davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Frances Hart of Hope, R. I.-I thank you very much for the prize book, Aunt Martha's Corner Cupboard" that you sent me. I liked it very much. I am so glad that it is nearly Christmas as we are to have a tree at our house also at the church. go down every morning to help a sick lady. I wash the dishes, sweep and peel her pota- toes for dinner, and then go to school. wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 Amelia Landry of Taftvi11e-I thank you very much for the prize book sent me. It is very interesting and very nice. Frank was very brave.
 Ada Marriott Of Oneco-I thank you very much for my prize book "The Pony Rider Boys in New Mexico" I have read 1t through and it is so in- teresting would like the whole set. My father is going to read it, too.
 Bertha Fuller of Eagleville-T re- ceived my book, and am very much pleased with it. I thank you for the pretty card. I am reading the book, and think it very interesting. The name of the book is Aunt Martha's Corner Cupboard"
 Nellie coIburn of South Canterbury T thank you very much for the book which you sent me. I think the story
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Oneco.
John Overheard.

They say listeners never hear any good of themselves, but I think 1t often does us good to hear some things that are not intended for our ears. It cer- tainiy taught John a lesson when he overheard Papa and Mamma planning for Christmas.
 Mamma said: Well, I guess I'll get Mary a nice big doll: and Alice a era dle for the big doll she got last year; and Rob wants a sled.''
 Papa said: What are we going to give John?"
 Mamma answered.: "Oh, it doesn't make any difference what we give John; he never seems to appreciate it. When he got his nice sled last year, the first thing he said was will Brown had got a nice one and all he said about his skates the year before was We might have got nickel plated for a few cents nore.' So,'' Mamma said, I've will get him book, or some thing
 Hearing all this certainly taught John lesson, for he was delighted with his book on Christmas, and said it was just the book he wanted and everything he wanted.
 Papa and Mamma doubted this, as he had mentioned a bicycle several times. So, when his birthday came, he got 8 nice bicycle: and there was nothing. said about someone else get ting a. motorcycle, either.
 CARLISLE LEWIS, Age 8.
 Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
UNCLE JED'S TALK TO WIDE
 AWAkES.

I think we all must have had a Mer- ry Christmas and we are being wished a Happy New Year.
 How many presents we received on Christmas does not represent the true spirit of the day. for it is what we did to make others happy which makes the heart most glad.
 We have been wished a Happy New Year and wished others the same; but these wishes are only agreed ble sounds unless we do all we can to make the New Year a pleasant and prosperous one. We must cultivate sweet disposi- tions, do our work cheerfully, and have pleasant word for those with whom we are associated or may meet. It may be well to do all we can to help others and to forget that there are rewards. More than half the disap- pointments in life result from our ex- pecting things which we do not realize and which there is not a particle of sense in anticipating. We are in the habit of expecting too much of our parents just as they are in the habit, perhaps, of expecting too much of us; and this. too, may be said of friends and employers, and we all raise a crop of disappointments, and I feel like say ing they are deserved.
 The Happy New Year is within not without you-and if you do all you can to keep your thoughts pleasant and your will to do right by parents, play mates and all others, the year will be all you can desire it to be, or others hope it may be for you.
 Uncle Jed wishes the Wide-Awakes a Happy New Year, and he will do all he can to make them happy during the year 1913.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
POETRY.
An Apple.

One day we were in the orchard, Shaking apples from a tree, When a sturdy little laddie
 With this question came to me: Gan you tell me why the apples That we don't want always drop, While the very ones we long for Stay way up at the top?' And I answered.: "If all apples Without effort were obtained We'd never know the joy of climbing Nor how victories are gained. What we have without struggle Of less value seems to be Than the apples we must climb for Hanging high upon life's tree. Gather, then, what lies about thee, Nor be satisfied till thou Too hast climbed and piucked the apple Hanging on the topmost bough.'
 -Elizabeth Ruggles.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

the wrong way, and so that is why you are so hungry. But as soon as I get back to my home-'
 But where do you live?'' broke in the children.
 "Oh. I live on that bright star away up there,' she said, pointing out of the window, and I hope you will come and visit me some time"
 'tYes, indeed. we willi' exclaimed both children at the Same time.
 T am one of Santa Claus helpers, 9 the lady continued, and so when you go to bed tonight, both of you hang your stockings up by the fireplace and then, closing the cupboard door, she vanished.
 Harold opened the cupboard door to see what was there, and on the shelf in front of him was everything good to eat.
 Both children sat down and ate until they could eat no more, then they hung their stockings up by the fireplace and went to bed feeling very happy
 The next morning they fouAd their stockings full of toys, candy, oranges and nuts. and a doll for Harriet. be- sides many other things.
 ANNA DURYEA. Scotland.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Goino A-Nuttinc.

