davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
THE WIDE AWAKE CIRCLE
BOYS AND GIRLS DEPARTMENT

receive"
 This week Uncle Jed sends book to every wide-Awake who has a letter in the Wide-Awal1e Circle; and that
 the little tots may have their share he
 has given them all a chance.
 He would like to be able to give ey-
 cry one the kind of book they like best;
 but being unable to do that he will try
 and send everyone a book that will be pleasing, and which may teach them
 something worth knowing. He hopes there will not be a Wide Awake miss Christmas gifts, or poor child in all the circle of their acquaint- ance. Writers living in the city may call at The Bulletin business office for
 books at any hour after 10 a. m. on
 Thursday.
 LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 Riehar5 Tobin, Jr., of Norwich: Many
 thanks for the Boys of Columbia High. It is a very interesting story. l hope the Wide-Awakes will have a Bright
 and Merry Christmas. Blanche Lucier of Taftvflle: am writing to let you know have read l the book you sent me, The Blrtn0ay Present, and find it very pleasant. hope I will win another book as good as that
 Sarah E5ynnan of Norwich: thank you very much for the prize book en- titled Familiar Friends at Home. 1 wish you Merry Christmas and a 1 Happy New Year. TheTma Whitehouse of Mansfield Center: I received my book and am very pleased with it. It is very inter- | esting.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
POETRY.
r Wish We Wuz in Jail"

"I Wish We Wuz in JaiI." We're livin's up 8, alley that is pufty hard to find An. Twin there in winter is a purty steady grind! There's rags stuck in tn W1nders so tn wind won't blow so hard, .Ans we air't got no doorsteps, nor no walk down through the yard; We got no yard at all, you see; an no one comes to han SAn' bring us cheer an gladness-so wish we wuz in jail I read how all them murderers an thieves an hold-up men Has Joyous dinners give 'em almost every now an then, An people come to sing to 'em an help 'em to reform An anyway, l bet tn Jall IS aImoSI always warm. An we aiI1't got too much to eat, an sisters gittin' pale, So when l fgger how 1t is, l wish we wuz in jail reckon that tn worst O crimes is bein' out O work. No matter if you swing a pick, or drive a 'hosS. or clerk. Seems like tn best folks thinks fer you is to give you advice. But if you're locked up in tn jaiL wy then it's purity nice. An when tn cold wind scoots up through tn f1oorin' in a gale I think how nice we all would feel if we could be in jail. I'd like to hear. them singers sing, an see them dancers dance, An pass my plate fer some more pie if I could git tn chance! But r1la-s1e isn't workin' now, they laid her off las week She says we mustn't lose our faith an must be mild an meek. bet they don't git crusts O bread from someone's garbage pail, Nor have to sleep in gunnysacks. wish we wuz in iaili
 -Chicago Post
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
rha chriatmaa stockinn.

A clothes line is stretched across the room and hung upon it are stock ings cut from strong paper, coIored to represent stripes, or some of the stockings may be cut from wall pa- per.
 Some ridiculous little article is placed in the toe of each stocking, and then one person at a time is blind-folded and makes his or her way to the row of stockings. The one touched first belongs to the player, There will be much merrinent when the gifts are brought to Hght... ..
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
A chr;atmas Story.

