davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
ECONOMY IN USE OF LINEN
Sensible Method Employed by One
Woman Is Worth Copying by
Every Housewife.

Before buying a new supply Of
linens and bedding it is a good idea
to go over the supply already on hand
and see just what is needed. Some
times worn linens may be cut down
and old sheets may be turned and
made to last little while longer. One
economical woman remarked:
Before taking advantage of these
linen sales I go thoroughly over my
own linen closet. Worn tablecloths
are cut into small lunch cloths, and
the ends, when hemmed, make attrac-
tive tray cloths. Square napkins,
which have become ragged at the
edges, can be cut into circular doilies
and buttonholed or neatly hemmed
around the edges to serve as luncheon
doilies. The sheets that are worn in
the middle I tear in two and put to-
gether the reverse way, thus bringing
a new surface to stand the heaviest
wear, or l cut down a large sheet for
a crib sheet and use the leftover
portion for a pillow case. Bath towels
that have become worn l cut up and
sew neatly into new face cloths. By
looking my linen over carefully in
this way know more accurately what
I need, and am better prepared to lay
in a new supply
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

embroidery should have at least one
hat on which some of her work is dis
played. A stunning white satin hat,
sailor shaped, could be given a smart
air by embroidering the front of the
crown in red silk. If you are in doubt
as to the kind of a design to apply,
use two little diamonds and a circle
between them. All around the crown
put a double row of French knots.
Can't you imagine how well such a
hat would look if worn with white
serge suit?
Fruit and vegetables have q very
prominent place on the newest mil
inery. In one instance bIackberries
dangle over the bTim of a brown barn
yard straw sailor. The berries are
made Of brownish black braid wrapped
round and round a foundation of cot
ton wadding. Should you decide to
make the berries at home, begin to
wind the braid on each berry from the
bottom up. As you reach the very top.
do not cut the braid, but let it go on
and on to form long stem by which
the berry IS to be fastened to the
crown. To make the stem thicker you
might wrap layer of braid around it.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
DESTROY VERMIN IN NESTS
and Cheapest Exterminators-In-
sect Powder Is Good.

One of the best and cheapest lice
exterminators is the powdered sui
phur of the druggist. 1t is the best
powder yet discovered for killing
lice that infest setting hens and lice
on young chickens. Before the
weather turns mild and any hens are
set the henhouse should be given
thorough cleaning, the nest boxes
and the roosts taken out in the yard,
all straw removed from the boxes.
Spray the roosting poles and boxes
with coal oil, then give thick coat
of hot lime wash to the entire house.
Work the lime in the cracks of the
wood partitions, there is where the
lice are. Dust each nest box with the
sulphur and make fresh straw nests.
Before a hen is set dust the hen
well with the powdered sulphur, open
the feathers with one hand and ap-
ply the powder, so it will reach the
skin. All parts of the hen should be
busted Persian insect powder may
be used instead of sulphur, but 1t is
not as effective. When little chickens
are a week or two old and begin
to droop and die, it is nearly always
caused by the large lice which cover
the heads Of the little fellows and
suck their blood.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

tributes from one-third to one-half of
the amount of the materials used in
making concrete.
The largest part Of concrete is the
gravel or crushed stone. This should
be clean; that is, free from loan,
clay or vegetable matter. The water
used for concrete should be clean and
free from strong acids and aIkalis.
In building a poultry house with a
concrete foundation, a little extra
trouble and slight expense viii also
make it absolutely rat-proof. Of
course, perfect drainage is the first
requisite. In a deep, gravelly soil,
where We do not meet with a water
proof clay subsoil, digging a deep
trench, or putting tile in the bottom
is not necessary. Where the subsoiI
does not allow the free passage of
water, however, the trench should
reach below the frost line and a line
of three-inch tile placed in the bottom,
connected with a proper outlet. The
lower part of the trench is then filed
with fat stones, placed 50 as to give
chance for the free passage of water.
Smaller stones or cinders are placed
upon them, md up to within a few
inches of the ground surface. Stand
boards on edge so as to make a form
for the concrete Of proper width, say
six or eight inches. Next prepare your
concrete by mixing Portland or other
good cement, one part, with three
-,o-+- -a,d orod v-afar enough m ma la
a puttyIike mass, with which the
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
EASY TO DUPLICATE MODELS
Clever Woman Should Be Able to
Copy the Newest Millinery With
Good Effect.

