davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
TWO LITTLE MULES.

Once upon a time there was sorns
men who We're going to the west to in
spect the mines. but did not have
enough money to go by railroad. SO
they thought they would go in a wag-
on and have pack mules to carry the
necessary things they would need. The
cay they We're to so some Of them
went and bought some miners sup
plies and started with ore wagon. four
horses and two mules. They made
twenty-five miles that day and at
night stopped near small stream TO
camp. They unhitched the horses from
the wagon, and turned them loose to
Craze Then they released the mules
from their burden and also turned
them loose. The next morning they
arose. looked out and found that the
horses and mules were no place to
pee seen. Two Of the men then start
ed in search of them. They went three
miles and had found no trace of them.
so they stopped at q house and got a
man to lend them his two ponies. They
rode on for miles and miles and had
not yet found any trace of the lost an
lmals. At last when they rode about
fifty miles, they were riding along a
small stream and one of the men no
t1ced some glittering little stones lying
in the bottom of the creek. They got,
Off their ponies and examined them
ana round they were grains of gold.
Delighted with their discovery they
hurried on in search of the horses
which they found about mile ahead.
They took them back to the wagon
and left the mules there. When they
returned and told the rest of the men
about their discovery they were de-
lighted and hurried with all speed to
the creek where they found afterwards
one of the richest mines in the Rockies.
They are now prospecting we'll. am
Tri- Weekly Junior.
Harry Musser.
HillSboro, Iowa
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
RETA WRITES TO LEONA,

Dear Junior friend:
1t is with pleasure I undertake the
pleasant task Of writing you letter
have seen SO many letters in the
Junior, in many Of which you spoke of
living at Pennington, Iowa
Once you spoke of your little broth
err being born at Pennington, and in
another you spoke of your grand
mothers rolling pin being moved to
Pennington and another your doll
being purchased at Mr.. Hassler's
store. Mr.. Hassler still lives at
Pennington and still keeps store. l
have little girl friend whose name is
Ruth Gray. She said that you form
erly lived near them.
Pennington is my birthplace and I
live four miles west AS | did not
have the pleasure Of meeting you
when you lived here, l would be
pleased to hear from you through the
Junior.
From Junior friend,
Retta Ruark, age II,
r. F. D. No. 3, Pennington, la.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
A cHlLDREN's PARTY.

When I was seven years old my
mother gave me a birthday surprise
party. There were thirty-five Of my
little friends came and brought pres-
ents. | was wanting to go and play
with little boy but papa got me up
stairs drawing pictures and when all
my little friends had gotten into the
house mamma called me. | went down
and was SO surprised that | hardly
knew what to do. My teacher came
with them and we went out on the
lawn and played games until we were
all tired
Then mamma called Us in and had
us all sit down around the wall and
served fruit salad, cake and candy.
Then they all went home. I had coax
ed mamma to have party for me,
but I did not know she was going to
surprise me. | enjoyed it very much
for we had SO much fun playing. Hop
ing I may win a surprise prize am,
Forrest Galpin, age Z.
Emerson, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
Naude Skinner.
Aged 10.
NY FIRST RIDE IN A soRsLED.

My first ride on bobsled was
three years ago when I was seven
years old, and papa was shocking
corn and it showed so he could not
work, so we went over to my aunt's
and my cousins and came home in
the bobsled. Some of my uncles re-
lation were there and SO he decided
to leave the bobsled at our house and
the next day we would all go over
there and see them. We got up early
the next morning and got started
about O'clock. Papa backed the bob,
sled right up to the front door so we
could get In without getting our feet
wet, az the snow had come early and
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05

Ottumwa, r. F. D No. 8.
AN IMAGINARY PARTY OF THE
JUNIORS.

We Juniors decided that We would
have a party, or rather reunion of
the Juniors. So we set the date on
Thanksgiving day, Nov. 26, and we
set the place at Anderson park, at
Pennington. Iowa. The day dawned
bright and beautiful and we began to
gather from far and near with the
Editor of the Junior and all the
Junior force on hand was very
much delighted to see SO many Jun
Tors. Our Editor made an elegant talk
to us at 10 a. m, and we Juniors
registered out names which numbered
200. We then took dinner with the
ladies of the Congregational church
at the old postoffice building, and aft
er dinner listened to an interesting
address by Rev. VIM. Sunday.
Rita Ruark. age II,
r. F. D. No. 8, Pennington, a.
l am a Tri-Weekly Junior
Miss Leona Vest
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
THANKSGIVING AT HOME.

