davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
Paula's Medal

BY Bertha McEvoy. Aged 10. Missouri
Valley, Ia, r. f. d. No. 3, Box Is. Blue
Side.
Eva was the daughter of very rich
parents and had everything her heart could
wish for. Just across the street lived
Paula Larsen, who was very poor, but was
very beautiful, while Eva was very ugly.
They both attended the same school and
were in the same class. Paula was much
brighter than Eva, and Eva should nave
stayed In after school, but she never would,
though her teacher had tried many ways
10 make her. One day they were going to
have a test in music. Paula did not have
any plano at home to take lessons on,
while Eva had one and had taken lessons
for several years. All Faula knew about
music was what her teacher taught her.
Eva was sure she would get 1t, and she
told Paula there was no use for her to try,
as she was COINS to get the medal, but
Paula studied hard. At last the day came.
The professor came to give out the ques-
lions. At first they were easy and Eva
answered hers all correctly till the last
one, she could not get. But Paula an
swered 1t correctly. How glad she felt
when the professor gave her the gold
medal. Eva felt very sorry, because she
had planned to get a gold watch If she got
the medal. But now her papa would not
get her the watch. After that she never
boosted on getting the prizes.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
a Dream
BY Cecile Garmire. Aged II Years. Grand
Island, Neb. Red Side.

BY Cecile Garmire, Aged IL Years, Grand
Island, Neb. Red Side.
It was a warm day in April, and l was
sitting at the window watching my mother
get dinner. AS l was looking at the little
rose plant on the window something
Jumped from one of the roseouds' l
watched It and saw that 1t turned around
three times, and then turned into a little
man, who had beautiful long hair.
As l was watching him he came closer
and closer, until he was right at my SIDE
saying. Little girl, 1 will grant my wish
for you IL you will cut all my long hair
off"
I said, IT would not do that" He said
that II 1 di1 not he would turn me into
some dreadful beast and that I would
never be a little girl again, so l told him to
sit down, that I would get the scissors and
cut his hair off.
Just as l was starting to cut the hair off
I felt someone touching me on the arm
telling me that dinner was ready.
I woke UP and found that l had been
dreaming. I told my parents about my
dream and was glad 1t did not come true.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
The End of Poor JACK

By Marguerite Riley, Aged . Years. $3.50
Vinton Street, Omaha, Red Side.
Jack was my donkey, | would have you
know, and a very good. accommodating
donkey he was-much more so than any
live donkey was ever known 10 be. He was
all ready to bob his head II you gave him
the least shake, and at the slightest pull
OF a string he would roll along the floor
In any direction you wished.
So 1t was that he was q great ~favorite
in the nursery, and often took Pinky
White, Mabel's rag doll, on his back.
Frank was also fond Of Jack, and today,
in a ut of wlllfulness he declared that the
donkey was his exclusive property, and
that Mabel had no right TO him.
IT only want to let Pinkey White have
a little ride. then you can have your cir
Gus said his sister.
Blu you shan't have him; I want him
myself replied the angry boy, land I'll
drown him In the washtub II you don't let
Co." he added defiantly, as the new idea
caught his fancy.
AT this Mabel caught poor Jack by his
neck and held him with all her strength
to save him from what seemed to her a
very cruel fate, while Frank chung with
equal force to the tail, which he CHANGED
to clutch first
As the donkey's frame was not of the
toughest materials, he at last yielded to
this savage treatment, while ut the same
time Frank got a hard bump on the back
OF his head, and that was the end OF poor
Jack.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
Love One Another

BY Hazel Mounts. Aged "a Years, 1924
Locust Street, Omaha Red Side.
Harry had been laying on the lounge for
three weeks, for he had broken his leg. It
is very hard for a little boy to keep quiet
all day, but It gives him a very good
chance to show a patient and sweet
tempered spirit.
Harry's mother and friends read to him
and told him stories. They brought him
pictures and flowers and fruit. What
have you got for me?" he asked one day.
in a fretful voice. His mother showed him
something in q little box What are
they?' asked Harry.
Easter eggs, dear. Sec how lovely they
are. They are for you and your little
sister" said his mother. IT will let you
have your choice, because you nave to keep
still. Which do you like best?"
81 want them ALL" said Harry, putting
UP his lip.
Don't you want Jessie to have any7'
asked his mother.
"No-o-o," whined Harry.
See said his mother. taking up an
egg. The Lord has made very beautiful
for little children, and He wishes them to
love one another"
"Ill give Jessie two" said Harry, "nnd
I'll have four"
VERY we'll" said mamma, (which will
you take" She felt sorry to see him take
pains to pick out the p%rettiest for himelf,
leaving what he thought the dullest and
plainest for Jessie.
Next morning a CHEEKY voice cried, GOOD
morning, brother" and Jessie's two arms
went around his neck as she gave him a
loving kiss. See" she said, mamma has
given me two Easter eggs. Til give you
the p~rettiest one, because you are c
Oh, how ashamed Harry felt as his little
sister offered him the p~rettiest egg.
"Or I will give You both. Mamma says
this is Easter Sunday, when Christ rose
from the dead to show people the way to
heaven. He loves little children and wants
them to love one another
"Oh, Jessie" said Harry, "Ill take your
eggs, but I'll give you mine, every one"
His gentle-hearted sister taught him a
lesson,
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
The First Day of May

