Helped by the Chub Club

1895

The Chub Club of Jamaica raised a sum of money and presented it to Mrs. George Sanders of New York avenue on Wednesday. Mr. Sanders was killed by the cars one day last week, and this financial assistance was timely and generous.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, N.Y., Jan. 18, 1895, unknown page number.

Lost and Found

1916

Ralph was kicking up the dust along the road on the way home from the little corner store. Then he came upon a bundle lying in the road, where perhaps it had been dropped from a passing automobile. It was a long, knobby, interesting bundle, and he picked it up and ran the rest of the way home.

He gave mother the spool of thread, and then took the bundle out to the barn without saying anything about it. Then when he opened it he found a bow and a dozen arrows. Now for a month Ralph had been wanting a bow and arrows, and hinting to the family that they would be an acceptable gift. So far no one had taken the hint.

Yet here they were, almost as if they had dropped out of the sky. He handled them lovingly. He felt there was nothing else in the world he wanted so badly. He fitted an arrow in, and shot at the old straw hat that hung on the barn door. The arrow pierced the hat. It was a fine bow. He wanted to take it to the orchard and put up a mark to shoot at. But suppose the boy that really owned it should see him!

Then Ralph was ashamed. The bow was not his. He was hiding in the barn because he didn't dare let anybody see it. And the real owner probably was wishing for it very much. Ralph hushed that voice that said, "Finders, keepers."

"Things that you find don't belong to you unless you've tried to find the real owner and can't do it," said Ralph stoutly. And he knew that was right. He went outside. Nearly all the boys of that end of town were at the ball game over in Singer's pasture. Ralph went to one group after another. "I found a package in the road," he said. "Whoever lost it can have it if they describe it so I know it is theirs."

In the third group Jamie Rainess jumped up and ran to Ralph. "Say," he whispered, "was it a bow and arrows? I lost one today."

"Yes," said Ralph; "come over to the barn and I'll give it to you."

"That's the one," said Jamie as soon as he saw it. "My! but I felt awful to lose it. I'm glad to get it back. I just didn't know what to do about it."

But such an astonishing thing happened two days later. When Ralph came home from grandma's there was a shout of "Surprise!" and the house was full of boys and girls who had come for his birthday. And the present from Jamie was the same bow and arrows!

Just suppose Ralph hadn't given it back! — Christian Standard.

Tries To Collect For Gifts To Girl Who Weds Another

1920 (1919)

"As a Romeo, You're a Failure," Says Judge After Fining Man and Exacting His Promise Not to Molest Woman With Further Demands for Return of Presents.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 1. — Justice Casimir J. Welch, occupying the bench in municipal court, surveyed the pair before him in the prisoners' dock with studied frigidity. Common disturbers of the peace in this, the holiday season, when every one should be happy and all serene, were finding little favor. But when Mrs. M. Bellos, the wife of a Greek restaurant owner, told her story the court sat up and took notice. This is the story Mrs. Bellos told:

While still a maiden she was the proprietor of a restaurant and rooming-house in Sayre, Pa. Business was good and there was little to worry her, when Bill Poulos became a guest at her rooming-house, and then a regular boarder. Bill was fairly handsome and likeable and soon he became attentive. As time passed his attentions became more pronounced, until he became a suitor.

Now the proprietress of the rooming-house, tho she liked Bill, had no thought of becoming involved matrimonially, since she had learned from some source, probably during one of Bill's unguarded moments, that Bill had a wife in "the old country." Consequently, when Bill's protestations became obnoxious she quietly sold out and came to Kansas City.

But Bill was not to be put off in that manner. He followed, arriving here two weeks ago, only to find that his "intended" had married.

He found her to be Mrs. M. Bellos.

But Bill was undaunted. Besides, there were the presents he had given her amounting in value to something like $200, as he figured it.

And that was where the disturbance of the peace charge had its origin.

When Bill found that she still spurned advances he resorted to demands for the return of the presents or $200 and, being balked in this direction, turned to the to the husband. There again he had no luck and, forthwith began making trouble, with the usual result. The police were called.

Justice Welch patiently listened thru it all. Then he turned on Poulos.

"As a Romeo you are a complete failure, Poulos. That kind of stuff may go in your country, but it won't go here. You are fined $50, but I'll give you a stay if you keep away from that restaurant."

Poulos promised to stay away.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Jan. 3, 1920, p. 4.

Penny Weddings

1900

The Scotland penny weddings were so called, although the guests contributed shillings and occasionally half crowns, toward the wedding feast.

The penny wedding of Germany is on a different basis. The bride receives her guests with a basin before her, in which everybody deposits a jewel, a silver spoon or piece of money. In some parts of Germany the expense of a marriage is met by each guest paying for what he eats and drinks, and, moreover, at a very high rate, so that the young couple obtain a sum sufficient to start them nicely in life. As many as 300 guests often assemble.

In Poland a girl is not eligible for marriage until she has not only made her own trousseau, but the garments for the friends that will accompany the bridegroom to the altar.

