davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
Baltic
A Happy Day,

The four Cutter children were Paul.
 a n1annerly boy of twelve; Annie, a
 n1otherly girl of ten; Dick, very mis- chievous boy of eight, and little Rosie, tho baby and the pet of the family of three The school that the Gutter children attended, had planned a sleighride for the Saturday af1ernoon after Christ mas, This was Saturday and bells tinklins, merry laughter and joyous shouts, could be heard as the large sleigh turned into the yard. ," Do you s'pose they'll wait for us ?' asked Dick, anxiously Hold still Dick, tiA put this muff1er
 around your throat" said the weary mother.
 ITS doing too, aren't ], Annier pip
 ed up little Rosie. her dark eyes shin
 ming while she wriggied so with de- light that Annie had a hard time get
 ting the little hands in their proper
 places.
 E'a/ was already in the sleigh and
 soon all were on their way.
 Many people stopped to look and
 smile at the happy party of about
 twenty children, all ruddy and healthy l 'anghing at the jokes that were told and ducking the snow hails that the passing hoys threw at them. It was a tired. but happy group ot children that gathered around Mrs Cutter that evening and. told her o the good time they had had. Soon aft
 CT a hot supper. they were in bed dreaming of tinkling bells, snow ! banks and much fun. IRENE CRUTHERs. Age 13. 1 Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
Our Erterkajnr,ent

This summer, when was in New York. took an active part in an en- tertainment given for the benefit of our boys in France This was how I got the part.
 My cousin, Alma. had introduced me to a number of club girls who invited me to join their club during, my stay there.
 We were all patriotic girls so we decided to do something for our coun- try. We proposed an entertainment upon which everyone agreed The programme was as follows:
 First our entertainment was opened by q brief speech by we'll known New Yorker who helped eur club along. : Next came a tableau of America France and England. America was portrayed by my best friend, Nettie Lewis. Scene number two was the Liberty boys of '76," which created great enthusiasm. Next came pa- triotic play entitled, For Her Cour. try took mart in this. Ar Interesting part of the pro- gramme was several dances by the girls.
 The entertainment was ended by q chorus of girls dressed in costumes of the various nations of the allies whc sang patriotic songs in which the pee- pie joined.
 l Everything was a great success and the audience evidently went home vers pleased. After they went out a ta. ble was put on the stage and refresh
 menus were served for the actors.
 i We had nice time so everyone
 went home tired, but happy, SADDfE PHILLIPS. ] Norwich. v"
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
Tie PIeasure Trip.


 Now children. you must be very good and not get into mischief, while I go and buy the tickets Mrs. Abbott and her four children were going for visit to the seashore. They were lively family, restless and | full of mischief. Mary, aged four, was the oldest, next came John, aged six, and youngest of all were the twins, Flessie and Freddie, aged four and a half.
 | AOh, mama, I do want some of that | chewing gum. It only costs penny pleaded John.
 "No, Johnny mot now" | "Oi, mama, please" | Wait until we. get to Aunt Patty's s and then you will see"
 No, I want it now. oh please, please. please"
 "Wf1l you keep quiet if do?"'
 Yes, I'll be good, mama" | Well go and get it then "Oh, FTossie!' You naughty child l You've soiled your dress already. Here comes the train. Have I got ali my bundles? Freddy, bekave!"
 Well, at last we're all aboard and
 settled"
 Mana I want drink" called l Mary,
 | Mama, can nave some Ol that candy you promised me-" leased Flos- sic Make John give me that apple, he took away from me" cried Freddy. "Oh, mother, look, John made me spill all my water" | Don't open that bundle. FIossie,' called Mrs. Abbott, "JAhn, stop teasing Mary sit dow1i!' You children are dreadful! Freddy, don't climb on | the backs of the seats so. There FTossie now you've gone and l broken that mug! Freddy and John stop fighting! Mary, I thought you were old enough to know better than l to tear that book. John, so over and ask the old mans pardon for pokfng l him in the eye with that umbrella" 1 Don't throw that glove out of the window, FTossie! What possessed you
 to do that? Now mother will have to go without her gloves. For goodness sakes, John, another drink? You're regular human tank :! Mercy!l I'll be glad when we get 1 there! That's good girl, Mary, do | sit down and be Quiet.' I "Oh, there is the station! Come now, take hold of hands, and don't | fail going down the steps. Therei I've left two bundles behind! John trun back and get them, that's a good
 boy. Thank goodness! We are here at last"
 l Hannpton,
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17

