davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Pieces for Quilts.

So many requests appearing in the Corner for quilt pieces move me to write this. have quite 8 supply of calico and wool pieces on hand-more than | can ase up nyself-also considerable num- Der of cast-off dresses and coats that can be used as they are or made over for the little folks or into quilts. If any of the members who live where various kinds of nuts grow would care to ex- change these for the things I have would be glad to hear from them. Eacb one should pay parcel post or expressaga cn what is sent by him or her. or would exchange for other articles ' could use. have also some small size party slippers for which I would Ike to arrange an exchange. IL. A. RI"
 This letter should be of interest to some of our Cornerites. and will send the address of L. A. R. to any one wbn writes for 1t. inclosing stamp. Pleasa bear Tn mind that these articles are of- fered in exchange, not as an out ana out gift, and do not apply for the a1- dress without being able to make the return desired. Some correspondenca will be necessary to learn what kind and quantity of nuts are wanted and how they are to be sent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
ENTERTAINING WITHOUT SERVICE.

not, the coffee may be made outside and either brought in in cups, or, better stil', in coffee pot put before the mother, who fills the cups as they are needed.
 have referred to the daughter who as su1nes the duties of waitress because the letter of my first inquirer told ne of the two daughters of her own who aid her in her housekeeping. But when the mic tress of the home does the work herself there is no reason why she should not rise to discharge these little offices. To Ter even more than to the one who has help CTS in her family, is the serving table of use, since at a small party she can take the plates that have been used from their places, without rising, and put them on the side table in lieu of the fresh ones she substitutes for them.
 Let me put in a plea here for the vari- ous dishes which come to keep food hot. I have spoken of the coffee machine, and the chaflng dish in which cooking Is done is known to all of us. But there are also hot water dishes in which food is kept warm over 8 reservoir of scalding water In addition to this there are metal and earthenware casseroles and dishes with
 
 longer than the ordinary open dishes and platters. They are worthy of being num- bered among the labor saving inventions for which I so often plead,
 With the aid of such dishes as these, the serving table or tea wagon or buffers tray, or whatever the helper may be called, presence of mind, sense of the dignity of housekeeping and the habit of preserving the best standards of living when one is alone with the family, enter taining without service is robbed of its terrors.
 Sometimes therei is danger that woman who does her own work will slip into the habit of shrinking from guests. She has 8 false pride which makes her think that if she cannot entertain in the manner practiced by those of wealth she would rather not ask friends to her table. This is a mistake in more ways than one. Not only does it render a woman self-con- scious when the necessity for hospitality is forced upon her, but it also drives her family into the position where they feel they must go out of the house to meet their friends. Anything is better than that, especially where young people are concerned.
 A word as to the bills of fare When extra dainties are provided they should be tried first before they are offered to strangers. As a rule the family likes experiments and the housekeeper can ac- custom herself to preparing dishes which she thinks would be pleasing to company when only the household is present.
 The chafng dish is great help in this line, not only for Sunday night suppers, where 1t is supposed to be peculiarly s4p- propriate, but also for luncheons and din- ners. It is pleasing novelty to have an entree prepared at the table. and the woman who has the habit of the chafing dish appears we'll while presiding over it. Other entrees that are made by the wonl- an who does her own work are plentiful and can be ready in advance, so that she need not worry over them at the last mo- ment, while sweets which can be made ahead of time are numerous and delicious, either for dinner or for luncheon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27

s. WO letters came to me the other
 day which think may be answered
 here helpfully for number of the
 Cornerites. print them below:
 For years I have been so busy with my children that have not had much time to give to entertaining and now have fallen out of the habit of it. Let me tell you little about myself and then perhaps you can advise me.
 My husband is a business man with 8 modest income. We have nice little home, but my two daughters-17 and 19 years old-and I do all the work except the washing and ironing. For that we have a woman come in. Both my boys. who are younger than the girls. are away at boarding school, and it takes so much to keep them there that we cannot afford to pay regular servant. Then. too, we like to take care of the house ourselves.
 [" The trouble is that now and then we want to have some one come to dinner The children have always been allowed to invite their friends informally, but now that the girls are older I like to be able to tell them they can ask new acquaint- ances if they wish. It makes the home bright and pleasant and keeps their father and me young. But how can have peo- pie to dine when we have no maid? It would send the price up to hire some one to come in whenever we have any one to dine. Can you give he some helpful coun- sel as to what to do?" ELM"
 am young housekeeper with a dear little home. I take care of it myself and my friends were so good to me when I married that have some lovely things. l am eager to entertain a little by asking some of nay girl friends to luncheon now and then. Can do this without a maid ana how can manage it? BRIDE"
 AS t is estimated that over 90 per cent or tho housekeepers in the countcy do not employ hired help, it strikes me hat the answers to these questions may be of practical importance to others besides the writers of the letters I have quoted.
 I wish to begin by saying that one of the biggest mistakes that can be made by persoIs of moderate means is to attempt to entertain in more expensive and elaborate fashion than their finances war , rant. When they do this they assume a false position, and lay upon their own shoulders burden that is bound to gall and chafe them sooner or later. They strike false note in the domestic har- mony-to change the figure slightly.
 It 1as been my pleasure and honor to have among my friends many who did sheir own work, and in such graceful and easy style that the trained and paid serv- ice was never missed. To my mhd there is no reason why the circle of the home should not be widened to include guests who will take the family as they are ac- customed to be when by themselves A little extra elegance of the menu, few specially prepared dishes may be added but there need be no departure from the usual methods of serving These should be properly conducted when the family Is alone, and there will thus be no unusual effors when guests are present
 In The first place. consider the dinner to which guests are to be asked The table should be carefully set. as it is every day, with good linen spot 'ess and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27

