davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
By L. FRANK BAUM.

KIT Is but honest that | should
acknowledge at the beginning
of my recital that | was born
an ordinary Woggle- Bug" began the
creature. in frank and friendly tone.
Knowing no better, | used my arms
as well as my legs for walking, and
crawled under the edges of stones or
hid among the roots of grasses with
no thought beyond finding a few in
sects smaller than myself to feed
upon.
THE chilli nights rendered me stiff
and motionless, for wore no cloth
ing, but each morning the warm rays
OF the sun gave me new life and re-
stored me to activity. A horrible ex-
istence is this, but you must remem-
ber it is the regularly ordained exist
ence of Woggle- Bugs, as we'll as OF
many other tiny creatures that in
habit the earth.
But Destiny had singled ME out,
humble though was, for grander
fate! One day | crawled near to
country school house, and, my curios-
lty being excited by the montononous
hum OF the students within, ! made
bold to enter and creep along crack
between two boards until | reached
the far end, where, in front of
hearth of glowing embers, sat the
master at his desk.
No one noticed so small a creature
as a Woggle-Bug, and when ! found
that the hearth was even warmer and
more comfortable than the sunshine,
resolved to establish my future
home beside it. So | found a charm
ing nest between two bricks and hid
myself therein for many, many
months.
Professor NowitalI is, doubtless,
the most famous scholar in the land OF
Oz, and after few days | began to
listen to the lectures and discourses
he gave his pupils. Not one of them
was more attentive than the humble,
unnoticed Woggle- e-Bug, and | &C
quired in this way fund of knowi-
edge that | will myself confess is
simply marvellous. That is why |
place T. E.'--Thoroughly Educated
upon my cards; for my greatest pride
lies in the fact that the world cannot
produce another Woggle- with
tenth part of my own culture and
erudition."
Il do not blame you,' said the
Scarecrow. Education is a thing to
be proud of. I'm educated myself.
The mess of brains given my by the
Great Wizard is considered by my
friends to be unexcelled."
Nevertheless" interrupted the Tin
Woodman, "a great heart is, be-
lieve, much more desirable than cdu-
cation or brains"
ITO me- said the Saw-Horse. "a
good leg is more desirable than
either"
"Could seeds be considered in the
light of brains3 inquired the Pump
kinhead, abruptly.
Keep quiet commanded Tip,
sternly.
'Very well, dear father" answered |
the obedient Jack.
The Woggle- Bug listened patiently
I--even respectfully these remarks |
and then resumed his story.
Il must have lived fully three years
in that secluded school house hearth"
said he. drinking thirstily Of the ever
flowing fount of linnpid knowledge be-
fore me-"
"Quite poetical," commented the |
Scarecrow, nodding his head approx
ingly.
"But one day." continued the Bug,
"a marvellous circumstance occurred !
that altered my very existence and |
brought me to my present pinnacle of
greatness. The Professor discovered |
me in the act of crawling across the
hearth, and before | could escape he
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
A Letter.

Opal Ferrin, Aged 10 Years, McClelland.
Ia, f. f. D. /. Blue Side.
Dear Busy Bees: This is my first letter to
your page, always look for the Busy Bee
page first and like their letters fine.
What are you going to do this spring
to help win the war?
I intend to help mamma with her garden
and chickens Mamma has a nice flock OF
White Wyandotte chickens and also raises
guinea pigs, of which she has 13. We are
going to try and raise all the chickens we
can. so as to help feed the soldier boys.
I have one uncle in Washington In camp.
and two in Oklahoma l have two sisters
and one brother. Little brother is only 16
months old.
l go to school and have nice teacher.
Her name is Miss Breedlove. Well, dear,
Busy Bees | must close as my letter is
getting long. l would like to hear from
some OF the Busy Bees if they will write
to me, so goodbye.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Nv First Letter.

