davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
GOLD MEDAL CONTEST.
Excellent Written by Club Members Christmas Printed
OF the Winner Of the Gold Medal for the Best
story Will Be Made Public Next Sunday.

stockings before the open fireplace
We went to bed about o'clock. I
dreamed all night about what Santa
Claus was going to bring me for Christi
mas. as had been a good little boy
About 6 o'clock In the morning woSe.
but 1t was SO dark ! could not get UP.
and from then till 8 O'clock 1t seemed 10
me as minutes were hours At $ o clock
arose and went to my stocking; In It
were candy. nuts. raisins, dates and figs.
and then there were pop-crackers and an
orange.
also got little train. fire engine, n
hook and ladder and hose wagon.
did not notice what my brothers got
l was so busy looking ut mine. EXCEPT
they got some firecrackers and fireworks.
They went out and scrapcd away the
snow and built u fire. Mother put my
govercoat on me and let me go out to shoot
my firccrackers. One OF them went off
in my hand, and burnt me badly 80
mother took my firecrackers and gave
them to my brothers. and told them to
shoot my crackers off, which they did.
MY brothers had some Roman candles
and skyrockcts which they shot off, and
were very pretty
Then we went to bed and slept well
after merry Christmas.
II. PAGE MAUCH.
ITO Floyd Avenue, Richmond, Va
+ no nd Z = e
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
RICHMOND!

Richmond was founded in the year 1887,
by Colonel William Byrd, and was f1rlade
the capital Of the State in 1913. It Is IN.
Henrlco county. on tho north bank Of the
James River, at the head OF t4dewater.
and commands a beautiful view OF the
cascades that fall over the rocks. The
waterfalls afford good water power, and
It is, therefore. an important manufac-
turing and commercial city, and carries
on trade both by water and railroads.
Richmond has wide streets and many
handsome public buildings and statues,
of the most noted heroes OF Virginia.
The most important buildings are the
Library, Governors residence, City Hail.
state penitentiary, and Capitol building,
situated in the Capitol Square, which is
beautifully adorned with statues. foun-
tains, ETC. The equestrian statue of
Washington the handsomest. Richmond
has two cemeteries, Hollywood and Oak
wood Hollywood covers many acres
and the lovely monuments look like senti-
nels. Richmond has many places Of
amusement, which are increasing an
nually. OF the numerous things Rich.
mond has cause to be.proud of nothing
should cause more pride, than possessing
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
wagon, a horn and q few other things,
and his stockings were also filled.
THERESA DOMINICA. 8
TINS HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

Z y { 4 b. 7 i l..
twas Christmas eve. Nearly every
body was happy. 1t seemed to Tim every
body was happy but him. Why was Tim
so unhappy?
He was a pood lad about ten years old
He and his mother lived all alone. He
did not have kind father now His
father was once a prosperous business
man. But lie began drinking, and had
sunk lower and lower. Till they We're in
miserable povarty. After living this way
for some time he died, leaving Tim and
his mother to work for themselves
But let ,is go back TO Tim. who is
wandering along looking into the won
dcrful shop windows. Just then nicely
dressed man passed BY and dropped his lis:
purse without knowing It. But Tin saw
it and picked 1t mp and ran to the man.
and said !: "1Ierc is your purse you drop
ped mister
The man seemed very much pleased
to see Tins truthfuness and asked him
his name and address,. and told him to
bo ready at 9 o'clock the next morning,
and he would take him somewhere.
The next morning. which was Christ
mas. found Tim and his mother ready.
A sleigh drove up and the man, who had
told Tim 10 be ready. spoke to Tim $
mother, and almost before they knew they
were Mt the mans house, and the man
and his wife welcomed them They also
had a boy about Tins age
They all went into the house. where
thew had a beautiful Christmas tree with
presents for all. After that they had n
beautiful dinner OF turkey and every
thing nice.
After 1t was over Tim declared no had
never , had q moro happy Christmas
FRANK GILLIAN.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
.RICHMOND-PAST
AND PRESENT

In the year 1877 Richmond wns founded
by William Byrd It was made capital OF
Virginia in ITO. In 1862, when the CIVIL
War broke out, 1T was made capital OF
the Confedoracy. During the war about
1866, Richmond was attacked and cap
ttured by tho Feder1lls, and EMedl's dlvi-
sion set fire to all tho warehouses and
left the CITY at the mercy of their captors.
Tho city would have been oompletely de-
srroyed but for the Union army putting
It out. Some years after the war some
thing very important took place at tho
Capitol,s and so many people crowded Ia
the gallery that It gave way. and killed
hundreds OF them.
Richmond has grown very much since
the war, and Its population IS 500 It
Is at tho head Of tidewater on the James
River. 1t has many public places Of {
interest, namely, City Hall, Chamber OF
Commerce building, State Library, Nalen-
tine and Confederate Museums, and many
others. There are also many old
churches, among them st. Johns Bpts-
copal Church, and III this church Patrick
Henry made his famous speech: Give me
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
RICHMOND.
Booker, Va.

