davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
4 Shut-In's Appeal.


 A Shut-in's Appeal. ~
 May ask favor of your Corner 50 well named The Helping Hand
 I am permanently crippled. It was caused by sciatic and nflammatory rheu- matisin. I try to make living doing Irish embroidery. I have little to spare for the purchase of materials. and business is never a rush in a town of this size. Still I am making a living and thank God for the use Of my hands, although my lower limbs are crippled. l could do plain sewing and take life more easily if I had a machine. which l have not But my work is both pleas ure and profit to me. All kinds of fancy work have attracted me, and am quick at picking up anything new in this line.
 ' There Is something else dearly love, and that is to read. It is my only recreation in my leisure moments, yet I cannot afford to buy books or to subscribe for magazines Is there any one in your Corner who has old magazines and books he or she does not care for any more? In most of the family magazines and papers there are patterns for crochet and embroidery, as we'll as good reading matter. l should be more than thankful for any literature, no matter how old 1t is. have few books that were given 10 me and I count them among my treas ures. They are my friends and have helped pass away many weary hour of pain and loneliness.
 And o, if I could get an old machine I would pay for it in work If it were desired
 Dear lady, have written too much and am I asking t0o p1tlch9 If hava rlaasa forgive the trespass upon your time and patience. should like, if you will allow 1t. to become a member of the Helping Hand club. It may be that even may be able to do something to help on the good work.
 If anybody will be kind enough to shed little sunshine and diffuse little cheer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

nHY talk this week may be termed NH both protest and an appeal Per- V haps some of my readers may call 1t a sermon It is not meant IS
 that, and yet at this season a ser mon that comes straight from one heart may so straight to another.
 We read much nowadays that is deroga- tory to Christmas It is but natural that when one wishes to call attention to the abuse of custom one should exaggerate somewhat in the hope of making his argu- ment strong While l acknowledge that the day of days has been abused, may not the critics have exaggerated a little?
 Fortunately much of their criticism and condemnation is only paper deep, and does not go down any further than the page on which 1t Is set forth. The sharp words may flow freely from the pen. but the pen was not dipped into the heart. but only into the shallow ink well And the spirit of Christ mas smiles on at all the world In spite of the remarks Of those who would make us believe that 1t is dead. And think, were the truth known. that when the blessed day itself draws nigh, even they will acknowl- edge to their inward souls that, after all the season holds a something which they cannot analyze-
 
 sheer at Christmas for none of us can really forget what it means. If asked about 1t our thoughts would turn back to the night. centuries ago, in which a little child lay in a manager in Bethlehem. Above the rough roof the gleaming stars hung in the eastern sky. About him in the warm, hushed darkness of the stable, the mild eyed oxen champed the hay. Perhaps the baby cried weakly; perhaps he slept in his mothers arms And thus Christmas began nearly 1000 years ago.
 And yet
 Christmas is tho time." grumbles a pes simist. 'when we are blackmailed by con- vention in order to keep our friendsi It Is q shan-au of it-a shamy'
 < *
 4 Time When Hearts Are Soffencd. Christmas nowadays" said one editor ial, lis mercenary. All that Is left of its
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

again and again. Don't be afraid to try 1t. After the pillows are clean. cover the cases with muslin slips sewed on. Wash these twice A year at house cleaning time, and the ticking will not need cleaning often.
 '' would add that just this year washed the cradle pilow-a relic of bygone days and have laid 1t away for the grandchildren which so far have failed to appear.
 Let mo repeat. don't be afraid of the method above mentioned. It Is safe and sure. Mas C. H. S."
 The breezy letter that embodies your indorsement of the aforesaid " method |" Is worth almost as much as the directions for washing soiled and trustworthy pillows. am sorry the grandchildren have failed thus far to materialize, for when I got to that clause of the letter l was forcibly reminded of Rip Van Wrinkles regret that the dumb phantoms of Henrik Hudson's s men were not girls:
 Oats pity! What wives dey would makei"
 What jolly grandmother you would bel Let us hope that you may yet see the happy day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
Briefets from "Ayis Cray.


