davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28

ness. The great city clock chimed out the midnight hour in loud, ponderous tones, followed by the sweet chimes of a nearby church where midnight ser vice was at it's height.
 The angel drew her mantle around her as a sort of protection from the falling snow "A few more hours," she said in sweet. tremulous voice, and wrapped it tightly around her. From a church far below was waited the words of a hymn in honor of the Christ-child reechoing in unison from the heavens.
 At last darkness gave place to light The Spirit of Christmas sped down toward Earth and reaching the city, paused on the corner of one of the streets. Fer persons were astir-a couple of stragglers and one or two milkmen. To these the Spirit went, and touching them with her soft. slen- der hand filled them with love for their fellow beings, by her supernat- ural power. The gruff nill<man doffed his cap and offered greetings of the day to the kitchen girl at the next house and by way of good feeling gave her gill too much of milk.
 The angel pursued her way, touch ing all she met all around the touch acted like magic. Crowds of people were now hurrying to church, and in and out among them walked the an- gel nfusing into their hearts "the true spirit of Christmas"
 Merry Christmas was wished to ev- eryone in a voice which told the speaker meant what he said. Forgetful god-fathers who had long since forgotten their wards, dived in- to their pockets and drew forth shin- ing coins to the joy of little boys and girls, and the admiration of proud mammas.
 And so the Spirit of Christmas went, touching the rich, the poor, the groueh, and the pessimist, inspiring them all with the wonderful gift of Love. <
 The day passed and nightfa1l cans then the Spirit of Christmas flew to her heavenly home. fully satisfied with her work to wait patiently until the wonderful day should come again. . WALTER V. GAVIGAN Willirna Dtic
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28

APFOHs
 I am not of much use in the world now, but was once. I will relate my history to you.
 When I was woven into cloth I was placed in a store in Belfast, Ireland, to be sold.
 One day an old Irish woman came in and purchased me. She carried me home and as she was quite an indus trious old lady she cut me out from a pattern she had borrowed from a neighbor. She finished me that after noon, and the following afternoon she went out to call on a neighbor. As usual, they had tea, and the first thing I knew something hot was spilled all over the front of me.
 Well, she took me home, washed and ironed me, and put me into a drawer until 1 was needed again.
 Every week I was washed and iron ed for quite a while until one night she forgot to take me in. An old tramp came along and took me off the line, but when he found out what l was he threw me one side on the ground.
 The next day the old lady picked me up, washed me again, and so it went on this way for quite while until was quite worn out.
 She then sold me to rag peddler whose wife made me into a blouse for her little boy, who wore me until he possibly couldn't wear me any longer and now all I am is an old rish rag!
 MARGARET WELSH, Age 12.
 Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28

holly. mistletee and evergreen comes from the ancient Druids. These priests gathered and sold the greens to the people who believed they carried all sorts of good luck
 There is an old superstition that holding sprig of mistletoe one may see and speak with ghosts; another, that maid not kissed beneath the mistletoe will go unwed another year.
 The burning of the yule log comes from the old Scandinavian custom of kindling large fires in honor of their God Thor. The yule log is taken from an oak tree filled at midnight, brought Into the house with great ceremony and lighted at the midnight hour. The feasting was no small part of the days celebration. A typical dinner in those days consisted of Boar's head, plum pudding, pies and all kinds of drinks.
 In Sweden where cleanliness is nev- CT godlfness than any there else great preparations are made for the holiday. A universal and pleasing custom is pole, which is placed in the yard for the birds Christmas dinner. So the people of the far north show their love and thoughtfulness for their feathered friends.
 The Italians have great feasts and important dish. Every one attends church, and then goes home for the fun making. They have what is call- ed the turn of fate" which takes the place of our Christmas tree and each one in turn takes e gift from the urn.
 In many parts of France the Christ mas log Is still burned. The children are sent to bed with the promise that they will receive their presents during the night and when they awaken they find their tree laden with gifts. Tr, n. -,s-&~ &..1, I first brought into use. indeed nothing | seems more pleasant to a German heart than the dear old "Weihnachts- | baum" it is found in every home from I the richest to the poorest. All tht family join in the singing of hymns I including many of the melodies wt | have in America today.
 It is from the Germans that we have learned to celebrate Christmas witl l more reference to the children ant I their own aim seems to be to mak, 1 the little ones happy.
 In Holland and Belgium Kril
 Kringle, or Santa Claus, fills the lit
 tie folks stockings with the yer,
 things they have been wishing for. H, often brings a rod to the parents This probably accounts for the good be
 haviour of the little HoIlanders. In our own great land of America
 although we have no yule-log or caro lsingers, Christmas is celebrated ia and near. We have our greeting 1 Merry Christmas" from En<and
 Santa Claus from Holland, Christ mas tree from Germany.
 A feeling of good will is general a
 this season and shown not only to tn | members of ones own family, bu
 the poor and needy are never forgot ten. This is the one holiday in tn year when we can mingle fun an joy with our religion and by doing s l carry out the message of the angel who sang, Peace on Earth, Good Wi
 Toward Men,
 HAROLD KINDER, Age F. | Pawtucket, R. l.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Likes the Wide-Awake Stories.

