davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
The Cross Box.

It was a dark, rainy day, and the children had to stay in the house. Tom had planned to go fishing and Grace wanted to go in the barn and hunt for her kittens. Pretty soon Dock came in with box. There, we have some thing to do now" he said, and showed mamma the box. Dick said:
 Mamma. don't you think this will be nice? Every time we children speak a cross word. we shall have to put in one cent"
 sI they agree" said Memna.
 We agree" said Grace and Tom
 What shall we do with the mon ey?' said Tom.
 We will give it to Jimmy" said Grace, as she glanced out at a little boy who We lame and poor.
 If you don't do what I want to I'll pitch the box out of the window" said Dick, angrily.
 Where's your renny% asked mann ma.
 Dick looked foolish and brought the first penny.
 One Saturday s,amma found in the box 1T cents.
 "Weil get flowers and send then to the childGn in the hospital" saiG mamma. and they all agreed.
 BERRTCE BURDICK, Age 10.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
LETTERS TO UNCLE JED.
The Cat That Went Fishing.

The Cat That Went Fishing.
 Dear Uncle Jed: Minnikins, our pet cat, came into the kitchen one morn ing and she acted as if she was hun gry. My cousin Priscilla, who was on a visit to us was in the kitchen, talking to mother. Every time Pris- cilla would see Minnikins she would say, "Scati Seat" for she had dis like for cats.
 As was saying Minnikins was nun- gry and she looked at my mother, but she was busily working and did not see Pussy. So, there was nobody to feed poor pussy. If she wanted some thing to eat she must find it herself It was or no use to watch the mouse hole, She had looked at it long enough.
 The bird she tried to catch flew away and saying something that sounded like, Don't you wish you might7'
 All of a sudden 5iinnilSins grew thoughtful. She walked down to the pond in back of the house and watch ed the water Tapped against the sides. Do you think she was admiripg the water? Oh, no; she was watching for a fish. After awhile there was a rip pie and quick as flash, pussy dipped in her paw. She drew out a little fish and ate it. Now she felt better The next day she was hungry again
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Alfreda Walker of Eagleville-I thank you very. very much for the Thrift Stamp received as a prize. was surprised when I read that 1 had won Thrift Stamp.
 Elizabeth Stetson of Central Village -1 thank you for the prize book that you sent me. As far as 1 have read it find it very interesting.
 Sadie Phillips of Norwich Thanks for the last book I won, entitled Phil Bradley's Winning Ways.
 Eloise Smith of Norwich-Thank you very much for the Thrift Stamp.
 Helen Bates of Plainfeld - Many thanks for the Thrift Stamp I just re- ceived. I have filled one book and this will start me on another.
 Katherine Farrell of Norwich-I thank you for my prize book entitled The Hilltop Boys on the River, which 1 am reading, and find it very inter esting.
 Charlotte Fellows of Norwich Town - received the prize book entitled The Moonshiner's Son. have read it and found it very interesting. Thank you very much for it.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Aubudon the Bird Hunter.

When Aubudon was making his book about birds he had to live in the woods a great deal.
 One day he saw an Indian go into a hollow tree and there was a bear in the tree. But the Indian had a knife and he fought with the bear and kill Ted it. 'Aubudon could shoot very well but the hunters in the woods could shoot better. One day Aubudon told one of his friends to throw up his hat When the hat came down. there was a hole in it.
 One day Aubudon stopped in a cab in, where there lived an old white wo- man. There was an Indian there who
 was hurt with an arrow The old wo-
 man saw Aubudon's gold watch and asked him to let her, see it. Aubudon placed it in her hand for a moment, and then the Indian came by, Aubu- l don and pinched him two or three times. This meant that she was bad and that she would rob .him. Then
 two men came in. They were the two
 sons of the old woman. She. said to them, Sharpen two knives and kill the Indian first, and then kill Aubu- don." She thought, that Auburon was
 asleep but Aubudon raised up his
 gun, and just then two hunters came 1 in and they tied the hands and feet of
 the woman's sons. l The Indian was so glad. although he
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Seeds.

