In the weeks just before Christmas of 1933 \u201d\u201d 75 years ago \u201d\u201d a mysterious offer appeared in The Repository, the daily newspaper here. It was addressed to all who were suffering in that other winter of discontent known as the Great Depression. The bleakest of holiday seasons was upon them, and the offer promised modest relief to those willing to write in and speak of their struggles. In return, the donor, a \u201cMr. B. Virdot,\u201d\u009d pledged to provide a check to the neediest to tide them over the holidays.<\/p>\n
Not surprisingly, hundreds of letters for Mr. B. Virdot poured into general delivery in Canton \u201d\u201d even though there was no person of that name in the city of 105,000. A week later, checks, most for as little as $5, started to arrive at homes around Canton. They were signed by \u201cB. Virdot.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
The gift made The Repository\u2019s front page on Dec. 18, 1933. The headline read: \u201cMan Who Felt Depression\u2019s Sting to Help 75 Unfortunate Families: Anonymous Giver, Known Only as \u201d\u02dcB. Virdot,\u2019 Posts $750 to Spread Christmas Cheer.\u201d\u009d The story said the faceless donor was \u201ca Canton man who was toppled from a large fortune to practically nothing\u201d\u009d but who had returned to prosperity and now wanted to give a Christmas present to \u201c75 deserving fellow townsmen.\u201d\u009d The gifts were to go to men and women who might otherwise \u201chesitate to knock at charity\u2019s door for aid.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n