Years ago The St. Augustine Record started an annual tradition of printing area children’s letters to Santa. The children were hoping he would read them and grant their requests. Many pages were dedicated to printing the letters each year.
The following letters are from the North Pole Exchange in the special edition of The Record printed on Dec. 19, 1922. Promotional Items
Dear Old Shanty: Jest a few lines to tell you I’ve been a good girl and want you to bring me a doll, a cart, a doll bed, table, six chairs, tricycle, kitty car, sideboard, China closet, doll dress, and express wagon and plenty of candy, nuts, oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, and tangerines. Don’t forget to bring plenty. Lovingly your little girl.
Theresa Masters, St. Augustine, Fla.
P.S.: I’ll leave the window open so you can come down the chimney, if you want to come in there or I won’t build a fire in the fireplace. Bye-Bye. Don’t forget we’ve moved to Wild Wood Park.
Dear Santa Claus: I thank you so much for the things you brought me last Christmas and I want to ask you for a few things this year. I have two dolls from last Christmas so you need not bring any. I would like a doll stove, piano, and a doll carriage also a plenty of fruit. This is all for this time. Wishing you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.
Levira I. Carey, 107 Cero St., St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: I am a big boy, this Christmas and I want what every big boy wants, a boat, a bicycle, a wagon, a train that will run and an automobile that runs when you wind it up. I want to go hunting with my Dad and I’d be very happy if you brought me a real gun. Your happy boy,
Charles Ray Hill, Nelmar Terrace
Dear Santa: Well Santa Christmas is almost here again and I’ve been a good little girl since you were here last. Will you please bring me a nice doll and a doll sulky and some paints, and a horn? And that’s all I will ask for so please try and bring these. Please don’t forget my little cousin Janet. Lovingly,
P.S.: Don’t forget Santy we have moved to Wild Wood Park
Dear Santa Claus: It is getting near Christmas and so I am going to tell you what I would like to have. I would like a doll with hair and a little sewing box and a box of doll clothes and a blackboard, but not all for myself, take little Tommy and Fred something, too. I want some story books.
Effie May Simmons, 76 Almeira St., St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa: I am a little boy three years, six months old, I want you to bring me a toy automobile, a ball, also some candy and fruit. I guess that will be all for this time.
Dear Santa: I am a little girl just one year and seven months old so you need not bring very much for me this time. Just bring me a doll, a rocking chair, some candy and fruit. That is all this time.
Dear Santa: I am a little boy two years old and I am crazy for a boat like Charle Ray. He won’t let me know with his because I might break it. Bring me a weapon and an automobile that winds up, for I know how to yell when t’s going to run into someone. You need not bring me so much candy and fruit for I can eat some of sisters. Your baby boy,
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl just three years and four months old. Am very anxious for Xmas to get here, for I want you to please bring me a big dolly that will sleep and a little doll buggy for dolly to sleep in and please don’t put them on my Xmas tree, but sit them under the tree so I can get them without any trouble. Please don’t forget. Yours and best wishes.
Anna Louise Fawcett, Lemon and Malaga Sts.
Dear Santa: Since I saw you in Jacksonville I have tried so hard to be good. I even dry the dishes for my Mama, and I am not quite six. I like to sew like Mama, but my thread tangles and I know it wouldn’t if you brought me a sewing machine. You can bring me lots of candy, nuts and fruit, so Louise and I can plan tea party. Then I want a scooter, so I can keep up with the children when they ride their bicycles. Now Santa, I think I’ll have enough after. I ask for a pocketbook with a pretty powder puff. I’ll promise not to powder my nose in Sunday school. I’ll keep on trying to be good and play with my baby brother until you come. Your little girl,
Winifred Hill, 1 Milton St., Nelmar Terrace
Dear Santa: As I have been a good little girl all year, I want you to bring me a few things. What I want most is a bicycle like Helen Clair’s across the street. And I want a wagon like Harry’s and an automobile, a doll that says “Mama” and a go-cart and cradle and a rocking chair, and a tea set, some candy and nuts and I would like awfully much to have a train that runs on a track. And too, Santa, don’t forget my little friends on Almeria Street. With many wishes for you a Merry, Merry Xmas, I am, your good little girl.
Norma Lucille Clark, 70 Almeria Street, St. Augustine, Fla.
