davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

way. for she had been a customer of his
for many months.
Then out OF the market Joe flew, stop
ping at the florists shop long enough to
buy one big red rose, for he had 10 cents
left for that. And there he fingered a few
minutes, waiting till he should see the
basket of Thanksgiving goodies delivered
at Mrs. Bakers doors. And he did not
nave to wait long. for presently a boy
carrying the basket hurried to the house
Joe was watching and disappeared up the
stairway. And Joe, running 20 the open
hall door heard Mrs. Bakers voice saying:
Yes, l am Mrs. Baker" And then he saw
the boy place the basket at the door and
run down the stairs.
With a beating heart and the sense OF
having made others happy, Joe ran on to
his home to relate TO his proud mother all
that he had done. Any you may be sure
that the absence Of flowers and fruit from
the Thanksgiving table the next day was
not regretted, and Joe's mother gave thanks
not only for the good dinner, the happy
little ones about her. but for the kind.
generous son who had shown to her by his
own acts OF charity that he was better
than gold"
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
(First Prize.)
The Frolics Of Winter
By Helen Johnson, Aged IA Years, {
South Seventeenth Street, Lincoln,
Neb. Blue Side.

By Helen Johnson, Aged IA Years, 1894
South Seventeenth Street, Lincoln,
Neb. Blue Side.
The sky, which Is always so pleasant to
look at with its dainty tints Of color, was
disagreeable and dark looking for the
work Of winter had begun.
The tree branches were brown and bare,
and they looked as If they were holding
out their arms to receive their best
best f~rierf.s, the birds and spring.
The soft downy flakes of snow were
fast covering the ground, trees and dead
flowers. Although winter is gloomy, It
makes beautiful scenery. The trees were
covered with snow, and whenever the
wind blew it sent a shower OF snow down
upon the laughing squirrels, who had
gotten ahead of winter. and had a fine
supply of nuts. Clear across the hills in
the far distance, nothing could be seen
but winters blanket. Little mounds of
snow formed a head-tomb for the grass
and dead flowers that had died long ago,
until Miss Spring should step in and take
care Of them.
At night, when the moon rose hig in
the heavens, it sent a rich glow over the
white ground, and the snow dazzled like
so many diamonds.
often when winter would chat with his
little helper, Jack Frost, he would say:
81 think 1 can get ahead of autumn" and
away he would fly, over hills, valleys,
dales and meadows, to let them know he
had come with his ice and cold.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
Joe's Thanksgiving Surprise

the room and its occupants. The apart
ment was poorly furnished and cold, the
meager fire in the cooking stove being
almost burnt out. Beside the dying fire
sat an old woman wrapped in a ~threadbare
shawl, sewing on some bit Of cloth. IN
the middle OF the room two little girls
played on the floor with paper dolls. They
stopped their play as Joe entered and
looked at him questioningly. After a few
moments the woman returned and handed
Joe the penny he was waiting for. AS he
pocketed the coin he said, by way Of
being friendly: II reckon you are
making big preparations for Thanks
giving day. We are at our house. We've
got a big turkey"
NO" replied the woman, with a faint
smile. Dur Thanksgiving will be passed
as all our days are passed; but Wen be
thankful that we are. all toGether-mother,
my two little ones and l."
Joe stood irresolute for a moment; then
whirled about and said Good night" and
was down the stairs and off toward his
own home. But so busy was he thinking
that he did not whistle as ne ran along.
Another plan was now forming in his
mind, and II kept his thoughts all evening,
even after he had clawled into his warm
little bed beside his chubby brother Jimmy.
The next evening after school Joe was
again busily selling papers, and as soon as
he had disposed Of the pack he ran to a
French market and bought a dressed
chicken, some potatoes, a pint Of cram
berries, some fruit and nuts. 1t took nearly
all the money he had, but he was glad to
be able to buy so many good things to eat.
When all were put into a basket the sales
man asked where he should send the pro-
visions. Joe gave the number of the house
where the woman who had called to him
from the second-story window lived. And
take the basket to the front room on the
second landing, and ask for Mrs. Baker"
Joe had learned the woman's name in some
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