gorges is the Grand Canyon, which ex- tends a distance of more than two hundred miles. The height of the walls of this canyon varies from four thou sand to seven thousand feet. The river as it runs. through it Is from fifty to three hundred feet wide.
 So swift is the current that it is al-
 most impossible to float boat down
 the stream without having it dashed
 to pieces against the rocky walls on
 either side.
 The first descent through these can yons was made in 1867 from a point
 on Grand river, about thirty miles above it's junction with the Green river rf "
 Three men were prospecting for gold and being attacked by Indians and one of their number killed, the other two decided to attempt the descent of the river rather than retraee their steps through country where Indians were numerous. They constructed raft of a few pieces of driftwood and having secured their arms and provisions, commenced their journey down the stream. A few days afterward, while the raf
 was descending cataract, one of the men was drowned and all the pro- visions were washed overheard. The third man, hemmed in by ths walls of the canyon, continued thu journey alone amid great perils iron
 cataracts, rocks and whirlpools. For ten days he pursued his loneI,
 way, tasting food but twice daSing tn,
 whole time. Once he obtained few 1 green pods and leaves from bushe 1 growing along the stream, and tn, ! dians.
 Callvilie in safety, after having f1oatet !several hundred miles.
 l CLARENCE HATHAWAY, Age 13. Goshen Mass
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
THE WIDE AWAKE CIRCLE
 BOYS AND GIRLS DEPARTMENT


 and girls get the coin live years later on.
 And when the thrift certificate comes due, Uncle Sam gives yeu fifth more than you lent him. This is finance this is banking-fer you have saved and lent your money for special pwpose-to help your country in time of war
 Hence, the purpose of the thrift stamp is to learn all A1nerican hove and girls who wish to learn to be thrifty new habits of thought and ac- tion, to recognize the vaiue Of money and to become conscious that money increases that is well invested. Under Uncle Sam's thrift stamp system every boy.s and girls money is increasing thrift stamps fur them, while if carelessiy spent it would be increasing thrift stamps for someone else.
 To buy thrift stamps teaches the buyers economy and good business practices which If stuck to will bs beneficial to them as. long as they live These little lessons of thrift will in the end mean billions to Uncle Sam and every stamp holder will, like the soldier boys or Red Cross nurses, have served their country.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
OUR BOYS ACROSS THE SEA.

Yes, boys you're over the ocean, .. A many mile away; But there's one thing in our minds,
 boys,
 So deep, it's sure to stay. You left when duty commanded. To do the thing that was right: And sailed OCT the rough, rolling
 waters,
 Where the enemy forced you to fight. You gave up your homes and dear ones And said We must do or die;" So out you went to the rescue, With never moan or a sigh. And though you be in the trenches, Or sailing the heavy sea. We pray that you'll all come back
 safely,
 To the land of the brave and the
 free. This is the message we send you, May victory help you advance, And this be our motto forever, God bless those who are Somewhere
 in France. -Written by Alice Fisher, Branford
 Conn.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
MN Christmas.

Dear Uncle Jed: I have read 50 many stories written by the Wide Awakes that thought I would write also.
 My mother and I were not planning to have a Christmas tree this year, but the night before Christmas my brother said: Shall so up in the lots and get a tree?"'
 My father and mother both said: You may if you want it.'
 So he went up and got the tree. Af- ter supper we trimmed the tree and then my brother and I went to bed while Papa and Mamma put the pres ents on the tree.
 When I went to bed I hung up my stocking, but my brother didn't. Tn the morning I found my stocking full and some things on my bed. I went into my brothers room to see if he had hung his stocking. He hadn't but Santa had I had lots of presents in my stock ing and on the tree. For dinner we had many good things and candy, which tasted very good, for we had not had any since Thanksgiv- v- ing.
 In the afternoon we read our books My Christmas was very pleasant and hope all of the Wide -Awakes had a very pleasant day, too. MARCIA STANTON, Age 9. Norwich.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
UNCLE JEDss TALK TO WIDE
 AWAkES.