BY Delorese McCluskey, Davenport. Neb.
Dear Busy Bees: I am little girl, 6
years old.
just had a birthday the 5th Of this
month. This is my second year in school
and have been neither absent nor tardy
since I started.
My teachers name is Miss Youngson and
like her very much.
have one little sister, 8 years old. Her
name is Alberta. She visits our grandma
every day, as grandma only lives block
away.
For pets I have little white bob-tailed
dog. His name is Bob, and he Is with Us
girls wherever we go.
We had white Angora cat, but it
disappeared. Do not know whether 1t
was killed or stolen.
As this is my first letter. I will not make
It too long. and hope it does not find the
waste basket.
VIII close with riddle: What kind of
table has no lege? The multiplication
table
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

had caught me between his thumb and
forefnger.
Ny dear children, said he, i have
captured a Woggle- Bug--a very rare
and interesting specimen. Do any OF
you know what Woggle-Bug is9'
No. yelled the scholars, in chorus.
"Then, said the Professor, i will
get out my famous magnifying glass
and throw the insect upon screen in
q highly-magnifed condition, that you
may all study carefully its peculiar
construction and become acquainted
with its habits and manner of life
He then brought from a cupboard
a most curious instrument, and before
could realize what had happened I
found myself thrown upon screen
in a highly-magnihed state--even as
you now behold me.
"The students stood up on their
stools and craned their heads forward
TO get better view of me, and two
little girls jumped upon the sill of an
open window where they could see
more plainly
"Behold!' cried the Professor, in a
loud voice, this highly-magnified
Woggle- Bug; one of the most curious
insects in existencep
Being Thoroughly Educated, and
knowing what is required of a cul-
tured gentleman, at this juncture !
stood upright and, placing my hand
upon my bosom, made very polite
bow. My action, being unexpected,
must have startled them, tor one of
the little girls perched upon the win
dow-sill gave a scream and fell back
ward out the window, drawing her
companion with her as she disap-
peared.
"The Professor uttered a cry of
horror and rushed away through the
door to see if the poor children were
injured by the fall. The scholars fol-
lowed after him in wild mob, and !
mas left alone in the school room, still
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Honorable Mention)
Our School.

BY Alma Frericks, Aged 9 Years, Talmage,
Neb. Blue Side.
I live in the country and go to the coun-
try school, My teachers name Is Miss Helen
Kriemer Of Talmage. Our school is not
very large, but has 16 pupils and they are
present as often as possible.
am in the Fourth grade and there are
only two in the class besides me. My
brother goes to school, too, and he Is the
only one in the Eighth grade. We have
all the rest Of the classes except the First.
We had a Thanksgiving program and a
box supper on November 2S The program
did not last very long, but many people
were present. My father was auctioneer
and the first thing they had before the
boxes were sold there was something don't
remember ever having in our school, A
box of candy was given for the most popu-
lar lady getting the most votes. Our
teachers name was among these and she
won It, Then the boxes were hauled out and
they made something over $50.
This is the first time I have written and
hope to see MY story I'll print.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Nv Birthday Party.

By Ellen Young, Aged II Years, Box A2S.
Rosalie, Neb. Blue Side
I have never written In the Busy Bee
page before. l am going to have a birthday
party. 1 did not tell them.
After school the children bought presents
and brought them to me.
Then mamma had to go up town to get
some ice cream and cookies. While she was
gone we played games.
There were more than 20 children present.
After they had eaten the ice cream and
cookies they went home. I wish to see my
letter in print.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Pup and Kitten Fight.

Elinor kountze has international
troubles at her house, and it's all on
account of her Pekingcse puppie, Hi
~Black Mask" that she received
on Mr birthday last September and
the Angora CAT that she bought at the
White Elephant sac. Now, this cat
is named Fritz. and, although Elinor
tries to call it Fluffy, kitty refuses to
come to any name but Fritz. Hi-Wee
and Fritz don't agree on lots of things
and since Fritz is larger than Hi-Wee
he thinks he's boss, and it's only after
a good talk that Hi Wee forgets his
Japanese origin and Fritz forgets his
German name, and they both live in
peace and harmony in their American
home.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
First Letter.
BY Lois suddick. Aged Years. Woodbins.

BY Lois suddlck, Aged 9 Years. Woodbine,
Ia, Blue Side.
Dear Busy Bees This is my first letter
to the Busy Bees. We take The Bee and
read your page every Sunday.
My teachers name is Miss Barry and l
am in the fourth grads. My teacher said
we could have Valentine box il we would
promise to make all of our valentines, be-
cause she said she thought 1t was foolish
to spend our money for valentines, when we
could make them. I think it is fun to make
them. l cut some kewpies out Of the maga-
zine to paste on the valentines and think
they are just as cute as what we buy.
Well, my letter is getting long. Goodbs-
Busy Bees.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
NV First Letter.

