davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-15

Frost in Alabama. but, who eares7 It means chestnutR,. muscadines, DOT: simmons, haws, scaly-barks and last but not least, the delicious. fat. tempt ing, gravy dripping, sAvory. delectable, Alabama 'possum, baked rich Tuske- gee Normal tan.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-15

Tn Shanghai Secretary Taft was giv- en . garden party on an ample lawn. How thoughtful of the chinks to give AvoirdupoIs Billy room to express hia thanks and spread himself.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-15

A preacher in Boston suggests that men take off their hats when they vote. In A prohibition election this would display too many bald heads. which might cause people to inake too many references to alluaiops.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-15

Secretary to the Governor, William
 E. Fort. Is at Blakely, Ga, visitinn his parents. He will return to the citS t9is week, bringing his mother witt
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-15

cupboard to get her poor doggie q bone because meat was either as high as it is now or she wasn't as fond 5f her poodle" as society women are today.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-15

A Republican newspaper up in Mas sachusetts Is quoted by The New Bed- lord Standard as getting of this badly
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-15

It's so easy to tell others to take . you don't have to do it yourself.
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

near. AS the grandfather clock chimed
out the hour of nine a hush would fall
upon the family group and every ear was
strained to catch the plaintive melody
that fioated In from without, The Christ
mas serenaders had arrived. The serv-
ants of the plantation, grouped about the
front porch, to the accompaniment of a
banjo, would sing the old plantation
melodies until invited into the kitchen,
where liberal potations of "a little drap
to warm them up was served, and each
was asked to drink the health of ole
mistiss, ole mars, the little folks and the
household guests. This closed the cerc-
monies for Christmas Eve Candles were
passed around and warm beds sought,
there to dream of Santa Claus and the
morrow and what was to be found in
the score of stockings left hanging about
the great open fireplace
Christmas morning breaks clear and cold.
The household bestirs itself early, awak-
ened by the entrance of the house sery-
ants, who rush from room to room call
ing christmas giffI' to all within as they
bear to each the family loving cup, con-
tanning the morning grog, sip from
which each is supposed to take. Gather
ing in the great dining-room. a huge
punch bowl, filed to the brim with the
snow capped Christmas egg-nog, greets
them. This is the beginning Of the days
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

good cheer. Breakfast over, the gift
giving begins among the servants, for
those within the house had all descended
in the wee sma' hours to scan the con-
tents of their stockings, there to find that
which was most ardently desired. When
the army of slaves arrived on the front
lawn gifts over which the mistress and
her helpers had labored SO arduously were
brought forth and bestowed, while gro
ceries, extra allowances of provisions,
sweetmeats and TASKS Of egg-nog or spir-
Its were passed around. Then the house
hold made ready for church. which was
followed by the midday Christmas feast,
capped by the blazing plum pudding, pre-
pared months ago.
And what feasts they were, to be sure!
Roasted turkeys. roasted geese, roasted
capons, huge sirloins of beef, home-cured
hams and a, myriad of good things that
only a housewife of long ago could con-
ceive, were heaped upon the snowy table,
while at the end, In front of the masters
plate, was placed the piece de resistance,
a sucking pig, roasted whole, a glow
ing red apple gripped tightly between
its glistening teeth. In the center of
the table burned the stately candles.
surrounded by a bank of holly, cleaning
with its scarlet berries On the side
tables stood the bowl of wassail, the big
pitchers Of port and cider, plates of nuts
and fruits and sweets and platters Of
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

an eye for color. Garments for the
women complete. those for the men and
boys were next taken up, so that on
Christmas morning each negro who came
to the house could be assured of return
ing to his quarter with arms laden with
good warm clothing, including everything
from a pair of shoes that 'cried' to his
hearts delight to a warm new cap, or
hat, as his fancy elected. This sewing
circle generally extended its operations
over a period of two months, but the
work was invariably gotten out of the
way before December 1, for the three
weeks just prior to Christmas were busy
ones and had to do with the mysteries of
the well-stocked pantry.
The succeeding days were ones of never
ceasing delight to the housewife and her
corps of well-trained cooks and helpers.
Cakes by the dozen were mixed, baked
and set away; cakes the recipes for which
are priceless today; pastry of every de-
scription, and invariably these were made
In sufficient quantities to carry the family
and their score Of guests through the hol-
iday season, for Christmas always ex-
tended over New Years Day. With prep
arations for Christmas complete, the
house is set In order for its Influx Of
guests The choicest linen, spiced and
snowy In its cleanliness,l is brought forth
from the great linen presses, and all the
spare beds In the house made up. Then
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

