davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
At Mats On a Cold Night

feet and loud knock at the front door.
 What's up now?' said Jane Ann, as Nat started for the door
 As soon as Nat opened the door and said How do you dol" to his surprise there stood the Editor and Great Grandma, all bundled up warm in furs.
 For the land saSeI Jane Ann, do come here Quick! exclaimed Net. in. Welcome to the Editor and all!" said Jane Ann.
 Just then Papa's Boy threw his arms around Mats neck and said; You are the dearest man I know!"
 Nat never heard all he said, for he had fainted. A little cold water soon brought him too; and as all Social Corner members were present the kitchen table was soon filled up high with boxes and bags and baskets.
 When wraps were laid aside and all were sitting fin double rows around the large living room, Old Sol. a merry old soul, said: Let us do somethtng! "Spin the pani'' said Wild West, and as he called No. s. Giriie caught 1t just in time to prevent paying the for felt. After all the numbers bad been called stThe Led Man" was next tried. Dropping the Handkerchief and a few other games, such as Filming the Tail on the Donkey" Soon Ma, L. T. H.. and c. E. $. an nounced lunch, and as all marched to the dining rom, where feast was set beautiful enough to make anyone | eyes leak peppermint drops. There were sandwiches, cake. fruit 1 candy and hot coffee. When all had eaten to their fill, Jim l said: Well, Nat. how can man walk 1 to Boston and yet not walk" ?" "Oh, give me something easy" said Nat
 "Can't think of anything easier. said Jim.
 "Oh. how my feet itohl" said Biddde
 'T know what will help them said Rural Delivery.
 Has Frozen her violin?@ ?@
 Sure. she hasi" said Sunshine
 Soon the merry music made many 1 feet keep time, and as Nat led Grand ma out, Jim led out Jane Ann to lead | fin Moneymusk; Virginia reel was and eight hands around. g. loud hurrah for Frozen was given. Songs were then called for and Listen to the Mocking Bird There's Music in the Air." Softly the Echoes Come and Go" "The Little Old Log 1 Cabin in the Lane" and many more were sung.
 Nat sang a solo, Silver Threads Among the Gold.'' The merry party broke up at 12 1 o'clock, and as each bade Nat and Jane Ann 'Good-night'' he said: Do come again. You'1l always be welcomedi"
 The sound of bells mingled with the song 'Merrily We Roll Along," after the party had said Sweet dreams to | Nat and Jane Ann. ! Nat closed the door and said: ~As merry a party as you can find any, where. And, just think. all members were persent; not vacant chair l SUNBEAM.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07

Dear Editor and Social Corner Sis ters: I wonder if any of the Sisters ever tried framing pictures in plaster of paris? They are very pretty so, think
 Cut your picture out around the edge very carefully and place 1t face down ward in g. saucer. plate, or other dish of any desired size or shape.
 Mix the plaster with water to the consistency of separator cream: so it will not crumble, as it is apt to do if too much plaster is used; pour the mixture over the picture to a depth of one-third to one-half inch. Leave to harden over night or several hours
 Care must be taken to have the edges of the picture lie flat and smooth, otherwise the plaster will run underneath and mar the finish. It is a good plan to soak it in water. to make it cling closely to the dish: & dry cloth or plotting paper will take loop of ribbon or cord before the plas- ter hardens, to hang the picture by when completed.
 After removing from the dish finish the edges of the plaster plaque with gold paint, or as you like. smoothing off with sandpaper or knife any roughness of the edges.
 To keep apples from turning dark after they are pared, put a tablespoon full of vinegar in a quart of water and QrOp your apples in the water until ready for use and they will keep nice ly.
 Waldorf Salad-Wash apples, remove slice from top, remove center, leaving the shell intact; cut center into dice, mixed with one third as much celery, diced. Blend with cream salad dress ing and refill the shell. Garnish with lettuce leaves and whole walnut meats.
 Cream Salad Dressing-One- half ta- blespoon salt, one teaspoon mustard, one and one-half tablespoons sugar, a few grains cayenne, one-haf teaspoon flour, yolkS two eggs, one and one half tablespoons melted crisco, three quarters cup vinegar three-Quarters cup milk. Mix the dry ingredients, add egg yolks, beaten, add crisco, then the milk, add vinegar very slowly; cook in double boiler, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
 Peanut Cookies-One and one half tablespoons crisco, one-quarter cup of sugar one egg. one teaspoon baking powder. one-quarter teaspoon lemon juice, one teaspoon salt, one-half cup flour, one and one-haf tablespoons of milk, one-half cup chopped peanuts; i; make like a cake mixture, adding fla voring and nuts last; drop by tea spoons on baking sheet well greased with crisco; bake ten minutes; dot each cookie with one-haf a peanut.
 MERRY WIDOW.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07

