davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
Farmer sproat's Strawberries.

Jim, mischievoius boy of twelve, lived with his old Aunt Jane.
 One hot Sunday morning, after much teasing, his aunt allowed him to visit the Morgan twins, boys of his age. Now, these boys were also very mischeivious. They proposed to Jim that he go with them to the village to see the new post office. This Jim gladly did.
 While returning they grew very hungry. Fred Morgan said that Farmer Sproat had a fine strawberry patch and that the farmer and his wife were away.
 This information pleased the boys, and soon they were in the patch eat ing the delicious berries.
 When the last berry was eaten, the hoys started for home
 Soon they discovered a black cloud in the sky and they well knew that one of the dreaded wind storms would soon be upon them. They ran as far as Morgan's and upon reaching the door the storm broke. All night it ragged fercely. Jim was very sick, both from exhaustion and from eat Ing so many strawberries. In the morning Jim was much bet ter and MT. Morgan carried him home Jim confessed to his aunt, but she did not whip him. She punished him a better way.
 He was raising a pig and she made him sell it to repay Farmer Spoat | whose berries he had stolen. Jim learned good lesson. one he never forgot. He never stole any had intended to sell his pig to get | money to go to the circus with. MARION M. WHEELER, Age 14. StOningtOn,
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
How She Got It.

Mrs. Green, a very poor woman who took in washing, had an only daughter whose name was Daisy.
 Being neaT the end Of the term all the girls in her class were allowed to bring story books, etc.
 Daisy had only two which were given to her by her uncle when she was about four years old. She did not care for them now because she thought she had grown too old for Mother Goose Rhymes" and as she sat on the steps idly picking the grass from the plot in front-a paper blew her way. She quickly picked it up intending to give 1t to her moth CT, who saved all papers for nec- essary use. Something on the paper caught her eye. A string of stories with the writer's name attached to each.
 Daisy was beginning to understand. She knew now that if she would en- deavor to write a good story she might get a long wished for book She would not tell any body and if she was disappointed no one would know or feel it but herself.
 Imagine her happiness when on Thursday morning following that Sat urday she posted the story, she re- ceived her book.
 Running to her mother she display ed her treasure, saying whenever she wanted a book again she would not worry her. but earn one herself.
 CECILIA SHERRY, Age 13.
 Brooklyn N Y
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
UNCLE JED's TALK TO THE WIDE,
 AWAKES.

There never was an age in which boys and girls needed sharper eyes or more careful action than they do today.
 Wherever they may wander auto mobiles are likely to be met, and on turnpike or country roads where there are no sidewalks they should give these road-engines all the room there is. It is better to get off the road in response to the horn than it is to take a risk which may result in an injury which will cripple one for life.
 There is a great deal of carless driving and there is no lack of stupid action on the part of those who are on foot
 If you have a dog with you do not leave him to take care of himself and then bemoan his loss if he is killed. Automobilists do not like to run over dogs. In fact, they often imperil the lives of all with them in order to avoid injuring them.
 It is a good rule for boys and girls on the roads to get out of the way and take everything they may have with them out of the way. Where there is danger it Is always foolish to take a risk.
 The automobilists are not to blame for the carelessness or bewildered
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
Picking Strawberries.

Last week my friend and I went picking strawberries in a lot nearby. We had to climb a hill to get the strawberries. Soon all of Us were busy picking.
 As we were picking one of us rolled down the hill Pretty soon another one rolled down. My strawberries spilled out, so I didn't have any.
 We didn't care for that place so we went picking on the road.
 Pretty soon we all climbed a small hill, and were picking the strawber- ries. AS we were picking a man came along, and he said: y 'fWhat are you doing?" Then we be- came frightened nd were afraid. Then we found we knew the man and were not afraid
 We scratched our hands awful. This was the end of picking strawberries that day.
 We came home with our pai1s full of strawberries.
 Mother liked the strawberries very much.
 One of my friends made some jel- ly and it was lovely. We had love- ly time.
 ANNIE REs1TICK. Age 13.
 BozrahviRs.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13

