davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
AN AK TO GRIND.

suppose many OF us have heard
and used tho quotation. AN AK TO
Grind" Th!a quotation Is attributed 10
Benjamin Franklin.
One day when Bcniamin Franklin
was n little boy he was on his way
to school. when hc CHANGED 10 meet a
man with an AK on his shoulder in
search OF grindstonc. The man
stopped and asked benjamin IL his
father had n sr!ndstone Benjamin
answered him very politely. and told
him no would find one down in the
shop. The man patted the little fellow
on the head. and told him he was so
kind and polite. Benjamin felt nat
tored. and thought the man nice and
agreeable.
Would you mind running up TO tho
house and bringing me a little warm
water. and turning the grindstone for
me few minutes?' said the gentle
man very politely. no sir" answered
Benjamin. feeling still more battered
at the politencss in the gcntleman's
tone.
Benjamin hurried of TO tho house
and returned in a few minutes with {;
can fun OF nice warm water. and the
gentleman thanked him very politely.
and asked him to turn the grindstone
for him n few minutes. Benjamin very
willingly agreed. and began turning
with all his might
He turned and turned TIL his hands
were blistcred and his arms worn out.
The SCHOOL bell rang. and still l3enja-
min turned the grindstone.
At last the ak was sharp, Benjamin
worn out. and school had been In SEES
sion for an hour. Benjamin was ex
Decting to be thanked more than ever.
but alas, lac was mistaken.
Instead Of the bad man thanking him
he called him q rascal, and told him to
hurry on TO school or he would be
punished for being late. This unk Ind
treatment made Franklin feel very
bad. and he never forgot IT as long
as he lived.
After Benjamin Franklin became y
man, whenever he saw merchant
more than polite to his customer. he
would say to himself, That man has
an AK to grind"
1t is as true to-day az it was in
Franklin's time. When person is
extra polite and friendly you may
know he wants some favor done for
him. EWING PAINTER.
V S. d. B.. Staunton. Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Editorial And Literary Departments

told John to send for his grandmother
to stay with her. Then he sent John
and Louise out OF tho room.
a little later they heard She was
much worse. The doctor said she could
last only a few moro hours. y little
before o'clock the doctor called the
children In to see their mother. She
was dying then. Shc asked Lawrence
mother TO take them to live with
them. She promised her that she
would. Then tho children Kissed their
mother for the last time, for in few
minutes she was dead
Little john cried himself to sleep
Little Louise sat by her dead mother
crying like her heart would break. Tho
next day they went 10 live with Law
renee and Mary. Soon they were very
happy again But they never forgot
their dear mother and father.
Composed by
Oracle f. TURNER.
33li Perry Street Woodland Heights
va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
LOUISE AND DOLLY.

Dolly was roor little girl who nved
with Il Cluel ole woman whom, sbn
called Gran. This old woman treated
her awfully and often whipped her
Once while Dolly was sent on mn
erran.l she stopped by 4 gate 10 watch
another littlo GIRL play with IL doll. IL
happened that this little girl was rich
ard kind. She asked Dolly to como ir
and play with Ter. but as Dolly was
hot accustomed to play with rich chill
dren she was frightened, and refused.
This rich ll1i,e girls name was Louise
Louis also had ar older sister whose
name was ethel.
Ethel anG Louise took her to THAR
grandfather, Mr.. Lewis. who asked her
to como and 1.-Two with them, which she
agreed to SO Dolly lived with tho
Lewis family for some time, then sha
was sent to n school taught by Mrs.
Jackson, who adopted her. Dolly lived
happily ever afterwards
Composed by .
REBECCA NJ. WISE
III Halifax Street /.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
THE MYSTERY OF THE BLACK
DIAMOND.

RI was n cold. bleak day. Jack
Dawson, the detective. was seated by
the table in his study when there was
n sharp rap at the door. Dawson
rose and in answer to his pleasant
come in. the door opened and a TALL
dark man entered.
Us this MIR. Dawson" lie asked.
"Yes, and would like to know who
my guest is"
"Hedwig. Richard lIedwig," replied
the man. And I have come on very
important matter"
"I would BIO glad TO do anything
can for YOU" said Dawson
Some months ago" tho man began,
my unclo died. leaving me (his near
est relatively large fortune. Tho ola
man had In his possession a huge black
diamond. which he had gotten on one
OF his trips abroad. This also was left
to me Tho diamond arrived ycster-
day. 1t is the most beautiful Jewel
have ever seen. 1t is about tho size
OF nm egg. Last night locked It into
my desk and put the key under my
pillow. This morning tho diamond was
gone and tho key was in the same
place under my pillow I came straight
to you, because have heard you were
n splendid detective"
(To 10 Contnued.)
MARGUERITE HARRIS.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09

