As the following actual letters from 1928 will attest, the third graders at Grand Avenue School were convinced that there was a Santa. The only question 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 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!