Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-30
THE Moop.sHEp PARTY.

Mama" said Dorothy, 81 wish I
could have wood-shed party"
"What do You mean by that?" an
swered Mrs. Spear. in some wonder.
why" explained Dorothy, "all the
girls in my class have said they just
love to play out in nice cool wood
shed, where there are lots of shaw
ings and smooth boards and hammers
and"
"Jusst like ours, in fact" laughed
Mrs. Spear. II think it would be a
nice idea"
''Then we'll have it." decided Doro-
thy, and it must be on stormy day,
because we like to hear the rain spat-
ter down-it seems so cozy."
II think it can be managed" said
mother" We must try to interest papa
In the matter. think there must be
a little picking up DONE"
That evening Dorothy sat up a half
hour later than usual. preparing her
Invitations. The following morning
ten little girls found birch bark,
desks a square of white birch bark,
to which dainty card was fixed by
two tiny bows. On the card were
these words:
You are cordially invited to Wood
Shed Party at Dorothy Spears, on the
first rainy Saturday afternoon, at two
o'clock.
A long spell of fine weather" was
patiently passed by the eager girls,
and at last came a rainy Saturday.
Never was stormy holiday so gladly
welcomed. and at two o'clock ten little
cloaked figures came in damp line
toward the mouse.
Wet wraps were left in the kitchen,
and then the children trooped out to
the great, roomy shed.
Dorothy's father was builder.
and in his leisure he often worked
upon some small boat in the shed.
So when the guests came out. they
saw first nice, warm stove in one
corner, in which birch bark was snap
ping comfortably; next the good
sized body of sailbcat. resting on
blocks. to the inside of which led a
short step.ladder.
In the boat were stools and cushions
and on its deck Dorothy's whole
family of dolls in holiday dress.
The girls danced about and examin-
ed all the good points of the craft. and
said there was almost water enough
outside to sail it.
The logs of wood had been rolled
up in such a way as to make gradu-
al fight of stairs to the top of the
wood-pile, where fiat board was
standing. Each guest was asked to
run up the stairs and drive nail
in the board. There was prize. in
the shape of dainty birch-bark bon
bon box tied with baby ribbon, fot
the one who could drive a nail with.
out striking of"
There were whole barrel Of clean
white shavings, from which they pick
ed the longest and arranged on their
heads for curls.
At four o'clock came the refresh
ments. part of which was ice-cream
served in little birch-bark cups.
But best of ala surprise for Doro-
thy, too-was when Mr.. Spear came
out with tray, on which were eleven
little boats-perfect models Of brig
with sails set and ropes, yard-arms,
anchor and cabins all in correct posi-
ton. On the stern of each boat was
painted in tiny letters the name OF
the little guest for whom it was In
tended.
"Such lovely time!" they all said,
as they babe Dorothy good night. "a
wood-shed party is the very best
kind"
Only one little girl said, as she
hurried home, There! Dear me! We
had such a good time forgot all
about hearing the rain spgtter."-
E. A. F. in Youths Companion.