davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Anecdotes of Dogs.

There was little girl who had little
pug dog named Major Mckinley.
One day in the summer, when the little
girl and her father We're sitting on the
piazza, Major Mckinley came around from
the barn, and sat down by her father
feet.
He then began to cry and looked as
though he wanted her father to come with
him.
So they both went to the barn with Major
and he took them to a box of dog crackers.
The little girls father took a cracker and
gave it to Major, but he would not touch
1t. Then he gave the box little kick, and
out jumped a little mouse. Major caught
it and went off with his head high in the
air and showed it to everybody.
One time when the little girl was sick he
would come up on the bed and try to push
her out.
Major plays a great many games, as hide
and seek, tag and horse.
l know of a dog that used to sit upon his
hind legs and cry when any one would sing.
l also remember knowing of a dog that
was left out by the door when the laundry
boy came. The dog, knowing no better,
tore every piece of laundry, and when the
master came home he found all of his
things torn and scattered about the yard.
l think Major was the best of all the dogs
mentioned, and l think you will agree that
he was.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
The First Post Office.

In 165s, early in the reign of Louis XIV,
NJ. de Velayer established private penny
post Boxes were set up at the street cor
ners for the reception OF letters. Offices
were opened in various quarters of Paris;
collections were made once a day from tho
street boxes. followed many hours later by
single delivery. and thus the first post
office in the world was established
NJ de Velayer was so greatly encourag ed
by the success of his enterprise that in or
der to develop IL stlll further he printed
certain FORMS of hillets or notes which were
intended to cover all the ordinary require
ments of business in great towns. Chese
forms contained blanks which were intend
ed to be filled Up by the pen with such spe-
clal matter as might be necessary TO COM
piete the writer's object. The idea at once
became popular, End tie printed forms ac-
companieG the expansion of the postal serv-
Ice throughout the larger cities of France,
ana IL was many years before they fell into
disuse
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Admiral Snip.

A little tailor's apprentice once ran away
from his master at Bonchurch, in the Isle
of Wight, and took refuge on board of a
man of war, cruising near the island. Those
were stirring times. somewhat over 200
years ago, and the little ex-apprentice was
soon treated to a battle at sea.
Taking a deep interest in the fighting
and asking many questions. he was told
that the battle must last till the white flag
at the enemy's mast head was struck
Up the rigging Of his own vessel crept
Tom, the runaway. The ships were then
in close conflict. He made his way to that
of the enemy, and shrouded by the smoke
from the guns, tore down the white flag
and returned triumphantly to the deck.
The English sailors shouted and cheered
and Of course he was called admiral
Snip" in memory OF his first trade; but
what did that matter, since the brave lad
lived to become q real admiral, and died
Sir Thomas Hopson.
Many Of you have had a chance to see
the uniforms and horsemanship of most
of the mounted soldiers Of the world In
the Wild west show of Buffalo Bill. You
saw too. the wonderful accuracy they dis
played in shooting.
The training for army and navy is some
thing more than learning to drill or even
to take care of and fire a gun. West Point
and Annapolis cadets are carried through
many exercises Of riding, climbing and
athletics which the members of militia
company never dream of. The young West
Pointer must ride like circus man or an
Indian
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Feeding Birds.

The secret of feeding birds in captivity Is
TO give them as great a variety of whole
some food as you can. For seed, they
should have mixture of canary rape, fax,
or iinseed, small greats and a little hemp
and millet. In cold weather, more hemp
and some nav seed, and a little lettuce
seed occasionally, particularly if there is
any dfarrhoea about. For greenstuff, let
tuce, watercress, groundsel, chickweed and
nearly any sort of fruit, but it should not
be given to them wet. Once or twice n
week, for a treat, mixture of hard-b boiled
egg, chopped small, and powdered biscuit
will be greatly appreciated. In feeding
them don't make things too easy. Remem-
Der that birds dearly love occupation of
any kind. L knew a lady once who used TO
chop up the watercress, ito save the poor
dear things the trouble of biting it off,
But l need scarcely say that this is great
mistake
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Aunt Dorothy's Letter

