davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
TIE CLOSING OF SCHOOL.

can hardly say that l was sorry
when school closed. for in many re-
spects ] WAS glad. Vacation laws be-
fore one the possibilities OF a very
happy summer Think of boating
parties, long drives and mountain trips
and compare that 10 pouring over
books In a hot classroom But. again.
think OF the grand frolics YOU hav,.
1T school. can remember them all
How we would fight for single bite
of a pickle, and, when any one an
peared with signs of candy about his
person the scramble and riot that
followed. When YOU are uncXpress-
IDLY bored BY long chapters of dull
history. YOU watch the moments drag
by Till the hands of the clock .nally
point TO 1889, and YOU feel like shout
ing as the recess bell rings Then.
arm IN arm, you walk up and down
the long concrete pavement. four and
I'VE, sometimes Sin abreast In the
Spr-ng The walks are covered with
mop Scotch games and simply alive
with lame people hopping around on
one foot When | am sick IL is perfect
agony for me TO sit 1T the window and
watch my friends hurrying by in the
morning, on returning at noon to thei,
much desired and well-earned dinners
Not only do i miss going OF school
hut, with every day YOU are absent.
honor ron fades completely away. TAX.
ing II al in ail, ! am very glad when
sc1ool closes, and wild with delight
when September rolls around once
more and the old, familiar rountine
Of study, study, study begins again.
If ! had 10 choose between them I'm
sure never could toll which liked
the best. school or vacation
- MARGUERITE A. HARRIS.
HalriSOuburg Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
THE CLOSING OF MY SCHOOL

MY school closed May -. We de-
birthplace OF Henry Clay. the great
called the, Great Pacihcator." because
ne did all in mis- power TO allay the
strife that arose between the North
and South over the slavery question
Henry Clay was born in Hanover
County, Va, April -. l777, and died in
Washington June %. 1852
1t was about A half an hours walk
from the Schoolhouse to Clay Springs
think every one of us thoroughly en-
joEed the walk through the beautiful
cool. green woods. We had invited
some friends. so there was quite a
crowd: The woods rang with our
laughter.
We reached the Springs about .
o'clock: 1t was beautiful scene. The
spring is in deep hollow. surrounded
by beeches. someN old, old trees scared
with initials that have been cut there
for years.
We had to climb up and down the
keen from falling; We sat. on the
long time. We then cut our Initials
on one OF the huge beeches, got a
drink of water. and left for home. af-
ter spending a very pleasant after
noon
Composed by
SADIE ANTHONY
Ashland, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
THE CLOSING OF SCHOOL AT HICK-
OKYSUT GROVE.

The school at Hckorynut Grove
closed the last day OF May with a
commencement. They had two nights.
The first was nearly all instrumental
music. except solo by Miss Prudy
Parlin. and rainbow drill that con-
sisted of nine girls.
The girls in the drill represented tho
colors of tho rainbow. Those that took
part were Misses Dottie Dimple. Sophie
May. Flake Frizzle. Phebe Dolan,
katinka Dinkelspiel. Norah Clifford,
Katie Sherwood. Grace Lally and Alice
Iazclle. They all marched around by
march played by Miss Jennie Vance.
then they marched, one by one, to the
front. and had little verse to say,
and when the last girl came to the
front and finished her verse, the cur
tain fell.
Refreshments wcre served. and at ?
O'Clock the doors closed.
The second night came the plays
They had little Bo-Peep Cinderella and
Sleeping Beauty. All those that took
part acted nicely, and at the end, be-
fore the refreshments were served the
principal of the school awarded the
medals to the most deserving.
Composed by
MARIE z. WILLIAMS
Avon, Nelson County Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19

