davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17
The Old Rural Christmas.

How many of the young people know
that some forty years ago nine-tentbs OF
the children in America had 10 enjoy
Christmas with only such sums as they
had saved up for months, often penny ~
timer Yet so 1t was Not one father in
ten thought Of giving IA boy christmas
money" the big family dinner and such
fun as cost nothing WINS enough.
Indeed, save for candy and fire crackers,
there was little to spend money for. Rob
inson Crusoe' and ''Parley's Tales" we're
almost the only story books, though the
people had some old stand bys on their
shelves and the "Old English Reader" was
like other poor, always with them. There
were "Moral Lessons" a few, and tracts
enough. but no gorgeously lettered vol
umes OF childish song, no fairy stories shin
ing In covers of blue, green and gold
The story that artists for the earliest
juvenile books had TO label their pictures
'This Is horse" This Is a cow" etc. IL
no doubt an exaggeratiOn, but the toys
really needed 1t. Many little girl made
n doll by dressing up crook nec1ed
squash. Rag babies" were the rule. A
doll such as any child of parents above the
grade Of paupers may now have for Christ.
mas, would then have excited the amaze
ment Of the neighborhood, and doll that
would open and shut its eyes-welI Ian
gllage is lacking TO set forth the furore
such wonderful creation would have ex-
cited
IL Is an actual fact that the purchase OF
such doll by order from Cinclnnati-at
cost OF two dolIars-was made matter OF
church discussion in one townsas late as
is4s THE Deighbors" finally decided II
was all right, as the mans little girl was
an invalid and needed amusement She
certainly got it, II company was any
amusement, for every child for miles
around was crazy to see that doll As for
paying ten dollars for doll the people
would have asked the court TO name
guardian for the man who did IL, as one
unfit 10 manage bis own affairs. Ten dol
lars would buy nm acre Of good timbered
land In half Of the country.
Wood carving was an envied accom-
plishment In those days, The hired
hand" who had some skill with jack
knife had a crowd OF children after him on
all possible occasions, the father who could
carve human looking figure out Of wal
nut bark was a hero 10 his family.
j. II. BEADLK
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

a bell, and a small girl entered with box
Into this box she put the doll carefully on
its back in such a way rs not TO muss or
rumpIe her beautiful pink dress, Then
she put on the cover and fastened II In
place with a stout bit of Irvine and wrote
on IT,
Eva Williams, Santa Barbara, Califor
MAJ at the same time saying to the girl,
"Pnt that In the southern California
stall
The girl disappeared with the doll under
her arm, and no sooner was she out OF
sight than another girl popped in at the
opposite end OF the room and handed the
old lady another doll
This" she said ms she looked 1t over,
SIS doll for poor child. IL is made OF
common china-that is, the head and bust
are, and the rest Of her is linen and saw
dust. But IL will probably make the poor
girl quite as happy as the handsome wax
doll will the daughter OF the rich man.
Then she dressed the doll in calico and a
bingham hood, and when she was finished
and put Ia box, which was addressed
Emily Lum, Watsessing, n j., in popped
another girl, who as quickly disappeared
with the instructions to put it in the New
Jersey bin.
The old lady was always In excellent
spirits, and appeared TO take as much
genuine delight in making presents for the
poor and rich alike as many persons find in
bestowing gifts entirely upon the wealthy,
and when she had dispatched the little girl
with the doll to be put In the New Jersey
bin she called for her books, and when they
were brought she adjusted her glasses and
said:
1--WE have got to hurry as much as pos.
sible or we shall neglect some of our little
friends Russia has not been touched yet
and the state Of New York is in the same
condition, with the exception of Callicoon
and Painted Post. ! am very sorry we are
so far behind, and the summer almost
gone too Come, come, don't stand around
looking at each other, but hurry, hurry,
hurry"
As the two little girls were moving away,
she continued
Dolls, dolls dolls, hurry, hurry, hurry
Bring up ninety-nine cheap dolls and one
expensive one, AS there is but one wealthy
girl to ninety nine poor ones. :"
And Off popped the little girls in great
haste, and no sooner were they gone than
back they came skipping with clothes
basket brimful of dolls between them. The
old lady smiled pleasantly when the bas-
ketful of dolls was deposited at her feet,
and lost no time In commencing the opera
ton of adjusting the dresses, of which she
had great variety in every bureau drawer
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17


