Pelham's First District Firefighters Repaired Christmas Toys for Children in 1938

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The Great Depression still was underway.  In those years, the Town of Pelham offered needy Pelham children a Christmas holiday party with a visit from Santa Clause and a bag full of toys and necessaries for each child.  See Wed., Dec. 06, 2017:  The Town of Pelham's First Annual Children's Holiday Season Party Held in 1932.  The firemen of the First Fire District of the Town of Pelham joined in such charitable efforts.  In 1938, they collected and repaired broken toys as Christmas gifts for Pelham youngsters.  Recently, members of Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 posted to Facebook a very special photograph that commemorates that holiday season in 1938.

The photograph, seen below, shows Pelham firefighters repairing children's toys for Christmas, working on the apparatus floor of the current firehouse.  The caption suggests that the photograph was printed and then given to the firemen by the Pelham Lion's Club.  The caption reads:  "First Fire District Firemen repair toys for Children's Christmas PRESENTED BY PELHAM LION'S CLUB, 1938."

The photograph appeared on the front page of the December 22, 1938 issue of The Pelham Sun.  That Christmas season, the firemen cooperated with the Lions Club of Pelham to distribute gifts to needy Pelham children identified by the local Welfare Department.

The President of the Lions Club, Herman Glasser, led a major initiative that season to collect toys and playthings that needed light repair.  Glasser also donated a supply of paint to touch up articles as did Arthur D. Koppel, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

The toys began pouring in by about the third week of November that year.  About 2,000 arrived from "all sections of the Town."  The firemen immediately began repairs and repainting.  

Village of North Pelham officials also were involved.  North Pelham Mayor Dominic Amato and North Pelham Village Clerk Walter H. McIlroy led a group that packed the toys and distributed them to parents of needy children who were to receive them that morning.  In addition to the toys, a generous anonymous "local resident" donated boxes of candy so that each child received not only toys, but also a box of candy.  

The Christmas Spirit was alive and well as it is today in Pelham, New York.  

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"Volunteer Firemen and Lions Club Help Santa Claus Repairing and Distributing More Than 2,000 Toys
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Santa Claus will come down the chimney according to tradition on Saturday night in many homes in Pelham where, but for the effort of the firemen of the First Fire District and the members of the Lions Club, he might have gone by without noticing.  His pack will be filled with toys which have been collected by the service club and repaired by the firemen.  It is estimated that 2,000 playthings received at the Fire Headquarters and the majority of these [illegible] were distributed among children of needy families.  The lists were prepared by the Welfare Department.

Herman Glasser, president of the Lions Club was in charge of the group that collected the articles, and he also donated a supply of paint.  Arthur D. Koppel, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners also contributed paint.  During the last month members of the department have been having a joyous time returning to their more youthful days, by repairing and repainting the toys which were sent by residents of all sections of the town.

Mayor Dominic Amato and Village Clerk Walter H. McIlroy head the group which packed the presents and began distribution of them to the parents of the children who are to receive them on Christmas morning.  In addition to the toys, a box of candy, donated by generous local resident, was included in every gift box."

Source:  Volunteer Firemen and Lions Club Help Santa Claus Repairing and Distributing More Than 2,000 Toys, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 22, 1938, p. 1, cols. 3-6.  

"Spread Christmas Cheer With Lights On Outdoor Trees At Your Residence
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Pelham's Christmas display should extend throughout the town according to the members of the Pelham Lions Club who are urging that local merchants set a good example for the rest of the town by erecting outdoor Christmas displays of Christmas tree, greens and lights.  The service club has inaugurated a Christmas Display prize to be awarded the local merchant whose storefront is judged the most attractive during the holiday shopping season.  The displays must be erected by Dec. 15.

The Lions Club is offering a $15.00 cash prize to be awarded to the merchant whose outdoor display of Christmas greens and electric lights is judged the best by a committee of women to be selected  by Mrs. E. A. Jimenis, chairman of the Susan B. Holmes Garden Trophy Committee of the Manor Club.  The displays must be installed by Dec. 15.  

The Lions Club committee for the display competition is James T. Bollettieri, Freeman Yorks and John Quatroni.

In conjunction with the Christmas Display in the shopping district the members of the service club are urging local residents to spread the Christmas illumination throughout the town by decorating outdoor trees at their homes with Christmas lights.  A committee of members of the clubs has planned to make a survey through the various sections of the town and to make suitable recognition of the neighborhoods which present the most attractive appearance by Christmas tree illumination during the holiday season."

Source:  Spread Christmas Cheer With Lights On Outdoor Trees At Your Residence, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 2, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 35, p. 1, cols. 7-8.

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"A Christmas Creed" Presented to Pelham During the Holiday Season in 1922

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Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year Dear Pelham!

Pelhamites enjoyed the holidays in 1922 at the outset of the Roaring Twenties.  The local economy was humming along.  All was good in the world.  