Uncle Sam wants the boys and girls of America to know what thrift is, so he employed an artist to make a thrift stamp so that they can help him and he can help them.
 Now thrift and frugality and careful management of money and good man. agement of business and saving of time, material or money are all in cluded in the little word thrift.
 So Uncle Sam is striving to teach all American boys and girls how to thrive, how to collect cents until they represent quarter dollars and how to invest them in thrift stamps and make them increase while they sleep, and when they have IS thrift stamps. or four dollars worth, Uncle Sam ex- changes the thrift stamps for a five aoizsr certificate for which the boys
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
wtnE.AWAKE CIRCLE.
IN MEMORY OF HcURLY," Who Was Just . Dog.

Oh, little, woollv. Curly dog,
 Our hearts are sad tonight, So cold ana stiiI the little form We laid away from sight; So very short your span of years, Yet long enough to show The mystery of life and death, That mortals may not know. Yet, little, woolly, Curly dog,
 Mans thought, diversied, Agrees on this: An honest love Like yours has never died; Love ruled your life in gentleness, Devoted. faithful, true, A living lesson naughty man
 Might learn from dogs like you. An. little, woolly, Curly dog,
 Within the world of men We find a host of direful traits, All foreign to your ken; Greed, envy, anger, malice, strife, We sadly contemplate, While blackened is mans lovely earth With deeds inspired by hate. Now, little, woolly, Curly dog, Earth waits the prophets dream, The dawn of the niilIenr,ial morn, When Love shall reign supreme; Witness of this the Father-hea That notes the sparrow's fall, Endowed you with a deathless love That holds our hearts in thrall For you, little, woolly, Curly dog, No home beyond the skies Is promised yet, we'll not forget The love-light in your eyes; We miss you from your old-time place Close by our fireside: But by your life an honest love Was truly typified.
 William E nala rn,z
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
Versatile;
A Skating Trip.

One fine day crowd of boys plan ned to so skating. We started with skates and hockies, for we wanted to play. It did not take long to reach Depot Pond, which is near the depot. Depot Pond is long and is very deep pond. We put on our skates and be- gan skating and playing tag. After ] while our feet became cold A boy got some bricks and built a fireplace so we had fire to warm our feet, Af ter our feet were well warmed we had I game of hockey. The side I was on lost. but we said we would beat them the next time we played.
 After one more good skate we went home all very happy
 EMILE ARSENAULT, Age F.
 Plainfield.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
M,schieuous Betty,

Betty was little girl four years old who was always in mischief some way or another. When her mother was not looking she would go to the machine take out the needle, some times break it and sometimes lose it She would also take her mether's sewing basket, throw the silk threads on the floor and tangle it all up. Her mother was sorry that her child was naughty, so she would spank her, but did no good for she was always in some mischief.
 On Christmas her grandpa gave her a jack-in-t the box, Betty was afraid o1 it and would cry if any enc took il down off the shelf. When her mother saw that her little girl was afraid she took it off the shelf and pat 1t on the machine and Betty never went neal the machine again.
 : BEATRICE ABLEMAN, Age F Norwich,
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
My Pet Snakes.

Dear Uncle Jed: I thought the
 e-Awakes would like to hear more
 about my pet snakes. My collection
 consisted of six snakes-the corn snake, the garter snake. green snake,
 hissing adder, sometimes called hog
 nose snake, the black water snake and
 the common brown snake.
 The corn snake is the largest and
 handsomest. It was found a short
 distance from the eofnfield, which is it's home. The snakes feed on. the small corn, mice and spiders. The garter snake lives mostly on the ground worms, and is easily tanned. The green snake was very small and escaped five days after his capture
 These feed on the small insects. The hissing adder, although appear ing very vicious, is quite harmless
 never opening his mouth when he strikes.
 The black water snake is also small and vicious. He feeds on frogs an6 tadpoles.
 The common brown snake is similar to the garter snake. I captured these snakes early in the spring and lei them go in early fall, giving them time to find winter homes. After be- ing in the box a while they ohed theil winter skins and are very pretty There has been seen by several per sons on my way to school large black
 snake about six feet in length. |
 leaves a track in the sand as large as an automobile tire, and father says hs will bring it home to me some day It is the largest snake I ever expec' i to own. I expect to take my snake to the fair if I can get collection in time I take great pleasure with my pets | but they are dreaded by all my friends | It is strange they should fear sucI i harmless creatures.
 l VIOLA JANE TURNBULL, Age F. i Norwich Town.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17

