In 1895 Mr. John Geltmacher of Bloomington created a tradition of serving a New Year's dinner to the poor children of Bloomington. This continued under the auspices of the WCTU (Women's Christian Temperance Union) for many years. Later Mr. Geltmacher created a fund so that the tradition could continue after his death. He was a lumber and grain merchant who immigrated to Bloomington from Maryland as a millwright. He never forgot his humble beginnings and had a soft spot for the poor children. His wife was Anna Larrick (sister to JB Larrick of Founders' Grove).
In 1915 this tradition was continuing. A dinner of "tenderloin and gravy, escalloped oysters, masht (sic) potatoes, apple sauce, celery, ice cream and cake" was planned for the children. Also part of this tradition was the dispersal of 50 cents to each child, so that they might begin a savings account and learn the value of saving money. Some years as many as 250 children were invited to the dinner. entertainment took the form of readings, music and informational talks about the dangers of cigarette smoking.
Mr. Geltmacher was born in 1821 and died September 2, 1904.