davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

come out for week ends, say from Friday to Monday or Tuesday. and no longer. That will give you the rest of the week to settle things. Don't attempt to put on airs Have your rooms neat clean. and simple with good beds, plenty of towels. and everything fresh and sweet. For breakfast have toast, one hot bread. eggs or bacon, coffee, tea, cereal, fruit. If you have your dinner in the middle of the day. you can serve soup or not as you wish; meat, two vegetables, and a plain sweet For supper or for lunch, if you have a late dinner, give a warm savory dish of eggs, or cheese or fish, or mince, or a good salad, potatoes, bread and butter, a sweet, cake. and tea or cocoa. If it is hot, have iced tea. Above of fresh vegetables and fruit, butter milk, cream, eggs, and all the country products Don't try to give tco much, but do see that everything is the best of it's kind and daintily served As to charges, 1 do not believe that you can make the enterprise pay for less than $1.50 a day for each person. Your gar den ought to do much for you in the line of fruits and vegetables but don't be mis- led into thinking you are undertaking an easy job. At the same time. 1t is well known that summer boarders may be a paying proposition with careful manage ment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Taking Summer Boarders.

I wish to get a little aov.ce from you about taking summer boarders. am an only child and live alone with my mother. in a big, roomy house about quarter of a mile off the main road. on little hill with a pretty view and bit of woods right back of it. We have nice garden and keep hired man to do the heavy work. The house has few modern con veniences beyond one bathroom with hot and cold water, but 1t Is quite thoroughly furnished and my mother and are both good cooks. We have enough just to get along on but I would like to earn enough money to go away in the winter for . few weeks. We are few miles from town, not far from the trolley line' and a good many of our friends have said they could fill the house if we would only take in occasional boarders. dont want to advertise, and don't believe II would be necessary. The main thing l wish to ask is what to give the people to eat. Would I nave to set fussy tanie' and what should I charger J. H. N.
 If you have good garden and are careful manager, you ought to make noonev by the arrangement you suggest. if YOU handqe it properly. Don't under t.k. too much at first. If were in your place would start by having people
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
eachers of Dressmaking.

am an interested reader of the Cor ner and your Cornerites do so many help ful things that I wonder if you or they can tell me anything about government positions. Are teachers of dre ssmaking employed in the schools and if so how does one set about getting such posi- tion? l am capable of teaching dress making in all it's branches and also the system as taught in the universities in London and higher technical schools in England. I am English and have only. been here few months. so that do not know the ways of this country.
 IN. D."
 My own impression is that you should make inquiries about the details for se- curing such position as you wish at the office of the board of education, but for corroboration or correction of this must refer to, some of our readers. Can some one advise the querist how to set about finding out if teachers of dressmaking are employed in the public schools and how to be put in touch with those who award these positions? I know that manual training and industrial pursuits of all kinds receive more attention in our schools now than ever before, but fancy that the specific lines of work vary in different cities. Will someone who knows the ground kindly furnish the de- sired information?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Sapes on Holiday Bills.

Still a further advantage is won by spreading out a trifie the expense of the Christmas preparation. All of us are rather inclined to shrink from the large outlay which is inevitable at holiday time. and although we may affirm that 1t makes no difference at what period the money is spent, since it all goes anyhow, there can be no doubt that it is a relief to pay in advance for some of our Christ mas gifts and not anticipate with dread the sheaf of bills which will come crowd ing in upon us with the New Year.
 While we are on the topic of money let me tell of an expedient followed by friend of mine for accommodating her Christmas money. The first week of the year she begins saving systematically for the next holidays. She starts by put ting aside 5 cents; the next week she makes it 10. the week after 15 Each week she puts in 6 cents more than she did the week before. For a while the amount she lays aside is little or no bur
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Motion Picture Writing.

am the wife of young business man in small town. l am in poor health, consequently an expensive proposition. I am going to try to write stories for mo- ton pictures. Will you kindly inform me how I can find out in what form they ac- cept stories? Are there books of instruc- ton for sale? MRS. H. B. W.
 My sympathy for you Is strong. for I know few lots more unhappy than that of the woman married to a man in small circumstances when her health is so pre- carious that it lays heavy burden upon him. It is really harder for you than it is for him. although probably you do not believe this and 1t is possible that neither does he. My feeling for you makes sn~ regret the more that cannot give you the information you desire. l know there are motion picture magazines and q copy might supply you with the details you de- sire, but I have strong impression that 1t takes more than the need of money and the desire to work for 1t to enable any one to compose stories for motion pie lures. Those who get up these pictures secure their material from many sources. old and new, and employ trained workers to prepare the stories they display at the q movies" Old books on which the copy rights have expired furnish them with suggestions and they buy the rights to reproduce new stories from magazine writers and novelists. Some one else who sees this may be able to send some coun- sel on this line. and if so shall be happy to print it. but cannot put you in touch with correspondents, since you do
 send me your addresA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