Dear Uncle Jed: There is no sport I like better than gathering nuts in fall.
 One Saturday afternoon we took a bag and long pole and went into the woods.
 We knew the tree that bore the best nuts and the boys who got to them first would hurry and gather as many as they could before the other boys got there.
 Before frost came. we had to pick them off by hand, or knock them off with a pole
 But after there had been a frost two or three nights, then was the best time to go a-nutting, for the frost had cracked open the hurrs. or the bark, which held the nuts.
 When we shook a branch. or struck 1t with our long po1e down would rat tie a shower of ripe chestnuts or nick ory nuts. What fun 1t was for the little boys to pick them upl
 One year, I remember, my brother and I got a half bushel of chestnuts and more than bushel of walnuts. We put them in the attic to let them dry.
 In the long winter evenings, when the boys came to see us, we played checkers or fox and geese, and some other games. But we always brought on some apples and nuts before they went home. Those were pleasant times.
 ROBERT KRAUSS. Age 12.
 To
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Irvine for the Silver sfsdsIz

Dear Uncle Jed: The last time wrote I was in the seventh grade, oLt now I am in the eighth. We have arithmetic, grammar, agriculture, geog- raphy, spelling and history.
 I don't see what girls have to study agriculture for. They don't expect t3 be farmers.
 On our eighth grade graduation atf the girls will wear white dresses and white shoes and stockings, and sit uE on the stage in the school auditorium. Some will have essays to write and read; some will play the piano and sing.
 Last year my brother had an essay on Japan. He got the silver medal for general excellence all through the year. I'm trying for it this year, but I don't expect Til get it. EDNA CALKINS, Age Is.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
What Happened.

We dug a cave in our back yard, And digging it was very hard. We put a roof of boards on top, So tight 1t wouldn't leak a drop. That night storm came up at two, The rain came down, strong wind
 blew,
 And when I looked at break of day, Our shanty roof had blown away, And in that cave without a hood A pool of dark-brown water stood. We'd left a cave and gone to bed And woke to find a pond instead. I think, hereafter, if you please, We'll build our houses in the treA.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
How to Make a Needle Case.

Dear Uncle Jed: In reading some oS the stories of the Wide-Awakes, I de- cided to try my luck also. When traveling. every one looks for the most convenient way of carrying articles, such as pins. needles, etc, se I will tell the Circle how to make q pin and needle case.
 It requires about 1 IA yard oe four-inCh ribbon. also the same oe cotton. Sew together along the edgeF. (rhis may be hemstitched if wanted9c Then purchase two pieces of ribbo9 about one inch wide and sew on eack end. This case may be folded up and tied. <. It is very pretty when made and makes a useful present.
 AGNES HANLON, Age Is.
 ff1ri11e
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

got there at night at eight o'clock. We were all tired out when we got there. The next day we went to see the city It was packed-we could not move. We had a good time.
 The next day we went to New Bed ford We had to pass Lincoln park. On our way we passed some gypsies. They had some tents up, and a man and two little boys were going to wa ter the horses.
 I enjoyed my vacation very much. I hope to go again next year.
 I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. se
 FRED KILPATRICK, Age 12.
 Taftville.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

pet squirrel. Jimmy. I will tell them how he got away. He was gone about six weeks.
 One day people were here getting cabbages. They saw him and caught him and took him home. The next day they came up and asked me if is was Jimmy.
 went to see him, and, true enough it was he; and I got him again I Wa& so glad to think I got him again. He is just as happy as can be. Hat is as playful as ever
 have enjoyed my Christmas very much. I got a great many presents. Hope you had a very Merry Christ. mas and Happy New Year.
 ALICE STONE, Age Is. HamptOn
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Pictures Taken of the Scholars.

