davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
Istters Can still Go To Europe.

War has interrupted the free transit of mail matter between this country and European points. Germany has refused to carry mail for delivery in other countries, and this has made tt necessary for the postal authorities to find some other way for reaching those cities ordinarily dependent on the in- ternational train service on the con- tinent. Letters for Austria-H Hungary, instead of going across the continent are to be sent to Italian ports and are to be forwarded from there. Russian mail will doubtless have to go by way of the Black Sea. The ports of Hoi- land. Denmark, Norway and Sweden are still open to mail steamers, as well as the ports of Great Britain. And mail for France can be dispatched from British ports if not delivered from the United States directly to the French postal trains on the mainland. Of course, all mail is sent subject to delay in delivery, and the exigencIes of war may at any time result in the destruction of large quantities of cor respondence. But those who have friends abroad may feel assured that the United States Government will do all in its power to keep open the line of communication between Americans in Europe and Americans at home Philadelphia Ledger.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
STORIES WRITTEN BY WIDE,
 AWAkES.
The Organ Grinder.

There's another of those noisy hand organs, and my head aches so every sound goes through it! Jessie, do run down and tell him to go away. I really can't stand the noise.'
 The afternoon was cloudy and dark and just as Jessie opened the iron gate into the street great drops of rain be- gan to fall. She delivered her mes sage and then hurried in from the rain. She stood looking out of the dining room window at the big drops of rain falling on the pavement. The music ceased at once and the organ grinder disappeared up the street
 The rain fell faster and faster. Jes- sic watched it. Suddenly she was startled by the reappearance of the or gan grinder.
 He was an old man, and. his face was pale and thin. He shivered in the cold wind, and tried to draw his hat over his face to keep the rain off. Ills clothes were all torn.
 Hurrying to the basement door, Jes- sic unfastened the high iron gate and invited him to come under the porch for shelter.
 The old man hesitated a moment and then walked in.
 Wouldn't you like something to eat?" asked Jessie.
 Don't trouble yourself, ma am. I'm very much obliged to you for letting me come in.'
 Going into the kitchen. she made a cup of tea and spread a good meal upon the table. and then brought the old man in.
 It was happy man who went away
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
Our Picnic.

Dear Uncle Jed: thought I would write and tell you about our picnic in the woods
 It was about half past ten when we left school We went up In the woods near our school
 When we got up there we made some lemonade. After that we had re- treatments of cake. cookies candy, pea1uts and ice cream Then we played all sorts of games. It was about twelve o'clock when thanking the teacher for such good time, we left for home.
 ETHEL I. MURDOCH, Age 12.
 Taftville.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
Women With Mexican Army.

At Manzanillo I met General Tellez with his command, waiting to pc transported by steamer to Mazatlan, writes Fritz Arno von de Ellen in Harpers Weekly. and here I saw the Mexican soldier stripped of the pre- lenses of a dress parade. He is often accompanied by his wife and children. or. lacking these, his mistress. Herdcd together in freight cars like cattle, whole families arrived at ManzaniIlo. and many of the women carried babies in their arms The camp suggested a cross between a Boy Scouts outing and a picnic ground. Imagine a com missary department that depends upon women to cook meals for hus- bands and lovers. Imagine disheveled female and dirty children outnumber- ing the men As a human spectac'e e viewed in the twentieth century, right next door to the United States, it Is interesting In a military sense. 1t is pathetic.-From the Milwaukee Free Press
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
UNCLE JEp'S TALK TO WIDE
 AWAKES.

Every boy and girl to some extent should be their own teachers. They will be if they get the student habit.
 The student habit is acquired by asking yourselves questions and aa- swering them. It is not always easy, but it is always enjoyable. This kind of work strengthens the mind just as other kinds strengthen the muscles of the body.
 You see round or oval pebble on the walk and if you ask yourself what made it round you will wake 11p your Tnind-if you do not you will let your mind sleep. and it is the sleeping mind which makes boy or a girl appear to be dull.
 That pebble has had it's experience. It is alive, so you know it was broken from the parent rock by violence. Ages ago it started on journey against its will. It's parent may have bsen bounced on another rock by an iceberg or it may have been shattered by light ming or some other force.
 You did not know the pebble nas life, so you couldn't ask yourself what is the life of a rock? It is it's CO., hesiveness: that is the power of its crystals to hold together in one solid mass. If 1t was crunbly it would be dead rock because 1t could no longer hold it's parts together.
 It was not round when it started on its travels. for rocks break in frag- ments with sharp edges. and it is sand and water and motion which made that fragment Of rock into form as a peb- ble. and it may have rolled on the sandy bottom of brook or on the sea- shore for ages before it reached the place where you saw it. It would tel you wonderful story if it could in- form you how many thousands of years
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20