Dear Children: In few weeks school
books will be laid aside and you will be
scattering in all directions for your sum-
mer vacations
Although we are told that "All work and
no play makes Jack a dull boy" L have
often thought that all play and no work
would not be very good for him either, and
so 1 hope that you will not be entirely idle
during the summer.
There are so many pleasant ways or
learning things when you are in the noun
tains, or the country, or by the sea, or lake,
or river. BY keeping your eyes open and
asking a few questions you may tuck many
useful bits of information away in your
minds. Notice the plants, which ones grow In
shady hooks by the brookside and when
in sunny meadows. Find out the names or
those that are new to you and FIX them IN
YOUR memory. Study the trees and get
better acquainted with them and with their
peculiarities. so that you may recognize
them when you see them.
You may learn something about Vege-
tables and their cultivation, too and fruits
and grain When you see a field of the
latter can you tell whether it is wheat or
rye, oats. barley or buckwheat? NO DOUBT
you can learn something about squirrels,
rabbits and other small animals that you
did not know before: birds. too are good
subjects for study. Can you recognize the
different ones by their notes? DO you
know how ana where tney Dullu
nests? Those of you who visit the sea-
shore will find no lack of things to interest
and amuse you. On the rocky north shore
of Massachusetts, 1 know of a place where
a great basin in the rocks Is many feet
under water at high tide. while at ebb it
lies like a tiny sea with all the surrounding
rocks uncovered. The children of the sum-
. mer residents, and many grown folks, too,
Chamber down over the slippery rocks and,
locking into the clear water watch the sea-
weeds and MOSES the pebbles and shells
and the creatures of the left by the
receding waters 1.-The aquarium" as it is
called, is uncovered but a short while each
day. and each day 1t is different, for each
high tide leaves something new in the
basin and takes away something that was
there before.
At this same Massachusetts resort l was
amused one summer to hear two children
aged about eight and ten, talk knowingly
of catboats and dories, of schooners, banks
and barkentineS and other vessels which
they saw in the harbor or passing at sea.
They knew the difference between them,
too and tried to make. it clear to me,
though l fear they found me rather a dull
pupil. You may learn something of geol-
ogy too; in fact. you see there are sub
jects enough to suit the tastes of all of
you and if each one of you will learn one
new thing your summer will not be wasted
Only remember this. be sure that you get
things just right; it is better to know one
thing we'll than to have half knowledge
of many
A happy summer to you all is the wish
of, yours sincerely,
DOROTHY DAY.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16

smaller than pin point. In my museum
l have birds nests, pretty stones and shells.
Your friend PAUL B.
l will tell you of our walk down to the
Potomac river. My friend to my
house Saturday to stay over Sunday. On
Sunday she, my sister and went down
in the woods to the brook and followed 1T
down to the river. The brook is full of
large rocks in some places. When we got
to the river we saw two boys fishing. we
started back and saw some large rocks,
on which we sat and watched the water
fall over the rocks. Then after awhile
we went up the brook on the rocks. My
friend slipped off rock into the brook.
When we came to place where there were
no rocks we walked along the banks and
picked flowers 1 will send a photograph
of my home and one of the prettiest part
of the brook when my father gets the
films for the camera. From
KATHERINE p, RosSlyn, Va.
We shall be pleased to receive the photo
graphs.-Ed.
Dear Aunt Dorothy:
/ was very much pleased to see my name
on the children's page, and now I will tell
you a true story about dog. Last sum-
mer while in the country l was much
amused by Brownie, the cocker spaniel
who lived in the house where we boarded
He did not always live there, but once
when gentleman was out walking Brownie
followed him home and refused to leave his
side. Brownie was not a lazy dog. but
he certainly did love to ride; would run
after the carriage when anybody went
driving, and at the first opportunity would
jump in. He was always fond of going
into the water and would come home drip
ping wet. At meal times Brownie came
down to the dining room and would give
little sharp banks to attract the attention
of the people at the table. After the
meals the children fed him, and he would
stand up and catch the bread in his mouth
as it was thrown to him. He loved to
chase the chickens and cats, but did not
hurt them.
ELEANOR F. F., age II.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Baby Blue Eyes.