N OES 1t seem absurdly early to begin
 \ planning for Christmas gifts? You
 T nay tell me that the thermometer
 Is in the nineties; that you are ab-
 sorbed In summer holiday plans and outings; that If you had any leisure thoughts you would give them tc your ar engagements for settling the house and ad- Justing your wardrobe for the fall; tha. the children's school outfits must be looked after, and that you are onl.- too glad to banish Christmas preparations to the back of your brain.
 Nevertheless and notwithstanding say to you. begin now to decide what you shall give at the Yuletide and make or secure as soon as possible the commencement of the Christmas store of remembrances.
 There are number of excellent reasons for doing this. Perhaps the first and chief is that the only gifts worth making are those which come of loving thought and study and that these cannot be bestowed when you are in the midst of the rush and hurry which inevitably prelude Christmas. The present into which you put yourself. your heart and effort is of incidentally greater value than one which can be bought with mere money. More than this, the cost of the remembrance in actual cash is often more than you can afford if you would make gift in any degree in proportion to your affection, whereas the work you have devoted to it increases be- yond measure the merit of the article.
 Another reason for starting your Christmas tokens betimes is that it is a genuine comfort to have some of them off of your mind before the actual time when you must make ready for the holi- days. You know what the strain will be then. how much there will be to devise in the way of arrangements for the chl- dren coming home from school or college or in the line of entertainments and similar festivities. for charity or church or in a purely social way Every gift you get now and mark and put aside for this one or that will be so much clear gain to you later on.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

sure my babies would like to have me sing it to them. If someone would send me a pattern for an old fashioned pieced quilt l would send in exchange silk or cotton pieces MRS. F. F. O."
 The offer of the pieces for the old fashioned rug are sure to be in early de- mand and I already foresee the regret shall feel in having to refuse it to number of applicants. l only hope 1t may be secured by the one. who really needs it most. There are so many shut ins longing for something to employ their hands and thoughts. As to the old nonsense song suspect 1t comes from a set of verses once set to music as 'The Frogs Opera" which used to delight my own youngest born, years ago. am sorry l cannot supply the words. but they were popular enough in their day to make 1t likely that someone else with better memory than mine can furnish them to Mrs D. E. c. I will give her address to anyone who wants it for the purpose of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Cifts 10 the Housekeeper.

Homelier gifts of household plenfsh- and again have been delighted at Christ mas by receiving a couple of fine towels worked with my initials from friend who knew my love for nice napery. Once or twice they have been guest towels. at other times those of the ordinary size. A set of bureau and pincushion covers was a valued gift last holidays; table cloth or napkins, doilies or centerpieces make my heart to sing, especially when they are enriched with nay monogram or initials. Any one with money can go into a shop and purchase such articles. but when friend has given time and toll to marking them for me she fur nlsbes proof of her love and thought for me which touches me deeply.
 Men, too, can be remembered in some similar fashion. One busy woman know is knitting for brother who is addicted to much bathing a set of face cloths or wash cloths. They were begun along In the early spring, for her leisure mo- ments are few, and she is knitting into them many loving thoughts as well as countless pleasant memories for herself of the books she has had read to her and the happy chats which have taken place while she wielded the needles.
 For the benefit of any one who wishes to follow this workers example let me say that cloth is begun with fifty stitches, using the No. knitting cotton and steel needles The work is done closely, that the clothes may not stretch apart and they are made square. The body of the cloth is entirely plain. the same on both sides, and a different bor- der is knitted to each. When the cloth is the desired size and has been finished
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Scper Has Wide Choice.

