This photograph shows a rare highlight in the lives of the residents of the Lewiston Orphanage - Christmas. At this time of year, the residents of the orphanage received gifts from local societies and businesses, especially the Marchands de Bonneheur, a local charitable group.

The downcast expression on the faces of many of the children may reflect the fact that for much of the year, the children received few or no gifts. One prior boarder has described receiving an orange for Christmas, drying the rind and chewing it for months to come.