davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
A WHOOPING COUGH PARTY

large potatoes and a small spoon, on slippery wooden floor.
 At last they were asked to walk out to tea and there was the table, all beautifully set, just as if it were for grown-up people, with pretty silver and china and pink candle shades and cakes and chocolate and milk and brown bread.
 The little girls all made a fine tea and no one sat at that table but just their four selves and the grown peo- pie just stood up and waited upon them. Tor and the three little girls. who had been in Germany, began to recite some pretty little verses about the stork and about little pony and a never been in Germany, but she nn- derstood German and she even had German book with some of these very verses in it, so she not understeod what the little girls recited, but she could say some of the verses herself
 And then the very thing happened that Lydia had thought of; they all began to cough at once. Nothing fun nier was ever heard than these four little girls three in white dresses and the fou<th in green plaid trimmed with red. all doubled over and red in the face with oughing! It was so funny that they could not help laugh ing themselves and of course that made them cough more, till they were quite helpless. x!
 However, that was all over at last, and then they had a little more play before the carriage came and then the three little girls who were the visitors bade goodbye to the one little girl who lived upstairs. and they part ed in the best of good temper and much pleased with each other
 And if they had not all had the whooping-cough at the same time, this very funny party could never have taken place.-J. H. Chadwick, Youths Companion. seae .ssssf. .s.s --ez
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Oscar Mathewson, of Versailles: l am pleased with the prize book you sent me, and thank you very much.
 Ellen 5oroVieka. of West Willing prize book you sent me. find it very interesting.
 Mary Berovicka of West wiiiingto.l: {: I cannot thank you enough for the prize book you sent me
 Cora C. Carpenter of Columbia: I very much for it. I have read it through already and think it very in- teresting.
 ceeeIia HuntIey, of I am very thankful for the prize book I received. I have read it through and found it very interesting.
 Fred C. Schultz of North Stoning ton: I received the prize book and thank you very much for it.
 Eleanor Huntfey. of --: I am very thankful for the prize book I received. I have read 1t through and found it very interesting.
 Adah Lamberton of Lowell, Mass: I received the prize book you sent me and thank you very much. I have rot read it, but think I shall like 1t.
 Carrie A. Geio, of Montville: have just four more pages to read of the prize book you sent me, Robinson Crusoe; and I think it splendid. I thank you very much for it.
 Joseph Harriean of Norwich: I thank you very much for the prize book I received entitled Mistress May. have read it through and found it very interesting. I shall write soon again, and I hope I shall win another very interesting book like the last.
 Fred Haddad, of Chestnut Hill received the prize book you sent me. I thank you very much for it. As far as I have read it is very interesting.
 Richard B. Wheeler, of Stonington T received the prize book you sent me and have read it through. I found it very interesting. I thank you for if,
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
The Little Wish Bone Girl.

Poor little Jack had been lonesome all the long Sunday morning for every body had gone-to church but himself and Ellen. and Ellen was busy getting the dinner. How glad he was when Aunt Nell came home to dinner with papa and mamma from church.
 Well, Jack" said Aunt Nell, How are you?'
 "Oh: rse lonesum; I haven't any body to play with.''
 But he was very happy till dinner was served, for Aunt Nell read the new number of Our Little Men and Women" over to him three times.
 At dinner Aunt Nell said to Jacks papa:
 Now, George, give Jack the wish bone. He must keep it and after din- ner I'll show him what to do with it.
 After dinner Aunt Nell rolled the li- brary steps along to the door into the hall, and taking Jacks wish bone she climbed to the top steps and hung it ever the door.
 Now, Jack" said she. When I was little girl. used to hang the wish bone over the door and then the first little boy that walked under it was going to be my playmate forever"
 You may be sure Jack watched that wish bone very anxiousiy. Day after day went by, but no little forever playmate" came. To be sure. little girls came with their nammas to call. and sometimes they stayed and played
  to go away when it began to get dark.
 In the spring Jack went to visit his gra ndmama out in the country. and, ohi such a good time as he had. He wasn't Lonesome" there, with chickens and cats. and colored cooks and little darl<y children to play with. For it was down in old Virginia.
 By and by papa came after him. He was sorry to go. but felt better when papa told him there was a surprise for him at home.
 When they reached home Jack ran into the library to find mamma, bul she wasn't there. He looked up at the wish bone and said:
 'sI guess that is no account"
 Just then tall lady with g. white apron and cap on came walking on with a bundle in her arms.
 '@Well. little Jack" said the tall lady. I've heard all about the wishbone and here is a dear little sister that has come to be Q forever playmate
 When Jack went up to see mamma he gave her a big hug, and told ->r he was glad to get home. Then he said:
 T think the wishbone girls pretty small and red but guess she'll grow
 LAWRENCE GAUTHIER, Age IF.
 Brooklyn.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11