the table before the guests come in, or the soup may be served on the table from a tureen, and the plates passed from hand to hand.
 This course finished, the daughter who has undertaken the task of acting as waitress may arise quietly, remove the soup plates and bring in tho plates for the next course, place the dish of meat in front of the carver, the vegetables i'm their positions before those who are to serve them, and then resume her seat The carver does his duties, passing the plates along for vegetables and to the persons for whom they are meant. No apologyis called for nor should one be made.
 Let me impress upon those who enter tain without service that every means must be used to prevent the necessity for jumping up and down to get missing articles. Not only should a butter ball and slice of bread be on each bread and butter plate, but a plate of bread and one of butter should be on the table. A pitch CT of water should also be there, so that the glasses may be easily replenished.
 Not so long ago but what most of us can recall it easily, 1t was considered the cor rect thing to have such endorsements of bread and butter on the table, even in homes where a butler or waitress was employed, and the bowl of ice or the ice filled glasses. the pitchers or carafes of fresh water were taken as matter of course. The custom was sensible and worthy of continuation. Many a time I have lacked bread, butter or water in a dining room where a servant was iIA waiting who did not understand his busi- ness well enough to watch over my needs when these were unopserved by the hostess. It would have been great re- lief to me to be able 10 serve myself or to ask my next neighbor to pass to me what I wanted.
 As an adjunct ln saving the work of getting up and down frequently, serving table is a great help. This may have on it extra plates and various other items for which there is not room on the main table, and their presence close at hand will save running back and forth when the daughter arises to change the plates after the principal course Is ended.
 When salad is offered, the cruets ofvine- gar and oil may either be on the table from the beginning or on the serving table, within easy reach, if the dressing is to be mixed then and there, or this may have been made in advance and put near at hand. The salad itself maybe left where it is cool until it is wanted, but cheese, crackers and the like may be in the dining room.
 When the salad and plates for it have been removed the rest of the dishes may be taken off, including pepper and salt, butter, bread, and the like. and the table brushed off with a folded napkin. A tea or dinner wagon is of great assistance at such time, since all the dishes to be re- moved may be placed on this and the loaded wagon pushed quietly to one side or into the pantry or kitchen.
 The sweet comes next, after the fresh plates have been put on and the coffee. With the number of coffee machines for making the beverage on the table that are on the market now it is, if possible. desir- able to have something of this sort If
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
MARION HARLAND'S HELPING HAND

lector. I do not know the exact address of any of these museums, but imagine that there is a department of antiques In the capital at Washington, D. C., and that if she would take the matter up with persons there they would in all probabil-
 ity purchase the old certificate or give her the. information as to where to dispose of it. It is. of course, possible that the museums might contain old bills more historic than the one mentioned, in which case she might dispose of it to some other museum where the collection was less complete. In any case I think she might get the information she seeks from the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27

Lerested in Knowing that common
 wheat flour will clean white yarn
 garments, such as sweaters,
 scarfs, and caps. Put the gar ment into small quantity of flour and rub with the hands in the flour until the sodled spots are gone. Then take the gar ment into the open and shake and beat 1t in the hands until all the flour is gone. The garment will be soft and white as new. Also common baking soda, applied on a damp rag, will take almost any stain from white oilcloth. I would like so much to have the box of magazines offered by Mrs. G. H. love to read and we cannot buy books, as we have six little tots to care for and my husband does not have work all the time. I am almost a shut-in, for it is seldom I can go out when I have so many small chil- dren to care for. If any one could send pictures of any kind or postcards l would appreciate it very much.
 Mas. M. A. J,' The directions for cleaning white woolen garments with flour will bs of service to some of our housekeepers, l am sure. I am sorry that all the maga- zines offered by Mrs. G. H. have been given elsewhere, but is there not some one else who can supply her need for reading matter and her wish for the pictures and the post cards as well? I will keep her address on file.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
s 4. Will Write to All.

l am grateful to all the lSindsreadArs who so graciously answered my requests for correspondents. but I am sorry to say that for the present am unable to answer all as promptly as would like to. ' hope they will not become impatient with me because they have to wait so lcng for a reply to their letters. ap- preciate all their kindness and will try to write to all in time. C.B."
 I put this letter here in the hope that it may meet the eyes of those who were kind enough to write to this correspondent and may be wondering why they have not heard from her yet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Asks tor Sak Pieces.