Dear Uncle Jed: I like to read the letters from the Wide-Awakes. I look for The Bulletin every Thursday morn ing as soon as I get up to see if there are any names of the girls I know.
 It is hard work for me to get ready TOT school, for want to read all 1 can before I go to school. ;, I go to the Riverside grammar school and I like the school very much All the teachers I have had are very nice. I get along pretty well with my reading and spelling, but can't get my arithmetic very good. I read what you wrote to the Wide Awakes about Christmas and I think 1. is very nice and hope every one will read it.
 I have another little nephew. His name is Paul Poor. Little James got his nose broke.
 I hope all the little girls and boys had good time Christmas and got lots of presents.
 DORIS I CARPENTER, Age g.
 Jewett City.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Yantic.
The Stolen Goose.

John Karl was a lazy fellow, but he liked to eat good things once in while. One day he went to help a man he knew who lived on a large farm and as he was coming home he saw nice flock of geese. John said: "I will steal one for my Christmas dinner
 A few days before Christmas John slyly stole up to the place where the geese were kept, watched his chance and he finally stole one and took it home to his wife Jane. He told her how he got it.
 Jane did not like that. She was poor but honest, and she said he should not have done such a thing as to steal a goose.
 On Christmas morning she put the goose on to cook. John went down to the village store and Jane went to call on a neighbor.
 It was most dinner time when she thought of the goose and said q must go home now" and as she entered the house she smelled something burning She thought it must be the goose and sure enough it was burned to a crisp.
 John came in and saw this and said Why did you not stay at home and watch it?'
 His wife said "why did you steal it?"
 Anything stolen will never bring any profit.
 ALVIN LACHAPEULE Age 12.
 Canterbury
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28

Christmas celebrates the Nativity of the Saviour. In the early ages of the church there was much debate as to the exact date or season of the Sa- viour's birth, but Pope Julius I fixed the day as the 25th of December and Christmas is now celebrated by all Christian nations at this time.
 In taking up the different customs we must remember that it is a Chris tian festival mingled with many old pagan ideas. Many of the customs can be traced back to the time when they formed part of the Pagan cere- monies in the worship of their idols. Although 1t has been through many trying places, Christmas festivity was never entirely abolished. In spite of the changes of church and state the Christmas spirit has ruled in every land to the rank of the poole.
 From the Mystery and Miracle plays and Mummers of the Middle Ages we have in different parts of England to- day the carol singers.
 The decorating of homes with ivy,
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28

