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NORTH POLE — Elves here report Santa Claus making a final check of names on his list prior to loading his sleigh for his annual visit. Arrival in Cape May County is expected shortly after midnight Saturday.

Vol. 19 No. 51 c i*m $#owov« c»cp. am ri*M» rM*nr*d. December 21, 1983

Spirit Shines

WHJTESBORO — Thanks to hundreds of contributors, the Robert Harrison family is recovering from the fire that destroyed the Harrison’s home and possessions this month. Mayor Michael Voll announced Monday that the public appeal for aid has been a huge success. One benefactor has loaned the family a mobile home and a building fund has been established at Marine National Bank, Court House. Monetary contributions should be mailed there to Rose Johnson. Donations of building materials are being accepted by the mayor at Township Hall, Mechanic Street. (Page 30 Please)

1 IHHIHHILI h 11II

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON GAZEBO AT CAPE MAY COUNTY PARK SPARKLE ON THE DUCK POND.

■CHRIST MAS-SOLDIERS

The march of tin soldiers made a terrible roar up the steps of the basement to the huge kitchen door. All year m a comer they were boxed in a crate; sadly forgotten they rusted in wait.

Their general awoke them! Their bugler trilled! A hundred tin soldiers mustered and drilled. Their general was angry. Everyone knew tin soldiers guard Christmas each and every year through.,

The general, be-ribboned and puffed out in pride, issued his orders from the pony he’d ride: “We’ll march to the tree, surround all the toys, make everything ready for good girls and boys.”

With their horses and cannons as shiny as new they made up a column — two after two. Hoisting cannons and horses with candy cane cranes they stormed up the steps on popcomy chains.

They rounded the comer from kitchen to den and sent out the scouts who yelled back just then: “The tree, here’s the tree, all covered with lights with presents beneath it and other such sights!”

“March on!” boomed the general

and the cannons rolled on

and the horses pranced forward

‘hey had only ’til dawn.

‘Cross the carpet they charged,

one hundred strong, halting just when the clock chimed ‘E

When the smoke and the Jbot of the fireplace cleared a dusty red figure, like magic, appeared!

He slapped his fur cap on theoend of his knee and his sneeze from its smoke made the brave soldiers flee. Santa Claus chuckled and called back the band. He strode to the soldiers, shaking everyone’s hand.

Z' ■

‘Ding-Dong.’

Then from the chimney at precisely midnight, a sound worse than thunder gave the soldiers a fright.

you ve

tyo done a fine job,

te job

J from gobblii

at break toys and rob. Remain here,” said Santa, “Til the first light of day.

Then I’ll return

to take you away”.

“We must stay.” said the general, who fretted and fussed, “though we’ve been in the cellar for three years to rust.” Though Santa was late he sat in a chair to tell Christmas soldiers why they mustn’t stay there.

“I know of some children who’ll give you nice care, their last name is .insv.htwill you go with me there? These children forgot you and left you to rust but the iinsert same ' ’s take care of the toys in their trust.”

All the tin soldiers gave out a cheer. The general was happy. He smiled ear to ear. Swift — up the chimney Santa Claus rose: “Remember alt daybreak everyone goes!”

The old chimney echoed these last words he had, as if to remind them so they wouldn’t be sad: “Christmas is Christmas

for good girls and boys but Christmas is also a Christmas for toys.”

e.j. duffy

At the top of the stairs and aimed at the door ten tiny cannons would blast it for sure. But the general commanded: “Save ammunition — We’U open that door with a little ambition.”

With cables of tinsel, at the bugler’s call, they pulled the door open' invading the hall. At the general’s command they formed into file, each standing a square of checked kitchen tile.