There is a splendid opportunity for
a woman to see how skillful she can
be when it comes to trimming her own
hats. This season the shops are full
of suggestions for her who longs for
chic models, but who is unable to pur
chase on account Of their exorbitant
prices. By observation and imitation
such woman has the privilege of
duplicating any model she admires.
Figured crepe hats are very much in
vogue. They are a fine accompani-
ment for a dress of the same material.
The material is inexpensive, and the
design scattered over it makes il IN
necessary to spend much money for
trimmings. A band of ribbon, carry
ing out the prominent color of the
crepe, can be entwined around the
crown and allowed TO hang in stream
ers at the back. Surely such q hat
>ould be created for a very small sum.
The woman who is able TO do neat
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

hlnge. The sides are covered with
some of the same silk, the material
being turned over the edges and fast
ened on just inside and underneath
the box.
The interior is loosely lined with
soft white silk, and a pocket is ar
ranged in the lining of the lid in which
a paper-scent sachet may be kept.
The box from which our sketch was
drawn was covered with cream-colored
silk on which appeared a pretty de-
sign consisting of pale pink blossoms
and tiny green leaves, and the ribbon
strings which secure the box when
closed were selected of a color to
match the flowers, as also was the
broader ribbon of the rosette bow that
Is tackled to the right-hand corner of
the box.
Dainty boxes of this kind are. If
course, useful for many other mr.
poses, and even empty they make a
most acceptable little present for an
unimportant occasion.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
CONCRETE HENH0USE
Correct Methods of Making Good
Quality of Material.
Building Can Be Made Ratproof With
Little Trouble and Slight Expense
Perfect Drainage Is I'M
portant Requisite.

With the rapid decrease of our tim
Der supply and the resulting increase
in the price of lumber there has come
a necessary demand for a new build
ing material. Nowhere has this de-
mand been felt more keenly than on
the American farm, where lumber has
till now been practically the only
building material. On account, how
ever, Of the farmers nearness to the
timber itself, he has been the last one
to feel the full effect of the shortage.
In concrete a building material has
been discovered that in many instances
has proved to be far superior to lum-
Der, brick or building stones on ac-
count of its durability, economy and
safety from fire loss. Moreover, it
can very often be used at the most
convenient time by the farmer himself
with a very little assistance
Frequently cement users have made
costly mistakes by not informing
themselves properly before starting
their work concerning the correct
methods of making good concrete. For
this purpose the following materials
are necessary: % cement; (2) sand;
(3) gravel or crushed stone, and a.
water.
Cement is, therefore, only one part
of a concrete mixture A far greater
proportion Of sand and gravel than
cement is required. The quantity of
cement to be used and the strength
of the concrete depends entirely on
the quality and size of the sand and
gravel, and it is Of the utmost i'm
portance that these be of the right
kind With an equal amount of &C.
ment far stronger concrete may be
made if the sand and gravel are of
the proper size and correctly pro-
portioned. It is sometimes thought
that any kind Of soil of a sandy ma
ture, mixed with a small percentage
of cement will make concrete, but
this idea is incorrect.
In the selection of sand great care
should be used, and attention should
be given to its quality, for sand con-
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
Preference in Fowl

q 81 NIFNN WI ONsIs
The Dove of Peace for praise
Doth vainly beg.
We crave the goose that lays
The golden egg.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
CAKE COVERS OF LACE
JUST NOW rs A GOOD TIME TO
PREPARE THEM.
Round Frame With Dome Top Is the
Prevailing Shape-Some Dainty
Effects That May Easily
Be Secured.

