davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
ChrIstmn. asn.cots.

The mistletoe is a potent Christmas
mascot. It is the best luck brluger.
says Home Notes. The hostess who gives
her guests sprig OF mistletoe Is doing
what OF old the priestly Druids did
when they gave the worshipers OF the
supreme Being, typihed under Tie form
OF an oak. portion OF the parasitic
plant TO keep religiously as long as il
lasted. The mistletOe sprig gave pow
er 10 perceive witches and evil wori'-
ers. IL Insured prosperity TO It's owL-
er. To those the Druids dlsllked or 10
whom they wished DO veal they gave
no mistletoe, only 10 true worshipers
and the bringers OF presents 10 lay un-
der the oak. No one could poison the
holder OF the lucky Druid given mistle-
toe which could discover poisons, how
ever cunningly administered, and save
Its owner FROM their power. To child.
less folk the mistetoe brought or.
spring and TO weakly ones health. 1t
was the "all heal" plant, symbol OF
health. wealth and prosperity. These
attributes are forgotten today, when
the luck OF the mistletoe is only remem-
bered by lovers HostesseS OF today
are. for n new thing. reviving the old
time fancies. The concelt brings pleas.
ure. gives amusement and does no
harm.
THE very holly berries may form a
curious mascot II used la one way. \
crown or wreath must be made OF them
In Imitation OF the sacred crown OF
Jhorns Berries red as blood must be
on this crown in plenty. and the wearer
must go alone at midnight 10 Sit In the
church In The darK Second sight win
be given TO the wearer OF that crown
and vision bestowed or weird things.
for into the church will walk that
Christmas midnight All OF her friends
whe shall die in the coming year. Fore
knowledge Is given And the holly
crown worn on the eve OF Christmas
will give vision OF spirit forms coming
In the air to sing their noel songs. The
beasts will lie seen by the holly wear
er to lie down in worship. The crown
preserved for a year will give safety
from violence.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02

An old lady who spends much time
alone in her room aud who il devoted
to solitaire has greatly enjoyed through
the year grandson's gift OF last
Christmas. This Is a lapboarl for
her card playing. specially designed and
made for her needs. A light. snoetA
piece OF board quarter OF an iscA
thick and about IS by 10 inches In d.
mension was covered on both sldss
with green felt. the edges bound all
around with a leather binding pat on
with tiny tacks. This light. convenient
beard, easy to handle and amply sun
Gent Tor almost any solitaire layout
has been boon 10 it's recipient ana
would undoubtedly please some ether
shut-in devotee OF the game Il at needs
no partner.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
CUthnriue Parr.

Catbarine Parr. the sixth wife or the
much married Henry VIII. owed more
to her intellectual than TO her personal
charms. She was not good looking.
but had a pleasant face and a world
OF tact. 30 skillfuIly did she manage
her troublesome husband as actually
TO turn him against some OF the most
trusted OF his own officials. Once an
order was made out for her arrest on
a charge Of heresy, bat she got news of
the matter and 30 cleverly battered
and soOthed Henry as to effect a CON-
plete reconciliation. and when the ON
GERS came to serve the order he drove
them out with curses and threats.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
CHRISTMAS DAY.
How TO Make IL an UnaIIoyea Pleas.
urc 10 All.


10 All.
Many women spend months making
dainty and useful gifts for friends and
family for Christmas, SO that they fair
~ wear themselves ont before the day
arrives, and this is added to the inevi-
sable shopping which is nerve destroy
ing and body wearing. leaving them al
most In state OF collapse from the
reaction on Christmas day.
The habit Of giving Christmas pres
ents 10 all ones acquaintance Is an
evil one. and It grows more .nsistent
and difficult 10 bear with every sue
ceeding year. 1t 5 10 be hoped that
common sense % this respect vii,
again bold sway. for the giving OF gifts
20 any one outside ones immediate
family IS wrong and tax and strain
upon strength and purse that should
not be And there is always the haunt
Ing fear that the recipient vii: consid-
er the gift. which took so many long
hours OF toll small and mean. Such a
gift is worth more than pearls or ru-
bies. aud TO make every one happy
81 should be appreciated at its real
worth. counting the hours OF loving la
Dor II cost. To make Christmas n
season Of unalloyed Joy needs much
less than one thinks until tried. A
good wholesome dinner with all the
family together. tree afterward. then
games and perhaps a dance. Is the best
way OF all. And few besides the fam.
sly should be Invited II one really
wants TO be happy and free. 10 be as
happy as you want to Let every per
son m the family rise IN the morning
determined to do all he or she can 10
make others happy. Let nothing mar
the pleasure OF any one. That is>the
true Christmas spirit.
At the dinner table let there be places
for the children. No refinement OF cru
city could be greater than for children
TO see their elders at table while they
wait The dinner should be such that
children could partake OF it without
danger. 1t is 20 help TX In their minds
the real significance OF the day. II
that means Peace on EARTH" do not
make the child unhappy by scolding
for small faults. Shut your eyes for
once and relax n little IL you wish
Christmas TO be day OF such delight
as will be remembered forever. Be
loving be lenient be all that you Wish.
but save your strength for your own
family.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
Home of Thunder
AN INDIAN LECENO