first years arrivals and would not miss this occasion.-
 It hardly seems possible we have enjoyed so much time together with letters, cards, outings and in so many helpful ways, and the fact of not know ing Who's Who" makes it ali the more interesting. and, shall I say it? tantalizing, too sometimes; yet there are not many near me except Billy and Bee, and they are well disguised.
 Oh, well, we understand each other, and that's enough, and I hope our circle will remain many long years un- broken, with our kind Editor to head the list.
 Dear Married and Happy: Somehow my thoughts run to you so much, and often wonder if you are one of any friends, for l have so many, and they are scattered over a good part of the country; but only a very few ever heard my pen name so it would take quite an expert to detect me.
 I was glad to see one of the Sisters understands about the Johnny cakes. It's the first time 1 have found any one who did, outside of the home town. Thanks, keziah
 As l have recently sent in a contri- button, I'll stop now, or the Editor will put me in a pigeonhoIe for another year.
 I hope Sister Ready will give us an- other of her nice chats for anniversary.
 Love and best wishes for another year of social prosperity, from
 SILVER SENTENCE.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
USES FOR DRY BREAD.

Dear Sisters of Social Corner:-Here are a few ways of using dry bread.
 Bread too dry for the table may be cut into slices, spread with butter and laid in an iron baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar and add half a pint of good milk and put on stove Put on cover to keep in steam and watch to prevent burning When the bread has absorbed the milk 1t is done.
 To make milk toast, cut slices of dry bread and toast brown. Heat half pint of milk into which put a small lump of butter. Sweet cream and a little salt may be used instead of but ter if preferred. Dip each slice of in dish If any milk is left pour over the toast.
 For Bread Pudding, take three slices of dry bread. spread with butter and cut into small pieces. add half cup of rafsins; make custard with two eggs; one pint milk, sugar, salt and nutmeg to taste. Pour the custard over the bread in the pudding dish and bake a half hour.
 Dry Bread can be cut in slices, or if any slices become dry, they can be put into a dish of hot chicken broth, or any other kind.
 The Stale Bread may be steamed. We like it these cold mornings.
 Another way is to put the dry pieces in oven to brown. then roll on baking or mixing board until nothing but crumbs remain. Dip pork chops into well beaten egg, roll in the crumbs and fry
 These are only a few ways in which '-' " ~ AN OBSERVER.
 South Canterbury.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
DREAMER SAW THE STATION
 BURN.

Editor Social Corner: Is there any catastrophe more thrilling than a fire :? Different Corner members have taken their Social Corner brothers and sis ters on various excursions by land and sea, in airships and autos, so I will take you for an imaginary view of the destruction of Hartford's union sta- tton by fire.
 I can truthfully say it was a beauti- ful spectacle. for. while no one enjoys seeing property destroyed. yet the burning of a railroad depot seems to be less appalling. as. corporations are not supposed to have any souls''
 On the afternoon of the fire I hap pened to be one of number of women shoppers who, being attracted by cries of Union stations on firei'' followed the crowds along Church street and halted within about 200 feet of the then doomed building.
 The express office was practically gone then at D. m. and tongues of flames were fast tapping up the wait ing room. In the blind attic the fire was like roaring furnace and pres ently, the roof tumbled in.
 The several lines of hose pouring wafer into the flames had little effect and the firemen slipped and scrabbled around on the icy roofs with great diff ficulty, What impressed me deeply was the appearance of the sun
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
HOW TO MAKE POST CARDS MORE
 INTERESTING.

