Vela Qualls, 4th Grader, Writes Santa, Dec. 17, 1920

Dear Santa Claus, Guess you are well on your way to see the children in this county by now and I will be so very glad when you get here. I want you to bring me a music roll as I am very interested in my music and I want a music roll to protect my sheet music. I also want you to bring me a nice raincoat so that when I have to go to school in the rain I’ll not get wet. There are a great many things I would like to have but I don’t want you to think that I am greedy so I am only going to ask you to bring me things that are really useful as I realize that times are somewhat hard here and guess it is the same way with you. I am going to school every day now. I am in the fourth grade and I like my teacher just fine. I would like very much to see you and hear your reindeers but guess you haven’t the time, as I am sure you have to hurry to get to so many places in one night. I am so anxious for Christmas Eve night to come I almost count the hours. Say Santa Claus, would you like for me to make you some nice candy for Christmas? If you would like to have some I would be glad to make you some. From your little friend Vela Qualls (From the Roanoke Rapid Herald, Dec. 17, 1920)