There was something miraculously swift
in the manner in which the old lady
dressed the dolls She seemed as though
under spell OF enchantment, for she sang
songs and kept time with her needle, that
flashed in the light AS she piled IL to and
fro. When she had finished about the
fftieth doll in the basket, she exclaimed
ut Is now August and am 80 far In
arrears with this work that ] cannot
take the time TO 20 TO dinner. There
fore, bring me cup OF strong green
tea" One OF the plumpest OF the little
girls brought the tea as requested, and
when the old lady had enjoyed sip or
two Of II she was enabled TO work faster
than ever. Finally she dressed the last
one IN the basket, and when they were all
boxed and addressed. some one rang the
doorbell
Say am not able 70 see any one today"
The little girl backed out OF the room, and
then the old lady smiled pleasant smile,
while working away with renewed energy.
Even when she came TO japanese doll,
which she did occasionally, she dressed II
with m much skill asa Jap could have
done She never paused In her work upon
the day when she reflected that IL was late
In August, with Russia untouched and
New York In the same condition, with the
exception OF the towns Of Callieoon and
Painted Post, until an expressman called
with large load Of dry goods 70 be con
yerted into dolls dresses
Then she paused long enough 70 examine
the goods contained In the package, aud
she smiled m only woman can smile
while examining silks and satlns. or even
bingham.
"Of course ! am the leader Of the fash
ions in dolls clothing" she soliloqnlzed
with great pride, "and | must keep the
dolls IN such charming gowns that they
will command the admiration " all loyers
Of dress from Paris, France, 10 Paris. KY
never grow tired Of dressing dolls, and
often feel thankful that ! have nothing
else TO 10 and that nothing can interfere
with il progress"
just then IL began TO rain.
susie" shouted the old Lady run and
look At all the stalls. and nee that none Of
the dolls get their hats or dresses wet Run
quiekf'
They are all covered with oil silkr' re-
piled the little girl.
Are you SURF that Spain and Wisconsin,
merit the door, are protect~df"
The little girl replied 10 the Affirmative.
Then get me another pot Oh tea J am way
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

his blue eyes Presently be reused him
self and began openings Pile Of letters
that lay near They were vartously ad-
dressed simon Claus. Esq, Mr. Simon
Claus" "non. Simon Claus. aud 50 forth
Finally be took mp one which bore In
boyish hand the words MIR. 5 Claus,
ESQ" and the name Of the city
The letter ran thus
DrrH Ma :. CLAUS Kitty is agie bad.
this IL 10 tnli you 10 yog wood bring her good
Chrismass II Yoa ouid bring something tina,
su,d make her well ID like Il II hot bring
snus~sAing she Kin plsy with TO forgit laying
siill There's a man Kin cure her. lie cures
spipel people. A boy told me. be lives on
ward n, I'm eoing to earn snuf 10 pay him
jos woKsriI- Gunnison alley
Mr. simon Claus preoccnpstson was
only slightly interrupted by the quaint
letter. decidedly unusual IN his business
mail EN- sc~ what the little woman says
asou; a. WA his passing thought Then
d. ssraightsay forgot IL. as be had the rest
Of his mali
just then aibe lsttie woman" came softly
is She wSs complete contrast 20 her
big, fair haired. blue eyed saxon husband
l~ing petite and graceful. With head that
sal like llls 90 her slebdsr neck, and ten
der bropn eyes shat were. ike her hus
tAnds, fail u sorrow She placed herself
On tho &rm Of his chair, while his eyes
sought hsrs with an nnspoken question.
THE doctors have gone abe said
s.Thty siil - back this afternoon
How IL ehefH she man ssked
-Jusi thr same. ! wanted you 70 know
She u very Ill. Slnl0n believe they have
hlils hope
n was eo~Ardly 10 come on here, be
sad haskily. ''but could nos bear H. Oh.
my hat,fi NJ only ehiiai II mosey could
Enakr yoa wsllf'
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17
RING. CHRISTMAS eeLlsl

