davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
UNCLE JEp'S TALK TO WIDE.
 AWAkES.

We all know what bIots are, and it makes no difference whether they are on writing paper, newspaper or our personal character; they are signs of carelessness or lack of neatness and never speak well for us.
 What a pleasure it is for Uncle Jed to think how free from blots the work of his Wide-Awakes is. He does not remember of having received a. bIotty letter in the past year, and most of c1e writing is plain and neat. He does not think the children of any age could have done cleaner or prettier work than his little writers average. It is a delight to open and read their letters, they are so clean and so well done.
 When he went to school there were b1ots upon the copy books, and blots on the other books. and blots on tie floor where the naughty boys sho pix the loose ink from their pens instead of on plotting paper or Q penwipe~. They did not have any plotting paper or Tenwipers in those days, but they sprinkIed black sand on the ink and pushed the pen into small shot to keep it clean This may be the reason that boys were so careless with their ink and their copy books So long ago. Penwipers and plotting paper ha 70 helped little folks and big folks to do very much nicer work and to keep their finger ends cleaner.
 How many letters do you think Un- cle Jed has received in the past four years from his -Awakes? It takes from Is to 20 letters each week to sustain the department and 3,U90 letters at least have been printed, and he seldom has less than a hundred let ters on hand; and among them all ne
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
My Visit to Nam York

Dear Uncle Jed: I visited New York this summer for two weeks. My aunt and took the train at Norwich about half past eleven in the forenoon and arrived in New York about f o'clock In the afternoon of the same day. I was fatfgued after my long journey. So we stopped at hotel.
 The next day I went to visit Cen tral Park and enjoyed seeing the ami mals. Squirrels hop around on the ground and are very tame. Feedins the animals is forbidden, but bought bag of peanuts and put it in my pocttt.
 A very amusing incident hannened for while I was watching the eIe- phants one put his trunk out throuCfi the bars of his cage and took the bag of peanuts out from my pocket and ate them. 7 The first wS'z I spent mostly in sight seeing and went for long auto :. mobile rides through the parks and other places. I went in the Metropoli- tan building, but was not allowed to go to the very top because did not have pass. I also saw the Statue of Liberty. It is an enormous structure and looks very pretty when lighted up at night.
 The last week of my stay in New York I was at Coney Island, a sum- mer resort and bathing place. I liked it very much and went bathing in the ocean every day. There are many anusements at Coney Island: but I enjoyed the Scenic Railway best of all I sat down in d small car with no ton to it, which holds eight people, and was strapped into the wall so as not to fall out. Then the car went shooting upward on a. railway, then down, and up again. It was very tiring but also thrilling
 also went to Rockaway Beach, but there the waves are very rough and there are not so many amusennents but I enjoyed the bathing. I tried to swim out to the end of the life lines but could not, and a life boat which was near me instantly picked me up and brought me back to shore.
 After buying new clothes and pres- ents for all at home, was ready to come back
 Although I was sorry to leave New York, l was glad to get home again.
 PAULINE S9IOLOwITz, Age 1s.
 Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
THE POOL

Once on a time there was an agrl- cultural class formed of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades in an ele- mentary school to study plants.
 Most of the work would naturally fall to the eighth grade, as by the code such a study belonged to their year. But as the work was largely oral and Investigating, the sixth and sew enth grades did their share, too, which gave tho diploma pupils three years work instead of one. Often their work was in the house; then it would be out of doors, with pad and other tools.
 walk from the school room. Just now they proposed to study the oak. It was Friday afternoon, warm, dry October day. The colored landscape the mirroring surface of the water, the thousand and one voices of the Pools to the surprise they all felt after they were seated and silent at my request under noble oak.
 "Yow do you do?" called one of the acorns. Mother Nature is in a good hurlor today. She proposes we help life here in this busy place.
 First. what you call our seeds we name our fruits. Your wise men call them so, too. Why not you? You haT9 pad ana pencil. GrandpG LoWatcE vii! explain what I cannot express and will commence the story of my moth CTS life and how you found me here.
 Tn the first place, it is necessary each of you should realize what the Pool is How the plants, animals, 1n- scots and eveti you humans are all .1- terdepepdent. We need each other an Mother Nature more. This soil and water Is Dame Natures estate, al- though but a pinpoint of her farm.
 Tn and on this estate are Knanufac- tories, storehouses. trained worknen who like you hu14ans. are unionist4s. They are divided into classes and each class will not do the work Of any other class. eve know how it is in the c.tieS.1 Tn these storehouses there a. bins small to you, bat large to US, in
 " V V
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
How I Made My Garden