My Dear Santi Claws: As I am just a little girl, I only want a few things this Christmas. I would like a doll that says Mama, a sewing set, and a toy typewriter. Oh! Yes, I would like a lot of flower seeds for my little flower garden, please don’t forget my seed and also remember my little friend Bing. Your little girl,
Carmel Copps, 111 King Street, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dearest Old Santa: There are very few things I want this Christmas, but the things I want I do hope you will bring – there are four children in our family, but only two of us are old enough to write you. Here is what I want: a wheel, now Santa, I am only eight years old, am telling you this so you will know what size wheel to get, pair of beads, white slippers, and I want a small doll. I have a large one you brought several years ago but I want a small one, too. Then plenty of candy and fruit, and don’t forget my dear little sister and brother. Hoping you will wake me just as soon as you put my wheel down, cause it won’t go in my stocking.
Elizabeth Kirby, St. Augustine, Fla.
“But Santa if you will only knock at our front door we will all be only too glad to run and let you in.”
Dearest Santa: There are only three houses on our street and we live in the middle one, so don’t forget, and we have a great big chimney, too, so I hope you won’t have any trouble. But Santa if you will only knock at our front door we will all be only too glad to run and let you in. Santa, I want a base drum, a track train, a little car, a five-cent doll, I am a boy, but I love to play dolls. I can knit and I want to make a sweater for this doll and plenty of fruit and candy and most of all Santa if my Daddy is not here by Christmas Eve you go by our farm in Alabama and bring him with you. I know he would love to spin along in the air. Don’t forget I have a little sister and brother and their stockings will be hanging up, too.
Kenneth Kirby, Genaply Avenue, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl just six months old, but I know what I want. I want a little white enamel rocker, trimmed in blue, a little gold locket and chain, and Dear Santy please don’t forget my Aunt Annie and Uncle Bennie, they have a new car and I want you to bring them a nice lap robe they live right next door. Good-bye dear Santy. From your little girl,
Betty Rayford, No. 3 Pine Street
Dear Santa Claus: Will you please bring me a doll that can walk and talk, a manicuring set, a kitchen cabinet and a bracelet. Be sure to bring plenty of good eats. I will try to be a good little girl. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. Your friend,
Dear Santa Claus: I would like you to bring me a pony and saddle and tie him in the garage. If you have not a pony, I would like to have you bring me a bicycle and also a watch, chain, a horn and plenty of candy and fruit. With love, from
Dick Colee, 342 Charlotte Street, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: I am now two and a half years old and want to play in the big band, so please bring me a slide trombone, a new clarinet and drum; also, a football, Cho-Cho train on a track and a new sweater. Dear Santa, if you have any little wagons left, I would like to have one. I hope I am not asking for too much. Merry Christmas to you. Your little boy,
Richard Perry Philips, 14 Rohde Ave., St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa: Will you please bring me a wrist watch, a few toys and some nuts and candy, etc. I hope I am not asking for too much. Your little girl,
M. Elizabeth Faver, Alfred Street, Nelmar Terrace, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: I have been a good boy all the time, and I want you to get me a car, a drum and some fruit. I have the things you gave me last year. From yours,
Tom Jackson, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: This year I only want a few things, a football, football suit, a bicycle and some fruit, candy, etc. I shall try to be very good and deserve all I get.
Joel Faver, Alfred Street, Nelmar Terrace, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: I have been a good girl all the time, and I want you to get me a doll carriage and a tea set and some fruit and a pair of doll shoes, I want 4. I have the doll you give me last year. I want you to get me a box of invitation. From your friend,
Flossie E. Jackson, 121 Brano St., St.Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little late writing you, but I hope to see this in the paper. I think I would like a bicycle this Christmas and some candy and nuts. I also am writing for my little sister as she is too little to write. She is only a little over 4 years old. She wants a talking doll, and a tea set and a collar for her puppy and a lot of bones for Bob, for hers a grand dog. I hope this is not too long, I will close. Yours loving,
Francis and Mary Barnes, Moultrie, Fla.
P.S.: My big brother will write you also.
Dear Santa Claus: I don’t want you to bring me much this Christmas, I want you to bring me a pair of heavy socks and a pair of shoes, and I want some story books, if you have a colored doll, please bring it to me if you have a storybook named Beauty and the Beast, bring Mama a fir neck piece, and bring Papa some neck ties. Please don’t forget the poor children. From your little girl,
Hazel Mae Martin, 88 De Haven St., St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Old Santa: I am a little girls eight years old and have tried to be a good girl and have taken good care of my things, so please bring me a bicycle, coaster brake. I would like to have an aluminum cooking set if you have any little Mama dolls left, please bring me one and bring me some nuts, fruit and candy and remember all my little friends.
