Letters to Santa Claus
Notice

Boys and girls, when you write your letters to Santa Claus be sure and show them to father or mother so that they can be sure the address is correct. The Santa Claus Editor is besieged with childish scrawls which it is impossible to decipher. They are pathetic in the extreme because they have to go In the waste basket when they can’t be deciphered, and we know these little folks want to see Santa Claus so badly.

Bah Humbug! There must have been a Scrooge at the Editors desk in 1911!

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 5, 1911.

Dear Santa Claus: I have been a good boy since last Xmas and say my prayers every night, and I want to ask you to bring me a little hobbyhorse, a little printing press and ink and paper to go with It so I can be a real pressman when I get big. Don’t forget lots of candy and nuts and a drum. Thanking you, dear Santa,

MURL CONN (1888-1978)
532 Sibley street.

Murl Conn went on to be a pressman at W B Conkey Co. in Hammond, Indiana. He worked at Conkey along with his father and brothers. The W. B. Conkey Company was located in Hammond, Indiana and boasted as being the most modern and best equipped printing plant in the world. During its early years in the city from 1906 to 1908 it held claim to be the largest printing plant in the world. Conkey was later sold to Rand McNally.

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 4, 1911.

Dear Santa Claus: I would wish for a writing desk, candy and nuts. I will not be happy yet because you do not, I get anything for Xmas. But you must watch out when you are going down the chimney because the fire is burning all night. Do not forget.

GEORGE BALTA (1901-1978)

When George Balta was born on July 7, 1901, his father, Joseph, was 26 and his mother, Kathrine, was 19. He married Frances M Miles on October 3, 1921, in Ellicott City, Maryland. They had three children in 16 years. He died on December 7, 1978, in Murray, Kentucky, at the age of 77.

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 7, 1911.

Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a pair of yellow shoes, as the pair you brought me last year are too small now. I am 9 years old in my stocking feet. Please bring me a steamboat, too, and Santa, don’t bring Annie Gardner nor Fish O’Connor anything, because they always tease me and call me Yiddish and Porkie. Don’t forget lots of candy and nuts. That’s all I can think of now. Good-bye, Santa.

DAVID THEODORE ROSENTHAL. (1895-1982)

P. S. Don’t forget the shoes, and also, I forgot to tell you want a pair of No. 12 roller skates.

David attended the University of Michigan and had a law practice in Hammond and Chicago. Rosenthal married Mildred Modjeska in 1923—they had no children.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 5, 1911.

Dear Santa Claus: I saw you with your suitcase when you went past our house last Sunday. I guess you did not know where I lived. I am five years old and my little brother Arnold is three. His birthday is today. He Is sick with a bad cold. I have got a cold, too. My mamma is holding my hand while I write. Arnold would like to have a nice rocking horse and some good things to eat. I want some dishes, a high chair for my dollie and anything else you can bring. I go to kindergarten next year. I hope I can write you all alone. I live at 454 May street. Next time you go please stop and see us. by

JUNE LOUISE ROBINSON. (1906-1993)

June Louise Robinson was born on Dec 1, 1906 in Lowell, Lake, Indiana to Frank Evans Robinson and Ina Faye Klein. On Nov. 19, 1927 Robinson married James Shaw Whitehead. June passed away on March 18, 1993 in Charleston, Coles, Illinois.

Whiting, Ind., Dec. 7, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a sled, an Indian suit. My little brother Irvin wants a Happy Hooligan suit. Do not forget the poor children I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good-bye. Yours truly,

IRVIN (1904-1986) AND ELRIE (1907-1980) MOORE.

432 Fischrupp avenue.

Whiting, Ind., Dec. 7. 1911.

Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a big baby doll and a gocart so I can wheel it. I am a little boy and play with the girls. Please bring me a sled. Good-bye, Santa.

MILTON COLLINS. (1897-1964)

119th Street, above the hardware store.

P. S. I will be disappointed If you don’t come. My mother had to write it for me. I can’t write yet.

Milton Johnson Collins was born on Dec, 4, 1897 to Clay Commoner Collins and Sarah Margaret Johnson. He married Mildred E. Schell on July 19, 1919, in Michigan City, Indiana. He died on April 19, 1964, in Cook, Illinois, at the age of 66, and was buried in Arlington, Virginia. Milton was a veteran of WWI.