testimonial" Mrs. LAWRENCE MAR TIN, 12 King St, Westbrook, Maine.
 Mansion, Wis. "At the Change of Life suffered with pains in my back and loins until could not stand also had night-sweats so that the sheets would be wet I tried other medicine but got no relief. After taking one bot tie of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound I began to improve and I continued its use for six months. The pains left me, the night-sweats and hot flashes grew less, and in one year was a different woman. l know have tn thank you for my continued good health ever since. "- Mrs. N. J. BRowrSELL, Mansion, Wis.
 The success of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, made from roots and herbs, Is unparalleled in such cases.
 If you want special advice write to Lydia E. Pinkham Medicine Co. (eonf- dentiaD Lynn, Mass. Your letter will oe opened, read and answered hy c Womans and held in strict confidence
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
A Jewish Society,

The Jewish farmers of starke Coun- ty have formed an agricultural so- ciety for the purpose of purchasing supplies and disposing of their farm produce. The Starke County society is branch of the Jewish Agricultural Society of America, and the lo:al number is 76. There is a large Jewish colony in Starke County and many of them are developing into good farm CTS. 1t will be interesting to observe the progress made by this society. 1t has the backing of some of the best Jewish business men in America The parent organization has vast resources It is semi charitable in its nature. and its sole purpose is to aid deserving Jewish people in getting start in fife. It loans them money at per cent, tn- terest and Is said to be very lenient in dealing with borrowers.-From ths Goshen Democrat.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20

they can't get away and know they : So no sooner said than the two glrls accompanied by the chicks were roaming along the beach, the biddies evidently enjoying their outing.
 Suddenly the strains of hand organ reached their ears, chickens were forgotten in their excitement and they rushed over the hill, follow ing the man from house to house un- til Bessie cried. "oh, Alice, the chick they are lost"
 It took them some time to reach the beach. brt there were no chickens in slght. Thfy searched everywhere, yet twas no use; they were not 10 be found:
 What will papa say?<I must wait St the gate and tell him about it." and when papa came home that even Ing TWO little girls were standing at the gate. Bessie's eyes were red and there was a suspicious tremor in her voice when she said: There's not one chicken left. papa. I took them down on the beach and now they are all gone''
 How did that happen; did they all fly away ?" asked papa with a twin kle in his eye.
 "oh, no. Papa, left them just a few little minutes and when I came back they had all gone. Where do you suppose they are now?
 Well, my little girl" it is too bad,' said papa soothingly, and I am sor- " you were so thoughtless, but as it happened came home by the way of the beach and found your chick abiddies roaming through the sand and I took them all back to their home I hope this has been a lesson to my Bitter Sweet and you will look after them more carefully after this.''
 Indeed I will, papa" and I think she will; don't you Selected
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
WlNNERs oF PRIzE BOOKS.

Hattie R. Clarke of Norwich, Grace Harlowe's Plebe Year at High School.
 '2-Bertha N. BurrilI of Stafford Springs, Grace Harlowe's First Year at Overton.
 s-AIice F. RurriIl of Stafford Springs, Water Babies.
 4-6ertha Fuller of Eagleville. Aunt at Overton College.
 5-Dorothy Rasmussen of Norwich. Automobile Girls at Washington.
 6-Lewis Sears of Norwich, A Child's Garden of Verses.
 Mildred Lewis of Norwich, Rip Van Wrinkle.
 S-Waity M. Clifford of willimantic, Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.
 Winners of books living in the city may call at The Bulletin business office for them at any hour after 10 a. m. on Thursday.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
The Story of a Shoe.

