Yes, Virginia there is STILL a Santa Claus

An unsigned editorial printed September 21, 1897 responded to the now infamous Letter to the Editor from youngster Virginia O'Hanlon.

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

"Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus" was the response the eight year old received from The New York Sun's Editor Edward Page Mitchell over 100 years ago. On January 23, 2008 living relatives of the Sun's then Editor wrote their very own Letter to the Editor. Addressed to StrausNews.com, Edward's family reflected upon this memorable duo still making print news, particularly during the holiday season.

To the Editor:

On Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, The Advertiser-News South on Page 9 reprinted the story of 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon and her letter to the editor of The New York Sun in 1897 asking if there was a Santa Claus. I was so pleased you printed the letter along with pictures of the reply’s author, Francis Church, and Virginia herself and a short biography of each.

My personal interest lies in the fact that my great-grandfather, Edward Page Mitchell, was the Editor of The New York Sun to whom Virginia addressed her letter. He was with The Sun from 1875 to 1927 and Editor-In-Chief for many years.

Upon receiving Virginia’s letter and realizing the significance, he gave it to one of his top editorial writers, Francis Church, with instructions to reply to Virginia and his reply would be run as an editorial. Church’s reply, as you clearly recount, became world famous and is reprinted each year all over the world. It is a beautiful, stirring piece of English literature to which I and my family are fortunate to be remotely connected.

Thank you for reprinting the letter and for including information about Mr. Church and Virginia which many newspapers omit.

Alan Mitchell Potter

Hamburg

Photo