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120 years ago in 1903, Youngstown youngsters put pen to paper as they reached out to Santa Claus with heartfelt requests at Christmas. Here are just a few of the published letters, copied as written:
"Dear Santa -- I am a little boy about a year older than I was last year. My name is Rollin Wilson and I live on Ford Avenue, just moved there from North Avenue, so be sure and don't leave my presents at the wrong place. I want a drum, a sled, a little engine that runs on a track, some candy. If you can spare a little rubber plant and a duck farm by slighting some of the rest of the little children, I will go to Perkins Sunday School every day. Please Santa don't forget the drum as I want to be in a real brass band when I grow up. Your little boy, Rollin."
"Dear Santa -- I am a little boy of 7 years. Please Santa bring me a sled, pair of skates, sweater, and don't forget my baby brother Thomas. He would like a rocking horse and a good, strong one and some blocks to build a house. And fill our stockings with candy and nuts. Good-bye Santa. My name is John McNicholas, 39 Fleming Street."
"Dear Santa Claus -- I will tell you what I wish for Christmas. I would like two sweaters and a pair of skates. That's all. Elmer Neumann, 918 North Avenue, 11 years old."
"Dear Santa Claus -- I want a music roll, an automobile, doll. Don't forget to bring a pair of skates. Mamie Manning, Wood Street."
"Dear Santa -- My name is Edna Oharn, I live on Andrews Avenue. I want a doll, dishes, cart, wagon, candy, nuts, oranges, and bananas."
"Dear Santa -- I wish for a pair of rubber boots, skates, sled, and a live cow. So good, by James Ferguson, 1239 Manning Avenue."
"Dear Santa -- I want a doll that can scream just like I can, a go-cart to wheel it in, toy wringer and wash tub, small piano, nuts, bananas, oranges, and candy. I still remain your loving child. Some kisses for Santa. Winifred O'Connell.
"Dear Santa Claus -- I am a little boy eight years old. I live at 216 Hine Street. I want a box of oranges and an all-day sucker. That's all. Yours truly, Joe Barr."
"Dear Santa Claus -- I am a little boy and live at 47 East Myrtle Avenue. Please send me a tin whistle, drum, hobby horse, and a big sack of peanuts. You will surely know my stocking. It is red and I will hang it in the sitting room by the stove. Come early and I will go to sleep early and shut my eyes up tight. Your little boy, T. Atwood. P.S. send F. Sauline a rubber baby doll and rattle."
-- Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education.