100 years ago: ‘Good Fellows’ bring Christmas charity, joy to Lawrence families

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 25, 1913:

“It is Christmas Day. The hurry and noise of the shopping season has died down, leaving quietude and rest, happiness, yes ‘peace on earth good will to men.’ Lawrence, which has been the scene of so much excitement and preparation the past weeks, today has resumed its usual quiet aspect. Business is practically suspended in town today, the most of the stores being closed all day to afford a holiday and a rest for the shop folks who always bear a great share of the burdens of the Christmas season…. Many of the business houses remained open last night to accommodate the late buyers, but they will not open again until tomorrow morning when the annual clearing up, the annual invoice of stock and the clean-up sales begin…. But today all is quiet, only the Good Fellows serve to keep up the labor of Christmas. These workers have been busy since early this morning, making a Merry Christmas for all of Lawrence. Many a family in need has been helped today and others will be remembered before the day is closed…. Early this morning, four o’clock in the morning, Ensign E. W. Morris and his fellow laborers of the Salvation Army started out with their baskets. These baskets contained dinners that must reach the homes of the poor folks of the city in time to make the family board a place of happiness at noontime…. At the Elks Lodge rooms this afternoon the children of the poor homes are to be made to know the real joy of Christmas. The lodge is prepared to take care of the needs of at least 400 children and it is expected that almost that many will be out this afternoon at the annual Elks treat. Every child that attends this gathering will receive the personal attention of Santa Claus’ big brothers of the B. P. O. E. First there is the big tree all decorated and lighted. An orchestra will be present to furnish the music and there will be candy and popcorn and nuts and oranges…. One of the features will be a big fish pond in one of the downstairs rooms. The little anglers will cast for presents and will draw out dolls, drums, horns, doll beds, picture books and many other Christmas toys. The toy list has been well looked after and there will be something to make every little heart glad…. And thus the happy Christmas day is here, with all its joys and pleasures, its good times, its spirit of good fellowship and of gift giving.”