davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
MERRY CHRISTMAS
CHARLIE BAUMGARTNER, Second Grade
LOWELL BUILDING
LOWELL BUILDING

1ESUS was born on Christmas day.
The wise men came to see him.
Christmas makes me happy.
Santa comes con Christmas night
and he brings me presents.
The shepherds were watching
their sheep A bright star showed
them the way. They followed the
star until they came to Bethlehem.
The shepherds were afraid when
the angels sang. The angels said, DO
not be afraid; we bring you good
tidings of peace on earth, good will to
mer"
1t is Christmas eve The old
clocks says, 'tick, tick, tick" 1t is
time to go to bed.
Santa will not come until little
children are in bed. He has three
reindeer and comes in sleigh
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
Els say Competition
Has Been v cry
Keen During Past
Two Weeks &&
Christmas Poem
by Fourth Grade,
Lincoln Building.


than l am" cried Tommy, 81 hung
up my stocking last night and l
thought Santa Claus would put some
thing in it, but he took it away and
my foot is so cold"
After while Bessie began to stop
crying and Tommy told her what he
was going to get for his Christmas
dinner. Then the two children went
to buy the Christmas dinner.
On the way Bessie slipped on the
ice and broke her leg. Tommy was
very much frightened. He carried
her to his barrel and laid her down.
Tommy thought a while, then he
went to get a doctor.
When he got to the doctors office
the doctor tried to send him away
but Tommy offered him his dollar.
The doctor came aud fixed Bessie's
leg but it panied her very much.
Tommy had no dinner and felt very
badly.
Tommy went without any thing to
eat that day. But the day after he
was so hungry that he had to go
begging. He wandered about all
morning but nobody gave him any
thing. Just at twelve o'clock beau
tiful lady asked him what was the
trouble and gave him whole basket
full of things to eat and wear.
Tommy went back to Bessie and
found her sleeping. When she woke
up they had good dinner and cele-
brated the day after.
Tommy and Bessie were adopted
by the lady that gave Tommy the
food.
Bessie and Tommy were always
kind to each other.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
BESSIE PARRISH, Fifth Grade
HOWE BUILDING
HOWE BUILDING

3MONG the green hills of Galilee,
- near the town ofNazareth, lived
maiden whose name was
Mary. She married a man whose
name was Joseph. He was a good
man and his occupation was that of
a carpenter. One day as Mary was
working an angel appeared before
her and said, "Fear not for unto you
shall be. born a child whose name
shall be Jesus"
Some time after this a man and
woman were seen to enter the town
of Bethlehem. They had come tc pay
their taxes. The woman rode on
donkey and the man trudged along
by her side. They were both very
tired. The man carried sack of
carpenters tools and a sack of food,
and the woman carried a sack of
clothing. AS they neared the court
yard they saw that it was full of
mules and sheep. There was no room
for them in the inn but the keeper
told them there was an empty stall
IN the stable, so rather than sleep out
of doors they went in there.
Just out side of Bethlehem there
was shepherd watching his sleep,
so the wolves would not steal any. AS
the shepherd started to call another
one, a darkness came over the sky;
then glorious light filled it and the
shepherd fell upon his face. A voice
said, Pear not. for your Saviour is
born" Then the shepherds started
to Bethlehem to give presents to the
babe in the Manager.
There were three wise men in diff
ferent countries who saw the star in
the east and followed it until they
came to Bethlehem with presents and
trinkets for the babe.
We have always celebrated Christ
mas because it is Christ's birthday.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
CHRISTMAS AND SANTA CLAUS
FIRST GRADE
EMERsoNBUILDING

