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Newspaper
Sun Coast Gondolier
Location
Venice, Florida, United States of America
Date
Dec 22, 1982
Page
4
The Sun prints the famous 1897 Virginia O’Hanlon letter to editor Francis Church asking if Santa exists. Church’s timeless reply affirms belief, while noting truth and wonder. The piece recalls Nast’s 1884 Santa cartoon and the tradition of seeking answers in The Sun.
The final Francis P. Church editorial became famous worldwide and was printed by the New York Sun annually until 1949. Virginia O Hanlon grew to a teacher and principal, married as Virginia Douglas, and died aged 81 in 1971 after a long career and a life shaped by the Santa Claus letter.
An editorial invokes the famous Virginia letter to defend faith in Santa Claus, arguing that belief transcends sight and reason. It asserts that love, poetry, and devotion give life its highest joy and that unseen wonders remain real beyond human perception.
Virginia O Hanlon writes to the paper at eight years old asking the editor to confirm whether Santa Claus exists. She notes friends doubt, and her father says if it’s in The Sun it must be true, seeking a clear, truthful answer.
A lively critic’s note compares a long-established restaurant with subpar Thanksgiving fare to a bustling Italian spot praised for pizza and generous portions. It also salutes a south Sarasota Chinese joint serving Wan Lo Har, bacon fried rice, and hot sake, urging readers to explore new dining options south of the region.
The author extols a holy and merry Christmas heavy with gift giving and festive signals. Venice residents celebrate a living Christmas pageant while urged to donate to aid unemployed families. Holiday wishes go to editors, City Hall staff, and readers of the Memos, with light humor about keeping out of mischief.
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