Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-07-26
A RECEPTION IN HIGH LIFE.

The historic mansion OF the Hamlln
family on Paris Hill, now the residence
OF Mr.. Jsmes l.. Chase. was the scene OF
a somewhat unique gathering upon Sat-
urday afternoon. The dolls OF the
North end Of the village learned that In
the Hsmlin mansion there was Won
derful baby house. the work Of former
generations. and resolved TO call In a
body to inspect the same.
The dolls Of the Chase house learning
that such visit was intended, for even
dolls on Paris Hill know what Is going
on among their neighbors, determined to
receive their guests in becoming man
ner, and Immediately set 10 work TO
.'clean house" In true New England
style; that IL, to turn everything upside
down, and TO leave not corner where
that nuisance At such times, man,
could find rest for the sole OF his foot.
The house being at last cleaned. rubbed,
swept and secured, and all the small
beds, chairs, tables, dishes and the
cook stove, properly arranged, the dolls
themselves put on their best clothes and
their best looks, and awaited the arrival
OF their neighbors from the North End.
Soon they appeared, accompanied by
their mothers and their grandmothers,
and even bv their "sisters and their
cousins and their aunts."
Never WAS such n ransacking before OF
the gsrrets and closets for the doll life
OF the years gone by; never such a col
lection OF those small people so dear to
the hearts OF childhood. Large dolls,
small dolls. long dolls. short dolls,
thick dolls, thin dolls, hard dolls, soft
dolls. Dolls with two legs. with one leg,
and with no legs at all. Dolls with eyes
that moved, and dolls whose eyes had
long since done winking, and had drop
ped down into the unknown depths OF
their anatomy, giving decidedly odd
look 10 the owner. One doll had a head
so fixed to her neck that she could look
directly behind her without moving her
body ut all; very convenient arrange
ment, but one not referred to In works
upon anatomy. Then, too, the clothes.
so importsnt part Of a doll, many OF
them looking like the fashion plates OF
long ago, but showing plainly that what
ever late years have done, they have not
improved upon the needlework OF the
old times. All received careful exsmins-
ton.
Just why It Is that in the world OF dolls
II Is so rare to find any thing but girls
no one can tell but there was one ex-
ception In the recent entertainment
Old SsmbO, most respectable old
darkie, made his appearance after many
years of retirement, and who forty years
ago was the observed Of all observers,
and never had man such an overhaul
ing by small hands to display the
wonders of his clothes. or course no
entertainment would be complete with
out something to eat; and as the dolls
had mouths not made TO open, their
mothers came to their help, and small
biscuit and cups Of chocolate rapidly
disappeared to the satisfaction Of all.
The affection of children for dolls has
its foundation deep In the human heart. |
There would certainly be something
wrong In child who had no love for
her doll. This affection Is governed by
something more than outward beauty. |
Il out lasts the wear and tear Of time
and many doll with only one leg and
no arms, and face from which all ex-
preston has been rubbed away by long
caressing, has still the same warm
corner 10 the heart Of Its mother. Let
us hope that in spite Of the new order OF
things, and the new modes OF life,
nothing will ever happen to dim that
bright spot in the childlife, that halo
that surrounds the remembrance OF dolls
parties In old garrets on Saturday after
moons.