TFN-4'FtF-1' 's''rH4-rEEVS&S
Many Indians believe that thundsr -
caused by the actions Of a huge hire
which they have named the thunder
bird When he is angry his great eyes
fash and the lightning We see - the re-
suit The sound we call thunder IA
caused by the Mapping Of the wings lse
the bird. e.
The PRssamaQuoddies believe that
the spirit Of children VI KatahdLA are
Thunder and Lightning. In defense OF
this belief they tell this story:
An Indian, great uni powerful. lad
been seeking game for weeks without
any success. One winter day he saw
the footprints OF some creature, the
nrst he had seen FOR many weeks.
Looking closer. he discovered that tia
c5tprints were made by snowsAoes
Tough no human had ever been known
10 have passed through til country
before. Next morning the u cks stnl
appeared, though in. different places.
greatly adding 10 the wonder OF the
Indian hunter. he searched many
days for the object that was making
these tracks. but without success. Que
day, when he had about given I'D hope.
be was able 10 follow these tracks to
a precipice on the other side OF the
mountains. He WAS lost 81 wonder
when his football aroused a maiden.
who stood beside him. He was awed
by her beauty. which'was greater than
any he had before gaEed upon. Bier
voice WAS lew and sweet and the war
rior could scarcely believe that be was
not dreaming when she babe him 70
with her. lie approached the rock with
fear. for he expected every minute that
the lovely vision would fade away.
The maiden. seeing his heSitsncy.
touched his arm. when he became mist
and in this form entered a great cave
in the heart OF Katahdln. There nat
the god OF the mountain He welcomed
the maiden and eagerly inquired II her
brothers were coming
II hear them coming new" ehe -
piled.
With a binding fash and q deafea-
ing roar or thunder tive men, giants N
stature. or beautiful faces and with
cheeks and brows 81 stone, stepped
into the cave. 10.
These" said the girl 70 the huaess,
ARE my brothers. Thunder and L1sht-
ming. Our Father sends them fArth
whenever there is a wrong to redress.
that those who love Us may Not be
smitten. Whenever you hear Thunder
in the future you vii know lhAt ~
brothers are shooting onr e0enies"
The stene fs,s0d s0ls II the mouAtAla
adopted the hunter. After roaming
seven years with Thunder and Light
ming. at the ezsd. while a fierce storm
ragged. he was allowed 10 fail unhaFm-
ed In his own village When Ne lad
told his experiences, ~ his surprised
people he was chosen as chief b@oaase
he was the only enc among them that
had come face To face with ThuD9sr
and Lightning. the stone faced Sons q
KAtahdin. Am
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
ICE CREAM FOR CHRISTMAS.
How 60 Make q More Delicate Des-
sert Than PIuE. Pudding.


A fruit ice cream which Stimulates In
appearance an English plum pudding
is often served on the French Christ
mas table. says the New York Tribune.
TO those who prefer a more delicate
dessert at Christmas than plum pud-
ding this delicious ice cream will be
acceptable. To prepare it put half a
cup Of Malaga ralsins. cleaned and
stoned, into small stone Jar with q
cup OF old sherry. add three ounces OF
candied cherries cut in quarters, one
tablespoonful OF candied citron chop
ped fine and twice as much candied
apricots cut in small pieces. Then with
a wooden spoon mix the Ingredients
together. cover the jar closely and lee
the whole infuse for twelve Aours.
Meantime prepare three pints OF choc-
olate Ice cream made as follows:
Soak . large tablespoonful OF EAs-
lish gelatin in tive tsb!cspooBfuls OF
water for two hours and then melt II
by setting the cup it has been soaking
In 70 pan of boiling water. Heat
pint OF milk over the FIRE. stir the eela-
TN into half OF II and add two ounces
OF melted unsweetened chocolate 70
the other half. Stir the milk and chce-
oiate over the fire until the mixture 10
smooth and dark and add a cup and
a half OF sugar. Then strain into 1t the
other cup OF milk, in which the gelatin
has been dissolved. Add q quart Of
rich cream, fisvoring the whole with q
tablespoonful OF vanilla extract The
reason for stirring the gelatin into onIy
half the milk and not Immediately iEt0
the chocolate and milk is because gel
attn takes on a coarse. rank Favor II
cooked for even q minute. Freeze this
cream and when it is ready to be PACK
ed drain the fruit. II IL has not already
absorbed all the sherry. and stir IL int
the ice cream. Pack il in a melon shap-
ed mold or any ornamental shape and
let it stand in the mold while the fol-
lowing brandy sauce is prepared:
Put in a saucepan two egg yOlks.
with one heaping tablespoonful OF
powdered sugar. and stir the whole
briskly over a slow Ere with an egg
beater. Add slowly gill Of English
brandy and see that the sauce does
not boil When il 10 well mixed add a
pint OF whipped cream sweetened and
Favored with vanilla. Serve this sauce
when cold in boat with the ice cream,
which should be turned out on q plat
ter. Garnisb the cream II desired with
4 tiny sprig OF holly, or in the center
add slight wreath OF holly around the
dish
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02

