davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
MY CURIOUS CITY COUSIN
DOROTHY WINKLE.
WatsOnviIle. High Third Grade. Age
1G Years

I have just enjoyed a visit from my
boy cousin. Sheldon. HIS home is at
Los Angeles and mine is in Watson
vile. While Sheldon was here we
had great sport over his queer re-
marks.
Our chief fun was to ~lay in the
barn yard, and out on the hills.
One day we saw a mother goose
with her flock of little gOslings. At
ter watching them for quite While
and waiting TO see how they fed
themselves. Sheldon said, do gOs-
lings suek2" I theugh5 my father
would have a spasm when / told him.
One day when we were in the forest
we heard a COW moo He did not saw
anything then We thought the brook
talked tor-iIs- The birds sang beauti-
fully around US.
He said one day when a cow moOed.
'Oh. dorothy, which. horn did she
blow?" My mother thought at hrst
he knew nothing at all We have
chickens. ducks. turkeys. horses. mules
and ponies. We have a big farm. We
live % miles from town.
We all think little girls and boys
from the city should go 10 the coun-
try occasionally and see a few country
things. and country people.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
AWARDED A WATCH
A VISIT To THE CITY
FERDINAND MosEBACH,
263 Fourth ATeuae. san francisco
RichmOad school, A Fifth Grade
Age IL Years

one day I received a letter from my
cousin, saying that he was coming to
see me. he lives in mining camp in
Towles, New. He had never seen a
city and the things that are in it.
The day he came down was the 29th
Of December. The next day I took him
10 the Presidio. We walked across the
golf grounds into the forest. We
walked through the forest until we
came to an opening in it. We saw a
large field OF flowers and we thought
we would pick Some. As we walked
toward them we We're surprised to see
four guns in q large pit. They were
fixed on platforms so that they could
be raised UP in the air, fired and
descend again. After we had looked
a t the cannon awhile, we started out
TO see some other things. Soon we
came upon some cavalrymen who were
engaged in target practice. They would
ride around in circle and shoot at
cardboard men that were propped up.
Then some troopers who were standing
near. ran up TO see where the shots
had hit. Then they reported to the Of
fcer and he wrote it down in a book.
Then we went home. My cousin had
to so home the next morning. l told
him 10 come again.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
FUNNY QUESTIONS
ELNA BEATRICE HALL.
Olenn. High Fifth Grade. Garcia
school, District. Age IL Years

AIy cousin Mabel lives in. a very
large city and had never been to the
county until last month, when she
came TO see me. and I will tell YOU
some of the funny things she said.
One day We were out picking wild
flowers when we met a sheep. She
asked me, What is that?" and I told
her II was a sheep. Then she said.
What is it for?" said. We set
wool off it TO make clothes
Then we met a cow and she said
rs that a sheep end do you get wool
from it?" I told her it was not
sheep. it was a COW and we got milk
from her. Pretty soon some pigs came
along and she asked, Are those cows
or sheepT Do YOU milk them or do
you shear them >?
I told her that we did neither. that
we sold them to the market and they
made ham and bacon from them. She
thought it was very funny
Another day we went 20 the orchard
TO get some fruit. My father had
planted some watsrmelOns. and when
she saw them she said. Ny thought
watermelOnS grew on trees And
she said she thought peaches grew
on vines and Strawberries grew on
trees. and said funny things enough
to NIL a book
I do not think I am so green when
I go TO the city.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
A VISIT TO THE CITY
EFFTE STAHMER
1922 Point LobOs Avenue. Richmond
School, Fifth Grade. Age IL


About month ago my cousin from
Texas came to see me. She had never
visited this city before. naturally
everything was a novelty to her.
When she arrived from her tiresome
journey I had her rest. A few days
later I showed her about the city.
While we were at the Coliseum rink
| had her put on skates She never
had them on before, so it was quite
a pleasure to her.
A few days later I took her for
stroll through the Presidio. We also
went over to Fort Point, which over
looks the Golden gate.
A crowd of us started out for a trip
to Chinatown This was indeed
very interesting trip. In the evening
we went to the Alcazar theater.
We got UP a crowd to go to the
park The first thing we did was to go
to Stow lake. We hired boat and
had a fine time. After leaving this
place we visited many other interest
ing points.
We took many trips across the bay
She enjoyed going about the university
very much.
The day after this trip she had to
leave us. She was indeed sorry, as
she liked our city very much.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
HOW | ENTERTAINED MY
COUSIN
EVELYN HAMBLY
las Vine Street, San Jose. Horace Mann
school, High Fifth Grade. Age
12 Years