Hammond. Ind., Dec. 7, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I want a violin and an air gun and a box of tools and a pocket knife and a horn for Christmas. I think I will send you 10 cents. I think I will send you a you a doll. Well, I guess I will close. From

HOMER TO SANTA CLAUS.

Hammond. Ind Dec. 8. 1911.

Dear Santa Claus: I want a train, pair of roller skates, a boat, rabbit, lamb, desk, dishes, air gun, musical
bird whistle, drum, large horn, teddy bear. I will send you a nickel, from

ARLOW

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 8. 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I want a train, rattle box, horse and a horn. Russel will give you four cents, From

RUSSELL.

Hammond. Ind., Dec. 8. 1911.

Dear Santa Claus: I want a doll head, a doll bed, washing outfit, four chairs and table, a blackboard and a phone. I will send you 10 cents. I would send you more if I had it, but I have not the money to spare. Papa is going: to give you 40 cents for pipe. Well, I guess I will close. From

LOUISE TO SANTA

Clearly, Homer, Arlow, Russel and Louise are siblings. This is not the first incident I’ve see the offer of payment to Santa for Christmas presents. I have not come up with how this practice came about.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 7, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would write and tell you what we want for Xmas. Please bring me a pair of roller skates and a sled, and bring my sister a trunk, story book, a game and bring my brother a rocking horse, a horn and drum. Please forgive Maybelle for breaking her baby doll because she gave it to brother to play with and she didn’t know he would break it. Don’t forget the candy and nuts and Xmas tree. This is all this time, dear Santa. From your little friend.

MILDRED M HOFFMAN (1905-1988)

438 Ash Street

When Mildred M Hoffman was born on August 20, 1904, in Indiana, her father, Clarence Irving Hoffman, was 21, and her mother, Sadie Charlotte Bush, was 18. She had two brothers and two sisters. She died on July 6, 1988, in Pompano Beach, Florida, at the age of 83, and was buried in Sebring, Florida. Mildred never married.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 8, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I don’t know as there is any use for me to write, but thought I would anyway. I guess I have been a pretty naughty girl. I lost 75 cents of mamma’s money. Mama said you will bring me a sack of salt and a horse whip, but if you have any old thing that no one else don’t want please leave it for me. You may be sure I will be glad to get it. I don’t believe I ought to call myself your friend, so I will just sign my name and age.

ILA MCMULLEN 6 years (1904-1988)

809 Claude Street.

When Ila McMullan was born in 1904 in Indiana, her father, John, was 47, and her mother, Maud, was 41. She had six brothers and two sisters. On June 27, 1925 Ila married Guy M. Clark. Ila passed away in 1988.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 8, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy of six yeas old. And as I see other children’s letters, I thought I would write you one also. I want some nuts, candy, engine and trains. But most of all, dear Santa. I would like a Billy goat. But my mamma says I can’t have it because it has a bad smell. I have three sisters. Yours truly,

BOBBIE ESSLINGER (1904-1990)

597 Wilcox Avenue.

When Charles Robert Esslinger was born on December 26, 1904, in Oswego, New York, his father, Robert, was 32 and his mother, Wilhelmina, was 30. He married on November 18, 1943 to Charlotte Cecil Elder, in Indiana. He died on May 10, 1990, in Griffith, Indiana, at the age of 85, and was buried in Hammond, Indiana.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 12, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I have been to see all the toys you have for little boys and girls at the Lion store basement. I seen the things I would like for you to bring me. I would like a negro doll, the flying machine and one of the fish ponds so I can fish when I have nothing else to do. A story book that has funny stories, some that will make me laugh when I read them; a large Christmas tree, nuts and candy. And bring mamma and papa the things they like best. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. I live at 593 Truman Avenue. Your Friend,

RAYMOND FAUSER (1906-1991)

When Raymond Fauser was born on March 3, 1906, in Hammond, Indiana, his father, Charles, was 36 and his mother, Huldah, was 19. He had one son and two daughters with Claribel Emma Ziese Fauser. He died on April 4, 1991, in Merrillville, Indiana, at the age of 85, and was buried in Crown Point, Indiana.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 10, 19011

Dear Santa: I am a little girl eight years old. I will let you know what I want. I want a pink dress for my doll. I would like a pair of red and white hair ribbons, a pair of gloves, a necklace, a box of handkerchiefs, a china closet, a nice game. Please bring my papa a box of cigars and baring him some nuts and candy. Please tell the O. K. Champion Potato Manufacturing Co. to send him a big check. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From your little girl.