once there was little girl and boy
VINO lived in a small house in the city.
1hciT names were Louise and John.
Tho girl was ten years old and tho
little boy was twelve. They were
real poor people. Their father was
dead, and their mother had TO take in
sewing TO make a living. John car
ricd papers every evening after he
came home from school Little Louise
kept house for her mother, and also
helped her sew.
One day after John came from school
he ran TO his mother. and with eager
eyes he said. Mother, did YOU know
that tomorrow night was Halloween
night"
Why yes" said his mother. II have
thought of it, why do you ask me
that. john"
We'll. mother" he said, .if T get
up carly In the morning and get some
morning papers to sell ana If | sell
them in time to go to school. can /
nave the money make on them 10 buy
some things for Louise and to play
in tomorrow night"
Well" said his mother. Il need the
money very bad. but if Louise will also
get up soon ana work some button
holes and sew some hooks and eyes
on these dresses. reckon you can
hilNc tiic money YOU make. and will
let Louise have the money she makes
for helping me-"
"Ali right" cried John. delighted with
the thought that he, like Lawrence and
| Louise and Ike Mary. would have some
things to play in on Halloween night -
lie put his arms around his mothers
mech and kissed her. Then he ran t.
tell Louise. and she, too. was very
glad.
Ey o'clock John had finished sell
ing his papers. and came home very
happy. when hc went to tell his
mother good night. she said she wa,
not feeling very VOL Then he went
| TO bed and was soon asleep. That
| night the two children dreamed OF
more pleasure than they would cvei
have, for before morning their moth.
er called them and told them to sont
! for the doctor. The doctor came ant
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09

When all the leaves are yellow,
And the clouds cannot he seen.
For Tonight you will have some fun
Because this is Halloween.
Then for good little scare when
You are not thinking about It,
Then up goes that pumpki in head
And almost scares the life out of You
Then the boys will take n run,
Right Off to another house
And change the iron gate for a wooden
one:
Then paint their faces very funny,
And put long pants on,
And old shoes and coats and hats
You have never seen such II sight
Since you have been born
whichever way you look
Whether it be North. East, South or
West.
You Will always be scared.
l think home is the best
And all tho boys and girls come out
TO play
With faces painted such ms green
You will always hayc some fun,
For this Is Halloween.
Composed and illustrated by
WRAY BARKER.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09

titled coal In kettle and led gas
through pipes into.a thimble with pcr-
lorations in the top. thus producing n
starlight. This reference to starlight
In speaking Of Murdoch. brings to mind
that. within the last few months alb
solute daylight Is being produced by
gas. sevcntyfour years after Muir
docks death. Tho little old English
cottage in Rcdruth, Cornwall occu-
pied by William Murdoch in tho year
l7S2 was the cradle OF gaSliEht II
Is sSid that he did not patent his in
Nention properly. interruptions nd-
vcnturers appropriated tho product OF
his brain and thereby robbed him OF
his glory.
In his twenty-third year. after hear
ing OF Watts invention OF the steam
engine. 1T Hobo Works. BirInin CHAM.
Murdoch Joined with Watt and was
soon intrustcd with tho management
Of Watts works After his experience
with Watt. Murdoch returned to hs
native homo In 1877. and started a
foundry which he lighted with gas
and thus II was that Scotland had its
first gas installation. In 1902, to cello.
bratc the peace OF Amicns, Murdoch
made the first public exhibition Of
lighting at the Soho Works, In Birm-
inEham. In 1910 the Chartered Gas
Company (now the Gaslight and Coke
Company obtained AN act and permits
sion 70 light tho House of Commons
In 1914 Westminster Abbey was light
cd: IN 1916 Liverpool was lighted: in
1917 Glasgow was lighted: In ISIS
Dublin and birmingham were lighted
In 1926 Murdoch invented the first
locomotive engine. also tho high pres
sure engine.
ON June .. 1910. the bill was passed
for the Incorporation OF the GasliEht
and Coke Company, of London. II was
the first public gas company which
had received royal assent At that
time Murdoch was an engineer in the
employ OF the firm OF Bolton & Watt.
Soho, birmingham. 1t was while In
;his firms service that he brought to 4
successful conclusion many expert
mcnts on the 'dlstillation Of coal which
he had begun in his youth.
Like most Inventions. GasliGht!ng
was not at first taken seriously II
seemed TO the American and European
world of 1900 TO l." on par with the
Laputan philosophers scheme for
making sunshine out Of cucumbers.
In lS03 Sir Walter Scott. writing to a
friend said There il n mailman pro-
posing to light London with smoke"
Set Scott himself had Abbotsford pipcd
for gas not many years later. III 1899
on the 18th day OF November.
Murdoch passed away without know
ing how much his invention would
benefit mankind Like all great
genius, his glory came after death.
HELENE. Il. MURRAY.
80 Main Street, Blandford, Peters
hnr,e Er
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
CABELL u. II. PHILLIPS.
THE INv1NCIDLE ARMADA.