My sister and myself had two dolls apiece, two trunks, clotheslines and pins, ironing boards and flatirons. knitting sets, two little rocking chairs, two little sets of furniture, little clothes baskets, dolls, swings and vel vet pecketbooks and drawing states ad school boxes My brothers got drums, toy guns, ten pins, 8 football, two rubber balls, bells on wheels box es of blocks and craft toys, box of soldiers, checkers and several other games.
 Santa Claus was good to papa and mama, too, for he brought them lots of nice things.
 We came home Wednesday, Dec. 26. We had team bring us home from the depot as we had three suit cases and a big hex of presents. We went to bed early tired but happy, looking ferwara to another visit to grandpa's s in the summer.
 Hoping Santa was good to all the Wideawakes, washing them all and yourself a happy New Year, remain k -' @ Yours truly,
 ELSIE cURRIER, Age g. versa llIPS.-
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
THE WINNERS OF PRIZE BOOKS

1-Viola J. Turnhuli, of Norwich Town-Motor Maids of Fair Japan.
 2-Mary Rebehatz, of willimantic- Dorothy at Oak Knowe.
 S-mildrsd Brandy, of Yantic-Dor Dthy at Skyrie.
 EEIsie currier, of Versailles Little Maid Marian.
 5-Ruth s. Way, of Richmond. vt.-- Motorcycle Chums Through Historic America.
 6-Stanley A. Skraba, of Versailles The Newsboy Partners.
 7-lrene cruthers, of Norwich-The Boy Pilots of the Lakes.
 S-Marsaret E. Noteworthy, of Hampton-Dorothy's Triumph.
 Winners of prize books living in the city should call at the business office of The Bulletin for them at any hcur after 10 a. m. Thursday.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
The Busy. Bees.

Dear Uncle Jed: Last Saturday we had a meeting at the town hall to or ganize a club of girls to learn cooking. Almost every one was there at two o'clock, but Miss Hallock was unable to get there until three. Girls were there from Yamtic .Bo,zrahvi1le, Boz rah Center and Fitrhrille.
 When Miss Haliock got there every one went into the Kitchen. Before she began to talk she distributed papers. one on cooking of cereals and the other on the organization of clubs.
 One woman who was there brought salt, oat meal and corn meal. She al so brought two sauce pans and a double boiler. Miss Hallock cooked some corn meal One of the. girls helped her stir in the meal. She read us constitution. I think every one liked it.
 We named our club the "Busy Bees of Bezrah." There were fifteen girls and seven adults there. Pins were dis tributed as we'll as papers on house keeping and a report blank. The of- ficers were elected by a rising vote. Girls from ten to eighteen years in- elusive are allowed to join the club. We are to meet every two weeks.
 Our lesson this week was or is on cereals. I have cooked cornmeal twice and hope to cook it two OF three times more during the week.
 We are to carry our report blank to all meetings. There is a space for every lesson. You put an every time you cook the. thing. If your family like it you put a circle around the X. I have been able to do this so far. As it was bad day for our meeting some didn't come. We expect to have about twenty in the club.
 MILDRED GRANDY, Age 12
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
SOM ETLME ES.

When nickels don't come plentiful And papa seems to frown, And people say that times are hard Most all about the town It's then that ] get wishing so
 That I was born queen With diamond buckles on my shoes The finest ever seen. But queens are never really gay In fact. Pm sure they cry: And so l kiss my mother quick So glad that I'm just I!
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
Russs fer xeuns wrissrs.

1 L HKssteun1nlnly on cns site of the lunsnsIr only, and number the pages. n Uss pen and irk, not pencil. < d. shns3 end pointed articles will haS asSan ppseeeence. Do not use over ksS& Vurd& E1 origausi stsries or letters only kWflfsbs used k Writs yunrS name, age and ad- sAresg plainly at the buttoM of the
 Address all communications tc Uncle f9ed, BuIietin ofhce. sWnateyer you are-Be that! .r Whatever you eay-Be tftes
 stxafehtfDrwafdiy set,
 Be honest--in fact,
 Bs nobody else but yosl"
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
h<A4s| Norwich.
The Canyons of the Colorado River

The Canyons of the Colorado River.
 Dear Uncle Jed: The Colorado river, from the sources of the Green river, is about two thousand miles.
 For five hundred miles of this dis tance the river has worn deep cuts or gorges through the soft rocks which are called canyons.
 The rocky sides of these canyons form lofty vertical walls which in some places rise to a height of more than mile above the surface of the water
 The largest and most noted of'these
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
LETTERS TO UNCLE JED
On the Way to Hall of Fame.