BY Portia Josephine Jeffrey, Aged Years.
IA Washington Street, Lexington, Neb.
Dear Blu Bees: My name is Portia JEFF
frey. I have sister and three brothers
We all go to school. but the baby He is
just II months old. ] am In the Third
grade and years old. My teachers name is
Miss Margaret Eyer.
My grandma lives in the country and
go out there and visit pretty near ever~i
sunday I hope to join the Blue Side
hope to see my letter in print
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
ent, who we're:

Sunday morning, and also a pledge
to the church. Rev. Mackay says it
is an inspiration to him to hear the
children say, Il pledge allegiance to
my church and to the Savior for
whose kingdom it stands. One broth
erhood, uniting all mankind in service
and love"
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Nv First Letter.

BY Rosemary Middlemiss, Aged Years,
45O7 Lafayette, Omaha.
Dear Busy Bees: This is my first letter
to you I would like to join the Blue Side.
We take The Omaha Daily Bee every day.
I go to school every day. am in the third
grade. Ny teachers name Is Miss Gray.
I have no sisters or brothers. But I have
little lamb for my playmate. She follows
me wherever I go and in the night I say
good night lamby and she will say ba ba.
And when us children play hiding go seek
she will hunt for us. My letter Is getting
long so I will close. Hope to see my letter
in print
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Knitting Kneedles Flv.

David Shiverick Smith, Eleanor
Smiths 3-weeks-old brother, is very
interested in watching Eleanor's knit
ting kneedles fly. He will lay quietly
in his crib blinking his eyes as her
needles so i'll and out on the gray
sweater for the Red Cross. Eleanor
says he is the most important men,
Der Of the Floyd Smith family.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Little Stories BY Little Folks

in the week days I go TO school and am
in the fourth grade and I like my teaches
fine. 1 am learning to knit. / belong to
the Red Cross. For pets I have dog. two
cats, two colts, Paddy and Sam. and
bantom hen. I would like to join ths
Blue Side. I will close for this time.
wish some Of the Busy Bees would write to
me,
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Claire Abbott's Party.

Claire Abbott was hostess at Val
entine party Thursday. The after
noon was spent in hunting for hearts
and there was a Valentine box for
favors. Her guests were Lucille Race,
Ruth Chatheld, Josephine Black
wood, Adelaide Finley. Jane Horton,
Jean Hall and Flora Root.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Valentine Thrift STAMPS,

Dorothy Higgins and her little SIS
ter, --aIgarct, and their cousin, Hay
den Storz, were all surprised to re-
ceive thrift stamps as their Valentine
greetings from their grandma, Mrs.
Gottlieb Storz. Mrs. Storz gave all
her children and grandchildren thrift
stamps instead of Valentines, and
Grandpa Storz added a few for good
measure.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
John Inkster Usher.

John Inkster is one of the Boy
Scouts who helped usher at the pa
triotic meeting at the Auditorium
Tuesday evening. John has two
brothers in the army, and receives
letters from France very often from
his brother, Robert. John hopes to
see the war zone some day for him
self, and until then he is doing all
that he can to help his Scout team.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Armies for Liberty.

Two armies, composed of kiddics
from the neighborhood of Fortieth
and Farnam streets, have been hay
ing sham battles in trenches and open
fields.
General George Connor and Cap
tain Thomas Austin. with their army,
surrendered to General Billy Connor
and Captain Burton Guckert. The
defeated army was fighting for lib
erty, but it was young end lost The
victorious army fought for supremacy
and won.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Amy VIRGINIA Bernstein

Amy Virginia Bernstein not only
tagged the fire shovel, but her dad
found little card tied to the handle
of the sugar bowl, which read, GO
Easy" Amy Virginia is like Jack
Spratt and his wife and "licks the
plate clean" for she wants to help the
Sammies, and has learned to knit and
make trench candles for them.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
For Junior Red Cross.

Jane Horton and Caroline Abbott,
who attend Park school, gave up Val
entines this year and are going to
give the money to the Junior Red
Cross. Miss Mason, the principal of
Park school, asked all the children to
do without Valentines, SO the school
would have 100 per cent member
ship, and many of the boys and girls
are giving IS much money to the Red
Cross rs they spend on Valentines.
This sclool was 100 per cent Thurs
da;.. l.-.-,..-.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
First Letter.