BY Helen Cross, Aged II Years, 22 Front
Street, North Platte, Neb. Blue SIDE.
In Custer county, out in the country,
stood a little old school house. There were
several houses. about fifteen, that were
only about ninety-nine rods from the
school house. 1t was not a village, for
there were not any stores.
There was great excitement in every
home, especially among the boys and girls.
They were all making plans for the LIST Of
May. There were many buggies and
wagons, going to the village nearby, with
little girls and boys in them. When they
came back each one had a bundle which
contained all colors of pretty paper, from
which they were going to make baskets.
The first day OF May soon arrived, and
there were many mamma going along the
streets, but no little girls and boys. The
boys and girls had made up a play. Who
ever they wanted to send a basket to
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
How the Garden Was Spoiled

BY Anna Mounts, Aged 10 Years, 1924
Lake Street, Omaha. Red Side.
It was morning and Roger was ready
for school,, when his mother, seeing him
leaving the room, said: shut the gate,
Roger" Eyes, mother" and Roger swung
his books over his shoulder and ran down
the garden walk whistling.
An hour later mother came again 10
the front OF the house, and, looking out
Of the parlor window, what do you think
she saw9 A sorry sight, indeed. Her
whistllng, careless, lovlng-hesrted boy had
left the garden gate open and a lock Of
sheep had got into her pretty. well-kept
garden and were feasting On The
Keraniums and other plants,
Here, Sallie, come quickly and help
me drive these creatures outV' Sallie
came at once and, running down 10 the
gate, met the owner of the sheep. He
had left the sheep in the road while he
stopped In Farmer Ratcliffe's with a let
ter. They kept me waiting for an an
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
The Contented Man
BY Margaret Kelly. Aged IL Years, Excite
Neb. Blue Side.

BY Margaret Kelly. Aged IL Years, Exeter,
Neb. Blue Side.
A poor laborer, named Robert, was going
home after a hard days work, with a bas-
ket In his hand. What a fine supper I
shall have" said he to himself. This piece
OF meat l shall stew, the broth l shall
thicken with my meal and season with
salt and pepper. With my onions nicely
sliced, 1t will make a dish fit for a king.
Then l have q piece of barley bread at
home to finish up with. How l long to be
at Ill" At that moment he heard a noise
at the roadside. Looking UP, he saw q
squirrel run up a tree and creep into a
hole among the branches. "Ho!" thought
he. what a nice present a nest of young
squirrels would be for my sick neighbor.
I'll see II l can get them" So he put down
his basket and began to climb the tree.
He was about half way UT, when, looking
back, he saw a dog with his nose in the
basket. Robert slipped down as nimbly as
he could, but he was not quick enough.
The dog ran away with the meat in his
mouth. WELL" said Robert. II must be
contented with the onion soup, which is not
bad after ALL" Walking on he saw a little
public house by the roadside. Here a friend
of his was sitting on the bench. Robert
put down MS basket ana look q seat DeblQo
his friend. A tame crow that was kept at
the house came slyly behind him, and hop
ping upon the basket, he stole the bag OF
meal and went off with 1t. Robert did not
miss the meal until he had gone some dis
lance. He went back and searched for the
bag, but could not find II. well" said
he, my soup will be thinner for want OF
meal, but l will put a little bread In it and
that will answer very we'll" He went on
and soon came to a little brook over which
a narrow plank was laid. A young woman
stood looking at the plank. She wished to
cross, but was afraid. Robert kindly helped
her by giving her his hand. On reaching
the middle OF the plank she cried out that
she was falling. He tried to support her
and on doing so he dropped the basket Into
the stream. AS soon as she was safely
across he Jumped into the brook and got
It. When he came ashore he found the salt
was all melted. The pepper was washed
away, too. Nothing was now left but the
onions. Last night he had bread. tonight
he had onions and bread, so he trudged on
singing as before. Contentment is better
than riches.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09