lit is supposed that about 167 years
ago. Powhntnn held his courts Oh the
spot where Richmond now stands. beside
the ripping waters Of the historic James.
Where wigwams used to stand, there are
now beautiful houses; where majestic
trees stood, there are now statues and
monuments erected to some OF Virginia's
famous heroes Where little bark canoes
glIded down the waters OF the James.
guided by tho skillful hands Of dusly saw
ages. there arc now large, floating pal
aces sailing as swift and steady as birds
Some OF the magnificent things that Rich
mOnd prIdes herself on are the beautiful
palace.ike buildings with which no oth-
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
RICHMOND.

Richmond, founded by Colonel William
Byrd Iii l7s7, is situated In Henrico co,n-
ty, on the north bank of James River.
at the head OF tidewater
II became the capital of the State IN
1719.
Richmond Is a great manufacturing
center of fertilizers, woodenware, ma
chinery locomotives and flour.
The city has broad streets with only q
few avenues in the western portion.
Many monuments adorn the city; among
them the soldiers and sailors, Washing
ton, Lee, Jackson and others.
The principal public buildings are tho
Capital, state Library, Chamber CT Com
tmcrce, Governors Mansion and City Hall.
The state penitentiary Is also located III
Richmond.
( Among It's cemeteries are Hollywood,
lakewood, Shockoe. Rlvervcw and Mt
Calvary. Hollywood Is considered the
prettiest. Here are buried Presidents
Monroe and Tyler; also. jefferson Davis
President OF the Confederacy; while the
remains OF Chief Justice Marshall rest
In Shockoe.
Richmond has many beautiful parks
namely Monroe. CANDLES Hill. Reaer-
voir Chimborazo, Marshall and Jeffer-
son.
Among dchmond's historic churches
are St Johns. where Patrick Henry
made his famous speech, and Monumental
at whose entrance Is a monumenttto the
memory Of those who persisted III the
awful fire Of the old Richmond Theatre,
which formerly occupied this site.
# BY ROBERT w. ALLEN, Jr..
3l4 S. Pine Street, Richmond, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
A HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

It twaisaa cold day In December about
three orifou days before Christmas. It
was showing, and so cold It began about
Z o'clock and. showed all day long. The
snow was a foot deep. Mr. and Mrs.
Rivers and their family were all sitting
around the fire in the sitting room Lucy.
the eldest child, wentSto the window and
looked out at the falling snow The
flakes seemed to be chasing each other TO
the ground Lucy saw; a girl of nineteen
years old wadinE through the snow up
to their door. She was barefooted ana
ragged. Mr.. Rivers went to tho door
and asked her what she wanted She said
she wanted to warm, and would he please
give her something to eat. vi ~ carried
her In and gave her something to eat.
Mrs. Rivers asked her what her. name
was, and where she lived. She answered:
my name is Margaret Rivers and l
haven't any home my father and mama
died when i was eight years old and l
have been trying to find my uncle, Robert
Rivers.
Mr. Rivers took her in his arms and
kissed her, and said: Margaret, Mar
garet, you are my long lost sister, and
have been looking for you all my life
How glad they all We're to have Mar
Saret among them. Next morning NH.
and Mrs. Rivers went to Brookton, their
little town, and bought Margaret q lot OF
clothes and presents TWAS three days
before Christmas. Mrs. Rivers had Mar
garet's clothes all made UP Christmas
Eve, Christmas Eve tho children all went
to Brookton and got presents to so on
their Christmas tree they We're going to
have Such pretty presents they did get,
but did not let their mama or papa sec
them. They sent invitations to all Of
their friends, and invited them to the
Christmas tree.
Margaret Is u beautiful girl, with golden
hair, and is ninrteen. but wears her hair
curled Christmas morning they got up
at Z to see what Santa had brought them.
They all had so many nice things The
way the fire crackers and roman candles
were shooting It was something grand to
see Christmas evening they all were get
ting ready for the tree. All OF the chill
lrers came, md such a time they did
have. They stayed until half after r.,
and they went home declaring 4 was the
incest Christmas they ever had and the
incest presents they. ever got in their
lives MILDRED P. MITCHELL. H.
l
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
TO OUR CLUB MEMBERS
Dear Children Of the CUB:


