Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 December 1897 — Christmas Observances. [ARTICLE]

Christmas Observances.

By the Chnrches and People «f Rensselaer. , The observance of Christmas in Rensselaer this year was on a more elaborate scale than for several years past. This was due in many respects to the ideal Christmas weather and the prevelance pf better times, which bad a tendency to loosen the purse strings and cause money to flow in business channels, the giving of many presents and a general good time. The churches gave their usual Christmas eve exercises. At the Presbyterian a tree loaded with presents for old and young was greatly appreciated by a large crowd. At the Christian a ladder took the place of the usual tree and an excellent literary and musical program was rendered. The Mejlhodist had a tree followed by a Christmas talk by the pastor. The F. W. Baptist gave a cantata preceding the giving of presents, and as. the Missionary Baptist a wigwam was filled with gifts for those present. The merchants of Rensselaer have enjoyefl a good trade and many of them say it was the best in their business history. All the stores had an extraordinary large stock of holiday goods and it gratifying to the Republican to know that very few articles will have to be carried over until next season.