When my cousin came to visit me
thought as l was the hostess I ought
to show her the beauties of San Jose.
The first day was delightful We
went to Saratoga. Our ride over the
Interurban road was a beautiful sight,
as the orchards were dressed in their
best. After we got there we went UP
the road to the springs, where the soda
water is such a refreshing drink. Then
We went in the hills and gathered
ferns. We had such nice time swing
ing over the brook, running races and
playing games.
The second day was spent at Alum
Rock park, with its beds of flowers and
its brook babbling through it We
bought some peanuts from the candy
stand and had lots of fun feeding the
squirrels. We also went to see the
bears, the deer and the monkeys We
enjoyed our ride and had a delightful
day and came home two tired little
girls ready for bed.
The next morning we were up bright
and early at we were to see the schools
and the business part of San Jose.
She seemed pleased with our schools
and Carnegie library and quite sur
prised at our large business section.
On our way to the depot we had to
pass beautiful st. James park and Elsie
insisted on stopping and picking some
daisies. So she went home with a glad
heart and a bunch of daisies to remem-
Der her visit to San Jose.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
COUSIN RUTH'S VISIT TO
THE COUNTRY
STELLA SHOEMAKER.
Ricbmond- Sixtb Grade A-e n

Richmond, sixth Grade, Age II Years
1t was a nice day in May when my
cousin Ruth came to see me. / lived
in the country on a ranch near the
bay. She came for a week She did
not know much about the country, as
she. had always lived in the city She
wanted to see the pigs. horses. cows.
sheep, ducks. geese. chickens. turkeys
and all my pets.
One morning mamma packed our
lunch and we went down to the beach
to wade. There are some nice rocks
that extend out into the bay NV
brother went along and took his fish
ing line. He caught some striped bass
and eathsh. We got some owl shells
off the rocks and built a fort out
of the sand. When the tide came in ii
washed it all away.
The next dag We went out to gather
some berries. While she had often eaten
berries she had never gathered any
before. We came across a gopher snake
and / called my brother and he killed IL.
The next day we went for a stroll
to see the flowers and birds.
On Saturday We played around the
haystack and hunted hens nests.
Sunday we vent to Sunday school
and church in the forenoon. In the
afternoon we read our Sunday school
papers.
On Monday morning she went home.
We had very nice week together
and | hope she will come soon again.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
AWARDED A WATCH
HOW / WILL ENTERTAIN ny
COUSIN FROM MISSOURI
nARGUERITE HAWKINS,
ef6 Fiibert street, Oakland. Cole Gram
mar school, eighth grade. Aae IL


l have just received letter from
my cousin, who lives in small town
in Missouri, saying she intends to
make me visit some time next month.
AS sBe has never been this far west
l am sure she viii enjoy her trip very
much. viewing the beautiful sights
which no other state can equal.
The FIRST DAY we viii spend looking
through the magnificent stores of San
Francisco.
Another day we. shall spend at the
beach wadins and watching the beauti-
ful breakers as they come and go. This,
l an sure, She Will think grand sight.
Another day viii be spent at the
beautiful Golden Gate park enjoying
the lovely Ho~ers and watching the
birds and animals. On o&r way to and
from the park l viii call her attention
10 the many fine buildings which are
being built. and those that are com
pleted, in san Francisco. The trip
across the bay will also be delightful
TO her on the ferry boats.
The fourth and last day we will go
to the university and walk over the
beautiful grounds. We will also go to
the. Greek theater.
am sure if my cousin could stay
longer there are many more beautiful
sights 1 could show her, which we who
have the pleasure of living here never
tire Of.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03

M 7HE. GoeWTBYs

saddled the horse and rode to school
We began at once to play. l called to
Queenie to follow me and so she did.
We ran to where they were building
the new schoolhouse and picked UP all
the knots that had fallen out of the
lumber. We divided them between US
and made believe they were our horses.
Then we made corrals of broken shin
giles and dust to keep our horses in.
Our watering troughs were made out
of shingles and dust with a piece of
paper for water. When we bought or
sold a horse we paid a shake barn and
a corral for a fine one, and for a
common one just barn or lot
And oh what fun we had playing
tree tag We first gathered some
sticks, with one longer than all the
rest We put them into a pile of dust.
Then put our hands in with our eyes
shut and whoever drew out the longest
first was 1t. We then ran to one of the
oak trees. climbed up it and scrambled
about from limb to limb, at last slid
down, ran to another, then to another,
till Queenie caught me or l caught
her
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
MY COUSIN VIOLA'S FIRST
VISIT TO THE COUNTRY
MYRTLE A. EATON,
Point Reyes Station, Marin County,
Black SchoOl. Seventh Grade.
Age Is Years


