Santa Claus Wants Those Letters

The Times Will Give Five Dollars to the Boy or Girl Who Writes the Nicest, Neatest Santa Claus Letter.

December 6, 1909

Santa Claus will soon start out from the North Pole on his Annual Christmas trip and The TIMES has accepted his invitation to notify him what his little boy and girl friends want for Christmas, as is its custom. Write your letters to Santa Claus and The TIMES will see that Santa Claus gets them. Make your letters brief as possible, write as plainly as possible and only on one side of the paper. Santa takes The TIMES and he will see your letter printed and will know what you want. It doesn’t matter where you live. Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, Indiana Harbor. St. John, Crown Point, Shelby. Hegewisch or in a score of other towns, where The TIMES circulates, send in your letters. Now listen the TIMES is going to give five dollars to the boy or girl the nicest, neatest letter to Santa Claus, care of The TIMES. All girls can try for this prize. There are no strings tied to it. We give this prize to help Santa Claus so that he won’s have any trouble reading the letters. Now boys and girls get busy The TIMES wants two thousand Santa Claus letters this year.

Whiting, Ind., Dec. 4, 1909

Dear Santa: How are you? I hope you will be good to us. I wish you would bring my sister some A B C blocks and a picture book. For me a folding doll gocart (doll baby carriage) and a fur set and a clock. I am nine years old and like to go to school. Don’t forget to bring me some nuts and candy. I am going to speak a nice piece for Christmas ever at church. I hope you will bring us a nice Christmas tree.

Your dear little friend

ANNA FUSS(1900-1945)  534 Front Street

 

Hammond, Ind. Dec. 6, 1909

Dear Santa: I am a little girl of six years and I am very sorry to tell you my dolly’s head is broken, and would you be so kind to bring me one and a tea set, too. And be sure to bring my baby sister a rattle box. And bring me a gocart for my dolly. Bring some nuts and candy and a nice Christmas tree, if you please. I would be very glad to get this if it is not too heavy for you to carry.

Goodbye, dear Santa,

LILLIAN SASS(1903-1999)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 8, 1909

Dear Santa: Hope you have not quite forgotten you true, affectionate friend. For Christmas will ask you to bring me a wig for my five-year-old doll, a story book, a gorgeous robe of satin on my doll. Would like some jewelry if you think I am not robbing you; a box of bon bons and best of all, a Christmas tree. Hope you did not forget that I live at 746 East State Street. I remain.

Your affectionate friend,

HELEN PRAUNGE (1899-1963)

Hammond, Ind. Dec. 7, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I am 12 years old now. I am a poor girl. Would you please send me a little present? I will be satisfied with what I get. I have only two brothers and they are the ones that support my mother. I hardly ever get presents on Christmas Eve.

Yours very truly,

LUCY ZIMMERMAN (1898-1978)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 7, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy six years old. I go to kindergarten. I love dear Santa Claus. My mamma is alone to support the home and she works very hard. She tell me she can’t get much for Xmas, so I ask for a sled or a box of tools. With love to Santa Claus from

FRANCIS WARNER 249 Truman Avenue.

Don’t forget me, dear Santa.

 

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 7, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I saw some letters in The Times last night, and I don’t want you to forget me. I would like you to bring me a magic lantern, a pair of gloves, a train of cars and a new wheel for my Irish mail, and some nuts and candy. My name is William Quinn(1903-1969). I live on Todd avenue

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 9, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl ten years old. I go to the Wallace School. I write you a letter but forgot to tell you m number. Please Santy get the piano at Straube’s. I don’t care what kind it is so you by it there. The factory is by the Conkey Plant. I don’t want everything: give the other little children that haven’t got any pappas lots of nice things. Goodbye Santa from

CLARA McCOY 736 Merrill Avenue

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 9, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would write you a few lines and tell you what I would like to have. I would like the biggest doll and gocart you got and a sweater coat and a pair of gloves, a story book, a post album book and some little things yet what you think are nice for me. I am going to be seven years old and I am trying to be a good girl too, and please Santa, don’t forget my brother Willie. He is there years old. He wants a drum and a horse and some building blocks. Dear Santa I am learning my piece to speak for you when you come. Do you remember the one I spoke for you last Christmas when you were over to our house. You can find us easy; just get on the interurban car and it will take you to our back yard gate. You need not be afraid of our Sport for Papa will have him chained, and don’t forget to bring a Christmas tree. So good-by dear Santa Claus.