they were off. But they had not gone far
when an Indian came along dragging a
boy behind him..
stop" said Mr.. Brown aiming his rifle
at the Indian, where did you get that
boy" The Indian explained that 1t was
not his fault for his chief made him kidnap
the boy from some teonlo named Brown.
The pale faced man and wife looked at
each other in establishment. Could II be
their Robert? There was no other Browns
in the settlement, so why not?
All this time the boy lay unconcious. But
now he came to, ard catching sight Of his
parents faces, he cried out: Mamma,
papa; don't you know me?'
MY darling child" said both parents
together, where have you been these two
long years?
But Robert was too happy to answer.
SO Mr.. Brown dismissed the Indian and
they went home the happiest family in the
settlement.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09

home, IL not a fine one. And 1t was the
loss of love more than the loss Of home
that grieved the little orphan so cruelty.
Down poured the rain, the wind carry
ing 1t into every corner about the great
show window, and Pietro, trying in vain
TO shrink into the protecting angle, be-
came drenched to the skin. His tears
mingled with the rain on his cheeks and
rain dropped from the fingers Of his little
hand which was extended for aims; but
the hurrying people did not pause to drop
pennies into the open hand which was held
out so pityingly. They were anxious to
seek the shelter Of their comfortable
homes and did not bother themselves about
beggars when the rain poured down.
AS the evening drew near the rain in
creased and only one penny had little
Pietro for the evening meal. to say nothing
about the need OF a few cents to pay for
shelter in some cheap inn. What should
he do? He glanced up and as he did so
beheld a great umbrella unfold over his
head. This astonished him very much and
he was a bit afraid at first, as there was
no visible person holding the umbrella.
Take this umbrella, child" said a low,
gentle voice, "and walk to the outskirts of
the city. By following this street to the
west you'll soon leave the busy thorough
fares behind and find yourself in a beauti-
full suburb. I need give you no other in
structions, for you will find your way as
I wish you to. / am a fairy speaking-a
Rain Fairy-and it is my duty to look
after the little helpless children in this
city as far as / can do so. Today l have
heard q cry from one of the finest homes
in this country, a cry from a heavy hearted
couple who have lost their only child. You
can take that child's place in their hearts.
Turn to the right and follow this street,
keeping this umbrella over your head"
"But-but-where shall 1 stop?" asked
Pietro, much amazed that he should have
heard a real fairy talking. But to his dis
appointment there was no reply 10 his
question. Again and again he asked for
more explicit directions, but not another
word did the invisible fairy say.
IT guess she's flown away" unused Pie
tro. We'll, l a the umbrella, and TIL
walk towards the west. The fairy said
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
Honorable Mention.)
The Lost Bow

By Marguerite Ludwig, Aged u Years, 26l1
Pierce Street. Omaha. Red Side.
Mr.. and Mrs. Brown had mourned for
two years over their kidnapped boy, Robert.
The Browns were early settlers and they
had not lived there but a few months when
the Indians carried off their only child.
But this sorrow gradually grew old and
worn. and one morning Mr.. Brown said
10 his wife, "Dearie, I am going hunting
and l suppose you will not want to stay
here alone, so IL you wish I will take you
to Rernvelle's and you can stay there until
I return for you"
A right" said Mrs. Brown cheerfully.
Mr.. Brown picked up his rifle and soon
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09