He never wants us to have the least bit of fun!"
 Millie was walking slowly around, placing her hand on each barrel, counting.
 Sixteen times" corrected Annie, flor there's back again. and up that hill. It'll most kill us, know. I have a notion not to do it. It isn't girls work, anyway. Papa ought to make John do it.''
 "I'n tell you what we might do," said little Millie. smile creeping around the corner of her rosy mouth We might pretend it was just play. You see.' giving a barrel a push with her foot, ''an empty barrel isn't really so very heavy. unless you get to think ing so. and we can play we are rolling hoops, only it will be more fun be- cause the barrels will make such a nice noise."
 A smile began to creep around An nie's mouth, too.
 'I don't mind doing it for fun," she said, s'pose we try it?" .-..--
 Roll, roll. roll, under the cherry trees back of the house, up the incline, into the wide. SWeet-scented barn. Back and forth flew the little maidens, rosy, laughing, full of fun. Almost before they knew 1t, those 16 barrels were in the barn and papa was saying:
 What good little girls I have to- day. They deserve kiss and hug apiece"
 "We'd like them, papa, but I'm afraid we don't deserve them," said Annie, honestly, because at first, we hated to do it. but then Millie thought of doing it for fun"
 That's right, little daughters, take things by the smooth handle when you ean If you have something hard to do, make the best of it and it will seem easier.'
 And with the hug and kiss to each, the busy farmer went to his hay field, while the. children were soon seated at their tea party again, happier than ever.-Selected.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28

dows to air out the rooms Then I came downstairs and dusted the dining room chairs. After while I went cp- stairs and made the beds.
 When I came down it was almost time for dinner 50 I sat down until dinner was ready.
 After dinner my sister washed the dishes and I wiped them.
 My mother was going down city and she went upstairs to get ready. My sister wanted to go along, but my mother. was going to the dentist and she could not go
 My mother promised to get her a dress if she saw any that would fit her.
 When she was gone we played house until she came home. When she came she brought my sister her new dress. and many other things. ANNA ANDERSEN, Age II. Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
A Christmas Entertainren..

Dear Uncle Jed: Last Friday night we had a Christmas entertainments at the schoolhouse. The room was dec orated with Christmas colors. In the back of the room on the bookcases stood two very small Christmas trees. They had popcorn put on the branches to represent snow. Several Christmas bells were hanging around the room.
 Dark red and green curtains were hanging in the front of the room. A large Christmas tree stood by the piano. The tree was trimmed very prettily.
 The program was quite long, hav- ing at least thirty different things on 1t.
 All the children spoke pieces One children was Christmas Time is Drawing Near" The whole school sang Father Christmas" also The Christmas Welcome" The older chil- dren sang Christmas Bells"
 Then there were five or six dialogues, Fairies" "The Twelve Candles and Santa Claus'' and Mother Goose's Reception
 After the program we lit the candles Dn the Christmas tree. Then Santa Claus gave out the presents. There
 were bags of candy and popcorn; also apples on the tree, and the tree was full of presents. a I received a string of gold beads, a bag, a sachet, a pincushion and book, The Camp Fire Girls on Sunrise Hill. also got five or six postcards and a bag of candy.
 We came home at eleven o'clock in snowstorm and awoke the next morning to find three feet of snow on the ground, and the drifts would come over my head, being the worst storm in l eight years. ARLENE PEARL, Age 1s. Augusta Me
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Origin of the Sandwich.

Have you ever wondered where or why sandwiches were made?
 It seems in England many years ago that a certain man by the name of the Earl of Sandwich was such busy business man that he could not al- ways have the time to go home for his dinner, so he would bring in a lunch box slices of bread and meat. He placed the meat between the brea d and thus invented new lunch which he rehshed greatly.
 Gradually, other men who heard of it would try it also, when too busy to go home to eat at noon. So this kind of a lunch soon came to be known as a sandwich lunch just be- cause the Earl of Sandwich was the first man to think of putting bread and meat together in this way.
 NANCY TETREAULT.
 Versailles IT
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Something About Switzerland.

Dear Uncle Jed: I will write to tell you something about Switzerland:
 I was born in Switzerland and had nice times playing with my friends. My father took me to a lot of places.
 When I was eight years old we took B trip to America. There were five of us, my mother, my two brothers, my sister and I.
 We went to many places before we got to the place where the ship was. Then we heard a lot of music, so we went into the ship. where we had to look for our room.
 I did not like to go because I went to school about two years where we could go home for dinner, and I liked 1t. We lived in nice house where we had electric lights and a gas oven.
 On the ship I was sick five days.
 We met ship burning: and the same day we saw another ship which took the people off and saved them.
 We had 8 long trip and all were glad to reach America.
 MARY STEINMEYER, Age Il.
 Eagleville. ..
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Versailles
A HeIpinu Hand.