follows the decorations. In each room,
living g-rooms as we'll as bed chambers,
blazing logs cracked upon the hearth;
windows are festooned with ropes of
Christmas greens, and everywhere the
Christmas spirit prevails. In the great
open halls, some so heroic In proportion
as to permit of four-in-hand being there
In turned, is set the huge Christmas tree,
fairly groaning beneath its burden OF
presents, for here displayed are gifts for
each member of the household, guests
and house servants alike. The trees of
those days, however, were illuminated by
myriads of vari-colored tallow dips, since
electric lights were as far in the dim,
dim future as many of the other predtc-
tions of that wonderful old prophecies,
Mother Shipton.
Promptly at o'clock on Christmas Eve
the peace and quiet of the great hall was
disturbed by the men servants of the
house as they staggered In beneath the
burden of the yule log, In reality the
massive trunk of a well-seasoned hickory.
This was set upon the carefully polished
andirons and served as a back log" for
the cheerful fire of Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day Supper over, members
of the household gathered around. Chest
nuts and popcorn were brought forth; the
evening was spent in roasting chestnuts,
popping corn and spinning Christmas
yarns for the little folks, who lowered
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

the church chimes are heard ringing mer
rily. Inside the family forms circle and
sing Christmas carols. Anxious to make
great noise, the younger children join in
with wind instruments.
A sudden knock tells them he is there.
Some rush up to help him of with his fur
coat and others assist him to unload his
toys. Every little girl and boy expects a
pair of skates. In no other country is
skating finer, and the children skate SO
much that they need a new pair every
season. They expect caps, hoods and NIT
tens-these are so necessary in a cold cli-
mate. They are fond of pets. A gift of a
kitten or a bird Is priced greatly, and II
they cannot have a real horse, wooden
rocking-horse Is a satisfactory substitute
When Sunderkloas cannot come he sends
his presents on a goat. The goat kicks
and, thus scatters the presents on the
door.
In Norway 1t is customary to make the
very birds share in the Christmas glad
ness. For this purpose tree Is planted
In front Of every house, hung with herbs
ana boxes containing tempting seeds. so
that the little feathered guests may feast
and eat their I'LL.
When Sunderkloas leaves Norway and
Sweden he goes to Holland. He always
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22
man chlld's heart, 90 Tannenbaum.."

man child's heart, 30 Tannenbaum."
Santa Claus makes haste to pile the
gifts at the foot of the tree; he has so
many little ones to visit he dare not
take time to hang them up. He hastens
on and the children spend the evening
finding their gifts and admiring those
of their brothers, sisters and cousins.
The little boys write to Santa Claus for
great soldiers caps, guns and tin SOL
diers but their sisters ask for dolls and
buggies for their little ones. In Ger
many Christmas Eve Is children's eve,
and not child will go to bed until
every candle burns low. In some places
the candles are kept lighted for two or
three days. But Santa Claus does not
forget the little folks in the coolest,
most far-out-of-the-way places. Every
year he makes a flying trip through the
mountains The mountaineers come down
into the villages and await his coming.
When not playing the children are busy
eating cookies, candies, nuts and other
goodies scarce during the rest Of the
time. The children do not sit up to see
Santa Claus; they fear that If they
are too curious he will not come. In
some of the homes he finds Christmas
trees on which to place the toys. Long
before sunrise the children are up, busy
with their stockings. They all expect
to find pair of skates, mountain stick
and a sled, and whatever else their good
friend is kind enough to bring. If it
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

- HoUGH every nation has its special
holidays and celebrations, Christmas
~ Is the one holiday that nearly the
entire world celebrates. Much as this day
of rejoicing means to the growr-up, it is,
above all else. children's day. When
the glad Christmas chimes ring out mill
lions OF little folks the world over rejoice
and are happy.
Though Germany is supposed to be the
home Of the tree and Santa Claua, 1t is
In the North countries sunderkloas frst
appears. In Norway, Sweden and Den
mark the little folk celebrate his COM
ing for 10 days. The thought OF his com
Ing creates feeling Of good fellowship,
resulting, In much visiting back and forth.
dancing and laughter The children
keep the postman busy mailing their
letters, for thousands of children send
letters to sunderkIoas, telling him just
what they want. Though their lists are
often long, they are careful TO explain
that II he cannot bring them everything,
they would like certain things very much,
and their parents will look after the rest.
on Christmas Eve the household are gath
cred IN the best parlor, waiting his COM
ing impatiently. In the smallest village
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