The woman who is versed In the varied stitches of knitting and crocheting should never be at loss for something to give to a friend or a member of her family. either man or woman. Crocheted shawls. and scarfs, either in heavy wools, light zephyr, or silk, never come amiss for girls and women, and these, too, will value the sweater or veranda jacket or other light or heavy wrap for porch use next sum mer or for cold mornings in winter or for an extra to wear under a coat in bit- ter weather. A mans appreciation of a we'll made sweater Is beyond words. and he will be delighted, too, with an afghan to draw over his shoulders when he throws himself down for a sesta-will like 1t perhaps as well as would woman similar cover for her use in hasty nap.
 1 have already referred to the knitted socks and ties of silk for men, but those who wear knickerbockers in tramping or hunting or fishing will value even more the long stockings of heavy wool If some woman loves the wearer enough to under take the task of making them. It all goes back to this-the love which prompts the task and makes the labor light.
 Nothing I have had this Christmas has pleased me better than that little brush and comb case" a woman said to me last December, displaying an en- velope of white linen prettily embroidered. have always wanted something to lay on my bureau for my comb and brush. to keep them from the dust and to think that dear Jenny took the trouble to make me this herself adds to its value She always gives me what want"
 Yet Jenny is in slender circumstances. One year her gift was little silk jewelry case. to use in travelling, another time, ztiny linen money bag for wear about the neck; once before. linen cover in which to put the nightdress when traveling. Always the present was the work of her own hands, of slight financial cost at the outset. but made valuable by thought and effort. It had cost her time and sacrifice to find the minutes to make her present, and the consideration bestowed on the needs of the r0eipient and the stitches set to render it worthy of the love that sent it were beyond price.
 So start your Christmas presents now. Think over the preferences of the friends to whom your remembrances will go, look about you on your wanderings and try to pick up acceptable tokens, or devote some of the hours of rest to busying your fingers in making something which will supply felt want in the life of relative or friend. If 1t is hot weather when you attempt the task the thought of the Christmas chill may help you to forget present discomfort.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
An Unfinished Rug.

My grandmother visited me recently and while here started to make an old fashioned rug of the kind made from wool pieces shaped like half an oval, Tapped one over the other and button holed all around with worsted. She left 1t for me to finish. I haven't the time to undertake 1t, but I wonder if perhaps some shut-in would not like to work on It. If there is such a one I will be glad to send her the materials have in hand. Does anyone who reads this page know all of an old nonsense song which starts like this? A frog went a-courtng; He did ride with a sword and pistol by his side. The song goes on to tell all about the wedding supper and guests. fused to know it when was a lSiddie and I am
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

the far distant kinswonan who had cared enough for me to take the time and the trouble to make the bit of neckwear. Such articles, like collars and cuffs revers. gnimpes. and other items of adornment. never come amiss. for no woman ever has too many of them just as no man is ever over supplied with ties. If you can knit these In silk or knit silk socks you may be sure you are preparing present which will be re- ceived with enthusiasm.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

offering the pattern of the old fash toned quilt in exchange for the silk or cot ton pieces. The last are always in de- mand and there are so many attractive patterns for bedquilts that offers of some of them should not be slow in coming.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
A START OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

off. fancy edge is crocheted to it tbs initials of the one for whom it is intended put in the corner of the cloth with cross stitch of colored cotton. The set will be sent In dainty box and venture to predict that they will receive more ap- precation and be held in higher esteem than many a gift which would have cost twenty times as much in cash.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

slsts in making fruit jellies firm. give you the counsel as it was given to me in case you may care to try it, as have not yet had the opportunity to do so for myself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Rhubarb Jeliu.

Will you please print recipe for rhubarb jelly? Should something be added to it to make it hardenY
 MRS R. e. Directions for making rhubarb jelly have been given in the Corner since the receipt of your letter and our columns are too full to permit me to repeat it so soon again. hope that by this time you have seen it. l may add that was re- gently informed that when fruit jelly will not form the process may be aided by the addition of little of the white lining of the lemon peeling. which is said to con tain pectin. or the Ingredient which as
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Recipe for Popcorn Balls.

am desirous of getting hold of ecipe for popcorn balls. Those l make always crumble. l would also like a good recipe for baked beans. am send ing mine for French chocolate cake. Itis delicious: Whites of three eggs, one cup of sugar, three-quarters of @ cup of but ter, half a cup of milk, one and half cups of flour, one and half teaspoons of bak- ing powder This makes the white part. For the dark part the same ingredients are required. except that the yolks of the eggs are used instead of the whites. The cake should be baked in four layers and a filling put between them made as follows: One pint of milk. two eggs half a cup of sugar, one tablespoon of corn starch. lavor with vanilla. The filling must be boiled before the fiavoring is added, stirring until inic-- and smooth.
 '' c. E. M.'
 Thank you very much for the directions for chocolate cake. The recipes you ask Cor are as follows
 POPCORN BALLS-Make an old fash toned molasses candy and cook to the point where it spins thread. Just before removing from the fire stir in enough popped corn to thieken it. Take the mix ture out of the pot by inc spoonful. and as soon as it can be handled roll the corn and molass sses into balls. These must be rolled over and over in dry popped corn until no more of these will adhere to the balls and the latter wrapped lightly in waxed paper and kept in cool and dry place.
 BAKED BEANS-soak two cups of white beans over night in cold water. In the morning pour this off. soak the beans an hour longer in warm water. drain them again and put on them enough hot water 10 cover them. Drain once more, at the end of half an hour. and cock them over ehe fire in boiling salted water until ten-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

any inscription upon it. but this again is only hearsay, and I am open to correc- ton, l shall hope to have satisfactory reply before long
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
FAMILY MEALS FOR A WEEK.