What German Soldiers Want for Christmas

1915

The Berliner Tageblatt has published the replies of the various German armies to its inquiry of what the soldier boys would like to have sent them for Christmas.

Following is a summary of what the soldiers ask for:

Army of the Crown Prince: Red wine, cigars, cigarettes, smoking tobacco, canned milk, sewing materials, chocolate and cheese.

Army of Von Hindenburg: Honey cakes, herring, preserves, mitts, mufflers, ladies' muffs, sewing material, chocolates, mouth harmonicas, pocketknives.

Army of Mackensen: Sausage, lard or butter, dried fruits, chocolates, smoked fish, accordions or harmonicas. No woolen goods.

Army of Gallwitz: Cigars, cigarettes, chocolates, soap, sardines, fish, preserves, sewing materials, darning needles and wool, any kind of musical instrument, picture books and comic papers.

Army of Loewenfeld: Cigars, cigarettes, smoking tobacco, chocolates, stockings, handkerchiefs, canned milk.

Army of Von Kooster: Stockings, mitts, mufflers, towels, handkerchiefs, soap, chocolates, pickled meats, wine, beer, electric pocket lamps, pocketknives, funny papers.

The list offers variety for all tastes and purses.

Well-Chosen Gifts

1900

Berlin papers state that the family of Prince Bismarck found a serious difficulty after his death in disposing of the presents sent to him during the last few years of his life by his enthusiastic admirers. The gifts were numbered by the thousand and embraced the most incongruous articles, from a live rhinoceros to a coffin.

All men, says an old proverb, give gifts; but few men give pleasure with their gifts.

Why should a man or woman, striving to express affection for a friend, cumber him with a nuisance? Usually because, in choosing a gift, we are apt to consult our own tastes rather than those of our friend.

After William Penn died, the Indians in his province sent to his widow, Hannah, a cloak of the most costly furs. "To protect her," was their message, " while travelling alone without her guide for the rest of her way through the thorny wilderness."

Here were all the qualities of a perfect gift: a fine meaning embodied in an article of value and of service to the person to whom it was given.

A poor widow to whom Queen Victoria had granted a pension wished to express her gratitude and loyalty. But what could she give that the empress of one-fourth of the world would value?

She was an expert amateur photographer, and it occurred to her to take pictures of all the places visited by the queen when she was a young wife with Prince Albert.

The little volume was finished, simply bound and sent to Windsor Castle, and the queen is said to keep it among her chief treasures.

In the meaning, not the cost, of a gift lies its value. — Youth's Companion.

"Miss Santa Claus" Suicide

Aug. 1909

Had Letters to "Kris Kringle" from Children Sent to Her and Sent Gifts

Philadelphia. — Miss Elizabeth A. Phillips, known widely as "Miss Santa Claus," committed suicide by inhaling illuminating gas. She was found in a room at her home with a gas tube in her mouth.

Friends of the woman say that her own tender heart killed her. Miss Phillips had been despondent since a young man whom she took from a prison cell stole the meager funds which she had reserved for her festivals for the children and then used her name to defraud trades people.

That the suicide was premeditated was shown by the fact that the cracks of the door and windows of the room had been carefully stopped by bed clothing. Pinned to the woman's clothing was a note which read:

"I have been in failing health for some time. I have always tried to do my best for mankind."

Miss Phillips enjoyed almost a national reputation by reason of her work at Christmas time among the poor children. For weeks prior to Christmas of each year she collected funds which she expended for toys and clothing for the needy and on Christmas eve she visited the homes of the children in a big automobile.

Two years ago, at her request, all the letters written by children and mailed to Santa Claus were delivered to her and the requests of the children, as far as possible, were complied with.

A Little Hostess at Her Seventh Birthday Party

Georgia, 1896

A Little Hostess

Josephine Davis Entertains Friends on Her Seventh Birthday

On the afternoon of Saturday, the 14th instant, from 3 to 6 o'clock, Josephine Davis, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allan P. Davis, entertained her little friends a "pink heart" party, in honor of her seventh birthday.

After playing many interesting games beneath the softened luster of light falling through delicate pink shades, refreshments were served to the guests from a table exquisite in every appointment. In the center a large mirror represented a lake, upon whose waveless surface a heart-shaped cake rested, and sustained seven lighted candles, while beautiful smilax fell in graceful folds to the water's edge. A fairy lamp shone on a large smilax heart, which depended from the chandelier. At one end of the table seven La France roses wafted their perfume to seven pink carnations at the other side.

One of the most enjoyable features was the cutting of the birthday cake, containing a beautiful diamond ring, the fortunate winner being George Everett. As each little guest departed, leaving many wishes and expressions of a most delightful time, he or she was presented with a souvenir basket of bon-bons, daintily tied with pink ribbons.

Miss Annie Louise Dennis delighted the company with a waltz, finely executed, while little Miss Wright, from Rome, reminded every one of a French marquise with her dainty little figure robed in filmy white, her hair like prisoned moonbeams in the light, and dark, shining eyes.