Dear Uncle Jed: Our school closed last Friday and we had a nice Christ mas tree and everyone got a present. All of US had 8 piece to speak, and we sang songs.
 A young man took our pictures in side the sehoolroon. and outside, also. Our school begins again Monday aft CT New Years day, and I expect to have a nice time on my vacation.
 I wish you and all the members of the Wide-Awake Circle merry Christ mas and Happy New Year.
 INA L. ALLEN, Age 10. Merrow, Conn.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

WINNERS OF PRIZE BOOKS. 1-lrene Godue of Scotland-@The Mo tor Boat Club of the Kennebec,' 7 by H. Irving Hancock. 2-Asnes Hanion of Taftville-4The he Pony Rider Boys of tine Ozarks,' 2 by Frank Gee Patchen. 3-Ednah caIkins of Kissemee, Fla. .sThe Railroad Cut" by William
 O. Stoddard. 4-C. Abbott Smith of Moosup-"Old Monday Farm by Louise R
 Packer. 5-Frcd Fitzpatrick of Taftville-"Th he High School Left End by H. Try
 ing Hancock. 6lRaymond OIds of Willimantic-.
 Dave Darrins Fourth Year at An
 napolis," by H. Irving Hancock. 7Robert krauss of Taftville-"The
 High School Freshmen by H. 1rv-
 ing Hancock. S-Annie Duryea of Scotland-''The
 Little Professor by Ida Horton
 Cash.
 9-Irene congdon of East Lyme
 CGratuity) "A Child's Garden of
 Verses" by Robert Louis Steven
 son.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Home-Made Candies.

I have tried some of Lucy Carter's candy recipes and am glad to say the candy came out nicely. I am sending in a few recipes for the Wide-Awakes to try:
 Peanut BrittieETwo cups granulated sugar, one teaspoon butter, one cup of coarsely chopped peanuts. Put the su- gar into a pan and let it melt over a hot fire; add butter and nuts and pour into a buttered pan and mark into squares when cool
 Fudgo-Two cups sugar, one table spoon butter. three-fourths cup milk one ounce chocolate. Cook all together till a little dropped in cold water forms a soft ball; remove from the fire, beat well, and pour into buttered pans. Cut into squares when cool.
 MoIasses Candy-Two cups moIasses,
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Work Christmas Week.

Dear Uncle Jed. I have been work ing hard all week helping to clean the house for Christmas. I sweep the rooms and dust all over.
 like to fix one room all by myself I slept upstairs all summer, but this week my mother took my bed down stairs and gave me 8 little room all by myself. I fixed it up all alone and ev- cry morning before I go to school I make my bed and sweep the floor in my room, besides the other work. like to keep my room clean and neat will close for this tirne
 IRENE GODUE, Age l3.
 Scotland
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

two tablespoons butter, two cups brown sugar, one-half cup water, one-fourth cup vinegar.
 Put all the mixture except the vim egar into a large saucepan and cook fast till a little of the mixture dropped into cold water forms a brittle; add the vinegar. cook two minutes more and pour into a greased pan to cool. AS soon as it can easily be handled, pull with the fingers till white. Cut into pieces before it is too hard.
 Hoping the Circle will try some of these recipes, I will close.
 ANNIE KRAUSS, Age 13.
 Taftvil1e
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
LETTERS TO UNCLE JED.
Arlene Likes to Skate.

Dear Uncle Jed: I go to school every day. I like my teacher very much. have been making some Christmas presents: Book marks, shaving balls, holders, and button bags. l have them most done.
 The skating is very good. I have a pond in front of my house; and I do a good deal of skating after school with my little playmates.
 I wonder if all the little girls are sliding down hill. I haven't had enough snow yet to take my sled out.
 ARLENE PEARL. Age g. Augusta, Me.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
My Morning Glory.

Late last summer my sister found a morning glory plant. She brought it to me and I planted it in a can. It bIoomed two times. then it did not bloom or grow.
 I thought it was dead. Then I took it into the kitchen and set it in the window. Just a little while ago it be- gan to have big green leaves. It has bloomed four or five times now, and is very pretty. It is a pink blossom.
 ADA MARRIOTT. GrAo0
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
keepinq Busy.

