Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1914-01-03
SOCIAL CORNER STORIES
MAS SURPRISE PARTY.
BY Black Pansy.

In coy farmhouse on the out
skirts OF small village lived one of
our well known Social Sisters She
was known far and wide by the name
of Ma. This evening she sat busily
knitting, for she was very Industrious.
Fires were going in nearly all the
great rooms. for this last night of De-
cember was certainly cold one.
Pa at last came In after taking a
last look to see that the hens were
safely housed and the stock had plenty
of bedding.
Il tell you. Ma, this is certainly a
cold night. Won't be many travelling
tonight. Young Mr.. Newyear will frost
his toes and ears If he don't look
sharp"
Ma only smiled as she rocked and
counted her stitches.
Pa settled himself with paper and
slippers and was soon absorbed read
ing.
A heavy team was heard in the dis
lance.
We'll. someone is out late with their
poor horses; must have had trouble
with his Load remarked Ma
Guess I'll look and see who it is"
Pa said. going to the window.
Just as he reached it there came a
loud rap on the front door. Both
started at once and on opening the
door such a crowd met them it fairly
took their breath away.
We'll, / do declared" Ma said. "The
Social Corner crowd. 1 do believed
Pa started to put on his shoes to go
and take care of the horses, but he
was promptly pushed back into the
house, where all was laughter and
fun.
Ma took the Sisters by relays to re-
move their wrappin3s, and many were
the calculations as the fair ones
emerged. Il thought you were so and
So" and 81 didn't know you, either"
were some of the remarks.
Soon Ma had the kitchen fire replen-
ished and kettles going for coffee.
Then the dining table was stretched
to its greatest capacity, while small
tables were set at the ends to lengtheD
it still more.
Many hands made light work of un-
doing the refreshments and such cakes,
pies doughnuts and cheese, pickles and
sandwiches as were spread outi
Pa brought up cider and apples from
down cellar. and Ma brought out great
luscious pumpkin pies and pitchers of
creamy milk.
Such a happy crowd! 1t certainly
deserved the name of Social. Jokes
were played and witty stories told to
the merry laughter of all.
After the supper was cleared away,
which was quickly accomplished by so
many willing hands. Pa was persuaded
to bring out his fiddle, and soon two
SSlS were happily uduCuS III Llo
kitchen.
Ma raked the fire to a bed of Goals
in the dining room and soon corn
popping and apple roasting was going
on.
Ma, as soon as she saw all were hap
PLY engaged. got out monstrous
great kettle and started some molasses
going. AS soon as she was discovered
she was seated while some of the girls
tended candy, others cracked walnuts,
while others picked out the meats.
Soon the candy was ready and
while some was mixed with the nuts,
the rest as soon as it could be handled
was stretched, and such fun as this
proved. In the midst of the fun the
hall clock doomed twelve deem solemn
strokes. A hush fell on the crowd for
few minutes and anyone closely OBJ
serving could have read more than
one had planned to turn over d new
leaf
After the candy, popcorn and apples
we're thoroughly enjoyed by all, stories
were told, and very amusing ones
they proved. Songs were next the or
der, and here some hne-voices were
found out.
AS it was now nearing 2 o'clock in
journ by singing Home, Sweet Home,
which was sung in fine form.
Ma and Pa were given a vote of
thanks for their fine hospitality and
Pa said he wished they would come
oftener.
Adieus were said and all bundled
into the hay wagon which had been
chartered to take them out from Nor
witch.