~
81 the singing cold with the
SSAA pleasant anticipation OF a warm
&SSSt$d rreside a good supper and
12aaASHS the welcoming smile OF hts
fond mother. He had sold so many more
papers that morning than usual, and as
his rough little hand tingled the dimes in
his pocket his face beamed with a de-
lighted smile al certain plans formed them
selves in his mind.
Joe's mother was making great prepaTa-
lions for their Thanksgiving dinner, an
event which would take place in two days,
and Joe had planned a little surprise for
her. He knew that the turkey-a fine, fat
fellow-wRs plucked and dressed for the
roasting, He knew that all the toothsome
accomplishments to complete a turkey
dinner were supplied. and in the kitchen
cupboard. He knew there was plenty of
coal In the cellar and that the house would
be coy and fun Of good cheer. He knew
that his mother had her best dress-a black
silk that had done such splendid service
for so many years-brightened up by a bit
Of white lace at throat and wrists, He
knew his little sisters and brother were
provided with good, warm shoes and
clothes for the winter and that the family
were fairly well off In the matter Of simple
home comforts. But one thing he remem-
bered having heard his mother say on the
previous Thanksgiving day, "Oh, that we
might afford a pretty boquet for the din
ner table, But 1 annot buy flowers, so
we shall have 10 do without them. Maybe
we can get some for next Thanksgiving
day"
And here was next Thanksgiving day
already, and everything save the flowers
had been provided for the table. And that
was the reason Joe smiled and planned,
and planned ana smiled. He intended
purchasing a fine boquet with which TO
adorn the table on the festive occasion.
And beside the flowers Joe meant to get a
fine basket Of fruit Would not his mother
be pleased when he should walk into the
snug dining room carrying a tissue paper
parcel containing dollhouse rlowers) and a
basket Of fragrant fruit,
Just as Joe was thus msditating he
heard a voice calling to him from the win
dow Of an old house nearby. Looking
round no saw a woman leaning from a
seoond-story window, reckoning to him.
Have you a paper for me tonight, little
boyT'
'Yes'm," replied Joe, holding up the only
paper he had left.
"Wul you please bring II up to ms9"
came the request from the woman.
She usually ZANE to the door OF an even
ing and bought a paper from Joe as he
passed on his rounds down the street But
Joe was most o~bliging. and went to the
halldoor, pushed IL open and ran up the
rickety stairs. He entered a dingy room,
In response to the woman's Come in
The woman was fixing q window shade
which had fallen. hut atobned har ,yorlr a
say Good evening, little man. You are
good 60 come up here for the sale OF one
paper." Then she vent into an adjoining
room TO get a penny for joe This short
delay eve him an opportunity 70 study
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
The First Snow

BY Rena N. Mead, Ex-Queen, Aged u
Years. Blair, Neb. Blue Side.
The snow had begun in the cleaning.
And busily all the night
Had been heaplng field and highway
~-Longfellow,
Of the neighboring town were filled. Tho
main street ran clear through town and
out about half a mile was a long, gradual
slope that swelled into a high hill.
Little Bess raised from her snug bed to
peep out Of the window. The sun was
beginning to creep toward the zenith and
several children with their sleds we're run
ming up the hill She was only s. but had
asked mamma to wake her early that
she might slide, and here It was 1880
o'clock.
She ran downstairs, where nurse dressed
her and gave her her breakfast. Mother
told her that Rob and Goldie, who were
twins and 8 years her senior, had taken
their sleds and gone out to play.
She wanted to go, too, but mamma shook
her head and said she was so small she
might get run over. Poor little Bess was
disappointed. but went and crawled up
in the big bay window TO watch the sleds
fly past &
Before she had been there long Jennie
came running down the hill. She was
screaming frantlcally, and close behind
came a big sled loaded with boys. They
were terrified past screaming and were
going so fast they couldn't stop. one run
ner struck her leg and knocked her into
the drift at the side, While the back run
ner ran over her ankle. She was taken
home and the doctor came to set 1t, II
being broken In two places
Bessie had seen It all and sat there in
the big window rejoicing that her re-
bellious little conscience had ruled that
time and kept her inside, or it might have
happened to her instead OF Jennie.
Now, there's a moral in this
II you've listened sisters and brothers.
You'll find the lesson to be-
LEARN from the experience OF others,@
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
(Second Prize.)
The First THANKSGIVING