"Radiophones" were the new rage in Pelham that year.  See Mon., May 22, 2017:  Early Radio in Pelham: Pelham Firefighters and Business at Pelham Picture House Installed "Radiophone" in 1922.  Prohibition was underway that year as well, though it didn't stop Pelhamites from celebrating with a nip or two.  See Thu., Feb. 02, 2017:  Bootleggers Began to Feel the Heat in Pelham in 1922.  The Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church at Four Corners celebrated its 46th anniversary that year.  See Thu., Aug. 24, 2017:  Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church Had a Special Celebration of its 46th Anniversary in 1922.  "Silent Cop" traffic "semaphores" and signals were being installed throughout Town as traffic grew to otherwise dangerous levels.  See Wed., Nov. 29, 2017:  Pelham Grows Up: Installation of "Silent Cop" Traffic Lights and Traffic Semaphores in the 1920s.  Grading and construction of Memorial Park next to Town Hall began in 1922.  See Fri., Sep. 22, 2017:  The Establishment of Memorial Park by the Town of Pelham During the 1920s.  Single copies of The Pelham Sun, our local newspaper at the time, cost six cents in 1922.  An annual subscription cost three dollars.  The "Good Ol' Days" were well upon Pelham that year.

Even Dear Pelham's "Christmas Spirit" was optimistic that year.  Indeed, The Pelham Sun devoted its entire front page on December 15, 1922 to "A Christmas Creed."  With yet another Christmas now underway in Pelham, "A Christmas Creed" is transcribed below, followed by a reproduction of the front page of the newspaper on which it appeared ninety-five years ago.

"A Christmas Creed

By MARTHA B. THOMAS
Copyright 1922, WESTERN NEWSPAPER UNION

I believe in Santa Claus.  I believe no hair is snowier, no cheeks redder, no smile merrier and no eyes more twinkling than his.  I believe the heart inn him is big enough to encompass the world -- if people would let it!  I believe in the jingle of his sleigh bells, the swiftness of his reindeer, the sound of their tapping feet on the roof.  I believe in chimneys, big, broad, deep-throated chimneys that will not cramp the Merry Gentleman with his bulging pack.  I believe in solemn rows of stockings hanging by the fire -- father's short one, mother's long one and the dangling ones of the children, all waiting and expectant.  I believe in the invisible blossom of happiness that Santa Clause leaves at every house, and I believe that it will grow through all the year if people try to keep the spirit of Christmas every day!"

Source:  Thomas, Martha B., A Christmas Creed, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 15, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 42, p. 1, cols. 1-7.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Dear Pelham!

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The Town of Pelham's First Annual Children's Holiday Season Party Held in 1932

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Last Saturday, December 2, Town Supervisor Peter DiPaola and Town staff welcomed more than 150 youngsters and their families to Gazebo Park and the Town Hall grounds for the 2017 Children's Holiday Party and Tree Lighting.  The celebration was joyous with peals of laughter, youngsters chattering and scampering, and a hum of excitement.

Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed youngsters.  Each child received a small stuffed bear as a gift.  Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Trolls danced among the kids, greeting all with high-fives, dances, and hugs.  There were face painting sessions, balloon animals, a small petting zoo, festive carolers, and much more.  The evening was topped off with the lighting of the Town Tree next to Town Hall with magnificent lighting including a giant star at its very top.

Hundreds of Pelhamites enjoyed the event.  Virtually none, however, knew that the joyous celebration was the continuation of an annual tradition that began 85 years ago in 1932.

In 1932, the Town of Pelham and our entire nation were in the terrible throes of the Great Depression.  Many Pelham families and their youngsters were not looking forward to a joyous holiday season.  The Great Depression had taken its toll.

The entire Town of Pelham came together that year, led by Town Supervisor Joseph H. McCormick and Welfare Commissioner Nellie Admir, to host a giant holiday party for the children of needy families of the Town.  Though the holiday party since has evolved into a wonderful celebration for all children of the Town, the first annual children's holiday party was specifically for needy children of the Town.  

That year, the Town of Pelham oversaw a committee of nearly fifty Pelhamites raised private money and donations to support the big event.  In fact, the group raised so much money from compassionate and concerned Pelham citizens wanting to give a happy holiday season to Pelham youngsters that quite a bit was left over after the celebration.  The excess was placed in a "thrift account" at a local bank to be used the following year to continue the tradition -- a tradition that continues to this day.

When the big day arrived, Santa (played by Town Engineer Harry Phillips) distributed a bag of targeted gifts to each child, assisted by a costumed "Brownie" as Santa's helper (played by Pelhamite James Connolly).  Pelhamite James Lang, who performed professionally as a clown in the Barnum & Bailey Circus, performed as a Christmas clown.  Arthur Spafford and Arthur Walker dressed together in a horse costume that delighted the youngsters.

The event was the culmination of weeks of work.  The Town required families to apply for admission tickets for their children.  Town Welfare Commissioner Nellie Admir then interviewed every family to determine need and the nature of gifts suitable for the children.  Every child received "a bag containing a toy, two suits of underwear, two pairs of stockings, candy, apples, nuts and oranges. "  In addition, during the party (which was held in VFW Hall on Fifth Avenue), refreshments of ice cream and cake were served. 