1t was just two days before Thanks.
giving. At the old farm house every
one was busy. From the kitchen came
spicy odors. Mother, Aunty and
Grandmother were busy making many
good things to eat, which make up Il
good Thanksgiving dinner.
There were many things to be done
before the relatives came from the
city. The seldom parlor was thrown
open and busted, while the bedrooms
were also made ready The fat old
turkey must be caught, killed and
dressed.
At last all was ready, every one
had come and were gathered in the
parlor, from which sounds of merri-
ment issued.
The children were over in one cor.
ner talking among themselves and
thinking dinner would never be ready.
But finally it was ready and they
all filed out. All were silent while
Grandfather gave the blessing. Then
what chatter there was.
And what a dinner it was. to be
sure. There was turkey, dressing, eel.
cry, potatoes, cranberry sauce, mince
Aheat Ples, puHphlu pies, cakes, fruits.
nuts and many other good things.
The relatives never missed coming
to the farm house for Thanksgiving
day
The afternoon and evening was
spent in telling stores, singing songs
and having much fun. The children
enjoyed themselves in the attic. At
last when all were safely put away in
bed, they one and all thought that
Thanksgiving day is day to be re-
membered.
Vera Robertson, age 10.
1121 Mineral Point Ave.
Janesvilla, Wis.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
MILDRED's THANKSGIVING.

Mildred was poor motheress little
girl. all alone in the world, except TO"
Fer brother. a newstoy. Mildred wa:
rrcut hing down in a sheltere, come,
Of building. She was cryin., softly.
for no one would buy her fruit and
the day was bitterly cold
1t was the anniversary OF her moth,
er's death She could remember her
mother lying in bed, with such a sad
sweet smile on her face, as she said !:
Here, Mildred, is & little book that
has comforted ME SO much; keep it
in remembrance Of me-"
She suddenly remembered that this
day had some special significance.
She recelled her mother speaking OF
it. saying: To-day is Thanksgiving
day, the day when all peaple thank
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05

My cats name is Puss and it is
black, and my dogs name is Teddy. l
go to school every day. MY seat mate
it Olive McReynolds and my school
mates are Eff1e Hale, Waunita Bel
veal, Elite Hawkins and Olive Nc.
Reynolds. | live half mile from
school. My studies are reading,
arithmetic, physiology, grammar
geography and spelling. My teachers
name is Selma Howard | like her
very much. My brother goes to
Floris school. My papa takes the
Tri-Weekly Courier and like to read
the letter and stories.
Wishing the Juniors much success,
Yours truly,
Lucy Hale, age 10,
Floris, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
ORPHA MARlE'S FIRST LETTER

Dear Editor:
| thought | would write a letter to
the Courier Junior
l am little girl eight years old. |
live in Missouri. l go to Wallace
school. My teachers name is Miss
Elizabeth Murray. My studies are
fourth reader, arithmetic, geography,
and spelling. We have eighteen
scholars in our school, l go to the
Baptist church and Sabbath school.
The name Of our church is Rising
Sun. We live one mile from church.
We take the Tri-Weekly Courier. |
will close for this time as this is my
first letter to the Courier Junior.
Orpha Marie Baker age s,
r. F. d. No. g Box 7, Stephens
Store, Missouri.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
MY FIRST BoHsLED RIDE.