 I am sending you another installment of briefets. Clip, condense, or do what you please with them. Some may not be new to you. but you may cull what Is pleas ing and what may be useful and discard the rest.
 Deep and white the snow lies over mountain and stream this morning.
 Sometimes 1 wonder if Dame Nature has not slipped cog somewhere and mixed her dates, for our last spring CD snow fell in June, and early in September we had snow that would delight young hearts at Christmas.
 Could you look out upon these stern, white mountains, you would believe one has need of something to keep mind and fingers busy"
 Thus runs the preamble to what has busied mind and fingers for our well beloved Colorado co-worker, Avis Gray" She is practical as well as poetical. The two are not so diverse as shallow thinkers imagine. Now for the bits of everyday common sense she has penned for the benefit of the Ex- change:
 Make strong lather of white soap and,
 
 leather, go over as carefully every inch of 1t with the father, taking small part al time, then wiping and polishing with soft cloth. The chances are that your shoes or bag will look as well asnew. This is particularly true of tan leather. Of course blemishes and scratches will not be removed. but they will be much improved. FOR RUGS AND CARPETS.--After sweeping the carpets or rugs. add cup of vinegar to a half pail of water and, wiring ing e large, clean cloth out of this. go over carpet and rug with great wide-well. swipes.' The colors will be greatly re- stored and brightened and the dirt re- moved.
 '' Try the same combination to clean windows and looking glasses You will be pleased and surprised at the result
 have discovered a mixture which. if at first severe, is one of the very best known for chapped hands and for keeping them soft and white. It is used in one of the Chicago hospitals by the nurses, who testify to its wonderful healing qualities. CHAPPED HANDS MIxTURE,-One tablespoonful of household ammonia and the same of glycerin to six tablespoonfuls of soft water. Snow water is best, and the addition of tablespoonful of rose water makes 1t into good lotion for the face and lips although this last ingredient is not necessary.
 HANGING CUNTAINS-To make thin sash or easement curtains hang evenly, make the casing for the curtain rod. insert the rod and hang the material from the ix- lures. Now draw down the window shade as far as you wish the curtain to come when finished. With bottom of shade as guide, the hem may be pinned or pasted and the curtain will hang straight. This will be found much better than mea surfing Ahe stun and hemming before hanging.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

BAKED BEANS.-A large, tart apple chopped fine and added to a pan of baked beans supplies a piquancy which is new ant that must be tested to be appreciated. 70 "A teaspoonful of dry mustard mixed with two of brown sugar. a teaspoonful Of onion juice, tablespoonful of vinegar. pepper and salt to taste. and all thoroughly blended. are about right for a quart of beans.
 "A Add to this formula enough water to cover the beans and keep in a moderate oven. covered closely for several hours Keep the kettle on the boil to add water as fast as that in the pan evaporates Re- move cover for fifteen minutes at the last to brown the beans.
 HINT TO MOTHERS AND NURSES It may not be generally known that to re- place a poultice is great mistake have seen 1t done by those who did not stop to think.
 Tho object of poutice is to draw the fever or pain from the body. When 1t hs {, been on for long time and Is dry or cold. A new one should be applied by the doctor s orders or at the discretion of the nurse. To resteam. warm over, or replace that you have removed is too obviously wrong to require more than this hint. Thourht lessness or lack of time does not excuse ths biunder
 once saw mother take the poultices from the body of her son, who was i'll with pneumonia, and lay them carefully away that the faxseed meal might do duty .if needed tonightr Ugh! think of it,
 More helps anon. AVIS GRAY.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

Cynic Remembers Beggd Woman.
 A friend was telling me of his neighbor. the Cynic, who was wont to declare that he never would give to beggars. The Cynic is elderly and given to voicing in forceful terms his opinions with regard to mendi- cants. My friend met him last Christmas
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

iished from time to time. I trust that you are suited With one at least of the assort- ment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
japancse Fruit Cakc.

saw in the Exchange that recipe for Japanese fruit cake was wanted. I am send ing 1t in, hoping to see 1t printed very soon
 "JAPANEsE FRUIT CAKE-Four eggs two cups of sugar. one cup of butter, one cup of milk three cups of flour, two tea spoonfuls of baking powder. one cup of rais- ins, half a cup of whisky. one cup of chopped nuts. Flavor with spices. Cover with grated cocoanut. MRS. O. A."
 A new member who has proved her eligi- bility for the position by supplying that which was earnestly called for by more than one correspondent.
 Tho cake has but one fault, in my Judg- ment l do not fancy the flavor of whisky in any compound intended for the table. Would not sherry or brandy do as we'll?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
Formula for Keeping Coffee.

