davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
Beginning of the BUSY Bee Page

By Ethel Reed, Aged % Years, Eighth and
Logan SITS, Fremont, Neb. Red.
The Busy Bees were Disconnected, but
for a good reason. They told the queen
they wanted their work to benefit some
one else besides themselves.
Their beautiful queen was puzzled over
this, for she tried to keep them contented.
So she told them to give her a week to de-
eide what to do. At last the day came and
she said, MY Dear Bees, we are in a sad
state of perplexity at present and the only
way out, l can think of, is for a committee
to go and ask the good fairy of the Bees
what to do"
The Bees asked her to appoint a COM
mittee to go, as they wanted to know what
to do right away. Away they went to the
fairy to see what was to be done.
She told them to give her two days to
decide in. That was an awful two days
for the Bees, but at last 1t was over.
The fairy told them that she could
change them into boys and girls and give
them a page for stories In a paper, which
would reach all sorts of poor sick or lonely
boys and girls.
The queen agreed to this, so that is how
the Busy Bee Page and its writer's came
into the world.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
Buster Binks' Hammock Party
~ william wallace. Sr.

dren that they mustn't touch her frock
with their dirty hands" This order from
the vain little Ethel May Thompson caused
an argument. MY hands are as clean as
yours" declared Lily Moore, running up
beside Ethel and laying both chubby hands
on her white frock. There, 1 touched It,
and didn't leave any dirty spots, either,
Mlssie!"
Don't you dare do that again. COM
manded Ethel. angrily, putting out her
lips at Lily,
well, you shouldn't have come II you
are so fine that nobody can touch you.
declared Minnie Long, jumping down from
her seat in the hammock. "If you're too
nice for the rest of US. you'd better go
home"
I'll stay Just as long as I wan to-"
replied sauoy Ethel, flirting her skirts and
tossing her curls.
You can't stay after 4 o'clock!" cried
Buster, watching with interest the out
come of the little wrangle. MY mamma
says the party must be over at 4 o'clock.
So, you see, Ethel May. you can stay
longer than the others. You all must 20
at the same time"
Il don't care walled Ethel May, now
beginning 10 cry INTO her pretty pink hand
kerchief. TITS not a nice party. anyway.
There isn't a thing to eat. l never saw
such a party. I never"
'oh. cry-baby. c~ry-baby. cry! Stick your
finger in your eye" sang out Tommy
Peters. laughing and swinging in a ham
mock.
You mind your own business, smarty. :"
walled Ethel May, glaring through her tears
at Tommy, who only laughed the louder.
I'd be ashamed to come to a party and
start a fuss" said Oracle Long, turning her
back on Ethel May and speaking to the
other little girls present. Come. let's
swing" And she led the way to a ham
mock, taking for herself the best seat in
the middle and allowing the others the
ends.
But Just at this point Mrs. Binks came
upon the lawn carrying a big tray filled
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
The Story of a Root

By Helen Cross, Aged II Years. North
Platte, Neb.,
First / was a little root. l kept growing
until 1 was a big tree. 1 was the most
beautiful tree in all the forest, but one day
two men came ana chopped me down and
then took me to a house where they chop
ped me into a whole lot Of pieces, then they
put me in a box. / lay there for two or
three days till a woman took me out and
burned me. There was nothing left of me
but some ashes. The next day I was put
into a tea pot and l am there yet. 1
think 1 will turn into apple sauce IL they
don't take me out pretty soon. But 1 can't
tell you any more until 1 am out of this.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
atest news in the papers.

