Hard times, a helping hand: a yuletide story

In the weeks just before Christmas of 1933 - 75 years ago - a mysterious offer appeared in The Repository, the daily newspaper in city of Canton, Ohio. 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 "Mr B. Virdot", pledged to provide a check to the neediest to tide them over the holidays.

Not surprisingly, hundreds of letters for Mr B. Virdot poured into general delivery in Canton - 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 "B. Virdot".

The gift made The Repository's front page on Dec 18, 1933. The headline read: "Man who felt Depression's sting to help 75 unfortunate families: anonymous giver, known only as 'B. Virdot', posts $750 to spread Christmas cheer."