On the Way to Hall of Fame.
 Dear Uncle Jed: You might call this a story with moral, but it isn't. It's funny to me. We'll, here goes, I might
 as well get a prize as nothing. My first contribution was a "bum''
 story of Indian Trails. I wrote on yellow paper, with pencil. When The
 Bulletin came, I looked for my story
 Git was a story only it wasn't,) which
 was not there. Next l sent a story of boys going This time I got a prize. I jumped around and yelled like an Indian. Next sent a story yof boys going camping. I don't think Uncle Jed
 thought it good enough for the waste
 basket.
 A Set of Indian Tools was the first
 drawing I sent. Guess Uncle Jed give 1 'em to the Indian. I sent about five or six different stories and l guess, Uncle Jed took them home (they were so nice) and hung them in his bedroom, so that when he woke up in the morning and felt like "cussin" at the weather he could just look at my masterpieces and they would cure him. I haven't reached the Hall of Fame yet. but Pm lon my way" Isn't this a good one Uncle Jed? apologize.
 Yours most truthfully, STANLEY ANTHONY SKRABA Age F.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
My Christmas.

The night before Christmas my mother told me to hang up my stock ing so that Santa Claus would see it. Christmas morning when I got up found my stocking eramned full of candy and oranges. I also had new wagon, 8 drawing slate, a blackboard, two pencil boxes, book. set of Free ters and a printing outfit. During the day I went sliding and after dinner went skating. We built a huge bonfire on the ice and stayed until about six o'clock. After supper I played with my games and after pulling the chickens wish bone went to bed and dreamed all night.
 CLIFFORD WILDE, Age [ Wauregan, Conn.
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
STORIES WRITTEN BY WIDE.
 AWAkES.
4 New Device.

By way of experimenc the ushers of Boston theatre have been provided with a new electrical device which aids in showing play geers to their seats. It consists of a small electric sign which is suspended at the ush- CTS back by means of straps over the shoulders. When the wearer presses button which Is connected with the sign the words This Way, Please are illuminated. They serve both to attract the attention of the patrons to the ushers who is to wait on them, and to light up the aisle. when the theatre is in semi darkness.
 RALPH OLSEN, Age 14.
 Baltic,
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
Willimantic.
My Christmas

wy V1FIStfndS
 Dear Uncle Jed: I am going to tell you about my Christmas.
 Christmas morning woke up bright and early and ran downstairs. We could not so into the parlor to see the tree until my father came home. So I helped my mother dress up my lit tie brother and sister and wash the breakfast dishes.
 My father came home just when we got through. Then we went in to see the Christmas tree.
 The first thing my brother saw was a little cart which he ran and got and began pulling around the house. My ysister grabbed a baby doll the first thing.
 After awhile we got all of the things
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
LETTERS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Beatrice Alderman of Norwich - I wish to thank you for the prize book that you gave me entitled "Ths Nov ing Picture Beys in the West" l have read it and found it so very in- teresting that have begun to read it for the second time.
 Elsie L. Babbitt,> of Hanover-I re- ceived my book with pleasure and find that the story 'Dorothy's Heuseboat, 2 is very interesting. Thanking you very much for 1t.
 Sadie Philips of Piainfiald--- Just a few lines to let you know that ] enjoyed my book immensely and that l thank you for it very much
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
Wauregan.
My Christmas Letter.

Dear Uncle Jed: This is my first letter to the Wide Awake Circle.
 I have read the letters and found them very interesting.
 I hope all the Awakes had such a good Christmas as I did ' I get up Christmas morning and looked at my presents. I had pair of knitting needles with which I in tend to knit for the soldiers. l got a box of pencils and box of writing paper; also some cloth for q dress, and many other things. : I got twenty mine presents in all. feel very sorry for the children in France who did not even know it vas Christmas day.
 I will close now, wishing Uncle Jed and the Awakes a Happy New Fear. ; DORIS JANE BARRETT, Age 10.
 Pomfret Center ii
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17

run over. We'finally got to New Lon don. We say part of the parade. It consisted of old fire teams submarines, a big American flag made of spools of silk thread and other things. We reached home at a quarter of ten
 DANIEL LEONE, Age 13
Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-17
A rr:p to New London.

When the Fourth of July came the Cadets had to so to New Londen. The Cadets went on a special ear at fifteen minutes of twelve. The car stopped at few places where there were crowds of people. On the way we shouted and yelled and played hugles.
 We stopped and waited about fifteen minutes and some one said a man was