When l lived in Eldon l went bob
sled riding. It was the first time.
Ny brother got new bob for Christ
We went up the hill and got crowd
Of girls and boys. When we got on
he shouted, "All on back there?' I
fell off, but as I told you before, it
was my first bobsled ride. The sled
went on. but I was left sitting on the
snow. When my brother came up he
said, "Why didn't you stay on. did
you get afraid?" "No, the sled must
have got afraid Of me. 1t went right
on and left me sitting on the ground .
said I. He said, Get up, and come try
again" So ] got up and tried again.
This time I didn't fall off. but went
along with the others, and girl fell
off and sprained her arm, but she
was brave and Went again. We went
out al $50 and stayed until Z O'Clock.
When we got home papa said, "Well,
son. how did it work." oh swell, but
Bonnie fell off and I almost died
laughing. guess she thought the sled
would stop and get. her he said. At
this I was getting mad, and said :
iou uoii L looh SIN, tuluh you
tried to throw ME off, "Oh. mamma.
Ruby fell off and sprained her arm,
but you know how brave she is: she
went and tried it again"
Glow many times did you fall off ?"
she said.
said: "Only once
'"That was pretty good for the first
time. Tomorrow night you will get
to go again.
"Why?"
Because was are going up to
Mrs. Knowles"
ooh, goody! We will get to go to-
morrow night to- said to my broth.
en-
''Will we, mammal"
eyes, we are going to Mrs.
Knowles :"
So We went nearly every night for
two weeks and I never got hurt nor
fell off any more. This was my first
bobsled ride.
Bonnie Sayles. age -.
All Church St,
Ottumwa, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
a 3 I
r F d No. 2, Ottumwa 10.
THANKSGIVING REcoLLEcTloNs


When the winds of bleak No
I vember,
Down the chimney moan and sigh,
Stirring into life each ember.
Till the flames roar fierce and high.
Then my thoughts revert to boy
hood,
When Thanksgiving day drew nigh.
In the flames I see the farmhouse.
And the woodland brown and sere
Where the sportsman's rifle echoed
AS that day Of days drew near.
Scenes which ever shall be cher.
ished,
In the burning logs appear
s I can see the deep old cellar,
Where the apple bins piled high,
Overshadowed heaps Of pumpkins,
Golden as the sunset sky.
And the casks of new fall cider.
Stood along the wall close by.
AS the old-time scenes far fading,
While the fire slowly dies,
Visions of a groaning table,
Are presented to my eys.
And I almost scent the fragrance,
Of the nince and pumpkin pies.
Pauline Graham,
256 N. Mclean ST., Ottumwa, la.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
THE SURPRISE PRIZES.

The contest we announced last week
has proved to be a splendid one and
we will send out the surprise prizes
next week. While the Juniors are
waiting for the story of the Christmas
Stocking club, they can write on one
OF the following subjects, or else write
letters which will entitle them to a
5surprize. prize:
MY Little Playmates."
Joe and His Little Sister, JEAN
3'The Smith Twins
My Dog"
We will still give souvenir albums
to the Juniors when they have % pos
tails from the Courier Junior.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
"WHAT I DID THANKSGIVING, ;

am glad that | can write on the
subject Of What Did THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving day invited two girl
friends Of mine who were motherless
and fatherless to dine with me.
They seemed to be very much de-
lighted over the invitation and prom.
ised to come.
When Thanksgiving day came the
two girls came to my home, and seem
ed to be full of glee.
We sang songs and played the piano
and all Of us had pleasant time.
After singing and playing a while
dinner was called at 2:30 o'clock. The
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
Aged u.
NY FIRST RIDE ON A BoBsLED.

4 e.
The first time I had a ride in a
bobsled l had lots of fun. In the
morning about z o'clock papa went
and hitched up the team and about
half past seven we were ready to
start
There was some straw in the bot
tom of the box and we had nice,
warm laprobe to cover up with. 1t
was long ride out to my uncle's.
Papa and mamma sat in the seat and
my two sisters and my brother and
sat behind.
When we reached my uncle's we
had lots of fun. helped papa unhitch
the team and put them in the barn.
About five o'clock we started for
home. 1t began to snow on the way
nome. hen we reached home we were
very tired.
Charles R. Scholl, age 10.
williamsburg, Iowa
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
A CHILDREN'S PARTY.

One nice summer evening some
children met and had a long talk. They
We're thinking about aoing to little s.
year old Helen Browns house and
surprising here. There were ten little
girls and ten little boys and they were
to go the next evening The next day
was Helent birthday and her mama
ard papa We're going to surprise her.
They invited twenty children to come
and have a good time. The children
went to bed thinking Of the good times
they would have the next evening. So
when the time came to so they all
met at a neighbours house and in about
a half an hour they started to Helen's
house and when they got there. who
should Helen meet at the door but
twenty Of her little school mates. Hell
Ell took them in the parlor. where they
romped and played and had good
time. In a little while Helen's mother
came in with a big pan of pop corn.
When they had eaten their pop corn
they went into the dining room and in
the middle OF the floor stood a big
table with all kinds of good things on
it. Then they took their places at the
table and ate until they could no eat
no more, and after while they got
ready to go home and declared they
had a good time and hoped too again
son.
Naude Skinner,
Agency la r No I
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
THANKSGIVING PLEASURES