Ny cousin Viola was visiting me IN
the country for a week and had
planned how / should entertain her.
as II was her first visit to the country
She had never been to dairy or
seen COW milked. so one afternoon
about 4 o'clock we started out 10 visit
a dairy We did not walk far before
we came to a very large dairy When
we got there the men were milking
the cows. This was great sight to
Viola. She gazed amazed and her eyes
grew very large.
Viola and the milkman- were IN a
conversation about cows and she said.
Which cow does the buttermilk come
frOm2"
The man laughed and explained
how the butter was made from the
cream in the milk and that bEtterm1lk
is separated from the butter when the
cream was churned.
1t was growing dark so we came
home. but she couldn't help talking
about the cows all the way. She
thought they were so queer.
Next day we went 10 the ocean and
picked up beautiful shells on the shore
and went in wading. When Viola
first saw the ocean she was frightened
and wouldn't so in the dashing Waves.a
I coaxed her and held her IN She
was so fond Of it she didn't want 70
go home. She said that she would
Ike to live in the country always.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
AWARDED A WATCH
AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
LORETTA MACDONALD,
ssB" Seventh Grade, Mission Grammar
Schnni. Axe II Yenrs

Ny cousin, living in 4 small country
town. had always been anxious to see
san Francisco. the largest city in Cali
fornia. She had induced her mother
to allow her to take me by surprise.
During weeks vacation she popped
in on US: how surprised we were
I wanted her TO see eVerythins. so
when she returned she would have great
tales TO tell her sehoolmates, We spent
one day at the beach and park. Another
day we enjoyed a trip on the ''obserya-
tion car" from which she could see
several sights of interest, among which
were the old Mission Dolores church,
the wrecking OF the city hall. the mint
aRd Preside
The most interesting trip was togthe
new shopping district The beautiful
new stores and the skyscrapers, espe-
cially. the Call building, surprised her
greatly.
Her last evening was spent very
pleasantly. | had invited some friends
to the house and we played games and
afterward had refreshments.
My cousin and 1 thought that her
stay was too short. and she started for
home delighted with all she had seen
ia great city like San Francisco.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
HOW | ENTERTAINED MY
COUSIN
WINNIE O'ROURKE.
721 Fifth Avenue, San Francisco.
Seventh Grade. Richmond school.
Age Is Years

You can just imagine my cousin.
who lives in the mountains and who
riage
She came for a three days visit l
had very much to do IN showing her
one of the seven wonders Of the world.
The first day ] took her on the sight
seeing car, and she saw some of the
most imEortant buildings. The second
day / took her to the park. where we
visited the bears. the museum and the
japanese tea gardens, also Stow lake.
She enjoyed this very much and liked
to feed the bears Her last day 1 took
her TO the beach and she went in wad-
ing. When she got tired of wading
l took her in swimming. In the even
ing / took her to the theater, where
she enjoyed herself very much. She
says she wishes she could live here
forever.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
HOW / ENTERTAINED MY
COUSIN FROM THE CITY :
MAI THOMPSON,
Elmhursf. Fifth Grade. Highland
school. Age II

We were all very glad to see my cou-
sin. Ellen. from the city. She was very.
tired after her long Journey. so we
rode home. where my mother had our
lunch ready for Us.
Then we went down to the lake and
watched the ducks and geese Then
after awhile my brother came down
and took US out rowing. After eur
ride we gathered some wild flowers to
take home with us.
IT was getting late. so we went hone
and fed the chickens and gathered the
eggs. Cousin Ellen thought ii great
fun to hunt the eggs and see the 1ftf1e
chicks run when called chick chick ;.
The next day I invited some OF nv
friends TO so on a picnic We took
our lunch with US and went to fbe
hills We had great fun playing games
and gathering Wild flowers ana ferrs
1t was getting late when we rescb~StS
home, and my cousin was very fireyf
as she was not used to- such trarors ~,
over the hills iiSS
But We We're rested and ready n 90
for ride My cousin, not being 49,
TO horses, was afraid to ride verv fssf
She said she enjoyed her visit verv
much and we were all very sorry vSeo
she had to depart ""en
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
MY COUSIN CLARA FROM
TUCSON
FLORENCE FITZGERALD.
II EuSenfa Avenue. San Francisco.
FairHOunt Grammar school.
Fifth Grade. II Years Old