My school closed on the 14th OF NAV.
Inc exercises began at o'clock. First
i Ihf pr mar room room sang very sweet
SIN OF the little boys. who discussed
NE NE funny names of people. such as
Mr.: Young, who was the oldest man in
Town, ana Mr.. Walker. who was so
feeble he could hardly get anywhere.
d dnen a lot OF the real little boys were
dressed IKE little brownies. and they
came skipping on the stage one mt a
tine' saving cute little piece, and
then would join hands and skin around
the stage. Every time another brownie
came IN. they would skip around until
al OF them were there. Then they
would say little piece together and
SKIP around again. Then one little
brownie would say something and skin
on the stage. until all were gone
Ihis was very cute. and everybody
was crazy about it. Then the little
ierent colors of the rainbow. and thev
parts i'''ie
Then another play with three ,it,,n
grades. All three OF them act.d ine
imen song was sung by the fifth
S s,l;iIn, anu seventh grades. Some sf the
cni,aIem ms; said piece OF poetry a play
Galled The Train To Mauro" was 6ne
~ consisted OF only three people. the
depot agent Mrs. Butteriniik and her
train TO Mauro. and was told bv her
son tnat she wanted the train to take
n ,n me agent said she could take
the tram tomorrow or to-day She
TOOK out lot of bundles with curious
thhinEs In them; and offered them to
me agent, who was very much
shocked. She had them scattered ali
over the floor, when suddenly the train
prev, ana the agent jumped M and
said he believed she really did Want
10 take the train to Mauro She re-
pieu tnat OF course she did She or
uered Johnny 10 hurry up and pick nm
the packages on the floor. and thev
both scrambled up and hurried off the
stage. dropping things everywhere II
wa; MAS very I,mnny. and all these were
and visitors From Fairyland'' fol-
one or two tableaux followed
After that the high school came. All
OF the girls in the eighth grade were
IN play called the Society for tho
suppression of Slang" and We used
slang all the time. IT ended by ali Of
us going to see an automobile. and the
society was broken up. Oh. / forgot.
we had song first with ali the hiwh
school play called "Lohenerin" fol-
lowed the Society for the Suppression
OF Slang. This consisted of Elsa. the
bride who was deserted on her wedding
day; l.ohengrin, grea: knight: Sir
Frederick. who was killed in n duel by
i-ohenErin; bishop, who married I.o-
hengrin. and Elsa ana the orchestra.
Ali We're wax figures except the orches-
ira. There were four instruments in
the orchestra. a horn. fiddle. drum and
mouth harp. I was the leader and had
the horn During the duel and sew
eral other things ] would get up and
make wild gestures with my hands and
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
THE CLOSE or SCHOOL BEHIND THE
SCENES.

The room was crowded TO the ut
most Two girls powdcrinc their hair
for Colonial scene stood in one cor
ncr, and the sitting odor of the DOW
der filled the room. The teachers were
giving their last misunderstanding
get frightened. Don't race through
your part, and, above all. do your
best"
II know Miss Wilbert did tell us
20 ric our sashcs this way" NO it
isn't IT'S this way, tell YOU" and two
small heads appeared from behind a
screen 10 have the dispute settled.
Where on earth is Charles" said
the primary teacher as she was mus
tcrinr her children for Il song.
lie is behind the door. Miss Lee
He SAYS he don't want to be in il to
night" said a small girl.
II would like TO know when he ever
expects TO be in il then" cxasperated
Miss Lee AS she dragged the resist
!nS Charles from his hiding place
oh. Winnie. YOU did Just fine PRAY
for me when ! 20 on" said Clara as
she assembled the stage steps.
such -eNclamations AS Where or
earth is my box OF clothcs"' "Oh.
mercy. where did I lay my Indian
shawl, ! wonder" please girls. give
me = suck of lemon. I'm about to suf-
focate." and quick. quick. hook my
dress. Miss Wilbert is calling me"
tincd the room.
Ard the audience looked at the
stage. and said: How nice everything
is managed, so quiet and orderly"
MARGARET PROCTOR
Ora kes Branch Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19

the others would have to follow my
gestures with their instruments. I had
a lot OF badges on the back of my coat.
All Of us had on coats. We We're sup
posed to make the worst noise we could
and we did it. too.
The wax figures were wound up. and
they sang instead of talking. Lohen-
grin arrived on a hobby horse and lie
wore nickerbockers with white stock
inss and a scarf tied around him and
an artistic little hat on his head. 1t
cnded up by Lohengrin leaving his
pride on their Wedding day and the
th hesie ne ned Mare NJ followed This had
Keen. is very deaf. and thinks that a
very, stuck up city guy wants Nellie
the horse. while he really wants Nell
lie. the old mans daughter. Then Mr.
Feed comes and he thinks Mr.. Peed
wants his daughter. while he really
wants the horse. He says all kinds Of
things about each tina, he means for
the opposite Nellie Mr.. Pccd is talking
aoout; After while he (Mr Keen
city guy comes in and they fight about
Nellie. They shoot and the old man
rushcs In and falls under the table. and
they think they have killed him. and
the city guy is asked where TO put him
and says In the coffee pot. Mr. Peed
is quite disguised After a while they
lift him up and the old man yells. and
they let him fall on the conec pot, and
he jumped up and threw the coffee pot
across the stage.
II ends up with Mr.. Peed getting the
horse, the other the old mans daugh-
ter and Mr.. Keen himself regained his
hearing.
There was only congratulate. Miss
Roberts, who read very interesting
composition and gave "A few parting
words 10 her schoolmates and teach
cr She received her diploma with the
congratulations of her teacher and
friends. PATTtE w CALI,AWAY
Norwood, Nelson County, Virginia.
~
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
THE CLOSING OF OAK RIDGE HIGH
SCHOOL.