While there is no immediate need
for cake covers, the present is good
time to prepare them, since one has
more leisure now than in warm wealth
er, writes Helen Howe in the Wash
ington Star. Odds and ends of lace
for making the covers can be picked
up cheaper now than when fly time
arrives and the protection becomes
necessary.
The octagonal has been the popular
shape for many seasons, but this year
round frame with a dome top, some
thing like a bird cage, has made its
appearance. It is change from the
old shape, but do not think it is as
pretty. Besides, it reminds one en-
tirely too much of the tarlatan bird
cage cover put on to prevent the seeds
from dropping through
There is a wide band of lace set
around the frame and another wider
strip Joined to the top of the first
band, wide enough to reach the top
Of the frame, which, by the way, Is
best described as being bell-shaped
Then the free edge of the lace is
gathered and drawn together very
closely under an ornament placed in
the center. This can be ribbon rose.
a rosette, artificial fruit, or whatever
the sewer pleases. The cover itself
is always of white lace and prefer
ably f1let, probably for the reason this
lace has loose mesh, which makes
the dish OF cake very attractive.
Oftentimes the design of the lace is
outlined with running stitch of blue
embroidery silk. This gives very
dainty effect, but I think if the silk
used matched the color of the china
it would be prettier. For instance. if
the china were white and gold, use
gold silk or gold thread on the white
lace. If the dishes showed a floral or
other design in several colorings, the
same effect could be carried out with
silk thread to match the china.
The octagon-shape cover lends itself
better to the colored treatment than
does the dome-shape, unless one Just
embroider the band and then, in.
stead of setting on another band of
lace, make the top Of plain fine white
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
RAISING BROILERS ON FARM
Early Chick Is Most ProfitabIe-Laree
Demand for Fowls of Two to
Three Pounds
By A. c. SMITH)

The early chick is the most profit
able, yet there is profit in the late
chick provided it is not too late.
There is an exceptionally large de-
mand in some sections for lightweight
roasters and broiIers of from two to
two and a half pounds. This fur
n1shes a splendid opportunity for
those who wish to rear and market
chicks without being obliged to house
them. Matched in May or June, they
should easily weigh two or two and
one-half pounds before October /. If
especially well fed, they should reach
that weight still earlier. This is the
most favorable time to hatch and raise
chickens, as the parent stock has been
out of doors long enough to acquire
splendid health and remarkable vigor
Eggs, if sensibIy set, should hatch al
most perfectly and the chicks should
live and thrive.
The equipment required is very
small-a good sized box or a barrel,
covered with waterproof paper, set in
a dry sheltered place, may be used
OCSAA
the brood, though the barrel is rather
unsuitable for the brood after the
chicks are weaned, especially if there
are many of them.
Both hen and chicks should be al
lowed free range after the chicks are
a few days old, to pick up large
share of their living, but in addition
it is a, good plan to feed them at night,
and to give them all they will eat, as
they will grow faster and will either
be marketable at an earlier age or
weigh more, and consequently bring
more, at a given time. Chickens of
this weight, will not, it is true, bring
a fortune, but it must be remembered
that they cost very little to rear. The
fact that the earlier they are mar
keted, the better the price, should not
be lost sight of. For this reason, it
pays to feed them little where there
is not an opportunity to pick up abund-
ance Of food.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

board form is to be evenly filed up.
This makes a practically indestruct-
ible foundation.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