Almond and sugar icing for the
Christmas cake may be prepared as
follows: Mix together four ounces OF
ground almonds. two ounces Of sifted
sugar and the white OF an egg. having
beaten the egg very stifny Spread
this evenly on the top or cake. using
a broad knife. When quite set by a
very gentle heat cover with this icing:
Take half a pound OF icing sugar, sift
II very finely, add gradually a small
teacupful OF water and work the mix
ture 10 a very smooth. thlck paste:
add a few drops OF vanilla essence.
Spread the Icing evenly On the cake. II
necessary dipping the spreading knife
into hot water. Let this stand In a
cool oven. with the door open TN
Qnite hard Then decorate as ieSlred
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
A Clever silver GIFT.

A clever little Christmas gift for the
woman who pridcs herself on having
her silver just so, yet who finds it nee
essary 10 have il polished every time
she brings IL out from her treasure
chest (Which usually happens TO be a
drawer), is set OF canton flannel
cases. jewelers. -sually provide cases
with sets OF silver, but the box cases
aren't the satisfactory ones in point OF
keeping the contents bright. Canton
flannel comes In a soft. 1ne quality
that has nap on both sides and In the
prettlest coiOrs-crimson and robins
egg blue and sea green. Hem a square
OF the material at both ends and fold
one end up 10 exactly the middle Of the
square. At regular Intervals stitch IL
into divisions, making room for twelve
spoons or forks, or; with the larger
spoons. for six. Two wing shape bits
should be stitched on. one on each sido
OF this lower side. and a piece OF tape
or OF ribbon matching in color tackled
on 10 one edge. Each time the silver
has been washed and wiped IL should
be given an extra little rub and put
away. each In its compartment. and
the case rolled up. The flaps laid over
by way OF extra protection against in
sidious dampness and the tapes tied to
keep the covers In place. III such cases
are used there'll be practically no tar
nlshing OF your silver. These cases
can be made pretty In spite OF the rath-
err prosaic service they are TO be put to
and set off their contents most erfec-
lively.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
ALesson In Honesty
st. McholM

When / was c boy in Virginia my
rather had one OF the finest watermsl-
on patches in the region round about
One OF the colored boys on our planta-
ton was named Bill. He and wers
great plsymates. and we were both
very fond OF watermeions.
One day. when the crop was almost
ripe, my father called us TO him and
said: -
IF any OF the melons are stolen am
going TO measure the tracks in the Geld
and then measure feet. and the owner
OF the feet that corresponds with the
tracks Will get o good whipping"
This frightened me, but was bound
TO get some melons. Bills feet were
much larger than mine, SO l got His
shoes. stuffed them with grass. walked
In them TO the patch, got melon, ate
IL and replaced the shoes.
Next afternoon my father came to
where Bill and l were. with a stick In
his hand. and ordered Bill to fetch his
shoes. They were brought. my father
measured them and then, In spite OF
Bits protestations. gave him a sound
hrashing
Two days afterward we were again
In the yard when my father appeared,
made me bring my shoes. measured
them with a stick which be held and
then gave me a worse drubbInE than
he bad bestowed upon Bill
Some hours afterward. when was
feeling a little better, met Bill and
said TO him.
How did you manage to wear sny
shoes - .I.
Bill answered my question by asking
another:
How did you war mIneP'
Put grass In them" said. feeling
proud OF my ingenuity In spite OF the
way that my back smRrted-
We'll" chuckled Bill, dat wss
smart But 1 done took pair O. short
stills and put your shoes on de ends OBJ
en- Reckon, Mars Dick. you and Ia
about chen nowr'-GOlden Days.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
How 20 Trim a DomIno TO-.

