiana Theater.
Indianapolis Kiwanis Club last
night staged its annual Christmas
party for 1900 children at the Eng
lish Avenue Boys Club. and the Lau-
ter Memorial Boys Club.
Public Officials Celebrate
Five hundred children were to be
entertained this morning by st.
Vincent's Hospital Guild at the In
dianpolis Railways Highland barns.
More than 100 men sat down to
a special Christmas breakfast at
Wheeler City Rescue Mission this
morning.
Tonight's observance will include
a Christmas dance of the So-Fra
Club at Knights of Columbus Hall
Miss Ruth Day is chairman of the
arrangements committee, assisted by
Henry Otterbach and Joseph Dux.
Public officials yesterday played
host to their stats. Glenn B. Raj
ston. county clerk. received an orr
entail throw rug from employees at
a Courthouse party Charles R..
Grossart. county auditor, received
an easy chair and reading lamp and
County Commissioner Ernest K.
Marker acted as Santa Claus at the
large Christmas tree erected in the