Within the broad eternal sky
The East Star waits to glnrify
Each timid. suniit, rosy ray
That ushcfs In the coming dayl
While Night IN tenderness yet dwells
Anear the dawn. ring soft, ye bells
And slow sc welcoming Christmas bcllsi
Glow yct afsf. thou heavenly gem
And holy star Of bethlehem,
Celestial hosts have brought the morn.
And unto us is Jesus bornl
Emmanuel, bis name ercels
All olse Of peaoei ring loud, ye bells
And long-~ye Joyful Christmas bcllsl
With fuller light DER towering lands
And polar seas and desert sands
The sun pcfsuades its gcntlest glow,
That No each soul the day may knowl
Prom zone Ia zono the story swells
Ia flight Of songl elang on. ye bells
And peal triumphant. Christmas bellsl
At humble doors and stately gates
With patient grace the Christmas waits
Let each home blossom, Joy returns
wrcaiho holly where the hearth fire burns,
In iowly gulse the day foretells
Its feast aud checrl Swing swift, ye bells
Ye glad, e,utant Christmas bells,
For joyless hearts that ache and mourn.
Tor lives with burthens oyerborne.
For wanderers gone sad astray,
And all who fall beside the way
At stroke Of sorrows beautiful knoils.
May some peace bel Ring on. kind bells
Ne gently singing Christmas bells,
let all rejoice In carolings
That sanctify each one who sings.
Ring out the tidings far and wide
We tempted bclls-ibe Christmastide
Hath come again. the Christ child dwells
In every heart Chime on, ye bells
In prayers and praise. ye Christmas bcllsl
HARRIET MASwELilCo syLRsK.
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

swell, WON'T" said the child patiently.
81 have to go out now" continued the
boy. "It's time for my route"
They kissed each other, and then the
twelve-year-old departed to sell evening
papers, while the afflicted eight year-old
tried to 20 to sleep TO pass away the time
until the older sister and head OF the fam
lily should come.
Number o Gunnson alley was always
cherries in cold weather, and the top floor
back was especially cherries, for Mary
Worrell was out sewing every day, and
had to do her own homework at night.
There was little fire In the stove this after
noon; the stove needed backing and some
ashes had fallen out over the hearth The
principal article Of the scanty furniture
was the bedstead on which Kitty had lain
for two years.
KITTY couldn't remember a time when
they had not been poor at the best, but
since they had been orphans they had
fallen gradually down, down in the mat
ter Of comforts, and even necessities
Soon after Joe went, Kitty heard knock
who's therep she called.
The visitor, no other than Mr. Simon
Claus, replied "a friend DO Joe aud
Kitty Worrell live heret"
"Yes, but the key is In Mrs Mullins
room at the end Of the hall. Pm locked
i'm
When Mr.. Claus had let himself In she
looked up at him without fear, the excite
ment OF guest making her cheeks flush.
80 you're keeping house alone today"
he said
yes | do every day, most, and they
lock me in because can't get mp and walk
They're afraid somebody might come in
thai shouldn't"
why can't you walk" he asked
"Weil, you see, my back aches all the
time aud my feet don't go right. Once ]
fell, and most ever since have had n lame
back. But Joe knows some one that can
cure me"
"Ah, yes came especially to see Joe
Where ia bef"
"Out selling papers. He'll come by and
By. He's awful good TO me and Mary.
Msry's my big sister. She's out 70 work.
Joe's going % save all the money he can 10
get that doctor And guess III tell you
a secret, she went on. Joe wrote 10 santa
Claus and asked him 70 bring me some
thing for Christmas That ism any harm,
nit, Don't you believe he's glsd TO hear
Of little girls that want preseptsf'
YES; | know be Is" replied kit,y's
guest. greatly touched
When Mary worrell returned the strsn'
ger told her quietly what bis errsnd was,
received the needed direction and departed,
Grit putting into kiity's thin hand purse
that Margaret had sent She could not
wait until Christmas 20 begin playing
Santa Claus
The benign face o, a middle aged man
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

