1914-12-24rr

“It is the custom of the Arcade Limited to give every employee a bonus of two days’ pay as a slight token of the firm’s appreciation of their services during the year.”

Hamilton Herald.   December 24, 1914.

As Christmas day, 1914 was fast approaching, the employees working at Hamilton’s Arcade department store on James street north came to a collective decision.

While each employee was certainly looking forward to the receipt of the annual Christmas bonus, there was awareness that not everyone in Hamilton was about to have a very pleasant holiday but of financial distress:

“With one accord, they agreed to turn one day’s pay over to the city relief fund. When this signed petition was presented to their manager, J. P. Whelan, he announced that he would be pleased to accede to the request, and would forward a check for the amount, $150.

“Needless to say, Mr. Whelan is proud of his staff, who were so considerate of others, and so filled with the real Christmas spirit that they were willing to forego their usual Christmas gift in order that they may help others who are, through no fault of their own, less fortunately placed than themselves”¹

¹ “Are Generous : Arcade Manager and Employees Have True Christmas Spirit.”

Hamilton Herald.    December 24, 1914.

Even before the decision to support the city relief fund with half of their Christmas bonuses, the staff at The Arcade had another effort to specifically help children, The Kids’ Kristmas Kontest:

“The following is a letter received by the Arcade’s Santa Claus from a little Kontester who received a doll’s buggy as her prize. It is good to know that the efforts to give pleasure to some of the children of their patrons is appreciated. You can just imagine how this little girlie’s heart would jump with joy when their delivery man handed to her the buggy.

                                                                                                 441 Ferguson Ave.

                                                                                             Dec. 23, 1914.

Dear Santa Claus :

          I am very thankful for my Kontest present, and I am very pleased with it. I can’t tell you how pleased I am because I have won something I have longed for for years, my first Doll’s Buggy.

          Your very grateful friend,

                   Nellie Beale.

P. S. – Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”¹