davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
pack nUiHe. Ana rnen ne rrleu TO sheer
at the whole affair.

pack hunt. Anu tnen ne rr1eu TO SHEER
at the whole affair.
At the first barb of light Zeph fought
against his drowsiness and turned to
wait till Billy's eyes should open. 1t
seemed slow, long time. But after
awhile the large, blue eyes unveiled,
the sense of present things came back to
him, and then they rested on those
glories at his pillow. He did not move,
but studied them a moment with look
SO strange that zeph saw things his
wisdom had not dreamed. Then Billy's
eyes were closed again, and soon the
larger breathing told that he was deep
in dreamland paths, with richer treas
ures on each hand than there had been
before.
He reused at length and saw the toys
again.
81 dreamt of then," he said and
wondered why his mother smiled. 1t
was long before he dared TO touch them,
and all through the day his boyish play
would be suspended, and he would look
at them as if afraid that they would
vanish into dreams again-the dreams
where he was sure his happy eyes had
found them.
"But it's all hoky poky," said Zeph
to his wife, as he shouldered his ak and
went down 10 the mill for the day
Chicago Times-Herald.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
TIE UNIVERSAL HOLIDAY.
Christmas Bells Ring Joyful Tidings to All
the Earth.

There is no holiday in all the long
calendar of the months that is SO uni
versally and so enthusiastically cele-
brated as Christmas. All men every
where take heart of grace and smile a
cheerier smile as the music Of the
Christmas bells falls upon their ears.
Whoever Will look back to his young
days cannot help remembering what a
strange, mystic time Christmas was.
There was something almost awe inspir-
ing in the music of the Christmas carols
sung at midnight in the open, frosty air.
And these Christmas "waits" who sung,
who were they? Unseen and unknown,
we almost deemed them beings of q
fairer world sent down to make Christ
mas delightful. If we had known in
those days that these men who broke tie
silence of the starry night to tell us
what ''the herald angels" sang were
mortals given to the smoking of tobacco
and the drinking of porter, all our ro-
mantle dreams would have ended there
and then. As we grow older we grow
wiser, and therefore little sadder. We
know, of course, that there is no real
Santa Claus; but, oh, how we wish there
wnrel
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
THE MISTLETOE BOUGH.
Origin of the Christmas Tree and Decora-
tion With Evergreens.

Origin of the Christmas Tree and DecOra-
ton With Evergreens.
Among the votaries of the early Druids
there was q superstition that the houses
should be decorated with evergreens in
December in order thai the sylvan spir-
it's might enter them and thus be kept
free from the blast of the cold north
wind and the frost until a milder season
renewed the foliage of their usual
haunts.
The Christmas tree is really from
Egypt, where the palm tree puts forth
branch every month, and where spray
of this tree, with 12 shoots on it, was
used in Egypt at the time Of the winter
solstice as a symbol of the year COM
pleted.
Who does not know the poem begin
ming:
The mistletoe hung in the castle hall;
The holly branch shone on the old oak wall?
Years ago over every mans door in
England hung sprig of mistletoe at
this season. There still hovers a mystic
charm about the mistletoe, and many
girl now, with thrill of expectancy,
places branch of it under the chande-
lier or over the door. According to a
former belief, when girl is caught and
kissed under the mistletoe berry must
be picked off with each kiss, and when
the berries have all been plucked the
privilege ceases.
Among the ancient Britons the mis-
tletoe that grows on the oak tree was
the kind held in favor. Because of its
heathen origin it is not used often in
church decorations, fact which is re-
ferred to by Washington Irving in his
"Bracebridge Hall, =" where he has the
learned parson rebuke the unlearned
clerk for this very thing.
In Germany and Scandinavia the holly
or holy tree is called Christ's thorn, be-
cause it puts forth its berries at Christ
mas time, and therefore is especially
fitted for church decorations. With its
glossy, dark leaves and bright, red ber-
ries, it is an attractive decoration for
the house.
The Jews used to decorate at their
feast of tabernacles with evergreens and
flowers.
The laurel was used at the earliest
times of the Romans as decoration for
all joyful occasions and is significant of
peace and victory.
In some places it is customary to
throw branches of laurel on the Christ
mas fire and watch for omens while the
leaves curl and crackle in the heat and
flame.
The evergreen tree is symbol used
as the revival of nature, which, astro-
-nomically, signifies the return of the
sun. Hung with lights and offerings,
the tree has for centuries been one Of
the principal characteristics of Christ.
mastide.-New York Mercury,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
kissing Under the Mistletoe.

