davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
EUGENE SPELLED DOWN.

Dear Editor:-I am very much In
terested in the contest. am going
to write about two friends and one re-
lative. ~
The first one i am going to write
about is one of my friends. His name
is Teddy Shaw. His name happens to
begin with "T" and "S.'
He does not live here. He lives at
Williamsburg. He used to live in He'd
rick.
We both went to school.
We would spell down some times.
He would get the head mark some
times.
One day at school we we're playing.
We pushed each other in the mouth.
knocked his tooth out that was loose.
My grandfather's name is Samuel
Ayres Stroud. He was born in Missouri.
He lives one mile and half from o.
tumwa.
He comes up nearly every Saturday
night to see us. He brings us candy
nearly every time he comes. He has
an auto now.
Thelma Lynn is one of my friends.
am going to write about Sunday
school, I 60 every Sunday. Well, |
can't think of another thing.
Eugene Beck, Age g..
Hedrick, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26

the mail bag and drove on to the city
NV how dark it must have been IN
there for a letter that was used to the
light. Probably the letter founo
friends there-friends with whom II
would talk with and have lots of fun.
After much travelling the letter ar
rived. It was hardly the same letter.
however, for 1t was crumpled and torn
and its beautiful stamp was marred. J.,
The editor was very busy today ana
so he never opened the letter. he
stuffed it in a pigeon hole In his desk
along with some other dusty papers.
Here it lay for many days until at last
the Editors son Henry who was play
ing post office found 1t. Why papa
here is letter for you." cried he: j,
Its from boy about your size SAID
the editor after he had read 1t. we
will put it in the paper and surprise
Bobby after all, and Henry you write
and tell him about It," For the editor
had begun to feel little sorry about
1t.
The letter was read in the paper by
the highly excited Bobby. He also re.
ceived the letter sent by Henry and
the correspondence that they have kept
UP has lasted for many years. But that
is different story.
Gaylord Archer. age IA,
Troy, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
FOR THE CHILDREN

rocks is little animal. We saw many
fish. Gold fish, sword fish, blue sea
tuna, star fish, sheepshead with two
white spots on their backs, and bass,
which is the best kind to eat.
We each had q seat around q place
where the bottom was glass, and
when we all bent over, the guide said
1t looked like prayer melting. 4
man dived to the bottom under the
boat. where we could Sc him gather
abalone shells. We brought ono Of
them home with us.
As we came home the wind blew
and the ship rocked some, and It made
several people sick. It nearly made me
sick when little girl who had eaten
too much chocolate candy got sick.
We ate lemon drops and chewed gum
to keep from getting sick. Mamma
saw flying fish, but I didn't.
When we came back to Long Beach
I waded in the ocean. The water was
real warm. Papa takes the Daily
Courier and I like to read the Junior
letters.
Your friend,
Marjorie Jay, aged 10.
San Dimas, Cal.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
MARJORY JAYS TRIP TO SANTA
CATALINA ISLANDS,.

Dear Editor: I thought the Juniors
would like to hear about our trip to
Santa Catalina island. 1t is nice
trip when the water is smooth, and
the sun shines warm. One is not like
" to get sick if the wind is still.
Our ships name was Cabrillo, and
there were three hundred people on
board. The name Of the town on the
island is Avalon. There are several
eating places and hotels there. They
tried hard to get us to stay over
night. They said we couldn't see all
the sights unless we did. The water
is very clear there and we saw the
sea lions dive after fish. They can
swim faster than fish, and when they
catch it they come to the top and give
it a good shaking and swallow 1t.
We took trip on the glass bottom
boat. In some places the water was
sixty feet deep, and the kelp was grow.
ing up to the top. We could see ferns
and sea moss growing on the rocks
The sea cucumber that grows on the
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
THE SMART CAT.

am going to write about the card
you sent me. 1t is a cat card. He has
black cap, a red coat and white
waist, with a star in the bib.
I named it Raymond. l think that
is a pretty good name, don't you?
The cat is blowing horn.
The horn is saying, "Tally-ho, a.
hunting we will go" .....
In his hand he has whip.
He has blue eyes. ~.
The grass is green all around him.
He is going to the woods a-hunt-
ing. He thinks he Is so smart be-
cause he is going hunting.
There is a big black button on the
top Of his cap.
He keeps his earlaps out over his
ears so they won't get cold.
Eugene Beck, age 9.
Hedrick, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26