A few nights ago a man and his wife came along the road, looking for work, without anything to eat or a place to sleep.
 My father met them as he was con- ing home from work. They asked him if he had a shed they could sleep in. He said, No, have no shed, but you can come into my house."
 We gave them a good supper a nights lodging and breakfast in the morning. That mornitg they were go- ing to White Rock to get work. They had no money and had to walk all the way, so took thirty cents our Of my bank and gave it to them for carfare. They were so glad they didn't know how. much to thank me for it.
 Am willing to help anyone that's in need.
 . FRED SCHULTZ, Age 14.
 Aoa IA
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Sunk.

The Srincipal of our school has a dog named Spunk. He brought him up in our room. He showed us some of his tritfss. The principal got a chair. He told him to get up in the chair and the dog got up in the chair. Then he told him to say his prayers. The dog said his prayers. Then he gave him a doughnut. Then he told him to sneeze. The dog kept bark ing. then he sneezed. The principal told him to walk on his hind feet. He walked on his hind feet. The prin- cipal put his collar on the desk and told him to go and get his dress. The dog went and got his dress. The prin- cipal put the collar on the dog and the dog was happy.
 : ADAH LAMBERTON, Age 10.
 Lowell.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
POETRY.
Little Dame crump.

Little Dame Crump with her little hair broom One morning was. sweeping her little
 bed room, When casting her little grey eyes on
 the ground n sly little corner penny she
 found. ~ Odds bobbs! cried the Dame while
 she stared with surprise, flow lucky I am! bless my heart what a prize; To market I'll go and a Pig I will buy And little John gubbins shall make him a sty. So she washed her face clean and put
 on her gown, Then locked up her house and set off for the Town. Where to market she went and a bargain she made, For a little white Pig the penny she paid. When she purchased the pig she was puzzled to know How they both should get Home if the pig would not go. So fearing that piggy might play her She drove him along with a little crab stick. Piggy ran till he came to the foot of a Hill Where a little bridge stood OCT a stream of a Mill When he grunted and squeak'd and
 no further would go. Q fie little pig to serve the Dame so! Now she went to the Mill where she
 borrow'd a sack, Which she popp'd the pig in and took " on her back. Piggy cried to get out. but the little Dame said, If you won't go by fair means you
 then must be made. She soon to the end of her journey
 was come, -.5--.. And was nightly pleased when she
 got piggy home. So she carried the pig to his nice
 little Sty And made him a bed of clean straw
 snug and dry. With handful of peas little pig she
 then fed, Then she put on her nightcap and
 i. went into bed. Having first said her prayers then she
 put out her light, And being quite tired we'll bid her : goodnight.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Mir Starfsh Takes a Summer Vaca.
 ton.

Mir Starfish Takes Summer Vaca-
 ton.
 Once there was a starfish who had five fingers and five eyes, an eye at the end of each finger. He had thousands of feet but without legs.
 Mir. Starfish decided to take a sum- mer journey to the South and visit the mountains. The mountains are not like ours, because they do not have any large trees or any snow. Of course the mountains are under water We would not know the mountains of the water.
 If MT. Starish was to use his feet 1t would take more than 800 years. He had no intention of using his feet He was to take a train; not train like ours on land. but a water train. This train is near the bottom of the ocetra and is propelled by an invisible force The train does not need any fuel be- cause of the invisible force.
 MT. Starish gets in the train off the coast of Cape Cod. He meets some of his friends who are travelling South, also.
 There are many icebergs that come from the North and are going South with the Labrador Current. They go South to get exercise. The ieebergs and starfish are not the only creatures travelling, there are many thousands of other animals so small that they can hardly be seen.
 After a few weeks MT. Starfish is dropped in Southern waters. He uses his five eyes looking at the sights while he keeps a look out for sharks and other foes with the eye in the middle of his body. He must take his vacation in these waters until he meets the return train. the Gulf Stream Current.
 JOHN KRIzANEK, Age IA.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
The Christ Child.

Several centuries ago a promise was given to the world that some time a baby boy would be born who, when he grew to be a man, would be brave and true and help the people to be brave and true.
 The people grew very weary of watching and waiting, but a shepherd boy, David, sang songs and helped the people to be brave and patient
 By and by the baby was born in Bethlehem. Mary, his mother, did not live in Bethlehem. She lived in Nag nreth, many miles away, but came to
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Dinner Time at a Zoo.

