Goodfellows continues tradition that started in 1911
12/1/2008
Messenger-Inquirer
Once again, the nation's economy is reeling as the Christmas season approaches.
Unemployment and poverty are rising.
And more and more charities are asking for donations.
The Goodfellows Club has weathered nearly a century of economic downturns and continues to work for the children of Daviess County today in its 93rd year of service to the community.
But it owes its success in part to a group of women who launched an effort in 1911 to make sure all the children of the community had something for Christmas.
On Saturday, Dec. 22, 1911, the group of young women who called themselves the St. Nicholas Girls put up a Christmas tree at the old City Hall at Fourth and St. Ann streets and invited the poor children of the community to a party.
They had planned for 350 children.
But more than 500 came.
That was at a time when Owensboro's population was 16,011.
The Owensboro Inquirer referred to children "in shabby garments" with "pathetic, thin faces."
The newspaper account said Santa Claus came to distribute "toys, candy, bananas, apples, gloves, stockings, clothing and shoes" to the children in need that Christmas.
Firefighters from the old Engine House No. 1 downtown helped with the party.
For five years, the St. Nicholas Girls -- also known as The Charity Girls -- brought Christmas joy to the needy children of the community.
But by 1916, the women were busy with families of their own.
And they decided to end the tradition.
Lawrence W. Hager, the 26-year-old general manager of the Owensboro Inquirer, went back to his office on Dec. 9, 1916, and started to write an article saying that poor children would have no Christmas in Owensboro that year.
Instead, he appealed to the people of Owensboro, inviting them to help create a Goodfellows Club that would carry on the Christmas party tradition.
An estimated 1,000 children turned out for that first Goodfellows party held at three locations around town.
This year, the organization Hager founded before World War I continues the tradition started by the St. Nicholas Girls 97 years ago.
To help make this year's Christmas party a reality, bring or send donations to The Goodfellows Club, Messenger-Inquirer, 1401 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY 42301.
Today's Roll Call
Previously reported$2,659.40
Anonymous: $1,500
Daviess County Public Schools Central Office Soup Day for Kids: $238
In memory of Mary Lydia Greenwell by the After Five Homemakers: $140
Total as of Dec. 1, 2008: $4,537.40