The object of the flower in a plant is to form the fruit or seed The seed is the only part of the fruit that is absolutely necessary for the growth of the plant, and the essential part of g seed is the germ it contains The germ is a little plant lying snugly packed away in the seed, ready to grow into a new plant when the seed is sown. To produce, protect and nour- ish the germ is the object of the flow CT. the fruit and the seeds.
 When a seed that has been sown receives enough heat, light and mois- ture. it swells a little shoot, which growing downward forms the root. another little shoot forces it's way up- ward to unfold into the stem and leaves No matter in what position the seed Is planted, the root always turns down and the stem always goes up.
 What causes this. no one knows. but it is easy to see why it should be SO: since the dark damp soil is the work ing place of the root while the stem carries the leaves into the light and air, where they have their part to do in the growth of the plant.
 DORA JUNEAU, Age 14. Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Died of Loneliness.

Once l had a little dog. little dog had heas, in addition to the f1eas, he had a
 cheerful mind; Fido wasn't hard to keep, wasn't hard
 to please Always wagged his tail although a can might hang behind. Fifty cents would represent much more
 than be was worth Barring fieas, though, Fido didn't have
 care on earth. In a burst of tenderness, once upon a time.
 Reeklessiy l bought some powder
 for the insect pests: Sprinkled it upon him-well it only
 cost a dime: Here beneath this withered grass,
 faithful Fido rests! Happy little Fido-how could anybody
 guess, When the fess deserted him he'd die
 of loneliness?
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
A ConvArsation

70, dear, what noisy city you live in,' said Nero. the country dog, to Trixy, the city dog.
 Why l don't mind it." said Trixy. Tt is great fun lodging all the auto mobiles and teams; sometimes when my mistress goes out and leaves me alone in the kitchen feel so lonesome I could cry.''
 My! That is funny, as my chief delight is to get alone for few min utes I have to do so much work that am all tired out from morning to night. I mind the sheep, but then when I go get a good feed and much batting, so you see it is worth the work" said Nero.
 Well, it is not so in my case. never have anything to do but run after automobiles and teams; but ] never come near the house only when ] can't help it, for when do all I get is kicksI and I never get anything to
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
UNCLE JEo's TALK WITH WIDE.
 AWAKEs.

Have you heard the peep toads call ing to one another. in the swamps and bogEy places yet?
 When the sun calls the peep toads 1t has Jack Frost on the run and Flora has started with the birds to sum mon her tribes from all parts of the temperate zone.
 Of course, the reptiles and plants are not called by a voice but by a thrill They are awakened to warm and thrifty days, and the fact that they live together prompts us to note that they are creatures of social habits.
 IL is not so strange that toads live deep downGn the frozen mud during the winter months. for they have been found sealed up in rocks where they have lived for centuries, some people
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
STORIES WRITTEN BY WIDE,
 AWAkES.
Joan of Arc.

Little Joan was born about a hun dred years ago in small village of France. Her parents were poor peas ants and she tended her fathers sheep on the hillside. It was while there that Joan had many visions, telling her to go forth and save France, as her country was at that time at war.
 She at first thought it mere fancy,
 but as it continued she told her par ents; but they would not let her go. Later she won their consent, and with her cousin started to see the Dauphin, as that was the kings name. When she was admitted to his presence she told him of her visions. She was put at the head of an army and the battle resulted in a victory for Joan She then wanted to go home, but they would not let her. She then fought another battle in which she was taken prisoner by the English and burned as witch at the stake Thus ended the life of Joan of Arc. CECILIA HUNTLEY, Age 10. Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
The sriuos, Christmas.

At about haif-p past eleven on Christ mas day Mrs. Briggs was getting din- rler. She was not slender, and she wore tight fitting. pink, transparent shirtwaist, a black and white striped skirt, and cerise pumps, with ten- cent store jewelry. She was always, as the neighbors said, dressed fit to kill, and if they had seen her on this day we might fear the results. T can't see any sense in eailir' Christmas a day of joy it's anythin but that" she said, but the neighbors all dresses up an I got to beat them"
 Gwendoiyn now appeared with no less than three necklaces and her hair 'frizzed." She was "fapper.'
 Her small brother came in behind her, wearing a pink silk shirt and squeaky shoes. This dialogue ensued.
 f'Ma, I want to see the Christmas tree,
 Well, you'll have to wait till yer pa and yer brother eomes.s
 "Ma, I want to see the Christmas tree.''
 If you don't stop that I'll whip
 q want to see the Christmas tree What did I just tell yer?'
 q don't care! want to see it." Well, if you must, you must but } don't you touch nothin'." l He, went out with Gwendolyn, and Pa arrived with Brother Dinner wal eaten with much grumbling by every body. Then they all went to the Christmas tree to find half the pack, ages opened by son Walter. The res were speedily disposed of by Brother and GWendolyn. After half an houl Brother began to cry.
 : Whats the matter" asked his sis. ter. 1 1T want some more presents"
 After leeking over the gifts spilled all over the floor his mother said
 Well, you can't have 'enl.'
 Whereupon the family adjourned fo a ride in the Metz.
 PATRICIA CASSIDY, Age H. | Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
My Trip to Chaplin.

