On September 21, 1897, it was buried on the editorial page, under articles about politics, railroads and a new bicycle design. A letter was sent to the editor of the New York Sun newspaper from an 8-year-old named Virginia O'Hanlon, the only child of a New York City Coroner's Assistant, questioning the existence of Santa Claus. Francis Pharcellus Church, who wrote for the newspaper, replied to Virginia and his editorial became a piece of Christmas lore. In keeping with his newspaper's policy, Mr. Church was not credited for writing the editorial until after his death in 1906. Virginia lived to the age of 81 and died in 1971.
To read the full editorial and Virginia's letter, click on:
http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/
Click here for my special Christmas greeting to everyone on Active Rain! Okay, stop laughing! There's some fancy moves in there!
http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1334178231
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