A Chicago Santa Claus in Philly - Inquirer 27 Dec 1892

Colonnade Hotel
SW Corner 15th and Chestnut Streets
Free Library of Phila. (1896)

A CHICAGO SANTA CLAUS, 

M. H. CHARLES MAKES HAPPY 

ALL THE PEOPLE AT THE 

COLONNADE. 

Presents for Everybody That Will 

Long; Keep the Donor's Name In

Pleasant Remembrance. 

Santa Claus, Mr. Pickwick and Croesus, all combined in one, apparently registered at the Colonnade on Saturday morning, when a gentleman from Chicago, M. H. Charles, appended his name to the list of guests. Mr. Charles is a member of a great produce firm in Chicago, and was drawn to this city with the expectation of passing Christmas with an old friend. 
Circumstances prevented this, and after the first moment of disappointment he proceeded to make himself happy by contributing to the happiness of those around him.

At the hotel, it is said, he was the most lavish and generous guest the house has over sheltered. After ascertaining the names of the few children in the house he purchased elaborate playthings, which were sent to their rooms on Christmas morning; every employe of the house with whom he came in contact has reason to remember his generosity; every waiter in the dining room received a present; each hell boy, each porter and such of the maids as were fortunate enough to come within his range of vision were remembered. 

Although a total abstainer, he insisted upon paying for wine for all who would partake of his generosity. There are few in the place now who will not concede to the city of wind and beef the proud position of the colossal city of the age, and the visit of Mr. Charles has secured a curious revulsion of sentiment in regard to Now York's defeated claim to the World's Fair.


The gratuities dispensed by the generous guest amounted to more than $200, and caused many of the permanent guests to feel rather shamefaced. Mr. Charles left last night on the Southern express for Memphis, where he will attend a New Year's family reunion. During the sixty hours of his visit to the city he continued to build a monument which will endure as long as the present employes remain at tho Colonnade. 


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