About nineteen hundred and fof1r- teen years ago tEere lived a great king named Caesar Augustus. He was SO great and powerful and thought he ruled the whole world. but to see how many countries he did rule, and to find out how much land he owned, he caused a census to be taken, and each man enrolled must pay him a quarter of 8 dollar for being such great king.
 It was a great bother to be enroll ed, for instead of sending census man around, he ordered every man to go to the place where he was born There were no trains or electric cars and almost everybody had to either walk or ride a donkey's back In Palestine there was a town call- Ted Nazareth and in this town a man called Joseph with his wife Mary He was poor, but when he heard his
 kings orders he hastened to the towr from Nazareth. He let Mary ride the doukey's back and he walked. At first they enjoyed 1t, but the way grew tiresome and worst of all wher | they reached the inn there was nt room.
 @Wasn't there room for Mary?'
 Joseph asked, he and the donkey coulS
 manage somehow; but there was nE
 room even for Mary. Finally the landlord shouted, "YoJ l may go to the. stable and sleep. ans 1 Mary answered. That will do.'' l In @ far country there were sheph. erds watching their sheep and toward midnight they were startled by beau tiful music and heavenly light, and th' angel stood near them and said:
 Year not for behold bring yol good tidings of great joy which shal be to all people. For unto you il i born in tine city of David a Savio which is Christ the Lord. l Then the music burst forth and tn angel sang "Glory to God in tn ] Highest, on Earth Peace, Good Will I to Man"
 Then the Shepherds hastened t 1 the spot and found a dear little bab' | wrapped in poor clothes, and kneel | ing beside him was Joseph and Mary | He was the King of Kings and tn | Savior of all men until the end O the world.
 MICHAEL BURNS. Age 1S. l FitcIyille
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24

out it nearly frightened her with how the creatures took to the water. She stood on Che bank and looked at them mournfully and promised them all sorts of big fat worms If they would only come back. But they would not come back till they got ready.
 Day after day they did this until many broods of ducks Mir. Grey the farmer, thought he would have her hatch some chickens for Christ mas. As soon as she matched the nine little black and yellow fluffy balls, she pranced along to the brook with them. They would not go in for her so she pushed in the nine little chicks and drowned them.
 PIain6eId.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
East Norwich. N. Y.
A HeIpina Hand.

Dear Uncle Jed: Long years ago there lived a daughter and her grand father. They lived by the sea in Hol- land.
 One day the daughter was crying and the child said that she wanted to go fishing.
 The grandfather began to put on his raincoat and his hat
 The mother was afraid she would be in danger if she did go. She put e scarf around her neck to help her keep warm. She was dressed up like the children of Holland.
 They lived mainly by fishing. Her grandpa was not poor or rich. He was the best fisherman in the town. He had shown his little granddaugh- ter how to row. They went out a whole day and had a happy time.
 LENA LA CASSIE Age 12.
 UncasVille.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Plainfeld.
christmas at the Preseott's.

.'we are poor" said Charlie to
 :sWho caresf" answered Helen.
 q do.' answered Charlie, flor Christ mas will be here in two weeks. and we are so poor we cannot even hang up our stockings, or have a Christmas tree.''
 q know" said Helen. with a. sigh T wasn't thinking when ] said did
 'I knew you didn't" began Charlie, 'sbut don't you think Santa Claus might remember us if we are good and kind to everybody?
 you must remember Santa Claus gives only to the rich children and not to the poor; but maybe if he has any, thing left over he might come to see us.t'
 Their mother heard them talking
 Why, Charlie, you could get a Christmas tree in Mrs Whitney's woods. She told me you could"
 Yes replied Charlie. but what. can we hang on it, dear mother?"
 Apples and popcorn would look quite pretty said Mrs. Prescott "and I have some pretty red, white and blue papers. You could wrap nuts in them and hang them on the Christmas tree and you may buy some candy" 'Goody! Goody!" cried the children. That will be the most beautiful Christmas tree, and this is our very first"
 T will trim the room with evergreen and make wreaths to hang in the win dows. Won't that look pretty, moth l er?''
 Why, certainly, Helen, and will build a bright fire and we will have a good time.'
 Soon Christmas came and the little room looked neat and cozy with the pretty Christmas tree in the corner When Mrs. Prescott sat by the fire, | telling her children about the Christ Child, they heard the jingIing of bells. | They all ran to the door and, to their l surprise, there was dear old Santa ! Claus himself, with his arms full of presents for Mrs. Prescott and her children.
 The children yelled with joy and quickly gathered up the presents. They were so excited they forgot to thank Santa Claus, who was off before they knew it.
 | santa Claus remembered us, after | all" said Charlie.
 The dear dear Santa Claus. They never thought 1t was Mrs. whftney's oldest son John who had dressed as 1 Santa Claus and came to visit them. | MARY RYBrC. Mansfield.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Jacks Swim,