By Dorothy Newton carp.
No wonder the oriole and meadow lark
were so busy, twittering and chrping, after
all the other birds were fast asleep.
Dame Natures youngest child, little
Baby Blue Eyes," was to be christened
the next morning at sunrise in the Fairies
Chapel by Jack-in-the-Pulpi
The fairies, the birds and all the flowers
were hidden to the ceremony, and the
meadow lark and oriole had been chosen to
compose and sing the christening hymn.
Morning dawned the sun awoke, yawned
and began to rise.
At the same moment the blue bells in
the Fairies Chapel rang out Sweetly on the
clear morning air, and two by two the
christening party started from the hedge
The Primrose" walked very soberly and
sedately, of course. for she was chaperon-
ing Miss "Larkspur," who was inclined to
be frivolous; the .Maidenhair'' leaned CO.
quettishly toward Mr.. Marigold;" she had
grown worldly from attending SO many
fashionable weddings, and wished a rich
husband, though the gentle Quaker ladies'
told her she might do better than Mari
gold.
After the flowers came the Fairy Queen
and her court, and then every eye was
turned toward Dame Nature, who came
last with the dainty Baby Blue Eyes nes-
tied tenderly in her arms.
Lily-of-the-Valley carried the baptismal
CIldIIce HlleQ Win GeW, ana when Jack-ln-
the-Pulpit asked the baby's name the wee
howerkin's godmamma bent over her and
softly murmured "Forget-Me-Not."
A bevy of "Wold Roses" Scarlet Sages,"
"Nasturtiums' and "Hollyhocks'' pressed
eagerly forward at that moment, to show
their fine clothes I'm afraid. but the ten
der-eyed Pansies," always full of thought,
waved them back and beckoned to the
oriole and meadow lark to commence.
The aeoian harps in the windows of an
old-fashioned homestead played a soft pre-
lude, and this is what the birds sang:
Spring. spring. spring. spring!
All the birds your praises sing,
For to them today you bring
Baby-blue-eyes," dainty thing!
Fom her bed OF eoft green grass
Wakes and smiles on all who pass;
Pass, pass, pass pass!
Mother Nature blue-eyed lass.
Sweet, sweet, sweet. sweet.
Hidden safe from needless feet,
Born Gods message to repeat;
Born, with cheer the world to greet.
Bringing messages Of love,
Down to earth, from realms above,
Love, love- love, love!
List, We mortals, God Is love.
Just then the sun, now wide awake, wink
ed at the Fairy Queen in such a shocking
fashion that she tainted and fell off her
toadstool throne, and in the confusion the
party broke up.
But the little blue-eyed forget-me-not
grew strong and beautiful and lived the
long hot summer through, fulfilling it's mis-
sion, for 1t looked sweetly into the weary
faces of many passers-by and brought, all
unconsciously, balm to many an aching
heart.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
"Much Ado About Nothing"


Helen had just gone to bed and was fall
ing into a comfortable doze when Mrs.
Wing put her head in at the door and whis-
pered, stagely, Helen" Helen's brown
head popped up from it's nest among the
pillows, and GROSSLY, for she was very
sleepy, she asked, "What?'
Did you hear that noise?" asked her
mother.
What noise?' questioned Helen.
"a noise like some one getting into the
NO ! didn't hear 1t. You must have been
asleep"
NO, wasn't. 1t was as plain as it could
possibly be- persisted Mrs. Wing. >,
well, we can't do anything about 1t.
And Helen turned over as If to dismiss the
subject.
Helen" undoubtedly, "let's wake auntie."
What for, mamma? She would be no
help If there happened to be a burglar In
the house,
But wake her anyway"
There, didn't you hear that noise?" in
terrupting Helen as a loud crash sounded
below.
Helen began to get frightened. too, and
Mrs Wing tried to look brave, and declared
her intention of going down.
PLEASE don't. mamma" cried the GIRL
clinging to Mrs. Wing.
S''Well, wake auntie.'
Helen obeyed; and auntie, having been
tragically informed that there were five or
six burglars in the house, woke Mr.. Wing,
who jumped out of bed pulled on his cloth
ing, and, taking lamp, hurried down
stairs, closely followed by Mrs. Wing, who
was doing her best to hinder him, while
aunt and Helen surveyed the scene from
the top of the staircase.
Seeing that no harm came to her parents,
Helen ventured to descend, and, attracted
by a loud Meow which issued from the
closet, opened the door and found-not a
burglar but her own kitten, timidly sur
veying from afar a huge basket of fruit
which she had accidentally overturned.
NETTIE NcG., aged y.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
When Grandma Was Little Girl Like
Me-