latest news in the papers.
Say, Bill, did you see the picture Of
Mr.. Bryan in The Bee last Wednesday,
Wasn't 1t a good one on Mr.. Bryan? I
thought it was awful funny, didn't you
see it?'
mo-" said Bill. 1--WE don't take The
Bee. We take the News. What was funny
about it. anyway? l wish l could see it."
w have the paper saved over home,
come along, I'll show 1t TO you"
So Bill and Ted went over to Ted's house,
Ted brought out The Bee and showed 1t
to Bill.
Nov, amt that funny?' and Ted began
to laugh at Mr.. Bryan, but Bill didn't seem
so jolly. He didn't take it that way. for
you see Billy's father is q democrat.
Jaw. go on said Bill, you don't need
to think Taft is going to get in the White
House; that belongs to Mr.. Bryan"
well. It don't" SAID Ted. 1T belongs
to Mr.. Taft. who's going to be our next
president. Hurrah! Hurrah for Taft
81 up" said Bill. MY father said
tina Mr.. Bryan is a great man. II he
goes to the White House I'll get my little
wagon fun Of silver"
Yes" said Ted, but II Billy T. gets
there I'll get my little wagon full Of gold.
Seer"
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
How Downy Learned to Obey

By Eunice Bode. Falls City, Neb., Aged 70
Years. Blue.
NOW. children" said Mrs. Robin, II am
going out to get a worm or two for break
fast. and. remember, don't fall out OF the
nest" So saying. she flew away. The lit
tie birds were quiet for some time, but
soon they began to move about, for they
thought, the nest very small for four little
birds that liked plenty OF room.
I'm going up to see II mother is COM
ing" said Downy. "Oh, DON'T" said
Fluffy. Mother said to be good. But
naughty Downy jumped up TO the edge of
the nest and balanced on a twig. 1T looks
nice and cool down In the grass" he said.
II guess I'll 60" And what did the foolish
little bird do but jump down to the ground.
His sister and brothers chirped loudly, and
80 did Mrs. Robin. who had just arrived
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

hold resentment against her little comrades
who had dared to offend her. She split
some OF the pink lemonade on her pretty
frock. and when Lily Moore said "Oh.
Ethel, you've stained your pretty dress!'
she only laughed and said: "It'l wash out
all right And then she and Lily sat beside
each other IN the hammock and whispered
secrets in each others ears. And pretty
soon Tommy Peters, forgetting completely
his part in the little unpleasantness Of a
few minutes before. asked to serve the
little girls with more lemonade. which they
gladly accepted.
And then came Mrs. Binks and the funny
fat cook. Bridget. carrying white linen
cloths, which they spread on the ground
for a picnic table. And as they were doing
this the gate opened and in came the late
guests. Just in time for the luncheon"
cried Buster, running to meet them. There
were Ned Sanders, Billy Blake, Agnes
Graves and Sadie and Maggie Arthur, all
arriving at exactly ESQ o'clock.
And then followed the luncheon, which
was enjoyed to the fullest by every little
one present And after the last crumb of
cake and the last spoonful Of ice cream
had been devoured the little folks engaged
in games. Mrs. Binks assisting in the fun.
Say. Mamma" whispered Buster. just
a sthe clock was striking 4 won't you allow
them TO stay another little while? Were
having such dead loads OF fum-and this Is
my first 5-year birthday"
And OF course. Busters mamma had 10
say Yes" and the party lasted TIL every
little guest had played herself tired and
sleepy. and was glad 10 GO home for a
nap before supper. And as they went they
pronounced Busters Hammock Party the
greatest success. declaring that they'd
never had SO good a time IN their lives be
fore
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

Elenore was quite poor end had a great
deal Of work on her hands. so she felt
that Marjory was an extra burden.
Marjory was 8 years old and quite small
for her age. Her hair was golden and
curly and her eyes large and blue. Before
her mother died her curIs were always
neat and now they were rough and tangled.
Il dess I'll do see Isabelle and Dorothy"
she said at last.
A right. Only don't go off the block"
Once out in the street Marjory ran. She
went past Isabolle's and Geraldine's and
on and on.
Finally the houses began to be few and
far between. Then she knew she was in
the country.
The sun had gone down and It began to
grow dark. A light snow was falling.
Marjory sat down under a tree and pulled
her little coat closer around her. Soon
she fell asleep. Her mother came down
to her.
20, my little Marjoryv"
Mama. ! don't want to stay here with
Aunt Elenore. My mama" Marjory stirred
and stretched up her little hands in her
sleep, for she was only dreaming.
MAMA, don't ever so away again. cried
Marjory, clutching her white dress.
mo, dear" said mama.
Then Marjory went up and UP. She had
on a white dress and a golden crown like
mammals. The next morning they found
her dead, frozen stiff.
why, Elenore, II you had said you'd
rather 1 would have taken dear little
Marjory to live with me-" said Aunt
Evelyn. But Aunt Elenore felt so badly
that no one had the heart to blame her.
Marjory was with her mama and happier
than living with Aunt Elenore or Aunt
Evelyn.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