The mystic mistletoe bough then as
now granted kissing charter to the
swains, and the maids were willing suf-
ferers. The sacred mistletoe was regard
ed with religious veneration by the
Druids, and its berries Of pearl as symbols
Of purity and associated with the rites
Of marriage. From this the transition
was but slight to the kiss beneath the
cabalistic bough. This Traditional sa-
credness, the genesis Of which is un-
known, has endured through the ages,
and today for man and maid to meet be-
meath the mistletoe gives the right to a
sacred kiss. New York Herald.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
CHRISTMAS At BLACK MKMMYis. !

T'mor' gwine be Chris'mu chilluns,
But dunno bout Sandy Claws.
speck de ole mans broke dis Chris must
Amt no wo'k fo' his ole claws.
He bank done bus he los his money;
He wo 'kmen quit, dat what dey said.
Spec he keep away dis Chris mus
Mout be dat de ole mans daid.
What's dat. Dinah? Whar yo' git it
Dat big box yo' settin on2
Full o. nuts an toys an candy
Done brllng heah by Massa John?
Massa s. mighty good dis Christmas.
Meks my ole h'aht leap wild joy
Dat he 'membahs his black nanny
Wha' nussed him when he lii boy.
Huh Marse John he SEN possump
Praise de Lawd TO- dat good meatl
T'mor' suah be Chris mus, honey
Dat de day we gwine t. eat.
Cl'ar off t. bed, now, all you chilluns.
Doan' yo' heah me wha' 1 say?
Time t. heah dem sleighbells ringin,
Time dem reingeers jog dis way.
GAVIN t. bed an quit dat talkin;
Dis yere ain no time fur play.
Eff you chilluns doan' be quiet,
Yo' sca'h ole Sandy Claws away.
Pull dem khivers up aroun yo';
Shet yo' eyes Up good aD tight.
T'mor' gwine be Chris mus, chilluns,
An Sandy Claws he cum tonight.
Chicago Times
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
Magic In the Name of Christmas,

Christmas time! That man must be a
misanthrope indeed in whose breast
something like jovial feeling is not
reused, in whose mind some pleasant
associations are not awakened, by the
recurrence of Christmas. There seems a
magic in the very name of Christmas
Petty jealousies are forgotten, social
feelings are awakened in bosoms to
which they have long been strangers.
Kindly hearts that have yearned toward
each other, but have been withheld by
false notions of pride and self dignity,
are again reunited, and all is kindness
and benevolence Would that Christmas
lasted the whole year through CHARLES
Dickens.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
How the Greek Celebrates Christmas.

1t is more than likely that many Of
our Christmas customs were born in
Greece, more particularly the decora-
tions, lights and games. Here ghosts
and hobgoblins are rampant between
Christmas day and Epiphany, and chill
dren are often frightened into unwilling
obedience by the tales. As the pious
Greek fasts for a month before Christ
mas the feast Of that day is very well
come to him, though it consists princi
pally of macaroni and strong cheese.
On the island Of Chios there is in use
a strange sort of Christmas tree, which
is sometimes simply pole adorned
with fruits and flowers, carried by a
tenant farmer to his landlord as q pres
ent that typifies the good will and
wishes for an abundant harvest.-Ex-
change.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25

cattle cCuu speak, auo, 10 make sure,
he hid in his masters stable on Christ.
mas eve and listened. When the clock
struck 12, he was surprised at what be
heard.
''We shall have hard work to do this
day week." said one horse.
eyes; the farmers servant is heavy"
answered the other horse.
"And the way to the churchyard is
long and steep" said the first.
The servant was buried that day
week. kansas City Times.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25

Line some patty pans with fine short
paste, fill them with mincemeat, cover
with cardboard box lid and bake.
Then, instead Of pastry lid, cover
them with equal parts of fresh butter
and sugar beaten to light white cream
and favored with a squeeze of lemon
Juice or rosewater or any good cordial.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
Hosannai Sing.