The day before Thanksgiving when
I came home from school Mamma
said gGrandmas has sent note in
with grand today telling as to. come
out tomorrow for dinner"
The moment mamma was through
telling me that I went to get my
clothes ready SO as to get an early
start
Thanksgiving was beautiful day.
and the ground was covered with snow
and everything looked pretty.
AS we came into the yard grandma
was at the door waiting for us.
When we went into the house all
my aunts, uncles, and cousins were
there.
Grandma said as soon as you get
warm, dinner will be ready, for
know you are hungry from riding so
far The dinner was the best of all.
There were two big turkeys, vegata-
bles, pies, cakes, nuts and everything
good.
After dinner we children played
games, one of which was. turkey
game. We each took a small turkey
and one at a time was blindbolded and
tried to pin the small turkey on the
large turkey and the one that did got
the prize.
After supper grandpa told us a
story about the Pilgrims and their
first Thanksgiving
When the story was finished we
gave thanks to God for the blessing
of the year. and then went home.
Your friend,
Marguerite Moltet. age II
r II n No 9 Ottumwa Ia
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05

The first Thanksgiving in our coun
try was held by the Pilgrims after
they had harvested their first crop.
They had raised bushels and
bushels of corn, loads and loads OF
pumpkins and many other kinds Of
vegetables
They stored all these carefully fol
use in the long winter. The seeds
for their spriKg planting were labeled
and put in safe places.
The homes were made more com
Portable and I think the winters fue
must have been hauled and cut, ready
for the fire place.
How happy they must have beer
when the autumn work was all done
and they knew they would have
more than enough food to last them
all the long winter. So they were
very thankful and said, LET us take
day or week to thank God fol-
all he has done for u.s..
The Indians were invited to come
on Thursday and the first Thanks
giving was begun.
At the roll Of the drum all the PEG
EAe SeAAiAS eo5SthOA III SlS lUtl
great fire was built out doors to
cook over. A long table was placed
in the open air for the men and when
the breakfact was over the Indians
and the other men sat down and en-.
joyed it.
Then they all went to the church
to thank God and listen to the
Thanksgiving sermon.
After the sermon came the dinner
There were roasts of venison, brown
roasted turkeys, baked oysters
dumplings, cakes, pies and nuts. The
Indians brought bushel of popped
corn. l think the children enjoyed it
very much.
After dinner they had games and
fun and the first Thanksgiving ended.
think we should thank the Pill.
grims for all they have done for us,
and | know the people in our country
will always have Thanksgiving day
to thank God for all He sends us.
Good bye,
Etha G. Leinhauser, age 8
R. f. D. No. 9, Ottumwa, Ia.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
LA RUE LIKES TO READ THE
LETTERS.
Dear Junior:


Dear Junior:
will write letter. / never have
written before. l like TO read the
little letters, and hope to see mine in
print. I am Tri-Weekly Junior. I
have two dolls. Their names are
Helen and Audrie. have two sis
tiers and one brother. Their names
are Vivian, Vey and Van | go to
school. My teachers name is Miss
Creighton. Ny studies are reading,
spelling, geography, writing, drawing
and arithmetic.
Our school had entertainment at
the opera house Tuesday night and l
was in it. 1t was for the benefit Of
the public library. 4 j
La Rue Downing, age 9,
Eldon, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05

I helped with the chores in the morn.
ing. Then papa, mamma, sister and I
went to Uncle Jud s for dinner. Grand.
ma Mullenix was there too
Cousin Wilbur and | played most OF
the day. My cousin has tame tim
Der squirrel. We tried to catch it, but
1t ran up in the trees; would sit on the
limbs and watch us play. 1t is SO cute.
I love the wild animals. I came home
at night, drove the cows home and
when night came thought l had had
a fine Thanksgiving day.
Ray Russell. age IL.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05