round. very Z~eeIandish." And so It
is very round. indeed. According to
an old-time writer II sis a round-faoed
CITY," Its inhabitants are thrifty and
happy. and nowhere else in all the world
will one see healthier and roster facss
than flock the streets OF Middleburg.
In structure the town is round, it's streets
curving and It's houses made TO fit thu
streets. Even the abby is curved. Aud
everywhere Is ~roundness and curves. tho
people particularly being rotund and
buXom.
Each springtime sees the painters OF Mid
dleburg busy. for It IL the unwtitten law
that the houses must have a fresh coat
every year This ada 70 tho attractive
ness OF the city. giving 20 Il a porpetual
clean, fresh and happy appearance, And
the cleanliness and freshness are reflected
Ia the Inhabitants. whose bright faces
and picturesque Earb make = pleasing
whole.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
From Field to Ocean
BY Lillian Writ. Aged Years, Ass Ca

BY Lillian Writ. Aged 3 Years, 4l5s Cass
Street. Omaha. Blue.
Once upon a time a large flax plant
wanted to have some adventures. Well,
one day some men came and pulled up the
plant. 1t was taken to r place where It
with many other flax plants were turned
to cloth.
The cloth was made into a dress and one
day two or three years after, when 1t was
worn out. a ragman picked it up with some
more rags and it was turned into paper.
Next 1t was taken to a printing office.
where It was made into a newspaper. After
the newspaper was old and of no more use
It was put in the stove and burned. 1t
turned to smoke and went up in the clouds.
After a while 1t dropped in the form Of
rain. The rain sank in the ground and
flowed along, forming an underground
stream. After a long time it ran into a
little brook which flowed to a river, which
Joined the mighty Pacific ocean. And this
is the story of how the little flaxseed got
from field to ocean.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
Hunting Rabbits

BY James Halpine, Aged u Years. 46O2
Center Street, Omaha. Red.
I was going hunting one morning and l
get another boy whom I knew. We started
out, but we had to be back In two hours,
Well, we started out after rabbits. 1 went
through all the weeds l could see, but no
rabbit. We walked about an hour and then
turned back. We were about 200 feet from
the house when Floyd, the boy who was
with me said. "Oh, there's a rabbit 1
thought he was Joking. but 1 looked and It
was q real rabbit. 1 cooked my gun md
fired and he never heard another shot Of
a gun again for he had the last breath
taken from him. He was a this years
rabbit. I felt as II I could never cock a
gun again to shoot another rabbit, but I
thought when I tasted him that he was
fit for a king.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
(HoEorable Mention.)
The Lone Grave

BY Emerett Donovan, Aged u Years, Ne
braska City, Neb. Blue.
On a lonely bluff. sixty feet high, over
looking the Missouri river. is a lonely
grave. 1t is about four miles south Of
Peru, Neb. 1t has been there since the
earliest settler can remember.
At. first it was thought that It was an
Indian grave, but when dug up 1t was
found that the bones were those OF a white
man.
Who was It?
1t was thought to be ore of the men
sent out by Jefferson in 1904 with the
Lewis and Clark expedition.
Who else could It be? He had a decent
burial. showing the people he was with
were partly civilized.
The grave is marked by rude stones and
IL unmolested and held sacred by the
people OF that vicinity, as II II were in the
cemetery.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

at each other in terror. Meanwhile Frank
getting uneasy and entered the cave.
Reaching the passageway he saw the
great mass OF dirt and clay. He got out
OF the cave as quick as he could and.
running to a nearby farmer, got a shovel
and dug a good-sized hole. Then he
crawled through and found the boys gasp
ing for breath. He succeeded in getting
them to the mouth Of the cave and soon
they were all right again. The boys went
home declaring II was a thrilling adven-
ture. Where the cave once stood Is a
thriving town now, while the underground
river supplies the town with water. The
boys were amply repaid for their adven-
ture in the cave.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
RULES FOR YOUNG WRITERS