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  Fried   shin
  o4mn mnps 
 
  F   pahhm ahas ar m amepa weOn
 
  Spaghetti q@ ATuRDAY  whMya
 
  NHEoN
  Whipped % ery
   BREAK m in nndnf p
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

der but not broken. Pour the water from them, turn the beans into bean pot or deep dish, placing half pound of sweet salt pork in the middle. Put half teaspoon of dry mustard, salt spoon of celery salt, and tablespoon of molasses into large cup of boiling water and pour the mixture over the pork and beans. Cover closely and bake in a slow oven for at least three or four hours; longer cookery will do no harm. The genuine old time baked beans cooked all night in a slow oven.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Sick Bou Needs Help.

"I am widow and have one boy he has been sick for a number of months and needs delicacies of various kinds to help build him up again. l am not able to get these things for him on account of great financial difficulty, since have not had work for some time and am not able to leave him on account of his severe illness. MRS G.
 Cornerites will, I am sure, be inter- ested in the sick boy and his mother and put her In the way of work or of secur- ing the delicacies the boys condition de- mands. My own observation leads me to think that it is often want of apprecia- ton of how to prepare such dainties that gtands in the way of serving them to in valids, and this may be the case with Mrs. G. In that event little housewireiy counsel would stand her in good steac and the sympathy and interest she needs would be of unquestionable good to her and to her son. I shall be happy to supply her address to any who wish to offer serv- Ice to this applicant.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09

den. By the first of June she is putting away more than s1 week, and she tells me that sometimes it is rather difficult =" but not so hard" she adds, " as to pay out fat sums all at once in Decem- Der" The largest amount she ever has to devote to her fund is $2.50 at one time.
 am afraid to say just how much these small weekly savings come to by the time Christmas arrives, but I know it Is well over $60 and this sum she has ac- quired by savings she has hardly felt Think of what 1t is 70 have any such amount in cash to spend on Christmas remembraneesi I must add that if she has any purchases to make for gifts in advance she takes the price of these from her fund. so that she does not feel the pull O. paying for them.
 Some of us may not think that we can afford even the small weekly contribu- ton and in that case the saving may be reduced by beginning with or cents week and increasing weekly in the same proportion. Of course the sum total will l. not be as great but even S25 or $50 which has been saved in minute quantities will come in comfortably at Christmas time
 
 Plans Ahead for Suitable Cifts.
 The custom of planning ahead gives variety and aptness to the gifts we make. For example. a friend of mine who is clever with a camera prepares all her own Christmas and New Year cards herself She takes scenes she has visited and which are beautiful in themselves or interesting from association and mounts them on cards that she letters skillfully with the name of the place and her own name or initials. If she were not able to do the lettering satisfactorily she could have her name engraved from her card plate or daintily printed on the mount of the card. Even with this added expense the cards would cost far less than those she could order done at a sta tioner's and they possess the individual ity that no cards made by wholesale could offer.
 Tn the same way she enlarges pictures of beautiful landscapes and mounts them as calendars or has them framed as little pictures to give glimpses of the country to city folk. No money can purchase such presents and their value is en- hanced by the thought and love put into the work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-09
Unable 10 Walt.

Do you know of any one who has re- clining chair which Is not in use? My mother is an invalid suffering from an internal complaint, which makes 1t inn possible for her to walk. There are five of us in the family and 1t is impossible for us to buy what she needs. am Just back from a tuberculosis sanitarium my self and I take the care of my mother If some one could spare us such char u would be 8 great help. s. D.t
 Will not some one of our ardent Cor nerites send to me for the address of this sufferer and ascertain if there is not some way in which she can be supplied with the chair she needs? Age is hard to bear, invalidsm and helplessness are far worse, and it is the duty of us all to do what we can to tighten their burden. :.
 * *
 Coin Dated 1880.
 |" Can you advise me whether or not a s5 gold piece dated 1880 and having the letters "J. Brock " stamped across the face is of any especial value? I have been told that 1t is F. L. P"
 On this I must refer to our constituency My own impression is that the value of coin is lowered by having lettering of any sort on it except that which legitimateis belongs to it. but I may be mistaken am also told that it is a penal offense to deface coin of the country by putting