:" Will you tell me through the Corner of a recipe for making coffee by mixing with 1t egg and powdered sugar. that will last for a whole week without spelling? It was in the Corner month or more ago. wanted to cut 1t out but lost the paper.
 "A FOND READER" I do not recollect the repice unles it was the advice to coat the roasted beans while hot with white of egg, thus preserving the aroma and saving the trouble of clearing the beverage at each making The white of egg made this unnecessary. But the powdered sugar? If any reader can revive the mem ory of the formula, or if she has cut out and kept It, will she come forward with the re- Quired information? I do not recall any mention of keeping the coffee thus treated for week. Your query would intimate that the sugar and egg formed a mixture with the made coffee. Yet you could hardly mean that?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
7utting Up Corncd Beet.

You told while ago how corned beef was put up Tor downl in the old south. Here is my way. It may not be better than yours. have proved 1t to be goodl
 MY CORNED BEEE-Spread layer of salt quarter of an inch deep in tho bottom of the barrel. Upon this pack meat to the depth of five or si-- inches. Upon this should go another layer of salt, followed by one of meat, until all the meat Is used up.
 Reserve enough salt for thick top most layer.
 When the meat and salt have stood overnight add, for every hundredweight of meat, four pounds of brown sugar. two ounces of baking soda, and four of salt peter, all of which must have been dis solved in a gallon of warm water. Let the mixture get perfectly cold before pour ing it over the meat. adding at the last enough cold water to cover the meat well Weight 1t down with a loose board held in place by a clean stone to keep the meat under the brine It should be left in ths brine from twenty-ave to forty days be- fore 1t is ready for use, although soma think if Tt to be cooked and eaten at ths end of a week. If you wish at any time to freshen the beef, lay 1t in cold water all night. MRS. ]. w"
 Albeit unwilling to confess that any corned beef can surpass that dear to my heart among the scenes of my childhood and approved in my riper years, own freely that yours is the easier method of prepar- ing it. Let it rest at that and accept my thanks for the recipe.
 * &
 Pillop Washing Again.
 For value received from the Exchange l write to make a slight return.
 PILLOW WASHING AGAIN!-With reference to the formula for washing pill. lows which appeared a few weeks ago, I can attest to its merits and efficiency I do not understand what Margaret E. means by hot soda water unless that washing soda Is put Into the water. use soft water-and oceans of it-and lots of soap
 Lay the pillows upon the washboard; l; scrub with stiff brush until the ticks are white and clean. and rinse thoroughly. Hang on the line until the pillows are en- tlrely dry. It will take several days of hot sunshine. but they will be lovely-light and fluffy as down.
 '' am housekeeper of nearly thirty years standing and have used this method
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
Crochcting Broadcloth Rug.

should like to make crocheted rug of broadcloth and other woolen stuffs used for mems clothing. I have tweeds and serge, but I do not know how to make the rug out of these. Of what width should I cut the strips? And should they be sewed together before they are crocheted?
 '" I should also be grateful for directions for making bran biscuits or small loaves of bran bread.
 7 Perhaps some Cornerite may oblige me with these directions AREADER"
 I can give you little help with regard to the width of the strips and as to whether they should be sewed into lengths before they are crocheted. I. once upon a time, knitted rug of wooen pieces. I cut them half an inch wide and in joining them doubled each strip. The loosely woven strips that were likely to ravel at the edges were pasted all along their length. Readers who have crocheted rugs must go on with the story.
 Before this you have seen the recipes for every kind of bran breads we have pub
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

into my life by sending to me little read ing matter. hall be most thankful.
 IF. NJ. A SHUr-IN" "A Shut-In and constant sufferer who yet stands In her lot and defies circum- stances, thanking God that she has still the use of her deft hands and the eyes that can gather hope and cheer from the printed page An industrious shut-in, making her living by the exercise of her few available talents, and asking naught from charity. she deserves what comfort we can bring to her.
 The Corner Is proud of her application for membership. Whatever 1t may be our privi- lege to do for her she will still be our teacher.
 Send to me for her address and rummage in dark corners for the patterns, the rnaga- zines, and the books for which she asks And lose no time fin writing for her address.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

