One of the most famous letters to the editor ever published was written by an 8-year-old girl who had doubts about Santa Claus. She sought help from The New York Sun. The answer, first published

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” Church wrote. “He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.” The editorial was destined to live on, far beyond Church’s death in 1906; the Sun’s, in 1950; and even Mrs. Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas’ in 1971.

Santa’s existence was proved conclusively in 1897 by Francis P. Church, of The New York Sun. His editorial is reprinted here as a public service:

The following editorial, “Is there a Santa Claus?” first appeared in the New York Sun on Sept. 21, 1897. It was written by Francis Pharcellus Church, an assistant to the editor of the Sun.