little cottage suddenly appeared be
tween the branches of a dense fi"cst.
|, being cold and hungry was think
ing Of the nice hot dinner grandma
would have ready for us, when sud
denly the bobsled struck u stump and
We were all thrown out in the snow.
We all got up, shook the snow from
Cur clothes, and got on, only to ride
a few steps farther to reach our des-
tination, and there found a warm fire
where we were soon made cosy and
ready for a good time.
Edith Shepherd, aga IL.
Ill S. College ST.,
Ottumwa, Iowa,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
WHAT l DID THANKSGIVING

l did not go anywhere Thanksgiving
In the forenoon took care of the baby
while mother got dinner. We had bread
and butter roast chicken. potatoes.
gravy, slaw, pickles. doughnuts, and
the best pumpkin pie you ever saw for
our Thanksgiving dinner. In the after
noon played III the barn with Gypsy
Gypsy is my dog. We couldn't go to
church on account OF whooping cough.
Then / fed the chickens, fed and slop-
ped the pigs, carried in wood and
chips in the evening.
Donovan Hoy,
Ottumwa. Ia, r. No. s.
Aged &
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
lRMAL'S BIRTHDAY PARTY.

Dear Junior:
l will try and write about my birth
day party. I was ! years old the 9th
Of :ast May and my two brother plan
ned a surprise for me. My little cous-
IN Mildred Martin came down and
spent thu tli! with me ana in the v5-
ming al OF ,ny schoolmates came and
brought me presents. There were is
little folks here and We played all
kinds of games out of doors, for it was
Il beautiful RICH. and when we cot
Tired of playing we went in the house
and listened to music on the graph
a"huNr, thtn went out and o,e,yed in
the yard urtil mamma called us in for
lunch of fruit and cake. 1t was quite
quite late and all went home tired
but happy. My mamma gave me a
beautiful ring.
Irmal Darlene Repp.
Melrose, To-, r. r. No. ..
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
SIX RULES FOR THE JUNIORS.

l. Use one side Of the paper only.
2. Write neatly and legibly, using
Ank or sharp pencil.
3. Number your pages.
4. At the bottom Of the last page
write your name, age and address.
5. Always tell whether you you are
a. Daily Junior or Tri-Weekly Junior.
6. Address the envelope to Editor,
Courier Junior, Ottumwa, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05

ing, but did not go soon enough, SO we
did not go. Then we read while and
played games. Next we had dinner
We had a very good dinner. We had
duck. celery. gravy, mashed potatoes
cranberry sauce, tomatoes, bread and
butter, and mince- meat pie.
In the afternoon we cracked some
nuts and played and then 1t was time
Tor me to so home. I went home and
tod mamma and papa l had very
nice time, for certainly did.
Edna Seaberg,
Ottumwa, Ia.
Aged 10
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
AGNES WAS IN A COAL MINE.

Dear Junior:
This is my first time to write to the
Courier Junior. ] am a little girl five
years old, have never gone to school,
but went to Sunday school every sun
DAY before we moved to the country
My papa works in coal mine. One
day l wen down with papa to see him
mine the coal. 1t is as dark as night
IN the mines. Tie men wear little
lamps in the caps SO they can see to
" ork. l have a brother. and his name
is Erwin. He is three years old.
Agnes Higdon.
Pennington, To-, r. No. ?
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
Vera Wants a Doll Buggy,

Dear Santa Claus: How are you,
Santa Claus? l want a really doll
buggy only its hitler. It's brown
I one. don't care what color it is just
30 I get one of them Will you please
get me one. l will be tickled haft to
death if you get 1t for me. You can
/ get them at most any store in Ottum-
iva. So that is all. Goodbye, Santa
fClaus. Don't forget me. From
Vera Smith, years old
R. R. No 15
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05
The Courier Junior
Published by
TINE coURIEr. PRINTING co,
oTTuMWA, IOWA.
MATILDA DEvEREAux.
EDITOR.
Hon Many Juniors
Want to Belong to
the Christnl as
Stocking Club

Dear Juniors: We were forced to
realize today that Christmas was only
three weeks off when we received two
letters for Santa Claus. These were
written by q Junior girl and a Junior
boy, brother and sister. The letters
follow:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-12-05

Wednesday evening was about to
get ready for bed. when one of my
friends telephoned to me and asked
me if I could come to her house on
Thursday and have dinner there. /
turned around and asked mamma and
she said l could.
So on Thursday I went over pretty
early because we wanted to go to
hear MI. Sunday preach in the morn