Dear Uncle Jed:-One day as I was sitting reading I heard a. queer voice. I listened and heard the noise again. I said "Where are you?"
 T am in the cupboard", answered q gentle voice"
 I got up and what do you think l found a new pair of shoes Then the shoes began to talk.
 Wont you please put me on and will tell you my story.
 So I put on the shoes and this is the story they told me
 One day as I and my brothers were feeding in a pasture several men came up and drove us away. We were then driven to a large, ship where we were sent to another city to be skinned and tanned. We went through many ma chimes before we were made Into a pair of shoes.
 One day a lady came in the store to see a pair of shoes-size two.
 The clerk took down one of my brothers but the lady did not like them.
 Just then he was about to push my box aside when he saw on the box size two. The clerk showed me t1 the lady and she was very pleased with me.
 q shall take this pair" said the lady. That Is how I came to be with you.
 Nk
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
BESSIE'S CHICKA6IDDIES

Bessie lived on the sheashore-that part of the Maine coast called Peaks Island. She was 2 busy little girl. fitting here and there, and asking as many questions in an hour as an or dinary person would in a week per- haps. At times little Bessie was the dearest little child imaginable. then again she would be very wilful, so that her brothers and sisters gave her the name of Bitter Sweet"
 This particular morning Bessie's uncle had stopped at the door and left a basket marked. For my dear little niece, Bitter Sweet"
 What can be in that basket" said Bessie.
 Bessie lifted the cover and with a shout of joy said Mamma! Oh, mamma! do come and see these sweet little chickabiddies! All my very own too. there's one, two, three. four, five six, seven, eight of them; we must have house built right away" :.
 Whereupon Ressie's father said sPiclS 4p your little birds and come with me and we'll see what we can do" So Bessie followed her father nnd there in the field back of the house was q cute little chicken home. Of course Bessie was delighted and said, Papa must have known was to have these chickens or the house would not have been ready so soon.''
 Papa smiled and said, Perhaps I did dear, but you must take all the care of tilese pets and do not forget to give them their meals regularly and do not let them get lost"
 "Oh, no. papa, I'll take the best of care of them, and every day, Bessie could be seen trudging along with food for the chicks.
 ono day she said to her sister, Lets take the chickens down on tho beaoh; they can scratch in the sand;
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20

went to see who it was. and to my surprise 1t was a friend of mine She had come over to play with me. so asked her in.-
 Then I told my. aunt about it, and she said might ask her to go with us. and I did so. know you all know how pleasant she felt. she might go
 Her mother gladly let her.
 We started on our way, all bundled up warm for Our breezy journey When we arrived at the beach, we went in bathing the first thing.
 At noon we ate our lunch.
 We started for home about four o'clock and arrived without any mis- fortune. We were tired. but happy.
 Mary. my friend. said she had had a very happy time
 I told her I was glad she had en- joyed our little days vacation
 MILDRED LEWIS. Age 12.
 NofVich
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
LETTERS TO UNCLE JED.
The Canning Club Picnic.


 Dear Uncle Jed:-I will write and tell you about our canning club pie nic. We had it at the Connecticut Agricultural College, Storrs. We had to be there at eleven. o'clock, Thurs day morning. Aug 18th. We helped onade and ice cream We had our lunch under a big tree. There were about thirty there.
 After we had lunch MT. Brundage showed Us how to can tomatoes and apples. He had four kinds of can Homemade. Hot-water Bath Outfit. Water Seal Outfit, Steam Pressure Cooker five pounds or more, and the pressure cooker ten pounds or more.
 MT. Brundage gave us some canning recipes: also. a note book and pencil to write down the points he gave us on canning.
 I will give you some recipes on can ming tomatoes and apple pie filling.
 Canned Tomatees-Grade for ripe ness. size and quality. Scald to loosen skins. Dip in cold water, re- move skins, pack whole. Fill with tomatoes only. and add one level tea spoon salt to each quart. Place rubber and partially seal, steri'ize 2Z minutes in hot water bath; IS min utes in water seal outfit; IS minutes under five pounds of steam, or ter minutes in pressure cooker. Remove jars, tighten covers, test joint and in vert to cool.
 Apple Pie FiIling.-Peel and core; slice. scald ? minutes in boiling water plunge in cold water. Pack. in glass or tin and add about one teacup oi hot thin syrup to each quart. Pisct rubber and top. partially tighten Sterilize Is minutes in hot water bath 12 minutes in water seal outfit, 10 min utes under five pounds of steam, or minutes in pressure cooker. Remov, | jars, tighten cover, invert to cool. BERTHA FULLER Age 10. EagleviIle.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Dorothy King of Yantic: Many thanks for my prize book. I am very pleased with it meant tos write to you again. but have been away from home.
 Pauline Snoiowitz of Norwich: I have received the prize book, Rip Van Wrinkle, and thank you ever so much for it. have always found it very interesting, and am reading it now.
 Miriam Griswcld of Norwich Town: thank you very much for the prize book you sent me, I have read 1t and found it very interesting.
 Helen Reynolds of Eagleville, Conn: received the prize book entitled Aliee's Adventures in Wonderland. Thanks for it. think it is very pretty hook.
 John c. Bushnell of Norwich: thank you Very much for the prize book you sent me. have read it and find it very interesting.
 Arthur S. Merrifieid of Baltic: re- ceived the prize book and have read it through. If I had had my choice of the books mentioned in the paper. should have taken that one. noticed there were more than 250 words in some of the other stories on the Chii- drcn's pag0
 Bertha N. Bur-iII of Stafford Springs: thank you very much for the lovely prize book received Thursday. It was my first prize book, and I was very, much pleased with it. I thank you again.
 Evelyn E. Woodward of Columbia: Thanks very much for my prize book. have not had time to read 1t yet, but am sure it is interesting
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20