Cheering Note.
in windows that are without sunshine
are among our most desirable ones for
house culture.
First on the list I would place the
Boston fern. Nearly everyone is ia
miliar with this plant. 1t requires only
the ordinary attention. Give it a soil
of garden loan with enough coarse,
sharp sand worked into it to make it
friable, a liberal but not an excessive
amount of water and a temperature
several degrees above the frost point
and anyone may be reasonably sure
of success with it.
1t does not do very well, however,
in steam-heated, gas-ighted rooms. No
plants will flourish under such con-
ditions, though many will live on in
definitely under them.
The aspidistra is about the only
plant would dare to recommend to
those living in rooms heated and light
ed as mentioned above. This plant
has almost an iron constitution, which
enables it to withstand influences that
would soon kill most plants. 1t seems
to care nothing for the sunshine and
therefore is exceuently adapted to cul-
tivation in sunless rooms. If not sub
ject to the facilitating effect of steam
heat it will make a most luxuriant
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
BraIds In Sets.

Hussar sets in braid, in all black
and in black and gold, olive-shaped
military buttons with loops outlined
by a thread of gold, says the Dry
Goods Economist, are among the eff
fects which are intended for the deco
ration of the shoulders, pockets, backs
or fronts of military suits.
The gold idea is also evident in the
braid field. Very soft hercules braids
made without filing show delicate out
Innings in gold. Some very attractive
novelties have scarlet pipings. Picot
edge braids in narrow widths are a
feature.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
MOST SNOWY POPPY

The Shirleys are the best as we'll as
the most snowy peoples, and show a
rich variety in colors. The Iceland
poppies are perennial, towering the
first year. They are unique among
peoples in that they are fragrant. and
the blossoms are quite. enduring if cut
as soon as open. A mixed packet will
give some happy surprises at little
cost of money or labor B. L. p.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
PLANTS THAT GROW IN SANDY
SOIL.

Good plants for sandy soil are YER
benas, asters and phlox These are
all ANIMALS and do particularly we'll
in this coil. Latrix, blazing star or
gay feather is a capital plant for
sandy soil although it does we'll in
any good soil. 1t is a hardy peren-
NAL with long spikes of purple and
rosy purple flowers. blooming from
July to September, growing from three
to four feet high.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
MONEY TO BURN.

Economy has its pains as well as
its pleasures" says a Washington
preacher, IF the experience of an old
darby of my acquaintance in Vir-
ginia counts for anything.
One spring. for some reason. old
Nose was going round town with the
face of dissatisfaction. When ques-
toned, he poured forth a voluble tale
of woe in these terms;
Marse Tom, he come to me last
fall an he say, Moss, dey's gwine to
be hard winter, so you be keerful.
an save yo' wages fast an tight"
An believe Marse Tom, yassuh.
I believe him, an I save, an save, an
when de winter come it amt got no
hardships, an dere l was wild all dat
money just thrown on my hands!'"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

net. In covering the octagon shape
the work can be lessened and the eff
feet improved if lace dolly is bought
for the top of the cover. The band of
lace is first put around the sides and
firmly secured to the wires Then if
a tiny hole is made in the center of
the dolly for the ring to pass through
a few stitches will keep the top in
place
If all-over lace is used the top is
made first and sewed to the wires.
Then the band is added.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
APPLE EPIGRAMS

The apple is the aristocrat of foods
and the best medicine
The climate and condition that are
best for apples are best for man.
Apples are an antidote for drink
and tobacco.
Apples carry the pure food stamps
of the great physician
The man in the orchard is always
a good citizen.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

growth and its rich dark green leaves
will afford vast amount Of pleasure.
While it is able to withstand unfavor-
able conditions better than other
plants, it is always grateful for good
care and the plants that are cared
for well are always the ones that give
the best satisfaction, keep in mind
English ivy is an old favorite.
Twined up around the window it is a
beautiful sight to see. I know of no
vine having more attractive foliage.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

The making of a good dairy COW be-
gins with the calf. Heifers designed
for the dairy should have the very
best of care from the day they are
born until they begin to do service
in the dairy. We too often forget
that the young COW in her first year
of milking has not reached her full
growth and therefore needs extra feed
and care to make up for the tremen.
dous drain upon her system.
If dairy heifers are not bred until
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
t. 4HEEKKKzn5zB1Ez{
50 ~ ASNA1LE2 ~ y!
AS Modified.