A Christmas domino" tree may be
easily trimmed as follows: Make q
layer cake, baking in shallow tin.
Wien the cake Is cold IL should be cut
into oblong pieces the shape and size
Of dominOs. A tin cutter can he pur-
chased, or the timer can make one.
Dip the tiny cakes in a boiled icing.
using toothpick spears" 10 accomplish
this result When the Icing is cold
make the domino lines and dots with
melted chocolate. using toothpick for
the purpose. Each domino may be tied
separately TO a tiny twig with red
baby ribbon or the cakes may be
strung in loops. Several hundred OF
these goodies scattered about the tree
will give a dazzling effect and please
the little folks immensely.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
New 10 Make Raised DouRhnu,.

A necessity OF the colonial Christmas
table was a generous plate OF raised
doughnuts- 4 formula for these, which
Is contributed by famous New Eng
land housekeeper. is as follows: A cup
ful OF lard or butter, two. .cupfuls of
milk. cupful OF yeast. three cupfuls
OF sugar. four or five. eggs. nutmeg and
a pinch OF salt. Warm together the
milk and lard. then add the yeast; stir
in hour enough 10 make batter, and
let II stand overnight; then add the
other ingredients. Knead soft. and .et
IL rise again; then roll. cut out. and let
II rise before frying. Sprinkle with
sugar and spread. not pile, on q plat
ter over which a napkin has 6rst been
laid.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
How 20 Make a che.tnut Fininx,


The most approved chestnut filling
for the Christmas turkey Is made OF
the boiled or roasted nuts, mashed, sea
soned with butter. salt and pepper. but
those who are willing to tax digestion
for the sake OF variety may try the fol-
lowing: Roast thirty large chestnuts,
removing the shells and inner brown
skin; take about ten or the chestnuts
and pound TO paste with the cooked
turkey liver; season to taste with pep
per and salt; add a few drops Of onion
juice and a teaspoonfui OF minced psrs-
ley; bind together with the yolks OF
tive eggs; Gil this into the cavity at
the neck and sew up For the body
stufing take five or six links OF tiny
smoked sausage and cut into small
pieces; mix with a cup OF fiI bread
crumbs. pepper, salt. two ounces Of
melted butter and the remainder OF the
chestnuts, using them whole.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
How, 10 Make Mine. P,.,

Mince pie has an especial claim to a
place at the Christmas dinner. says
Country Life. Our forefathers called
IL Christmas pie The name was chang
ell by the Puritans and Quakers. whose
mouths had 10 water for ii In vain so
long as IL was called Christmas" il
Is interesting 70 know. by the way. that
mlnce pie developed from a thick stew
made OF mutton and raisins. In small
households Christmas pie sometimes
takes the place OF the pudding. some
times relgns entirely in its favor. but.
In large ones. one may be as lavish as
one can afford. for il is q marvel what
unblushed for appetltes people bring
10 Christmas dinners. A good rule for
m!nce is: Be stingy with suet and ap-
pies. generous with raiSins and cur
rants. and use quite q little brandy
for your stomach's sake.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
Isssrntn~nnf Oni..-

The natives OF the Malay peninsula
have In use the very smallest current
coin in the world. II Ia . sort OF wafer.
made from the reEInOus juice OF a tree.
and Is worth about enc nVs-thOUsaAdth
OF a cent. The SMALLEST metal cola In
Circulation ct the present dAy - the
Portuguese three Feas piece. worth alx
oDe-hundre1ths or q cent TIE saAaII.
ect coin circulated @ficially Ia any part
Of the brftiah cInpige n the a~e ~ iIls9l.
na piece Of Gibraltar. wsrtk sDs-rsSrtA
81 a eeRt
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
THE SPIDERS WEB.
How to Make "a Substitute For The
Christmas Tree.

