Historical December 1986 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The St. Louis Christmas Carols Association is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year.
It was formed in 1911 when a group of St. Louisans led by William H. Danforth thought it would be great fun, and a lovely way to celebrate the Christmas spirit, to carol.
They sang for their neighbors on Kingsbury Place and, much to their surprise, people gave them money.
This first year’s activity quickly became an annual tradition as many St. Louisans joined in year after year, until in 1932, the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association received its charter.
Initially, the donations were given to the Children’s Aid Society. Money received now is allocated to about seventy-five recognized agencies that help children in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
The money does not go into the general revenue of these agencies, but rather remains local, meeting the emergency needs of the children they serve.
Some of these needs include camp scholarships, Special activities and programs, medical help, educational and recreational equipment, and tuition for school.
The main purpose of the Association, as was originally intended, is to carol for the enjoyment of it and promote caroling for the love of it.
The secondary purpose of raising funds. for children’s charities just makes the fun of caroling even more worthwhile.
This year the Association is making a concerted effort to encourage more groups from the Skinker-DeBaliviere area to participate in this special tradition.
If this dual purpose celebration of the Christmas season appeals to you, just ask some friends to join with you to form a caroling group.
To reserve your street, make arrangements to receive supplies (canister, song sheets, etc …), or for more information, contact Karen Kelsey (726-2832), the chairman for the Skinker-Debaliviere Neighborhood. St. Louis is known as “the caroling capitol of the world” thanks to the activity of the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association. Thousands of St. Louisans find it exciting to be part of an organization that has such a special history and unique tradition. Wouldn’t you?
Original photograph caption
Original caroling illustration. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1986, page 1. Artist not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1986.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1986_12.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