the news that let them take a sly peep that night and the next day I lifted them out one by one to be seen just a minute"
 After the little eyes opened they were taken out for a few minutes every day and cuddled to the joy of the proud little mother. We had never hurt her and she knew we would not hurt her little ones.
 Tommy was not pleased with them at first, but now he is friendly.
 They are surely some cats." Mis- chief looks out of every brikht eye and every paw is ready. One is gray 'Jackie"; one is yellow and white Cute; and the third is yellow, black and white "Pansy."
 They play with the children's bare toes; my sewing is pin; curl up in chairs, hats or baskets, and woe unto the one who hurts them.
 The children learn to be kind to mother animals and that baby an inals are just as tender and easily hunt as human babies, and the kittens trust us as much as they do the moth erecat
 If his little master cries Tommy runs to him at once, and if he Is sick the cat stays beside him.
 If your cat does not love you it is because you have, not shown her how
 ETTA -BARBRR J
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
Norwich.
How to Harness a Horse.

The different parts of the harness are the saddle, the breast collar and the bridle. To the saddle are attach ed the holdbacks and the crupper; to the breast collar the traces; and to the bridle the bit, the reins and the check rein.
 In harnessing a horse, first put on the saddle. Fix the crupper under the tail and then fasten the saddle. Then put on the breast collar and then the bridle. In putting on the bridle put the checkrein over the head then put the bit in the mouth and put the bri- dle over the head. Then fasten all the buckles When harnessing the horse to the wagon first back the horse into the shafts. Then put the shafts through the loops on the saddle. Then fasten the bellygirt. Tn fastening the traces put them through the bellygirt, then through the loops on the shafts, and then fasten them to the whiff1e- tree. Then fasten the holdbacks by putting them as many times around the shaft as are needed and buckling them. Last of all undo the reins and put them through the rings on the saddle.
 FLORENCE GAYESKI.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
STORIES WRITTEN BY WIDE
 AWAKES.
How 1 Won Mv Book.

About a month ago, I decided I would write a letter to Uncle Jed and see if I could not win a prize book. As I had written only once be- fore, I did not know whether I could or not.
 For my topic I chose, why Girls Should Learn to Cook" an easy sub ject to begin with. When it was fin ished, I sent it to The Bulletin Office. It was sent on a Monday, and all week I kept wondering if I would get a prize. I did not expect to.
 The first thing I did when I got home from school Thursday night was to look over the list of prize winners. One of the first things that I read was: Beatrice Burnham, of Hampton, His LordsIip's Puppy"
 The next day, I found the book had arrived. I started to read it right away, and enjoyed it very much.
 Since then, quite a few people have read it, and they all told me they thought it was very interesting.
 BEATRICE BURNHA0I, Age 13.
 Hampton.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
THE WIDE AWAKE CIRCLE
BOYS ARD GIRLS DEPARTMENT

conduct of any one on the road. They have all they can do to attend to their machines, and everybody on foot should take care of themselves.
 Do not be frightened, but always be cautious. Recognize that there is a chance for an accident, especially if you stand too near a passing car and give it plenty of room.
 If part of the party goes to one side of the road ard part to the other do not conclude that you will join them and risk running over to them when you know the oncoming car is peril ousIy near, for a great many little folks and grown folks have been in jured or killed by just such action as this.
 Safety first! should be your motto, and then it should be lived up to. It is always well to stop when you know better than to run a risk.
 Do not take a risk where the water is too deep, or by climbing trees or ciambering over stone-wall, or jumping from hay-mows upon a hard board floor.
 There is no pleasure in broken bones; but there is much suffering to say nothing of the danger of not be- ing so well ever after.
 Bear these things in mind, Wide Awakes, and you will not be for life suffering pain or regretting a foolish action.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
The Eoundinu oY Rome.

There once lived a king in Alba Longa whose name was Numitor. He cared little for his kingdom, but liked to watch his sheep and lambs. He had two children, a promising boy of twelve and a lovely daughter. called Rhea Silvia; and also, a younger brother. named Amulius.
 AHnulius was a, dark faced fellow and was always ready to dE some mis- chief. He said, 'If were king things would be different"
 One dNy when Numitor was tending his sheep Amulius took possession of his throne and would not let him come back.
 Nunftor would have been happy if his children could live with him, but news came to him one cay that Amul- jus had slain his son and that the fair Rhea Silvia was shut up in pris- on. He grieved long for his chi1- dren, but after few years he heard that Rhea Silvia had escaped.
 Amulius was uneasy when he knew that Rhea. Silvia was out of prison, so he sent some soldiers to search the land for her, but the search was in vain.
 People thought that a warrior in a near country had loved her once and had now saved her from prison
 Many years passed and then there came one year so wet that the River
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
The Autobiography of a Chicken.