1T you know of any one who has any SIX p'eces that are not cared for I would . De glad to get them. will pay the post age on the parcel and could send some cactus plants in exchange for any pieces might receive if this were wished.
 MRs. E. J. F." Does this idea of exchange appeal to any of my readers?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Disposinq of Old Relic.

"In regard to an inquiry On the part of an old lady who has one dollar silver certificate dated 1776, would suggest that she might dispose of this to some of the government museums at better advan- tage than she could to an old coin col
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Needs Infant's Garments.

t should like to ask some assistance for a friend who will soon need some infants garments. If were able would provide for her myself. but as cannot I appeal to the Corner. Anything would be acceptable, or material to make up She ioes hand sewing and simple crochet stitches neatly and would do what she is able in return. For myself should like an old guitar and in return would do any work in my power. have had to do many kinds and can turn my hand tc almost any kind of woman's work, from making dolls clothes up to boarding chill dren get so hungry for some sort of music can make myself. I will pay all charges on anything sent either for my friend or myself. The friend is not poor manager, but she has a large family and must provide for them on a small income. MRS. H. H.I,'
 have no doubt that something will be sent for the prospective mother, but I am a little uncertain as to the guitar However, print the request and hope 1t may be answered favorably.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Twins Want c Carriage.

WHfo " ufe SWftubC.
 '' I have twin babies and can't afford to get carriage for them. If any one ras a twin carriage or a big one would be much obliged for it. I could give pre- serves to anybody who would be so kind My babies are months old and I can't take them out much for want of cer-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Want Quill Pieces.

saw in the paper while ago that woman would like to have quilt pieced in exchange for some dress goods she had to give. As I am poor and like to piece quilts would be glad to get the work or to do other quilts in the same way. would also like to get calico scraps to piece quilts on shares. MRS. :. S..
 The name of the Cornerite who wished to have the quilt pieced is not given by this correspondent, which makes t mere difficult to trace her, but I think know the one referred to, and her work las already been taken and done. Is there some one else who would like to have quilts pieced on shares. as this writer suggests? If so. will she please write for the address. inclosing stamp for re- nly2
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27

each cup of carrot add one cup of sugar the juice of three lemons, and the peel of two. Cook all together until they are as thick as ordinary jam. Drain the car r, ts before mashing them. M. B. M."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
as they are getting too heavy to

IT. 2. as they are getting too heavy to BLUEBELL."
 : nope most sincerely this mother may receive the carriage she asks for. It is hard enough to carry one month old baby out for an airing, and the thought Of taking two is rather appalling. have. no doubt some one will be glad to get the preserves in exchange for a.twin carriage or for an ordinary baby carriage of large size
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27

DINNER. Beef bone soup with barley. Shoulder of lamb, stewed. Mashed turnips. String beans. Lemon pie. Coffee.
 * sk FRIDAY. BREAKFAST. Oranges.
 Cereal Baked eggs. Rolls.
 Coffee. LUNCHEON. Cheese fondu. Tomato toast String bean salad [leftover1. Crackers. Cheese.
 Tea. DINNER. Cream of turnip soup [leftoverl. Boiled cod. Whipped potatoes. Green peas. Date pudding. Coffee. $: * SATURDAY. BREAKFAST. Stewed dried peaches. Cereal
 Bacon. Popovers. Coffee. LUNCHEON. Dreamed fish. Green pea pancakes Ileftoverl. Fried bread.
 Jam.
 Tea. DINNER. Brown potato soup [leftoverl, Lamb pie [leftoverl. Baked Hubbard squash. Stewed corn. Tapioca pudding. Coffee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27

museum department at Washington.
 ID. l.. C." pass on this suggestion TOT the benefit of others who may have valuable notes of the same kind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Cries from Loneliness.