In addition to the clowning and horse performance, during the party Christmas stories were read to the children during the event.  The special treat of a radio was provided for entertainment during the party as well.  The children sang Christmas carols, led by Mrs. George F. Harman.   

At the height of the Great Depression, the Town of Pelham began a holiday tradition for the children of Pelham that continues to this day.  Hopefully, the tradition will continue a century from now and beyond. 

 

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"BRINGING CHRISTMAS JOY TO NEEDY CHILDREN  Entertainers and

Sponsors of Town Christmas Party Given Yesterday Afternoon for 175

Children of Needy Families.  Left to Right:  James Connolly, Santa's Helper;

Mrs. Nellie Admir, Town Welfare Commissioner, Who Arranged the Party;

Town Engineer Harry Phillips as Santa Claus; Supervisor Joseph H.

McCormick; Alan Eckert, Who Acted as Master of Ceremonies; Jake Lang,

Clown; Arthur Spafford and Arthur Walker Are Impersonating the Horse.

-- Photo by Frutkoff."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"It Will Be A Merry Christmas For Children Who Attend Town Party

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Pelham Residents Urged to Help With Program to Be Staged by Public Welfare Officer at Town Hall; Contributions Are Requested.

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Residents of the Pelhams are urged to assist in the first annual Pelham Christmas Party for the children of needy families to be held at the Town Hall on Saturday December 21st.  Santa Clause himself will be there with many assistants who will make sure that all the children who attend will know what a real Christmas is.  Mrs. Nellie Adair, public welfare commissioner of the town is preparing the program.  She is assisted by a large committee of prominent Peham women.  Mrs. A. C. Field, Mrs. Edward C. King, Mrs. Charles M. Russell, Mrs. Grace Logan Lyons and Mrs. Kneeland S. Durham, Jr., joined the committee this week.

The program will be financed by voluntary contributions.  Tag Day will be held in Pelham on Saturday, December 3rd and is expected to provide necessary funds.

Mrs. Adair reports that there has been a generous response to her appeal for contributions and gifts.  The following have contributed during the last week:  Miss Anne Cummins, John T. Brook, C. J. Monro, and Dr. Ken G. Hancher.

Applications for tickets should be made to Mrs. Adair, who will personally investigate every case.  Each child who attends the party will receive two suits of warm underwear, toys, stockings, candy and such clothing which the case shows will be required to keep the child warm during the winter months.  There will be refreshments, music and entertainment.

A radio will be donated for the party by Kolb & Crawford.  The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. has donated many pounds of candy.  Supervisor Joseph H. McCormick has donated 50 suits of underwear.

Mrs. Adair requests that contributions of toys, food, clothing, books, candy, etc., be sent to her office in the Town Hall where members of the committee will sort them and wrap packages.  A list of the needs of every child will be made and special packages will be prepared so that there will be no disappointments.

Women of the Pelhams are urged to join the committee in charge of the program.  During the next few weeks there will be considerable work for all who care to associate themselves with this affair.

Christmas decoration are also needed.  Send your contributions to Mrs. Adair at the Town Hall.  Let's all get behind this party and make it a Merry Christmas for the poor children of the Pelhams,"

Source:  It Will Be A Merry Christmas For Children Who Attend Town Party -- Pelham Residents Urged to Help With Program to Be Staged by Public Welfare Officer at Town Hall; Contributions Are Requested, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 25, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 36, p. 1, cols. 1-2.  

"Santa Claus Distributes Christmas Gifts To Children At Welfare Christmas Party Yesterday

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Christmas joy was brought to the hearts of 175 Pelham youngsters yesterday afternoon at the Christmas party arranged by Mrs. Nellie Adair, town welfare commissioner, for children of needy families of the town.  The affair was held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall on Fifth avenue, the use of which was generously donated by the Walsh-Marvel Post No. 307.

A gala program was presented with Santa Clause and a number of entertainers.  The climax of the afternoon came when Santa Claus distributed to each of the children a bag containing a toy, two suits of underwear, two pairs of stockings, candy, apples, nuts and oranges.  During the party, refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.

The program opened with the singing of several Christmas songs by the children, led by Mrs. George F. Harman.  Then several games were played and refreshments served.  During intervals, entertainment was presented.  Jacob Lang, who clowned with Barnum and Bailey's circus for years appeared in several amusing constumes that pleased the kiddies.  One of the high spots of the program, judging from the cries of delight, was a bit of action staged by Lang and a horse, impersonated by Arthur Spafford and Arthur Walker.

(Continued on Page 5)

SANTA CLAUS IS AT TOWN WELFARE CHRISTMAS PARTY

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(Continued from Page One)

Mrs. Edwin A. Jimenis told  several Christmas stories, the children gathering about her in a large circle on the floor to listen wide-eyed as she told of Santa Claus.  An orchestra, led by Miss Ruth Fanelli, played music for the games and for the entertainment.  The Misses Alice Brock and Louise Lank were members of the orchestra.