MARIA KNOERZER (1904-1939)

P S I would like a pair of shoes.

When Maria K Knoerzer was born in 1904 in Indiana, her father, Thomas, was 50, and her mother, Magdalena, was 35. She had three brothers and three sisters. She died in 1939 at the age of 35. Maria’s uncle, Otto, invented and manufactured the O. K. Champion Potato Digger in Hammond, Indiana.

Hammond, Ind., Dec 11, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl five years old and do not go to school but have learned a few things at home. I would like a doll and buggy and a piano, and Santa, be sure and get it at the Straube Piano Co. for I have seen them there and they are the best. I am awfully tired of waiting for you, dear Santa, but you will get here. Good-bye.

CELLIA PASSAGE (1907-2008)

551 Truman Street

When Celia V Passage was born on May 29, 1907, in Hammond, Indiana, her father, John, was 45, and her mother, Angeline, was 40. She married DeWitt Wagner in 1933 in Gary, Indiana. Wagner passed away in 1955. She then married Charles Frances “Charlie” Spaniol on November 2, 1965, in Pontiac, Illinois. Spaniol passed away in 1983. She died on May 19, 2008, in Niles, Michigan, at the age of 100.

Griffith, Ind., Dec. 1911

Dear Santa Claus: Please send me for Christmas: One compass and on magic lantern and one gun to shoot with. I want one sled for two people to ride on; that’s for me and my little friend Clara, because Clara is a real nice girl and we won’t fight for the sled. Please get Clara a nice ring to wear with a diamond in it. I have been a real good boy all year and so has Clara, too. Don’t bring my ma no whip. I like my ma and Clara. We want some candy and nuts, too. I like you, too.

GEORGE GOVERT (1895-1951)

When George Jacob Govert was born on January 30, 1895, in Griffith, Indiana, his father, Peter, was 43 and his mother, Anne, was 33. He married “CLARA” G. Seberger on September 24, 1919, in Lake, Indiana. He died on September 4, 1951, in Church, West Virginia, at the age of 56, and was buried in Schererville, Indiana.
When “CLARA” G. Seberger was born in 1896 in Indiana, her father, Nicholas, was 51, and her mother, Gertrude, was 46. She married George Jacob Govert on September 24, 1919, in Lake, Indiana. She died on February 15, 1966 in West Virginia at the age of 70. George and Clara had no children.

Griffith, Ind., Dec. 12, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: As I am thirteen years of age and I attend St. Michael’s School every day at Schererville, Ind., will you please bring me a new hat, a new dress, nuts, candy, oranges and apples? I do not want much this time for I am getting too big. I am in the sixth grade and I walk three and one-half miles there and back each day. I remain, your fried.

GERTRUDE SEBERGER (1998-1917)

When Gertrude K Seberger was born in February 1898 in Indiana, her father, John Seberger, was 25, and her mother, Catherine Margraf, was 22. She married James Joseph Machacek on April 2, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois. She died on May 13, 1917, in Gary, Indiana, at the age of 19.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 13, 1911

Sear Santa Claus: I am a good boy five years old. As Xmas will soon be here, I want to tell you what I want. I want a train with a track, a story book, a chair. I have a little brother two years old; don’t forget him and be sure and bring us a Christmas tree, nuts and candy. Your little friend,

ALFRED KOSANKE

598 Michigan Avenue.

When Alfred W. Kosanke was born on February 25, 1907, in Indiana, his father, Julius William Kosanke, was 25 and his mother, Cora Alvina Sommers, was 21. He had two brothers. He died on April 25, 1971, in Hammond, Indiana, at the age of 64.

Lowell, Ind., Dec. 17, 1911

Dear Santa: I am a little girl five years old and as it is most time for you to come to Lowell, I was afraid if I did not write you a few lines you might forget to stop at our house. Now, Santa, I don’t want very much only I would like a set of furs and some new hair ribbons and a dolly that says mamma and all the story books you have to spare, as I do love to have stories read to me. Well, Santa, I will say good-bye, and don’t forget to bring some candy and nuts. Your little friend,

LYRILL TAYLOR

When Lyrrell Alice Taylor was born on June 29, 1906, in Lowell, Indiana, her father, Charles, was 47, and her mother, Alice, was 45. She married Carl Edward MILLER on July 14, 1930, in Hobart, Indiana. She had two sons and two daughters. She died on February 7, 1997, in her hometown at the age of 90, and was buried there. Lyrill Miller was the Lowell school Librarian.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 16, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: As it is getting near Christmas, I thought I would tell you what I want. I am a little boy six years old. I go to school and am in room one. I want a steel racer, a blackboard, a story book and a sweater. My little brother Clarence wants a steel racer, train and cars and a sweater. We both want a Christmas tree, nuts and candy. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I will now close. Your little friend,

LESLIE HANSEN.