Some time ago I wrote to ask you If some one had a phonograph to give away. and now I venture to write again. If you knew how long to get some kind of music to cheer my poor old invalid mother you would be anxious to help me. am sure. She has not been able to walk any further than little about the house for years. so she cannot get out among people at all and she gets lonely 80 lonely that she cries a great deal Her eyes are so bad that she cannot see to read or sew and she just has to sit
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27

before pouring into the pans add two even teaspoons of baking soda. dissolved in a tablespoon of new milk. Bake in 8 covered pan, but leave the cover off until the cake begins to rise.
 And now I have a favor to ask. Has any one a small incubator for which she has no further use? have few brown Leghorn hens and if I had an incubator I could raise chickens and sell eggs, and it would be such help to me. cannot afford to buy the incubator, as my hus- band is in poor health, and it takes all my pennies to buy the absolutely neces- sary things. If any one can send me the incubator I would also like an instruction book. as have never used such an ap- pliance. In exchange would send plants of the bearing kind of Giant Himalaya berry or return the kindness in any way I could MRS. M. IT.
 These practical recipes are gratefully received. trust that some one may have an incubator which is no longer needed and may be able to gratify her desire to make little money by the means at her disposal. l shall hold her address for those who may ask for it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Would Like Some Corespondents.

" OuIu LLIC OOHIG NUITeSpOTueTI[3s
 I have already written to the girl whose address you gave me. She wanted music and reading matter. Iwould like some correspondents; can you get them for me? "L. H."
 All can do is to put this letter here in the hope that some one may wish to correspond with this girl and may write to me. inclosing stamp for her address.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Carrot Jam.

Carrot Jam.
 Some one asks for the recipe for car Jam, I clipped it from the Corner when 1t appeared, signed, M A. E. and am glad to send it to you now: Peel tie carrots, cut them up, and then cook tnem down in the kettle to the point where you can crush them with the potato 'nasher; then measure the quantity. To
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
FAMILY MEALS FOR A WEEK.

SUNDAY. LUNCHEON. 6sEAffAsI on toast Grapef Potatoes Dropb biscuit. shbals  
  Tomatoc j dsweetpoa atoes. laded Toased Canned
 
 
  WEDNESDAY,. Roast leg of pork BREAKFAST Apple sauce akeda apples  oaSea s la'caonh- caro- Poacfed s \  LUNCHEON. ps,Aa. .,sorf .os
  < ckers Scramb edeggs Cheese Tea e"ee' neNe'nN1N. ysoupls /. Dee ihnce leltoVe' steak 1.-two eftoves
  Sape Srup' puddi
   n mac sou [twole oversI pork apples sauce BREAKFAST Oranges Cereal 4 apples bacon
 
 
 RREAKFAsT crappie otatoes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-27
Flour as c Cleanser.

WONDER if any one will be in- terested in knowing that common
 wheat flour will clean white yarn
Omaha daily bee., 1916-05-21

to supply more gasoline TO get mixture
that will fire. and this is wasteful. for a
mixture made anywhere but in the car
buretor IS less efficiently accomplished.
THE burned gases pass out through the
exhaust valve side and in doing so OFTEN
deposit small pieces Of carbon, which keep
the valve from seating properly and lee
perfectly good mixture escape. II not
cleaned often the heat and constant tap
ping OF the valve against the seat will
hammer the carbon fast 10 the valve or
seat as though II had been fused there
Carbon must be scraped OFF frequently
and as often as necessary the valve
should be reground into the seat.
Cylinder Wears Oval.
Piston rings which are not pinned often
work around until the slots are IN line
and the mixture will blow through. II
the rings will not stay in place pin
should be put In the ring groove on the
piston to prevent II from working around
Naturally the rings must he kept free
from carbon or gum from the oil or they
will freeze 10 the piston and leak mix
ture.
TN the older cars the cylinder may be
worn oval 30 that the piston and It's rings
DO not IT. When the cylinder is oval the
piston will not pump In the gas properly
and when the explosion occurs good
deal OF the burned gas Will be forced
down into the crank case. One OF the
products Of the combustion il water,
which Is exhausted In the form OF vapor.
When II gets into the crank case and
condenBes, forming water. II collects I'M
der the oil n the latter be Of good grade
In cleaning out and replacing the oil, II
water ia found, It always indicates n
tendency 10 oval in the cylinder This IL
caused by the thrust Of the connecting
rod being against ono side Of the up
stroke and against the other on the down
stroke.
III you have such condition and water
Is condensed In the cylinder, and you find
that tho latter Is mixed with the oil, In
a sort OF emulsion. II is because your oil
is Of low grade. Better try another kind.
or course, the only thing to do with an
oval cylinder IL 10 have II rebored or re-.
ground 10 true.
Care Reduces Tpkeep.
with everything else right there may
be loss Of gasoline by reason OF poor
adjustment OF the carburetor. The nd
Iustment should be such az TO make the
mixture as lean M possible and have II
fire readily, and 10 have tho float not too
high. One sure indication that the mix
ture is too rich IL when black smoke IA
given off Black smoke always indicates
excess misunderstanding money ~ Ia not
to be confused with gray smoke, from ex-
cess oil,
III the automobile owner will watch
these points he need not give especial
worry TO the price Of gasoline. a little
care and good judgment will eliminate
much Of tho high cost Of upkeep New
York TimAa