Guided Primary Source Analysis: Why I Believe in Santa

Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.), 09 Dec. 1911. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.), 09 Dec. 1911. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

Click the newspaper above to zoom in to the page. First read the center article, “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.” What was the editor’s claim and what arguments did he make to support that claim?

Now read what the citizens of Rock Island had to say about Santa Claus and the Christmas spirit. What themes do these stories convey? What sense of community do you get from them?

Write about the spirit of a holiday that is special to you, describing why it is meaningful to you and the community you celebrate it with.

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!