The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-12-24


 in support of the great names.
 The week before Christmas all ways found Parker in New York at the center table of the Leopards Club, the noted actors organiza- tion The room was always well filled the week before Christmas. It is a tradition in show business that the weeks preceding Christmas and Easter aye the worst in the theater.
 Born of extremely poor parents, Parker had never forgotten the miseries of poverty. Each year it had been his custom to arrange variety show, using the talent of the Leopards Club The money realized went toward the purchase of food baskets which were dis tributed every Christmas day from the lobby of the clubhouse
 When there was snow, instead of the carriage he would use sleigh and, like Santa, set out on his an- pual round It took great deal of money. but as result, Bob was beloved by everyone.
 Bob grew older. and his stage en- agreements became fewer
 One day, at club meeting Bob stood up and addressed the mem bers: Gentlemen, I'm getting old. It's time for me to put away my grease paint and costumes, and re- tire. Before doing so I want to ex- tract a promise from the general membership. I ask that you gen. tlemen continue to run the annual Christmas basket benefit for the poor. I cannot assume the task any longer Will you do this for me?"
 Actors are sentimental and generous lot. They promised Bob that the tradition would be faith fully maintained, and honored him further by voting him a life mem- Der. And so, retiring from the scene, his visits to the club became infrequent The baskets were for gotten.
 A year ago, Bob came back to the club a little before Christmas. He looked much older, his shoulders bent and his shock of white hair noticeably thinned
 Gentlemen" he said on rising, this is probably the last time l shall address this group. I am an old man now. There is one favor I wish to ask of you As many of you may recall, the distribution of Christmas baskets was my hob by and sole interest outside the theater."
 His voice breaking, he continued: T wish to request you to give once more your time and talents for a benefit, the proceeds to go toward the basket fund"
 Moved by the appeal of their old master, the Leopards gathered all their resources and achieved an unusually successful response. Every prominent actor and actress with in days travelling distance ap- peared The theater was damned to capacity A large sum of money was realized
 To Bobs supreme delight it was white Christmas. Since he was too old and feeble to sit again on the drivers seat and guide two prancing horses, the club arranged for the needy to come for their baskets. All day Bob attended to the distribution
 He took the subway home. His smile remained despite his weari- ness
 An hour later he was seated at small table in a plainly fur- nished room. A tiny white-haired lady sat opposite him. Robert, will you carve, please?' she requested with marked deference.
 With pleasure, Mrs. Parker. White meat?"
 Yes. if you please, Robert.
 This is a wonderful occasion" he said Were you embarrassed, dear? l hated to do it, Mary. When you came to the head of the line and I handed you the basket, l was afraid that some of the boys would recognize you as my wife.
 He seemed trifle perplexed. Strange I should have felt un- comfortable about it." he unused. Surely two as poor as we deserve Christmas basket, don't you think?"