CHRISTMAS comes only once a
~ year. | like it because Santa
Claus brings us toys, horns and
drums and candy We get dolls and
dishes and everything nice on Christ
mas. Santa Claus brings us Christ
mas tree and lots of toys and candles
on it.
Santa Claus is funny, good old
man, with white hair and beard. He
wears a red and white cap with a
tassei on it. He wears a red suit
with white fur on it. Hehas leggings
and boots. He wears fur mittens.
He lives in the North Land and
has lots of reindeer He gets down
here with his cutter and eight rein
deer.
Mrs. Santa Claus is a nice woman
and she helps Santa Claus get toys
ready for good little girls and boys.
Santa Claus piles all his toys up in
back of his sleigh and brings them to
us. Santa Claus climbs out of his
sleigh, climbs up on top of the roof,
goes down the chimney and fills all
the stockings. Santa Claus has toys
enough for all the good children and
he goes around to every house and
fills stockings.
Santa Claus comes in the n ght,
still as mouse, and if any body
wakes up he goes away again. In
the morning we get up and look at
our presents and play with our dolls
and things all day.
I1he children simplS told what they could about
Christmas. Each child contributed one sentence.
They were asked What shall we say about Christmas
Just as the pupils told them.-Teachers MOTEL
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22

The little boy said he never had a
toy in his life. The good woman said
she would make him bed. She
would tell Santa Claus to bring him
something.
He was very glad but he asked
what the stockings were hung up
behind the chin ,ey for. She told him
they were for Sar "a Claus to fill. He
said he did not have any stocking to
hang up. She told him she would
hang him up stocking. She told
him Santa Claus came down the
chimney and left presents for the
children. She showed him his bed
and said goodnight.
In the morning when he got up he
looked in the stocking that was hung
up for him. He found some candy
and peanuts and toys and he was
very, very glad. The good woman
said she would keep him for her little
boy. Then he became a rich little
boy.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22

they went on a donkey Joseph let
Mary ride on the donkey and he
walked by the side of it.
It was a very long journey and
Mary got tired. Soon they came to
Bethlehem
Mary was very pretty lady and
the people all looked at her. Joseph
looked all over for place for Mary
to rest but all the inns were full
So Joseph said to Mary, There is
only barn, would you like to go
there?"
Eyes, l would" said Mary.
So Joseph put Mary on the donkey
and took her over to the barn.
That night that little baby boy
came to them. He was as good as a
king.
Over the barn a great big star
looked down.
Some shepherds were watching their
sheep. They were afraid when they
saw the star. An angel came and
told the shepherds not to be afraid
because He was as good as a king
The shepherds followed the star until
they came to the place were the little
child laid.
Three wise men were on the desert
and saw the star. They were afraid
too. But the angel came and told
them the same thing and said, GLORY
to God in the highest, peace on earth,
good will to men,"
They had loaded their camels with
gifts to give to the little baby. When
they came to Bethlehem they all
prayed.
Then they gave the little baby the
gifts and that is why we give gifts
now on Christmas.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
CHRISTMAS
BESSIE l. P0EHLsEN. Third Grade
LOWELL BUILDING

1ESUS was born on Christmas day.
The shepherds were watching
the sheep. When they saw a
bright star they followed it. They
rode on a camel and the star led them
to Bethlehem.
They saw sweet child lying in the
gay. 1t was Jesus. The wise men
have him some presents.
We have kept Christmas day ever
since and give presents.
Santa Claus brings us presents in
stead of the wise men. We get candy
and nuts.
Christmas day is like Sunday. We
go to church and use it like holy
day.
The angels said, Peace, good will
toward men" and "Do not be afraid,
we bring good news to our King,
God"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM
HAZEL NISSEN, Sixth Grade
EMERSON BUILDING
EMERSON BUILDING