Russell about four months, then ne
moved to Russell and lived there about
five months, and then he moved eight
miles northeast, where they have
lived since. There Is lots of timber
where he lives.
Orval has blue eyes and light hair.
He has brother about 7 months OLD.
He has a nice time with Orval. HIS
name Is Howard. He has blue eyes
and light hair.
I have three brothers and two
sisters. My brothers names are Ava,
Leonard and Harold, and my sisters
names are Alta and Bessie.
Orval and Towards mamma's name
is Alta, and Bessie has little baby.
His name Is Glen Lafavre. He has
Drown eyes and light hair.
Orval lives on 100 acre farm.
There are thirty acres Of it thick tim
Der.
He lives about six miles from here.
He breaks the eggs for his mamma
and chases the chickens out OF the
hen house and keeps them all out
until after dark, when he gets afraid
and comes to the house. ......
We have a little bird that my
cousin, Evelyn Mckinley, gave me:
It's name is Dick, and when Orval
comes over We have to hide him.
Well will close as my letter Is
getting long.
have two cousins. Their names
commence with P. Their names are
Page Mckinley and Pearl Mckinley.
I have three nephews and no nieces.
will close.
Stella Homer, age 10.
Russell, a., Route No. 1.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
ROBERT GLEN. MARES COUSIN.

Robert Glen Findlay is cousin OF
mine who lives In Eldon, Iowa. He
was born in Douds-L eando, Iowa March
10, 1909 so he is little past four years
of age. We call him Bobbie for short.
He is bright little fellow with big
brown eyes. Robert has sister Mar
garet Emily who Is one year older and
a brother Kenneth Edward who Is two
years younger. He does not go to KIN
dergarten yet but goes to Sunday
school. He seems like my little brother
for have no brothers nor sisters. He is
not like most little boys for he is afraid
of dogs. His father is my fathers
cousin and his mother Is my mothers
sisters so we are double relations. He
thinks lots Of his grandmother (and
mine) who is living there. And when
she is gone on a visit he says isn't
grandma ever coming back?" And
when she comes back he runs down the
walk to meet her. I have not seen him
for about three months but expect him
to visit us soon.
Mabel Marie Carson, age I,
Floris, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
Stories and Letters.
WATER AROUND ETHEL'S GRAND
MAS HOUSE.

Dear Juniors:-I will write about
my cousin Raymond. He is 16 years
old and has light curly hair and blue
eyes.
He lives in Naples, ILL.,, small
town on the Illinois river About two
weeks ago the river came over the
town and the water came in to his
home so he and his mother and father
and sister moved up in with my grand
ma as the water had never been in her
yard, but this time the levee broke
above grandma's house and 1t was
completely surrounded by water.
My uncle put wide board from the
front porch to the gate and kept his
boat and when they wanted to go to
town they had to go in the boat.
Ethel McLin.
Ill., Richland, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
THE COURIER JUNIOR.
Published by
fHE COURIER PRINTING CO.,
OTTUMWA, IOWA.
MATILDA DEVEREAUx,
EDITOR.
TWO PRIZE WINNERS THIS WEEK

Dear Juniors: We have two prlzt
winners in the "S"z and 1T" contest
And strange to say one of the prize
winners, Eugene Beck is also awarded
the surprise prize for the best pos
card story. Eugene's subject In the
latter contest is "A Smart Cat" ana ne
certainly told just how that particular
cat looks. The other prize winner II
last weeks contest is Pearl Clark, ano
she has written nice story about mel
father and mother.
The alphabet contest will soon DC
over. We all think it has been
very interesting one. The writer's
this week can tell us about some per
sons whose names begin with "u'' OF
"V."
# the Juniors fail to understano
lust what a name contest means all
they have to do is to read some OF the
stories in today's Junior.
The writer's can select their prizes
from among the following:
A picture book, box OF candy, ietter
paper. fountain pen, pocket knlfe'
work box, doll, roller skates or gar
den tools.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
LUCILLE HAS NEVER GONE TO
SCHOOL YET.