Zoe Louise McCarl, Abbott Street, St. Augustine
Dear Santa Claus: I have been a pretty good boy this year and I want you to bring me some nice things. I want a wheel and a pair of boxing gloves, also a punching bag, a football, and a policeman suit. I don’t think I have asked for too much. Don’t forget my marbles and fireworks. Your little boy,
C.G. Wakely, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa: As I am a big boy now, I want a typewriter and raincoat and such as a big boy needs, and I have two little brothers, Joseph and James. They want lots of toys and candy and fruit. Don’t forget we have moved to 133 Oneida Street. Thanking you for all and wishing you a Merry Christmas. Yours truly,
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl six years old and will you please bring me a Mama doll, China tea set, and a play wrist watch, I guess this is all, I will try to be a good girl. Don’t forget to trim our tree. Good night,
Sallie Bert Nuzum, 10 Cincinnati Ave.
Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a pair of boxing gloves and a wagon, too, and please my I have a moving picture machine? I would like a shooting gallery, a baseball and bat. If that is not too much, bring me some top parashuts. Your friend,
Dear Santa Claus: I want a racer, automobile, a popgun, a pistol, some books, and anything else you think of, please don’t forget I have a little sister. Your little friend,
Dear Santa: Just a few lines to let you know what I want for Christmas. I have tried hard to be a good girl, so please bring me a Mama doll and a carriage, also a strong horn that little sister can’t break, just lots of fruit, candy, nuts. Sandy don’t forget little sister, she wants a Mama doll, too, and some blocks and a harp. Don’t leave little sister any apples or nuts, cause they will make her sick. You will find our stockings in the front room hanging by the fireplace, when you come down the chimney. Leave me anything else you have to spare for a little girl like me. Bye-bye Santa. Your true friend,
My Dear Santa: Just a little girl of seven and would like you to come again this year, bring me a small doll-bed, and trunk also candy and nuts and fruit. Do not forget my aunt and uncle. Wishing you a Merry Xmas, and a Happy New Year. From your little girl,
Gertrude Capo, St. Augustine, Fla
Dear Santa Claus: I have been a pretty good girl, I don’t want much this year, all I want is a tea set and a doll, trunk, roller skates. And give me lots of fruit, candy and nuts. I believe this is all. Your loving little girl,
Nellie Benet, 28 Grove Ave., St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa: I have been a good little girl all the year and I am going to ask you to bring me a few things. I want an Xmas stocking, a doll, a doll bed, a doll carriage and a doll swing. And I want a few things to wear and some story books. And Santa, please don’t forget little Irene Geissman, who lives upstairs in our house. This is her first Xmas. Your little friend,
Dear Santa Claus: I am only a little boy five years old, and I don’t want much this Christmas, but please bring me a sword, a gun, a cowboy suit, two boxes of candy, a train that runs on a track, a boat, two books with any kind of pictures, a little tool chest with hammer, saws and measures. And don’t forget to bring Betty Jane a doll and a kittie. You will find Betty Jane’s and my stocking hanging by the fireplace. Pleae don’t forget anything.
Buster Bilger, 63 Saragossa St., St. Louis;Augustine
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy three years old. Now Santa, I do not want very much this time, but you can go to my Daddy’s store at 37 St. George Street and get me a little red Columbia tricycle and bring me a pocket knife, some candy, nuts, apples and bananas. Now Santa, don’t forget, I live at 17 Sanchez Avenue. From your little friend,
Dear Santa Claus: I am so glad I am eight years old and can write my letter myself and tell you every little thing I want. First a pair of ball-bearing skates, train on track (rather have an electric train), an automobile that winds up and runs also in the garage, an airplane, a bathrobe and slippers to match, a grocery car with two little corn flake boxes on it, it is up-town I saw it at Montgomery Sister’s, a large horn, and an automobile I get in myself or a bicycle, all kinds of fruit, candy, etc. Santy, if you can’t bring my sister a pair of skates like mine, I guess you better not bring me any as she will worry me to death. Don’t forget the poor children. I have been real smart for a long time. Good bye till next year,
Dear Santa: I am not going to ask you for very much. I am 10 years old, want a basketball, a miget fountain pen, a game of lotto and lots of candy and fruit and nuts, and anything else that you think is nice for me.
Essie Nell Knight, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santy Claus: I am writing you a letter to let you know what I want, first a Mama doll, a real nice one too, I want the Mama doll that’s in Jacksonville, next a mahogany doll-bed, large enough for my Mama doll and a mahogany dresser, a nice pocket book, a pair of ball-bearing skates, a China tea set, a stove with pots and pans, a new kimona and slippers, a sweater and cap for my doll, plenty of fruits, candy, etc., and anything else you want to give me. Don’t forget the doll I want. Please give plenty to the poor children. Good bye.
