davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Help for on Inpclid

If there is any dear shut-in with whom I could correspond or to whom I could send reading matter 1 would be so thank full and glad to give such help. A sure exterminator of bedbugs IS gasoline. l was unfortunate enough to get them into my new home several ye ars ago and was so mortified that was almost tempted to set fire to the house. After tryin,, everything l had ever heard of learned of this remedy from a woman whose husband made it his business to go from hotel to hotel and boarding house vita this cure. On bright day in the morn- ing fill with gasoline a can with crook in the spout and go into each crevice in the beds and mop boards and everywhere else where the creatures might lodge. After everything has been soaked with the gasoline put down the windows, close the doors leading out of the bedroom. and leave everything shut up for cot;- pie of hours. Then throw open the win- dows and air the room thoroughly be- fore making the bed. You may have to repeat the process, but this is a sure exterminator. Be careful always aboue fire when using gasoline
 Here is recipe for delicious cream cookies: One cup of butter, one and st half cups of white sugar, half teaspoon of salt. three eggs. Whip all together
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

soning with onion, salt, and pepper Stir one cup of cornmeal into the liquor and cook four or five hours in the double boiler or the fireless cooker. Grind the meat fine, add one tablespoon of chili powder, salt, and pepper, a little mixed spice and celery salt, one can of pimen- tos, one can of tomatoes, and one small can of olives. Butter a bakedish and put half the cornmeal in the bottom, turn in the meat, add chopped hard boiled egg and the rest of the cornmeal. Dot with butter and bake slowly about an hour. until well Drowned. Chicken may be used instead of the beef, and red pepper in place of the chili powder. This quantity makes large loaf and is even better the second day than the first. M. w. M.'
 am sure some of our readers will be glad to send to this girl the scraps of silk and velvet that are too small for patching and will be of service to her, in return for the excellent recipe she has given. I hold her address.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

nished, it has slipshod air imparted to
 it if a curtain pin has been permitted to
 slip from the hook, so that the drapery
 hangs irregularly. The handsomest fit
 tings do not show to advantage if your curtains or windows are not clean. The streak of dust on the piano or book shelves which has escaped the ministra-
 tions of the cleaning cloth, the kicked-up rug, the books which have been put away upside down-my own pet abhorrence!- or in untidy order the scraps of paper that lie on the floor beside the waste basket instead of in it, where they ought to be-all these details, not one important in itself serve to give an impression of untidy living that no richness of plenish- ing can offset
 Look about your bedroom. The pieces of clothing which have been left out to be mended, the slippers or shoes which have been kicked off carelessly, the dress thrown over the back of chair, the toi- let furnishings that are scattered on your dresser instead of arranged in orderly fashion detract from the effect of neat ness which every right minded woman longs to see about her.
 As my friend said, it is the untidiness that counts. When everything is as it should be you may not notice the result; it is only when articles are out of place that the appearance of the room forces itself upon your observation
 When you mediate upon the minute character of the disturbance you do not understand quite why it should require so much time to repair the disarray. But It does and it is tiring and nerve rack ing work like so many of the other neces- sary items of housekeeping. Yet it must be done if the home Is to be what home should be-
 As matter of course there is much of the disorder for which the housekeeper herself is not responsible and which seems to lie outside the field of her regu- lar employment. For instance, she takes 1t for granted that she should make up the beds which have been occupied by others than herself, that she should pre- pare food, set the table, and wash the dishes for more than her own use. All this seems part of her ordinary routine of life. But when she goes about the house picking up the articles that others have thrown down, repairing the results of thelr carelessness. expending strength and tllne not in rendering her home more beautiful but in merely endeayorine to make It ilvable and decent she can hardly
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Portieres of Beads.

see the request for instruction for wall paper beads. I have made them and used them in assorted colors, cutting a long triangular strip of paper, rolling this into the shape of long bead on a hat pin, then gluing the edge together. When the required amount is on hand to make the portiere, varnish the beads Use heavy linen thread in stringing the beads, putting first wall paper bead and then one of glass until you have the de- sired length. Make a small tassel on the end of each string. The strings of beads are made in varying lengths, so that they may look like those sold in the shops. If E. H. c. will pay postage on them will gladly send her a box of them, enough for one curtain, all rolled and ready to varnsh. MRS. G. w. M."
 Other sets of instructions for making theso beads have been received and some of them already have been printed. wish much that l.. H. c. had sent her address in order that she might take advantage of this friendly offer. AS it ia, all I can do is to keep the address of Mrs. c. W. M. and hope that E. H. c. may see this letter and write to be put into communication with Mrs. G. W. M, in- closing stamp for reply.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Quotation from jeon !npelop,