 Just southeast of Mt. Mitchell is a forest Tn this forest about ten yards from shore is a camp known as Noun tain camp. Today being rainy, was a miserable one. This river which is Mitchell river is bordered on both sides by a dike to prevent the water from overhowing the land. As it was put there about three days ago and it had not rained since 1t was put there, the people were not sure whether it would ever overflow
 Tom Mason, one of the members of Mountain cam~ had just left the tent to gather driftwood down by the dil1e. He noticed as he arrived at the dil5e a small stream of water coming in spurts from the bank of moss. etc, which formed the dike. He quickly ran and got stick with which he stopped up the hole. He then halloed for Jack to go to the city for help.
 Jack obeyed quickly and like a horse plunged into the river and swam to-the other side and he soon came back with help. How he saved the land was never forgotten.
 RAYMOND CHESTER WELDEN,
 Age Il.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Mother Love.

Dear Uncle Jed: One fine summer day l.I the country, as I passed a thick bush. I heard the twitter of birds. Looking over the bush I saw pretty sight.
 There were four young birds and the mother bird. The young ones were hopping about, their wings nov ing, their bills open, waiting for something to eat. The mother bird had their food in her bill, and dropped 1t into their open mouths.
 To one she gave a bug. to another a fat worm to third a taste of fruit and to the fourth bit of ripe grain They were greedy little things. They seemed to want everything there was to eat. But their mother gave all alike. The mother-love that God gives to the least animal was strong in her and she saw that each little | bundle of feathers had it's share. It was only for a short time that the mother bird had to feed the lit tie ones. In a very few days they grew large and strong and were able | to flv and tn help themselves. Then no fly, butterfly or insect of any kind was safe from these greedy young birds.
 FLORIDA REEL. Age 9.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
snot,s Proteo.nr.

One day a little kitten by the name of Spot was playing in field, when two nischievops dogs. named Bob and Beauty, were crossing the field. As they were looking for mischief, they started to chase her.
 There was a donkey in the field by the name of Jack
 Spot saw the dogs coming towards her, so she ran. As there were no trees in the field, Spot ran up Jack s leg and got on his back, where she was safe
 The dogs were very angry and Jumped and parked around the don- key.
 They soon got tired of this. how- ever and went away. And Spot was
 FRANCIS MARTIN, Age 9.
 Willfmantic.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Ftchville.
Girls Who Never Heard of Christmas

Girls Who Never Heard of Christmas.
 I was walking along country road one day and there were some girls be- hind a fence laughing and talking and one of them said, Did it come tD you on Christmas ?''
 The girl stared at me and never said a word. She didn't know what Christmas meant.
 Don't you know Christmas" I asked
 The little girl shook her head.
 Then another girl with bright black
 You know Christmas, don't you,"
 Yes" she said. I've don't get our dollies on Christmas. We get them on New Years day"
 All the other girls smiled and nod ded and said:
 "Yes. we get our dollies on New Years day"
 What is your, dolls name?' I asked
 ''Rosalie," the little girl said.
 You see these were little French gir's away off across the water and they celebrate New Years instead o1 Christmas.
 Lots and lots of girls nd boys over there never hear anything about Noel which is their word for Christmas But they get some nice presents or New Years and what do you suppose instead of having one holiday they have a whole week.
 Won't the holidays over in that beautiful country be sad this year Let's not forget those poor little girls who's fathers and brothers art in the war We may have an oppor- tunity to send some lttle gifts tC them; and we'll be happy to do it won't we Uncle Jed?
 BLANCHE LUCIER, Age 12. TaffviIle
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
The History of My Life.

One day was in gloomy spirits be- cause I was tired of the lonely life led. My spirits brighte.ssd, however, when a burly woodchopper came into the forest and stared at me so hard ] thought him very impolite.
 He cut me down, put me on his sled and carried me to church. My feet were then put in box, after which was loaded with decorations.
 At night children and their parents came. There was a great deal of mer- rymaking, after which was cut uI and burned in the pastors stove, and as looked back on my young days thought that ever was in the forest again would never be discontented.
 HOWARD WELDEN,- Age 12.
 WiIlifI1antic,
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
RuIes for Young Writsrs-

1. Write plainly on one side of the paper only, and number the pages. 2 Use pen and ink. not pencil. = 3. Short and pointed articles will be given preference. Do not use over 260 words.
 4. Original stories or letters only will be used.
 5. Write your name. age and ad- dress plainly at the bottom of the story.
 Address all communications to Uncle Jed. Bulletin Office.
 'Whatever you aFe-Be that! Whatever you say-Be true!
 Straightforwardiy act,
 Be honest--in tact,
 Be nobody else but you"
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Mansfield.
A crave Action.