Harry Phillips, town engineer, made the biggest hit of the day as Santa Claus.  Mr. Phillips was cast to perfection in this role, the kiddies climbing over each other to shake his hand and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.  James Connolly, attired as a Brownie, aided Santa Claus in the distribution of gifts.

Alan Eckert acted as master of ceremonies, conducting the games and introducing the various acts.  Austin de Stolfe sang a tenor solo.

Due to the generosity of many local people and business establishments in donating supplies, a portion of the $500 collected on Tag Day was saved.  Supervisor Joseph H. McCormick announced last night that this would be deposited in a thrift account and held in readiness for a similar party next year.  

Assisting on the committee were Mrs. G. F. Harman, Miss Aileen Kelleher, Miss Aileen Giblin, Mrs. J. Roche, Mrs. J. C. Wilberding, Mrs. W. L. Dench, Miss Ann Hammett, Mrs. Albert C. Field, Miss Mary Lou Field, Mrs. Julius Manger, Mrs. Minnie E. Oden, Mrs. Edward A. Brunner, Mrs. R. E. Ramsay, Miss Barbara Ramsay, Mrs. G. L. Russell, Mrs. T. W. Van Twisk, Miss Marion Russell, Miss Florence Harman, Mrs. A. J. Sweeney, Mrs. J. Pickard, Miss Estelle Christofferson.

Mrs. Kneeland S. Durham, Jr., Mrs. W. F. Goeltz, Mrs. D. J. Kennedy, Mrs. J. C. Brown, Mrs. E. J. Dutschler, Mrs. Harry Phillips, Mrs. E. J. Bayle, Mrs. L. B. Smith, Mrs. William Bradley, Mrs. William Taich, Mrs. John D. Groves, Mrs. Edward C. King, Mrs. James Black, Mrs. Theodore J. Deuscher, Alan Eckert, James Connolly, Austin de Stolfe, William Burnett, James Mullins, Commander John J. O'Sullivan of Walsh-Marvel Post, and Gorham Head."

Source:  Santa Claus Distributes Christmas Gifts To Children At Welfare Christmas Party Yesterday, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 22, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 40, p. 1, cols. 3-5 & p. 5, col. 7..

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History, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Pelham

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Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays, dear Pelham!  This year, due to the shifting holidays of the Jewish lunar calendar, Hanukkah is a late December holiday that begins at sunset tomorrow -- Christmas Eve based on the Gregorian calendar.  Thus, in an event that happens only once every thirty-eight years, the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights will begin on Christmas Eve and the first day of Hanukkah will coincide with Christmas Day.

Pelhamites celebrated an analogous circumstance in 1910 when the first night of Hanukkah began at sundown on December 25, Christmas night based on the Gregorian calendar.  The newly-established local newspaper at the time, The Pelham Sun, published an article about the event in its weekly edition at the time.  The article read:

"JEWISH FESTIVAL.
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Feast of Hanukkah Starts on Christmas and Will Last Eight Days.

Starting on the 25th of Kislev and lasting eight days, is held one of the Jewish festivals of rejoicing, Hanukkah.  This year it is an interesting coincidence that Hanukkah falls on the 25th of December, so that the Jewish festival occurs on the same day as the great Christian holiday, Christmas.

The celebration of Hanukkah is chiefly a festival of light, instituted among the congregations of Israel in the year 165 B. C.  Its observance is universal among the Jews, and it will be celebrated in Providence this year as usual.

The festival of Hanukkah is connected with an important chapter in the history of the Jewish religion, and [memorializes] the dedication of the altar of the temple after its profanation by the Syrians.

The origin of the manner of the celebration is interesting.  The feast of Hanukkah is observed by illuminating the house with lights of the purest oil for eight days.  The Talmud relates that a miracle occurring at the dedication of the purified temple was the foundation for this mode of observance.  The miracle was that one small cruise of consecrated oil, sufficient to burn but one day . . . lasted eight days and burned until new oil could be prepared. . . ."

Source:  JEWISH FESTIVAL -- Feast of Hanukkah Starts on Christmas and Will Last Eight Days, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 31, 1910, Vol. 1, No. 39, p. 2, col. 4.  

This year, Hanukkah will extend from the evening of December 24 to the evening of January 1.  This means Pelhamites should "look for an abundance of latkes, chocolate gelt and jelly doughnuts to directly coincide with the usual eggnog, sugar cookies, ham and gingerbread houses."  Kuperinsky, Amy, Why Are Hanukkah and Christmas Eve on the Same Day in 2016?,  NJ.com (visited Dec. 11, 2016).  It also means it will be a time for the Mensch on a Bench to join in joyous celebrations with the Elf on a Shelf.  Id.  

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays, Dear Pelham!

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Christmas Day Celebrations in the Town of Pelham in 1885

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The Town of Pelham, in 1885, was a very different place.  The entire population of the Town was about 3,000 people with most of the population living on City Island.  There were other population concentrations including Bartow (near the old Bartow Station along the Branch Line), Pelham Manor and Prospect Hill, and Pelhamville.  Unpaved country lanes criss-crossed the Town and horse-drawn transportation was the order of the day.