1HRISTMAS is near. Its approach Is
VA heralded by the thousands and one
0symbols that from babyhood we have
learned to love and associate with the
FESTIVAL of the nativity of Christ. This
festival Is joyously celebrated in every
country on the globe where the enlight-
ening rays Of Christianity and civilization
have penetrated.
Children tell us that Christmas is In
the air--that 1t does not require a glance
at the almanac hanging upon the wall to
apprise them Of the near approach Of
season, which to them Is synonymous
with feasting, merry-making, the exchang-
ing of little gifts with loved ones and,
last but not least, the annual visit of
fat and Jolly old Kris Kringle and his
reindeer sled. And the children are right.
For, after all, is It not festival that we
grown-ups participate In with the enthu-
siasm of the little folks?
Long since the shops have been stocked
to their capacity with toys and the
myriad of gewgaws that go to attract
the attention of the millions of shoppers
who throng the streets, all bent upon one
common mission--the making ready for
Christmas. A visit to the large cities,
small towns, as well as to the little
country stores all bespeak the ease with
which preparations for Christmas can be
accomplished nowadays. as compared with
those of so years ago.
1t might be well to pause awhile In
this money-mad age of commercialism,
when the pursuit of the dollar is para
mount to all else. and go back half a
century or SO and recall Christmas as
it was celebrated in the fair Southland
before the war To those who knew the
South before its broad green fields were
crimsoned with the life blood Of invader
and defender. a Christmas then was a
festival long to be remembered; the
climax of patient and arduous prep
aration, the elimination of months Of
painstaking care, yet withal a labor Of
love. Those we're days of never-ceasing
Joy, which fairly breathed the spirit of
Peace ON earth, good will to men,"
''Chrismas giff. Mistiss! Christmas gin,
Marsteri' as the wards of the slave
holding planters gathered about the
Great House front porch on Christmas
morning was a greeting none could for
get who beheld the upturned and eager
black faces OF the plantation help as they
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22
G1ZHEz2ED A9OEZ2yD
TIT kLZZ-ELOG

came forward to receive the gift that
they SO well knew awaited them.
Good old days, we say? Days that are
gone, but the memories of which are as
green and fresh IN our hearts today as
the holly and mistletoe we are engaged
In twining into wreaths for the Christ
mas of today.
christmas Before the War" had the
same significance for the children Of
the South as 1t has for those of today,
but how much more 1t meant to the
mistresses of those plantations where
hundred or more slaves had to be remem-
bered than it does to the grand danes
of today, who have but to enter their
carriages, visit the nearest shop and
there purchase whatever. her fancy might
dictate. Today 1t Is little else than one
of many shopping tours, SO dear to the
hearts of all womankind Then 1t meant
endless work; for months the needles
flashed In the busy housewives hands,
as a gift then was almost invariably
handmade.
Preparations for Christmas In ante
bellum days generally began early in
September, when milady paid her semi
annual visit to the nearest city or town,
and there laid in her supplies. Groceries
were purchased by the wholesale, sta
pies for the field hands and all the deli
cacies the market afforded for the "Great
House" and the horde of guests which
were to invade it.
A visit to the dry goods stores resulted
In the purchase of cloths. cottons, fan
nels and silks by the bolts. OF course,
materials for fancy work were purchased
in large quantities, for every Southern
born woman spent her spare moments at
work of this sort. Arriving home the fall
campaign was mapped out. Every plan
tation boasted of half a dozen or more
women and girls among the slaves, who
designated themselves by the proud titles
of ''seamsters." Each day the ''seamsters"
would come to the room set apart in the
manor house for sewing and, under the
watchful eye of the mistress of the house,
sew up the seams of the garments she
herself had cut out. Dresses for the
smallest baby on the plantation. as well
as those for the little pickaninnies half
grown girls, young and old women alike,
were made and laid away for Christmas,
Bright prints, gaily checkered calicoes
and domestics were the materials gen.
orally employed, as the negro ever had
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22
ZEuLLHZ1p KEAz21

Christmas cakes of every description: not
forgetting the yule dough, those plain,
but well-spiced, thin cookies, made as
were the ancient cakes in the form of a
human body, with Sits for the nose and
mouth and currants for the eyes. Other
evidences that the feasting was to be
continued throughout the day were con-
tanned in the two large baskets on either
side Of the open fireplace, one filled with
chestnuts, the other with apples, these to
be roasted at will on the glowing Goals,
while in the corner were the irons with
which to null the port and cider.
A custom of beauty was one rarely
revived nowadays. While the afternoon
festivities were at their height and as
the hot-muled beverages were passed
around, toasts were freely given. The
guest of honor, with glass aloft, would
open the front hall door and from the
shelter Of the piazza he toasted the
fields and orchards, that the host might
be assured of a successful summer and
a rich harvest Returning to the hall,
well-pitched voice would burst forth into
that delightful old carol:
God rest you, merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay;
For Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
Was born upon this day.
This carol usually closed the afternoons
diversions. Chambers were sought and
siestas snatched that eyes might be
bright for the crowning event of the
day, the Christmas ball!
The huge hallway was cleared of its
furniture and the glistening floor waxed
until its surface shone like a mirror.
The f1dders took up their position in the
corner Of the room as carriages began
to drive up laden with the young folk
from the countryside for miles around.
Round dances and square dances, reels
and quadrilles followed in quick order
until the faint streaks Of dawn lined the
horizon; then came the Virginia reel, In
which old and young participated, and
Christmas Day had faded into the past.
A round of gayeties are crowded into the
week, each a replica of the one that
went before. Feasting and merry-making
goes on unabated until New Years Day
has been ushered in; then guests depart
and once more the household takes up It's
routine. III
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