all. He also found that twice each day, once in the forenoon and once in the afternoon. his shadow was just his own length.
 At the back of our garden there stands a beautiful tree. My brother often wondered how high it wae,< but did not know just how to measure it. One morning he noticed the long shadow of this tree plainly marked on the smooth grass. Getting a long stick, he drove 1t into the ground. and saw that it's shadow was longer than the stick itself. He knew that the shadows grow shorter at this time Of the day, so he sat down with book and waited. pi
 Tn about an hour he saw that the stick and it's shadow were the same length. Then he ran to measure the tree. He found it's shadow to be zs feet, and he felt sure that the tree was the same.
 He was so much pleased when he found out this. that he has about made up his mind to try to measure the distance to the moon, but douot whether he will be able to do that HEI1 1CN WTSNE NESKE.
 Yantic
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Moosup.
My Christrnaa.


 Dear Uncle Jed: am going 6o Stall you about my Chrtstmas. In the morning we got up and hGd breakfast, then my sister and T WaRh+ cd the breakfast dishes. Then Wa had to wait until my father came hona6 before we could go in the room and see the tree.
 About quarter past nine my fathsFI came home. He told us to stay hi the kitchen until he went in. Yhenl we all ran in to see our presents. got four packages and a chrtatR2ae card. q In my packages got blue dFeaal two hair ribbons. a hat. some glQFea and a small sewing machine. 4 Of course I had to try my maela@e{ so I got a piece of cloth and ano that it sews fine and have umG6 q whole spool of thread making dolA clothes for my sister. My little sister three years old gotl a doll almost as big as herself Hhsi calls it Alice.
 things then we went out to get dan-l ner. We had for dinner, chicken, p0ta I toes, lima beans, bread and butter. mince pie, chocolate and coeOanuti After dinner we went back into taaj room where the tree was and atGi candy and played games until supper time
 After supper we stayed up vuryl I hope all of the wide-Awakea llaAj a Merry Christmas and Happy BeWi
 ANNA ANDERSON. Age H.
 Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Lost in the Woods.

One morning a few of us girls pian- ned to go for a walk in the woods We started about half past ten The walk was long one and we enjoyed It very much.
 On the way, We saw several squir- refs and we also saw some cows graz ing In the fields. We arrived at the woods about twelve o'clock and we were so hungry we sat right down and ate our lunch. Then we thought we would go farther into the woods. We walked and walked and presently one of the girls said: 'It is time te go home"
 We turned around and to our sur prise we did not know which road to take. We kept on walking and in- stead of getting out of the woods we kept going farther into the. Sudden ly we heard rustic in the underbrush and we jumped behind a bush for concealment.
 One of the girls peeked out and to her surprise she say it was Rex and close behind her brothed. Her moth CT became worried and had sent James and the dog to look for us.
 We arrived home safely and perhaps If James had not come to the rescue we would be walking still.
 ESTHER HANSEN, Age 13,
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Schools in Alaska.

Our government is making great improvements in Alaska. Many Amer ican teachers are sent there to open schools for both white settlers and na- tive EskiInos and Indians.
 A most interesting experience in the education of the northern Eskimo has been an effort made by the govern ment to teach the Eskimos the use of the reindeer.
 The reindeer are imported from Si- beria, the younger Eskimos are given a course of training in caring for them and making them useful After a young man has completed a training course he is presented with a number of animals with which to start a herd The instruction and training are given by the schoolmaster in connection with school work. The reindeer will be a great help to the Eskimos in making their life more comfortable.
 Even as far as Point Barrow, on the shore of the Arctic ocean, which is the most northern point of land belonging to the United States, there is a school for Eskimos in charge of an American teacher.
 JOSEPHINE BOROvICKA, Age fl.
 West Wilmington
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11

we could not track him so easily. We found good looking hole and we be- gan to dig it out. It was all stones. My father got mad and threw the pick into the bushes. He went and got it again and went on digging. My father said: "I hear himi"
 My father was throwing out some dirt and the skunk came running out as fast as he could, and he grabbed the stick and hit him on the head and killed him.
 ROY CoNGDoN, Afe II.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
LETTERS TO UNCLE JED.
The Skunk Hunt.