once Spain had a fine navy, Of which
she WAS very proud. Spain claimed a.
lot of America. and If anybody would
say. You ought not to claim so much
land she would say, Come and take
il if you can" For Spain well knew
that none Of the other countries wouId
go against her in war.
England had been worrying Spain q
great deal SO Spain fitted out fine
meet; this heet had 1874 war ships, $500
cannons and 10000 men. This was the
finest fleet that ever sailed the ocean
If the captain had known the Eng
lish Channel better, perhaps il would
have gone better with them.
fTo be continued.)
MARY NJ. =. NEWTON
r. i D., Atlee. Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
A MALLO,vE'EN PARTY.

Mary and Hobby We're busy planning
their Halloween party 1t was to be
that night at 1880 until 1890. Bobby
had carried out the invitations and
Mary was at home helping her mother
decorate the house. They were busy
all day, so the time soon came for the
guests 10 arrive
Bobby and Mary dressed up like
ghosts and met them at the door The
hall was dark with the exception of
one candle on tho table. 1T was decor
ated with pumpkins. corn, popcorn on
strings and dried leaves. Tho ghosts
then led th"m into another room. where
they played games and told stories
until Mary and Bobby's mother came
in the room after them. She led
them into another room. where she had
planned something for them. She had
fastened strings Of corn TO the cleo
trc light in the room ana extended
Them To different places all around the
room. such as i'll the window stills,
behind the he'd. in n vase and different
places She then told each child to
follow the string OF corn they had been
given until they came to the end Of
IT. When they got to the end they
each found a little Halloween present.
Some got candy witches, pumpkins and
other little presents
Then they all lined up and went into
the dining room, where delicious re-
freshmcnts We're served
After they had caten they went into
n room where a contest was to he held
They were all to draw something rep
rosenting something about Halloween
Some drew witches. some pumpkins
and some ghosts. The one who drew
the best one won a prize. After the
contest a witch came in and told NIL
the childrcn's fortunes
Then il was time for them to 20
home. They said they had never had
such a good time in their life
Composed by MARTHA HART
Farmvillc, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
HALLOWEEN NIGHT.

-tbout : o'clock Halloween night
our crowd met at our usual meeting.
place then we went Into our house
and after playing some games. we all
gathered around Il tub full OF water.
crowded with apples. and in the mid :.
die or a big red apple WAS Il quarter
After long time. i'll which all our
heads were soaking wet, one OF the
ioHs got the apple with tho quarter in
II. rhen we dressed up in all sorts
OF o!d clothes and scarefaces and wen,
out III the street and saw lots Of fun
Then after seeing ali tho fun. any
one could see we returned TO our homes
and went to bed.
Composed ny
DAN FINEGAN
22l0 Hanover Avenue RichinOnd Eo
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
A TRIP TO THE WOODS.

Once upon time there was a Attic
girl, her name was Helen. She was
a very nice little girl One day sho
went TO the woods. She tried 70 get
up the pine tree. She could not get
up the tree. so she began to pick
Then she came homo and said.
Mother. look at my pretty flowers"
she cook she flowers and put them in
" alter so they would not die She went
TO town with her mother. and she took
tho flowers to her aunt. And her
aunt said. they are pretty"
Composed by
MARTHA NJ. RAMKEY.
j. F. D. No. 2, Box 81 a, Richmond,
Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
nROTIIEn AND SISTER.

Once in the olden times there was a
man and women that had two children,
n boy and a girl. The girl was hated
by her parents
one day the girl took some food and
clothing and ran away: the little boy
saw her go and ran after her.
Years later they were both married.
ana one day an old man camo to tho
door begging for food. The girl rccog
iiz'd him as her father. Sho tools
hini H. and they came to n very happy
end.
Composed by
MARGNRET MASON
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
HISTORY OF GAS.

TO William Murdoch. born in Scot
land August u, 1850, must be given the
credit for tho many uses Of gas for
lighting, heating and cooking. His
first attempt to make gas was in an
iron teapot. Some time later he dis
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09

PRIZE-WISNERS OF THE WEEK.
&. SpoOncr Dunn, of Fillmore Street.
Petersburg, Va.
ImoSen Wright, or Tappnhannock,
Va.
Jnmcs Regiunld haley, or Key,yiIIc.
Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Old Member Heard From.