Oak Ridge High School closed on the
18th OF May. with n play called The
Woodpccker Robin Red Breast We'd
ding"
The bride, Miss Hubby Mason. was
Miss Robin Red Breast. and the groom.
Ezekiel Pettengill, was Mr.. Wood
pecker
The girls and boys were about ten
years old.
Miss Mandy Skinner was Miss Blue
Bird. and she was escorted by Hiram
Maxwell. who was Mr.. Blue Jay.
Miss Eessic Chisholm, maid of honor.
was Miss Snow Bird Robert Fern
borough, groomsman, was Mr. Wren.
Misses Ella Salesman and F:stelie
Adams, flower girls. were Misses Spar
row and Parrot.
The guests were: Miss Alice Petten-
gill (Miss Canary. Quniccy Sawyer
tMr. Red Bird. Miss Lucinda Putnam
Miss Dovc). Obadiah Strout tMr.
Raven). Miss Tlly James Miss
Pigeon), Sam Hill tMr. crow. The
minister, j. Jones Putnam tMr. Crane).
and Deacon and Mrs. Mason. mother
and father OF the bride.
After the wedding supper was
served for the bridal party and guests.
Composed by
MARJORIE II. WILLIAMS.
Avon, Nelson County. Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
Louise Willis.
THE CLOSING EXERCISES OF THE
WOMAN'S COLLEGE.

The commencement OF my school. the
Womans college. started OH Tuesday
My sister and I went. and as I have
been taking art at the college. en-
joyed seeing the exhibit. ] had some
OF my, pictures on the chapel wall
but l did not graduate. as this is only
my second year. Several of the girls
graduated in art. and the pictures and
tapestries were beautiful.
On Tuesday afternoon the prepara-
tory department had their entertain
ment. and on Wednesday night the
class of expression gave an entertain
ment: Three of the girls told stories
entitled The Mustard Plaster" The
Man in the shadow and "A Change
hoys participated in play called The
Girls Al the Seminary" which was very
humorous and Interesting.
On Friday they had class day and a
luncheon. think that the exercises
planted in the college yard, and the
orations were delivered and the col
lege songs sung in the chapel.
diplomas, j received a diponsss on
English, literature, and got son,e real
lions and peonies. | also nad 4 nice
Treasury of Songs and Lyrics"
On Saturday night another musical
was held. which ] was especially anX-
ious 10 attend, one of my best
friends was. going TO play. but il was
impossible for me 10 go. On Sunday
night went to hear the sermon 10 the
college girls
Monday night the closing exercises
were held at the Academy. When the
curtain rose the graduates, in their
caps and gowns. We're seated in a half
circle around the stage. with DIR. Nell
son in the middle. II was lovely
spectacle. The speaker of the occa-
sion made a very interesting talk, and
the full graduates received their de-
grees.
Every one in the audience was very
much surprised when little May Rug
giles Nelson. granddaughter OF DR.. Nell
son. appeared on the stage. She pre-
scented DIR. Nelson with a large bou-
que, OF roses, given TO him by the
students and the faculty, and She Ger
tainly did look c":e. dressed III cap
and gown. The girls gave the col
lege yell. and all cheered for Dr. Mel
son.
thoroughly enjoyed the commence
,nen,, and although ! Was very sorry
10 part with some of the boarders at
The college. ! am real glad to have Il
vacation.
IIOTTJE NJ. DICKINSON.
lakewood Cemetery
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
--=-------------------
THE CLOSING OF SCHOOL.