BY Betty Watkins, 1911 Georgia Avenue
Omaha.
Dear Busy Bees: This is my first letter
to you. I am In the Second grade at Park
school. My sister, Marian, Is in the First
grade.
1 want to tell you about the two kittens
my cousin in Indiana has. The name of one
IS Pat and the name Of the other one is
Towney. Pat is very timid and runs and
hides when anyone comes to the house.
Towney Is not a bit timid He likes men
the best. 1 used to haul Towney in the
doll buggy
I was years old last week and my sis
ter is 6.
I want to Join the Blue Side.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Dorothy Sherman, on Thirty
eighth avenue, entertained 70 little
Girls at a Valentine party Saturday.
The house was decorated with red
hearts and cupids. The girls wore
fancy paper caps and each received
a valentine. They played old-fash-
ioned games, danced to Vctrola
music and enjoyed an ice cream
course at the conclusion of the frolic
The slices of ice cream had red
hearts in the center and heart-shaped
cakes were served to the guests pres
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
New Member.

By Lyndon Moore, Aged 10 Years, SAN
Taylor Street.
Dear Busy Bees: This is my first letter.
would like to join the Blue side.
I have three rabbits
I read the Busy Bee page and enjoy It
very much.
Well, my letter Is getting long, so good
by. I hope to see my letter in print.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
New Mernher

BY Una Tillman, Age 10 Years, Red Oak, Ia.
Dear Busy Bees: This is my first letter
] have written to you. I'm busy reading
the Junior stories every Monday evening I
go to school and I am In the fifth grade.
My teachers made Is Miss Florence Peter
son. wish to be member and Join the
Blue side.
Hoping to see my letter in print.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
First Letter.

BY Mildred Johnson, 400 Blaine Street,
Holdrege. Neb.
My Dear Busy Bees: Please may Join
your Bee page? I would like very much
to join the Blue Side.
I enjoy the Bee page and I will promise
to be faithful l don't suppose you have to
make such VOWS as these, but enjoy doing
II, and 1t fills space quickly
have several stories I would like to send
in Maybe you Busy Bees would not care
for them, but I certainly enjoy writing
them.
1 think have written enough for this
time, SO will close saying goodby to the In
teresting Busy Bees.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
New Blue Member

BY Alma Schneekloth. Aged II Years
Bennington, Neb.. Box 144 Blue Side,
r., would like to be annexed to the Blue
Spring" F'AN
Now the sleds are put away,
In the old shed by the hay,
And the little brides sing
IN the good and pleasant Spring.
Now the skates no more are usod
Cause the big ponds water will oo,a
Mhen we jump upon the 10
We'u fall in as sure al ri.-
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
A Letter.

BY Phyllis Brown. Aged Years. Route /,
Box 90, Wahoo, Neb. Blue Side.
Dear Busy Bees: This is my first letter
30 I hope you will let me in your home.
1 like to read the letters in the Sunday
Bee, also like to see Mr.. and Mrs. Jiggs
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
The Goose and the Golden Eggs.

BY Ida Anfel, Age II Years. CIarKson, Neb.
Blue Side.
Once upon a time there was Q man that
had a goose, and he thought d great deal
OF it,
Every day she laid a golden egg. OF
course every goose laid eggs, but this goose
laid golden ones. He did not sell the eggs,
but put them in an iron box, and pretty
soon it was big pile. He was SO greedy
that he killed the wonderful bird. When
he came look for the eggs there were
none to be found. Foolish man, he killed
the goose that laid the golden eggs.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Dorothy Guckert and Polly Rob-
bins are doing their ten-milc- Camp
fire Girls-hike on paved streets, so
many block a day.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

The Scott children are wintering at
Houston, Tex. Margaret and her sis
ters, Louise and Eleanor, write that
they miss their Omaha playmates,
and Hunter Scott likes Omaha
schools best.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Room 8, Saunders school, raised
$525 the first day of the Junior Red
Cross drive, and the money is still
coming. The children are trying to
earn what they give to the Junior
Red Cross.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Patriotic Salute

The Sunday school children of All
Saints church have flag salute every
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