One thing about the Pelham of yore and the Pelham of today remains the same, however.  Much of Pelham experienced the joy of Christmas through the eyes of its youngsters and celebrated the holiday accordingly.  Interestingly, the tiny little settlement of Bartow (also known as "Bartow-on-the-Sound" and the tiny little Town Hall  built by Pelham at Bartow played important roles in the joyous Christmas celebration held in Pelham in 1885, one hundred thirty years ago today.

In 1885, Pelham's Town Hall was a tiny little brick building with a bell tower located on today’s Shore Road near the site of Pelham Bit Stables / Bronx Equestrian Center in Pelham Bay Park. I have written about that beautiful little Town Hall that was razed during the 1950s on previous occasions.  See: 

Wed., Dec. 03, 2014:  Pelham Proposed To Build A Town Hall and Post Office in 1857. 

Tue., May 11, 2010:  Mystery Solved - Pelham Town Hall That Once Stood On Shore Road Was Used as a School. 

Mon., Mar. 13, 2006:  Two Photographs of Pelham's Town Hall That Once Stood On Shore Road. 

Bell, Blake A., Pelham's First Town Hall on Shore Road in Pelham Manor, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 35, Sept. 3, 2004, p. 8, col. 1. 

Undated Photograph Showing Pelham Town Hall on Shore Road.

Detail from 1868 Beer's Map of Town of Pelham with Red

Circle Indicating Location of Pelham Town Hall.  NOTE:

Click Image to Enlarge.

Christmas in 1885 also was on a Friday.  Although Pelhamites throughout the Town celebrated with family in their homes early in the day, later in the day a festive shooting match was held at Bartow, a site that is an abandoned ghost town today with no structures remaining except the decrepit remnants of a later-built Bartow Station along the Branch Line tracks that once ran through the center of the settlement.  While a Christmas Day shooting match might strike us, today, as an odd Christmas celebration, the tradition was common in our region during the 19th century.  I have written previously about one such Christmas Day shooting match held in Pelhamville in 1875.  See Tue., Jul. 28, 2009:  Account of Christmas Shooting Matches in 1875 at the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville.  

The shooting match was sponsored by John Secord of Bartow.  Secord was the proprietor of a tiny hotel and restaurant known simply as "John Secord's, Bartow" that was located opposite the railroad depot at Bartow.  John Secord was a local entrepreneur who hustled for business and sponsored a host of events to attract people to his establishment.  He sponsored raffles, pigeon shoots, marksmanship shooting matches, and more.  Secord was an avid fowler himself and competed in many of his own pigeon shoots as well as others held in Eastchester and the surrounding region.  

Some of Secord's pigeon shoots were head-to-head betting matches between gunners who bet up to fifty dollars that they could hit the most of twenty pigeons released for each shooter.  Spectators, of course, wagered heavily on the results as well.  Other of Secord's pigeon shoots were of the "sweepstakes" variety where a large number of gunners paid to enter to compete against one another until a victor was declared.  Once again, spectators wagered heavily on the results.  

Secord's also was used as an occasional meeting place for the Republican Town Committee.  During summers, the facility was a popular stopover for fishermen and sportsmen arriving at Bartow Station on their way to City Island for sport.  

The shooting match held on Christmas Day, 1885 was well-publicized in advance.  Thus, according to a brief account, "the attendance was large."  The results of the match, however, do not seem to have been recorded so that we know them today.

After the Christmas shooting match was over, the Christmas festivities continued.  Pelhamites gathered nearby in the tiny little brick Town Hall building along Shore Road for a special treat.  Two Pelham residents, Michael Hogan and George Rothjen, gave "one of the most enjoyable entertainments given in the town of Pelham" for the benefit of young and old.  They hosted a "Punch and Judy" show in Town Hall.  (Michael Hogan was the Pelham postmaster, at least until his resignation in 1886 when he was replaced by Fred Vickery.)

"Punch and Judy" entertainments have been around for hundreds of years.  The entertainment is a "traditional, popular, and usually very violent puppet show featuring Pulcinella (Mr. Punch) and his wife, Judy.  The performance consists of a sequence of short scenes, each depicting an interaction between two characters, most typically Mr. Punch and one other character (who usually falls victim to Mr. Punch's club). . . . The various episodes of Punch and Judy are performed in the spirit of outrageous comedy -- often provoking shocked laughter -- and are dominated by the anarchic clowning of Mr. Punch."  See "Punch and Judy" in WIKIPEDIA - The Free Encyclopedia (visited Dec. 20, 2015).  

One hundred thirty years ago this evening, George Rothjen performed the Punch and Judy show.  According to one account, "For over one and a half hours he kept not only the children but the older ones, in one continuous roar of laughter.  Such a night!"  