write YOU about my skunk hunt my Christmas vacation.
 One day my father and were frav- cling through the woods and we saw @ skunk track. We followed 1t and came to a hole under a little pine It was not a very good looking hole, but we put down three holes and found their nest.
 My father reached into the bed and felt the skunk.
 He then dug along . little ways and he saw two akunks' tails. got a club and one raised his head up and father hit him with a stick and broke it in three pieces. Next he took him by the neck and threw him out of the hole. Another raised up his head and my father killed him and threw him out of the hole.
 The next day my father found an other track. The snow was gone and
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Skatinq.

Dear Uncle Jed: As all the Wide Awakes know, the best sport in winter is skating. I thought I would go.
 So about o'clock Sunday afternoon a few of my friends and I started to go skating. It took us about ten min utes to reach the meadow, where there was quite a few enjoying the sport It was not very cold and we enjoyed it very much. It was not very rough and we went on quite smoothly
 l stayed about three hours and reached home 1 0 minutes past D. After ate my supper read story book I retired about o'clock. very tired after my day of skating
 CATHERINE FTNNEGAN
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11

just as the first one began to sink. Then. and not until then, did they realize what a narrow escape they had had from drowning. for none of them could swim and the river was deep.
 They did not attempt to rescue the boat which. had sunk, for they were too excited and besides they were in a hurry. to go home. AS they did not know to whom it belonged they did n6T want to take the boat they were in to go across to the other shore, but the only alternative was to walk a fnile4-up the river on that side to the bridge, cross there and then walk a mile and a half down on the other side.
 This they did, but by the time they reached home they were 8 cross and disconsolate crowd. After they had had good nights sleep they felt bet ter and regarded the episode as more of a joke, but for months afterward they did not consider rowing very pleasurable and avoided it whenever it was not absolutely necessary
 ALMIRA KRAMER, Age 14.
 Colchester.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
whet is Tausht in ArIens's School.

Dear Uncle Jed: Most every year we have sewing or fancy work af school. The first year or two that went to school here the teacher taught the girls cooking and sewing and thsl boys manual training.
 Every week the oldest girls would cook dinner for all the children, which was very good. They made their cook
 At the end of the year they had dresses, aprons, and many other things that they had made.
 Some of the girls did manual train ing and they had made book holders and other things that have forgotten.
 The boys made the same things; but our next teacher did not teach cooking. manual training and only little sewing.
 I made two pin trays out of rafIla, a book bag that is made out of bagEing around the bottom. made Q. line of di- amonds done with dark blue rafIia. q also made a mat out of the same kind Of goods around which l made fan cy stitches with lavender yarn.
 Last year a girl friend and made crochet face cloths, and after that we made bags out of white raffiia after these were lined they made fine shop ping bags.
 The last thing we made were sofa pillows We made htem out or bag ging. The teacher had designs that we worked out on the pillows iu Gif- ferent colors.
 One girl had the picture of O house which she worked in red rafhia. An other girl had to work out in rafiia three girls. Another girl had a baR- ket of flowers which were worked with different colors.
 My pillow was worked with blue or orange and decorated with Dutch boy and girl
 We have not done any fancy work this year t--.- .. ..-
 ARLENE PEARL, Ago IS.
 Augusta, Me.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
She Enjoys Wide Awake Stories.

Dear Uncle Jed:-I am going to write to you about Christmas and my Christmas tree
 I was sick just before Christmas and I sat up the first time Christmas day. It made it awful lonesome.
 We had tree and lots of presents. We have yet got our tree and we ,are going to keep it until after New Years.
 l got eight books and other gifts
 l had to miss the Christmas tree exercises at our church and school.
 I have just finished reading the Wide -Awakes stories and I do enjoy reading what others write.
 l wish you and all the Wide-Awakes a Ha&py New Year.
 HILDRED A. CARNEY Age IL
 Mansfield Depot
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Baltic.
Autobiography of a Homeless Cat.

