Evening star., 1934-11-12

~ IGHTY- EIGHT full and abun-
dant years was the nearest ap-
proach Of Carl Herman Braatz
IL to his dream Of useful life 10
centuries long, but not before
he had played Santa Claus to thou
sands Of children
Death stopped him far short of his
goal yesterday, but he had accom-
plished much in the time given him as
a friend of children, the weak ano
aged; as a grower of flowers and as
an inspiration for young artists.
His face told the story of useful
simple life, in the fine modelling OF
nose and forehead, the sweep of a
luxurant white beard and the clarity
of his skin.
Artists modelled. sketched and painted
him, and to the children he was a
natural-born SAINT Claus.
For half of his life Braatz insisted
he would live thousand years. Yes
terday morning. however, wave OF
doubt swept him and he at length
saw that death was at hand.
Rraatz acknowledged this to his
friends and died peacefully in his room
at the Central Union Mission shortly
after the moon hour.
Capital Figure Since 1874.
Braatz had been a familiar figure
in Washington since 1874, when he
was brought here as butler by George
Bancroft on retirement Of that great
statesman and historian as Ambas-
sador at Berlin.
In later years Braatz's great fond
ness for children and bis striking re-
semblance to Santa Claus made him
much in demand at Christmas parties
in clubs, orphanages, hospitals ano
private homes. At one time the
Kiwanis Club, which does much work
among crippled children, voted Braatz
the most useful citizen of Washington
In daily life he was hardly less
striking in appearance than when
dressed as Santa. A bouquet Of some
sort of flowers was always pinned to
his coat, and sometimes there were
several. He was a great favorite al
the market, and the flower vendors
heaped their bounty upon him. Mr.
Braatz, aside from being fond oi
| flowers, was quite an authority or
roses. and is credited with having
bred several new varieties.
When Mr. Bancroft died in 1891
he left his faithful butler, who wa.
really almost nurse to the absent
minded old gentleman, a pension
amounting to dollar a day for the
rest of his life. Since that time, ex.
| cept for IL years of residence with
| the widow of Rev. Robert T. Fogle
Mr.. Braatz lived at the Central Unior
Mission, both old and new, where hs
was universal favorite. Most oi
his dollar a day income went to others
Joins Mr.. Bancroft.
When George Bancroft went tx
, Berlin as Americas plenipotentiary ir
1869, he made an important discovery
that he was quite unable to get or
without his new German butler. 81
when he retired in 1874 and returned
TO finish his existence in Washington
and Newport, MIR. Braatz came, too
Bancroft lived to be 81, and in hi,
| later days had to be waited on hanc
dAlo 1OOes SA4lSC IA4CIA l1l. o4 dut1 1IdN
never stopped his life of service anc
activity. He was not employed BY
the mission, but was always ready
and could always be counted on tc
| help any one who crossed his path
He spent his mornings often at the
i markets, with CHEEKY word for all
and was always welcomed. But
Christmas was always his big time
From 1921 to 1881 he incarnated st
Nicholas for Woodward & Lothrop's
Children climbed up on his knees
tugged his beard, which perhaps they
were surprised to find was real, and
gave him innumerable letters. To-
| ward the end, their youthful exuber.
ance began to fatigue him too Much
and he was forced to give up his
most pleasant function. He was toe
popular.
The life classes at the Corcoran Ar
Gallery monopolized much of his time
He was a particular favorite with the
beginners.
Mr.. Braatz is not known to have
any relatives living. He used to write
regularly to Germany, but since the
war he sent no more. Funeral services
will be held at the mission tomorrow
at $3.50 pm.