the woods I noticed a medium sized alder tree. I took out my knife and found that the bark was thick and could easily be cut. So cut a heart and carved my initials in it. When the days are cool I make a wood fire and sometimes bake pota- toes in it.
 The other day while looking for dry wood to start a fire with I heard a pitfful cry. walked over to where the cry came from and found 1t was a baby robin that had fallen out of its nest I picked it up, climbed the tree and put 1t in the nest
 There were three other baby rpbins in the nest
 I hope when Wide-Awake has a chance to help bird he will, for il may mean the birds life:
 LEWIS SEARS. Age g.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
sleepy Land.

Here is the best of Sleepy Land, Ready to sail on the twilight sea. Softly slipping up to the strand, Waiting for you and me. What shall we take to Sleepy Land. To comfort oHr souls as we sail
 along? A woolly blanket in either hand, And a little crooning song. Who steers the boat to Sleepy Land An. 'tis huttering fairy crew; The Sandman's always in command, And little dream or two. We are drifting fast to Sleepy Land, All in the duslly starlit air, A murmurous sound on the shining
 strand
 Q baby, We are therei
 Christian Register.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
Norwich.
our Picnic at MehIean Park.

Dear Uncle Jed; I think you will enjoy hearing about the Sunday School picnic I went to Wednesday at Mo- hiean park.
 We all went in a large wagon, which held about twenty five or thirty. When we got there the first thing we did was to have a swing or a ride on the seesaws. and then a few of us took a long walk and saw the diff ferent kinds of animals
 When we got back it was time for dinner. At dinner time everybody went to the pavilion where the dinner was served. which consisted of sand wiches. cake. lemonade and ice cream
 After dinner the children enjoyed a few genes, three-legged race, po- tato race and an egg race.
 Later in the afternoon the girls had a scramble for apples, and then the boys had the same.
 Just before we went home some of the children had a row on the lake; some got caught in the shower and had to go back; and about four o'clock we came home after having very nice time.
 MILDRED FILLER, Age IA.
 Norwich Town.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
My Sunday School Picnic.

We had the Sunday school picnic at the Bayville beach. Conveyances were supplied for the people to be taken from the village to Bayville. Jessie and and one of our friends went with our Sunday school teacher in her au- tomobile. We started at 9.So and ar rived there about 10 o'clock
 We put our wraps and lunches In one of the. bungalows. After we had taken a little rest in the bungalow we walked along the beach, and when we came to the breakwater a. boy took us all out for a row. It was very rough on the water just then, but all the same we enjoyed it very much.
 Out here the picnics are very differ ent from those in Connecticut, as here each one takes their own lunch.
 We ate our lunch on the porch.
 About 2 o'clock the people went Tn bathing and had lots of fun.
 We went out in a. boat for another row in the afternoon.
 In the water there were trees which mark the oyster beds. When we came back the ice cream was served.
 About 5 o'clock we started for home. We rode back again with our Sunday school teacher.
 My sister and I enjoyed ourselves so much at the beach that we are go- ing there ourselves some time.
 LILLIAN BREHAUT,
 East Norwich, N. T..
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
Evening at the School House.