!. write plainly on ono side OF the
paper only and number the pages.
q. use pen and ink, not pencil
8. Short and pointed articles Will
be given preferences. DO not use over
26o words.
4. Original stories or letters only
Will BIO used.
s. Write your name, age n ad-
dress ut he top OF the hrEt page.
First and second prizes OF books
will BIO given for the best two con-
tributions to this page q week.
Address all communications TO
CHILDzEN's DSPARTMENT,
Omaha Bee.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

with an earth worm, which she dropped. in
her fright. She flew eXcltedly about
Downy, who was by this time thoroughly
frightened, too. Then, running right to
them. came a great shaggy dog. He
snatched Downy from the grass and car
ried him to a little girl coming across the
lawn.
"oh. Rover" she said. "where did you
get this little bird7' Rover ran, barking.
to the tree. The little girl said. "Oh, there
is the nest; we must put him back.
In another five minutes Downy was safe
in his home. though not without learning
this valuable thing: always obey your
parents, for they know better than YOU"
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

NHWI-2y[Fn. nln HAMMOCK party
lA4E Now. do you know what a
hammock party is? It Is a party in the
open, under the trees, and there are ham
mocks enough to go round, which means
that each little guest lie provided with a
seat In q hammock. OF course, many little
ones must sit huddled together in one ham
mock, but who ever saw little folk-on
friendly terms-that would object to that?
Well, the party was to be held at 2:3O
o'clock in the afternoon. and Buster Binks
was in his best white linen suit and white
stockings and shoes. AND his hair (Which
everyone but his mother called red was
combed so sleek that you could almost see
your image In 1t at the crown, where 1t
was damp and glistening.
Buster was out In the big, shady yard
long before a single guest arrived, and
was so nervous waiting for the party that
he couldn't sit still, but kept running from
the front gate to the side one, looking for
his guests.
But pretty soon, and just as the clock
struck two (half an hour before the party
was to begin) came Minnie and Oracle Ions,
They apologized for not having got there
sooner. explaining that their mamma would
not permit them to start till ten minutes
before two.
"oh. that's all right declared Buster.
For you're a lot too early as It is. You
shouldn't have come till half past two"
Then we can go away again and come
back after while" suggested Minnie. But
even as she said this she climbed into a
hammock and began swinging merrily.
Then her sister Oracle climbed in beside
her, and the sang and swung as happily as
two little guests at a hammock party
could.
Then several other guests arrived. Tommy
Peters, Fred Grayson. Lily Moore and
Ethel May Thompson. Ethel May Thomp-
son was dressed all in snowy white, with a
pink ribbon sash. She told the other chill
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

"I guess I'll get you, Mrs. Bird!"
Said wandering Thomas Cat;
You'd max a splendid dinner,
You are 80 nice n fat"
But Birdie saw old Tommy
And quickly flew away;
And as she went she sang to him;
"Wait-till-anoth-er-day!"
"Ah-ha! you juicy creature;
You're a worm Just the right sizel"
Cried Birdie to a little worm
You exactly suit my eyes.
TIL just dip down and get you'll"
But Wormie gently stole
Beneath a sheltering tuft OF grass
And dropped into his hole.
And as he went he murmured;
Mrs. Birdie, go away
l love to live too we'll to be
Eaten by you today"
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
Carl's Bonfire

BY Dwight Merriam, Aged 4 Years, 1908
Cleveland Street, Norfolk, Neb. Red.
One day a boy by the name of Carl asked
his father IL he could have a bonfire, his
father said mo" and went down town.
But Carl was a disobedient boy and when
his father was gone he gathered up sticks,
hay and paper and made a fire near the
barn. When his father came back he saw
the barn on fire. The firemen came and
the fire was soon put out and Carl said
he would never disobey his father again.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
Little Mariory