why are you out in all this terrible rain ."
Involuntary Pietro turned In through
the great iron gate, which opened of itself
as he approached IT, Then to the house he
walked, going In at the massive hall door,
steps. And into the very room where the
lovely lady sat he walked. for some one
seemed to lead him there.
The lady was standing, as II expecting
him, with hands extended. WHY, child,
who are you-and where did You come
from?' she asked in breathless wonder.
II saw the great Sate-which is always
barred from within-open Ia admit you,
though no hand drew back the bolts. 1
heard the hall door. always securely
locked, open to admit you. though no
servant was there 10 undo the bolt. And
how strangely your little face appeals to
me! II resembles the dear face OF my own
son who lust died three weeks ago, and
for whom I mourn. And my husband is III
OF his grief over our loss and nothing can
comfort him"
While the lad spoke the door at the
rear OF the beautiful room opened and a
stately but kind-faced gentleman entered,
His face wore the signs OF recent grief.
but as he glanced at Pietro a smile Of JOY
III up his eyes. How like our own darl,
ing this little boy looks! Who Is heP'
Then Pietro told everything he knew about
himself, ending with the strange visit o.
the fairy to him, and of her giving him
the umbrella, which, by some strange
charce, had eft h'u az the door.
"Ah, then he has come to occupy IN,
place in our hearts made vacant by tht
death of our boy" cried the lady and gen.
tleman, and they took Pietro 10 thcil
hearts, saying that he was to be theil
"fairy-sent SON" And Pietro that da,
found a happy home and loving foster
parents
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
Baby's First Easter

BY Philip Philbin, Aged 10. fB North
Thirty-first, Avenue, Omaha. Red side.
Once upon a time there was a little baby
named Ruth. Or Easter morn mother told
the boys to look for some eggs. Out they
went into the chicken house and Ruth ran
after them. Tom was the first to find any.
Baby found a little red one and showed it
to the boys. Shouts went up and mamma
and papa came 70 see was the mat
ter.
When they got in the house a little friend
was waiting for them. She brought a pic
ture of some rabbits and eggs. The picture
was hung on the wall. Ruth has now
learned to say rabbit.
Whenever any one comes to the house
Ruth takes them and shows them the pic
ture and says See the rabbit" or That's
my rabbit"
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09

~-l@NANY hundreds Of years ago there
AA lived in a great city a poor lit
lVI tie beggar by the name of
h@98RzxszG Pietro. He was an orphan. and
hESSGXY had not a friend In the world
&GeS 10 care for him. After his
.--..,. 4nd father died (they had been
poor market gardeners In the country
Petro could not stay on at the little rented
garden. for the old landlord had said that
he could not keep a pauper about his
place and that Pietro must look out for a
day the poor, heavy hearted little Pietro
wandered TO the city, five miles distant
from his former home.
Once In the vast city. where people took
no notice of him, the child might have
died of hunger had he not bethought him
TO Deg for aims, He had heard how the
poor begged for their daily bread in the
great heartless city and decided to try
living that way till he could find some
work. So he found a shadowy &C -ner in
one of the biggest streets where he might
stand in the angle of an Immense show
window and hold out his little hand for
aims.
But after weeks of this sort OF precarious
living Pietro became much discouraged, for
he hated begging and longed to do some
thing to help himself-to earn an honest
living, as he put 1t, for he could not think
OF living on food which was not earned
by work. Both by nature and training
he was industrious and honest, and asking
for aims from the casual passerby humil-
lated him deeply and caused the blush of
shame 10 dye his cheek whenever q penny
was dropped into his palm. But what could
he do? He spent hours and hours each day
hunting for work, and every employer TO
whom he applied would shake his head and
say: You're too small. lad. We must
have those of experience. Why, you're
such a little chap that 1t would seem like
putting a baby to work"
And so Pietro became deeply discouraged,
and one very windy and rainy day stood,
tears triekling down his face, in the cor
ner behind the great show window, hold
ing out his thin hand for aims. He was
very, very tired and hungry and he was
heartslck from grief over the loss Of his
dear parents. who. though they had beer
very poor. had always given him a loving
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
Disobedience
By Rose Kennedy, Aged II Years, Elsvent
Street, Third corso, Nebraska City,
Neb. Red Side.

by Rose kennedy, AGED IL Tears, Eleventh
Street, Third corso, Nebraska City,
Neb. Red Side.
Dorothy was a little girl and did not
obey her mother. She would not play with
any poor children at all. which made her
mother feel very badly.
One day Dorothy asked her mother If
she could go pver to her friend Mary's to
play. 1t was a snowy day and she did not
want Dorothy to go, but she told her If
she would stay in the house. she could
go for a while. Dorothy promised she
would stay in the house, and SO started
off. When she reached Mary's she went
into the house and they played a while.
Then Mary asked her TO go outside and
Dorothy said her mother told her to stay
in the house, but at last she went out any
way, and they played till 1t was time to
go home,
When Dorothy reached home she ate a
very hearty supper. She went to bed right
after supper, because she felt sick, but
would not tell her mother.
The next morning she was very sick and
had TO have the doctor.
She was in bed for two weeks, and after
that never disobeyed her mother again.
This was her motto, which she always
kept, Always obey your mother"
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
A Lesson