Lie still, little brother. won't hurt you," said Mildred Mason, a bright lit- tie girl +1st seven years ald; and she pulled her baby brother down on a neSvy rug and rolled him up in It.
 This happened before the two chii- dren were dressed. The little boy had run too close to the grate and caught his night gown af1re.
 The brave sister knew how to help him. She smothered the flames and so saved her brothers life.
 GRACE MAHoNEY, Age 10.
 Colchester
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
A seIhsh pou.

A hungry dog once found a large piece of meat. He was very glad to get it, you may be sure, for he had had nothing to eat for a long time. He seized the meat with his teeth and ran to find a quiet place where he might eat it all himself.
 :. On his way he crossed a plank which served as a bridge over a quiet brook Down in the water he saw another dog with another piece of meat. So greedy was he that he opened his mouth. snapping at the piece of meat. which belonged to the other dog, when be- holdi his own meat fell in the brook and was carried down the stream where he could not reach 1t.
 Too late he saw that the other dog was simply his own reflection. His greed had cost him his breakfast.
 NANCY FETREAULT, Age il.
 Versailles
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24

about my pets. I have some chickens that have five toes and top-knots. have a large yellow cat named Tommy. If don't watch him when let him out at night he will go up to my grandma's where l used to live. It is two miles up there.
 I have a dog named lip.
 MILDRED WEAVER, Age 10. Mansfield Depot.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
The Games She Likes to Play.

Uncle Jed: I will tell you and the Wide-Awakes some of the games I like to play
 like to play Hide and Seek, House, and Guessing games.
 This is the way to play Guessing game: All the players sit in a ring. One of them thinks of something and tells the letter of it. And the rest of the players guess it.
 MARY GORMAN, Age z. Versa illhS
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
She Has a Good Time

Dear Uncle Jed: My garden is beau tiful.
 I go out to the playground and play with my friends and have hammocks and swings and seesaws and lots of other amuSements.
 We enjoy ourselves very much. I pick up apples from the ground
 ANNIE HOFFMAN, Age g. Norwich,
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
airda in a Mast.

This game is played with small hazel nuts. Each player starts with the same number of nuts. Say six. Then she takes some of this number in another hand and, holding it be- fore her next neighbor, asks, How many bords in a nest?" Supposing the number to be two and the next player answers four then she must pay two nuts to the questioner. But should the hand hold six and the player cries four then two are given to tho cfier. If the right number is guessed then the entire contents of the hand are given up. The ques- ton goes around in group once or twice or oftener. In fact it is a game that can be kept up almost irl- definitely, because only those who have lost every one of their nuts have to drop out.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Two Foolish eoata.

One day a goat went to take a walk. He walked along very quietly until he came to a very narrow bridge. In the middle of this bridge he met an other goat Then the trouble began. Both goats must have been very silly. Neither one would give in to the other. They butted each other and locked horns. Then both fell in the river and were drowned.
 DONA HOWARD, Age 10. Westerly. R.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Henry's and Mary's Christmas Gift

Henry's and Mary's Christmas Gift. Mrs. James was a poor widow who lived with her three children. She washed and ironed for Mrs. Hill.
 Christmas eve when she went to carry the clothes Mrs. Hill said:
 T suppose, Nora, you have many gifts for your children"
 ''No, I haven't many at all, for am very poor this year"
 That night when the children were in bed Mrs. Hill said to her hus- band:
 Mora said she was very poor this year and she told me last time her rent Is, or has been due for two months. The James children won't have any presents.
 The children on hearing that got up and begged their parents to let them send them a box. Their parents consented and Henry gave John. one of Mrs. James children, his track and four trains.
 May gave Helen, and Mary each a big doll all dressed.
 MT. and Mrs. Hill gave Mrs. James a five dollar gold piece.
 The next morning was the happiest Christmas the James'S ever had. The Hill children were glad to make them happy, for Christ said, "It is more blessed to give than receive
 FRANCES FIELD, Age Il.
 Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
christmas Games.