By Grace Goodwin.
She said there was grea' big orchard,
An everywhere, as far as you could see,
Just grass an trees all full of fruit a CROWN
When grandma a little girl like me.
She said there was lots Of little Dummies.
And she told just how tame they use to be
Eatin' lettuce leaves and clover from her fingers
When grandma little girl like me.
An pigs she said, an cats, an little chickens,
An q norful dog at barked tremendously,
An q cunning little calf down in the pasture
When grandma little girl like me-
She had some grea' big bruvvers an sister,
An baby, Just teeny tonty wee,
little bit O. bit O. baby,
Cause grandma wasn't only child-iike me.
An zen she telled us all about e attic
Where all e little children used to play,
An lots O. room to around an boiler
When 1t rained outside the whole long, living day
II must "a been Just lovely there to grandma's;
The city's just different as can be;
l guess 1t was good deal more like heaven
When grandma was little girl like me.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
The Story of NV Hawk.

We are two little Virginia boys who
thought we would like to make a collection
of wild animals. The best thing we had
was a chicken hawk, and 1 must tell you
the way we caught it. On top of tall pole
in a cornfield we placed a steel trap. This
unfortunate hawk alighted just here, and
we soon found him fast in our trap. We
brought the hawk to the house and made
arrangements to make him comfortable
and happy. One thing peculiar about him
was that the only thing he would eat was
mice. OF these he would eat about five a
day if / could get them. 1t was very inter-
esting to see him at his meals Sometimes
he would swallow the mice whole, but gen.
orally tore them limb from limb. l am
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16

for any purpose shan be glad to do it, if
you will write to smy secretary. Miss Nc
Kee, Box POS, Washington, d. c.. and tell
me where you are at work.
Remember also that If you have been at
work already, as I have advised before.
saving pennies for any emergency call, I
want you to keep back part of it for your
nest egg in the fund you are asked to have
ready all the time. Make up your mind to
give outside a part only of your fund, and
keep the rest for your home work of help
ing others and for great emergencies, where
life is at stake. Never neglect home duty
for one far away, unless the need be one
of life or DEATH
Our membership increasing weekly by
the hundreds. Send in your reports.
Yours cordially
LOUISE E. HOGAN,
Interna tional President General, Children's
Sunshine League
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Hobson's Choice.

The expression "Hobsonis Choice" used
when man must take things as they
come, is taken from the following:
Hobson, livery stable keeper in Cam
bridge, England, kept a stall of forty good
cattle always ready and fit for travelling.
but when man came for horse he was
led into the stable, where there was great
choice, but he was obliged to take the horse
which stood nearest to the stable door
that every customer was alike well served
according TO his chance, and every horse
ridden with the same justice.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
The Baby's Walk.

Ny papa took me out TO walk
i thought II would lie sport;
But papa's legs are very long,
And mine are very short.
And my papa began TO talk,
And my papa forgot
He had a ba1y out TO walk
Oh, how i had TO trot.
My papa went on fast and fast.
He dragged me like a cart
/ ran so that my little bones
Felt coming all apart.
My papa like 4 giant walked;
He walked with great long strides!
/ didn't just know how to fly,
And l fell down and cried!
My papa thinks it's strange I'm tired
With such II little walk!
I'd like to tell my dear papa
If knew how to talk
I'd tell him when he says,
Its strange how tired you are!"
/ COED ten times as much as he
In going just as far!
L. f. Johnson, in Little Folks.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Suppose the Little Cowslip.

Suppose the little cowslip
Should hang its golden cup,
And say, I'm such a tiny flower,
I'd better now grow up!"
How many a weary traveller
Would miss its fragrant smell!
How many a child would grieve
To lose 1t from the dell!
Suppose the glistening dewdrop
Upon the grass should say,
'sWhat can a little dewdrop dor
I'd better roll away!"
The blade on which 1t rested,
Before the day was done,
Without a drop to moisten 1t
Would wither In the sun.
How many deeds Of kindness
A little child can do,
Although 1t has but little strength,
And little wisdom, too!
It wants a loving spirit
Much more than strength, to prove
How many things q child can do
For others, by its love.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
Roll of Honor.

