Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

December 24, 2009 | 4:52 p.m. CST

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.
The Missourian's general manager, Dan Potter, read the letter for us, and children were invited to share their Christmas art. The stockings are from the students of Marilyn Andre's second grade class at Lee Elementary.

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