Your Chrlstmas and Richmond con-
tests, for gold and silver medals respec.-
lively. closed on Thursday, December
18TH A number Of excellent stories were
received In both contests These are
printed to-day and the names OF the
prize winners will bo given next Sunday.
The names Of tho winner OF the Christ
mas prize for sending in tho best letter
will BIO given at the same time.
II you notice tina only a few OF your
letters appear to-day, you must attri-
butte the fact to the right Of way claimed
and held by tho Christmas stories AMI
by the Santa Claus letters that belong
naturally to the season. Many Of the
writer's Of these letters arc also mem-
bers OF the Childrcn's Club.
The editor trusts that all the club
members will enjoy tho shopping season
and the pretty shop windows OF this
week and that Santa will remember the
club most literally. He will take from
your editor bushel OF good wlshcs and
congratulations.
The new year VIII open most auspi.-
ciously for the It'd. G.. c.. but It's Sec
ret will BIO kept a little longer and viii
lose nothing by the Keeping In the
meantime TIL Merry Christmas" comes.
goodbye.
Get out your badges and have them rub l'
bedlup. BE sure not TO let them get lost.
as you may soon have need for them.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
4 STORY OF RICHMOND.

Richmond was founded by Colonel
William Byd In 1898. He laid tho foun-
idation OF two citics-Rchmond and PEE
jtersburg The places were naturally in.
tended for marts.. He was born at
Wcstover, Va, ard was the first native
author. He was educated in England. and
was member Of the Royal Society. It
IS considerably changed since then. Now
1t has stores. shops and large depots.
All kind Of papers are published now
It is the capital OF Virginia, and the
largest city People go there to buy
goods to sell. All kinds Of goods are
manufactured. Shoes are made by large
quantities. When 1t was first founded
there were not many people living there.
The first newspaper that was printed In
Williamsburg was inviting people to
come over and live In Richmond. At
first there were not any street cars nor
any very large stores. The population
is increasing rapidly. 1t is now 2; large
city. 8 ~
IL Selected by
PERCIE KATHERINE$L ANDRAN.
Noel, P. o., Hanover county, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
''TWAS THE NIGHT
BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

It was the night before Christmas. 1t
was showing outside. The pavemcnts
were very cold
On Fifth Avenue. In New York city,
was n poor little girl making her way IN
the snow. She passed by many big
house, which Hooked like palace to her.
Az she passed them she would turn
around and give staring glance through
the windows. In one Of these houses ga t
a little girl and her mother and father.
Suddenly she gave n cry:
"Oh mamma, papa. look!"
AS they turned around they saw 1T
tie girl peeping in through ono OF the
windows.
"Oh mamma, can't let her in?" asked
May.
Yes. dear" said mamma
Il May flow to the door. II
Come In, she said to the child. "anA
warm yourself by our fire. I
The child camo willingly.
WHAT'S your name?" asked May.
MY name Is SusIe,'' replied the child.
".And what Is your last nalne?"
Gl"AInt got none" said the child.
Haven't you got mothcr?" May IN
quired.
NO" said the child.
mother, can't she put on one OF my
dresses? She hasn't got on anything but
rags" said May.
Yes" said mamma
While she was dressing, May said: Did
you know that Tomorrow was Christ
mas?'.
Eyes, heard them say so. I can re-
member that my mother used to tell me
about Christmas day."
Have you q mother?" asked May
$"oh no. i mean when my mother was
living She's dead now.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18

were going to hang, their stockings on
the mantle and then go to Sleep <,
Il After their mother had put them to
bed she began to fix the table and get
things straight. At midnight when every
one was still. their mother heard the
sound OF sleigh bells and In moment
they stopped. Then when they stopped
their mother looked out Of tho window
and saw Santa Claus going down the
chimney. Every one was as still as n
mouse. for they were all asleep In tha
morning when 1t was very soon and
their mother and father had not gotten
up, the two children ran and asked where
Santa had put their toys, Ile had put
them in little rocker which he had
brought for Viola, They they ran down
stairs and began to play with their toys.
Viola got a doll Il carriage, a bed, Il
rocker. a horn, and her stockings were
full of candy, nuts and cakes, He
brought Peony q drum, little horse,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
WAITING FOR
SANTA CLAUS