I once lived in 8 beautiful home. My mistress and children were very fond of me. I was a gray maltese and the children would call me Buff, I would sit in their laps and purr and sing.
 One day I was very sad. My mis- tress was to move to far away land. She could not take me with her. The big team came to take away the goods. The children were sorry to leave me. They stroked my fur and spoke to me in most gentle tones. At last the home was empty.
 I then wandered out into the street, homeless as could be, until I came to an old farm house quite out of the city. My new master put me in the barn, to catch the mice. One night came home to the barn a little later then usual, he had shut up his team
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Honesty.

Dear Uncle Jed:-There was q girl going home to lunch. She dropped q crisp dollar bill and a boy picked it up.
 ~ He and his chum were going homr to lunch too and he said:
 Helen dropped sum of money. I wonder if she has gone home 9"
 Yes" said Bob, If you aren't . dunce to get soaked for nothing. You need some skates, keep it!''
 When George came to school in the afternoon he had the satisfaction of knowing that he would get his skates just the same: He returned the dol tar and told her he found. it and she thanked him and Christmas he got d bundle containing skates. This is what you get by being honest
 DORIS EASTERBROOKS, Age 10.
 Willimantic
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
POETRY.
Jim, the Pay- RoIr Cat

rEo GA True Story) rs By L1ouella c. Poole hBewildered frightened. hungry, gaunt, P A vagrant of the street, eHe crept for shelter, one hot day, | Within the cool retreat l Though dea6ening was the presses or a great printery, [ A paradise it seemed to him, So spent and bruised was he. kAnd in this place, all undisturbed,
 No more obliged to roam The city streets, with grateful heart '-o In peace he made his home. -Aefne reserve, born of his woes, Bade him hide safe from sight, But on patrol sharp Cared, keen-eyed. / He stalked the place each night. And predatory rats and mice .- Grew daily less and less In truth a paradise it seemed, These paths of pleasantness. To one alone did he respond The merry office boy HIS cau gray Jim ne'er failed GO heed
 With every mark Of joy. Upon his shoulder he would spring
 Bach morning him to greet: About his tasks would follow him,
 And purr around his feet. When the steam whistles blew at
 twelve, Jim needed not the sound. Though twas the office incoming hour, And quiet reigned around. Blt when at one the whistles shri1lnd, Quick as 8 flash he sought His friend, the boy Ctwas then he
 r1- dined), -, To share the food he brought. "Why, Victor, do you always, lad. rs Your lunch share in this way?" The master asked. as he observed
 -i This friendly pair one day. Quick on the payroll went the name
 Of "Jim, the Office Cat" Gainst fifty cents, his weekly wage
 And low enough at that For keeping office foes at bay
 And order in the house; No longer could be seen or heard
 A single rat or mouse. Quite dignified and proud puss looked,
 Said all who noted him, When every payday was passed out
 An envelope marked " Jim =s-T..;.-7 Ever alert, his place assured,
 Now sleek, content. and fat, A valued member of the firm Is Jim the office cati
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Had Thirty Presents.

Dear Uncle Jed: On Christmas day my grandmother and uncle came to my house. We expected my sister and her husband, but they did not come until we started to eat dinner. They came in an automobile and they said they could not stay long, so they sat down and had dinner with us
 After dinner we went in and stripped the Christmas tree. I had a lot of presents, a 1ashlight, three books, seven handkerchiefs, a coat, a hat, a pair of shoes, a pair of mittens, a case, an apron, a box of writing paper a pad, some nuts and candy, and a few other things besides. In all I hal thirty-two presents.
 After the tree was stripped packed up my things and went home with my sister to spend my vacation.
 GLADYS YOUNG, Age IF.
 Moosup.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Plainfe1d.
Clothinq.

We need clothing to keep the heat of our bodies from escaping too rapid ly into the air, and the clothes save the skin from being torn or hurt; and if we did not wear clothing the sun would burn the skin.
 The clothing should be changed ac- cording to the climate or season of the year. In summer we ought to wear lighter clothes than in the winter
 We should change the clothes fre- quently and should not sleep in the clothes worn during the day. . We should not wear wet or damp clothing any longer than we have to.
 MARY BOROVICKA, Age F.
 West Wilmington.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
A Nice Summer Vacation.