 The first thing that can remember is creeping out of an egg shell and curiously enough when looked around l saw I was in a strange box, look ing somewhat like a bureau with ever so many eggs in it.
 Many of my sisters and brothers were also gazing around in wonder, for the machine we were in was very large.
 I saw little window near me and I looked out. A beautiful little girl was peeping in and clapping her hands gleefully at me.
 Before I knew it I had walked to the edge of the machine and fallen into a place which I later found to be called the nursery. There we stayed for two long days till on the third day a young man, with a kind face took us out into the bright sunshine and allowed us to take dust baths. Every day he let us out and that was real life. l can tell you.
 The young man who took care of us was very kind, indeed, for he never toFmented us as some of the little children used to do. Every day some of my playmates died and I was always afraid I would be the next one to go. We fowls have as much feeling for each other as you human beings, though you don't think so.
 One day the young man sold me to a
  i tied my feet with a piece of string wondered what she wanted of me, | and finally I reached the conclusion that she was going to chop my head off, using me as other Of my com rades had been used. But I thought I would show her that a miserable chicken could not be treated iii such a cruel way. I wanted to live! I was 1 only a few months old, and I was go- l ing to be killed and eaten. We shall see" said to myself, If she can do it."
 Now, the first thing I did was to un- tie myself, and did it by biting the string till it loosened and ran away | to my comrades.
 l I heard the woman yelling: Where 1 did that chicken go to-" T had her a l minute ago" and all such things. | I was always afraid she would find me, but was so much like other l chickens that she couldn't find me. You human beings ought to be glad you're not a chicken for the life of a chicken is not valued at all. FANNY RYSLIPAN, Age 13. Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13

ing two large bars from across the door of the old house. The door made a, loud noise as it was pushed in.
 At last they were in the house, Tom lit one of the candles he had taken they could find no one down stairs they resolved to go up.
 As they reached the top of the stair case they heard a loud screeching in one of the rooms. A gust of wind blew the candle out and all of 8 sud- den Robert cried Something hit me on the head.'
 Tom lit another candle and in the corner of the room the boys spied two barn owls screeching at a great rate.
 'iSo they were the spirit" laughed the boys, that the people heard'' And to this day Tom and Robert never tire of telling the story of the haunted" house.
 WALTER GAVIGAN.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Albert LeffinsweII, of Norwich:-1 thank you very much for the prize book you sent me. I have read a few pages and have found it very interest ing.
 Nellie Lynn, of Stafford Springs:- Thank you very much for the prize book you sent me, The Bobbsey Twins at Snow Lodge.
 Cecelia Sterry, of Brooklyn, N. Y.:- I received the prize-book entitled The Meadow Brook Girls by the Sea, have read part of it and find it very amusing at times. All of the books given by Uncle Jed are interesting.
 Ellen M. Connolly, of Norwich:-I was greatly surprised and pleased in being awarded the book entitled Bun ny Brown and His Sister Sue on Grandpa's Farm, I thank you many times.
 Carrie A. GeIo, of Lebanon: I thank you very much for the prize book you sent me. I have read it through and found it very interesting. ADD B. T.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
The King and the Cakes.

Once there was a king 50 great and wise the people called him King AL fred the Great. There was war be- tween Denmark and England.
 In a hard battle the English king sought shelter in the hut of a cow herd. The cowherd's wife did not know him. She had to leave the house, so she asked him to keep her cakes from burning.
 After she had left the house he for got about the cakes and began to think of the troubles of his country. When the woman came in she found her cakes burnt to a crust. She scoIded him, but he said nothing to her. He thought: How can be trusted to rule a country when I can- not even keep cakes from burning
 VIOLA GREENE, Age g.
 To10has$eV
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
Our Pionc.

