Sullivan Daily Times, Volume 48, Number 256, Sullivan, Sullivan County, 24 December 1946 — Page 4

PAGE FOUR

SULLIVAN DAffiY USES-TUESDAY, DEC. 24, 1946. SULLIVAN, INDIANA

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Prof. Moon

.i HE man who wrote A I -o the most celebrated

of all Christmas i poems wasn't proud 'of it

Clement Clarke Moore, Ph.D., did not care to have his

name identified with the jingles that were, in spite of his

wishes, to make him Immortal. His "A Visit to St. Nicholas," better known as "The Night Before Christmas," was not published under his name for more than 20 years after he composed it, on the spur of the moment, on Christmas Eve, 1822. A graduate of a divinity school who was never ordained, Dr. Moore was then professor of Greek and Oriental Literature in the (Episcopal) General Theological Seminary and the author of the ,fir3t Hebrew-

English lexicon. He lived in a colonial mansion on a slope

just west of 9th avenue, between 22nd and 23rd streets, Manhattan. The name of the estate, Chelsea, is still borne by that whole district of New York. The professor's wife, Catharine Taylor Moore, was making up baskets for the poor of Trinity Parish that Christmas Eve when she discovered she didnt have enough turkeys. She coaxed the professor from his library and sent him to the store to get more. The streets through which he passed bad real Christmas Eve dress snow and moonlight The cheeriness of the crowds in the streets and everything warmed up the usually aloof 43-year-old scholar. As he walked in the street he suddenly had the vision of Christmas as all children see it, and a poem about it formed in his mind. When he reached home, he wrote down the lines and he read them that evening to his seven children. He had no thought of publishing the jingles, or indeed, of the poem ever going beyond his family hearthside. But it so happened that a young relative, Sarah Harriet Butler, visiting the Moores that Christmas, delightedly put a copy in her diary, and read it to her father, the Rev. David Butler, when she returned to her home in Troy, N. Y. The minister sent it next year to a

newspaper, where it appeared among

miscellany, Dec. 23, 1823. The

author's name was not given. Other newspapers printed the jingles. .They

lTSfelfF fnt- Moore as He 'fe ?F WfTn e4sW'Nv Visualized His Poem, IF 'FT lESrvfflgH I SkV Returning From Mars' I Jtylllk' feef on Eve- . jss-rj J -jS)! . Drawing Made Espe- ' V ZZ?L! 1 f cially for This Maga-

:;w.v: by the world

II: Pf i mi'' Jlfiffj'2s, 'J ' ' J Renowned Artist, Wil "sCTrfiyS Jiam Sharp.,

were placed on Christmas giveaways of merchants. They quickly became known all over the country, to the embarrassment of Dr. Moore, who feared to have it known he was the author. He considered it undignified for a man of his scholastic standing, to be the author of children's jingles. Also, at that time, Christmas merriment of any kind was frowned upon by religious zealots; and the professor had to be mindful of his position in the church. Twenty-two years later, when he had finally acknowledged authorship publicly, and "A Visit to St Nicholas" was brought out in book form under his name for the first time, the jingles had become a classic in the public domain, and he could sot reap royalties from all the publications. Ironically, the professor's serious works are forgotten today. He is mentioned in encyclopedias because he wrote the. celebrated Christmas verses. Numerous direct descendents of Dr.' Mppre survive today; several are in New York's Social Register. None live in Chelsea now, but Chelsea still has a link with the author: there is an annual Clement Clarke Moore Memorial Service at St Peter's Episcopal Church, which he founded, endowed and served for years as warden and organist. His residence no longer stands, but the childhood home where he himself hung up Christmas stockings and waited for visits from St Nicholas, survives in what is now Elmhurst, L. I. His grave, In upper Trinity Cemetery, at 155th street and Broadway, is decorated each Dec. 24th by persons who remember with affection his now deathless lines:

Twas the night before Christmas, . when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 7n hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in

their beds,

$3A While visions of sugar-plums danced &?&-S&-Z in their beads: . -

Ana mamma ia her kerchief and J .in my cap, Had Just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was tbe matter. Away to the window I Sew like a Sash, Tore open tbe shutters, and threw up the sash. The moon on tbe breast of tbe new-1 fallen snow Cave the luster of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear. But a miniature sleigh,' and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver t so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles bis coursers they came. And be whistled and shouted, and called them by name; "Now, Dashert now, Dancerl now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, ponder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane By, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house top tbe coursers they Sew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoot. As I drew in my bead, and was turning around, Down tbe chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all ia fur, from bis head to bis foot. And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he bad Sung on bis back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, bis nose like a cherry! Bis droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And tbe beard of his chin was as white as the snow; Tbe stump of a pipe be held tight in his teeth. And the smoke it encircled his bead like a wreath; He bad a broad face and a round little" belly.

That shook when be taughed like a , bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump," a right jolly old elf. And I laughed when I saw him, in . spite of myself; A wink of bis eye and a twist of bis head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing S ( to dread; v He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And tiled all the stockings; then , turned with a jerk, And laying his Bnger aside his nose,' i And giving a nod, up the chimney he v rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team' gave a whistle, And away they all Sew like tbe down of a thistle; But I heard him exclaim, ere be drove V

out of sight, , ' I Si p "Hannv Christma i all. ami n all tvS ! i

- r r j - - ' v Ki v x a good night!" n-T

Courtesy N. T. Public Library Prof. Moore's Home in the Chelsea Seian of New York City.

SOCIETY

GRAYSVILLE W.S.C.S. The Craysville W.S.C.S. met at

the home of Mis. faui wiwe Wednesday, December 18th with a covered dish dinner. The afternoon program was called to order with a business session. The minutes of the November meeting were read and approved. An installation service was given for the new secretaries of supplies, Emma Cox of children's work; Lara Avery, of Christian social relations and local church activity, Tressa Patton, Roll call response was an outstanding Christmas program. Mrs. Cor

nelia Dickerson was given a hand for perfect attendance for the past year. Helen Phillips just missed one meeting. Several others had some good records.

; Devotions by Fern Monk. She used the Latin Cross with the topic, "Christianity is like a rice field." Solo by Mary Wible. Song in unison. The president asked each member to bring three questions from the topics in the Methodist Women, each month of the coming year besides the ones given. Mayme -Clayton, Mary Wible Ruth Walker, Emma Ccx, Iva Myers and Cora Burton sang one of Chanciy Piety's compositions. Roll call for January, "Your Favorite Bible Quo-

In this most joyful season, we want to express our sincere wishes for your happiness.

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, ri'RNACK SAT ES & SERVICE'

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tation." Helen Phillips conducted a quiz contest pertaining -to " the Bible and Christmas carols. Fern Monk and Marie Boles tied for correct answers. Mary Wible, Emma Cox and Ruth Walker sang an arrangement of Christmas songs. Regular offerings for missions and flower fund were given. A very impressive reading of the love affair of Mary and Joseph was given by Mrs. Katherine Barnes, accompanied at the close with harp music by by Helen Donaldson. j Those present were Mrs. Sackel, Lara Avery, Maxine Riggs, Leona Lester, Emma Cox, Iva Myers, Katherine Barnes, Helen Donaldson, Mae Strain, Mabel Howard, Ruth Walker, Leanor Patton, Johanna Medsker, Susie McGee, Nancy Fromme, Gracie Wernz, Lucile Burnette, Frances Huff, Gratis Easter, Mayme Clayton, Anna Cushman, Cornelia Dickerson, Helen Phillips, Fern Monk, Marie Boles, Tressa Patton, Cora Burton and the hostess, Mary Wible. W.S.C.S. OF NEW LEBANON MEETS :' Tfia W.S.C.S. met with Mrs. Nora Dodds Thursday, December 19th for their Christmas meeting. A covered dish luncheon was served at the noon hour followed by the following program: Opening songs "Joy to the World" and "Luther's Cradle Song" followed by sentence prayers. Mary Alice Stedman read the 4th chapter of Luke

and devotions in the study book. J A solo, "O Holy Night" was given by Mary Wilson. The group sang

"Silent Night" after which several members gave short readings in keeping with Christmas. The story "Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" was given by Mary A. Stedman.

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teria, and her . helpers, Mrs,

Clark, Mrs. Ellrick and Mrs. Smith. There were twenty-seven guests and Mr. ChoWning present. They were all seated at a . long, T-shaped table, which was decorated in keeping with the Christmas season: After the serv

ing, Mr. Stegmoller in behalf of

Business was transacted and all the teachers presented Mr.

Chowning with three gifts, in appreciation of his nine years of service as Cass Township Trustee. I In accepting these gifts' Mr. Chowning voiced his thanks to

plans were made for family night to be the fourth Thursday in January. Our thanks offering

1 was - $10.40. Two new, members jhave already joined the club for the new year. The group sang "Blest Be The Tie That Binds." Mary A. Stedman gave the closing prayer. I Those present were Mildred Dale, Hazel Jackson and Suzanne, Molly Austin and Billy, Jean Pirtle, Lucille Sims, Mrs. Jennings, Acie Raines, Doll Phillips, Clara Brokaw, Elizabeth Lisman, Bess Lisman, Mary Wilson, Grace Mason, Mary A. Stedman and Jean, Marie Irving and the hostess, Nora Dodds.

the teachers and said that he had enjoyed their co-operation dur- ; ing the past years, also that hav- ' ing been a teacher himself, he was able to see and know many problems. In closing, Mr. Chowning asked the teachers to continue to give their support to the incoming trustee. Those present for the dinner were Miss Oris Hendrickson, Miss Mae Hendrickson, Miss Page, Mrs. Carter, Miss Dugger, Mr.

and Mrs. Ralph Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Stegemoller, Mr. and Mrs. Pratt, Miss Myers, James VHannum, Mrs. O. E. Chowning, Mr. and Mrs. Abram, Mr. and Mrs. Gore, Miss Pirtle, Miss Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Leaman, Miss Gray, Mrs. Coyner, Mrs. Hawtin, Mr. and Mrs. Walters and the ' guest of honor, Mr. O. E. Chowning.

Now Available GENERAL, FIRESTONE ACME TIRES 6:00-16 6:50-16 6:50-15 at Ike's Cities Service Washington & Section St..

Happy holiday to all. Our sincerest wishes for a Christmas filled with joy for a New Year filled with happiness, health, prosperity.

Cox & Williams Garage

CASS TOWNSHIP TEACHERS ' HONOR MR. CHOWNING j A delicious five o'clock dinner was served Sunday evening $o the teachers of Cass township and Mr. Chowning, the retiring t trustee. This dinner, which was sponsored by the teachers of Cass township in honor of Mr. Chowning for the loyal service which he has rendered the school, was prepared and served by : Mrs. Bartley, head of the school cafe-

Gush's L hJsl

Along with the-gifts tumbling out of your stockings are our many .good wishes for a 'Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. HUFFS 0 - X STATION

Again this year we wish you' one, we wish you all the joys and pleasures of a happy Christmas holiday-season.

May your Holiday be as brikht as our Christmas hntern that's our wish for you.

TIP TOP MARKET.

LOWELL "GREASY" WILLIS

BOOTHE STUDIO

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'The' bells ring put our brigfit and happy- wishes to one and p11 this glorious Yuletide.'

Waldorf

Shelburn

Florist We Peliver

It is with great pleasure that we extend our best wishes to all for a happy Yuletide.

RJj'REiTA BEAUTY SHOP

BETTY THOMPSON

M r. Snowman joins us in wishing one and all the merriest Christmas ever and a Happy New Year.

Ivan BOYLL GROCERY

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-i AH Is iflif! I 'I if M V4 GREETINGS

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Bonded Florist