By Hazel Snow, Aged Il Years, Omaha,
Neb. Blue Side.
1t was in the year 1921, one year after
the Pilgrims LANDED in America.
The crops had been very poor tina year,
for they could not tai proper care of
them on account Of being attacked by
Indians.
The Pilgrims were starving and many
died, as there was no food to be had.
But one day when they thought they
would die of hunger a ship from England
came into the harbor, laden with provis-
Ions, and they had a feast, offering up
thanks to God for his goodness to them.
And ever since then our nation has kept
a day Of Thanksgiving to God for the
blessings bestowed upon us.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

me- said the fairy. She took hold Of his
hand and they walked till at last they
came to a little city made of flowers.
They went on and Edith saw tiny people
walking up and dow the streets. The
sidewalks were made Of American beauty
roses, even the houses and fences. What
city is this?" asked Edith. This Is the
royal city in fairyland," the
fairy. 1T is called American beauty"
"Oh," answered Edith. Here the fairy
stopped. Here is the palace" he said.
DO you want to go in?' "Oh, yes,' Edith
replied; SO they went in and we're going
upstairs; finally they reached the throne
room. Edith was speaking to Queen Rose
when she woke UP to find her mother call
ing her to supper.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
Edith's Dream.

BY Margaret Matthews, Aged Q Years 9S1s
California street, Omaha Red Side.
Edith was usually a good girl, but today
was a hot day and Edith's mother would
not let her play lively games. Her mother
said she could go to the library and get
some book that she could read and be
interested in. Edith got a book Of fairy
tales. She went out IN the hammock TO
read. Soon she felt a pull at her golden
curls. A little voice said: DO you want TO
so 10 fairyland with me-. dear. Edith
looked up to see who was speaking. She
saw a tiny figure about two inches tall.
Yes, l Will" she said, but how am / TO
get there, 1 am so larger" why you
are just as small as 1 am"
80 1 am" said Edith. Now come with
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

the soap-pot. l hates to work. Some day
III run away from ole Nanny Jane. an
then I'll nevah work no noah. I'll 60
to q big city where dRr amt no soft soap
bein' made; an III nevah have to stir
soap any noah. Oh" And she closed
her eyes s~leepily-"oh, how ole is-the
stick-How ole-is-the pot-How ole
is-MRmmy-Jane-"
The child's eyes remained closed now,
and she leaned against a convenient stump.
The bee returned to hum close to her ear.
Kts song seemed to say; "How-ole- is
the stick How OLE is the pot
How OLE is Nanny Jane?" And
then It seemed to say: "Run-away-littls-
gal. Run-away-little-gaL Don't ever come
back to ole-Mammy-Jane." Then some
files added their song to that OF the bees,
saying over and over IN a droning way:
Observation-Disclosures. Don't-ever-coms
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS."
A whlrlwind came flying ound the cor
ner OF the house and famed the slum-
bering fire. A little red flame crept out
on the dry bit OF stick, soon reaching
the end farthest from the bed Of Goals.
1t lifted its hot tongue n tasted the
frayed hem Of the faded calico frock
which lay SO temptingly near. The whirl-
wind gave 1t another little tanning; then
disappeared across the unkSpt yard, rush
ing wildly down a hillside to try it's
strength on the tender saprfngs which
grew beside a creek.
In the meanwh the little sleeper be-
side the fire forgot to wake and stir the
soap.
. .
Away, away. towards the great won
drous city ran the little black girl. Away.
away from the s~oap-pot; away. way
from old Nanny Janet All, how beautL
full the world vast She entered the city,
butt was not so delightful. so DESTROYS,
as she had dreamed It would be- There
were crowds Of hurrying people, and they
disdained to notice her. She waS very
tired. but nowhere could she find q place
TO rest. She cried out to several people
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
How Robert Won a Medal

By Simon Goldstein, Aged IA Years, 209
Eldridge Street, New York City.
Red Side.
The Springville academy gave a medal
at the end Of each school term to the
scholar who during the past five months
has exceeded all other students In kind
ness to dumb animals. The principal had
impressed on the boys minds what was
required to win this medal by a short and
brilliant speech, in which he depicted q
dog lying in the road injured with no one
to help lin.
Robert Howard was one of the scholars
who had listened ~attentively to the words
of the principal, and at the conclusion had
made an inward vow to aid all animals
In their distress, always when the oppor-
tunity presented itself. With this thought
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