Dear Uncle Jed: I am writing you a story about how I made my flower garden.
 The reason why had garden was so could learn to plant flower seeds and also to keep busy instead of idlina my time away. I enrolled as a clud member because I thought 1t would be nice to have a flower garden, and also because it would be interesting to watch the plants grow.
 I planted my flower seeds in somt rich soil I got some manure to put on the ground to- make them groN better. After I had planted them about three weeks, small green spot like a blade of grass began to show, l knew now they had taken root and would grow fast. I was not troubled by any insects.
 One night the frost killed them, al- though I covered them over very care fully before I went to bed.
 While these flowers were growing ] kept them we'll watered and the earth well loosened around them by heeing l did not have any chance to exhibit any because they were killed by thI frost But before they were frozeF MT. Brundage came around a few times and took some with him. Thely were 12 different kinds
 MABEL PRUE, Age IL
 EasleyiIle
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
How She Passes Her Week Ends.

I will tell the Wide Awakes abort now spend great many of my week ends during. summed
 rms particular one a party of six oL us boarded car for Union station, and from there took a Pay a,s yoIi enter car for Pawtuxet, where the boat called the Mabel, in which we were going to sail is moored. We were soon there and comfortably seat GU Tn IL, and ln short time we were motoring down Narragansett bay.
 Among the things which we bass ed were some large white sea e1Ifs, the hull Of an old boat floating around with some logs, which might have been washed from shore with the extreme nigh tide We also passed Pomeham light, then Sabine Point light, Conimi- cut. and lastly Warren light. We also passed Rocky Point and Crescent park.
 Then, having decided to take a, sail up the Warren river the boat was turned around. It was a very pretty sail as the shore was lined with scar let leaves and tall yellow rushes Hay ing sailed up some distance until we were in sight of Bristol we again turn ed around and sailed to Mill Gut, where the anchor was dropped. Our bountiful lunches soon disappeared and then the skiff was used to convey us to the shore.
 Five of the party sat on the shore. while dug some tiddlers with the tail of horseshoe crab. Then we went back to the boat. I started to fish, but only caught one small one It was about half past five so the anchor was raised and the boat headed for PaWtuet. When we had gone a short distance we saw boat coming rapid ly- toward us. As it came nearer it was seen to be the Shark, R. Liv- lnsstone Beeckman's speed boat I was told that every morning he visits the state house it takes him only 45 minutes to get there from his New port home, and also that his boat is the fastest non-racing craft in the country.
 Arriving in Pawtuxet at about 6 o'clock we soon were on the car and then into Providence again. After having a supper of chop suey and French fried potatoes we went home having spent a very enjoyable day.
 HELEN M WHITTAKER.
 Providence R
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
GreYfriara Bobby.

In Edinburgh is a fountain out of whose upper basin the thirsty horses drink. To the lower basin troop the dogs. when they too are thirsty. On the top of the fountain is a little shag- gy dog carved of stone. And under meath is carved the story of his faith fitness.
 He was little Scotch terrier who dearly loved his master. But one day his master died. Bobby followed his body to the cemetery. After it had been put in the ground the people went away, but Bobby stayed with his mas ter. For thirteen years, day and night, he waited there for the master he loved to have come back, only Ieav- ing the spot long enough once 8 day to eat hastily the food some kind peo- pie gave him.
 At last he was found asleep on his masters grave. Asleep, but he could not be awakened, Grayfriar's Bobby had been faithful unto death.
 HAROLD RASMUSSEN, Age s.
 Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19