I remain as your little friend,

FRIEDA and WILLIE LOHMEYER 26 West Gostlin Street.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 7, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: Thinking that I might win the five dollars so I might be able to get my mamma and papa and my little sisters some Xmas gifts, as my papa is out of work for a long time and we need the necessary things. I do not expect any gifts for Xmas. The only thing I want is a violin. Hoping this will reach you in good time, I remain as ever, your little friend,

ANNIE FREEMAN 429 Pearl Street

 

Whiting, Ind., Dec. 7, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I have been dreaming of you last night. I thought I heard your sleigh bells ringing and I thought I heard the reindeers trotting in the snow and stopping at 636 New York Avenue, but I hope this will not be a dream on Xmas eve, but really and truly happen. I wonder Santa, because you are a year older this Xmas if you are getting cranky. I hope not; wouldn’t that be too bad for the little girls and boys if it was so. Now be sure to stop on New York Avenue and leave me a doll buggy, sled and a lot of nuts, fruit and candy. Well, Santa, I’m afraid if I write a much longer letter I won’t be able to secure that lovely prize which The Times promised to give. I hope you will remember the house since last year; you know it’s slate color trimmed in white. I hope you’ll remember me, too. Well I must go to bed Santa, hoping I will dream of you again. Every once in a while think of a little girl who loves you. It is

NELLIE DUFF 636 New York Avenue

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 7, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a hat and coat, for I am twelve years old. And my little brother, who is five years old, would like to have a little boy’s suit of clothes as he never had one yet. And be so kind to bring a toy if you have it to spare. I would go to work for these things but I have to go to school and help my mamma at nights. And wishing you a Merry Christmas and all little girls and boys, and hoping you won’t forget us. Yours truly,

BEATRTICE SIPROSKI 390 S Deodar Street

 

Hammond. Ind., Dec.10, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I hope you will be good to us this year. You was not good since my papa passed away. I wish you would bring my sister Lilly a doll head and a buggy and my little brother a sweater coat and a mouth harp, my little sister a pair shoes and a doll, my other brother a pair of gloves and a cap. I want a doll head and a buggy; don’t forget to bring us some candy and some nuts. Me and Lilly are going to speak a nice piece at church. I hope you will bring a Christmas tree.Your dear little friends,

EMMA DOELL 905 Hickory Street.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 8, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I want you to bring me a few things. Please give me an automobile for myself. I am eight years old, I want a nice dress and coat tor my doll. She is to four years old and quite big. I tried to be as good as I could for I wanted Santa Claus to bring me some presents.

From your little friend.

FRANCES McLAUGHLIN R. R. No. 1

 

Hammond. Ind., Dec. 9, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would write you a little letter to tell you what I wanted for Christmas. I want a goat patrol wagon and a story book and also some nuts and candy. My sister Sarah wants a gold ring with two sets in it. Dear Santa don’t forget we live in the country.

Your friend,

CHARLES McLAUGHLIN R. R. No 1

 

Burnham, Ill. Dec. 9, 1909

Hello, Santa Claus: I want to write you a few lines and tell you what I want you to bring Christmas Eve. I want a nice new sled, if you please, and a pair of hockey skates, size 10 ½, a new drum. a story book, a watch and chain, a box of chocolates, a little engine, a solid gold ring with my initial in it, and a collar and necktie, and a lot of toys, candles and nuts. Aged nine old.

Yours truly,

EDWIN KIERSEY (1900-1966)

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 8, 1909.

Dear Santa: I am a little boy six years old, and as Xmas is soon here. I would like you to bring me a patrol wagon and a big blue horn and some candy and nuts, and a big Xmas tree, and don’t forget to bring me a sled. Please Santa; do not lose my toys in the snow. I wish you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. I remain your little friend,

HARRY SLONAKER 716 Torrence Avenue.