CLlFFORD AND GRACE JOHNSON.
Little Grace and Clifford Johnson
gave Valentine party Thursday after
noon at their home, 423 North Eight
eenth street. The home was beautiful
ly decorated with flowers, valentines,
hearts and cupids. The following q
playmates were the guests.
Girls Girls
Nellie O'Brien, Grace johnson,
Doris Gilbert. May Powell,
Helen Brlen, Gladys Shonfield.
Lorraine Sinich, Wanda Wells,
Margaret Brien, Violet Duetsch,
Grace OBrien, Diantha Faulkner,
Helen Hawes. Clara Louxe,
Bertha Bait, Dorthea Altrock,
Jennie Bait. Viola Altrock
Boys Boys
Bill O'Brien. Norval Wells
Melvin Clarke, Dwight Faulkner.
John OBrien. Leo Coyne,
Frank Hummel, Blaine Wall
Hartford Cress,
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Personals

Helen Nygaard was dressed as a
Valentine in tulle and red hearts at
Miss Cooper's Valentine party at the
Blackstone.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

BUSY BEE SOCIETY

NOTE-Busy Bees will please
send their society items to Mar
garet Shotwell, Busy Bee So
ciety editor, care Bee Office
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

school to make it 100 per cent Junior
Red Cross between now and George
Washington'S birthday, February %.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Valentine Party.

Dorothy Knox entertained a Val-
entine party at her home. 1926 Har-
ney street. The guests all came in
dear little Valentine costumes. The
dining room was decorated beauti-
fully throughout with decorated val
entines. After refreshments were
served games were played. Prizes
were given to three little girls. Those
present we're:
Misses Misses
Gladys MoGabin. Mildred Voyles,
Elizabeth Paffenrath, Florence Nestor.
Eleanore Mckukn, Catherine McCoun
Helen Hartman Marjorie Morehouse,
Gertrude Carlisle, Dorothy Knox.
Teresa Christman.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Patriotic Party.

Mrs Arthur K. Barnes, 5l06 Jack
son street, gave patriotic birthday
party for her son, John Herman
Barnes, who celebrated his seventh
birthday. The colors we're red,
white and blue. There we're little
candles in candlesticks to decorate
the dining room and a basket of
candy was placed on each plate. The
birthday cake was garnished with
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Curtis Shears, an Omaha boy, who
lives in Washington, D. c., has re-
ceived the principal appointment to
Annapolis and is attending prepara-
tory school for his examinations next
week. Curtis ranked high in his stud
les in Omaha and all his schoolmates
hope he will have success.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
Hilda from Holland.

Little Jeanette Borglum was
typical Hilda from Holland at the
costume party given by Miss Mary
Cooper at the Blackstone. A bright
blue skirt, short-sleeved waist, with
a cunning little red jacket, wide,
Dutch cap and even wooden shoes
transformed the little girl into Hol-
lander. Jeannette's doll was dressed
in Dutch costume, too, and her dress
was just like her little mothers, even
to the tiny wooden shoes.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
&s@@sI
The Feast

This is the feast
table with 10 little
feasters sitting around
They were at Gladys
Shonheld's party last
week.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17
For Junior Red Cross.

rol junior NSu NEoSSs
Two enterprising and patriotic
youngsters, Thomas Sutphen and
Leroy Zust will give a radioptical
show at Thomas home, 420 North
torty-frst avenue, Monday evening.
The home picture show will give
views of America and foreign coun-
tries. Gertrude Sutphen will sell
home made candy during the movie"
and tickets are now being sold
throughout the neighborhood for 5
cents each. Everybody is invited.
The proceeds will go to the Saunders
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Maurine Richardson made very
pretty Bo-Peep at the Mother Goose
carnival, and as she walked across
the stage no one could blame the
lambs for scampering after such
pretty shepherdess.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Ruth Carpenter has taken Maud
Browns place with the Junior ORA
matte club.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Harriet Fleishman, who has been
visiting her grandparents, Rev. Mr..
and Mrs. E. Fleishman, has re-
turned to her home in North Platte.
Omaha daily bee., 1918-02-17

Ruth Lynch gave 25 cents to the
Junior Red Cross for herself and rs
cents each for two other children who
could not afford it. The she gave
every child in room 8, Saunders
school, little valentine.