We started from OUT house after dinner We expected our friends from Eaglevii1e, but he did not come in time, so my father went to the barn and harnessed the horse. Then we got on our coats and caps and oth- CT things on. Then father got his coat and drove up to the house, We all got in; my two brothers, my father, my sister, and I.
 We passed Gurleyville. Chaffeeville AtwooGy!!le and other small places. On the way I saw many cards hsnging in fine windows about the Red Cross and the U S. Rood Conservation. This showed the people were helping to save food Those who joined the Red Cross are willing to help win this war
 We soon came to Chaplin. We went to see MT. Jacobs. He was very glad that we came to visit him. We put the blanket on our horse and went in to the house. It was nice and warm. When we had been there about ten minutes. in came our friend from
 EaglevilIe with a sled and mule. We stayed there quite a long time. Then we went to see another friend. After we visited him for while we
 went home.
 My brothers and I went with the sled and mule. My big brother drove, My father, Mir Real, and my sister
 went with our horse. My father l drove.
 We were not as cold as we were on our way to Chaplin. We met our neighbors at Chaffee- ville. They came after us. We had
 a nice time going home. We were all
 in a row for about two miles and a quarter.
 i We came home and found that i mother had done most all of the work | that we were supposed to do. | MARY M. STETNMEYER, Age 12. | Eagleyille
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
The Little Man of the Shoe.

Here goes!" said small boy as he picked up an old shoe to toss it into a box of rubbish. When all of sud- den he heard a wee voice say; "Not so fast! Not so fast!"
 The boy stood wondering what could be, so small that it could crawl into his little shoe; but all the same he had heard the voice.
 While he stood wondering the voice again spoke. It said: ~ .s.ga
 Take me out, please! Take me out!" .-
 The boy picked it up and away up in the toe was a wee little man all cramped up.
 The little boy took him home and gave him some dinner and let him sleep on his pillow at night.
 After that they were good friends. The little boy found him very good playfellow and so let him live with him ever after.
 FLORENCE c. PEARSON. Z
 Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
'camouHase.

We hear so much about camouhage nowadays, and this is not the first time in history that camoufage has been used. The Indians were camou- haging when they dressed up in leaves and branches of trees, and pre- tended to be bushes. And in the same way that they fooled the settlers, we are fooling the Germans now.
 On the water, ships are painted in colors of How visibility" that blend in with the sky and the water, mak- ing the ships invisible at a distance. Another way is to paint the ocean waves on a ship, which makes it look like the Water around it. Still another way is to paint wavy lines, so that there are no sharp outlines; and yet a different. way is to paint the part of the ship that is in shadow light, and the lighter part dark. This way mixes the enemy all up. and they cannot tell whether it is warship or rowboat that they see.
 On land, a common way of eamou- faging is simply covering the object desired to be hidden with branches oi trees.
 Armored trains and automobiles, and sometimes guns, are painted with col ored lines and splotches, arranged tc blend in with the landscape. Roads are. usually screened by painted scenery, and sometimes witt foliage.
 A way of drawing the enemy fire away from an important spot, is tt construct dummy guns and gunners and the Germans often waste To of ammunition before they discover their mistake.
 Of course, camouf1age was not al ways what it is now. Much time anC thought have been spent on discover | ing the colors that are of Tow visi bilitys' and what kind of camoufag, must be used-when and where. Elk 1 pertinent upon experiment has mad camoufage an art, and now we cal i even deceive the Germans into mis
 taking gun battery for forest.
 ELOISE c. SMITH, Age 14. l Nrvr1iola
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
cLsvsr Bras. O.. 1878