Dear Friends of the Social Corner: Tour letters are always interesting to me and am personally acquainted with some of you.
 Potlatch of Seattle: We are having our share of rain this winter, but here we are reminded of the old say ing, Tt never rains but 1t pours," for when the precipitation once gets start ed they come in a perfect deluge how ever, we keep sweet realizing the great benefit it is to all southern California have friends in Seattle; wonder If you know them?
 Crimson Rambler: Your bright, chatty letters are very cheering. l am fond of your rose and have mo- ticed how perfect the blooms are in the east. They do not take kindly to our climate, or at least this locality.
 Where is Jim? Hope he has not de- serted The Social Corner.
 Enid: That was a charming trip to Havana Hope all The Cornerites are planning to come to California in 1915 and visit the two expositions at San Francisco and at San Diego. A cor dial invitation is extended to all and a hearty welcome awaits you. The fairs officially open in February and close in December.
 One rainy day I was looking over a promiscuous pile of souvenir post cards which have been accomplishing Tor a number of years, when bright thought came to me. Why not arrange IheSe in trips and thus make them of greater interest to myself and my friends, so I began with cards .pic- turing places nearby and then chose a round trip to Boston" and return going one way and returning another and tied a ribbon around each "trip" to keep it separate from others. Hol- iday cards were reserved for @ sep arate bundle.
 This would be pleasing pastime for the children on a rainy day, when & mother is sometimes at her wits end to find some entertainment for the children.
 CordeIia's timely suggestion on rug making is excellent. Rag rugs are much used here in bedrooms and bath rooms They are easily washed and cleaned and are more sanitary than heavy wool rugs.
 Remember the trip to California In 1915. The railroads are preparing am pie facilities for handling all traffic Hotels are being built and the homes of friends will swing wide open their doors to receive all who may come.
 I wonder if the Editor could not take a vacation and accompany the party. assuming the role of business manager and guide?
 CALIFORNIA POPPY.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
MooSup.
A FEW GOOD THINGS TO KNOW.

Dear Editor and Sisters of The So- cial Corner::-I am sending in a few odd economies for everyday people
 I have five boys who go to school. They have about a mile to walk, and in every kind of weather. I found 1t was hard to keep up with shoes on account of the soies giving out. Now when I buy shoes for them I melt beef tallow and resin together and apply with a paint brush to the sole as long as they will soak in. The shoes last three times as long.
 T have been making my bran bread, enough stiffened with white flour to roll out on board and cut like cook ies, baking them a half hour in a. moderate oven. They taste well, eaten with butter. They keep perfectly in a. covered earthen vessel for many weeks, thus saving the trouble of ire with the bread and mullins. Sour milk or buttermilk is much better than sweet to make them-and sour cream is best of all!
 A small dish of cresmed potatoes from one meal, cup of lima beans. may be made into a nice scallop for lunch by adding cracker or bread crumbs saved and rolled from pieces left from meals. Add salt, pepper, butter, and enough milk to moisten well and bake a nice brown. If you nave SOLle sIhdA PlcCeS oA SheoSeY HoI presentable for the table, grate them over the top I have been asked what the dish was when prepared in this way and complimented on it, and named it 'scalloped scraps"
 To make checkerboard cake. Have two square shallow cake tins, then make a delicate cake with the whites of three eggs and a chocolate cake with the yolks, then take a knife and make a narrow strip of the white cake and of the chocolate till full: if fill the tins. When taking out of the oven have any kind of filling or frosting put between and lay the dark strip on the white. When cut it looks like checkerboard-
 Try to save on coal. I have found out by years of experience not to fill the feeder of the self-heater; by add ing only four or five shovelfuls of coal up to the point where the feeder be- gins you will have more and better heat, and it holds out for great many hours. according to the weather. IL will Ia st three to four hours, and then a new supply of three to five shovelfuls of coal throughout the day. At night add six shovehuls up to the feeder open the damper a few minutes to al- low coal gas to escape, and then bank up overnight with ashes. In the morn ing shake the grate lightly, scatter ashes, add some coal, and you will have 8 very warm room in ten min- utes.
 I have heated with one stove two and sometimes three rooms. It will save one-half on your coal bill Try
 CORDEILA.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
COLD WEATHER HINTS.