Awake, good Christians! Long ago
The shepherds walked at night
And saw the heavens with glory glow
And angels in the light.
Hosanna! Sing hosanna. Sing
Hosanna in the height
New life they told to all ON earth,
New life and blessing bright,
Forewarnirg of the Saviour's birth
In Bethlehem this night.
Hosanna! Sing hosanna! Sing
Hosanna in the height!
New life to all, new life to all,'
The tidings good recite.
New life to all, which did befall
At Bethlehem this night.
Hosannal Sing hosannai Sing
Hosanna iii the height
Old Carol
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
A Christmas Legend From the Alps.

Here and there prevail Is the strange be-
lief that horses and cattle speak in hu-
man language on the night preceding
Christmas day. 1t is sin to listen to
what the animals say, or in any way to
try to hear them. Not to believe that
they talk is also sin.
An Alpine story is told Of farmers
asxSan* rho did not believe that tn
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
DIRECTORY OF LODGES.
M SONIC LODGE.

VIZ OONlO LOO0Gs
Staunton Lodge No. 13, A. F. and A. NJ, meets
every second and last Friday night in each
month, in Masonic Temple, Main street. Jas
NJ. Lickliter,W NJ; B. A. Eskridge, Sec'y.
UNION ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER.
No.2, meet third Friday in every month, in
Masonic Temple, on Main street. W. W. Nc
Guffin. High Priest; A. A. Eskridge, Sec'y.
ODD FELLOWS LODGE
Staunton LODGE No. 45, l. o. o. F. meets ev
cry Thursday night in Odd Fellows Hall, ove-
Wayt's drug store, on Main street. John G.
Fretwen Noble Grand; C. A. Grafton. Sec
KNIGHTS OF HONOR LODGE.
Staupton Lodge No. 756, Kr .Shts Of Honor
meets every first a-id third Tuesday in each
month, in Pythian Hall, Main street. w. L.
Olivier, Dictator; W. A. Burnett, Recorder.
MOUNTAIN CITY LODGE.
No. 116, /. o. G. T., meets every Friday night
in their lodge room over Wayt's drug store on
Main street. A. S. Woodhouse, Chief Templar
F. B. kennedy, sec'y.
DISTRICT LODGE.
No. 20, 1. o. G. T., meets every three months
G. c. ShippIett, d. c. T.. s. H. Bauserman
District Secretary.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
Augusta Council, No. 400, Royal Arcanum
meets every second and fourth Tuesday In the
month, at Pythian Hall, Main street. W. w
Robertson, Regent; Jos. B. Woodward, Sec
retary.
SONS OF TEMPERANCE
Charity Division, NJ. A., Sons of Temperance
meets every Monday night at Odd Fellows
all. W. A. Rapp, Worthy Patriarch; John
B. Corelt, Secy.
UNIFORMED RANK, KNIGHTS OF
E.B. Stuart Division, No. 10, meets second
and fourth Mondays each month at Pythian
Hall. Sir Knight Captain, F. B. Berkeley; 8
Knight Recorder, S. H. Rosenbaum.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAs.
Valley Lodge, No. IS, K. Of p, meets every
Monday night at Castle Hall, on West Main
street, over DR.. wayt's drug store. C. 7. Ham,
mond, Chancellor Commander; Albes
Keeper of Records and Seal.
KNIGHT TEMPLARs.
Staunton Commandery, No. s, Knights Tenn
plar, meets first Friday night in every month
in Masonic Temple, on Main street. W. B.
McChesney, Eminent Commander; A. A. K
ridge, Recorder.
ONEIDA TRIBE, NO. SO, /. O. R. NJ,
naats in their wigxam in Valz RuiIdino
every Wednesday at sth run 3Oth breath
setting of the sun. ]. D. Anthony, sachep-
James W. Blackburn, chief Of records. An
visiting brothers welcome.
AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR.
Valley Council No. 736 meets on the first and
third Mondays in each month. Commando
A. S. woodhouse; secretary, DR.. J. NJ. Hange
collector, Isaac G. Morton, Jr.
| CATHOLIC HIBERNIAN BENEFICIAL
SOCIETY.
| : Meets first Sunday in every month in their
hall on the church lot. NJ. 7. B presi.
dent; ]. ]. Kilgalen, first vice-president; ]. J
Murphy, second vice-president; D.J. O'Connell
recording secretary.
| "STONEwALL" BRIGADE BAND.
Band meets every Monday and Thursday
orchestra, every Wednesday, at p. M, in City
Hall. Mr.. ]. M. Brereton, director
j. A. Armentrout, president, and G. Harry
Haines, secretary.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..
Monthly meetings, Fourth Tuesday In the
month etT:o0 O'Clock. Roomin City Hal build
lug Isaacwita president; }. C. Shields, secre-
tary.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
Origin of Christmas Gifts.