see the grounds. saw the most beautiful beds Of flowers, golf links, tennis courts, handball courts, and beautiful shady and rustic walks when out for exercise and outdoor study.
 On our right are the buildings If the British Mercantile Insurance of ices. A little further on is Kildare street, on which we passed the besuti- ful clubhouse of the Kildare society.
 We passed little further up to the museum, national library and art gall leries. Here we stayed a few hours. This was 9 beautiful place. As one enters the gate he is met by police omcer' The one we met was a fine looking man, and very niceA The yaraI, or court, is 3. half circle. The things We saw there are too numerous to mention I will speak of one which was great curiosity to me. It was the form of giant, which the officer told us was taken out of a. bog cen tur1es ago. Its mate, female, which was unearthed at the same time. is in another museum in Ireland. The stat ue did not feel like stone; it was softer and not so cold as stone
 At the center of the court is a large statue of Queen Victoria sitting in L large chair. and her subjects at the base. 1t represents her as their ruler. On this statue is these words: Erected jects.
 We walked down to Merrion square and got on the tram, and we soon came to the River Dodder. which is crossed by Balls bridge, and on the right are the premises of the Royal Dublin society. In August of eve4 y year they hold the Irish horse show there. People come from everywhere to this great world famed show.
 Passin" through the beautiful resi- danf1Q1 I-t of f17n raifx rNfT iron gates are reached and we see a beautiful view of the sea and famous Hill Of Howth away off to the left Tho road now runs by the sea. passing through Booterstown. 4 railway sta- ton on the left. WilliamStoWn with Blackrock college on the right We pass along through Monkstowa and ktngstowu. A splendid view Jf the harbor is seen here. Kingstown terminus is opposite the Royal Marine road, which leads to the station, promenade and harbor.
 From the roof of the pavilion we get me view of Dublin bay. Military bands play all summer here
 From kingstown We went to Oakley. An ancient castle is used as a town nall Opposite the town Oakley Island Is seen, on which is a ruined church. The island was once 8 Danish fort.
 After reaching the summit of Kidi- ney Hill we got a beautiful view of Dublin bay, Howth, Killiney bay, klngstown harbor and bay. Looking lnWards we could see a lovely range of mountains which stretch from Bray Head far inland, with the great and llttle Sugar Loaf mountains showing against the horizon. We returned to Miss Washington's cafe and partook or luncheon and then rested Your little nephew,
 RICHARD W. TOBIN,. JR,
 Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
What Her Mamma Saw,

Dear Uncle Jed: am going to tell you a true story about something my mamma saw when she was a little girl. It was on dull November day and mamma remembers her father calling the family out to see g. curious looking object in the east.
 A short way from the ground was something that in shape resembIed a turkey flying. It kept going higher and higher and getting larger and larger until it was the shape of a large funnel and disappeared east ward
 The next they heard it had been talk ing up objects 'on its journey, such as small haystacks etc. It finally end ed by taking up mud out of the Paw catuck river and bursting over large cemetery near Westerly. It must have been quite a lot of work to clean up the monuments. It was probably a. waterspout,
 ALAIRA KRAMER, Age 12.
 Colchester, Conn.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
ThankSdiyinq,

The custom of appointing one day in the year to be devoted to praise and thanksgiving is of New England ori- gin, it having been inaugurated by the Pilgrim fathers.
 In one of the first summers after their sitting down at Plymouth, a, ter rible drought threatened the ruin of their summer husbandry. From the middle of May to the middle of July an extremely hot sun beat upon the fields without any rain. so that all the corn began to wither and Ian guish, and some Of II was irrevocably parched up.
 Tn this distress they set apart a day of fasting and prayer. in the morning of which day there was no sign of rain. but before the evening the sky was overcast with the clouds. which went not away without such easy, gen. tie and yet plentiful showers as re- vived q great part of their corn for comfortable harvest.
 The harvest which God thus gave to these ptous people caused them to set apart another day for solemn thanksgiving to the glorious Hearer of Prayers.
 HELEN wrNpsKIE, Age 1L
 Yantic.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
About saulrraIa

Dear Uncle Jed: As my brother and were taking walk last Saturday morning we saw two squirrels; one was red and the other gray.
 One ran up a tree and came down with a. nut in his mouth, which he cracked and ate. He then ran across the street, when we lost sight of him. Then when we turned about we saw the other scurry away.
 We thought they might be someone's pets. she was a little girl His name was Dick, and he came from South Aner1- ca.
 She kept 1t in a cage. When it died 1t was sent away to be stuffed and given hack to the man who had given it to her, as he was very fond of stuff- ed animals in his home,
 RODNEY CARLYLE, Age s.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
STORIES WRITTEN BY WIDE
 AWAkES.
Walks About Dublin.