Editor Social Corner and Sisters: The keeping of just enough fire to cook and keep from freezing to save fuel Is most expensive economy (besides the expense from colds and often se- rious sickness that results), as it takes much more fuel to warm cold room than it does to keep the same room warm.
 If wood is burned have good coals at bedtime and one large round stick will keep the stove and kettle warm all night and be a decided help in get ting an early breakfast these cold mornings
 Cold rooms may be healthy to sleep in, but they are not real comfortable for preparing for bed or making the morning toilet and not all of us can sleep with cold feet.
 It is a good plan to warm the bed in some way and be sure that the children's bed is comfortable for them
 Many people believe in cold rooms, open windows. etc. to keep the chil- dren healthy, but think warm rooms. warm baths and hot drinks are needed for their own comfort. If you insist on the children drinking cold water for their health when they come from school these cold days. don't prepare a hot drink for yourself and every adult who comes in from the outside world.
 Don't send the children out in cold and storms when you will not go out yourself. Remember that even a small boy can suffer from cold; and that other ills from exposure, as often as older people
 Many deaths and much suffering could be traced back to unnecessary exposure in childhood to save a little money. or discomfort to an older per-
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
AUNT HESTER FEELS THE HOUSE CLEANING FEVER COMING ON.

Dear Editor and Social Corner Sis ters: What very stormy Sunday this has been; but it has taken off the snow down this way quite a lot I have just been reading the Social Cor her news and glad to hear from so many of our Sisters
 Biddy: I received your postcard; was very glad to hear from you Sor " your husband has been sick.
 Can anyone tell me who B. B. is who wrote the story in Jan. 24th Social Corner. The Deacon's Present to Ma tilda. unless it is Brown. Betty or Bet sey Bobbet.
 Crimson Rambler: I am nearly over my cold now. I live on a R. F. D. No. l route. but not the Norwich one, and l have but one brother-in-law. and he does not drive the mail team He is a Ledyard farmer. You will have to guess again.
 What has become of Chatterbox? :? Who knows?
 By the next time I hear from you all expect to be headfrst into house cleaning, so as to get it over with, now It is nearly spring.
 Best regards to all
 AUNT HESTER
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
ANSWERS AND INQUIRIES.

READY: Cards received and mailed ss you directed.
 POINSETTA: Cards received and forwarded as you directed.
 CRIMSON RAMBLER: Cards re- ceived and sent to writers indicated. SNOWFALL: Cards received and forwarded 60 destination.
 HOPEFUL: Cards received and sent to writers indicated
 POTLATCH: Cards received and mailed to their destination
 J. E. T.: Card received and sent to Ready.
 AUNTY NO. 1: Cards received and mailed as you directed.
 AUNT HESTER: Card received and forwarded to it's destination.
 MAPLE LEAF: A mistake was made and mistakes are not always under standable. Some people think they are the result of sheer carelessness but there are many other reasons for mis- takes. No Social Corner prize winner is ever in danger of loss because of of flee mistakes It is The Bulletins busi- ness to rectify them, but sometimes delay is necessary to straighten such small matters out We have but few of them.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
PERsIs' SOCIAL CORNER SCRAP.
 BOOK.

Dear Editor and Social Corner Sis ters: I have been an interested reader of the Social Corner page since its founding, but have as yet contributed nothing to it. I realize this is very selfish of me, so will try to give as well as receive.
 I have recognized acquaintances and friends among the writers from Scot land, Plainfield, Canterbury and Leb- anon and would like to hear more from them
 People have written on almost every subject but teaching school. As l am school teacher, l would like to read letters on teaching. not only from teachers, but from parents.
 l have said I am 8 teacher but do not expect to remain so forever. You will perhaps be able to guess my chosen future vocation when I tell you the use I have made of the So- Cial Corner
 with loose leaves on which I have past ed all the recipes of the Social Cor nerites. The recipes are grouped in the following way:
 Meats, fish, soups, eggs, vegetables, preserves, pickles, salads, sandwiches bills of fare, bread pastry, cake, frost ing and filling, cookies. doughnuts, des- serts, drinks, candy remedies. anti dotes for poison, invalids' diet etc. sewing, Christmas gifts, household nelpS- (lnCluO1nS almost all that does not come under the other heads).
 In all I have over six hundred re- cipes and expect to add many more The advantage of the loose leaves is this. Each week I can add to the diff ferent departments and still keep each recipe in it's proper group. The ad- vantage of the clasps is that the book can be opened to any page easily and left open at that place. The pages can be taken out if desired, in sec ond's time. To make the book more convenient. am thinking Of putting a wider sheet between the departments with the heading written on the edge as in a ledger.
 This is the best may I know of of making the Social Corner recipes of lasting value. People may cut out the articles and put them carefully away. but 1 doubt if they will ever make use of many of them, for very few house. wives have time Saturday morning to sit down and hunt through a drawer full of odd recipes for just the one they want at that time.
 My Social Corner recipe book is
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07