MRS. Brown had just gone to
vA town when team of horses
came trotting down the lane.
It was Uncle Jack, he had come to
spend Christmas vacation with the
Brown family There was great
rejoicing. Nellie, John and Helen
went out to greet him. John told
Uncle Jack where to put the horses
and then they went in the house.
A half an hour later they saw
Mrs. Brown coming She was very
glad that her brother had come to
spend Christmas with them. They
were all very happy for the coming
night was Christmas eve Uncle Jack
had brought them many presents.
Night drew near and the children were
all glad to be tucked in their snug
little beds.
They listened very closely; an
hour or so after all had gone to bed
Helen heard pattering Of boots on
the roof 1t was Santa Claus. She
jumped and peeked through the re-
gister and what do you suppose she
saw? A straight little man, feshy
and jolly with whiskers, pipe in his
mouth and bag on his back. twas
Santa Claus Helen saw a leautiful
doll. O! but she was happy! 1t was
the very doll she wanted, lovely
faxen hair, big black eyes and silk
dress. Old Santa Claus could not
have suited her better. Next came a
big red sled for John. The first thing
Helen was asleep again. She was
very anxious to have morning come
SO she could get up and play with
that beautiful doll. Morning came
and all the children jumped up and
went hurriedly down stairs to see
what Santa had brought them. They
played very happily until supper time
After supper they all babe Uncle Jack
goodbye and he went home very
happy.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
TOMMY'S CHRISTMAS
DELLA WINGER, Sixth Grade
Ipr-rNn
IRVING BUILDING
TOMMY Blair was poor boy, ten
~ years old, who had no father nor

TOMMY Blair was a poor boy, ten
~ years old, who had no father nor
mother. He lived in the streets
of large city.
1t was the day before Christmas.
Tommy had saved dollar and was
going to have a Christmas dinner
He was going to buy a small turkey,
some ice cream, cake and some candy
and lemonade.
At night Tommy nailed his ragged
stocking just outside Of a store win
dow. He had seen Santa Claus in
the window and thought he would
fill his stocking Tommy's bed was
in a barrel that night but he could
not sleep.
In the morning he got up hoping
his stocking would be full of good
things When he went to see what
was in his stocking it was gone. He
sat down and cried because he had
only one stocking now and the other
was gone.
His foot was blue with cold but he
went away intending to buy his
Christmas dinner.
When he had gone three blocks he
met his little playmate, Bessie Bender.
She was crying very hard and was
shivering with cold. Tommy was
anxious to know what was the
matter. Bessie said her mother had
given her a whipping and had said
she had not sold enough matches to
have her breakfast and deserved a
whipping. Besides sobbed out
Bessie, "she told me never to come
back again" Bessie cried so hard
that she frightened Tommy and he
began to cry too. You're no worse
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
The Reporter

stockings and hung them by the
chimney and Went to bed. They laid
awake until they heard noise in the
hall. They got out of bed and very
quietly went down the long hall,
lifted the curtain and looked in.
When they saw Santa Claus filling
the stockings they saw him put
doll in Helen's stocking. Very con-
tented Helen and Bessie went back
to bed. When they got in bed
Helen said, "Now we are both sure
there is a Santa Claus
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
THE POOR BOYS CHRISTMAS
LAURA WITT, Third Grade
IRVING BUILDING

NNCE upon a time there was a
~ poor boy. His father was too
poor to buy him any presents.
The boy felt very sorry, and asked
his mother if he. might go down town.
While he was down town he sold
enough papers to earn a dollar.
With this he bought his father and
mother present and some candy tor
himself.
His parents did not know where
he got the money; when they found
out they were much pleased and
surprised
Many years afterwards this family
had become wealthy and each year
they had merry Christmas, but
they never forgot this Christmas-the
nerriest OF all.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
CHRISTMAS TO YOU"
MYRON HILL. Second Grade
IRVING BUILDING

NNCE there was a very poor boy
~ whose father and mother were
very poor too, He thought he
would get nothing for Christmas.
But some good little boys aud girls
remembered him. They gave him a
train, boot aud a bag of candy and
wrote him little note saying, "a
merry Christmas to you"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22

The people who live there are very
good Christians There are some
people living there that sell souvenirs
They sell these to the people that
come there in order that they may
remember the little town of Bethle-
hem. They make little cups out of
olive wood and beads out of
mother of pearl. They sell these for
twice as much as they are worth, but
the people buy them anyway.
People visit Bethlehem just to see
the place where Christ was born.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
POOR BOY AND SANTA CLAUS
HYRTII PATElIeK, Filth Grade