BY Ruth Ashby. Queen Bee, AGED 10 Years.
FairmonS Neb. Blue.
II wants my MAJ and my papa"
"Well. you know they amt here. Didn't
I SShow you the place where they was
buried1" Aunt ElenoTe went about her
work. leaving Marjory 20 cry.
Aunt Eienore did not mean to be cross,
but when her brother-in-law. Howard, died
ord her sister. Margaret. ha0 left this
world in a few weeks they left their only
child. Mar1cry, to Aunt Elenore. Aunt
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
The Peach
By vada Lambert, Aged s Years, AuI
Neb. Red.

By vada Lambert. Aged s Years, Auburn,
Neb. Red.
1 am a little peach. Grace and Nellie
lived in a big house and 1 grew in the
yard. Grace saw me first, so l belonged
to her. Their grandpa had peach trees.
but the buds had frozen in the spring. One
day Grace and Nellie scampered down 10
where 1 was. Grace picked me and started
to run. Nellie running after her. AS Grace
was running round the porch. she saw
grandpa with two peaches, He gave one
to Grace and one to Nellie. Then Grace
threw me away.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
Annie and Mary

BY Grace Shepard. Aged Q Years, 700 North
Court Street, Carroll, Ia. Blue.
annie. won't you please go get a basket
of eggs over to Jackson's?" asked mother,
who was baking that day. Cant Mary
go? ! want TO dress my doll" Mary.
won't you go?'' why, yes" And so she
went to get the eggs. And when the baking
was done there was a cake which Annie
liked, and when dinner was ready Annie
didn't get any
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

with little glasses of pink lemonade. Here,
my dear little ones, is a cooling drink to
quench your thirst and prepare your APP
petites for the luncheon, which will be
served here on the lawn in 10 minutes"
And then all was peace again, even Ethel
May Thompson forgetting to act ugly or
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

IDDLEBURG, Holland, is one
OF the cleancst and thriftiest
cities OF that little country
OF windmills. A local proverb
runs thus. Good rond, good
ZeuWsch." m Q "V cry
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

Jean De Long, Ainsworth. Neb.
Irene Mccoy, BArnstou, Neb.
Lillian Merwin. Beaver City, Neb.
Mabel Witt, Bennington, Neb.
Agnes Dahmke, Benson, Neb.
Vera Cheney. Creighton, Neb.
Louis Hahn, David City, Neb.
Eunice Bode, Falls City, Neb.
Fay Wright. Fifth and Belle streets, FIRE.
mont, Neb.
Ethel Reed. Fremont, Neb.
Hulda Lundburg, Fremont, Neb.
Marguerite Bartholomew. Gothenburg,
Neb.
Jessie Crawford. 45 West Charles street.
Claire Roth. sos West Koenig street. Grand
Island, Neb.
Ella voss. l1 West Charles street. Grand
Island, Neb.
Alice Temple. Lexington, Neb.
Edythe Kreitz, Lexington. Neb.
Anna Nelson, Lexington, Neb.
Alice Grassmeyer. 1913 G street, Lincoln.
Eeb.
Elsie Hamiton, 2o29 L street, Lincoln. Neb.
Irene Dlsher, 2oS0 L street, Lincoln, Neb.
Louise Stiles, Lyons. Neb.
Estelle Mcdonald, Lyons, Neb.
Milton Seller, Nebraska City, Neb.
Harry Crawford, Nebraska City, Neb.
Harvey Crawford, Nebraska City, Neb.
Lucille Hazen, Norfolk, Neb.
Letha Larkin, South Sixth street. Nor
folk. Neb.
Emma M, -ouardt, Fifth street and Madi-
son avenue. Norfolk. Neb.
Mildred F. Jones. North Doup, Neb.
Hugh Rutt, Leshara. Neb.
Hester r. Rutt, Leshara, Neb.
Lillian Writ, Ass Cass street, Omaha,
Ada Morris. S42i Franklin street, Omaha.
Myrtle Jensen, 1909 lizard street. Omaha.
Gail Howard, 1922 Capitol avenue. Omaha.
Helen Heuek, 1925 Lothrop street, Omaha.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