Well, do declare,'' said Nat to Jane Ann. last Tuesday evening about 8 p. m. when the thermometer was below. My. my. but it is cold!" And as he rubbed his hands before a bright white birch fire he said: "I' mglad them hogs have a good warm place!" And as he sat down in his grandmoth- CTS old archair and slipped off his boots and put on his homemade slip pers Jane Ann had been warming for him, he continued: Jane Ann, bring my account books. want to do some f1gering tonight; have been so busy for the last three years with them hogs. I have not had time to attend to all my business"
 down and began to mend one of John Henery's coats.
 T do not see what is the matter with these books. I can't make them come out right, no matter how I fig ure."
 What seems to be the trouble?' ask
 "Troublei I should say there's trouble enough; can't find out where 20 cents went to!"
 "Oh! is that alI?'' answered she.
 '1s that all? Ain't that enough? Do you know anything about it2 If so, speak up!"
 Why, yesl You know about three years ago you gave me 25 cents to buy pens, paper. ink and stamps with, for you wanted to write to The Social Corner. The paper, pens and ink are not all gone yet; but you do not seem to be writing as often as you did Have you lost interest ?''
 Interest nothing. I tell you, Jane Ann, with so much care on my mind and so much hard work, I cannot re- member everything; and I cannot at 4- I am not going to, and you are not, eather."
 "Oh, but Nat. you have enjoyed the good times with the rest of the folks."
 Yes, know it; but see what it has cost me. I had to have new purple to ha-> a new silk dress and g. new bonnet. For may part thought the old one was good enough"
 well. We'll! Do not get so excited about it!''
 Are those sleigh bells heard ?' ask school work T believe I hear some one singing" And soon there came floating on the airs
 Jingle jingle, hear me go,
 Thro' the heaps of drifted snow.
 Jingle, jingle, clear the way,
 'Tis the merry sleigh!"
 e,For my part" said Nat. 'T do not see what folks want to be out on such 8 cold night for. I rather sit by a good warm f1re!"
 "O," said John Henery, just see what good time they are having
 John Henery! It was manners when I was a boy not to speak until spoken to. Now take your candle and go to bed.''
 ''WhoaI Whoa!!" was heard and soon there was stamping of many
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
FRANKS DREAM.

Dear Editor and Friends:-Here l am after a short experience in dream land. In the latter part of the night of Feb. 27 I was startled by the voice of Hubley who said: You cannot write for the Social Corner any more!" I suddenly awoke to find he was silent and Morpheus was holding him sttller than a mouse.
 Speaking of the Fourth Anniversary of the Social Corner it would be in teresting and pleasing to hear from the early writers how they came to catch the inspiration. etc How The Corner has grown since that day and what & help 1t has been in the home and what a comfort to it's invalid members. It is the place to look for new ideas and timely assistance.
 Ma: Book of poems received for which accept many thanks. They are very cherry.
 Blanche: Thanks for the heart card.
 Rural Delivery: Theodia's sugges- ton for a. birthday party of the Social Corner ought to call you out as the man of the house. Hoping to read letters from many of | the earliest members next week, ] will close with best wishes for all. FRANK.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-07
SOCIAL CORNER POEM.
The RestfuI Unknown.


 You're thankful for the knowledge that you gather day by day, You learn of strange commotions 'mongst the people far away; You follow up the doings of the na- tionS far and near As they strive for the improvement of our busy little sphere. You hear the jingle of the gold. You hear the trumpet blast Amid assurances that Peace will reign supreme at last You grow somewhat apprehensiye as you watch the passing show And feel that maybe there are things 'twere better not to know. Sometimes your mind will drift away from the incessant din That goes to put on record who shall lose and who shall win. You think about the blossom and it's long mysterious sleep, You think about the secrets hidden in the ocean deep, You think about the stars that swing through the unfathoned sky; Tou gaze and cease to wonder or to question how" or "why?" You drift far from the present with its weariness and woe. And feel little thankful for the things you do not know.
 Washington Star. Sent in by DREAM