reaches that country on the 9th, instead
of the 25th. However cold it is on that
day, there is never fire burning on the
hearth, for here he usually comes down
the tall chimney, instead of knocking at
the door. The children are gathered near
the CRATE, vlelng with one another to see
who will catch the first glimpse of him.
Before he unties bis bundle he is pretty
sure to ask how the children have be-
haved themselves during the winter. They
are dreadfully disappointed II they are
not given q kite. Kites mean much to
Dutch children, for the winds are strong
IN Holland, and there is a large sweep OF
land. In Southern Holland the little girls
prefer go-carta to sleds, because their
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

brothers can pull them to school. The
children In Holland are as practical as
their parents, and they prefer caps and
clogs to toys.
Before Santa Claus goes to Switzerland
and England he makes a flying trip back
home to Germany. He has had thou
sands Of children writing for trees and
toys; he has sent his helpers to North
ern Germany for trees and to Munich
and Nuremburg for toys. In the great
forests men are busy for days cutting
down the trees. They are distributed
some days before Christmas. The chill
dren do not dare to peep into the rooms.
for they are certain their inquisitivenesa
will keep Santa Claus away. Every
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

home, whether castle or a hut, win
want a Christmas tree. It is sure to
be trimmed with many candles, gold
balls, candies and cakes made to resem-
BILE queer.looking men.
It is the custom for large families to
gather at grandmother's. They huve a
large dinner with wine, plenty of cake.
apples and nuts. After dinner they flush
to the parlor door, which is now un-
locked, and as they catch a glimpse Of
the many brilliant lights, they examine
the tree carefully, but they do not touch
It until Santa really appears. When
they hear the merry Jingle and the clat-
ter Of reindeers hoofs they form a circle
and sing those verses dear to every Ger
Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

were not for the Christmas gifts winter
days in the dreary mountain villages
would become very tedious.
Nowhere does Christmas wear q wore
solemn tone than in Italy. The churches
are all lighted and decorated, and the
little folks also go to midnight mass to
give thanks On the way they stop to
gaze at the, brilliant stalls, decorated
with candles, lanterns and bright-color-
ed papers. They will not move on until
their parents consent to buy them a
wax bambino and some sugared
hearts. Toward midnight one sees hun
dreds of women and children walking
along lonely country roads going 70
mass. ana the great csthedrals in Bone,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-10-12

20. 1905, with forty-four members. who
worshiped in Post Office Hall until jan
nary, 1907, when, the quarters being found
too small and the membership having in
creased so rapidly, lot at the corner of
10th street aLG Columbia road was pur-
chased for $4,000
Rev. George Z, Nhitehouse of Moncton,
New Brunswick, was called to the pas
torate.
At present the church is occupying an
old dwelling house on the lot that was
purchased, but plans have been drawn
by Stone & Averill, architects. which have
been accepted. Ground will be broken in
a few weeks for the erection of the Sun
day school house.
The preset: dwelling house, although
enlarged. is entirely too small to accom-
moGa.e the cIoUds that flock to hear Mr..
Thitehouse. T5rcy s. Foster is the su-
periutenGcht OF The Sunday school.
The pastor and congregation of Con-
Eress Street Methodist Protestant Church
have arranged for weeks rally for Wor-
ship aud work. beginning tomorrow and
Continuing until and including the 18th.
The special services will commence IN the
Sunday school at $50 am. and continue
throughout the day, the pastor preaching
special sermons at morning and evening
services.
A feature will be the musical program
At II am Mr.. x. b. Roderick viii sing,
ana AT 80 pm. the Apollo Quartet Will
give two or more selections Monday
evening at 80 there will be a meeting
in the interest of domestic and foreign
missions. speakers, Rev. +. c. Klein of
Baltimore and Mrs. George Speidcl OF this
city Tuesday evening is given to the Sun
day school. address by Mrs. 4. NJ MoXey.
v edCySd9y evening the service will be in
cAdrEe Of the Christian Endeavor Society,
viii brief addresses by H. c. Mstcalf
Edward Earring and H. c. Grimes The
solo isis Will be Miss COLLISION. Miss Rosa
mout Ma&laaI and Mir Fred Ballanger.
Thursday evening there Will be a roll
call and fellowship citing and Friday
evening "a social.
Miss Jennie Smith, known throughout
TIL country as ''the railroad evangelist
and THE work ngInau's friend" whose