There were present: Athena Hill, Lillian Woodside, Claud Patterson, Nannelle Crawford, Alice Ormond, Laura Witham, Nellie Bell Catlett, Helen Ware, Annie Louise Dennis, Alberta Orr, Fannie Peck, Jennie Hutchins, May Robson, May Van Devender, Clara Hutchins, Minneta Hill, Josephine Davis, Jennie Butler, Mata Woodward, Addle Wright, Clarence Davis, Emerson Peck, Paul Orr, Harold Fuller, Fred Patterson, George Everett, Clayton Orr, Hoyt Peck, Wilson Sheldon, Stewart Witham, Starr Peck, Reid Ware, Johnny Woodside, Roger Gardien, Donald Fuller, Dan Woodward, Charley Randall, Alf Ford, Wayne McDonald, Dawson McDonald.

The little hostess was the recipient of many beautiful gifts.

—The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, March 22, 1896, p. 3, children's pages.

Machinist Given Surprise Birthday Party, Receives New Pipe

Indiana, 1906

BOLINGER WAS SURPRISED

Carl Bolinger, a machinist at the Pennsylvania round house, was greatly surprised Wednesday evening, when fifteen of his shopmates marched in upon him unawares and announced that they had come to celebrate his birthday anniversary. As soon as the callers were divested of their overcoats they surrounded Mr. Bolinger and one of their number, speaking in behalf of all, presented him with a handsome and costly pipe. Games, music and luncheon followed the presentation and the guests declare they never had a more pleasant time.

—The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, January 19, 1906, page 11.

Pupils of Miss Wood's School Enjoy Christmas Frolic

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, 1912

CHILDREN HAVE CHRISTMAS FROLIC

Pupils of Miss Wood's School Hold Closing Exercises

A SILVER GIFT FOR TEACHER

"Necklace" of Unique Design Presented Miss Wood by Her Scholars — Examinations Held.

Examinations and closing exercises for the fall term of Miss Wood's school were held Thursday afternoon at the Parish house, and were enjoyed by many of the parents and friends of the little people most concerned.

The children and their visitors assembled in the school room at 1 o'clock. Each scholar was first called upon for a Christmas quotation, and responded readily, giving a series of motto verses with delightfully clear enunciation and natural intonation. Then a brief review of the various studies was taken up, both with the idea of quizzing the pupils and demonstrating to the parents the scope of the work covered during the term. Problems were worked out on the blackboard, word studies were conducted and a class in oral geography held, the results in all branches surprising and delighting the parents.

At intervals the work was varied by music, Mrs. L. A. Bishop presiding at the piano. The pretty Christmas songs were given with vim and in a manner which indicated that this branch of the children's education is as carefully looked to as are the three R's, and that a firm foundation for a musical education is being laid in Miss Wood's school.

After the examinations Were concluded the company adjourned to the parlor. Here the center of attraction was the table, about which the children were soon gathered while their teacher, assisted by Mrs. George Justin, Mrs. William Cochrane, Mrs. J. Gerhard and Mrs. L. A. Bishop, served them with refreshments.

The table, which was as pleasing to the eye as the ices and fancy cakes were to the palate, was arranged by Mrs. C. A. Galloway. A miniature Christmas tree, bright with glistening ornaments formed the center piece, and from the top to the corners of the table festoons of pine were draped.

After the refreshments were discussed the children were presented with various tempting bundles, gifts to her pupils from the teacher, and then, in a few appropriate words Rev. John Lloyd presented to Miss Wood, in behalf of her scholars, a "necklace" of unique design. This was a series of pendants on scarlet ribbons, each pendant being a gaily wrapped piece of silver. The combined "jewels" totaled $8, and an accompanying verse asked Miss Wood to buy herself a Christmas gift from her school.

The visitors were asked to remain and have refreshments, and after this the pleasant afternoon was brought to a close. Miss Wood's school reopens Monday, Jan. 6.

—The Daily Commonwealth, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, December 20, 1912, page 6.

Surprise Party

About twenty of Mr. and Mrs. George Barofsky's friends gave them a pleasant surprise Monday evening, Jan. 9th, the occasion being their Fifth wedding anniversary. They were presented with a nice rocking chair, which they were justly proud of. Progressive high five was the order of the evening. At a late hour a dainty lunch was served which was enjoyed by all. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn, Underhill, Odell, Hamilton, Connelly, Shoemaker, Baumer, Morton and Messrs. Leach, Underhill.

New Year's Reception
The Epworth League gave a New Years reception at the Methodist parsonage Saturday evening, January 6. There were about eighty present.

The reception committee were clad in Japanese costumes, two rooms were decorated in Japanese festoons and lanterns, another room was trimmed in orange and black for the High School, and the house was lighted with large candles. A guessing game and recitations were part of the program. Lunch was served a-la-Japanese, with this menu:

Salad, Waldorf Astoria and wafers, Stuffed potatoes, Riced dates and tea.

--The Ellis Review-Headlight, Ellis, Kansas, January 1911.