At the time of the Roman saturnalia
friends, masters and slaves feasted to-
gether, and gifts were exchanged in a
manner similar to the present time. In
fact, from the earliest times the giving
and receiving of gifts and the offerings
to the poor have been the way in which
people have expressed thanks and shown
their joyfulness 1t is the thought and
not the expense of the Christmas gift
that pleases the recipient.
In giving presents at this season they
should be chosen with love in the heart
and the thought of suitableness.- New
York Mercury
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
ST. Nicholas In France.

st. Nicholas holds prominent posi-
tion in France as the dispenser of gifts,
though in many places it is the Christ
child who distributes them. The Christ
child frequently appears to children as
Santa Claus does with us. He is usually
assisted by a company of angels. In Al,
SAGE he is represented by maiden in
white, with silver bell in one hand
and basket of sweetmeats in the
other.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
ALPHA PUBLISHING co. ss nosisS, nSSissSa %s.s ST.
HOLIDAY EXCURsIONT TO WASHINGTON

The B. s. o. Railroad Company will inaugu-
rate a series of monthly excursions to The Ma
tionalGCapital, from Pittsburg, Wheeling. Park
ersburg, Lexington, Hagerstown and inter-
mediate points along its lines as far East as
Washington Junction, affording an excellent
opportunity for a mid-winter jaunt to the Ma
tiOnal Capital. The first excursion of the series
is announced for Thursday, December 26th.
The rates are remarkably low and the time
limit ample enough to allow visitors an oppor-
tunity to visit all the Public Buildings and In
Stitutions in Washington and make side trips
to points of interest in near vicinity.
We give below list of stations showing the
time of trains and rates of fare.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
$tauntotl Spectator.
RATES OF ADVERTISING

Advertisements are inserted at the rates of
I-h cents per line, for the first, and 6k cents
IOr each subsequent insertion.
Local offices are inserted at the rate OF 20
cents per line for the first, and 10 cents for
each subsequent insertion. -.
:, BUSINESS Notices are inserted at the rate OF
sequent insertion.
liberal discount will be made on orders
Obituaries. Announcements of Candidate
for ONCE, and all communications
advertisements.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
Hours for Arrival and Closing Of Mails at Staun-
ton POOtOfCe

ARRIVE.
BY c. AND o. RAILROAD.
a. m. from north, south, east and west.
9.57 a. m. from west.
2.4O p. m. from Richmond and intermediate
7.05 p. m. from north, east and south.
BY B. ANDO.
7.22 a. m. from Lexington and intermediate
points.
1.5O ,. m. from the north.
900 p. m. from the north, Harper's Ferry and
intermediate points.
STAR ROUTES.
a. M. from Plunkettsville, daily except Sun
day.
10 a. M from Mt. Meridian, daily except Sun
s. p. m. from Middlebrook, daily except Sun
$50 p. m. from Monterey, daily except Sunday.
1880 a. m. from Sans sersville.
CLOSE
$50 a. N. tor Lexington, $50 a. m, Harper's
Ferry and points north.
Els a. m. for Harrsonburg, Woodstock and
points north.
Ito p. Ia. for Lexington and intermediate
500 p. m. for Lexington and intermediate
points.
FOR C. ANDo.
9.l5 a. m. and 2,15 p. m. for north. east, south
500 p. m for east north, south and west.
2.l5 p. m. for Clifton Forge and intermediate
points.
T.. p. M. for the west.
STAR ROUTES-DATLY EXCEPT SUNDAY.
$50 a. N. for Monterey.
600 a. m. for Middlebrook.
LOO 2. m. for Mt. Meridian.
6.15 p. N. for Plunkettsville.
i2.30 p. N. for Mt. Solon daily,
STAUNTON OFFICE
Opens a. M, closes p. m. Money order
and registry business opens at a. M, closes
.. N W. ~ McCUE. P. NJ.
NOTICE.
WANT every man and woman in the United
States interested in the Opium and Whisky
habits to have one OF my books on these dis
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25

Corresponding low rates from other stations
Tickets will be good ten days.
For guide to points of interest III Washing
ton, address nearest b. so. Agent.
dec 1S-2tS
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
Christmas, 1895.