notice an inquiry in your depart. msnt regarding the quotation from Jean Ingelow closing with the line: Joy is the grace we say to God take pleasure in sending the inclosed, which is the best I car do from memory:
 So take Joy home. And in thy great heart make a place for her. And give her time to grow and cherish her: Then will she come and oft will sing to thee When thou art working in the furrows- Aye, when thou art weeding at the sacred hour
 of dawn.
 It is comedy fashion to be glad; Joy Is the grace we say to God.
 "E. II. D." This quotation is so brief, as we'll as so beautiful that it gives me pleasure to put It here to bring happiness to others be- si0es the friend who ina fred for it. The quotation has been sent by other Corner ttes and thank them all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Taking MHlncr1 J essons

Has any one ill the Corner some scraps of colored silk or soft velvet that l can have? I am taking millinery les sons at high school and need pieces to make flowers. Scraps too small for piec- ing will answer perfectly. We only came here in July and so have not collected any pieces yet. I would be glad to pay postage.
 Would you like our recipe for tan1ale ioaf? It tastes like the commercial ta- males and you have the satisfaction of Knowing it is clean. Brown pound and half of round steak in bacon fat, cover with water, and cook until tender, sea-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

even to her loving heart it does not seem quite fair that she should have to pick up after her children as well as her husband
 Yet the picking up must be done if the house is to look as it should
 The old rule for keeping clean the streets Of Jerusalem-that every man should sweep in front of his own door-is excel lent to enforce in the family. No hard ship is imposed upon the child when he is required to put away the articles he has taken out, to hang up his hat and coat when he comes in, and to recollect that there is another place for his overshoes besides the middle of the hall or parlor floor. On the contrary, t is only fair and wise that he should learn from the begin ming to have 8 sense of responsibility for his own property and know that he cannot count upon some one to walk about after him and gather what he has dropped
 A mother of children taught me that lesson some time ago by her dealings with her small boys. When the cry arose from one of them. Where is my hat?' or " What has become of my rubbers?' ' or bat or ball, as the case might be, the answer would come, calm and unruffied " 1t Is just where you left it, my son.
 Such training as that is bound to have it's effect, sooner or later. do not mean that the children turned out models of tidiness and order, but they did come to understand, after a while, that if they wished to find their possessions when these were needed certain degree of care was demanded of them. There was place for everything and if it was likely to be wanted in hurry the act of pru- dence was to put it where it belonged when it was not in service.
 The part played by small things is not sufficiently recognized. to my way of thinking. I have touched upon the dis comfort wrought by disorder or unclean- iiness in material trifles, but there is evSn more caused by the neglect of intangible items.
 For example, some may count it little matter when member of the family comes down to breakfast accompanied by what is slangily known to the younger generation as a "grouch," but which would have been defined in an earlier day as fit of the sulks. Possibly there are households in which the gloom of one of the circle does not affect the spirits of the others, but I doubt it. For my own part have seen the darkened face
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

TIME honored distich containing A more truth than is often found in
 M such rhymes, and the reason for
 It's veracity lies in the fact that
 the work of the house-the Wonl- ans part-is made up largely of unend- ins' because repeated, details. Some times l wonder if we have a clear per- ception of how many little things must be done to make a house comfortable and attractive. The big pieces of labor are not so trying, after all, as the constant recurrence of trifes.
 A certain amount of triumph fills your soul when you have given a room what maid l once had used to call "a a good turning out By this she meant thor ough cleaning of floors, walls, and win dows, the removal of dust from the fur nfture and the pictures, and the restora- ton of everything in the chamber to shining cleanliness.
 After the accomplishment of such a. task you can view the result of your toll With self-approval and comfort A dif- ferent sensation possesses your soul when you have concluded the tidying up proc ess which has kept you busy with odds
 
 provement when you have finished.
 It's like washing your face,' a house. keeper sighed to me after an hour or two of such work. ' You're blamed if it's dirty and no one praises you when it's clean"
 Lak, this. also, the comfort and cha rm or the house depend upon attention to just these minute items. Stop and think for moment how much of your satisfac- tion and peace of mind in your home is made or marred by trifles.
 Consider your table, for instance. The linen and other furnishings may be of the best quality, the food offered unex- ceptionable, but suppose the condition of some of the articles is not up to the mark. The tablecloth may be spotted or mussed -I confess that tunbed table linen takes away my own appetite-the centerpiece may have torn lace on it; there may be breaks in the doiies, or the silver may be dull and show in every piece the need of polishing, or the china may be chipped or cracked Don't you know how the whole effect of the table is impaired by these defects, any one of which taken meath consideration?
 Bestow the same sort of survey on the other rooms of your house. No matter how well your living room may be fur
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