Dear Juniors: AS have never writ.
ten before l though would write.
l am a little girl 4 years old. My
birthday is May 8. I was five years old
then. have blue eyes and light hair.
I have two brothers and two sis.
tiers. Their names are Lena, Andrew
and Veo. I have a little baby sister.
We haven't named her yet. She has
dark hair and blue eyes.
I have never gone to school yet.
will be glad when can 60.
For pets I have dog and white
chickens.
49, My sister reads the Junior letters
to me and I like to hear them.
A New Junior,
Lucille Sauer, age 4.
. r. No. 2, Delta, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
Patty's Pleasant
Picnic

A single mountain, jutttng out at
the end of range Of low hills-that
is Grandsire's Peak.
A large pond or tiny lake, halfway
down the slope of the Peak, nesting
between it and Juniper HilF-that is
Lake Pearl.
Stretching fully a half mile from
Lake Pearl up toward the summit OF
Grandsire's Peak, a fine hemlock
g.oye, cleared from underbrush, fitted
with band stand, swings, tits, and
q dancing pavilion-that is Peak
Pearl Picnic Park. 5..
Summer sunsine, light breezes from
Lake Pearl, tanning cool shadows un
der the hemlocks, races and games
balls speeding, rowboats skimmine
acros sthe lake, swings flying, tilts
tipping, merry chatter, gay shouts
laughter and cheers-these made q
certain picnic at Peak Pearl Park.
One each of Phillips, Rice and JOY
liffle children, two Mays, two Bakers
three Randolphs, four cations and sis
Parker children, with enough mothers
and fathers and uncles and aunts anG
teachers to see that the little people
neither drowned, nor starved these
were the picnickers on that particu
lar day at the Peak Pearl Picnic
Park.
A bunch of foamy white ruffles
star-shiny eyes, wave-rippling ribbon:
and hair, breeze-kissed cheeks ant
rose-patterned lips - this was thu
littlest child at the picnic that day
and her name, as if it had been made
for that particular place on that par
ticular picnic day, was Patty Par
ker! And every one there called thu
occasion "Patty's Picnic" becaus'
her name just fitted it, and becaus.
she was the cheeriest and the happl
est one in all the little crowd.
1--WE always have a good time Whel
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26

Patty goes too" they said, "for wher-
ever Patty goes the sun shines all the
day long"
But in the middle of the afternoon,
when luncheon had been eaten and
game lists exhausted, and people were
beginning to ask what they could do
next, suddenly the wind began to
blow furiously. Little white-capped
waves tumbled over the surface Of the
lake, and rowboats hurried back to
the shore. Black clouds blotted out
the sunshine. Rambling thunder rat
tied in the distance, and every one in
the Peak Pearl Plcinc Park hurried
UP to the pavilion.
Patty Parker, because her mother
chased her as fast as she could run.
was the first to arrive.
The pavilion was built with fine.
smooth birch floor for dancing, Tall
posts stood about the edge to support
electric wires and the roof One long
bench ran from post to post all the
way around the pavilion, except
where spaces were left to walk
through.
Patty Parker stood upon bench to
see the rain begin to pour down upon
her party, for the roof itself was as
yet built only in the thoughts of the
owners Of the grounds. What, then,
could protect Patty Parker and the
rest from the torrents which seemed
to be about to break upon the pic.
nickers at Peak Pearl Picnic Park
now?
But Patty still smiled. when it
wains," she cried, waving her fat lit
tie arms and preparing to jump, I'VE
will play froggy-wog."
The rest Of the company stood near
Patty at the side of the pavilion farth-
est away from Lake Pearl, looking
down, far down, into the valley be.
low.
Storm clouds were rushing togeth-
er, thick and black Sheets Of rain
poured from clouds here and there.
as one pours water from q sprinkler
upon bed of flowers.
TITS raining In Maysville,' said one.
"Barker's Hill is getting it now!"
another cried out.
Suddenly the tops Of the clouds In
the distance below them grew white.
The sun shown out clear and strong
upon the pavilion where they stood.
The rumbling of the thunder grew
fainter and more faint, storm-clauds
swept rapidly down the valley and
disappeared as quickly as they had
come up half an hour ago.
Not one single drop Of rain fell
upon Patty Parker or any one In her
party, at her picnic in the park at
Lake Pearl on Grandsire's Peak, aft
err all.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
ELslE's TRIP TO THE WEST.