1t was the 18th OF June, and Over
land School was going to close that
day. Every year one OF the fourteen
grades in that school had charge Of
the program, This year Miss yelling
the fourth grammar. and had thirty
hvS children In her room.
The program onened with the whole
came: came a violin SOLO by Jimmy Smith.
piece E,,es called The Boy, Stood on the
OF courage. as we'll as pride, and he
had silently memorized his poem, but
to say IL aloud was another thing He
bravely started. and finding he did not
know it he said the little rhyme:
The boy stood on the burning deck
Eating peanuts by the peck:
His father called him; he did not go.
BECAUSE he loved his peanuts SO.
Though he turned very red he didn't
make blunder. The rhyme caused
much laughter, and no one knew hut
Miss Wellington that Tom had said
something different from what she had
assigned him.
After that Mary Jones sang. and
then two little girls. dressed as old
ladies with powdered hair, danced the
minuet.
The program closed with the entire
school singing Welcome. Sweet sum
mer Days"
Composed by
ELIZABETH ]. HILL.
IL South First Street, Richmond
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
MY SCHOOL ENDING.

After a successful year. Chester High
School had their commencement. The
school was decorated with ferns and
Scotch broom. IL was just beautiful.
One boy and seven girls graduated
thiI year.
They received many flowers. which
were very pretty.
Harrol! Goan. OF Chester. Va. made
a long speech. He was the only boy
:hat graduated this year. He is a fine
looking gentleman. Then Mr.. Goan and
the girls sang song. which was real
pretty.
The room in which the platform was
was just crowded, and some standing
up. l had A seat, but had to give
II up.
When It was all over I went down
in the lower hall, and then came ba y <
upstairs and looked at the large girls
sewing, which was just fine
IRENE CLAY.
Drcwry's Bluff, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
VACATION.

Mary was a very happy little girl:
It was about two weeks before school
closed The only thing that bothered
her was those horrible old examine
tons. which came in just about a
week. But Mary was "A very smart
little girl She was, ten years old. and
in the seventh grade. We'll. exanina
tons came, and Mary got through all
.. X, then she was happier still. Then
after examinations came the com
mencement Mary was In very pref
ty little play called Quits II passed
OFF very successfully. That night.
when they gave out the medals Mary
received the seventh grade medal,
much to her delight.
Mary has been successful in every
school she has been TO. She Is now a
grown woman, and is a tirst-cla So
trained nurse.
Composed by
BELLE GIBBS
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
Judd. Va.
McKcnncy School.

VI
Dear children.-l will tell you about the
closing Of school at Mckinney, Va. Two or
'nree weeks before commencement we would
all march 20 the music room and practice
on the piano. About week before com
inencement we would all march down to the
hal! to practice our pieces.
we had right much music. Mrs. Dunn
MISS Gertrude Rives was my school teacher
ms year Viii be In the sixth grade FOR
1914 and 1915. May the day we had
planned for our commencement 1t ralned
right much until about 1870 O'clock We
vent out 10 set some ferns. and go, some
neantifui one We went out to get some
flowers to decorate with. We got some
honeysuckle and dogwood and a few early
roses: After We had decorated we went
10 Mr.. Dunn's to get some chairs The
name of our play was While Mortals Sleep
In our play four fairies. four birds
four school children. four breezes one star
one Mother Goose: one dawn. ono harvest;
one Prince Good VIII. four brownies Little
Bo-Peep and Little Boy Blue and Santa
Claus. Everybody had on costumes We had
song called Ten Little Negroes" Every
thing passed off beautifully.
ALBERT DOYLE.
MCKcnney Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
SCHOOL DAYS.

Every morning at half-past s,
we used to be waiting at the old
school gate,
And now vacation has begun,
We will go and have some fun.
No more reading, writing and aritth-
metic,
All on the tune OF hickory stick,
We may have the dreams OF good
times again.
And sleep until half-past 10.
OF to the pond we may fish all day
Or use our time in some other way.
And now that school has started again,
we may get to work and study.
To play in the afternoon and get our
shoes all muddy.
WRAY. BARKER.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
THE CLOSING OF SCHOOL.

Our school closed June ~, but th.
grammar grades had a play on Nav 80
called Jack in the Beanstalk.'
didnt nave any special character, but
sang with girl In two duets. and T
also sang a solo. Everybody though
IT was real good because the children
seem TO take SO much interest in TIA
play. and especially the singing IN
June 10 our music teacher had ber
recital, and on June IL, the last night.
was graduating night, two boys grad,
uated. ] was awful sorry when the
last night was over, because ] missed
going to them so much
KENNETH BENGEL.
Stony Creek, Va,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
COMMENCEMENT.