"1m waiting for Santa Claus" said
Mary, as she took a seat beside the fire.
II want to tell him something.
why, Mary. If Santa Claus should lind
YOU here he would not come In" said
Mr.. Clark. But what Is 1t you have
to tell him? 2" iss
85."1 want him to give my toys to Bes-
sic, whose mother is so poor she can
not buy her toys answered Mary
Mr.. Clark was much surprised and
pleased at her reply, and hesitating
moment, answered:
e; Il nj sure that Santa Claus will be glad
TO do that for you, said Mr.. CLARK, and
I think he'll bio glad to: know he has such
a good little girl
3. "I'm sure The will" responded her
mother. Shortly after she kissed her pa Z
rents and retired, very happily In the
thought Of Bessie's surprise. when she
awaked IN the morning and saw the
pretty toys beside her cot.
When Christmas dawned 1t found many
happy children. but none happier than
Mary, who had shared her gifts with
one less fortunate.
Il. BERTHA STUBS,
Al North. Thirty-first Street,
* "a = i
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
SILVER MEDAL CONTEST.
Of Interest shov
Our Boys CyThe Name of
the silver Medal Will Be Printed Next Sunday

err city In Virginia can compare. Her
manufactures are large and numerous.
There are magnificent statues Of both
Revolutionary and Civil War heroes, which
recall how many brave men died fighting
for their country; and her society circles
compete with any in the United States for
refinement and culture. Not only has art
done much for the city, but nature has
also added TO Its improvements in every
respect. But many Of her improveme nts
are due to the untiring efforts OF The
Times Dispatch. which never weares IN
Its efforts to advance the city's progress
BEATRICE WILSON MOSS.
& Booker, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
A TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY

It was two days before Christmas. The
winds swept through the brightly lighted
streets, driving the snow around the cor
ners and dashing against the pedestrians
that filled the snow-clad pavementss
From every shop window streamcd lighs
and gladness: almost every one seemed
filled with happy thoughts and desires.
Here and there was a wistful face among
tho happy throng, that hoped again ST
hope; that some OF the glad christmas mas
cheer would come their way. In particu-
lar was one littlc boy.'who eyed the can
dy cakes, and toys that were displayed
in the we'll lighted windows with hun
Rryy eye. There were patches on his shoes
ana clothes. and the cold wind found
moro than one thin place in his patched
clothing but the excitement Of the hour
made him forget the snow and wind.
AS he watched the bundle ladened
throngs,e "a great idea seemed to Ill his
mind He thought II he got tree per-
haps, some good Santa Claus would nrins
him some OF the nice things and trim
his tree for him. S.
Early next morning, telling his sick
mamma he wanted to take a long walk.
he went out Ratchet in hand. With
great labor and much trouble he chopped
down and dragged home large cedar
tree. =,
There now" he said;1 have christ chris
mas tree.
Christmas morning dawned. but alas!
not nut a piece OF candy or q toy was
there to cheer his heart. Cold was the
room and on bed Of pain lay the little
lads mother: not a stick OF wood in the nc
house To- make fire to warm the room or
prepare anything to eat. The little lad
did not despair; forcing back the unshed
tears he Ebruvely said :5sg
Never mind, other; 1 am glad ! got
nv big Christmas tree. for I can chop It
IN and make you a nice fire and warm 7.t
cup OF coffee.
Moral Of this: When heaven has bless
ed lis with good home, kind friends and
many gifts, let US look among and hunt
UP and cheer the little children WI
without our help would be as the little
lad was.
11ol8 Grove Avenue, Richmond. Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
THE CHRISTMAS
EVE WRECK

Y r b r
9TH, night wind howls, and l can hear
The raging OF the storm"
. A Young girl, a lovely blonde, sat before
the fire trying to mem orize the above
lines. 1t was Christmas Eve, and she
knew that tomorrow her brother would
come homo Suddenly the door flew
open; boy OF perhaps fouEte wsth
brown eyes. black hair, skin as fair as
baby's, rushed in. ,fs
'.Arline, GOMEZ There is wreck on the
beach. II is the ship came IN on. !
ma ma eed to Escape! Hu'ry! &t5 Ys
Airline slipped on a jacket and threw
shawl over her head. Together they hur-
rIed to the shore.
frank, Just thh,k! This is Christmas
Eve. and some have persisted on their
way to loving friends
When they reached the shore the sailors
ware helping to revive the unconscious
M ssengers. Soon a large fire was built
ana BY It's light the helpers were trying
to identify those who had died.
Airline screamed and tainted, BY the
frel,ght she had discovered her grand
mother, badly wounded Frank hurried
to Arine's side. H"Oh, heaven he eX-
claimed ), what has lappened!'
He hastily revived her and quesuonee!h
her. Arline's only answer was 20 wa" mr.
10 her prandmother's side and apply her
handkerchief to the wound. Together
Frank and she carried her to their home.
frank commenced to describe the wreck.
..You know. Arlie, there was a heavy
storm and by some mischance tho light
house light was not burning, so the break
ers drove the ship on the rocks. Those
on board became paric-stricken, In the
struggle some fell overheard, and that's
how so many perished a,
They parted FOR the night With much
rejoicing that none Of ther lreilds were
dead. ana felt that they had cause for
Christmas rejoicing.
B5RNICT1 SLOWER,
E}b4 5sNA roa "A No .2o3 w Cary ST. CITY
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
CHRISTMAS.