of a single person cast 8 shade over the whole tableful. And it is even worse
 when the irritation or depression finds
 vent in the sharp retort or the critical and unkind remark
 l have spoken of this sort of thing as trif1e, but to my mind it Is far moro important than more apparently weighty affairs. Not often are we called upon to displayheroism or large quantities of mind and heart, any more than the house. keeper feels it incumbent upon her to do big housekeeping every few days. But the little things are always there, new every morning and fresh every evening. and the sum of them amounts to more in the long run than the one great task which looms up above the others.
 To take a homely illustration, the most elegant and elaborate costume sinks into comparative insignificance if the wearer is tortured by nail in the shoe or a pin in the neck. The whole attention is drawn from the perfection of the dress, the satisfactoriness of the appearance, to that one teasing annoyance, not dignified enough to be termed pain, but which obliterates far more worthy and weighty thoughts. I have had delightful con- cert spoiled for me because my neighbor behind me insisted,upon beating time with his foot against the back of my seat, and the eloquence of a great lecturer rendered as naught because of an unShaded electric light which dazzled and pained my eyes
 If we take the measure of material things as a sort of standard by which to consider the impalpable items, we will have some idea of the part small cour- tesies and considerations play in deter mining our happiness or unhappiness. The fly speck on the mirror, the dab of dust on polished surface, the grease spot on the rug or table cover render full en- joyment impossible to the housekeeper who wishes her home to appear at its best In like manner, the unkind word, the harsh criticism, the undeserved rebuke, the clouded face, the grudging approval have their share in impairing the happi- ness of the home as much as the lack of consideration and the omission of the little courtesies which all go to make up that great and indefinable quality we term good breeding.
 PolitenesS is to do or say the kindest thing in the kindest way" and it has as great portion in keeping the home con- tent as has scrupulous tidiness in making it comfortable.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

thoroughly. Add to one cup of sour cream level teaspoon of saleratus dis solved in a little hot water. Stir this into the other ingredients, add flour enough for a stiff batter, drop from a tablespoon into creased pan about two inches apart, and bake in quick oven. They will touch each other in making, but cut them apart and lift them out care fully. These are nice. If you wish them more fanciful you may put frosting on them and stick raisin or nut meat on the top of each. Mas H. l.. M."
 Without doubt the shut-in will soon be heard from and will keep the address of this correspondent to send in response to inquiry accompanied by stamp. We are glad to get the suggestion for the externinator as well as the recipe tor the cookies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

<fT OR some time after I wrote to s- your Corner l had no answer.
 Now l write to tell you that
 am unspeakably grateful tha.
 through your kindness in puh- fishing my letter lovely supply of read ing matter has poured in upon me from about dozen unknown kind friends. It Frightened my lonely Christmas, with it's many limitations, more than I can eX- press to you, I only wish l had the pen Of a ready writer to condense and tell better the comfort and pleasure you have given me and the great thankfulness and grattude l feel to you and your noble band of willing helpers. LC G." This correspondent writes from hos pital. I am glad that she has learned before this that her failure to hear from us was due to no lack of interest on our part, but to the pressure of letters which had to take their turn before hers could appear. It is good to know Of the pleasure the willing helpers have brought into her life
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Wants Some Pictures.

Can you give me the address of Mrs. A. l.. C.? see she has paintings to give away and I would so much love to get some from her. If you cannot furnish me Witn the address, will you please keep mine and when you hear of some one with paintings to give away let me know. so that l can write to her? MRS. F. F."
 am sorry to say that the paintings asked for have been given away. but am glad to comply with the request of Mrs. F. F. and hold her address in the nope that some one else may have such plctures as She desires and be willing to bestoW them on her
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Glad to Contribute q Mite.

A few weeks ago Cornerite asked for postage stamps I have few from foreign countries that I will be pleased to send her. love to read what you and the Cornerites have to say, and feel that mighty blessing is being seat forth from this department. I am glad now and then to contribute mite. E. H."
 The lack of the signature of the corr spondent who asked for stamps make. it impossible to supply her address am happy to receive the pleasant words said of the Corner, and am grateful for the picture inclcsed for myself. It is always agreeable to get an idea of the appear ance of any of my unknown and yet val ued friends.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Would Exckange Letters.