 

Hammond. Ind., Dec. 10, 1909

Dear Santa: Last night as I was playing with my sister Margaret I heard my papa read the little letters in The Times to Dear Santa Claus, so I thought I would send one to dear Santa Claus. I am a little girl only five years old and would like to have a big doll, little piano and a nice Christmas tree. Please don’t forget my little sister Margaret. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From a little kind heart,

LENA DAHLKAMP(1905-1971) 258 Sohl Street

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 8, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I am eleven years old and I am a very poor girl, not what you call real poor, only I want a little present. My brother is mean to me and won’t let me play with his toys. Please send me a story book if you can. Will you please send me the book on how to treat dumb animals? And I will be very thankful to you for it Yours truly,

LILLY STREPAY (1898-1969)

 

Whiting, Ind., Dec. 9. 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I think I am big enough for a bicycle as I am six years old. And we have new sidewalks to ride on and a pair of rubber boots to wade in the water. Bring me a little train like the one in the White City so I can let all the kids ride. Do you keep goats and little wagons? If so leave one in our basement. I want some candy, nuts and oranges. Please bring sister a little baby; it must be alive. Mamma coaxed papa to put up the storm windows. Yours truly,

ABE

Whiting Ind., Dec. 10, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: How are you Santa? As Christmas is nearly here I thought I would write you a letter. I will tell you what I want for Christmas. A doll buggy, a doll, a ring, a sewing box, a rocking chair, a pair of gloves. This is all this Christmas. I am glad when Christmas comes. I am eight years old. I am in third grade. I like to go to school. I like Miss Bonham. Good bye,

Yours truly,

GENEVIEVE LAWRENCE

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 9, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy of nine years old and live at 81 State Street. I want to tell you what I would like to have for Christmas. I would like to have a small automobile, a canary bird whistle, a nickel savings bank, a checker board, a pair of skates, a shooting gallery, a comical ladder, a small house and a stocking full of nuts and candy. Your friend,

RAYMOND BECKMAN

 

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 10. 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I am very glad that Christmas is coming. Mamma and papa have been reading in the papers of the poor little children whose fathers were killed in the mine disaster at the Cherry Mine in Illinois, and hope that you will not forget to make them happy. I remain your loving friend.

EDNA OSTERBERG. 4844 Forsyth Avenue

 

Hammond. Ind., Dec. 10. 1909

Dear Santa: Christmas is almost here I will tell what I want this Xmas. I want a book of Aesop’s Fables, a Billikin doll, a story book, some nuts and candy and some arms for my four year old doll Dorothy. Please bring some poor children some presents too as well as me. Yours Sincerely,

NELLIE 346 Alice Street

 

Hammond, Ind.,

 

Dec.10, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would write you a brief letter. As we thought that Santa Claus wouldn’t come to us any more as our dear mother died one year ago and we are now left orphans, as Santa Claus you must know what a home is without a mother. I hope that this letter will not be throwed in the waste basket. I remain your friend.

EVELYN DONAHUE 217 State Line Street

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 10, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I thought that 1 would write you a brief letter. As you ask to name the gifts we should or would like to receive, as it is I am not used to receiving gifts. I hope you will not forget us. I close with wishes that the letter will not be thrown in the waste basket. I remain your friend,

MARGERITTE DONAHUE 217 State Line Street

Hegewisch, Ill., Dec. 15, 1909

Dear Santa: I do not want very much this Christmas, but I want a nice brick house and a lot and about five shares In the Inland Steel company. Hoping you won’t forget mum I remain,

NEWMAN EVELYN.

 

Whiting, Ind., Dec. 15. 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: As I have already written a letter to The Times not knowing it would do me any good to write to you as I didn’t think there was any Santa Claus for me this year as I was left an orphan this year and thought I was thankful to have someone give me a home and not to expect presents this year, but I was told that Santa Claus would remember me just the same. I don’t expect toys, but I would like a new pair of shoes and hope I will be one of the prize winners. From the girl that loves you.

VIOLET DAUGHERTY 504 119th street.

 

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 15, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I want to write nice long letter to you to tell you what I want you to bring me for Christmas. I have thought of so many pretty things all day, but now when sit down to write I forget all about them. The only things I can remember are a set of dishes and a new head for my dolly. Goodbye for today,

MILDRED ANDERSEN

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 15, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl eight years old, have tried to be good little girl this year. As there are five girls in our family to bring things to I cannot ask for much. I never had a buggy and oh how I would like to have one—one like mothers ride their babies in. Hoping I am not asking too much. With love,

ABBIE ANDERSEN

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 14, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would drop you a few lines wishing to tell you what I expect from you for Christmas. I do not expect very much from you for fear you and your reindeer would get too tired of pulling in the snow. Because if I would tell you what all I want I guess you would fill your bag and you would not have place for the other children’s presents. I would like as a present from you a writing desk, piano, story book and some of games. Besides these presents I want candy, oranges, bananas and nuts. Dear Santa I hope you will not forget my baby sister. She is always complaining about a doll and a buggy for the doll. She will be very glad if you bring her these. Dear Santa. I suppose you don’t know my name and address so I will tell you it. This is all I have to write, dear Santa Claus. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. Yours truly.

