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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
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