T am middle aged woman (European) of good education and came to this coun- try few years ago. As I live in a small town feel lonely and homesick. Do you think there may be some person who feels somewhat as I do, and would exchange letters with me? am particularly in- terested in literature and understand several languages. If we were of differ ent nationalties we might mutually in- crease our interests in this field. If can do anything in return for the Corner I shall be glad to do so. MRS. E. B."
 Here is an attractive opportunity for a delightful and helpful correspondence Who will take advantage of it and write for Mrs. B. B. .'s address? Please inclose stamp for reply
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

from Mrs. R. D. K. They like to make qIllts, too. If you will write to me I will give you their address. My mama has a good banjo that she would like to trade Tor a guitar, as she can play that and cannot play the banjo. H. M."
 I am sorry that the quilt pieces offered by the friends referred to have been given away. Has any one else quilt pieces to send to this child and to her gran dmother, ana is there some one who desires to make the exchange of guitar for a banjo? will send the address on application ac- companied by a stamp
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Wants Piano Lessons

wish to ask if any one would be will ing to give me few lessons on the piano. ] would be grateful for them. Also please send me the address of L. B., who lives on ranch. would like to send her let ters, postals, etc. E. r,"
 Ihe address of this correspondent will De gwen to any one who thinks 1t possible to put her in the way of securing the music lessons she desires. hope she will be able to make her offer of letters, post cards, etc.. to some one else, since l.. E. is already supplied with all the core. spondeuee she can manage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Moki,,e T .S:Jk Op;h.

Will some of the members of the Helping Hand kindly pass on to me old numbers of fancy work ma gazines? Also I would appreciate silk scraps and make what return I could for them. I am a partial shut-in, and to pass part of the time and to start new interest want to make silk patchwork quilt for my couch, which is my best companion at times. will repay all postage. and will be very glad of the new acquaintances. My life is so full of sunshine that I have plenty to spare. MRS ZAE."
 am sure there are some fancy work magazines that can be sent to this cor respondent, and the silk scraps will also be forthcoming. I am positive. When a shut-in writes that she has sunshine and to spare in her life she is 8 correspondent worth having and one who will give as much as she gets, or more. I wish to thank her personally for her kind words to me and her good wishes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

see in the Norner that Miss F. L. wants to give away a shoulder brace. | need one very much and would be more than glad to receive this one. l.. H, <"
 The shoulder brace offered by Miss F l.. had been given away before this request arrived. Has some one else one for this applicant?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Ofers 2 Pille.

In recent issue of the corner I ob- serve that girl asks for Bible If you wid kindly send me her address will be glac to supply her with Bible. EFF"
 regret much that this correspondence failure to send me the signature appended to the request for the Bible makes it inl- possible for me to supply the name and address desired. I will. however, put E. F.'s own name and address on file in the ffppe that if the original seeker for Bible does not see the offer it may be noticed by some one else who will be glad to take Advantage of it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Blessing to Many

am writing for one of the addresses given in the Corner. We who have every blessing can scarcely realize what it means to be shut in on a ranch such as I have seen in my travels. The Corner is a blessing to many in all walks of life,. and I congratulate the helpers on bring ing bit of sunshine into those lives that. lack it. MRS. B. D. R.
 The address asked has been given. Thanks for the kind words said of the Corner. The helpers deserve all the praise spoken of them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

have gained good deal of weight since the baby came and have little strength. l will gladly pay transportation on the carriage. Perhaps the following infor- nation would be of use to some of the housekeepers. When potatoes are frozen or not of the best variety, if put into a. pot with a sieve bottom and this set in a vessel half full of water with tight cover, the potatoes will turn out nice and white and mealy. Crust of bread is im- proved by wrapping the loaf in a warm cloth immediately upon taking it out of the oven. Gasoline will polish nickel on stoves easily. Kerosine added to stove polish will put 8 brighter polish on the stove. Could you suggest ary occupation for me to follow at home that would pay me well? MRS. H. ED"
 I hope that some one may be found with an unneeded baby carriage this young mother may have. We are grate- full for the household hint. but feel I must speak a word of caution as to the care which should be observed in using gasoline on nickel trimmings to q stove or kerosene in the polish. Both are high ly inflammable and cannot be handled recklessly or there may be a terrible cas- ualty. Can some one suggest paying en- ploynent at home to this Cornerite?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12
Long Walh r';th q Babp.

l wonder if the Corner could help me out little. Having had a good deal of misfortune during the last year I am ab- solutely unable to pay for baby car rlage. My baby is weeks old and quite heavy. As I cannot afford to pay the regular prices for provisions in stores in our neighborhood I visit shops half 8 mile away. where they have frequent sales. This is difficult for me to do when l have to carry the baby, especially as