How to Make "a Substitute For tie
Christmas Tree.
The Christmas tree has by no means
passed the day Of its usefulness. and
let US hope that il never may do SO.
but variety is sometimes desirable at
Christmas time as well as at other
times. and TO get it the SPIDERS web
may be substituted for the tree, says
the Ripley Qnd.) Journal
The way OF arranging II is to have a
large spider made OF wire and other
material suspended from the ceiling or
attached 10 the wall To this arc
brought number OF reels or spindles.
one or more foz each person 10 be re-
membered. Each spindle should con-
tain different colOred string or rib
bon. and these are then threaded Il. a
bewildering maze through the furnI-
ture. from room TO room. up and down
stairs. and then at the far end OF the
ribbon is the present.
To secure the present the child must
follow the windings OF the ribbon wher-
ever 1t may lead until the gift Is mr.
rived at and claimed. Such plan is
productive OF much innocent amuse-
ment. and the surprise at the end OF
the ribbon is all the more appreciated
for the search II has taken TO find II.
For Christmas house parties. either
for children or for grownups. the
scheme will add much TO the pleasure
OF the occasion and viii serve as q
means Of getting all present better ac-
quainted.
When the sons and daughters and
grandchildren return TO the old home
for the holiday season a SPIDERS web
VIII add TO the merriment Of the sea-
son
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02

pretty novelty for the Christmas
table or for the tree Is known as the
surprise stocking. The stockings are
made OF transparent net OF various col
o-s and are h'led with candy and s-ast
articles OF no great valne wrapped ana
ribboped or left uncovered, rs the taste
dictates A great deal of fun may be
had With these s,oCkinrs. the special
foihies anil fancies OF a.. member Of
the family or guest % i!y bua-
lesqucd IN the lite -
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02

A well known southern churchmaa
was recently visiting New York. &C
companied by has wife. who Is as beau
tiful as her lie mate is hOmely. They
were walking down broadway one Sur
ny afternoon. and the pair .attraetss
much attention. One or two yousg
sports" evidently thinking to attract
the favorable attention OF the church
mans wife, m an audible Rstsse re-
marked tisSt II was another cass q
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02


A mutton ham for Christmas festiV.
tiles should be prepared at once. Get
the butcher 10 cut a large fresh leg of
mutton into the shape of ham. Let
this hang for two or three days. Then
rub in well one pound OF salt. a quarter
OF pound Of coarse brown sugar, one
ounce Of saltpeser pounded. all warm
ed before toe FIRE. BE very careful to
cover. even the shank. with this mix
tnre- Place the meat In a deep dish
and turn and rub in the pickle every
day for a fortnight Then drain ana
dry IL. Put under heavy weight eor
one day. Then smoke for at least q
week, more IL time allows, or dry a.
bacon This ham is equally good broIl-
Cd and boile l.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
How 10 Prepare cAri.tma. c..a...

A Jolly and altogether delightful way
OF making Christmas candies is with
a chatting dish or two and a tableful
or guests. All join in and make OF the
candy making a frolic and entertain
ment. In making candles granulated
sugar is preferable. Candy should not
be stirred while boiling Cream OF tar
tar should not be added until the strip
begins 10 boil. Butter should be put
In when candy Is almost done Fla
vors are more delicate when not boiled
In candy. but added afterward. Butter
the hands to prevent sticking when
pulling candy
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02
How TO Make Christina. r1.e..


II one would revive memory or the
old Yule fire. q backlog or hard wood.
the largest to be had should be chosen.
says Harper's Weekly. The hearth
should be clean aud cold before Christ
mas even and the log set in place with
the cedar or pine or other Eight wood"
kindlings at hand. AS the sun goes
down Gre is applied and the big log
set ablazc. In the days OF the Druids,
whence Nule log lore Is derived, the
priests lighted the annual log with al
ember from the sacred perpetual IRE
they guarded. IL the mountain regions
OF the south the hearth IRE is kept with
an almost equal fidelity. scarcely ever
being permitted TO die out from Oc-
tober TO March. and in the cabins OF
the negroes IL is no uncommon sight
upon a Christmas night TO see within
the fireplace itself. their heads I'D
the chimney, pickaninnies Of various
sizes, busted in warming their toes.
their bare feet resting on logs OF cedar
or hickory or oak aud their black eyes
rolling with anticipations OF coming
good things.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-02

IL Will positively remove DAndrun, OUR Scalp
OF all i1PSnSes. Restore Hsir Clean Temples
90 Bald hsahs where the roots not dead
FRIcHs;-3S cN. per box Coc al orders. Sb sM
oUt city; eight buxes, o. so express prepaid.
The FAcs BsAatiaer lnAk.s the n-e OF posder en-
tirel~ unnecessary. and ID perfectly harmless sale
pTIoeS; rs, 6oSts aud 81 CO.
Money o~n ~ sent by Post ONCE Money Order
OF EIprcss Money Orders EGT-A charge 0f lnrts.
ezra Is lzPssea ca all eat af city orders. -DN
Address all communications ~
MAE J. V. HAWKINS,
sle y. FtrSt Street, RiohnSad, Va
PRONE, 1901.
81 Correspondence strictly Confidential -UA