Dear Uncle Jed: Christmas would not seem pleasant without any gaines. so thought would write the direc- { etcns of how to play some:
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24

came to us two years ago. We named him Jumbo. He is the color of tiger.
 STANLEY SMITH, Age g. South Windham
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
His Bio Cat.

about our big cat He can sit up when
 he is hungry. His name is Jumbo. He
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
WALL PAPERS

WHEN YOU WANT to put your bus iness before the public, there Is ao medium better than through the ad- vertisiuS columns Of The Bulletin.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Likes to ee to School.

Dear Uncle Jed: I am six years old. 1 am in the first grade. My teacher is very kind to me. I like to go to school.
 THOMAS SHEA, Age s. Versailles.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
His Bantam Hens.

Dear Uncle Jed: I have a banty hen. I have had her four years. When she wants something to eat she will jump up into the dish and eat out of it.
 HORACE SMITH. Age 8. South Windham.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24

The Hen That Drowned Her Children. a A farmer once put twelve duck eggs
 under hen. When she hatched them
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
Versatile
Annis,s Little House.

Dear Uncle Jed: I am going to tell you how my little sister and have lots of fun playing with an old shoe box that I made into a dolls house.
 First I cut windows and then I cut blinds and the front and back door. I made the chairs out of pieces of shingles and I made the tables with spool and little box turned upside down, and I have piece of calico for carpet
 I put a little doll into the bed.
 hope some of the Wide Awakes will try to make a dolls house like mine. ANNIE WHITE, Age 2.
 Willimantic.
 wkcsefsR mNLW'elo About a Garden.
 Dear Uncle Jed: The garden am telling about belongs to the Hunting ton Memorial home. It is on Wash ington street
 The garden is at the side of the house. In spring and summer it was very pretty. The flowers bloom Tn spring and last until the end of Sep tember. The garden is built on terraces. Everything in the garden now is faded and dry. Tn spring and summer people ad- u1ired it very much
 MARGARET DRISCOLLs Age 10.
 Norwich.
 L.. T.- K.aG HL;oLan,
Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-24
About a Garden.

Her Top Knot Chickens. Dear Uncle Jed: I will tell you
The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1914-12-16

want to speak to me; who is It,
please?'
Helen conquered he attack Of nerv-
and spoke quickly.
This Is Mrs. Curtis. You wrote to
me, Mrs. Thurston, about veil pin
that you said borrowed from you.
don't remember borrowing such n
thing, but Of course II you say I did
you can tell me just when it hap
pened?''
"Yes; don't you remember one after
noon when you were over here for tea
had just showed you my new sables
and you went into my room to put on
your hat before my mirror? The pin
was lying on the dressing table and
you took 1t up and pinned on your veil
with it,"
Il must have said something about
it at the time" protested Helen.
20, yes. you did: something about
returning it safely. I don't exactly re.
member. OF course I thought you
would remember; but as you didn't
there was nothing else to do but re.
mind you OF it, The tone was almost
insolent, and yet not a thing had been
said that Helen could take exception
to. She hardly knew what to say next
HELEN CANNOT REMEMBER
ANYTHING OF THE KIND.
II don't recollect anything OF the
kind" she said again, little lamely
'and I looked through all my things
as soon as I received your note, but
there was nothing that could find"
mo doubt the thing will come tc
light. OF course. shouldn't have men
toned 1t at all, but it was rather z
valuable thing and hated to think Of
losing it,
Are you sure that it wasn't some
one else who borrowed it," Helen ask
ed the question hopefully.
mo, indeed; I remember the Incl
dent quite perfectly. Mrs. Curtis. O.
course, if you have lost it.
But I couldn't have lost it. II