She remembered the fish and ran down to the pond. This time there was something long and black moving about, close near the edge. Minnikins forgot she did not like to wet herself She jumped right in and brought a live eel to land.
 Pussy must have thought, Now, I'll treat Priscilla better than she did me" for Pussy seized the squirming crea- tuFe with her teeth and took it into the kitchen and laid it at Priscilla's feet. q
 Priscilla thought it was a snake. How she did screami
 My brother and father who had just come in from riding ran into the kit chen to see what the matter was and laughed to see Priscilla so frightened by a harmless eel.
 If Minnikins went fishing after that she fished for her own amusement. for Priscilla, while she stayed, did not let Pussy go hungry any more. MARY CASEY, Age IA, Norwich
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Left School to eo to Work.

In 1909 John Williamson was living in one of the large cities. John was 14 years old and was in the sixth grade. Because he was fourteen he could get a working certificate. Johns family didn't need the small amount of money he could earn. but they didn't realize how important it was for John to finish his schooling. He got a po- sitionf as messenger boy.
 At first he found the work very in- teresting. Sometimes he carried mes- sages into mills where many fasci- hating machines were at work
 Then, too, small as was his pay he took great pride in receiving it; and since his parents permitted him to keep nearly all of it he was able to buy things. He bought bicycle and a motorcycle.
 After a few years his work. became monotonous. He discovered that his
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Enid, the Good.

Tn a small town in France lived Enid Lerigue, commonly called Enid, the Good, on account of her charity to the poor victims of the war. She was an attractive girl of 20 and very wealthy.
 An orphanage- for children, hos pital for the sick, and other things were credited to her. Each day money and food would go out of her home to the poor.
 Some regarded her as an angel sent from heaven in their hour of need. Many new, born babes were named for her, as this was the only way of showing their gratitude.
 It chanced that Enid was walking in the woods one; day when she nearly stumbled. She looked down to see what object was in her way, when to her surprise she heard a baby crying piteously. She picked it up and car ried it home. Weeks of advertising did not find it's parents, so Enid decid- ed to adopt the pretty little girl.
 Blanche is now grown up, but al- though Enid now has other children, Blanche is as dear to her as her own.
 SADIE PHILLIPS, Age '15.
 Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Respect For the FIaa.


 We should all learn to%respect the flag of the United States which is our own nations flag.
 When the Star Spangled Banner is played we should stand, and the men should take off their hats.
 The flag should be placed on the right side of a building. It should be put out at sun rise and taken in at sunset.
 If flag is reversed it is a sign of distress aS,
 To strike; flag in an engagement is signtof yielding.
 A sign, of smogrnirg is to hoist the flag orily.s.part ,ofe the height of the mast; if on land,,ihaaf the height of the staff 's: & Dipping the. flag is hauling it down few feet and then running it up again. salutes ares sometimes made by dipping In the United statas. navy when the flag is hoisted at "colors'' or hauled down at sunset the officers. and. men are required to salute. Flags are the recognized means of signaling at sea: ships may easily communicate with each other, on very necessary subjects, by these interna- tiona1 codes Each nation has it's own 1 A-ivate code.
 When in pafade the national flag is carried with ssany other flag il should have, the place of honor al the right If a number of flags are carri5d the national flag should either precede the other flags or be carried in the center above the others on a | higher staff.
 | When used as an altar covering the union, it. is at the right and nothing should De placed on the flag except the Holy Bible.
 l When flags are used in unveilins a monument they should never fall tC the ground. but be carried aloft, form. ing a distinctive feature of the cere. mony. '' GRACE I. MAHoNEY, Age s1s. l Colchester.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Ordering a Brother.

Dear doctor. I'm so tired
 Of every doll and toy, Ana wish that you would bring us A real meat baby boy. A real live baby brother.
 With dimpled hands and face; Pa says they grow on bushes, And that you know the place. That after stormy weather
 Ripe babies may be found Among the deep soft mosses
 That grow upon the ground. So yesterday emptied My bank upon the floor, And counted fifteen dollars,
 hope they don't cost more. So when there's stormy weather,
 And you are going there Please bring a boy-one with you.
 Or, sooner. bring a pair. For I am dreadfully lonely,
 And tired of each toy. And if you can't find twin ones.
 Just bring a baby boy. -will p Snyder, in Billie Be
 and !"
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Norwich
A Trip Up the Hudson.

