Durant Daily Democrat December 1, 1920
“Santa Claus has subscribed for the Daily Democrat and from now until Christmas he is going to be a regular reader of this paper. He will be especially interested in letters from all the children in Durant.”
Thus continued a tradition begun in the mid-1800s when “Saint Nicholas” actually wrote to children to encourage them to be well-behaved. Then in 1871, Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast drew an illustration of Santa reading his mail from parents and sorting it into two stacks- good reports and bad. Later, in 1879, Nast depicted a young boy mailing his own letter to Santa Claus. Hopeful children have been writing to Santa ever since.
At first, the Post Office considered letters to Santa a nuisance and they routinely ended up in the Dead Letter Office. In 1907, the Postmaster General allowed letters to be distributed to charities, but he was forced to revoke the privilege the next year, due to complaints by the charities that verifying the legitimacy of the needs of the children was overwhelming. In 1911 Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock again allowed letters to be answered by responsible parties (often postal workers) and charities. He renewed that privilege in 1912, and in 1913 it became a postal regulation. By 1989 Santa was given his own zip code.
Newspapers often printed letters and some held contests and gave prizes for the best letter. In 1900, the Leader Printing Company in Vinita held a contest for children of subscribers to the Weekly Chieftain. They had to be under ten years old and reside in Indian Territory. Their letters had to be less than 100 words, written in ink, and in their own handwriting. The prizes were $5 and a big doll for the two best letters.
The 1920 editor of The Durant Democrat promised to publish letters from anywhere, “even Vermont.” However, in 1930 the paper didn’t print any letters at all, stating: “In years past these letters have come to us in such quantities that it was impossible to publish all, and in fairness to all the kiddies, none will be published this year.” Their solution the next year was to print the names and towns of children, but not their complete letters.
While the letters were appeals for toys and treats, children also provided information about national events. They explained family situations and identified members. They mentioned trends such as the “Billy Whiskers” book series or BiLo baby doll of the twenties. Whether independently or at the suggestion of others, writers requested gifts for siblings, parents, teachers, even children in foreign countries. And children were usually quick to remind Santa if they had moved or would be spending the holidays with friends or relatives.
The following samples are at once informative, poignant, funny, and perhaps a bit shocking. They are certainly reminders that children are a reflection of their time.
1895…We have moved since last Christmas, but you will find me at 135 Harvey Street… Bessie 1904…I have good lessons. Sister and I brang up the watter. I try to be a good girl…Jessie 1908…My sister Lorna… is sick with typhoid fever and I pray God to restore her back to health, and Santa, bring some flowers to put on mother’s grave. Joe 1918…I don’t want much this year on account of the war. I only wish that Nat and Anita will be well of the “flu” so we can play together, but please don’t forget Belgium and French children. Perry 1920…We are little twin girls 9 years old and this is the first letter we ever wrote to Santa Claus. Our papa always told him what we wanted, but papa is dead and we want a little sleepy doll and a doll buggy apiece. Lois and Louise 1934…I have been good and bad too, but you bring me something anyhow… Be sure to bring Miss Carrol a Negro doll. Julia Bell 1942…Please bring me a red car and an airplane and a pair of boxing gloves. I live at West Lasiter and my daddy works in a defense plant and may not get to come home for Christmas. I am a good little boy. Corky