Dear Santa: Here is Xmas again and I am going to ask you for a few things. I want a real Junior Snare Drum, cap pistol and lots of caps, and anything else you think a little boy eleven years old will like. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Dear Santa Claus: I have been a very good girl this year and would like you to bring me a doll bed, a doll carriage, and a big doll. Please bring me lots of fruit and candy, I will be seven years old in January. Your good little girl.
Susan Bell, 314 S. St, George St.
Dear Santy Clause: I have been a very good girl this year, and I would like you to bring me a pair of skates and a big China doll, a doll carriage and plenty of candy. From your little friend.
Frances Bell, 314 South St. George St.
Dear Santa: I have waited a long time to write to you, but hope you get this in time; you were so good to me last year that I can’t find much to write for, but I would like a nice Choo-Choo train like the other one you brough me, an aeroplane and a boat. Hope you get here safely, I am, your little boy.
Chester Benet Jr., St. Augustine
P.S.: Bring Bubbie a gun, a 22- and Sissy is writing you a letter for what she wants.
Dear Santa: I am a little boy four years old, and I don’t want much this Xmas. Please bring me a cowboy suit, electric train, wheel barrow and a B.B. gun and plenty of candy and fruit. Please do not forget my baby brother.
Dear Santa Claus: I would like a little Victrola, a big doll that goes to sleep and a doll cart. My little sister Virginia wants a little desk and chair, a table and a doll and doll cart and please Santa bring my baby brother something nice, he is only 16 months old and can’t say what he would like to have. With lots of love.
Catherine and Virginia Tart, 58 Weeden St.
Dear Santa Claus: I am twelve years old this year. So, I will not write for much, I want a small fountain pen, and a game of Polly-Anna and some Ivory for my room, and some candy and fruit and please bring me anything else you can afford. Love,
Elizabeth Knight, St. Augustine, Fla.
Dear Santa Claus: I want a gun and some bbs and a train that runs on a track and a bank and an Indian suit and some oranges, and some story-books and a puzzle game, and a drawing book and whatever you want to bring me. I am a good little boy, seven years old.
Russell Hoover, 134 San Marco Ave.
Dear Santa: I am a little boy three years old, but I would like to have lots of marbles and a gun, a rocking chair like Mozell’s. I am trying to be a good boy, if I don’t forget again. I waded in water with my shoes on this morning, but I won’t do that again.
“I want to warn you about the fire place for if Papa has a very hot fire in it I would not come down it anyway if you are very fat you may get stuck in it for it is not very large.”
Dear Santa: I want to warn you about the fire place for if Papa has a very hot fire in it I would not come down it anyway if you are very fat you may get stuck in it for it is not very large. I want for Christmas a billy-goat wagon, I also want a pipe for Papa and a car for Mama and a fountain pen on a cord of silver for my big sister. I also want a lot of candy and nuts, but I don’t want to get sick eating too much. I wish you a Merry Xmas. I will close now, hoping to see this in print. Yours truly.
These are the things I want for Christmas, a doll that cries, a new pair of shoes, a little rocking chair, and of course plenty of candy, but don’t forget Granpa, Daddy, Mama or Bebe, because she will stay with us and our tree, Christmas Day. I have not been out much lately, but I know there are plenty of pretty things that a little girl two years old would like so you may bring plenty of toys. Love as before.
P.S.: I would like a Kiddie Kar.
Dear Santa: I am just a little boy three years old and I want you to bring me a wagon, a horn, a billie goat, also bring my big brother something and please don’t forget my Dittie Rena, she wants a big doll. Well, by-by.
P.S.: There will be some cake and candy on the table for you. L.J.C.
Dear Old Santa: As Christmas is drawing near, I thought I would write you and let you know what a nice time I had with the things you brought me last year and let you know what I want for Christmas. Santa, I am a big girl, 7 years old. I think I am deserving of a big doll, a tea set, a carriage and a pocketbook and a sewing box and anything else that you think suits me. Santa, please don’t forget my large sister, Annie, because she wants a coat, a pair of skates and some games. Santa, I also wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dear Santa: I am writing you once more to tell you that I would like to have a very large doll, one that can talk and walk and if you haven’t any very large ones, please bring me something that you think would be nice for a little girl 10 years old. Also, Dear Santa, please don’t forget I have some cousins out here that want just lots and lots of nice things. Wishing you a Merry Xmas. Lovingly,
Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a flash light and a collar and chain and lamb chop and a license for Buster Poodle, a box of lump sugar for Billie, my pony, a little cash register, bank and a little wind-up motor boat, some candy and some mixed nuts, too. Please Santa Clause, because I have been a good boy.