My cousin Clara from Tucson came
TO pay me a visit. She lives in a
prairie where a few Indians and
negroes live. When she got here she
was surprised TO see what great
city san Francisco is. and what a
great many things her city needed.
The first place that we went was to
Golden Gate park
v daf great fun we had riding the
dor eyst And. OH how good the
era xeriack tasted. Now. I viii tell
you about our next trip.
10 was TO the Preside 70 see the
great and mighty Pacinc. What great
pride I had when she saw the Golden
Gate strait We visit the Preside and
saw such large cannons and guns that
my cousin was afraid and wanted to
SO home.
Next day we went skating. That
was the greatest fun Of all for It was
the first time in her life she had
skated. II was so funny TO think, she
said. that YOU were sliding along ike
a wagon. So at last my dear Cousin
Clara was called to her home in
Tucson.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
MY COUSINS VISIT
sILAs PERDUE,
EIrnira. Age 13 Years

My cousins came to make me a visit
last spring. / live in the country and
they lived in town. They were de-
lighted TO see the lambs and pigs They
also liked to go driving through the
orchards, the blossoms were SO sweet
to smell. One day the sheep shearers
came to shear our sheep and papa said
to my mamma. II must go and drive in
the sheep from the pasture" but did
not go Just then. and when he went out
in the corral, my cousin. only years
old, had gone out and driven the sheep
in the corral (this cousin is a GRID.
She thought it great fun to see the
sheep sheared but she was sorry to
see one cut in shearing which a great
many were.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
A VISIT IN THE COUNTRY
ER1IA PEDRANTI.
Olema. Garcia District Sck0OI. Low
Fifth. Age 10 Years

One day I asked my cousin. who was
down to the city To come and visit me-.
told her that I would give a little
entertainment Friday afternoon. and
would have ice cream. cakes. pies.
cookies. sandwiches and other things.
and would play games. In the morn
ing she came Up on the 40 clock
train and stayed with us TIL the en-
tertainment began.
When the entertainment ended we
went for a walk up the mountain. On
the way We saw beautiful views We
saw the ships sailing cut on the ocean
and birds flying UP in the air. When
we were going home we found many
pretty things. .....-
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03

in the country. Last sunday he came
to see me, and he brought two boxes OF
candy from the city He asked me on
what day my birthday comes. 1 told
him that it comes on the 1st of March.
He told me what he would give me
when 1T came. The day it was my
birthday I invited a few of my friends
and my brothers to come to my party
at home. My cousin stayed one week
at my house, and during his stay he
saw number of things he had never
seen before Before he came he had
never seen dairy, so he was interested
in all the work around ours. He spent
ing, making butter and taking care Of
the animals.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
MY CITY COUSIN
EARL PEPPIN,

Nina Street, Fftchburg, Lockwood
School, Seventh Grade. Age IL Years.
When my cousin comes to the coun-
try out here have about five things to
show him.
The first is the arbor of sweet peas
that made. In summer it is beautiful.
II is just mass of flowers, with sun
flowers planted around 1t for fence
5 cents bunch
The next is the creek. It is Just deep
enough for US to wade in up to our
knees After We got tired wading we
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
HOW | ENTERTAINED MY
COUSIN
REDMOND CoCHRANE.
Menlo Park. sixth 6rade. MEMO Park
Public school. Age ~ Years

My cousin lives in San Francisco.
and last summer he came down to visit
me for a week. When ne arrived
was as happy as a lark. His name is
John.
The day after his arrival I rented
two rifles, and We went hunting in the
foothills. I killed a rabbit and few
birds, while he shot a few birds and
two squirrels. When We reached home
we cleaned our game for supper.
The next day | took a couple Of fish
ing rods and we went to the bay. Ny
mother fixed US up a good lunch. We
caught 10 fish between us.
The rest of his visit we went swim
ming played games. played baseball
and many other sports.
When he went home he wrote to me
and said that he was very lonesome
and he wished he was back again.
hope he comes down next summer
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
A VISIT FROM MY COUSIN
BYRON NANKERvIs,
Fort Barry. Age ID Years