Evening at the School House.
 1t was evening The Bell began to tinlSle, and books. papers pencils, erasers and ink bottles heard it and came rushing together on the desk.
 The Bell began, fAll the pupils in this. school come when they hear me,
 What queer looking thing you are!" broke in the paper, who was never very polite.
 The globe from distant cornen now joined in the conversation.
 T am round as a ball and show the whole world. Flat stupid things like you haven't much to say about anybody else"
 aoh. dear, let's not quarrel" said the Bell
 What would you do if it were not for our friend, the ink?" Having been called upon to say something, the ink Cnodding toward the pen and paperl answered.:
 .sWell, if it wasn't for me, you would not be of much use" Just then the pen and penholder jumped up and exclaimed: .sWhat an awful blot you would make!''
 The pencil feeling neglected said. in a sharp and rather injured tone: 5. q guess you don't realize that am of as much use as all three of you to- gether''
 aHa! Hal" laughed the trailing arbutus from the desk, that was a good joke on them. If you will listen I can tell you a very interesting story. Everyone considered us very beautiful and no doubt we are. but we would not be here if it were not for a ht- tie girl who brought us to her teacher. We are very glad we met you. Where is the Register? She must be very
 .s0h I have not very much to say" replied a faint voice." Do you see all of these names? They are the names of the pupils. They have been to school nearly every day The teachers so useful. But some one else should have a chance, to talk. I have been lost long time," said the Eraser. help the pencil when he is in trouble We are very good friends. The Arithmetic was about to say something when the Bell whispered:
 ssh, Sh. I hear a strange noise. q think it must be a mouse coming to get us for his nest" said the Books and Papers together. Then they all laughed heartily to frighten away the
 The Spelling Book said sleepily. T think I will leave you now. l am very tired and can hardly keep my eyes open. The Arithmetic can finish talk ing and then shall tell you sometnins, The others were agreeable, so. "Good-night" was said by all and they scampered back to their places | inside the desk.
 we must have little rest because the teacher and her pupils will soon be here to use us again. The voice of the Bell rang strangely in the silent schoolroom. and not -ound answered it.
 ALICE F. BURRILL, Age 1S. Stafford Springs.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20
squirrsls.

The gray squirrel is the most com mon kind in the United States, being found in almost all the states. It is usually gray on the back and whitish. seen It has four to six young born in May or June. These squirrels cas- fly tanned if taken from the nest when small
 A net squirrel should be kept in cage at least six feet long and four feet high. fitted with perches. and . neat little box into which 1t may creep to have a quiet nap. Care should be taken to keep the cage clean
 Squirrels should be fed on nuts. such as walnuts. hickory nuts, hf6erts. ai- monds and heeehnuts- They will al- so eat bread and milk. Squirrels are very interesting pets.
 The red squirrel is nearly as com mon in the Northern and Middle states as the gray squirrel. It Is also called the pine squirrel from it's love of pine seed: the chfckaree, from its loud chatter and the Hudson Bay squirrel. It's fur is mixed black and rusty-gray above and whitish below.
 Red squirrels are busy little fel- lows and hvelier than the gray ones. but are less gentle and not so easily tanned.
 Gray squirrels lie in their nests in very cold weather. but red squirrels run around all winter long and they therefore lay up great deal more food in the autumn than the gray ones.
 In some parts of the United States squirrels are so plentiful that they destroy whole fields of wheat and corn and farmers have great trouble in getting rid of them. A great many are killed for their fur which is worn by women and children as trimmings and Innings for clothes.
 MARY A. BURRILL, Age 12. . Stafford Springs.
 P. S.-I saw Marion Blacks story in the Wide-Awake Circle two weeks ago and she said she would answer the letter of any girl who would write to her. I wrote to her addressing the letter Springfield. Mass, but received it back saving that was not a. com- plete address. I would like to know her complete address.
Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-20

pains m my back and side and was 60 weak I could hardly do my housework.
 I have taken Lydia
 E. Pinkhan's Vege- table Compound and it has done me a lot of good I will re- commend your med icine to my friends
 and give you perris- sion to publioh my