Dear Iditor-l am sending IN some con-
trihUliO!.S Tor the page, which ! hope Will
escape MI. Wustcbasltc," / am an old
mcmpcr OF the club. hat haven't written
to the page for rome time am going TO
Try Ia write oitcn now. My little brother
lust four years old, EOt badly burned about
july ]. and is In the hospital now Til.
doctors nave grated skin on him three
times already and thcy are going TO graft
some more ON him this week. Alter this
time hole he can come home. We cNpect
him ! think the page Is Improving rap
iil3. We have some fine members now. |
think Harry Chadwick's work Is fine
must close now As ever your loving mem
Der. GRACE r. TURNICR
:Sli Perry Street Woodland Heights
l.. S.-flcase send me another badge. I
lost mine.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
CONTRIBUTORS For THE w,,,,k

Contributions FOR THE wI,EI<.
Anthony, Sadie Moore. Janice
Hroadrup, Helen Mason. Margaret
baiicy. James X. Murray. Helene
Barker. Wray ,~cuthery, Ethel
'o!he robert Ncathery, Thomas
Chadwick. Harry Neathery. L.
Drake, Nicholas Newton. Mary ~ u
ouhn' =. Spooner Painter. Ewing
Dyson, Vivian Phillips. Cabcu
Dyson, Jesse Pascal. Bernard
DeIue. Fred Reid, Elizabeth
flhiean, Dan Ransom, Lyra V
cartwright, Saml Ramkcy, Martha
Hattorf. Alvin Turner, Grace
mart, Martha Tignor. Helen
Harris. Marguerite Tignor Thelma
iR!ks, futh Wright, Imogcn.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Ii..allinr Sfnrirs

Dear Editor.-I am sending the second
part OF my story, which / hope is printed.
nave not received my prize and medal.
which you snid you We're going send. 1t
has been quite long time since | won
them. have lately read two splendid
stori"s. The Fallen Idol" and The Blood
hoUnO.' ! read short story In the Satur-
day Evening Post, THE Game one OF tho
best / ever reud. VIII only write IA short
letter this week. Lovingly,
HARRY e CHADWICK
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
MARGUERITE HARRIS.
NbnIIt IIullnuc'pu

Dear Editor Halloween is here The Ian
terms Will De hung. ana then all tho people
|Hl com" AL dressed ia queer liking
.i"'heS. Jus; about the middle OF tn. nj. y
thr ShnSt comes. and such exciting times
i( ls after everything is QUIET ice-crra,l
~" cakes are served. 50 you will see OF
'he picture aiu sending in the utt!e cir
oh 'he broom handle aud the cat in III,
uitH h rlainG IN tho air. ! will look for my
ai"'ihf aud letter IN the sunday paper
Fo"A-tt. Nour member. RUTH HANKS
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Route 30


Deer Ea',or Thank sou for publishing
i"S .''5r u seems FUNNY to Say ".nclosed
h"Fe 20 say or rather write st, I've been
sn USED 70 writing. 'incosed you'u find ;,
verse i'Ist story now. 50 you see I'm
tiEihS nay luck win q story. lis called
invisible Rebel" war story The last
p"iis are much letter than III, FIRST Le
cause iu th"in com" To action OF the bea,
pari OF tho story Have YOU sent tho ,neo-
aus SCI II you have I heVcn', r.ceived
MN" wishing Sou auI All the boat Of
N'sheH' am - evei. your member.
.2oi9 South Pine Street. R.ch,n6nd
y S-Nou win alto ina "a heading for
November.
s School Girl.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Congratulate. Winner.

NeNr Edltor-I ann scndlns IN q nNrcr on
History, oi Gas Please excuse the Writ
nG az 1 had lust copied "a composition for
school and my hand WAS very tired. our
page Is very Interesting inccd. Iyra Ran
son, congratulate YOU for winning the
prize. WIN love 10 YOU ana all of the
members, l will close. Your loving member
HELEN MURRAY
Sa Mnln SLrect BlamdiOrd. Hnierhhuri:- Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Sends Composition.