Dear Editor:
I thought / would write letter about
my trip to the west.
We had a public sale the 18th OF
December and sold everything
We left Highland Center the goth OF
January for Spokane, Wash.
When we got to Hedrick the con-
ductor said he thought the tickets were
made out wrong. So we stayed there
until night and started that night.
We were q week on the road.
Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Deciey started
from Hedrick the same night we did,
Mrs. Diciey and were together quite a
Bit
We had to stop over at Marion about
time.
We saw tents that the Indians lived
in and some boys on horseback along
the side Of the mountain.
When we got about to Spokane the
snow was about three feet deep. We
were on a steam car. There was nine
teen workmen got on with shovels apd
brooms so If they got stuck they could
shovel the snow. We got about hall
way to Spokane when we got into snow
bank. All the men got off and went out
to help get the car out. There was an
other car ahead of us that was showed
In too and one of the cars left the
track. We would have got into Spokane
at noon but we were there about five
hours When we got to Spokane 1T was
7 o'clock. Ny uncle Harry went down
to meet us at the train but we were
not there so he came home and Their
my brother went down to meet the next
train. But we had not got there yet
So we waited quite a while then we
took street car that went about
four blocks from my uncle's house. we
walked right past it once and never
saw it. When we found it my cousin
had gone to bed. The next day was
Sunday. My aunt Ethel, Mabel and the
baby and I went to the show and lef
the rest Of the children at home. we
started for Coleville. Wash, Wednes
dav afternoon and got there about ter
that night. We stayed there until
breakfast, then started for Rosebury
Oregon and stayed there two days ant
| started back for Iowa. We were II
California The trees were all in bloom
and the flowers were in bloom. I got {
| lot Of beautiful cards on the way home
| I would like to hear from some Of thu
| Juniors.
Elsie Young, age 10.
| OttumWa, Ia, r. No. 8.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
MILE AND HER FRIENDS HUNT
FLOWERS.

Dear Friend Leora:
How are you and how is Mildred?
We are all right.
Thelma is all right.
She is visiting her Grandma Moore
now. {
l read your Letter in the paper last
week. -..
Do you 60 to school now?
l have been going to school. Maud
Stevenson is my teacher.
Have you gone flower hunting this.
spring? We go flower hunting some
times at school and gather lots Of
pretty flowers.
Freda and Reva Goodwin were here
Saturday and we girls went flower
hunting. We got a big bunch OF
flowers. I expect you thought l was
never going to write to you. We
haven't been getting the Courier I'M
til last week.
will close for this time.
Mile Huffman, aged 10.
Floris, Iowa, r. F. D. No. 3.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
PEARLS RELATIVES.

! will now write a story about 49,
and "T.''
| MY mammals name Is Sarah Matilda
and papa's is Thomas Mitchell Clark
Mamma was born near Abingdon. la.
She was born July 8, 1868. She will be
las years old in July. She has four
brothers.
Their names are David H. Black or
Pipestone, Minn William T. Black OF
Hedrick, a., Marion G. Black who
lives two and half miles east Of Abb
ingdon. Cal O. Black, who lives two
and a half miles west of Abingdon.
She has also four sisters. Minnie
McCreery and Nora Jones of Batavia.
Mertha Kenyon of Oskaloosa, and
Bertha Black, the twin sister of Mer-
tina, who died when about six weeks
old.
Mammals father and mother are liv-
ing here in Abingdon. Their names
are w. A. Black and Louisa Black:
Mamma was married to Thomas M.
Clark July 8, 1881. She has two chill
0ren, Lena Mae Conner of Cincinnati.
Ia, and Pearl Clark at home.
Papa was born In Des Moines coun-
ty, Iowa at Burlington, August IA, 1859.
He is the brother of two sisters Mirtie
Ellen Caldwell of South Dakota, and
Ida Mae Tracy, also Of South Dakota
and two brothers, Chance l.. Clark,
near Abingdon, and William W., also
tnear Abingdon. He was married to
Sarah Matilda Black July 8, 1881.
Papa's father was soldier In Co.
G seth Iowa volunteer infantry, and
was with Sherman on his march to the
sea, and was honorably discharged
June 5, 1865.
Papa's father and mothers names
are Mrs Ann Clark and John M.
Clark.
Mrs. Ann Clark died June 8. 1899.
John M. Clark died Nov. 7, 1911, age
CT years and seventeen days.
I have an uncle whose name begins
with T. Uncle Thomas Black of He'd
rick.
IS" Is for my Aunt Sarah Black who
lives two and a half miles west OF
here.
Pearl Clark,
Abingdon, Iowa.
| P. ST would like to exchange
cards with the Juniors.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
ANNALS RELATIONS.

will write about my relatives whose
names begin with "S.'
I have an uncle, Samuel Williams
who lives in Abba. He is 70 years
old. $780,
I have an aunt, Sarah >Spher, who
lives in Sheridan, Neb. She Is my
grandpa's youngest sister. she mas
dark hair and blue eyes. She is sixty
eight years old. -..
. I have a cousin, Sara Williams. VINO
lives in Oskaloosa. She has dark hair
and grey eyes. She teaches music
in the Oskaloosa high school. She
has been to Germany and to London.
l have cousin, Sadie Sphere who
lives in Seattle, Wash. She Is a
stenographer .@ .@
Anna l.. Palfreyman, Age 13.
Lucas, Iowa.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
THE STORY OF A LETTER.