the wife very sweetly and solemnly There
Is but one place to look for help
There was short silence, and then the
lady's wandering eyes caught sight OF the
soied paper lying In front OF her husband
She took it up aud read II mechanically.
That's singular letter" he said, rs he
saw her reading Il don't understand it, "
Her woman's wit did.
He was writing 10 the chldren's patron
saint Of Christmas, don't you see, she
said-"Santa CLAUSE wonder, now think
Of IL, that you have never before had let
tiers intended for him. Probably because
the dears who write them throw them into
the chimney place or do not put good
stamps on them. ! will see to this but
come; let us 20 up stairs 10 Margaret.
And she added, leaning over to kiss him
before she rose "let us have mighty hope
and faith for the result OF the consulta-
ton"
The room which they entered was an ex-
quisite setting for the jewel it held, the
most precious one In the wealthy mer-
chants possession-his only child. She
lay like a flower among the rose colored
hangings and furnishings, but no refec-
ton Of their hue could bring color into the
pale face lighted by large brown eyes and
short gold curls.
Three Of her ten years had been spent in
pain, which instead Of making her selfish
had done the very opposite, and she was
eager aud loving with the little services
she could render, especially TO the poor
whom her mother helped.
Mamma" she called as the parents
entered, "are all the things ordered for
Christmas"
yes, darling"
"How long is il till Christmas, mamma"
the little voice continued
"A week, Margaret"
"rm SO glad it's near" she said, with
happy sigh.
Here Is a new person TO help" tue
mother said, thinking TO divert her She
read Joe Worrell's letter
Margaret was at once deeply interested,
and began to plan what they should send
TO Guunison alley.
"l'm 50 glad ! can play Santa Claus,
mamma" she said happily. Don't you
remember used to think we were some
relation to himi wish some more letters
would come"
After she had decided what to send Joe
and Kitty. her thoughts reverted to the
letter
Papa, can't have the doctor that the
boy told abouti" she asked suddenly.
"Wby do you want him" the father
asked, "The fellow didn't say that he was
a doctor wouldn't think OF it now.
dear
"Yes. yes" she persisted, II want him
viii you ask him TO Gomez" And he, 10
soothe the child. promised.
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

lowed the physician outside TO tell him
how It was II had to promise, in order to
quiet Margaret. II she forgets, | shall not
remind her" he said,
"She will probably not forget, replied
DR. Montague; and, my friend, If | were
you, I'd do whatever she asks. Only keep
me informed"
when did you send the letter, joel"
1.-Two days ago, Kitty"
did you put real true stamp on itf'
"Yes. and dropped it in the post box.
TN go all right, Kitty. Don't worry or
you'll make your head ache"
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

That afternoon the physicians returned
10 sxy they could do no more for the child.
The spinal trouble must sooner or later.
end Der lse, for there WAS no remedy known
TO them The family physician vrnt up
70 ssy good afternoon 10 his little patient
"Goodby, DR. Montague, ssid Margaret
win VOC care very mnch II ! have an
other dussorf Tn going 70 eel rev one,
and be sill cure me" The psrrnt. started
st her oonsasn, words, and Mr. CIaal FOL
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17
THE OLD DOLL MIlI.lNER
Copyright. isl All rights rc-oryc,il

Copyright. ISL All rights rrscrycd.l
She sat In great room near large bay
window busily engaged 10 the occupation
Of dressing q Handsome wax doll whose
smile was lost ia the roses Of her cheeks,
When the old lady had trimmed the dress
and made II set just as she thought u
should. she held the doll on at arms length
aud looked II over critically. When she
was quite well satisfied with IL. she touched
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17
The Truth About II.

When Uncle Sam was but boy,
One Christmas eve he hung
His stocking by the old fireplace.
And then this song he sung:
"Oh. Santa Clausl Oh, Santa Claus,
Give me some potent charm.
That pretty girls, when I'm man.
May Ugow upon my farm"
And that is why old Santa Claus
Today Is 30 admired:
Because he gave our Uncle Sam
The thing he most desired.
TON LANSING.
The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-12-17

Head of Firm-You had better give the
Office boy couple of dollars, Mr. Pen
wiper, for Christmas.
Mr.. Penwiper (the bookkeeper)-l think
we had better make it n New Years gift,
sir have just sent him out with tele.
gram and don't think he will get back
by Christmas
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1891-09-10
Queer Electrical Mishap.

A queer accident befell a Portland
woman recently. An electric light wire
had sagged to the timed roof of her
house, and the current was conducted
by the water conductor on the out
side of the house to a trap in the Gel
lar, thence by the waste pipe to a
washstand on the second floor, thence
by the water pipe to the street, so
that when the lady put her hand on
the faucet of the water pipe she
couldn't let go. But luckily the wind
was blowing, and, as the wires sway
ed, the water pipe and its adjuncts
were electrified with but an ;ntermit-
tent current, so the lady was liberated
after q few minutes Imprisonment
and considerable STANDARDIZATION
Journal.
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1891-09-10
Newspaper Law.

Any person who has taken paper
regularly from the whether
directed to his name or another's, or
whether he has subscribed or not-is
responsible for the payment.
The courts have decided that refus-
ing to take newspapers or periodicals
from the postofice, or removing and
leaving them uncalled for, prima facia
evidence of intentional fraud.
If any person orders his paper dis
continued he must pay all arrearages,
or the publishers may continue to send
it until payment is made, and collect
the whole amounts whether the paper
is taken from the Office or not.
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1891-09-10
Economy Ia q Family.