Juanita Times, 2769 Fort street, Omaha.
Jack Coad, 37lS Farnam street, Omaha.
Lillian Writ, 4t5S Cass street, Omaha,
Meyer Cohn, SAG Georgia avenue, Omaha.
Ada Morris, 3424 Franklin street, Omaha.
Myrtle Jensen, 2909 lizard street, Omaha.
Gail Howard, 4722 Capitol avenue, Omaha.
Helen Houck, 1925 Lothrop street, Omaha.
Emerson Goodrich, 1910 Nicholas, Omaha.
Maurice Johnson, 1927 Locust, ST., Omaha.
Leon Carson, ll24 North Fortieth, Omaha.
Gretchen Eastman, 136 South Thirty
eighth street, Omaha.
Pauline Coad, 371S Farnam street, Omaha.
Wilma Howard, 4723 Capitol venue, Omaha.
Hilah Fisher, 1910 South Eleventh, Omaha.
Mildred Jensen, 271 Leavenworth, Omaha.
Edna Heden, 27S9 Chicago street, Omaha.
Mabel Sheifelt, 49l4 North Twenty-firth
street, Omaha.
Walter Johnson. 246 North Twentieth
Emma Carruthers. 82u North Twenty-flfth
street, Omaha.
Leonora Denlson, The Albion, Tenth and
Pacific streets, Omaha.
Mae Hammond, O'Neill. Neb.
Madge L. Daniels, ord, Neb.
lola Beddeo, Orleans, Neb.
Agnes Richmond, Orleans, Neb.
Marie Fleming, Osceola, Neb.
Lotta Woods, Pawnee City, Neb.
Earl Perkins, ReddingtOn, Neb.
Edna EMS, Stanton, Neb.
Lena Petersen. 22l1 Locust St., E.. Omaha,
Ina Carney, sutton. Clay ounty Nebraska.
Clara Miller, Utica, Neb.
Mildred f. Jones, North Loup, Neb,
Alta Wilken, waco. NeD.
Leo Beckord, Waco, Neb.
Mac Grunke, West Point, Neb.
Elsie Stastny. WILDER, Neb.
Frederick Ware. Winside, Neb.
Pauline Parks, York, Neb.
Edna Behllng, York, Neb.
Mary Frederick, York, Neb.
Carrie b. Bartlett, Fontanelle, Ia.
Irene Reynolds, Little Sioux, la.
Ethel Mulholland. Box II, Malvern, Ia.
Eleanor Mellor, Malvern. Ia.
Kathryne Mellor, Malvern, Ia.
Ruth Robertson, Manila, Ia.
Mildred Robertson, Manila, la.
Margaret B. Witherow. Thurman, Ia.
Bertha McEvoy, r. +. ID. 3, Box Is, Mis-
souri, Valley, la.
Adlena Sorry, Monarch, wyo. Box 50.
Fred Sorry, Monarch, Wyo.
John Barron, Monarch, Wyo.
Edith Amend, Sheridan, Wyo.
Pauline Squire, Grand, Ok.
Fred Shelley, $50 Troup street, Kansas
City, Kan.
Henry L. Worklnger, care Sterling Remedy
company, Attica, Ind.
Aleda Bennett, Elgin, Neb.
William Davis, 2A West Third street.
North Platte. Neb,
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

lima town, and the wine was
- gently blowing the smoke from
kIINIWN a smouldering wood fire thai
80 was burning in the back yard
of the village hotel, a small unpretentious
hosiery, but the best the town afforded.
The place seemed utterly asleep-town and
hotel-save for a busy little black child
who stood close to the wood-fire. over
the fire swung a huge black ~"soap-pot, 4"
and the little negro girl, dressed In frook
CT faded calico, was stirring the boiling
contents Of the vessel with a long crooked
stick. AS she slowly dipped the end OF
the stick into the steaming liquid she
orooned in a childish way: How ole II
the stick? How ole Is the house7 How
ole is Nanny Jane? How ole is the pot
How ole isis and her soft velvety
eyes Of black sought an old cottOn-press
nearby-"how ole is the cotton?'
Then the little worker YEARLY paused
In her stirring and glanced about. Her
eyes fell on the form of an old negro
woman. a bent form it was, the form OF
one whose life had been passed In doing
heavy work. The old woman had COM
to the kitchen door for a moment, but
Immediately disappeared into the house
again. returning to her washtub.
How ole is Nanny Jane?" again
crooned the child at the soap-pot, turning
the stick slowly. How ole is Nanny
Jane?-Lawsy, 1 done reckon she's a thou
san yeahB old-A thousan' yeahB ole"
Then she suddenly became silent, her hands
idle. A light came into her soft sleepy
eyes. IF II wasn't fob old Nanny Jane"
she unused, II wouldn't be stlrrin' dis
soap, an I'd be done playin' behind
the ole sawmill dis minute"
A bee hummed near to the black child's
ear, a slow, sleepy hum. The sun was
so warm and bright, there in the back
yard, and the soap sent out a vapor Of
white steam. The little worker sat down
beside the fire, pushing into the Goals a
bit Of dry stick. AS the feul famed up
the child again unused: II hates to stir
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

