Dastardly Thieves Steal All Children's Presents From Rockingham School, 1920

About the meanest and lowest down act probably ever perpetrated in Richmond county occurred in Rockingham on Thursday night of last week. Christmas trees had been arranged Thursday afternoon with decorations and gifts on them, one tree in each room of the Rockingham school. Exercises were to be held Friday morning, and the gifts distributed to the children. Every pupil knew of the delights awaiting them next morning, and many a heart beat faster with anticipation. But they were doomed to disappointment, for during the night a thief or thieves broke into the school building and stripped every tree of its presents. It is estimated that fully a wagon load of stuff was carried away, all to the value of three or four hundred dollars. So far no clue has been obtained to the thieves. But when they are apprehended (and it is to be helped they will be), for the full power of the law should be visited upon them. It was a dastardly act, and one unworthy even a thief. (From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Dec. 22, 1920)