110 Years Ago, 1915 transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:

“Ready for Christmas. Ham and Bread club will distribute six hundred baskets.”

“The Ham and Bread club of the Anti-Prohibition League has in readiness the 600 baskets to be distributed among the poor of the city that they may not be denied their Christmas feast.

“The basket not only contains the extras that go to make a bountiful Christmas dinner but are packed with necessaries sufficient to provide an ordinary family with table keep for a week.

“The members of the police force who generously secured the names of those in need have turned over the names to those who will have charge of the distribution and provision has been made to take care of all who apply.

“The distribution by the Ham and Bread club is expected to be the largest made by any of the charitable organizations and those who accept the club’s bounty put themselves under no obligation and are not listed for future reference concerning their needs.

“Distribution will begin at 9 o’clock Friday morning from the headquarters of the Anti-Prohibition League, second floor of the Gallagher building with entrance from North Hazel Street.

“None need fear to apply in apprehension of being asked embarrassing questions regarding their creed, conditions or worthiness. All those reported as being in need will be welcomed to the taking of baskets as long as the supply holds out.”

Transcribed as originally published in the same issue of the Youngstown Vindicator:

“Thirteen dogs to have lucky day Christmas. Society Animal Superintendent plans feast for caged canines.”

“Knowing that every dog should have his day Animal Superintendent Richard Mansell of the Humane society has decided that thirteen tramp and stray canines under his official attention at the pound will have their day Christmas.

“In order that the day may be made one of a most auspicious nature Mansell will cater to the gastric fancies of the animals, believing rightly, no doubt, that the way to a dog’s heart is ever the same route that must be taken is the man’s heart is to be won, namely, the stomach.

“Believing that nothing is more luscious than beefsteak, the animal superintendent has provided that twenty-five pounds of this most nourishing meat shall be fed to the lucky thirteen Saturday at noon.

“Further, two huge boxes of dog biscuits will be added to the repast, and to polish the canine collation off in proper manner a supply of milk will be given to each four-footed diner after he has done justice to the solids.

“Asked why cranberries as a side dish might not be a desirable supplement to such a gala meal Mansell said today that he didn’t want to cause any dyspepsia among the animals. ‘I just want them to be glad they’re living for one day even though they are in the pound,’ he explained. ‘I think I can do this with the menu already prepared.'”

• Compiled by Dante Bernard, museum educator at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society