ANNA KLOCH (1897-1986) 824 Towle Street

 

Hammond, Ind. Dec.14, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: My mamma says I cannot have a Christmas tree this year because she will have to buy all new stuff and that will cost too much, so if you will give some bargain sales like the Lion store does maybe she can have one anyway. Please, dear Santa Claus, see if you can have a bargain sale. I would like my dolly dressed in a pretty blue dress. My dolly will be three years old this Christmas, and please leave me some dishes and a dolly bed, some nice story books and candy. I have two little sisters and a brother, Bobbie. Please leave them some nice things, too. I would like a lot of other things, but I won’t be selfish. Now, Santa Claus, Just tell about the sale in The Times and we will be sure to get it. Your loving friend,

BEULAH ESSLINGER(1901-1985) 847 Wilcox Street

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 15, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I can hardly wait for Christmas to come, for papa told for me that you are going to bring me a pair of roller skates, a new dress, a new hat and a pair of kid gloves. Now, are you? If you only do I will be so happy and I will wash the dishes for mama without being asked, never quarrel with my sisters and never scold the baby when she tears up my homework. Remember. Santa Claus, ball bearing roller skates. Goodbye until Christmas.

EDNA ANDERSEN

Whiting, Ind.. Dec. 16, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy ten years old. I would like a pony. Last Christmas I got a motorcycle and my chum and I went out in the country and had a breakdown and we had to walk ten miles back, so I think I would rather have a pony. Don’t forget my chum, Joe Waywood. He wants a collie puppy and some nuts and candy. Goodbye.

ED DILS. P. S. I will leave the back gate open to put the pony in.

 

Whiting. Ind., Dec. 15, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: Bring me a head for my dolly, and arms, and a pair of shoes, and an ABC book. Dear Santo, I can sing all my A B Cs. I want one of these round things you put your hands in called a bird’s nest. I am a little girl four years old. Your friend,

HELEN GRIFFITH

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 16. 1909.

Dear Santa: I am your little friend. I am nine years old and would like a few things. All I want is a pair of rubbers, a cap with fur, and a pair of leggings, and a few goodies to eat. And dear Santa, of all the stocking’s you will find hanging in a row mine will be the longest one, you will surely know. And dear Santa, on the table there will be a lunch for you, and don’t be bashful—just help yourself. I know you will be cold and hungry. You now we are French and fond of meat pie and pumpkin pie, and there will be some there for you, and if you have not been invited for Xmas dinner come over and have it with me, so goodbye, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I am your little friend.

EDWARD BOURQUE

 

East Chicago, Dec. 17. 1909

Dear Santa: As I am a stranger here and you have very seldom visited me. I only want to ask a favor of you. I do not want any presents for I think if you get around to grant all these wishes you will have plenty to do, but while you are distributing these gifts I will give you a message to give each mother. This will by my Christmas wish, the only one to make me happy: “Dear Mother: Did your little girl get a new dress for Christmas? Did you get a new waist, any house dress or sewing of any kind? If so call and see me at 4844 Olcott Avenue or drop a card with your address on and I will come and make up all your things beautiful and cheap. Merry Christmas. Box 229 East Chicago

Gary, Ind., Dec. 18, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: With pleasure I will drop a few lines. I am going to Lima, Ohio, to my grandma’s for Christmas and don’t want you to forget me. I am only seven years old and go to school. I am in the second reader. I have no mama only my new mama, and she is good to me when I am good. Don’t forget her. 8he wants a watch and ring. My papa wants a new suit and my brothers want a sled and engine. My name is Leon Van Horn. My brothers are Howard. Willie and Herbert aged three. Send my grandma a turkey dinner for Christmas. A Merry Christmas.

LEON VAN HORNE 26th avenue and Massachusetts Street.

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 16, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: As I see that you would like to know what we would like for Christmas, I will tell you that health is the best Christmas present there is. My sister and I were sick all summer with typhoid, but are well and are satisfied. A lot of girls and boys ask for dolls and many toys, but health is the best. If there is anybody that is poor and sick please call at bur house. Respectfully yours,

CORA (1894-1982) AND ROSE BEILBY 21 Condit Street.

