“Even though
Christmas day, 1914, had passed, there were still wonderful Christmas stories
appearing in the December 30, 1914 issue of the Hamilton Spectator.
Both short articles
give a feeling as to how the holiday season was marked in two widespread
locations involving very different parts of the community.
The first involving
the Italian community had taken place during the early evening of Christmas day:
“The Christmas
entertainment of the Italians was unique among the many of the kind in
Hamilton.
“It was not entirely
given up to fun and frolic. A number of hymns were sung in Italian with all the
heartiness of the first week of a revival mission, and when the pastor
delivered his address, the atmosphere was that of a devotional meeting.
“The entertainment
was creditable to the boys and girls who took part in it, and to the ladies who
trained them.
“After the musical
part of the program, Santa Claus appeared in persona and unloaded the tree of
its burden of gifts to about forty boys and girls.”1
1 “Italian
Xmas Tree”
Hamilton
Spectator. December 30, 1914.
The second
celebration noted had taken place on December 29, 1914 at the small church on
the Beach Strip:
“Burlington Beach
church Sunday School at station 4 was crowded to the doors last night, when the
annual Christmas tree entertainment was given by the children of the Sunday
school.
“After the regular
program, Rev. Canon Davis, who presided, presented the prizes won by the
scholars during the year. Then followed the part of the entertainment which all
the little tots anticipated with great delight, the appearance of Santa Claus
with his large tree gaily decorated with presents for all. Oranges and candies
were distributed.
“The Christmas carols
by the scholars were much enjoyed.”1
1 “Xmas
Entertainment”
Hamilton
Spectator. December 30, 1914
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