ST. NICHOLAS AT THE SOCIETY ONE hundred and thirty years ago last December, The New-York Historical Society celebrated its anniversary on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, in compliment to the original Dutch settlers, and since that time has always been interested in collecting and preserving material concerning this good Dutch Saint and the quaint celebration honoring his name. In the Society's archives there is a manuscript account of the origin and development of the St. Nicholas Festival in Holland, written in 1865 and 1866 by Solomon Alofsen of Jersey City, an antiquarian and a member of the Society. From his manuscripts, and from other original material in the Society's library regarding St. Nicholas Day, notes have been brought together to tell a little about the patron saint of Amsterdam, the honor paid him in New Amsterdam (now New York), and our legend of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas was Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, who did much good among his fellow men, and died on December 6th, about 345 A. D. As time went on, the fame of his benevolent deeds spread and legends about him grew. He became the patron saint of navigators and sailors, and of children, whom he is credited with rewarding for maintaining good conduct. He also became the patron saint of Amsterdam, a town of seafaring men, and a church was built there and dedicated to him. As the city grew and became the richest and most powerful in Holland, much of their prosperity was credited to him. They celebrated his festival with great rejoicing and merriment. Being partial to sweet things, they freely indulged in sugar work and delicate ginger cake, candies and cookies on these festivals, and their feasts became renowned. After the Reformation, the worship of St. Nicholas met with opposition, as Protestants did not believe in paying homage to a Catholic Saint, but he was still esteemed as the patron of chil- 10