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of
my dear cousin, Hilary, from Texas. AS
It is lonesome out here he will be glad
lyTeceived. I am sure he will enjoy his
visit, as he has never been to the coast.
After resting after his journey 1 shall
show him some of the wonderful sights
we shall go to see the large batteries
that defend the bay. Later | will take
Fin to Point Bonita to see the large
fog horn there. When tired of this we
can sit up near the point and watch tho
coming and going of the boats. We will
take walks to the beach and while there
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
April g. laoe-The

can go on the bank and pick blackher-
ries.
The next is going to the hills to pick
wild fiowers. There are poppies, daisies
and buttercups
The next is going to the gravel
quarry We can watch the men work,
and maybe ride in the cars that they
haul the gravel in
The next is going to the canal to fish.
We can hire a boat and have row
after we eat our lunch and fish.
/ think he will like the country after
he goes home, for he says ne likes the
city best
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
PROMISED VISIT FROM
MY SAN JOSE FRIEND
META BROG,
Redwood City Public School. seventh
Grade. Age 10 Years


Grade. Age 10 Years
Imagine my delight when l received
letter from a friend Of mine living at
San Jose saying she was going to pay
me a visit. She and I both have a vaca-
tion next month l always look for
ward to q vacation a having a good
time OF course, / have made plans
When she comes | am going to the
depot with my wheel for her; / will
ride my brothers, as we live over a
mile out of town. We will have q chat
on our way home, as I haven't seen her
for a long time.
When we reach home my mother will
have q party ready. After we can go
out and see my brother milk our COW
She can have a drink of warm milk
In the evening we shall take milk to
town
The next day we will rest.
One day while she is here we are go
ing to Woodside on a picnic.
We are going to Wellesley park for
maidenhair.
have made other plans. but it would
take too many words to tell of the good
time I expect to give my friend.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
JUNIOR STORIES AND PRIZE WINNERS

the fourth of July she said. No. :,
She has lived close 10 the ocean AZ
her life. so in crossing the Atldntlc
she didn't get seasiek-
As my father owns quite a number
of horses and I have two pet ponies,
we go riding almost every day.
Although studious she is fond or
outdoors We are both fond of tennis
and I shall buy another ball and net
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03

hunt for shells and gather carnelians. In
the cool of the evenings we can take
long boat rides on the lake just below
our house. This will all be new to him.
Together we will pitch my tent, gather
wild flowers and go hunting with my
% caliber rife When he leaves for
home | Will accompany him as far as
San Francisco, pointing out the differ
ent places of interest On his return
home he can tell his friends of the
pleasant time he has had
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
MABEL's VISIT
NORMA HALL,
ema. Third Grade, Garcia school.
Age II HeRrs

Age II Years
Ny cousin. Mabel was here to see
me last week. She did not know much
about the country because she lived
in the city. We were out to walk in
the field one day and we saw cow
When she saw it she asked me If it
was a horse. / told her II was a cow.
We. walked q little way and we saw
a sheep. She then asked me if 1t was
a COW. ]. told her. it was a. sheep. We
went up in the woods 70 have a picnic
the next day: While we were out we
she asked me if il was a sheep. When
she asked me- I had to laugh She
did not know much about the flowers
either. She could not. tell the differ
ence between buttercups and spring
beauties or wild csrrant and baby
blue eyes.
When | told my friends about her
they all laughed.
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03

sunts and uncles gathered about the
big tree. Grandpa certainty acted the
part Of Santa Claus well. There was
could form such a cozy circle about it,
listening TO Uncle Johns ghost stories
while the chestnuts sputtered on the
fire. Here in California our Christmas
is different and next year l hope you
viii be with me and see a California
Christmas With love to all the folks.
Your Cousin. P. O. NJ"
The San Francisco call., 1909-04-03
A VISIT FROM ADELINE
sunnyside. Santa Clara County. Eighth
Grade. Age II Years
: GLADYS RUDD,

Grade. Age Il Years
Adeline is my English cousin. She
has come out to visit me for a week
During this time we will have fine
fun. She Is going to teach me her
English games and shall teach her
our American ones.
Yesterday I took her to a picnic in
the Santa Cruz mountains. She has
never seen a California wild flower.
so as this is the beginning of the pop
py season. she will be able to tell all
about some Of the strange things she
saw here when she goes home.
When / asked her If she knew about