On Fourth of July morning we start ed on a picnic which we had planned the week before.
 We reached the ground about half past ten, and, while the men were setting up the table and preparing the clam bake, two of us boys went out rowing. We went down the river a little ways, but were called back to dinner. We had clams, brown bread and white bread, ice-cream, water melon, root-becr and lemonade.
 In the afternon we played games and went out rowing. It soon started raining and we had to go home, al- though we wanted to stay longer.
 HAROLD WILD, Age 1S.
 Wauregan.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
A poa Who Saved a Child.

Long ago there lived happy cou- pie with their only child. It was about five months old They also had a dog named Rover and they could trust went to town.
 One day, as usual, they went to town, and upon their arrival they found the dog in big heap, for he was tired after his struggle with a snake that tried to sting the baby.
 His master overcome with fright drew his gun and shot the dog. After looking more closely he found the baby in a big rocking chair coOing to himself unaware of all that had hap pened about.
 His master at once thought of what he did, but it was too late.
 He never forgave himself for killing the dog that saved his only child's life.
 MILDRED T. DUNN, Age 12.
 Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13

burnt Charles hand It was pain ful, but he got over it quickly.
 Then they all wanted a parade. so we got in line and marched around the yard. There were twenty in all.
 Then when it became dark my fath- CT said we could have our fireworks. So I went in and got them. l found more with them, for father had given us more. So all came out and watch ed us. There were sky rockets, tor pedoes and many other kinds.
 At g o'clock they all went home. They said they had had good time.
 GRACE MAHONEY, Age Il.
 Colchester
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
The Fate of a Rose,

Once I used to live in a forest. There were many kinds of flowers there and used to sit up and chat with my neighbors. One bright sunny day I was talking with my friend, the Rose, a lady came in and said that she wanted me to be carried to her house. l was planted in her back yard in 8 very pleasant spot.
 The lady had little girl. The little girl gave me a drink of water every day. I grew up into a tall slender tree and pink and white blossoms came out on my branches. The blossoms were on me for one week and then they fell off. Another week passed and I bore nice red apples. When I was good and ripe they picked the apples from my branches and they sold me to little girl. Her mother made me in some jelly.
 ESTHER CRAMER.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
Only a Dream,

ebration. His Uncle Tim had sent him plentiful supply of 1recrackers, wheels, pistols and other articles dear to the hearts of small boys. Be- sides these things he used his own in genuity in various ways to amuse himself, and succeeded in escaping with two cut fingers, three burns and sev- eral black and blue spots.
 But this perfect day ended as all things must, and it was a tired but thoroughly happy boy who ate an early supper and went to bed.
 It was very dark and the boy very small two things which perhaps ac- count for his terror. He lay in his
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
How to Make Candy Puffs,

I am sending a recipe for making candy puffs as I thought some of the Wide-Awakes might like to try it.
 Materials: One pound sugar, one cup water whites of two eggs, one cup chopped nuts, one teaspoon f1av- bring extract.
 Boil the water and sugar until they form a heavy thread. Beat the eggs very stiff. Pour the syrup slow ly over the beaten eggs, stirring all the time. When all the syrup has been used, keep beating until the mass begins to harden, then add the flavor ing and nuts, mix thoroughly. and place by the spoonful on a greased platter Make the puffs the size and shape of a large egg.
 I hope those of you who try this above recipe will like it. as do
 LILLIAN M. BREHAUT.
 East Norwich, N. Y.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
The Haunted House.

Have you heard the news" said Tom Harris to his chum, Robert Kin derson.
 NO, what is it." asked Robert.
 Why" replied Tom, ''the people say that the spirit of old MT. Benton has come to life and haunts the old Ben ton house. It has been vacant ever since the old man died three years ago." Now that the story has got around the people think 1t is true be- cause someone heard screeching and banging of doors there the other night.
 Come, then, let us go there to- night and see if we will meet this spirit"
 "All right, I'll go, replied Tom.
 T will call you at o'clock" added Robert.
 At 2 sharp, Rob called Tom and the two set 4out on their expedition. I1+. Soon, they2weEe atS their work -pull-
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
POETRY.
JOhnny's History Lesson.