126 Doty Street

P. S. Do not come down the chimney for it is very dirty. We will have the front door open.

When Leslie Thomas Hansen was born on September 1, 1905, in Hammond, Indiana, his father, Thomas, was 45 and his mother, Johanna, was 34. He had one daughter with June Marie McCoy. He died in July 1982 in Munster, Indiana, at the age of 76.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 18, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: As I am a little boy nine years old, I would like to have a pair of boots, a raincoat and cap, a dozen pencils, a half dozen pens, a tablet and many other toys. I also would like to have “Life of the Saints,” a dozen handkerchiefs, a pair of shoes and a pair of gloves. Do not forget my brothers and my parents and all poor children. Your friend,

WILLIAM M HORST (1902-1996)

266 Sibley Street

When William M. Horst was born on June 10, 1902, in Hammond, Indiana, his father, Joseph, was 26 and his mother, Magdalena Volk, was 24. He married Margaret Doffin in 1933. They had three children during their marriage. He died in 1996 in Merrillville, Lake, Indiana, at the age of 94.

Robertsdale, Ind., Dec. 18, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I is drawing near to Christmas, so I thought I would write and let you know what I would like to have. I want an Irish mail, a drum and a fie wagon. Also, don’t forget the candy and nuts. Your little friend,

JOHN BINHAMMER

P. S. Don’t forget the poor children and bring us an Xmas tree.

When John Binhammer was born in 1904 in Indiana, his father, Fred, was 28 and his mother, Frieda Sturm, was 17. He had one brother and one sister. He died on July 18, 1973, in Hobart, Indiana, at the age of 69.

Griffith, Ind., Dec. 19, 1911

Dear Santa: I want you to bring me some playing cards, a toy snake, an engine that runs on a track, a horn. My sister wants a tub, a washboard and a basket and wringer. My brother wants a gun and a horse, and don’t’ forget the toys. From

SLYBESTER BEIRIGER

When Sylvester M Beiriger was born on March 30, 1904, in Lake, Indiana, his father, Peter, was 37 and his mother, Matilda Ehrsam, was 27. He married Marie M Keen on June 12, 1926, in Hammond, Indiana. They had two children during their marriage. He died on March 4, 1989, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 84, and was buried in Fort Myers, Florida.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 19, 1911

Dear Santa: I am a boy 8 years old and I want a union tool chest and a soldier tent and a target game and don’t forget my mother, bring her a nice overcoat, a black one, and don’t forget my father, and bring him a pair of high topped shoes, and Oh, yes, and don’t forget the nuts and candy. Oh, yes, and the Christmas tree. That is all this time. Don’t forget the poor children. Your loving friend,

ATHUR BECKMAN

648 Ann Street

When Arthur William Beckman was born on February 27, 1903, in Hammond, Indiana, his father, Herman, was 32 and his mother, Augusta, was 32. He had three sons with Lydia Klitzke. He died on August 30, 1960, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the age of 57, and was buried in his hometown.

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 20, 1911

Dear Friend Santa Claus: I thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know what I want for Christmas. I wan a pair of rosary beads and a prayer book that bears the name “The Precious Blood of Our Savior.” I like to go to the holy mass every Sunday and I need these things. This is all this Christmas. I am 9 years old. From a loving friend,

ELIZABETH GAZDIK (1899-1969)

When Elizabeth Gazdik was born on June 11, 1899, in Pennsylvania, her father, John, was 21, and her mother, Elizabeth, was 24. She had four brothers and four sisters. On August 15, 1919 Elizabeth married Joseph Johannes, Jr. They had two children. She died on June 30, 1969, in East Chicago, Indiana, at the age of 70.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 20, 1911

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl about 3 years old. I try to be a real good girl. But sometimes I get into mischief. I have lots of trouble with my dollies. Maryann has lost pretty nearly all her sawdust and her head is cracked and Peggy is all dead. So, I would like a new doll with a buggy. That’s all for this Xmas. Thank you, Santa Claus. Your little friend,

MARGRETTA MILLER