With the end of the Punch and Judy show, however, the festivities were not complete.  After the puppet show, five Pelhamites sang for the crowd (Misses Johntry and Bowton, Mrs. James Bell and Messrs. Hogan and Rothjen).  After the singing performances, attendees were treated to "a fine display of pictures of the polyopticon."  

The polyopticon was a marvelous contraption that was very popular -- particularly with young people -- during the mid-1880s.  It was an early form of overhead projector, capable of projecting images of items onto a screen.  This allowed attendees at "Polyopticon Parties" to bring their own engravings, advertising cards, color images, and the like to see them projected onto a screen either as a simple amusement or as the basis for an associated lecture.  An advertisement for the wondrous contraption published in 1889 read as follows:

"THE POLYOPTICON.
A WONDER CAMERA.

Given as a premium for a club of 15 yearly subscribers at $1.00 each; or, for 10 subscribers and $1.25; or, for 6 subscribers and $2.25 additional.  Sent by express, charges to be paid by the receiver.

This is a wonderful invention whereby views from Newspapers, Magazines and Book illustrations, Portraits, Comic Cuts, Photographs, Chromo Cards, IN ALL THEIR COLORS, Flowers, etc., can be thrown onto a screen in the parlor, enlarged about 400 times.

In the Magic Lantern the display is limited to the glass slides, in the Polyopticon it is practically unlimited, since any small engraving, photograph or drawing may be used.  The instrument serves admirably for parlor use, throwing a disk upon the screen of from four to five feet in diameter.

POLYOPTICON PARTIES

have come to be very popular with the young folks.  Each guest brings a few of the ordinary picture advertising cards and their photographs, or natural flowers -- whereby an entire change of views can be seen every evening, which would be impossible with the Magic Lantern without a great expense in purchasing new slides for each evening.

OVER 300 PICTURES

which if painted on glass for use with a magic lantern would cost $30.00, are given with each Polyopticon, thus affording a lot ready for use including:

Around the World in 80 Sights; Bible Pictures -- Old and New Testament; Ancient and Modern Statues; Portraits of Prominent Persons; Illustrations from Robinson Crusoe; Illustrations of a Temperance Lesson; Over 100 German figures in Procession and Silhouettes.

We have sent out a large number of these instruments, and know they are found to be perfectly satisfactory over time.  We have received letters from all over the country asking if we would recommend it for exhibition purposes in large halls, etc. etc.  We know that by careful selection of pictures and a little practice, it is possible to make a bright picture circle of six feet across on the screen, but we do not advise nor recommend a Polyopticon where a $100 Stereopticon is wanted.

Price $4.25.  Sent by express, charges to be paid by the receiver."

Source:  THE POLYOPTICON [Advertisement], The Ladies' Home Journal, Dec. 1889, p. 13.  

Though the evening's festivities were fabulous that Christmas night many years ago, the people of Pelham still were not finished even after the magical polyopticon show.  After that show, the women of Bartow served attendees with a round of refreshments.  The refreshments, according to one account, "ended a most Merry Christmas for the children of Bartow."

Whether one hundred and thirty years ago or today, the happy sentiment remains!  Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays, dear Pelham!

Punch and Judy Puppets.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Detail from an Advertisement for a Punch and Judy Show.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Example of a Traditional Punch and Judy Booth.

NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of a pair of brief references to the Christmas celebration in the Town of Pelham in 1885.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . . . 

There were some fine displays of marksmanship at Secord's Bartow, on Christmas Day.  Plenty of notice had been given, and the attendance was large, which kept John in the best humor all day. . . ."

Source: PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 1, 1886, Vol. XVII, No. 850, p. 3, col. 4.  

"A MERRY CHRISTMAS AT BARTOW.
(COMMUNICATED.)

On Christmas night, at the Town Hall, Bartow, was given one of the most enjoyable entertainments given in the town of Pelham.  Messrs. M. Hogan and George Rothjen, thinking it would be the proper thing to do something for the children's pleasure gave a Punch and Judy show, Mr. Rothjen being the performer, and at this business he is a star.  For over one and a half hours he kept not only the children but the older ones, in one continuous roar of laughter.  Such a night!  There was some very fine singing by the Misses Johntry and Bowton, Mrs. Jas. Bell and Messrs. Hogan and Rothjen, followed by a fine display of pictures of the polyopticon, after which refreshments were served by Mrs. Hogan and Rothjen, and all the ladies of Bartow.  This ended a most Merry Christmas for the children of Bartow."

Source: A MERRY CHRISTMAS AT BARTOW, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 1, 1886, Vol. XVII, No. 850, p. 3, col. 4.  

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I have written before about Christmas celebrations in Pelham.  For a few examples, see:

Thu., Dec. 25, 2014:  Christmas in Pelham in 1926.

Fri., Dec. 25, 2009 1906:  Christmas Day Celebration at Christ Church in Pelham.

Mon., Sep. 21, 2009:  January 1882 Account of the 1881 Christmas Festival Held at the Union Sabbath School in Pelhamville.

Tue., Jul. 28, 2009:  Account of Christmas Shooting Matches in 1875 at the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville. 

