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About The Chemawa American (Chemawa, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 7, 1925)
»N 1 5 1925 , 3 ' MAY 8 The ChemawaAmerican Printed at Chemawa, Oregon, Vol. XXVI and Dovotod to tho Interests of Indian Education Wednesday, January 7, 1925 THE HOLIDAYS AT CHEMAWA Educational, Social and Athletic Features Contribute to a Great Series of Entertainment—The Mid-Winter Holidays Made Pleasing and Memorable by Many Functions of Varying Character Christmas, 1924, is now but a memory—a pleasant one for all at Chemawa. In the beginning let it be stated that the “spirit of Christmas,” of the mid-winter holidays, was a contagion that all seemed to get from Supt. Hall. Where a Superintendent is not interested in Christmas it is impossible in a place like Chemawa for others to enter into the spirit of things. Supt. Hall set the pace and joy within reasonable limits was unconfined. Just when did Christmas begin at Chemawa? We do not know. On this opinions differ slightly, and authentic data not being available, we shall tell the story in our own way, hoping that we omit nothing. During the last week before Christmas various classes in the academic department had programs and Christ mas trees. On the Sunday before Christmas the Protes tant Children enjoyed special exercises, both in the forenoon anjd the afternoon, under the direction of Miss Eakin. These exercises were in every way most creditable and enjoyable, as well as of interest and value for all. On Sunday evening the choir, following the custom established at Chemawa in former years, put on a page ant exemplifying events in the life of Christ. After all had assembled in the auditorium the choir, which had been placed in the back of the room, started a processional down the main aisle toward the stage, singing a beautiful carol as they proceeded. The sing ing was touching and inspiring of itself, but in the dim light it seemed doubly so. A scriptural reading brought a feeling of deep reverence over all. The choir, assembled at the back of the stage, sang won derfully the favorite carols of many lands and many years. We had visions of the “Star of Bethlehem,” the shepherds, the Madonna and the “new born king” as he lay in the rude manger; we saw the presentation of rare gifts by the three kings, all enacted to most beautiful carolssplendidlv sung. A beautiful tableau No. 12 closed the exercises. The music was under the direction of Mrs. Turney; in the lovely decorations, tableau, lighting and other features she was assisted by Misses White and Gunn. On Monday and Tuesday evenings the lower grade pupils put on a Christmas operetta entitled “A Topsy- Turvy Christmas.” A great deal of work had been put forth by Miss Judd in drilling the little singers and actors in their parts and it was well worth while, for in every way they gave an unusually good enter tainment. Wednesday evening, “Christmas Eve,” wasdevoted to visits of inspection and friendship and the presen tation of gifts and general good wishes. In some of the dormitories special programs and exercises were rendered. This was truly a joyous time at dear old C. I. S. On account of the severity of the weather, extreme cold, the choir did not conform to the custom of form er years in regard to singing Christmas carols over the entire campus on Christmas morn. However, the choir was abroad fairly early and repaired to the Cath olic chapel, according to promise to Father Gall, and sang for him during early mass, which began at 5 o’clock. It may be stated, however, that as the choir passed the residence of Supt. and Mrs Hall, while enroute to the Catholic chapel, they sang a few carols for this esteemed couple and were cordially thanked for the courtesy. The dinner! Christmas dinner! It comes but once a year! Ah, it means much to young and old—who can out-live the memories of Christmas dinner? Ours was a feast. “Eats” fit for gods! In line with the custom of former years, employes were present and all assisted in making the dinner a merry one for the students. The orchestra played during the feasting. It was over all too quickly, but the memories go on and on, and will continue to do so down through the years yet unborn, and will continue to do so after the man ner of the little “Babbling Brook” which goes on for ever. There were private dinners—family dinners—at the various homes. There was an unusually fine dinner (Continued on page 2)