Dear Uncle Jed: I wonder hoV many of you Wide-Awake boys ever pieced a quilt2 I have made one witfE fifty six blocks, and it looks pretty. pieced it in one week. me.
 I have started another. There arc forty nine pieces in a block. Thf blocks are 13x13.
 My mother is going to sash it to. gether. I sew my blocks on the sew ing machine. So when I am not T school I can sew.
 E. ABBOTT SMITH, Age To- Moosup. ---
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Mx Pat Rnns+ar.

r Dear Uncle Jed: have ! pet roost- CT. When I go out to feed him he jumps up into the pan of feed. think he is very tame, because I can pick him up anywhere.
 His color is that of mixed red. He is what is called n1ongreI Rhode Is- land Red. so I call him Red Head.
 GEORGE FARRELL. Nrnr,rric.Ia
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
STORIES WRITTEN BY WIDE
 AWAkES.
Snake on the Wall.

Snake on the Wall.
 Once upon a, time as I was playing saw a snake on the wall ,and all the boys ran to see the snake. It was black and green. It was very long. All the boys were playing ball at that time. The boys killed the snake. One day I went down, cellar to chop wood, and I saw another snake. It was very round and very long. I ran for the hatchet to kill the snake. but when I came back the snake was gone.
 HAROLD BLAIS, Age If. Baltic
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

When the cats away the mice will play, but 1t so happened that Pomeroy selected the wrong time for his act. The cat is now likely to become the prison watchdog.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

A New Jersey judge has dared to fix the limit to be paid for women's clothes. He never made a more un- popular move with the women in his judicial career.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Hopes All Wide Awakss Had a Merry

Christmas. Dear Uncle Jed: I live with my grandma My mother died when 1 was th-ee years old
 I am in the fifth grade at school. We have arithmetic, grammar. spelling, geography, writing. history and draw ing.
 December 19 we had a Christmas tree. I got doil from Miss O'Connor, our teacher, and pad and pencil from Michael Za.hradnik.
 I hope the wide-Awake Circle had a Merry Christmas.
 IRENE CONGDoN. Age 10. East Lyme.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Between the striking garment work CTS and the celebration in Broadway on New Years morning New York had plenty of excitement to usher in the New Year.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Happy thought for today: However efficient or inefficient resolutions art they are always subject to amend ments.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Stock gambling is to be checked in New York. WheL that happens the metropolis will have undergone wave Of reform such as never struck it be- fore.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Even though Prof Muensterberg de- clares that man is at his best at fifty, the best man is usually much younger.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Whatever you are-Be that;
 Whatever you say-Be true. Straightforwardly act, Be honest-in fact,
 Be nobody else but you"
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Col. Roosevelt in his Boston speech urged the making of history interest ing. That sounds very much like say ing Follow me, boys.'
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Their Christmas Tree.

Dear Uncle Jed: I thought would write and tell you about cur Christ mas tree we had at school. We had hanging on the top Santa Claus and bells. Our teacher gave every one of the pupils a. present. We are having two weeks vacation. We are going to have Christmas tree, home. too. This Is all
 RUBY SWAIN. Age g.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Trainina My Calf.

Dear Uncle Jed: I have 8 calf It is about a year old. He is all black, and his name is Billy. He is quite large.
 Last Saturday I put a little strap around his nose, then I put another strap over his head. Then I tied a piece of rope on each side of his head for reins. First I drove him around the yard like a horse.
 At first he didn't want to go. After a while he went all right. I drive him up and down the road, now. I am going to make a wagon with two buggy wheels for him. Then I can hitch him up in it.
 There is a man who lives three miles from my house who has calf. It is red and white. He has wagon for his calf.
 ELMER BURBANK. Age 14.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Stealing autos is getting popular in New York, but the one bad feature about it is that only one can be taken at the same time.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Cipriano Castro promises to have nothing to do with us if we don't want him. That's a happy solution of the matter.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

If straw vote had been taken on certain train headed for Leaven- worth there would be a unanimous verdict of not guilty and an appeal for more funds.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

A New York paper says Grafters ir the PeniIentiary. It is not strange for they are to be found in most every other institution.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

The trial and conviction of the dy- namiters again shows there was noth- ing the matter with the jury system in bringing about justice.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

The cat which gave the alarm and prevented Jesse Pomeroy's escape from jail ought to be rewarded with a dep utyship.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

When there is nothing else to star an argument the new question of par cels post or parcel post is ready fol discussion.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Rhode Island has wiped out the free passes for the members of the state legislature. It is a step in the inter est of better legislation
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

As far as the weather is concerned 1t might as well be the first of April As yet the strengthening Of winter with the lengthenins of. the days is not proving trus
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Some auto drivers can sound their horns as if with the authority of a police official and in such a manner that it seems to be swearing at you.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
EDITORIAL NOTES.