The usual crowd of Ioafers were
seated around the stove in the vii
lage grocery.
Tell you what began one of the
bewhiskered bunch, y never lied tC
my wife in my life"
At this point he was interrupted By
unanimous laugh that was loud anC
long.
that l didn't get caught at it,
continued the speaker after the laugh
ter had subsidized.
Whereupon silence reigned supreme
for nearly twenty-three seconds.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
FEEDING PUMPKINS TO STOCK
Worth Approximately Two-Thirds as
= Much as EnsiIage for Cows or
Sheep-Sows Like Them.

Pumpkins are worth approximately
two-thirds as much as ensilage for
cows or sheep. Brood sows will make
good use of them" writes H. P. Mil
Ter in Ohio Farmer.
In the ration Of fattening hogs they
should occupy about the same place
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

could, of course, be prepared in the
same manner if desired.
The surface of the lid is first slight
ly padded with a thin layer of cotton
wool and then covered with figured
silk. This is done by turning the ma
terial over the edges of the lid and
fastening it on just inside with a
strong adhesive. The silk is also fast
ened on at the back of the box in the
same way. thus Strengthening the
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
An Early Publicity Artist.

Where's your lantern?"
4 don't need it any more" replied
Diogenes.
Aren't you looking for an honest
man?"
mo. I've got all the advertising
need out of that idea. I'm going
ahead now and prepare my lecture"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
PLACE FOR THE REMNANTS
Handy Little Box in Which May Be
Kept Odds and Ends of Lace
and Ribbon.

Our sketch shows a charming little
box for remnants of lace and ribbon;
it was made from a strong cardboard
box that had contained chocolates, and
should one not be at hand, a suitable
one may be obtained from any candy
store. In this instance the box meas
ured twelve inches in length, six
inches in width, and three inches in
height, but a larger or smaller box
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
FOR SUNLESS WINDOWS
BY EBEN E, REXFORD.

1t often happens that the woman
who loves plants has no sunny win
dow in which to grow them and under
the impression that they cannot be
successfully grown without sunshine,
she does not attempt their cultivation,
thus depriving herself of a great deal
of pleasure, especially in the winter
There is no reason why the lover Of
plants should be without their com
pany in the winter, provided of course
that the temperature of the room can
be regulated to keep out the frost, and
some of the plants that can be grown
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
Harkinq Back.

Would you convict a man on cir
cumstantial evidence?"
mo | wouldn't, although when I
was a small boy I was frequently con-
victed on that sort of evidence"
You mean?"
wet hair-swimming pool-hick.
cry limb"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22

'In the winter I go out to play
poker and my wife stays home for
bridge"
"And in the summer you stay home
for poker and your wife goes away
for bridge"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
TRUE BLUE FLOWERS

If you want a flower of a true blue
shade, grow the corn flower. The ar
lists say it is the only true-blue shade
nature has given US and the mother
of a bIue-eyed baby will tell you that
1t matches her baby's eyes.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
Care Free.

You seem to be enjoying this ban
quet."
Yes; | am"
L saw you at several affairs in No
vember and December and you wore
an apprehensive look"
It's this way. I'm trying to stretch
my overcoat through this winter. But
winter is coming to a close and don't
care much if the old coat is stolen
now"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
Besrino Up Well,

"Just think! The Gadleys are com
PEELED to go West this year instead o.
touring Europe, as their custom is
Going to see something of thet
own country at last, eh?"
Eyes, that's it. But they're cheerful
enough. They have decided to call +
a pleasure trip"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
Exasperatinu.

"The phrase He hates himself If
intended for sarcasm when applied tC
an egotist, l believe"
quite right, but it's the unvar,
nished truth when applied to a man
who starts to tell funny story and
forgets how it ends.'