While visiting my aunt in New York took walk to the Central Park Zoo where arrived just in time to see the men feed the animals.
 The men carried the meat in a wheeEbarrow and lifted it piece by piece to the hungry, bowling lions, the spotted leopards and the fat. small cubs. The lions grabbed the juicy red meat in their paws and swallowed it as one would swallow a piece of candy.
 After this I went into the monkeys zoo and saw them sitting on posts or swings, eating peanuts. It would make one laugh to see them hold a peanut in their tiny, dirty paws, crack it and get the meat part out, and I did laugh.
 Then I walked up to see the moth bear and the polar bears. The moth bear was eating a loaf of bread as he lay resting by the side of the iron bars with his. dirty back toward me, while the polar bears lay down looking at ne with their keen. hungry eyes.
 ZELMA ROCHELEAU, Age g.
 North Franklin.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
bed and they were afraid to go to bed

bed and they were afraid to go to bed without lanterns.
 To add Ao their discomfort the mosquitoes started to bit them when they got in bed.- One boy started to talk about inventing a little cage to put over their heads to keep the mos quitoes from biting them. F Camp went on about the same as usual the campers going to bed with sunburned backs and the dogs to keep them awake by barking.
 On Fourth of July night we had a battle. Everything handy was used as weapons and I imagine the boys provision boxes were empty the next morning.
 Camping is good for any person, sick or healthy, and any person who has had the chance to camp out will say tLe same.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
STRICKEN IN THE STREET Completely Restored To Healtt
 By "FTuit-a-tiyes"
3S2 ST. WALLER Sr.. MoNr


 "In 1912, I was taken suddenly il with Acute .Sonsa1a Trouble aad dropped in the street. I was treated by several physicians for nearly two years, and my weight dropped from 225 pounds to 160 pounds. Then several ofmy friends advised me to try 'Fruit- a-tives". T began to impruSe almost sOith the first dose, and by using them, l recovered from the distressing Stomach Trouble all pain and Constipation were cured. Now weigh POS pounds. I cannot praise ssFruit- a-tives" enough". H. WHITMAN.
 Soc. box, for $2.5o, trial size, 25c. Atall dealers or sent postpaid by Fruit. a-tiyes Limited, ogdensburg, N.T.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
LETTERS TO UNCLE JED.
My Thanksgiving.

Dear Uncle Jed: It was very rainy Thanksgiving and I was very sorry because I had expected to have fine time out of doors. But in the morning I played with a friend of mine and had some fun.
 Then I had dinner, which was very good. I played with my friend again after dinner. After supper I went to the moving pictures. They were fine This ended my Thanksgiving.
 BENTON RTDGEWAY, Age s.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
The Woodcutter.

A woodcutter was busily engaged in grinding his axe when a neighbor came along and said:
 ''Why do you grind your axe now? You can't go to the forest mad cut wood in this storm"
 When the weather is fair I shall not be grinding my axe. shall be using it," answered the woodcutter.
 ALICE BUGBEE, Age 12. N Montvil1e.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
Age IA.
Christmas Day.

All the children are glad when Christmas day comes. We wish that every day could be Christmas. The night before Christmas we hang our stockings. They say Santa Claus comes to fill the stockings.
 One Christmas eve I tried to see him. The big round moon was shin ing and the snow was cold and white. I waited, and waited. and waited, but I did not see Santa Claus. I think that I fell asleep.
 When I awoke it was morning. Our stockings were full of toys. Oh. but we had a great time.
 I wish Santa Claus came every day, don't you?
 JOHN WISNESKE
Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-28
My Little Brother Lulu.

Dear Uncle Jed: I must tell you about my little brother Lulu. He Is three years old and is very cute. Every morning when go to school, or Sum- day when I go to church, he wants to follow me.
 So one day did want to take him to church and he did not feel like going, I guess, so he said:
 "Ah beans! The Lord don't want no kids up there!"
 Don't you think that is cute?
 CECILE BESSETTE, Age s. Moosun