As we left our hotel we crossed O'ConnelPs bridge, which spans tEe River Liffey. This is a fine wide bridge with beautiful walks.
 We entered Westmoreiand stre #. The first building on our right was the Ballast building, on the top of which can be seen a round globe attached to a pole. We were told the ball is worked, by electricity and is connected with Dunsink and Greenwich observa- tories. About 12.10 D. m. it ascends to the top of the pole and falls exactly at 12.35 Dublin time. it being. just 1 o'clock at Greenwich, England. There is d clock in front of the building which is always correct. A little dis tance further along are the offices of the great Irish daily paper, the Irish Times-this on our right. We saw the historic Irish house of parliament with the English flag on a pole. A description of this historic building will give in another letter.
 Across the street is Trinity college. At the main entrance I noticed two fine statues, inside the gate, one on each side of the walk. On the left was the statue of Oliver Goldsmith, witn an open book in Hand: on the right was the statue of Edmund Burke.
 As we rounded the gate of Trinity college and walked a little further o~ we came to Grafton street. On the left is the residence of the provost of Trim ity college. We then passed into Mas sau street. This street, on the left side, entirely covers the grounds of Trinity college for a mile or more.
 There is a solid wall of masonry about five feet high all around these grounds, with iron gates at certain distances. I was not tall enough to look over this wall, so my cousin, Miss Tobi1, of Cork. lifted me up so co'!ld
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
THE WINNERS OF PRIZE BOOKS

1-RieHard w. Tobin, Jr., of Nor wich, The Meadow Brook Girls.
 2-Almira Kramer of Colchester, The Moving Picture Girls Snowbound.
 3-BIane1e Lueier of Taftvitle, The Birthday Present.
 4-Rodney Carlyle of Norwich, MouSer Cats Story.
 5-Annie Whyte of willimantic. Ad- ventures of Brownie
 6-Pauline smeIowitz of Norwich. A Man Without a Country.
 7-MabeI Prue of Eagieville. Rare Old Chums.
 S--ArIene Pearl of Augusta, Me, Pinnocchio's Adventure.
 Winners of books living in Norwich may call at The Bulletin business office for them at any hour after 10 a. ID. on Thursday.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Loretta Fl. Piche of Norwich: I thank you ever so much for the prize book you gave me. It is a very inter esting book. Many thanks for it,
 Nellie PaIy of Colchester: I re- ceived the prize book which you sent me, and thank you ever so much for it. have read some of it and find 1t very interesting
 Alice Kingsley of Scotland: thank you very much for the nice prize book you sent me. have read it through and think it was very inter esttng.
 Lillian J. Brewster of Norwich; I thank you very much for the prize book I received a few weeks ago. I find it is very interesting. I hope to win another book sometime.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
TaftYille
My Pets.

? Dear Uncle Jed: am goinp to tell you about my pets. One is a hair less puppy. which my father brought rom Panama Her name is Calongo, which in Spanish means "hairiess. |" She is black and her skin is like kid. Calongo is a regular baby and is never fully satisfied until she is in someone's lap being petted. When she wants someone to take her she will sit on the floor and beg.
 She weighs It pounds and is the Iunnlest little dog you ever saw. Sone- times in winter I put a dolls dress on her. She likes that very much.
 Another pet of mine is asparrot. His feathers are green and he has a red head. His name is Bill. He can talk and do many cute tricks.
 l also have cat. Her name is Tib. She is a very proud cat and exceeding ly clean. She is gray and white and very gentle. She seems pleased when one pets her.
 1 hope some day the Wide Awakes will get a chance to see a Mexican hairless dog.
 ETHEL GRAHAM.
 TaftViile
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
The An+ and the orashorper

Dear Uncle Jed: In Q field one summers day a grasshopped was gayly chipping and singing. An ant passed by on his way home, carrying with great toll a grain of corn.
 '9ood day, friend Ant" cried the grasshopper. Come sing and dance with me instead of working there, like a. slaye.''
 lay up food for the winter when the fields will be covered with snow. I think you'd better do the same thing .p
 "Nqnsense. said tine grasEhepper.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
A sora Neaed Mouse.