There is nothing, says the New York
Ledger, which goes SO far toward plac-
ing young people beyond the reach Of
poverty as economy in the manage
ment OF their domestic affairs. It
matters not whether a man furnish
little or much for his family, if thu is
q continual leakage in the kitchen or
in the parlor. It is the husbands
duty to bring into the house, and it is
the duty Of the wife to see that nothing
goes wronGully out oft, not the least
article, however unimportant in it
self, for it establishes precedent
nor under any pretense, for it opens
the door for ruin to stalk in, and he
seldom leaves an opportunity unim-
proved. The husbands interest
should be the wife's care, and her
greatest ambition should carry her no
farther than his welfare and happiness,
together with that of her children.
This should be her sole aim, and the
theater of her exploits in the bosom
Of her family, where she may do as
much toward making a fortune as he
can in the counting room or in the
workshop. It is not the money earned
that makes man wealthy-it is
what he saves from his earnings. A
good and prudent husband makes a
| deposit of the fruits of his labor with
his best friend, and if that friend be
not true what has he to hope? If he
dare not place confidence in the COM
panion Of his bosom, where is he to
place it?
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1891-09-10
First publication Aug, q, 1891
= Notice Of Sale.


WHEREAS. default has been made in the con-
ditions OF mortga ge containing power OF sale
dated January Path. A. D. 1888. and duly recorded
in the Office OF the Register Of Deeds OF Cavalier
county. then in Dakota Territory, now in State
Of North Dakota, January 3Oth A. D. 1883. at 43O
o'clock p. n. in book Of mortgages, page 1872
whereby Daniel Jerome and Mary Jerome, This
wlfe). nortgageors mortgaged to u. S. B. John
ston Land Mortgage Company, q corporation
duly organized and existing under the laws Of
the state OF Minnesota, mortgagee. the east half
Of the southwest quarter (e19 Of swA), and the
of seK) Of section numbered eighteen (1s) and the
northeast quarter OF the northwest quarter
(neA Of nwN) Of section nineteen (19). in town
ship one hundred 1927 range fifty seven
5. containing 100 acres. more oress, according to
the government survey thereof in Ca Waller county,
then In Dakota Territory, now IN State Of North
Dakota, by which default said power OF sale has
become operative and no proceeding or action at
law has been instituted to recover the debt re-
naming secured thereby or any part thereof, and
there Is claimed to be due and Is due on said
mortgage at the date hereof 1926.
Now. notice IL hereby given, that by virtue Of
said power said mortgage will be foreclosed and
said premises sold at public auction by the sheriff
Of oaid county or his deputy. as by statute pro-
vided, October 18TH A. D. 1884, at o'clock in the
afternoon, at the front door Of the oftiee of the
Register Of Deeds for said county, at Langdon,
In said county to pay said debt interest and attor
aey's fee Of e25. as stipulated in said mortgage
aud the disbursements allowed by law.
De. .JOHNSToN LAND MORTGAGE Co., MortRssee
HERMAN WINTERER, Attorney for Mortgages
Dated August 18th. A. D. 1891. Valley City, n. D.
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1891-09-10
Happy HooSierS.

VIM. Timmons, postmaster of Ida
vile, Ind, writes: Electric Bitters
has done more for me than all other
medicines combined. for that bad feel
ing arising from kidney and liver
trouble" John Leslie, farmer and
stockman, of same place, says: ''Find
Electric Bitters to be the best kidney
and liver medicine, made me feel like
a new man." J. w. Gardner, hard
ware merchant, same town, says:
Electric Bitters is Just the thing for
a man who is all run Gown and don It
care whether he lives ur dies; he found
new strength, good appetite and felt
just like he had new lease on life.
Only SOC. bottle, at DR.. Donoyan's
drug store.
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1891-09-10
Rand, McNalIy & Co.,

PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS.
Chicago, May 2s, 1890.
Messss. Dean q Payne, General
Agents.
Gentlemen: Enclosed / hand you
check for sl,l57.s0 in payment of
premium on my last policy of $780,
900 in your company. | have car
ried insurance in the Northwestern
Mutual Life Of Milwaukee for over
20 years as we'll as in some other
companies. Within the past two
years increased my line in your
company to $4,000, the full limit
which is more than I carry in any
other one company. I am ac-
quainted with some of your officers
and have great confidence in the
company's management.
Very Truly Yours,
ANDREW MCNALLY.
J. D. MILLS, State Agent,
northwestern" Grand Forks, ND.