Dear Uncle Jed:-I had a very nice vacation this summer. I visited Gro ton Long Point.
 Every morning I went in bathing We have a row boat. I can row iL. Early one morning I went out rowing I saw a crab, so I came home for the crab net. After a half hour of suc- cessful grabbing I started for home.
 It was eight o'clock by the time reached home; breakfast was ready so I sat down and ate. After eating we started for the bathing beach. We stayed two hours at the beach. Thus
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Having a Good time.

D0lr Uncle Jed: I am visiting my little cousin in Moosup. I am having aa good time tonight. We colored some fashion books. and I tell you we more than colored the dresses.
 My little cousin said her styles were nicer than mine, so we had aunty say which was the best and what do you think she said?
 Well, she said one was no better than the other. She did not want to
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Baltic.
Walks to School Every pay.

Uncle Jed:-I live in the country on a farm of one hundred and ninety acres of land. Most of it is woodland.
 I walk to school every day. I at :. tend the Sacred Heart school in Wau- regan and I'm in the fourth grade. = This is the first time I have written a letter to the Wide-Awake circle.
 MONCALM GUNTHIER, Age g.
 Brooklyn
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Marian's Friend.

Dear Uncle Jed: have a girl friend who came to visit her sister. Mildred. Her name is Gladys. Her sister lives mile or so away. and so we go to visit a lit. We have been taking turns going to see each other and yes- terday afternoon she came to stay all night with me and we played games until it was time to go to bed, "Sher- lock Holmes" Authors" House" 1" and lots of other games.
 After supper we played awhile and then we went to bed. My sister, Alice, slept with us. After awhile we got to sleep, but not very. early.
 Tn the morning we wanted to get up, but couldn't find any matches. Tn our fix we woke my sister Alice up end she also wanted a lamp and we looked again. Finally I got up and went in to the other room and got some matches. Then we lit the lamp and In a few minutes we got up and be- gan to dress.
 My father got up and built the fire so we were all right After we had got most dressed. mother got up and got breakfast In a few minutes we were ready for breakfast, but it wasn't ready.
 Mother told me to dress the baby (who is my sister,.
 I said I would.
 Gladys watched me dress her. By the time she was dressed. breakfast was ready so we sat down to eat
 After breakfast mother combed our hair Bye and bye mother and I did the dishes. After they were done Gladys had to go home for her sister Mildred came for her. So we said good bye to each other. T went to ViS- t her in the afternoon.
 MARIAN C. DAWLEY. Age TO-
 West Kingston, R. I.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
Moosup.
Their Christmas Tree.

Dear Uncle Jed: I am going to tell you about the Christmas tree we had at our school on Friday, Dec. 22d. K Our teacher and one of her friends trimmed the tree. Every scholar got a box of candy and present. got a box of writing paper.
 We scholars gave her a cap and scarf.
 Before the presents were given out we played games and had a very good time.
 We had ten days vacation.
 I got fourteen Christmas presents: Two bracelets, six handkerchiefs, two pins, book, a cap and scarf, a box of writing paper, two boxes of chocolates, a pencil box and a calendar
 CLARISSA N. CHAPMAN
 Yanfic
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
he morning was passed.

the morning was passed.
 Around two o'clock the store man came, so I had ride in his auto. enjoyed the ride very much. rode all over the Point. By this time it was supper time. After supper sat in the lamp light reading. It was now retiring time, so I trot- ted off to bed.
 PHYLLTSS BELL. Age 12.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-11
MONEY PRIZES
 FOR BEST PICTURES

MONEY PRIZES
 FOR BEST PICTURES We are going to have six prszs eontests for the little folks dur ing 1917. One each two montts during the year.
 NINE PRIZES For the best picture .$f60 For the second best two. .75 ca. For third best two ...... 80 a. For remaining six in order
 pf un6SHH r<o es. Honorable mention for good work. These pictures should be drawn upon unruied paper, and may be outline drawings or shaded in space 6 inches { inches.
 Pictures which arrive by mail after Feb. 2eth vii not he entered for the prixss for January and Feb ruary.