Letters, stories. puzzles, answers and other
contributions of interest have been receiv-
ed from the following children, and are
hereby acknowledged with thanks:
Will Searight. Helen Russell, Jackson
Keblinger, Sue Kengla, Walter Paul. Harry
Snodgrass. Mabel Paul. Richard Hodge,
Christian Quick. Elizabeth Monroe, James
Foster, Agnes Whiting.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16


TO
redsh
of
hache the rendo Of June
be the
Is q
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
[ 6@PWR 2 R0AX|
|lsAETTERD UA'
J~1 ~

Dear Aunt Dorothy:
1 have big brown dog named Dash. who
likes to dig for and catch moles One day
he caught mole and killed him, and had
papa skin him for my museum. 1t is gen
orally thought that moles have no eyes,
and that they cannot hear but after papa
had skinned him for me he showed me the
ears and eyes. The tubes of the ears are
no larger than pin head, and the eyes are
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16

afraid the poor fellow was not very happy.
for every time any one came near him he
set up the most unearthly screech. Finally
he refused even a dainty mouse, and soon
looked miserable that we took him 10
the woodpile and cut off his head. Il never
again will try this experiment with birds.
for 1 think it is kinder to leave them in
their free state.
N L. T. Jr.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
From the Young Folks Comic Al

from the Young Folks Comic Al
phabet.
Copyright, Carolyn Wells, 1901
was an idle Ichneumon,
So clever he seemed almost human;
He could pick up lutte,
A banjo or 6ute,
And play a sonata by Sehumann.
was a jolly Jackdaw,
Who lived with his mother-nlnw;
He taught her the art
OF gooseberry tart,
which she made out of mutton and straw.
was lazy old Zinge1,
Who slept all day long single;
And when 1t was night
He lighted a light
And sat down to write q short Jingle.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
ENIGMA.

Nv first is in eel but not in fish;
NV second Is in spoon, but not in dish;
NV third is in girl, but not in man;
NV fourth is in boiler. but not in pan;
NV fifth is in land, but also in nation;
NV sixth is in pain, but not in sensa ton;
Nv last is in knotted, and also N lied;
Nv whole is a kingdom know far ana wide
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16

screech owl! He had a chicken on the
ground clawing it fiercely, and was so busy
with it that he did not notice our coming,
and the glare of the lights blinded him so
we had no trouble in killing him. If the
chicken had not been so heavy the owl
would have carried it away. Was not that
a bold owl?
WILLARD O., aged IL,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
BEHEADINGS.

Behead a kitchen utensil and get tlrd
that flies at night.
Behead an article that painters and roof
repairers use and get deadly poisonous
snake
Behead an implement that gardeners and
masons use and get an article that horse
men use.
Behead a large, voracious fish and get
word meaning listen.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
WORD SQUARE.

Ny first is a large continent.
NV second means extremely colo
Ny third Is a small quadruped.
Ny fourth is a dark skinned warrior.
|, NV fifth is substance from which cloth
is made.
My last is the capital of the most popu-
lOuS state.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
A Bold Owl.

Among my Christmas presents got toy
lantern. which / could fill with oil and
light. One cold night in February, just as
my sister and 1 were putting our school
books away for the night, We heard a hen
making an outcry. Sister got papa's Ian
tern and | got mine. We went out to the
hen yard to see what was the matter, when
what do you think we saw? Why, a
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
ENIGMA.

NV first is in valor, but not in brave;
NV second in flee, but not in Zght;
NV third is in lost, also in save;
My fourth in subdue, but not in fight;
NV fifth is in voice, but not in song;
MY sixth is In girl, also in maid;
Ny seventh is in sung. but not in song;
My eighth is in rescue, but not in aid;l
Ny whole is famous volcano.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
ENIGMA.
Rabbit.

ENIGMA.
Rabbit.
PUZZLE.
The whale that swallowed Jonah
BEHEADINGS.
Mink-ink.
Scent-Cent.
Weasel-easel.
ENIGMA.
Scissors.
WORD SQUARE.
F o R d
OF R
r o 8 A
D R A B
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16
DIAMOND PUZZLE.

A letter.
Not cold.
Where many live.
The cup that cheers.
A letter.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-16

smaller than a pin point. In my museum
/ have birds nests, pretty stones and shells.
Your friend PAUL b.