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Santa Claus Visited Every Pelham Household on Christmas Eve in 1935 and 1936 -- Well, Almost. . . .

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"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!"

--From an Editorial by Francis Pharcellus Church that appeared in the New York Sun, Sep. 21, 1897.  See Is There a Santa Claus?, New York Sun, Sep. 21, 1897, p. 6, col. 3 (written in response to a letter from Virginia O'Hanlon, 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street, New York City).  To read more about the famous editorial, see "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" in WIKIPEDIA - The Free Encyclopedia (visited Dec. 20, 2015).

Francis Pharcellus Church, Author of the Famous

Editorial "Is There a Santa Claus?"  Source:

"Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" in WIKIPEDIA -

The Free Encyclopedia (visited Dec. 20, 2015).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Christmas Eve is a magical time in the Town of Pelham.  Many Pelham youngsters eagerly anticipate the arrival of dear old Santa Claus and his bundle of joy.

In this regard, times were no different on Christmas Eve in 1935 and 1936.  Though the nation's economy remained ravaged by, and in the grip of, the Great Depression, every single Pelham youngster throughout the entire Town sat at a window with his or her face pressed against cold panes of glass eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve both those years eighty and seventy-nine years ago, respectively.  Really!  Every . . . single . . .  child . . . in . . . town.  Santa, you see, actually visited every single home, apartment, and household in the Town of Pelham shortly after dark on December 24, 1935 and December 24, 1936.  

In the spirit of Christmas, over one hundred volunteer Pelhamites dressed as Santa on those two Christmas Eves and loaded children's gifts into their sacks.  The event was known as "Community Santa Claus."  Both years the event was led by three chairpeople -- one for each of the three Villages of the Pelhams.  The Pelham Santas traversed the streets of the town stopping in each home or apartment to deliver gifts to children and wishes of good cheer to adults.  In 1935, each Santa was dressed in suits made by Pelham women and carried a sack filled with candy and "Yo Yo tops" for the children.  (There is no known record of what was given in 1936, although you can be certain it included "candy.")  As one might expect during the depths of the Great Depression, one report stated that "[i]n some instances of dire circumstances it is reported that the Community Santa Claus was the only expression of Christmas."

The Community Santa Claus events were not without their difficulties.  One report noted that although all the children of the town were ready for the event and awaited Santa's appearance breathlessly, the dogs of Pelham were not ready.  Pelham's canines repeatedly had to be fended off in the fine tradition of the delivery persons associated with the United States Postal Service.  There were also some mishaps.  In 1935, one of the Santas stepped on a nail that pierced his foot.  He hobbled along happily until he completed his rounds and then treated his wound.  Another Santa that year wore a fedora over his Santa cap for warmth in between stops.  He lost that fedora on Linden Avenue.  Another Santa found it and turned it over to the local newspaper that encouraged the Santa with initials "E.D.O." to come forward and reclaim his hat.  

When volunteers faltered, others stepped into the breach.  For example, two of the volunteer Santas were unable to participate as scheduled on Christmas Eve in 1936.  Another volunteer, Dominic Amato (Mayor of the Village of North Pelham), took on not only his own gift delivery responsibilities, but also the gift delivery responsibilities of the other two volunteers.

It turns out, however, that Santa's map of the Town of Pelham may have been defective.  For two years in a row the poor little tykes of Ancon Avenue in the Village of Pelham Heights were left off Santa's list and did not receive their promised visits.  It seems as though it was not because the little urchins of Ancon Avenue had been naughty.  Rather, it seems as though there had been a genuine error.  The week after Christmas Eve, the local newspaper printed a letter to the editor from a distraught grandfather whose initials were "S.K.N." who painted a sad picture regarding Santa's failure to visit his little grandson on Ancon Avenue.  The letter read:  

"I read the notice in your paper about Santa Claus coming to every child.  I read the article to my little grandson.  He watched from 5 o'clock until 8:30 o'clock.  Santa Claus came down Eastland avenue, went down Second street, before 6 o'clock, and never came on Ancon avenue.  He did the same last year.  I feel our children are entitled to the same attention as other children.  You know what it means to a child to have and see Santa Claus come to see them.  I hope another year Santa will not forget Ancon avenue."

The newspaper replied saying that Santa had been alerted and if the grandfather would call and provide his address, Santa would visit the child on New Year's Eve!

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It is Christmas Eve 2015, dear Pelham.  As is apparent regarding the Santa visits on Christmas Eves in Pelham in 1935 and 1936, the Spirit of Christmas long has been part of Pelham life.  Here is hoping that Santa is good to each and every one of you tonight, young and old.  Happy Holidays!

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Below is the text of a number of articles that reference the events described in today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"EVERY HOME IN PELHAM VISITED BY SANTA CLAUS
------
Community Goodwill Demonstration on Christmas Eve Meets With Popular Favor.
-----

Santa Claus was a busy man in Pelham on Tuesday night, Christmas Eve.  With the assistance of about 100 men the Community Santa Claus, garbed in the conventional attire for Santa Claus, visited every house and apartment, extended a cheery Christmas greeting to the adults and distributed candy and toys to the children.  In some instances of dire circumstances it is reported that the Community Santa Claus was the only expression of Christmas.