l think of all the things at school A boy has got to do, That studying history. as a rule, Is worst of all, don't you? Of dates there are an awful sight, And though I study day and night, That's 1492. Columbus crossed the Delaware We whipped the British fair and In l4s9. 152aF0 At Concord and at Lexington We kept the redcoats on the run While the band played Johnny Get
 Your Gun!" In 1492. Pat Henry, with his dying breath, In l492, Said. Give me liberty or give me
 death!"
 In 1492. And Barbara Frietchie. so 'tis said, Cried Shoot, if you must, this old
 gray head, But I'd rather 'twould be your own
 instead!"
 In 1892 The Pilgrims came to Plymouth Rock In 1492. And the Indians standing on the dock Asked, What are you going to do?" And they said, We seek your harbor
 drear That our children's children's children
 dear May boast that their forefathers land
 ed here
 In 1892" Miss Pocahontas- saved the life In 1492 Of John Smith and became his wife In l492. And the Smith tribe started then and
 there, And now there are John Smiths
 everywhere; But they didn't have any Smiths to
 spare
 In 1492. Kentucky was settled by Daniel Boone In 1492, And I think the COW jumped over the
 moon
 In 1492. Ben Franklin flew his kite so high He drew the lightning from the sky And Washington couldn't tell a lie In 1492,
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
Ellen !
THE WINNERS OF PRIZE BOOKS.

1-HaroId Wild, of Wauregan-Tom Fairfield in Camp.
 2-Fanny Ryshpan, of Norwich Ruth Fielding on Cliff Island.
 3-Grace Mahoney, of Colchester Madge Morton's Victory.
 4-Marian M. Wheeler, of Stoning- ton-The Girls of Central High on the Stage.
 5-Cecelia Sterry, of Brooklyn, N. Y. -Madge AIorton's Trust.
 6-Mary A. BurriIl. of Stafford rings-Tom Swift and His Big Tun- nel-
 7-Walter Gavigan, of Willimantio- The Golden Talisman.
 8-Florence Gayeski, of Colchester Tom Swift and His Phcto Telephone.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
The e.ArtIst and tbe Birds.

There was once an artist who loved birds. He said, T love to hear them sing. I like to see them fly from tree to tree"
 One day he saw a man who had many birds in a cage.
 The man wished to sell his birds. The artist was sorry for them. He wished they could fly to the woods. He said: 'T will buy all your birds.' The man was very glad to sell them. The artist took the cage and he let every bird fly away.
 Was not this artist kind to the birds? His name was De Vinci
 EDNA LAWTON, Age 6.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
The Fourth of July.

It was bright beautiful morning on the Fourth of July. We got up earlier than usual and did our work Then we could hear noises of fire works which told us that some had begun to celebhate the day of our h. dependence.
 I went down to the store and spent a dollar for fireworks, fruit and can dy. Then I came home and shot off some of the fire crackers with my brothers and sisters and schoolmates I kept some until night.
 During the time we were firing off some of our fire crackers, one of my schoolmates threw. a f1recracker and
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
THE STARS.
Bv HANNAH RATTsHER

By HANNAH RATISHER. Shining 'bove the wicked world, Candles without jars, White, and calm, and quiet, still, Are the twinkling stars. Always pleased and satisfied, Brighter are their kin, Still, my heartends to the stars, Models have they been. Models, true, for us they are; Lessons from them take; Always watching, guarding us, Always wide awake.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13

 bed, not daring to move and watched the spirits take possession of his room. One by one they approached his bed, gazed sorrowfully at him and took their places in the line being formed around his bed.
 When a complete circle had been made they began to chant, very slowly and distinctly We are the averaging spirits of the cows and horses you have this day scared, of the birds driven from their homes, of the fire crackers you have destroyed, of the cats and dogs to whose tails cans and pails have been attached, and of the fingers you have cut and burned, Take heed 10 yourself for your next warming will be more severe.
 Fed awakened and realized that it was all a dram, but nevertheless, he profited by his experience and now celebrates the Fourth of July in a safer way.
 DOROTHY w. BURNHANd, Age 15.
 Hampton.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-13
RuIes for Yeuna Writers.

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 250 words. .
 A. 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 ycu are-Be that!
 Whatever you say-Be trueG
 StraightforwaFdly act,
 Be honest-in fact,
 Be nobody else but you"