In mind the dismissal bell rang, and gath
ering his books he was soon in the dusty
road which led to his house.
When he was still a quarter OF a mile
from home he heard a cry Of pain in the
form Of a bark from a dog. Quickenins
his pace to a trot, he soon came 20 a
place where a dog was lying, evidently in
great pain, the cause Of which was as
yet unknown to our hero. He bent over
the injured dog, who was bowling pite-
ously and soon learned that the dogs
right forepaw was broken.
He gently lifted the dog into his arms
and walked to the house. As he came
near his home, he attracted his brothers
attention by whistling. Robert handed
him his books and in a few words ex-
planned all to him, telling him to bring
some linen. Rob then proceeded to the
barn, where he laid the dog on a pallet
Of hay. After setting the broken bone he
bandaged the paw with the linen his
brother had brought him. In a week the
dogs leg was healed. He became a COM
panion to the boys and would not let
them to be out of his sight for a moment
There had been a silent spectator at the
scene where Robert took the injured dog
in his arms and carried him home. This
was none other than the principal. OF
the later details OF Rob's humane act he
had been informed by Roberts brother.
It was the end Of the term and at the
graduation exercises wha vas Roberts
surprise when the principal read the fol-
lowing inscription from the back OF a
medal: ITO the boy, who during the term.
has to the knowledge Of the principal rem
dered the most aid to dumb animals, this
medal is to be awarded" II am glad to
he continuer. ut is awarded to
Robert Howard" He then went on to say
Rob was thus rewarded and when he had
ended, the applause in cur hero's behalf
was deafening, and as he left the building
with the silver medal pinned to his breast,
the nlandlts atill rang In his ears.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
RULES FOR YOUNG WRITERS

i. Write plainly on one side Of ths
paper only and number the pages,
Q. use pen and ink, not pencil
3. Short and pointed articles Will
be given preference. De not use over
250 words.
4. Original stories or letters only
will be used.
B. Write your name, age ana ad-
dress 81 the top Of the hEst page.
FIRST ana second prizes Of books
will bO given for the best two con-
Sribution1 to this page each week.
Address all communications to
CHUDREN's DBPARTnEEHT,
Omaha Zee.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
Kindness the Boss Who Wins

u OBBY and Jack we're playing one day
That the new-fallen snow was new-mown hay:
SO they hitched old Rover up to their sled
To haul it back to the old wood-shed.
Then Bobby raised his whip with a crack
And brought it down across Rover's back.
But Rover, singing beneath the blow,
Stood perfectly still, refusing to go.
"I1l make him go!" young Bobby cried,
IF l have to mark his. stubborn hide!"
And again the rod was raised on high.
But of a sudden he heard Papa cry:
stop, stop, my son! Do you not know
How to get old Rover to haul the snow2
Speak to him gently, and pat his head,
Then you'll see how well he will draw the sled"
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
A Story About Spring
BY William Davis, Ex-King, Aged 9 Years
POI West Third and Sycamore
Streets, North Platte, Neb.
Red Side

It was spring and the grass and trees
had their prettiest color Of green. Mother
Nature smiled and said. ITS beautiful,
isn't it, Summer" YES" said Summer.
But wait till 1 go out" YES" said Fall,
the wisest of them all, "but you must
wait till I go out. The people could not
live without me. When I go out the trees
put on golden, red and other beautiful
oolors. I bring the fruits to help the farm
ers. Now. have you anything to sayY'
children, you must not quarrel" said
Mother Nature and Winter together. "You
all know Fall is the wisest"
Little Jack Frost then piped in and cried,
but he was interrupted by the birds sing
irs. The flowers came UP, such as the
violets. the tulips, daisies, ferns, roses and
The grass and trees became
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21
Afraid of the COLLINS

BY Marie L~angenbohn, Aged II Years. s345
Ames Avenue, Omaha Blue Side.
h is my first letter to the Busy Bee
page. 1 am in the fifth grade at school.
1 go to Monmouth Park school My teach
er's name Is Miss L~oughnanA She is
mica 1 did not go out Halloween, because
I did not wan any goblins to get me. I
hope this will miss Mr.. Wastebasket.
From . little reader OF the Busy Bee page.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-11-21

]Irettier. The birds sang sweet. Mor1
flowers came up. Spring flew more quickly.
Weeks passed by, the weather became
hotter and summer stepped out proudly.
Next week we shall have a story about
summer.