It is difficult to determine who got the greatest benefit out of the Community Santa Claus program, those who impersonated old Kris Kringle or those whom he visited.  At any rate it is certain that many children who may have been on the verge of disbelieving the old story about the Christmas Eve visitor were convinced again that there is a true Santa Claus, and many adults who welcomed hi on Tuesday night report that their Christmas was made happier by the townwide demonstration of good will stabed by the committee in charge of the program. 

Mrs. Roger B. Hull, president of the Parent-Teacher Association directed the program of Santa Claus in Pelham Manor.  Village Attorney George w. Hinckley was chairman for Pelham Heights and Village Clerk Walter H. McIlroy in North Pelham.  The costumes were prepared by a group of women."

Source:  EVERY HOME IN PELHAM VISITED BY SANTA CLAUS -- Community Goodwill Demonstration on Christmas Eve Meets With Popular Favor, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 27, 1935, Vol. 26, No. 38, p. 1, col. 5.  

"Santa Had To Make Friends.

When Santa Claus made his rounds on Christmas Eve, he found that although the children and grownups were expecting him, the dogs were not, and there were reports that many of the aides of Santa Claus had difficulty in convincing household pets that they were on friendly missions.

'Nice doggie,' was as much a part of Santa's story as 'Merry Christmas.'"

Source:  Santa Had To Make Friends, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 27, 1935, Vol. 26, No. 38, p. 2, col. 3.  

"SUNBEAMS
NOT ALL BRIGHT. . . 

Santa Claus did his work under severe difficulties in one section of Pelham.  Herman Clauson, who acted as an aide on Fifth avenue, ran a nail in his foot early on Christmas Eve, but he hobbled around his route and did his work with a smile."

Source:  SUNBEAMS NOT ALL BRIGHT, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 27, 1935, Vol. 26, No. 38, p. 2, col. 4.  

"Santa Claus Lost His Hat
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Santa Claus lost his hat.  He was one of the many aides to the real Santa Claus who trooped through Pelham on Christmas Eve distributing candy and a Yo Yo top to Pelham children and community members.

He apparently was mindful of his own health and wore a conventional brown fedora over his Santa hood in between house visits.  

But he need look for it no longer.  It was found by another Santa Claus on Linden avenue and is in safe keeping 'til its owner identifies the headgear.  So if you were a Santa Claus and your initials are 'E. D. O.' telephone the Pelham Sun Office Pelham 1112."

Source:  Santa Claus Lost His Hat, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 27, 1935, Vol. 26, No. 38, p. 5, col. 4.  

"WATCH FOR SANTA CLAUS ON CHRISTMAS EVE
-----

Santa Claus will visit every home in Pelham on Christmas Eve.  Watch for him.  He will have his pack filled with good things for the children and to the grown-ups he will extend the Community Christmas Greeting from the residents of the Pelhams.  The annual visit of Santa Clause is a picturesque function of Pelham's observance of Christmas that has received wide recognition.  It is presented through the generosity of a group of citizens with the real Christmas spirit.  About one hundred will play Santa Claus in the three Pelham villages.  In North Pelham, Walter H. McIlroy is chairman, George W. Hinckley in Pelham Heights and William J. Mackay in Pelham Manor.

Sant Claus is coming to your house on Christmas Eve.  So that all the children will be able to see him, Santa plans to begin his work shortly after dark.  Watch for him."

Source:  WATCH FOR SANTA CLAUS ON CHRISTMAS EVE, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 22, 1936, Vol. 27, No. 38, p. 1, cols. 4-5.  

"Batting For Three.

Mayor Amato of North Pelham donned his Christmas robes and went out to do the Santa Claus act on Christmas Eve.  Two of his helpers fell down on the job so the Mayor took over the duties of all three, and distributed more than two hundred presents."

Source:  Batting For Three, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 29, 1936, p. 2, col. 4.  

"Santa Slipped Up.

To the Editor, Pelham Sun.

Sir -- I read the notice in your paper about Santa Claus coming to every child.  I read the article to my little grandson.  He watched from 5 o'clock until 8:30 o'clock.  Santa Claus came down Eastland avenue, went down Second street, before 6 o'clock, and never came on Ancon avenue.  He did the same last year.

I feel our children are entitled to the same attention as other children.  You know what it means to a child to have and see Santa Claus come to see them.  I hope another year Santa will not forget Ancon avenue.

S.K.N.

(Ed. Note -- We called Santie-land on the phone today.  His number is Getin 1-4-U and he says that because of the lack of snow it was difficult to get his reindeers up the hill.  However, if you will send your address to him at Pelham 1112 he'll call around on New Year's Eve and personally deliver the package which he has for grandson.)"

Source:   Santa Slipped Up, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 29, 1936, p. 2, cols. 7-8. 

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