Little Bobby, as he was called, was a
little boy living about five miles from
tho town of B. His father was a
farmer and you may be sure that he
had plenty to do. But today he had
been playing with his little kitten and
trying to read the Junior page of a
large city daily. Presently he ran into
where his mother was getting dinner
He said Mamma, can't write letter
to the paper?"
His mother said she would see, sc
when the mail man came for the let
tiers he found neatly written letter In
the box for him. He instantly put it in
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
REVA'S FIRST LETTER A NICE
ONE. e---

Dear Editor and juniors: This is
my first letter to the Junior page.
lam little girl seven years old.
MY birthday is the 9th of April.
am going to start to school Mon
day. - ...~s X
will go to the Eagle school. My
teachers name is Villa Jackson.
Mile and Minnie Huffman and my
sister Freda and I went flower hunting
today and got a nice bunch of flowers.
I will close for this time hoping to
see my letter in print.
Reva Goodwin, age Z,
Floris, Iowa, r. r. No. 3.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
HAzEL's BROTHER ROY.

Dear Juniors:
I have brother named Roy French
He is 81 years old.
He has dark hair and blue eyes ano
is about feet and 10 inches tai. he
has little bow named Fred r. French
T knew a woman related to me. HeI
name was Ounce Hartwick. She was
q school teacher.
I have two brothers and two sisters
I have an uncle named Romlee
French. He lives in Ottumwa.
I have some flowers he gave me
about three years ago. I haven't seen
him since. But hope to see him soon.
MY birthday was the 14th OF April
was 10 years old. 1 have written 10
the Junior twice before this.
Hazel French. age Is,
Bloomfield, a., r. No. 4.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
FREDA HAS FOUR BROTHERS AND
TWO SISTERS.

Dear Editor and Juniors: This is
nv first letter to the Junior page.
l am nine years old.
I have four brothers and two sisters.
My brothers names are Kenneth,
Joseph, Otte and Ira. My sisters
names are Reva and Gladys.
I am going to start to school Mon
day. My studies are reading, arith-
metic, grammar, physiology, geography
and spelling. like to go to school.
Freda Goodwin, Age 9.
Floris, Iowa, Route No. 3.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
EARL A TRAVELLER.

Dear Editor: thought I would
write a letter for the Junior page.
My papa takes the Ottumwa Daily
Courier. I enjoy reading 1t very
much. ...
go to school every day. My teach.
er's name is Miss Sylvia Streicher.
like her for a teacher. We have SIX
weeks more Of school. ...s
have been in several large cities
I will name the largest ones, Denver
Colo, Omaha, Neb., Chicago, ILL.,, and
Indianapolis, Ind.
I will close hoping to see my letter
printed in the Courier Junior.
Earl Lowry, age 10,
Cht1licOthe Ia
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
IRENE PUTS HER BROTHER TIC
SLEEP.

Dear Juniors:
My papa takes the Tri-Weekly Cour-
Ter and I am interested in the Junior
page. 1885,
have thought for long time that
would write a letter to the Junior
We have no spring school this year.
+ have little bah" brother. His name
is Bert Carroll Roberts. He has brown
hair and blue eyes. He laughs out loud
and is so sweet
l rock him to sleep every day. He is
f months old.
Papa has lots Of little pigs and lambs
which I always used to think were
awful cute, but thev are not in it now
with my baby brother.
This letter is all about my little
brother for he Is the only little brother
ever had. I have no sisters. will be
9 years old in September.
Irene Roberts.
Bloomfield, Iowa, r. Z.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-26
RETA DAVIS.

Dear Editor and juniors,
I know a girl named RetA Davis and
thought I would write you about her.
She lived in Burlington until a year
ago when she moved to Omaha.
1t was rather unusual the way we
became acquainted. My brother and
were going some place on the train
and under the seat found q pocket
book. It had Retas name and address
in 1t. l sent It to her and she wrote
back to me, so we've kept 1t up ever
since.
She has an aunt living near me
whom she comes to see every sum
mer and she always comes to see me,
too. s
She wrote me that they escaped I'M
injured by the storm, lately In Omaha,
except that their house was pretty
badly damaged.
She will be fifteen years old next
March. Frances Seeds, age IA.
Blakesburg. Iowa.