The Chemawa American
Printed at Chemawa,
Oregon, and Devoted to the Interests of Indian Education
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22__________________________________________.__ ___
Vol. XXVIII
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3
MAY
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Wednesday, January 5, 1827
THE HOLIDAY WEEK
▲ Great Series of Entertaining Events—Educational,
Social and Athletic Features—The Mid-Winter
Season Made Memorable by Many
Pleasing and Varying
Functions
Just whereto begin to tell the story of “our” Christ
mas is something of a puzzle to us. For many weeks
the minds of all have been centered on the various
events which would make for a memorable Christmas
season. The spirit moved in all, from the little tots
clear on up to Supt. McGregor, who became a prime
mover in all Christmas matters. So many things had
to be looked after and there was much real work for
all. It must be so at an institution of the character
and magnitude of Chemawa. But just when did
“our” Christmas begin?
We believe that for our detail it started on Dec. 18.
when the printers had their annual “big eats,” as they
say. This event was followed the day after by Miss
Eakin’s activities among, and with, her Protestant
charges, which in every instance proved pleasurable.
But we shall not go into details regarding the above
for mention wTas made in our last issue.
On the evening of Dec. 23 the primary grades put
on an entertainment which was what one in justice
would have to call unusually fine, when age and ex
perience and time for preparation were taken into con
sideration. The little ones had the assistance of a few
of the older students, but the younger pupils were in
every instance unusually proficient. This entertain
ment had been placed in the hands of Miss Foster and
her splendid work proved that the task had been as
signed to proficient hands. It was all most creditable.
After the little tots’ entertainment on the evening
of the 23rd the various classes repaired to the aca
demic building where Christmas trees were in evi
dence in each of the class-rooms. Mirth and good
will abounded everywhere and for an hour or two joy
was unconfined.
On the evening of the 24th, Christmas eve, trees
were held in the dormitories and the scenes and pro
grams attending the trees were indescribable. It
seemed that everyone in the whole world was happy
—yea, more, joy mad.
No. 15
At 4 o’clock on the morning of Christmas Day Mrs.
Turney and the members of her choir, following a
custom of many years at Chemawa, began singing
carols about the grounds. An hour was given over
to carol singing at the various residences and dormi
tories and then the choir repaired to the Catholic
chapel where they sang for Father Gall while he
conducted mass. The singing was good and the cus
tom is certainly one worth perpetuating.
At noon came the dinner and a large flock of hun
gry students did full justice to it. The dinner was
fine and ample in every way. It was well cooked and
well served and the dining-room looked most attrac
tive. As in former years, the employes all helped
serve and the orchestra played throughout the meal.
Many visitors were with us to enjoy it all.
At the Employes’ Club and in the various homes
about the campus there were fine Christmas dinners
and it is certain that there was much feasting at Che
mawa and that much joy attended it.
During the afternoon there were athletic contests in
the gym between the literary societies—Excelsiors vs.
Reliance and Winonas vs. Nonpareils. The various
stunts proved of great interest. The Reliance de
feated the Excelsiors, but there was no defeat to record
for the girls’ societies, as the Winonas and Nonpareils
tied. They did the same last year. Making a “tie of
it” is becoming an annual custom with them, it seems.
In the evening the McNary Hall boys and the
large boys from Mitchell Hall were hosts at a recep
tion given in the gymnasium honoring McBride Hall
girls and the large girls from Winona Hall. This
proved a most delightful social event. It is always a
great pleasure to reflect on the fact that the parties of
our young people are always genteel in every respect,
there never being any sign of rowdyism. This party
was no exception and the high standard of former
days prevailed at this social function. It was both
creditable and enjoyable.
On Sunday evening the choir gave a sort of Christ
mas memorial and pageant service combined. This
service is of some six or eight years standing at Che
mawa, and is destined to go on and on. It is truly
(Continued on page 4)