Christmas coming, boys,
How happy will be,
TO hear and see the fireworks pop,
AS far rs far can be,
Christmas coming, gSls,
How happy will be,
.rn Fsa my big doll baby,
Sitting up III a Christmas tree.
Then the blowing or horns.
And the playing of toys.
And mother says it Is fun enough,
For all good girls and boys.
BESSIE DANCE
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18

liberty or give mo death. It also con-
tains the baptismnl font IN which Foca-
hontas was baptized. fi5
Richmond lis growing In the construc-
ton OF sltyscrapers and is a great mi anu
featuring city. The falls Of the James
afford good water power for mills and
electricity for running street cars and
other things. Richmond also has 10
connective shop. and engines are made and am.
sent abroad 8 ai
Written by ERNEST HBNRY5 SMITH
i} 3l05 E. Broad ST.. City.
For silver Medal Contest Dec. 3, 1SO4.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
MY FIRST CHRISTMAS,

MY first Christmas was the best and
most enjoyable have ever experiences.
j was three years OF age when first
knew OF Christmas The snow had been
falling fast for about forty-elght hours,
and The depth of 1t was about fourteen
inches. and 1t was still falling.
The night before Christmas, my two
older brothers and myself hung up our
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
VIOLA AND PEONY's
CHRISTMAS

Twas the night before Christmas, and e
every one vas very busy in, the house.
Viola and Peony were very happy be-
cause they thought that Santa was COM
ing. AS soon as they had eaten their
supper their mother told them that they
had to go to bed soon.
Then they told their mother that they
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
On Christmas morning May woke Susie

Lets give mamma and papa Merry
Cl,ristlnas. Z said May, but first let
look into our stockings.
In Susies stocking was the doll, box
of candy and some fruit and nuts. Under
it stood doll carriage
-Bvs KsSL LEWIS WARREN.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18

g. Wild talk and leave an insect.
4 4. "A. mans name and leave a vehicle
IS 8. no stay and leave a boy $ toy. MI
6. To change and leave a vase. SS384
~. A. crowd and leave some.
8. Again and leave novel, IN sj}s v s
9. Dersion and leave a grain.
"A TO- "A drink and leave an animal
II. A part of a prayer and leave peo-.
E. 4. pronoun and leave another pro 4,
The twelve letters cut OF spell a festive
''ss'' PAYsoN BRUCE.
55s North Eighth St.gs
Square. IL.
To8plant$ (slang). S5j
Y "A relation. 8s III " t5ss sS 5#
5f " later fowls. 8 X II iss
VI No. 600 NJ Tenth St. City,.
Il 8. A a Diamond. .s..i
= ! X s. =, q, q title.
4. Grounding. Il
III s.. Ame rlcnn hum orist. I'll w {SssS
z 6. Apparently-dead i5,3
sS Z. Roughly treated In Indiana.
81 rownn Austria Hungary.
E 8. Destined. y d sSs 3 ijg 3{%
&i&l0.To unite. ai5 ys{ss3s
= II. "A letter. q !. ne
600 N. Tenth Street. city
Puzzles. 1l.!s
/. .Behead some animals, and leave =
grain. 3 ,l,
a. Behead a lively dance, and leave n,'' Il =
& fish, fssssJt55l. 3 sfss
5. Behead a very hot place, and leave the
home of an animal.
4. Behead a. stream OF water, and leave ave
s. i Behead a garment. and leave an AMI n
NAL. u 4, ~
II. Behead a. mode of cooking, and leave ''l3
q tree. s tt43i. III Il NV
and leave a kind of wood. f XII .56is
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18

Hang up your stocking, said May,
when It was time to go to- bed. What
do you want for Christmas.
II want a doll. said the child.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-12-18
TWO LITTLE BOYS.

Make No -Efrort lives alone, HUI
Like n solemn mlser: l{ #
Gnawing Self ontentment's bone. ss NJ
Never growing wiser:
Glad enough to be a drone.
Make No Effort lives alone. 4
Keep On-C Climbing finds his way,
Out of Selfish Valley "
Steadily. where day by day.
Honest friendship rally; MI
While another meets dismay ii
Keep On Climbing finds his way.
Selected by HENRY A1EssERscEMIDT,g I.
ia West Broad Street