Now that the holidays are over con- gress can if it will settle down to business
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

There is talk of a peerage for James Bryce. That would be case where the man honors the office as much as the office does the man.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Rules for Young writsrs.

HuIes for Youn1 WriforG
 I. Write plainly on one side of the paper only and number the pages.
 2. Use pen and ink. not pencil ". 2 8. Short and pointed articles will be given preference. Do not use over 250 words.
 1. Original xtnrfes or letters only will be t1sbd.
 s. Write, your name. age and ad- dress plainly at the bottom of the story.
 Address all couamun tcations to Un- cIe Jed. Bulletin O6co.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
How Turkeys Got Their Names.

According to an English writer, in the time of Henry the Eighth every thing foreign which was new and fash ionable was called Turkey" as the richest goods were imported by mer- chants whose vessels sailed up the Mediterranean sec, and who were call ed Turkey merchants.
 When the noble American bird was first served upon English tables. it's excellence gave it the fashionable name, turkey" which has remained un- changed to the present.
 TROY I. MAIN, Age 12.
 Norwich.
 [The Turks wear a bright red cap or fez on their heads, and the bright red color about the turkeys head is believed to h;47e given them the name.
 Bartlett, in slis Dictionary of Ameri- can Words, says, in seeking the origin of the word: "A drunken man is sometimes said to have got a Turkey on his back" Perhaps the allusion is to his having won a turkey at raff1e in a drinking place.
 Master Mains story seems as proba- bIe as either of these conjectures.- Uncle Jed.1
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
1891 Not 1897.

MT. Editor: In the recent article about Gov. William A. Buckingham's birthplace, I notice a date "1ss7." It should have beens as stated, 1891 Kindly correct error.
 Mrs. Ellen C. Williams Liverrnore.
 Kissinmee. Florida. Dec. 30, 1912.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Moosup.
Spent a Pleasant pav in Hartford.


 Dear Uncle Jed: I thought I would tell you about my trip to Hartford. I went to the Capitol and saw pictures of all the governors of Connecticut: and saw the original charter that was hid in the old Charter oak; and saw all the battle flags Of the Civil and Spanish wars. I went up in the dome. where I could see all over the city. Then I went to the Morgan Memo rial where I saw a great many paint ings and other pretty things
 Then I took q trolley ride to Weth- ersf1e1d and saw the states prison; and they said I could go inside, but didn't want to; thence I went to Elizabeth park, and saw the ducks. goldfish, and a great many pretty flowers.
 I enjoyed every minute of the day. and got home at six o'clock at night.
 RAYMOND OLDS. Age II. Willimantic.
 Went to Fall River and New Bedford. Dear Uncle Jed: am going to tell you of my visit to Fall River.
 We started in the afternoon. and we
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
His School Celebrated Christmas.

Dear Uncle Jed: Our school closed Friday noon and will not reopen until January 2.
 In our room. the fifth grade, we had a Christmas tree, and al 1.-the children contributed towards it. We were all supposed to bring some little present that cost about five cents. 1 brought a jack-in- the-box and in return got a game called .'Eiousehold Authors" It is very interesting game.
 About half of us had to say poems. I rectted one called "In Norway It told how the birds and cattle spend Christmas there. I held some grain in my hand to show the kind they ate in Norway.
 Others, who talked about Holland, wore wooden shoes.
 I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 JACOB RABINoVITCH. Age 10.
 Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
THE WIDE AWAKE CIRCLE
Boys and Girls Department
WINNERS OF PRIZE BOOKS.

very interesting wish you Merr Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02
Jimmy Is Happv as Ever.

Dear Uncle Jed:-A few months ago I wrote to the Wide Awakes about my
Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-02

Miss Lille Williams is applying iH Los Angeles far a job as motorcycle policewonan.