Dear Uncle Jed: I would like to tell the Wide -Awakes about my trip up the Hudson.
 We started from New York about o'clock in the morning on a large excursion steamer.
 On each side of the Hudson rise the immense Palisades which extend for many miles along the river In a clear day the scenery is very beau tiful and the Palisades are dotted with magnificent residences whose estates extend down to the water front
 About noon we ate our lunch on the deck listening to the popular airs played by the band.
 When we reached Newburg we had only one hour for sightseeing so va decided to visit Washington's head quarters. It is situated on a hill over looking the Hudson river It was for merly a farmhouse and has been well preserved. We went through several of the rooms and purchased sou venir which we have yet
 When we got back the boat was
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Danielson.
Prince.

. We had a horse who was very gen tie. My sister and I could drive him. Some times we would. go down into the pasture where he was. When he saw us he would whine for us to gi1e him some apples. He was very fond Of, apples and would eat all he could get.
 After awhile Prince became too old to keep and so was sold. We have d1- other horse now, but we do not love her as we'll as we did Prince.
 I hope all the Wide -Awakes had such a good pet as I had.
 MARION PIERCE, Age 13.
 Preston
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
THE WINNERS OF PRIZES.

1-Irene Perry of Danielson-A Little Girl of Old Philadelphia.
 2-EIoise c. Smith of Norwich Thrift Stamp.
 S-Patricia Cassidy of Norwich Thrift Stamp.
 4-Mary Casey of Norwich-Thrift Stamp.
 5-Grace Mahoney of Colchester Thrift Stamp.
 6-Doris N. Weaver of Providence Thrift Stamp,
 7-Frederiek Zavanotte of North Stonington-Only a Farm Boy.
 S-Marearet Heibel of Taftville--The Red Cross Girls.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
Raising Money For the Red Cross.


 One summer day at Oakland Beach. Rhode Island. the children that lived in the vicinity near Warwick Cove, wished to raise money for the Red Cross. They all got together and made up an entertainment. In it were songs. folk dances that they had learned, and short stories and poems The children who took part in it were, Annette and Gabrielle Forest, James. Ethel, Jeanette and Florence Scott, Geraldine Furnace, and Irrna Perry.
 We had two entertainments because a society from Providence came that day. We held them on Saturday and Monday afternoons.
 The first day we earned three dol lars and seventy-fve cents. The fol- lowing Monday we earned seventy five cents. This made four dollars and fifty cents which we gave to the Red Cross. st
 The people enjoyed the little enter tainment andI hope that if any other children try to do something to help their country, that they will have just as good a success as we children had
 IRMA PERRY. :
 Danielson.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
My Pet Cat.

Dear Uncle Jed: One of my friends gave my pet cat to me last June. She is ten months old. Her name is Flos- sy. When she sees me she comes and sits on my lap.
 One day when I went to feed her she was gone. I found her in the thick grass. She could not get out. I took her to the barn and fed her. She has never got lost since.
 CHARLES FULLER, Age 10. Norwich, |.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04

pay didn't increase rapidly. After be- ing messenger boy for five years ne was getting little more than in lPUs He couldn't get another job be- cause he didn't finish his school work. One day his manager told him he wouldn't be needed any longer be- cause the company had taken some younger boys at less pay than John was getting.
 aan now realized how foolish he
 to leave school He discovered
 se that employment is something
 planned very carefully. MARGARET HE1BEL. raftville.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
aus.s for Young Writers.

1. Write plainly on one side of the paper only, and number the pages. {. Use pen and ink, not pencil. l. Short and pointed articles will be given preference. Do not use over 25e words.
 L Original stories or letters only will be used. 6 Write your name. age and ad- dress plainly ct the bottom of the story. .F
 Address all communications tc Uncle Jed. Bulletin ofice.
 Whatever ycu are-Be that!
 Whatever you xay--Be true!
 Straightforwardly act,
 Be honest-in fact
 Be nobody else buS you"
Norwich bulletin., 1918-04-04
POETRY.
Mistress Susie.

Oh, Mistress Susie, warm and fat, So stylish in your feathered hat, I wonder if you've ever heard It's not fine feathers make the bird, And let me tell you, little dear, The while we're chatting gayly here, That neither can the finest fur Make pretty laSsie out of her
 Whose heart is not all good and true, But that, I hope, is never you.