Christmas, 1895.
Christmas once more! The season
OF Joy and peace on earth,
When all is full to overflow
OF happiness and mirth;
When every heart with gladness
Is fain to chirP and sing;
When care and grabbed fancies fly
And kindliness is king.
Selected.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
BE Not Dismayed.

God bless you, merry gentlemen!
May nothing you dismay-
Not even your finances when
You find 'tis Christmas day.
Washington Post
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
GRATEFUL-COMF
EPPS'S c OCOA
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.,

by thorough knowledge of the natural
laws which govern the operat tions of digestion
ana nutrition, and by careful application
OF the line properties of well selected Cocoa,
Mr. Epps has provided for our breakfast and
supper delicately favoured beverage which
may save US many heavy doctors bills. 1t is
Dy the Judicious use of such articles OF diet that
constitution may be gradually built up until
strong enough to resist every tendency to dis
ease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are float
is weak point. Wemay escape many fatal
shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with
pure blood and a properly nourished frame"
-Ctuil SerUice Gazette. Made simply with boil
ing wa er or milk. Sold only in haif-pound
tins, by Grocers, labelled thus:
JAMES EPPS CO., Ltd, Homeopathic
Chemists, London, England.
dec 18-4tS
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25

NO Iairy taxes, nor wltcn natn power
charm,
So hallowed and SO gracious is the time.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
VIRGINIA HOTEL RESTAURANT.

On First Floor-Entrance on New street.
Nice newly furnished rooms, private for
ladies and gentlemen and connected with the
ladies' Entrance and Front Restaurant Din
ing Room. Nice oysters served in any style
desired The best Service-Low charges.
nov 21-1v J. G. SCHEFFER, Propr.
NITY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE.-I have
Y opened an Office at No. 10 North New
Street, and am prepared to give attention to
any business placed in my hands. I can be
found at my office any hour, when not engaged
in outside work pertaining to the duties of the
Office.
JOHNA. NOON,
Constable for the City of Staunton Va.
July 11-Jf
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25

leading Features of New Volume:
MARY ELLEN'S PLAYTIMES. Her adventures
and playmates By Mrs Ella Farman
Pratt.
BABY'S BIRTHDAY SONGS. Charming verses
with pictures, for every baby of every
month. By Grey BurlesOn.
A PINT OF PEANUTS. Entertaining occupations
for the nursery. By Marion Beatty.
CURIOUS DRAWING LESSONS (FoR LITTLE FIN
GERS. By Boz
MOTHER GooSE-ISH JINGLES AND PICTORIAL
STORIES in every number.
BEAUTIFUL FULL-PAGE PICTURES that tell their
own stories.
New Vol. begins with Nov. number Sample
copy free.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
BABYLAND

the t,iaadIao BABIES, Own O CENTS A YEAR.
For 4saby, up to the SiX-(and even Seven
Year-Old.
"a magazine for the little ones, lUhich dlluJyS
charms then,'' says The Ladies' Home Journal.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
NOTICE,

NOTICE.
WANT every man and woman in the United
States interested in the Opium and Whisky
habits to have one OF my books on these dis
eases. Address B. NJ. Woolley, Atlanta, Ga.
Box 3s2, and one will be ent you free.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-25
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..

Monthly meetings, Fourth Tuesday in the
month et 20 O'Clock. Room In City Hal build
lug Isaacwita. president; }. C. Shields. secre-
tary.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-07-01
Hoods SarsapariIla
is the Only
True Blood Purifier
Prominently in the public eye. 81; six forSo

mitted his hot blood and sore heart TO
run away with him and induce him TO
bitterly repreaeh her, she would still have
been unhappy. With her parents and his
the plan had not worker as she had
thought ii would. Her fathers real grief
had Knocked hard on the door of her silly
little heart, and almost opened it. In
stead of rage and torture, gentleness and
simple love had met her. II was discon-
certing to a maiden who wished to- be the
heroine of such a romance as the bankers
wife had read in books.
But Pietro's gloom, lit by flashes of
hot anger as often az it was by throes of
great grief, was better. She enjoyed it..
Ii made her feel most important
CTo be continued