DINNER. Cream of tomato soup. Pot roast of beef. Mashed potatoea Crearned turnipe. Apple dumplngs, lemon sauce. Coffee.
 * i;
 FRIDAY. BREAKFAST Slowed prunes. Cereal and cream. Broilcd ham Corn bread. Tea CofYss- LUNCHEON.
 Omelet. CreAmed potatoeA wsfnes and maple sirsR
 Tea
 DINNER Cream of onion soup Boiled cod with egg sauce Whipped potatoea Soalloped tomatoes. Mince pie lfrom yesterdayl, cl,eese Coffee. SATURDAY. BREAKFAST Oranges. Cereal and cream. Salt nnackerel with white sauce Griddle calceA
 Toast Tea Coffee LUNCHEON. Scailoped turkey. Baked rice with cheesA Coffee ring. Doughnuts.
 Tea
 DINNER. Turkey rack soup. Cod croquettes from yesterdays nshl. Corn padding. Asparagus on toast Fig pudding. brandy sauca. Coffee
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

Must we have whisky which brings to the mental olfactories the associated odors of the corner saloon2
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
Meat Recipes.

BEEF CURRY WITH RICE-Take two pounds of beef from the rouns rurnr o- chuck and cut into pieces about tbr.s lnches square Place in a stewpan three tablespoonfuls of finely chopped onion and good sized apple cut into small pieces. fry in two tablespoonfuls of fat or buttsr until slightly brown. Stir in two or tbr.. cloves. a pinch of cinnamon and ginger one tablespoonful of curry powder half tapiespoonful of four. and two cups Of poinng water. Then add the beef and stew SLOWLY Tor an hour and a half. When tba meat IS tender put in salt, pepper, and paprika, also a squeeze of lemon juice. and It IS ready to serve. Steamed or boiled rice should be heaped about the platter. the curry being in the center
 BhAlSED BEEF-Select thrce pounds of oeef trump. rinse in cold water. wipe dry. sprinkle with pepper and salt, and dredrA thoroughly with flour and brown in hot fs f. which may be taken from the beef itself until the entire surface of beef is browned over Place on trivet in a deep granite pan, surround with vegetables cut in to diee one-fourth cup of carrots onions turnips. and celery, together with one-hAlf tea spoonful of peppercorn. Pour over this three cups of boiling water. cover closely, and bake in oven for four hours. Basts every thirty minutes. After two hours turn roast on other side. Serve with . brown sauce made from liquid in the pan.
 BEEF A LA WORCESTERSHIRE ther fresh or cold leftovers from roasts or steaks may be utilized for this dish If fresh beef is used longer time is required for the cooking. Place some fat or butter in a saucepan to heat Cut the beef into thin slices about one-fourth of m inch thick; fry in the fat until brown, then add salt. pepper. and two tablespoonfuIs of Worcestershire sauce. and enough boiling water to almost cover beef. When the meat is ready thicken the gravy and pour over some thin sluices of hot buttered toast and serve. This is an excellent sayory dish for lunch. Sunday night tea, or even din- ner.
 TANNED STEAK-Heat some fat in a skillet until 1t smokes. Then put in . thick round or flank steak and scar until brown on either side. Pour about one Dir |. of boiling water over steak and cover skill T tightly. Cook for forty-five minutes UT Ea meat is tender. Spread with butter. ga 4 and pepper and serve heaped with onions sliced very thin and fried until slightly brown in butter. The liquid left in pan should be thlckened and poured over the whole dish.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

4 Time When Hearts Are Sofiened.
 Christmas nowadays" said one editor ial, "is mercenary. All that Is left of its
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15
FAMILY MEALS FOR A WEEK.

SUNDAY. BREAKFAST Cereal and cream Fried smeits. Risen rolls Tea Coffee LUNCHEON. Grilled sardines. Saratoga chirs Buttered toast Hard boiled egg salad Cream cheese. Heated crackerA Cooluesl
 Jam. Tea. DINNER. Scotch broth. Roast veal stuffed. Currant jelly. Creamed chestnuts. oyster plant fritterx Maple mousse. Lady nngen Black coffee. A MONDAY. BREAKFAST. Baked apples. Cereal and cream. Boiled egga Graham gems. Tea Coffee. LUNCHEON. Cheese pudding. Baked potatoes Creamed toast. Sliced orangeA
 Tea. DINNER. soup. with strained tomatoes added. Sliced veal warmed In brown gravy. Baked macaroni. Boiled beets Br,ad pudding hard sauce. Coffee. i. X TUESDAY. BREAKFAST. Cornmeal Mush.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

<,I AM glad you have written such sb conclusive article in favor of wear
 ing the apron
 "We were brought LID by our
Perth Amboy evening news., 1912-05-08
COLLIER PILOTS
PLANE IST TIME.
Three Successful Flights in
His Hydro -AeropIane at
Soldiers Yesterday.
DURING DRIZZLING RAIN
Aviator Simmons Making New
Style Engines at Wickatunk
Fly Decoration Day.

