20 Dec 1917
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Westville Indicator
Location
Westville, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Dec 20, 1917
Page
1
The passage recalls ancient Druids gathering mistletoe with a golden sickle to mark the winter solstice. Only sacred oaks bore mistletoe and the plant was valued for cures and protection from evil spirits. Evergreen garlands invited Sylvan spirits to keep homes safe through frost until spring.
The Saturnalia Roman festival honoring Saturn lasted about a week or two beginning around December 19. It featured widespread merrymaking with no business transacted, war suspended, feuds forgotten, and a spirit of good fellowship as friends exchanged gifts and slaves were served by their masters and mistresses.
A nostalgic poem fragment imagines a childlike wish to hang centipede stockings by the fireplace and to be filled by an octopus with eight arms, a playful holiday fantasy printed in the New York Sun.
The article describes December 6 as Nicholas Day with markets and gift giving for children. It notes Saint Nicholas in local attire, distributing apples and cookies, and explains Christmas Day's rise in significance, including the Christkindl bringing a Christmas tree and gifts, replacing Santa in many areas.
New York 1814 advertisement highlights Christmas gift items including books such as Barton's Lectures on Female Education and Manners Foster's Essays and Rasselas Chatechism of Nature. Also features fancy articles at A T Goodrich 124 Broadway corner of Cedar Street with literature for children, novelties from Europe, and accessories like visiting cards, pocket books, pen knives, opera glasses, and snuff boxes.
A devotional poem from Rev Norman Van Pelt printed in the Philadelphia Public Ledger, recounting the nativity tale. It invites readers to follow the Christ Child, endure life’s trials, and seek hope, peace, and eternal joy through faith in Bethlehem's savior.
Dr. Matthew Simpson reflects on the nativity story with angels announcing glad tidings for all people. He cites biblical figures present at Jesus birth and outlines three key truths: God’s glory through incarnation, universal peace on earth, and the spread of goodwill among men leading to harmony and praise.
The message urges care for the lonely and suffering during Christmas and recalls the gift to the poor as the first and greatest. It Calls readers to give to those near and dear, and to reach out to someone else who has no one.
A Bosnian legend sees the sun leap in the heavens while stars dance as peace settles over mountains and forests. In Poland Jacob's ladder rises between earth and sky, Austria candles brighten windows, and in north Germany tables glow for Mary. Shakespeare is cited for English Christmas spirit as Christmas Eve weather softens dangers.
Poem celebrates the Beautiful Bethlehem bells with a peaceful message for nations and the poor. It portrays ringing bells across hills and cities, calling joy, life, and a love that endures toward Calvary. The verse emphasizes mercy, hope, and timeless melody inspiring compassion.
A reflective piece celebrates Christmas childhood as a winter festival of family unity and hopeful peace. It honors Bill, Jim, Lizzie, and Sara and envisions how this festive memory informs the future, marking the season with fraternal goodwill and sacred joy.
The birth of Christ was not originally observed on a fixed date. In the first centuries, Christians celebrated at different times around the world. Some chose January 1 or 6, March 29, September 29, and other dates, with April 19 and May 20 also used. By the fifth century December 25 became the common date.
The lay invites lords to celebrate Christmas in a manor with feasting bread meat and fish. It praises charity and generosity while urging kindness to the poor and condemning cowardice and dislike. The speaker proposes a wassail toast and ends with a curse on silent participants.
The seventeenth annual conference of Indiana state tax board and county assessors will run January 8 to 10 in the statehouse. Gov. James P. Goodrich will open with Tax Problems, followed by talks on Progress in Taxation Methods and The Inheritance Tax.
A state committee under Governor Goodrich plans a statewide Indiana veteran fund to aid returning soldiers and fund ambulances. The drive seeks volunteers from organizations and individuals to support demobilization efforts and permanent employment programs. Contributions funnel to Maj. Felix M. McWhirter at Peoples State Bank, Indianapolis.
Regs from Provost Marshal Crowder outline that engineering students in approved schools may enlist in the engineer department’s enlisted reserve and be placed in class 5 upon presenting a certificate of enlistment. Supporting affidavit No 2 for discharge claims can be signed by the head of the registrant’s division or plant if the enterprise operates across states.
The Children's Aid association reports in detail on eight departments led by superintendent teams under general secretary Frank D. Loomis. It argues poverty cannot be cured by handouts and emphasizes constructive help through organized programs and services.
H E Barnard federal food administrator in Indiana warned Boone county farmer William Binford to cultivate or rent his 500 acre property. Binford was accused of letting land go idle and holding 3000 bushels of corn at risk of ruin. Barnard cited food control law and stated action would be taken. The piece also notes rulings on meat and flour storage and a new state court appointment.
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