Dear Santa Claus: I want a urna up engine that goes backward, a boy’s suit, a pile driver, some apples, candy and nuts. Your little friend.
Dear Santa: I am a little girl eight years old and would like you to bring me a few things this year as I know that you are poor I will not ask for much. I want a doll trunk, a bicycle and a tinker toy, also bring me a raincape. My little brother B.O. Jr. Wants an aeroplane, a boat and a kiddie kar. Bring plenty of nuts and candy so it will fill our tree. Your little girl,
P.S.: Don’t forget my big brother, Lloyd, he wants something nice, too.
Dear Santa Claus: I would like you to bring me a bicycle and a little steam roller and plenty of fruit and candy.
Jack Bell, 314 South St. George St.
Dear Santa: I want just one thing, but I want that very badly. Please bring me a nice doll carriage to roll the dolly grandmother has for my Xmas gift. Of course, if you have an extra little stove and a few pots and pans I could use them nicely. Lots of love from your loving girlie.
Mary Virginia Poland, 68 Central Ave.
Dear Santa: I am a little girl eight years old. I go to school every day and study hard. I am so glad it is nearly Christmas for I think I have been a good girl and feel sure you will remember me. Will you please bring me a nice desk, a story book, fruits, nuts and candy. Your little friend,
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy and will soon be eight years old. Will you please bring me a nice big train that runs on a track and a telephone and a good horn. Please fill my stocking full of good things to eat. Your little boy,
Dear Santa Clause: Will you please bring me a doll hammock, a chiffinier, the doll in Lew’s with pink dress and a pink cap on, and a bath robe and some dresses for my doll. Good-bye Santa, with lots of love, from your little friend.
Erma Lee Ashton, 13 Rhode Ave.
Dear Santa: I am a little girl 3 years old tomorrow. I don’t want much, but I do want nice things. I want mama doll, gocart, tea set and little chair for my table and if there is anything else you see I will like you can bring also fix our tree up nice and don’t forget candy and nuts, also my little brother, who is 4 months old, you can bring him something nice with best wishes for a merry Xmas, from your little girl.
Tracy Marise White and Little George Jr.
Dear Old Santa: As Christmas is drawing near, I thought I would write and let you know what a nice time I had with the things you brought me last year, and I thought I would tell you what I want this Christmas. I want a little wagon, some marbles, a tool box, a ball, a horn, a cap pistol and anything else you think suits me. Oh, Santa, please don’t forget my mother and grandparents. Santa, I also wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me an auto with a horn on it, and a drum and some candy, and nuts, and fruit. If you cannot bring me an auto, bring me a scooter car. Thanking you, Santa Claus. I remain your little friend.
P.S.: I could not write myself, so I had to get my daddy to write it for me.
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy 8 years old and I am not going to ask very much of you as I know you have lots of little boys and girls to bring toys to all that I ask of you to bring me lots of fire crackers, and a auto truck and any other toys you wish dear Santy. Don’t forget my nuts and candy and fruit, as I won’t ask anymore of you as I know you will bring me as much as you can for as you have so many more little boys and girls to think of I will say bye-bye dear Santy, I am your little boy.
Dear Santa Clause: Just a line to tell you what I want for Xmas. Please bring me a baby swing and a baby doll. Listen Santa, bring one that I can’t break, because I am not very big and it will get a great many falls. Also bring me a big package of chewing gum. I will be satisfied this year. Your little girl.
Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy 7 years old and I am going to school this term and I want you to bring me a toy automobile and train and also some candy, oranges and nuts and any other toys you can spare. Your little friend.
Everett Tedder, New Augustine, Wildwood Park
P.S.: I have a little brother Warren Tedder, 2 years old. Please do not forget him.
Dear Santa: Will you bring me a China doll and a telephone and a pen and a little tricycle and plenty of fruit and candy. From your little friend.
Alice Bell, 314 South St. George St.
The custom of hanging up stockings on Christmas Eve comes to us from a land far across the ocean from sunny Italy.
In the city of Padua, long ago, good old St. Nicholas used to go about the streets after dark and throw through the windows of the homes of the poor people long knitted purses, tied at both ends, and containing much needed coins. These purses were made of yarn, and when untied looked not unlike a footless stocking.
Finally, as time went on, the poor people, hoping thus to remind the more fortunate of their needs, used to hang these empty purses out of the windows on the night before Christmas, so that a gift might be placed in them.
In the north country, where the weather is cold at Christmas time, the purges were hung by the chimney place in the hope that St. Nicholas would drop his offering down the chimney.
When the purses went out of fashion stockings as the thing most like them were used in their stead, and that is why we today still observe the practice and the custom.
Promotional Items The St Augustine Evening Record