This letter was written 100 years ago in 1903 by my Uncle Louis.  My
Uncle Eugene (one of the kids in the letter) in turn submitted it to a
paper in Ohio in 1973.  The attached picture shows the four boys with
their parents, Louis and Cecelia Voith (my Grandparents).

   Louis was born in 1896
   Frank was born in 1898
   Eugene was born in 1900
   Edward was born in 1902

Two children were not yet born:

   Katherine was born in 1909 (on the day Forbes Field was opened)
   Lawrence (my Father) was born in 1911

Their parents were my Grandparents, Louis and Cecelia Voith.  I never
knew my Grandfather, nor my Uncles Louis and Frank.  My Grandfather
died in 1932, 11 years before I was born.  Uncles Louis and Frank both
died in the influenza epidemic in the 1920's.

Below is the introduction to the letter in the 1973 reprinting,
followed by the original letter itself.  Unfortunately, my Uncle Gene
(Eugene) did not have the original letter itself.

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Introduction to letter in 1973 in Ohio newspaper:

Youngster's letter of 19O3 reprinted

EDITOR'S NOTE: What did children ask Santa Claus for 70 years ago?
This letter, first printed as a letter to Santa in the Pittsburgh
Press, Dec 11, 1903, shows that children's requests back then were
perhaps a bit simpler than those of today. It was submitted to The
Advocate by Eugene P. Voith, 731 Maple Ave., and was written by his
older brother Louis, then seven years old.

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The original letter:

Dear Santa Claus

I have a bad cold this week and I am at home today so I thought I
would write you a letter. We have four boys at our house. My name is
Louis Voith.  I am seven years old. I go to Fifth Avenue High School
in room No. 2.  Well dear Santa Claus I would like you to bring me a
magic lantern and box of paints, a storybook and fill my stocking with
candy.  Now dear Santa this is my brother Frank. He is five years, but
he does not go to school, so I will write for all four of us.  Well,
Santa, Frank wants a train of cars and a horn, a storybook and fill
his stocking with candy. This is my brother Eugine (sic). He is four
years old. Santa, bring Eugine a large horse, a set of blocks and a
storybook and fill his stocking with candy. Dear Santa, this is our
Baby Brother Edward. He is two years old. Santa, please bring him a
big rag doll and a set of blocks and storybook. That is all for us.

Do not forget our mama and papa and our grandma. She lives with us.

Santa, do not forget our tree for we like it best of all. Goodby from
Louis, Frank, Eugine, Edward Voith.

                                          255 Colwell St.
                                          Pittsburg (sic). Pa.