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec; 17, 1909.

Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would write you a letter, too. I only want a nice game for Christmas. Of course, you can stick in some nuts and candy if you want to. If you have any extra knives you might leave me one of them, too. I guess I’m not very good because I can get mad at the baby when she tears up my playthings. But I hope you will forget all about that at Christmas time and put my name in your book, too. Now, dear Santa Claus, please remember all the rest of the family, but whatever you do don’t forget me. I go to Lincoln school in room four, and I guess they all know me on the north side.

FRANK BATCHELOR(1901-1980) 331 Gostlin Street

 

Cedar Lake, Ind., Dec. 19, 1909

Dear Good Hearted Santa: I am a little boy nine years old and I have a long ways to go to school, which is the Binyon School at Cedar Lake. Miss Goff is my teacher and I like her very much. As I have a long way to go to school I hope dear Santa it will not be asking too much for a pair of shoes, overshoes and gloves. I do not wish for any toys. I would rather you would give mine to some poor little girl or boy who are sometimes left out of little enjoyments. You will find some good things to eat on the table and hot coffee on the stove. Do not go away hungry. Please do not forget Mrs. Coffin. She is a good lady and lives all alone, the second house from our house. I like her very much and often go to see her. Dear Santa, if you have nothing else to give her, give her my gloves, her hands are small. I can put mine in my pocket. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and hoping to see your smiling face soon. I am as ever, your good little friend,

HERBERT M. RIBEENTROP

Robertsdale, Ind., Dec. 18, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I see so many letters in the paper that you want us to write to you and tell you what we want for Xmas. Well I do not want very much. I lost my dear papa this August 5, 1909. It was by an accident, and I wish my papa for present. My mamma is working by Minsbery. Please don’t forget her. Goodbye. Your true loving friend.

LILY MUELLER I live at 203 Harrison Avenue

 

East Chicago, Ind., Dec. 21, 109

Dear Santa Claus: I thought my mother and father were going to get me a Christmas present, but they refuse it. I have to ask a Christmas present from you. I am a good girl and have been all the time and will be all the time. Send me a doll and a carriage. Don’t forget my three brothers and one sister. From

HELEN SASSE

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 22, 1909

My Dear Santa: I am a pupil of the Wallace building and like my teacher, Miss Smith, very much. My grade is the third and I love to go to school. I am eight years old. I guess I will tell you what I want. I would like a stencil set, some real nice dishes, a folding table as big as some chairs or a little bigger than my little chair in the parlor, a few games and story books, nuts and candy. Please don’t forget shoes and stockings. Don’t forget all the poor children and papa and mamma. Your true friend,

MILDRED MAHER P. S. We have a furnace so I will leave the front door open for you. If it is dark turn on the light, it is the last one in the hall.

 

Griffith, Ind., Dec. 21, 1909

Dear Loving Santa: I am your little friend and hope you will bring me a nice ring for Christmas. I am nine years old and can take good care of it. I have a sister eleven years old she wants a ring also. I have a brother seven years old and he wants a popgun and a sled. Brother Albert wants a humming top. And Harold some building blocks, and darling little baby a Teddy bear. Papa and mamma want something, too, and dear Santa Claus, we will have a lunch on the table for you and eat as much as you wish. I am anxious for Christmas to come for I know you will bring us just what we ask of you. I am very glad that there is plenty of snow so you can come with a sleigh, and hope it will not be cold for it will be a moonlight night. I guess this is all this time, so goodbye, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

MARTHA C. KOEDYKER (1900-1979)

 

Hammond, Ind., Dec. 19, 1909

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl eight years old. I am going to tell you what I want for Christmas. I want a set of dishes, two books, a set of furs, some dresses, candy and nuts. I suppose Santa you are getting old and cross. I will not tell you to bring much this year until there is a younger Santa Claus. My father is dead and my mother works hard every day. Please don’t forget the poor children whose fathers were killed in the mine at Cherry, Ill. I suppose you have heard about it. My stocking will be hanging up by the chimney. Please don’t come down the chimney because it is dirty and there is a fire in the stove. I will have the door open. Don’t forget grandma and mama. From your little girl.

ALICE MALLALIEU (1901-1929) P. S. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year