Dear Ediiof.-l aendinE I'm original
competition. which | hopo Will escape the
wustchaSket. Since reading your iotter. 1
hope to receive my onE-delayed prize this
week. My birthday is in january. and | Will
lie twelve. Your sincere member
MARY NJ l.. NEWTON.
T.. T.. D., Aztec Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Thanks for NIeiinl-

Dear Edilor,--i was sorry whom didn't
see nay STORY ia print. said In my letter
mat would send story called Caught
in the Act forgot II was near the lin.
I" celebrate Halloween. DO not publish
mat story Gnti. after this poem has been
published haven't received my metal
yet } am looking Tor IL every time the mail
carrier comes "i"Gnn. Please publish my
poem Take MI Nastchasket ana set hin,
~ the corner when my lctt"r arrives
THANK YOU Very much FOR the medal. know
VIII hr Pleased with it. will send the
"ihet story Just rs soon rs this IS published
VIII now close, leaving hest wishes for
IL! me ineLnhcrs WRAN BARKER
III Pearl Street. Petersburg Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
CnnId MI At.rnd l.ni-

Dear fditor,i was sorry not 10 SEQ my
CRAVINGS on the page ana hope that ,hcs.
VII ~ more successful we had {, county
ihlt here last week. Aviator Tcrriu made
w" anG three flights daily In his curtis hi-
pane. OF course. there Was balloon man
ana !" rope walker. aud nh kinds of freaks
"s wei! as the agricultural exhibits / could
nor 8" h@CrUsc the last day which vns
school 'hildrcn'~ Day" u WAS pouring
Gown inin!ns and nohody could go | have
the cui'st little collie dog. Ills name il
SOD lie is Just q puppy and is very bad
your old member.
NIAHIT-EpITi- rT.pp,S,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09

Dear Niitor don't suppose YOU cnuld
Nif' resolved my last letter. as my name
WASH ~ the paper sunday. J hopc This one
VIZ !','' letter Dear editor. can YOU tell me
ny haven't received my medal. saw
ne 'lHhoLu. eue't the las, week In August
"ii lt.t-it Lutasy about II, | am AFRAID IL
''r 't'h i.-. congratulations. Miss Ran
s"t" o." ms ihc special prize. | think
~" veg H. avn glad you spent such
"i' 'ulNyhhir vacation Miss Dickinson, !
an Gao you cnjoyod my letter as | enjoy
iI ~ Won Work very much You asked ms,
70 ven you something about Halloween. /
"ie #"ine 20 i'y though I don't expect IL
nli. he rurh. You uust excuse bad writing
"H nave 81 sore finger. Nellie Buchcr | am
>" r'"d you are Improving and hone YOU
htN cont inUe tp improve. Best vishcs for
'i!,or aud members Faithfully yours
BLANCHE ANTHONY.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
i5ilsY nj Scllnnl.

Dear Editor.-i hnvc been 70 busy learning
my lessons Tor school that | haven't had
time 70 write TO tho club. Fred DePue IL Ia
my room at school, ami Ke. him to draw
me some funny pictures of Nut, and Jeff
He certainly can draw good. Irving Duke Is
III my room at Sunday school. Was glad to
sec my poetry in print. | am sending in
puzzle this week. We havc moved In our
new school. john Il. Cary. II has twcnty-
two rooms without the assembly hail and
basement. For our playground have a
lnrge grove OF oaks Hoping TO win II prize
soon. your Old member,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09

Dear Editor.-Herc ] am again have
not been drawing ic- the page for LONG
time: just been putting II oft think the
vacation stories were all very good. but
Kitty Naughen's latter beats them all. She
had II line time. The trees very pretty
now / could not so the fair. Good ny, with
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
Mclcnruc EnCl.

pear Editor-1t has been very long time
since have had an opportunity to write to
you. as We have had so much sickness In tho
family. Grandmother Canc up here In tho
Christmas and was taken sick the next day.
she was parHlyzed. and you know that
calls for SO much attention. she suffered :.
great deal until .iuly IS. when the dear
Lord took her home to heaven. My oldest
sister was sick nearly ali the summer, so
YOU kept very busy waiting on the
sick ones. hut now I'm going to make up
tor lost time and send something TO the
page every week. ] Just crazy to win
tho October medal. think they are perfect
~ beautiful. have several Of tho
members with them and am going to put
forth a tremendous effort Ia win one In the
near future. lnclosea please find some draw
inEs. which hope 10 soc on our dear page.
l suppose the most ot tho members are busy,
Hs school days hay" arrived. our paEe is
rapidly improving, which | am ,;lad TO say.
Wen, ] must close. want to no horse
hack riding this AFTERNOON. With best love
Tor you and members. / remain, your low
ing member, HELEN TlGNOR.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09
MARGUERITE BROADRUP.
midlothian
80. Indeed.

Dear Editor,-Do you think have forgot
ten you? As soon at | nrst Joined went
on my vacation, then school began So l
have not hal limo to write. Your friend,
LOIS VIRGINIA GILL
3is North Addison