UsTER BINKS was 5 years old
on the day Of which l am
going to tell you. And Bus
tors mamma decided to give
him q hammock party"
Now, do you know what a
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

TN HE summer vacation is about over and school will begin or most of the
boys and girls next week. They will be busy days for most of us,
getting settled and meeting all the friends after the long separation,
and there may not be much time for story-wndng for a while, 10 the
editor hopes that every Busy Bee who possibly can will send n a story this
week, before the busy time begins.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30
Second Prlze.)
Ted's and Bills Opinions of Our
Next President

BY Willie Cullen, ex-Hing Bee, Aged 10
Years, 32l2 Webster. Red.
One day there were two little boys stand
ing on the street corner discussing the
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

One Of our girls writes that she is making a Busy Bee album. sh
pictures of the Busy Bees as they are printed and is pasting them in
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

The editor has had several Busy Bee callers the last week,
she was very glad to meet
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

Remember, Busy Bees there ire two more days in which to vote fol u
next king and queen. Votes will be received until Wednesday. There have
been more votes cast this time than ever before and the editor is pleased to
notice that it is the boys and girls who have been he busiest Bee who are
MOS popular. The Postcard Exchange has helped us all in getting acquainted
and this may be the reason that the votes are more scattered than ever before.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

Mabel sheifelt, 4s14 North Twenty-fifth
Wilma Howard, 4722 Capitol avenue.
Emerson Goodrich, 1910 Nicholas street.
Omaha.
Helen Goodrich. 1910 Nicholas street,
Maurice johnson. 1927 Locust street.
Omaha.
Hilah Fisher. 1ziO South Eleventh street,
Omaha.
Louis Raabe. 2SOs North Nineteenth ave-
nue.. Omaha.
Emma Carruthers, s211 North Twenty-fitth
street, Omaha.
Walter johnson. 24o5 North Twentieth
Leon Carson. 11A North Tortieth street,
Juanita Innes. 27ss Fort street. Omaha.
Madge L. Daniels, Ord, Neb:
Agnes Richmond, Orleans, Neb.
lola Beddeo, Orleans, Neb.
Marie Fleming, Osceola, Neb.
Lolita Woods, Pawnee City, Neb.
Earl Perkins, Reddington, Neb..
Emma Kostal, 1916 o street, South Omaha
Ethel Ennis, Stanton, Neb.
Edna Ennis, Stanton, Neb.
Ina Carney, Sutton, Clay county, Neo.
Clara Miller, Utica, Neb.
Mae Grunke, West Point, Neb.
Elsie Stastny, WILDER, Neb.
Alta Wilken, Waco, Neb.
Mary Friedrich. York, Neb.
Pauline Parks. York. Neb.
Edna Behllrg, York, Neb.
Carrie B. Bartlett, Fontanelle, Ia.
Ethel Muiholiand, Box Il. Malvern. Ia
Eleanor Mellor, Malvern. Ia.
Kathryne Mellor, Malvern. Ia.
Mildred Robertson. Manila. Ia.
Ruth Robertson, Manila, Ia.
Edith Amend, Sheridan. Wyo.
Henry L. Workinger. care Sterling REM
edy company, Attica, Ind.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

Some Of our Busy Bees ire doing missionary work, as several new writers
have Joined our page Of late, stating that they have been asked to do so by
some Of the other Busy Bees. We ire very glad to have them all, IS all the
boys and girls are welcome.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-30

The editor received a large number of votes this week for thu mex king
and queen Of the Busy Bees, but OF a nan stories as usual The prizes
werea awarded this week to Alice Boyce of Carroll, Ia, IN the Blue side, and
Willie Cullen of Omaha, ex-kng, on the Red side. Honorable mention vas
given to D. Edward Donovan of Nebraska City, on the Blue side.
Any of the Busy Bees may send cards to any whose name is o the
Postcard Exchange, which o includes: