From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 24, 1912:

• “Tonight the Lawrence order of Good Fellows will appear in their full strength to do their annual little deed of Good Fellowship for their less fortunate fellow citizens. Never before has there been such a spirit of good fellowship manifested in Lawrence and never before have there been so many good fellows at work looking for opportunities of sharing their blessings with those who are not so well provided for as they are…. ‘Is there really a Santa Claus?’ plaintively came the call into the Journal-World office this morning. Upon being assured that old Saint Nick was a reality and that he came around each year with his pack of toys, the inquirer replied, ‘Why, I am a little girl eight years old and he has never put anything in my stocking.’ The Journal-World promised the little one that this year old Santa would not forget her and advised her to hang up a stocking tonight. Santa must have missed her in the past, but he will not do so this year. The Good Fellows have her name and address and she will be convinced that there is really a Santa Claus and that it is his duty to make the hearts of children glad in Christmas time.”
• “Yesterday was the biggest day of the season according to the merchants of Lawrence. Several of them stated today that their business yesterday was better than it had been any day this year. This seemed to be a general statement all along the street. There were good crowds on the streets all day and they continued until late last night. Today business was lighter but there were still a number who arrived at the eleventh hour to do their Christmas shopping. A large number of the stores remained open last night and will do so again this evening. However, tomorrow, business will be practically suspended in town. Tomorrow is Christmas and the grand rush will be over…. Following its usual custom the Journal-World will issue early tomorrow. The paper will be complete so far as it goes, but will be issued in the forenoon.”
• “Anyone having anything to give to the poor and who has not already secured some one to act the Santa Claus for him may call up Captain Morris of the Salvation Army and he will see that the poor of the city receive the gifts. Capt. Morris is also anxious to know of all who are in need of a good Christmas dinner and asks that anyone who knows of a family that he can help call him up.”