Line after line file past
Of eager girls and boys:
Some OH lifes sea are cast.
Some are playing with toys,
Some are not promoted,
Some are being passed;
Men and women of note
Thinks each small lad and lass.
Lassies in snowy white,
And on their dresses lace:
Lads In suits like the night,
All dressed with good taste.
BY MARY CAFFEE ROBERTSON.
WHY 70, buckingham Co., Va,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
CHA RADE.

My first is in stool. but not In pool;
My second Is in cat. but not in hat
Ny third is in hat. but not in cat:
My fourth and fifth is in school, also
in pool:
My sixth is in look. but not in crook :
My seventh Is in coat. but not in goat: :
My eighth is in love but not In above
My ninth is in hot. also In pot:
My tenth is in sin, but not in hen;
My eleventh is in nail. also in trail:
My twelfth is in not, but not in hot:
My thirteenth is in glove, but not in
love;
My whole is in happy day for chill
dren.
T. r. BUTTERwoRTH.
Judd, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
THE CLOSING SCHOOL.

Our school was out the last of Man.
We had our commencem two nights
We had six eXamina tons; very hard.
was eleven when school started, and
was promoted to the seventh grade
Dur school had about 100 scholars this
year KATHLEEN HALL
Fisherviilc. Va
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19

School just closed. and Tom and Joe
are planning their vacation. They say
they are not going TO work this sum-
mer. but are going 10 have :; good
time. II you want to know what they
have planned, put these letters to-
Scther. One is eat. Now see if YOU can
guess the rest.
HELEN BROADRUP,
Midlnthinn N.l
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19

Drawn ny Lily Finke.
Then every little child to school must
come,
On this last break!ng-up school day,
For they wont have to study at home,
YOU see,
They'll do nothing but run about
and play.
LILY VI. FINkE.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
field.
Sends Puzzle.

Dear Editor.-ENcuse me for not sen6inr
anything for the page last week. but have
oeen reading the pasc all the time. ! am
sending charade for the school closing
contest and some drawings for the other
papers Hoping 10 see the drawing in print
some time. with best Wishes 10 you and all
the members. l remain.
Your member,
7. r. BUTTERwORTH.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
OUT IoNInS member.
AGNES STAlNBACE,
Draws Fine Picture.

Dear Editor.-At your earnest request !
am sending a heading for the school-closins
f tS,ms s,, l had hard time finding some
drawing was splendid last sunday, and so
also was the story. OF Rebecca h Cooper.
am very anxious for next sunday to come.
as would like to see the names of the
medaists You do not know how much 1
would Ike II l was so lucky as TO win one
With best of wishes to all. / remain a true
me Der. SUSIE VARRO
Highland Springs, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
Contributes Sfnr,

Contributes Story.
the contest, The Last Days Of School" |
am having grand time this vacation. Best
REBECCA A. GwALrNEY.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
Correspondence Column

'Norttn Carolina School.
Dear Editor.-We had most delightful
school closing. and you should have seen
tho %2j pupils as they. with happy faces.
marched into the auditorium. When tho
promotions, were read out my heart
promoted. But when the professor read
out, Agnes stainback. promoted with
throwing my hat into the air like
politicians do when they 20 Wild Next came
the musical. and when my time canc TO
Play l was tremblng like a leaf But do
flowers l got afterwards. My friends sent
me some roses and sweetpcas. and papa sent
me some carnations. am now enjoying my
vacation. but soon. instead of school closing
IL VIII be school opening-and run, get
your books, children" l will close. with
love to all.
Your loving member
AGNES STA1NBACK.
Sends Story.
Dear Edtor.-1 hope to sec my story In
The Times-D Dispatch. ! sorry. but / did
not go to all the commencement, so could
IRENE,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
Drawn by James w. Barker.

-Four examin atfons taken before the
close of school.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19

ELIZABETH J. HILL.
~ South First Street. Richmond.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-07-19
THE LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL.

Orange Va.
The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1914-04-01

The tunic is not alone feature OF
the new skirts. 1t is also seen on many
of the bouses. woman VIII quickly
recognize the practical side as We'll as
the decorative side of this. A blouse
or tive like this wiz do service with
several skirts and win always appear
to be a new costume. The blouse
illustrated. No. S29l has a drop
shoulder. a full length sleeve and a
box pleated peplum. Other features
that render it smart are the V-shaped
neck and the drapcd effect at the bot
tom. which Is brought about by the
fitted lining. AS shown here, 1t Is
fashioned of one Of the new Japanese
. lowered silks and Is appropriately
combined with a plain skirt of pongeo
In the natural color.
These silks average SO inches In