In 1928, Western Springs’ school children were asked to write letters to Santa Claus. And, their requests are interesting.
The following are actual letters from 1928 that were written by the third graders at Grand Avenue School. As the letters attest, the children were convinced that there was a Santa Claus. The only question in their minds was what to ask for.
“Dear S. Claus, North Pole. It is a whole year since I have written to you. It is time to let you know WHAT I want, as Christmas is near. (1) dollhouse, (2) wall blackboard, (3) auto, (4) roller skates, and (5) a desk. Virginia, Western Springs”
“Dear Santa Claus, I have been very good in school and I am good at home. Please send me a freight outfit for my electric train. Please send me $10 to give to others. Will you send me a mother dog. I would like a pair of ice-skates and a new overcoat. Dean”
“Dear Santa, Please bring me a set of dishes. I would like a Bye lo doll and a big doll buggy. I want a big two-wheel bike. From your friend, Loretta. “
“Dear Santa, I thought I would write you a letter. How are your reindeers? Are you very busy at your toy shop? I want a pool table and a be-be gun for Christmas. I am going to see you Saturday evening. My father is going to take me in the car. Your friend, Kenneth.”
“Dear Santa: I thought I would write and tell you what I wanted. So I’ll tell you. I want a saxophone and please may I have a lot of lumber and some tools. With love, Whitman”
“Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would write you a letter. Will you please give me a sled. There is a hill in front of our house, that is why I want a sled. I think I want one more thing, and that is a pair of ice skates, and that is all I think I will want. I live on Wolf Road, Western Springs. I am in third grade. From, Lawrence.”
“Dear Santa Claus, I thought it would be about time to write you a letter. I know you have lots of children to visit this year. Please may I have a dresser and a kitchen cabinet? I guess that is all I want this year. A Merry Christmas to you. Joshhine”
“Dear Santa Claus: I thought I would write a letter to you and ask you if you were coming to Western Springs. If you are, will you leave me a walk and talking doll? Will you please fill my stocking. I would like to have a nice big sled and my brother Jack wants a nice big sled, too. From Shirley”
“Dear Santa: I would like some blocks and train and send mother and daddy an auto. Jean”
“Dear Santa: I thought I had better write you a letter because it is so near Christmas so I am writing to you now. For Christmas, I would like to have a baby doll and a doll bed. Remember that I live in Western Springs. I still remember you forever and ever. My mother got a little sweater for my cousin from you. Oh yes, I would like to have a set of Oz books. With Love, Mary.”
“Dear Santa Claus: I would like to have a doll. Also, a small electric iron so I can help my mother. Please bring to the children who have not many things. From, Jean Buckman”
“Dear Santa Claus, I have been a very good boy. I have helped my mother and my father. I want a printing set. With Love to Santa Claus, from Jack P.”
“Dear Santa: I thought I would write you a letter. I am in third grade. I would like a doll with brown hair and a pink silk dress and a pink silk bonnet. Her name is going to be Rose Bud. I am going to get a wardrobe trunk with lots of clothes in it and I want a typewriter. Your friend, Eleanor”
“Dear Santa Claus, I hope you come down our chimney Christmas eve for I want these things, a fox play with a gun, a new sled and electric train, ice skates and roller skates. Love, John A.”
“Dear Santa Claus: I am glad you are back in town at the stores. I want a doll buggy and a two-wheeler bike if you can bring them to me. My name is Dorothy Ann Slack. Will you come to our house on Christmas eve. I am in school now. Goodbye. Love, Dorothy”
ALL OF US AT THE WESTERN SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!