BY Esther Hopping. Aged u Years, Shelby.
la. Blue Side.
One time there was a girl named Evanda
Brown, who had just moved into the coun-
try, And she started to a school called
the Boston school.
Now, at the Boston school was a girl
called Mona Jones, She had been a leader
at the school. and whatever she did the
other children did so too. But when
Evanda Brown zane the girls all liked her
better than Mona and played with her in
stead.
This made Mona angry, and she saiI to
herself: II viii fix that Evanda Brown;
you see II l don't"
So on Friday evening she stajd after
school and when the teacher had rome she
fixed a kind Of tran OF boards 50 that on
Mondsy morning wanda would fall over
Il and hurt herself.
But on Monday morning Nomn had for
gotten about 1t. and she ran acroA the
yard and fell upon 1t and broke her arm
This Taught her a l~esson-never to do spite.
full things again.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
The Picnic

BY Helen Morris. Aged 9 Years, McCool
Junction, Neb. Blue Side.
There once lived in Que of our eastern
cities, two children named Robert and May.
Robert was 10 years old and May was l..
They were very happy children. Near their
home was a little brook. They often went
there with their mother TO hunt flowers
and wade in the little brook.
This was In the summer time. one very
nice day. when Robert asked his mother
II he could pick violets near the brook.
NO" said his mother, but II you wait
We will all go this Afternoon; run out and
play with sister"
So Robert ran out and played with his
sister.
In a short time their mother called them
TO dinner, After they had eaten a good
meal their mother said: III you children
will be good and help me with the dishes
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09

ting under this umbrella III soon be very
comfortable" And. smiling with pleasure
and anticipation, little Pistro walked down
the long street very rapidly.
And pretty soon he found himself in the
outskirts of the city, the street becoming
wider and better kept. A fine row OF great
trees shaded the pavement on either side,
and the houses were large and far apart,
being set in broad. well kept rouad Here
and there Pietro could see happy faces OF
children looking out from the lace-draped
windows, smiling at the rain. And again
he would catch a glimpse OF older faces,
more serious, but happy.
Then OF a sudden Pietro paused. There
at a window-in one OF the most magnifi-
cent OF houses-sat a lovely woman, but
her face was so sad, so sad. She was look
ing right towards Pietro. and a question
seemed 70 be in her eyes, She seemed to
he saying; who are you, little lad, and
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
Nutting
By Alberta Clubhouse, Aged 10 Years, Loup
City, Neb. Blue Side.

BY Alberta Clubhouse, Aged 10 Years, Loup
City, Neb. Blue Side.
One summer l went to my friend. She
lived near a wood and in the afternoon we
went to find nuts, The squirrels were gath
ering a store Of nuts for winter. We each
had quart baskets. We took our lunch
along and there were lots Of wild straw
berries, and after we had the nuts picked
up that we wanted we put them In a
trunk of a tree. Then we went off to
gather strawberries for our lunch. We
gathered about a cupful, then went back
TO a stream nearby. We had sandwiches
and cake, fruit salad and wild strawberries.
After lunch my friend, June. said We had
better go home. We went to get our nuts.
and we wondered who had taken them
away. We climbed the tree and found the
nuts. Probably a squirrel took them away.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09

swer nnh l suppose the beasts strayed
o1; but excuse ne mn'an. Won should
keep your gate shut Roger was muoli
~astnnished when he came homo 10 see
all the trim beds trsmpled over and the
flowers destroyed.
"whatever has happened, motherT' no
cried. Somebody left the gate OPEN"
said mother, and a flock OF sheep camo
in" Oh, how sorry Roger feltl He
knew the latch had not caught when he
closed II, but what did Il matter? 1t
would be such a bother TO turn back.
And now the cottage garden was laid
waste. all through his carelessness. II
taught Roger, though, q lesson that he
never forgot.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-09
Where I Found My Kittens

BY Lois Woods, Aged 5 Years. Blue SIDE.
As I was playing in the barn l found a
nest Of kittens among the hay. There were
eight OF them. I went into the house and
told mamma. AS soon as they could see l
tried to make them eat. ! tried a spoon
but they spilled the milk. One day went
out to see them. My papa had left a pail
Of milk in the barn and my white kitten
was playing by the pail. I went up in the
haymow and when 1 came back my white
kitten was in the pail of milk. l took her
in the house and dried her fur, then 1 put
her in the barn.