"Oh, dear, my nose is certainly sore. l guess old Doctor Rat will have to put bandages on 1t and keep it so for a. few days. But my. that was a granny after this when she tells me to look out.
 You see we have been camping in a coal bin and it's the incest coal bin ever saw. said to granny tonight: Granny l am going out tonight to look around a bit
 But granny shook her finger at me and said: You had better not, Bright Eyes, for these men creatures are al like you
 wouldn't dare touch me- You see I had never seen those big men crea- lures and had no idea how big they were.
 But granny was much. wiser than I and so 1 suppose. she thought she would give me q lesson and so out but be sure to come home when you hear me squeak. Don't go far,' and with these words sine hurried away,
 "I tretted away quickly and was soon busy trying to find something to play with All at once I smelt came near the cheese. I did not see the cheese, but I saw a round box. Along the sides of the box were holes bigger than my head. I could see some steel things inside the holes though I could not see the cheese. thought that box was house which some funny creature lived in.
 But my mouth watered as I smelt the cheese, so I gave one bound and then, snap! something hurt my nose terribly and for 8 few moments struggled and wriggled. making quite a noise.
 Suddenly granny's words came to me, These men creatures are always trying to catch lfttle' boy mice like you That was enough. Something made me think I would never see granny again nor any of my little mouse friends,
 Suddenly I heard heavy step. Then a crash on the box which let something go that held my nose. darted out. I am going home now as fast as I can and I didn't get that cheese after all. Anyway my nose is awfully sore. But I am awfully glad I got away and after this I am going to mind granny. It taught me a les son and if I see a. box just like it next time I won't go near it."
 BRIGHT EYES MOUSE.
 Cf5cnnea
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
The Fox and. the Cranes

Dear Uncle Jed: 4 fox went out to walk early in the morning, one fine day dn summer. By the side of the road he saw a tree; beside the tree grew q beautiful vine which had fas- tened itself to the sturdy boughs. The Fox saw the purple grapes hanging from the vine, and wished to get some, for he was very fond of grapes He jumped and jumped. but he could not reach the lowest cluster.
 What do you think I carer he said, sIs he went away. "Everybo knows that your old grapes are sour.''
 FRANCES B. MeGRATH, Age II.
 Lebanon.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
POETRY.
d Tale of Two Ducks.

A Tale of Two Ducks Two ducks, a Muscovy and PeEans Met out by 6 brookside one day; And a buIlfrog hidden by rushes Heard Pekin to Muscovy say: %of all the queer ducks you're tae Your bill and your feet do not
 match;
 Your head is as red as 8 turkeys; I wonder how you came to hatch Muscoyy heard, but said not a word, For Muscovy ducks are all dumb; Eut inc bulifrog hidden by rushes Crooked: Look t home you! LOOK
 t hum!" 4arhe bills and the feet of our fam ly,. .' ouacIsed Pekin with bra2en-Vo1cod eAre yellow like gold in the sun But yours are a sight to deride. Your webs are too large and off-color, Your bill Is too pink; and your
 wings
 Are built ike hawk's-'tis a wonder You float with the long, clumsy
 things" a1uscovy heard. but said not a word, For speech is what Muscovies lack, But the bullfros hidden by rushes
 Quit yer quack.'' 1t chanced that slim, hungry
 weasel
 Came slipping from under a log, And spied the MuscoVy and Pekin- He wasn't in search of a frog sIad like to stay longer" cried Pekfl, Who waddled and tiopped in great
 haste;
 rye much more to say on the sub- ject,
 But haven't the time now to waste 9Iuscovy heard, but said not a word, Tn air he was off with sweep. But the bullfrog hidden by rushes Crooked: Talk is cheap, you! Talk
 is cheap!"
 --lFfoy Schoonrnaker Armstrong.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-19
A RespectfuI Boy

The other day was riding in a railroad carriage. At one of the sta tions an old man entered and was looking around for a seat when a boy of 10 or 12 years of age rose up and said. Take my seat, sir.''
 The offer was accepted and the old man sat down.
 Why did you give me your seat ?'' the old man said
 Because you are old, sir, and am young." said the boy.
 The passengers were all pleased.
 FRANK PARDY, Age 1S. Norwich