HERE was once a very poor little
- boy who never heard of Christ
mas tree. He didn't know that
it was the birth of Christ on
Christmas eve.
The little boy saw a light in
house. 1t was very cold night and
he went II the house and asked what
the tree was for. The woman of the
house said it was to hang Christmas
things on. si
She said she had some little girls
and they had just gone to bed and
that Santa Claus would come in
little while. He asked who Santa
Claus was. The woman said that
Santa Claus was man who brought
things for little people to play with.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
BETHLEHEM TODAY
lSABEL NASH, Filth Grade

nETHLEHEM is in the southwest
~ ern part of Asia. 1t is on the
Mediterranean sea. Ithas about
eight thousand inhabitants.
The roads leading to the town are
very steep and narrow. They have
made two roads that lead to Bethle-
hem. One is to 60 there and the
other to come from there. They made
these roads so that you wouldn't
have to pass another team going or
coming on account of the roads being
SO narrow.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
TEN NEGRO BOYS
EDMUND ARPIN. Fourth Grade
IRVING BUILDING

NNCE there were ten little negro
~ boys and they thought that
they would not get anything
for Christmas So a little rich bow
asked his mother if he could have a
party on that day.
He trimmed the room up and told
their hired man to get ready their
horses and put them to the cutter
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
SANTA AND THE CHILDREN
KITE n. SMITH, Seveafh Grade
HOWE BUILDING
HOWE BUILDING

II ORAINE, Janet and Sidney were
- tucked snugly into their little
beds and Mrs. West had gone
down stairs. The children were quiet
until they heard Mr.. and Mrs. West
go to bed and the house was very
CONTINUED on 8 page,
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
{iat4T - .5ta84Safs sM9f iii =
Christmas Poem
By Pupils Of Fcarf6
Grade
LINCOLN BUILDING
LINCOLN BUILDING

Oh Christmas time will soon be here
With all its Christmas toys.
Just listen to the happy cheers
From all good girls and boys
Papa, mama, children and all
Are sound asleenin bed.
There's row of stockings on the wall
Black and white and red.
The snow is falling thick and fast
On merry Christmas Eve,
And when good old Saint Nick goes past,
Nice presents he will leave
Saint Nick will see the stockings there,
And Johnnie, Bess and Kate.
All will get their honest share,
A drum, a doll and skates
And they will see the Christmas tree,
With popcorn balls and toys,
And all will frolic full of glee,
And make great big noise
the other lines and the Tie psem vas Com
pleted-TEACHRRs NoTEl go 1ask $685. isssf@ 49,
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22
NELLIE'S CHRISTMAS PRESENT
VIOLET BRlNKMAN, Third Grad.
HOWE BUILDING
HOWE BUILDlN,

CHRISTMAS was here and what
- should Santa Claus bring Nellie?
She never had a dog, although
she liked one very much.
On Christmas eve she went to bed
early. She remembered that her
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-12-22

and drive around and get those boys
and bring them to his house. Heidi.
First they washed themselves and
combed their hair, then played games
and pulled and ate candy, then
drawed for presents. Then they had
long sleigh ride.
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08
A|UB| |T|0N,

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Success in life depends upon doing everything well.
Success has from careful attention client, in
Our has drawn thousands who eacting in
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This the strongest possible endorsument that be asked
Write to me personally.
SIS. WILLIAMSON President,
Lame Law and Patent Co, 20l2-2O24 Betz Building
Philadelphia.
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08

| frequently in free for all fight in which
| fists only were used and after which no
arrests were made. In those New Year
days the "rumshops," as they were called,
did land office business. Whisky was
plentiful and cheap, and the prejudice
| against drunkenness was by Nc means SO
general then as now.
The focal point OF interest, however,
was the hiring out of negroes for the en-
| suing year. Now and then negroes were
offered for public sale, but that practice
| was not so common then as in the earlier
part of the century.
Planters neither hired out their slaves,
nor did they employ those OF other peo-
pie. But those belonging to minor chill
oren and widows, as well as many who
| were "chattels" OF residents OF the tcwns
and villages were commonly hired out"
especially if they had been taught trades,
Or were good cooks or house servants.
Many town residents possessed slaves be-
yond their home needs, and these were
"hired out" to Others who might require
their services.
The contract lasted for the calendar
year only. 1t must be renewed annually,
II desired by the contracting parties.
Much misconception obtains as to the
disagreeableness and shame of this prac-
tice. Masters had direct pecuniary in
$erest in their slaves, and it was to their
interest to see to it that these secured
humane employers. As far as it was pos
sible, each slave was permitted to choose
the person for whom he would work.
Some there were who remained with the
same employers year by year for many
years.
Those that were good servants hac no
difficulty in choosing desirable employers.
Very frequently the master left this mat
ter entirely in the hands Of the slave.
After all, though, there were those who
were unknown and many more who were
practically worthless, and these were
SHRED OUT at auction to the highest bid
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08