Robert j. Collier, president OF the
Aero Club of America, yesterday
PilOted his hydroaeroplane for the
first time. 50 successful was the
first flight that Mr.. Collier made
two more yesterday afternoon in the
drl2zling rain of Soldiers Beach.
The three times that the magazine
owner handled the machine he had
Walter Brookins, the celebrated
aviator, as his passenger. o. G.
Simmons, who has charge of the ex-
perimental part of Mr. Golfers ia
yorite past time says that through
out the flight he showed marked
ability for becoming a famous bird
man.
Mr.. Simmons said today that Mr..
Collier will maintain the SeidIer
Beach site for flying purposes At
the present time Mr.. Simmons, who
is an expert on aeroplane machinery,
Is constructing two engins which
will be tested off Soldiers Beach
about the latter part of this month.
He Is personally In charge of the
machine shop of Mr.. Collier at Wick
atunk and has men working day and
night on the engines under ConstruC-
ton. According to the opinion of
experts aeroplanes and hydroaero-
planes will attain a greater speed
with Mr.. Simmons devices.
The first exhibition flight Of a
plane containing one Of Mr. Sim
mons engines will be made at Free
hold on Decoration Day. when he
viii fly from Mr.. Golfers home at
Rest Hills to the grounds Of the
Riding Club, of Freehold, where
horse racing will be held. Mr.. Sim
mons will use specially con-
structed machine to At his engine.
He Is scheduled to make six flights
on Memorial Day.
Owing TO the drizzling rain OF yes
terday Mr.. Collier remained in the
air only eight minutes per flight.
A rumor to the effect that Mr.. Col
lier was to make an amusement
place Of the site was positively de-
MED by Mr. Simmons this morning
when he stated that Mr.. Collier
would make flights alomst daily for
pleasure and not for pecuniary pur-
poses.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1912-05-08
NEED $4,000
MORE IN 1918
Estimate Board and School
Commissioners Confer.

According to figures compiled by
the chairman of the various commit
tees of the Board of Education and
submitted last night to the Board of
Estimate, an increase of $4,000 over
the appropriation Of 1911 Will be
necessary to run the schools during
the term of 1912-1913. Although
no formal request was made last
night by the Board of Education, It
is understood that the Board of Es-
innate will be asked to make an ap-
preparation OF $169,835 for school
purposes during the coming year
This amount does not include $64,-
900 required, the school commits
sioners assert, for permanent i'm
provements to school property, which
will be handled by a bond issue,
May Mean Higher Taxes.
Acting Mayor Ferd Garretson,
who presided last night at informed
meeting of estimate board, asserts
that an increase Of $4,000 in the
school appropriation will mean a
Jump of at least four points In the
city tax rate, which was $3.50 In
1911. This increase in the rate will
provide for the increase In the ap-
propriation for school purposes, un-
less an Increase Is noted in the state
appropriation this year, which was
s73,835O9 In 1911. Mr.. Garretson
states that the amount from the
state will not be known definitely
until the present litigation between
the railroads and State Boards of
Taxation is decided.
Although the school board will
request an appropriation of $16S,-
900, It is said that this amount will
be reduced, in part, by curtailment
of running expenses. The estimate
Of $4,000 increase over the money
used last year may be reduced mate
rally before final action is taken
by the Board of Estimate, as we'll as
an increase in the state appropria-
ton. The state, under normal
conditions, will give an increase of
several thousands in keeping with
the growth and progress Of the city
along educational lines, therefore
there is a possibility that the tax
rate will remain about the same.
Neither the members Of the Board of
Education or Board of Estimate
would give definite information
along these lines, when interviewed
today by a NEWS reporter.
Last Years Budget.
The increase in the city appro-
priation last year over the preceding
year was $1,000, which, with an in
crease of $1,000 in the state appro-
priation, made a total increase OF
$4,000 expended for school pur-
poses during 1911-1912 compared
with the amount spent during the
school term ending next month. The
increase this year can be attributed,
the school commissioners explain, to
additions to the staff of instructors
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