der. This, also, was commonly the prac-
tice as to "cornfeld niggers" and un-
skilled laborers generally, of both sexes.
There were pathetic scenes now and
then when negroes were cold at public auc-
ton on New Years day. Very rarely it
chanced that at such times members OF
the same family were sold TO masters
widely separated.
1t should appeal to the common sense
Of any man that slaves being valuable
holdings, their owners would neither treat
them cruelty nor permit them to be abused
by others. Owners OF valuable horses uni
formly are kind to them, and horses are
not human.
In this Southern New Years day, too
men met to settle long due debts, to pay
notes and to rent farm lands. Taken al
together, it was busy, busy day, full
Of its comedies as well as its dramas, and
sometimes, tragedies.
At such times the slaves of the planta
tions enjoyed their annual two weeks
vacation and these crowded the village.
to buy all manner of gimcracks-cheaT
jewelry, ribbons and laces, and, havin,
sweet tooth, cheap candies as well. An!
well-ordered slave could make overtime
money, and it was a very sorry ono, in
deed, WHO had not few dollars at tn,
New Year, to throw away in folly upon {
wife or a sweetheart.
The white trash" gathered then solel,
with a view to looking on and to pickin,
up what they could. As they were de
spised b. both the vell-to-do whites AM
the negroes of all degrees, they usual,
kept TO themselves. They neither hire,
nor were hired but in some manner con
trived to secure their full share o
whisky.
Like the old general muster" day o
the ante-bcllun days, the 'afo' de wah
New Year has passed away with all it
scenes. and shiftings, yet the memory @
it remains with the older residents as re
minder that one day at least, and that tn
initial one, OF the Southland, was one q
potential energy and signally characteri.
tic in its incidents OF the age and times
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08
Iainmatic thunder.

'Mr. Henpecque, let me introduce
you to the Count De Dippee."
"Ah, eet eez re honor to meet a mu-
tician. hear, sar, zat you an your
family play re music"
"Why, l don't know the first thing
about music"
"Why, hear eet all around Eat you
play second fiddle, to your wife -
Baltimore Herald,
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08
ReNYnrd OF Merit.

Boss-I understand you are very
economical.
Bookkeeper-Yes, sir. Since 1 have
been with you have managed to save
$4,000.
Boss-Umph! As I always try TO
pay my clerks according To their mt eds,
Illhaye tocut down your salary.-N.Y.
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08
.EI{ EI{,} }'E hi1t sI; 5,i 3 {'{|;it G;tt

Buy postal care: and: send .to the New
York. Tribune Farmer, New-York City,
for free specman copy.
The Tribune Farmer is National illus
trated Agricultural Weekly for Farmers
and their families, and stands at the head
of the agricultural press. The price is
Sl.00 per year, but if you like it you can
secure IL with your own favorte local
newspaper, The Posi-, Middleburg, at a
bargain. Both papers one year only Sl.50.
Send your orde" and money TO, Posi-,
Mideleburg, Pa
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08

Mrs. Dobbs-Mrs. Hobbs has got
our cook; she met her and Offered
her dollar more week than va
pay.
Mrs. Dibbs-How horrid in her!
Mrs. Dobbs-Yes, but she was verT
tiice and ladylike about it; she sent
her Old cook over to see if we want ed
her.-Puck.
The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-08
Econony Of Lnbs

''He is one Of the most resourceful lazy
men | ever knew"
why do you say that?"
Because, instead Of writing out his
good resolutions, he cut the page for Jan.
uary !, 1902, from his old diary and pasted
it in under 1908. Chicago Post.