davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
FREDDY,s COMPOSITION on THE
FLAG.

school and tossed his books on the
table and threw his hat into the corner.
Every action OF his body showed some
His mother was tho first to discover
1t, so she sat down by her young son
wrong?
I'm just worried sick" Freddy an
swered. The teacher tod Us 10 write
composition on the American flag. and
I don't know one thing 10 write. I'm
tired Of old compositions any howl"
III tell you what TO do, lets forget
an hour then come back and I'll leave
a little nag for you to look at and
when you. get through bring it up to
Two hours later little tap was
she. saw AN envelope had been thrust
gone.
Mrs. Brooks unfolded the paper and
this is what she read:
flag in, my window when returned
from piaying ball, and I'm going to tell
America was young there we're many
flags. In the New England States the
Puritans objected to the Red Cross OF
symbol OF idolatry. BY the year OF
1900 most of the colonies had devised
badges OF distinction for their vessels
In the early stages OF the Revolution
each State adopted flag of its own
New York's nag was n white ground
with black beaver on it: the flag Of
MaSsnchuscttcs bore pine tree: South
Caroiinn's flag bore II rattlesnake
1T was in the year 1875 n COMMITTEES
was appointed TO consider Il single flag
for the tn irteen states; the outcome
was tlag hearing thirteen stripes and
bars OF red and white to represent the
Union, and blue square in the left
hand upper corner dotted with a white
star for each colony. At first each State
on entering The Union was to be repre-
scented by both stripe and star but
the people soon discovered that would
prove disastrous to the beauty of the
nag, so 1t was agreed to go back to the
original thirteen stripes, seven red and
SIX white, and for every new State that
would he placed in the blue square
From that good day on down to the
present time new stars have been add
ed until now we have forty-eight stars
each star represented letter it could
spell. and the first thing that popped
into my mind was this and | think il
would he worth other boys remembers
Ing II ! was going 10 change each star
In the flag to d letter. | would arrange
them like this: The one flag that has
never known defeat is called Old Glory,
and that's all know about the has."
Mrs. Brooks laid aside the letter and
called Freddy to her side.
That's j fine composition, sonny" she
said. swcetiy, and I'm proud of YOU
hone every boy who reads this COM
position will remember when he sees
she h as I'll. that my son translated the
can citizen | hope he'll repeat the
statement that you found, ";he flag
that has never known defeat is called
old glory"
Written by
VIRGINIA LACY.
Scottsburg, Va. (BoX $50.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
YOU HAVE A DEBT TO PAY.

Arise, my lad, and show your grit,
For all the world has need of 1t:
Though no monument we raise,
In thy honor or thy praise.
You've debt to pay. my lad.
And OF the chance YOU should be glad.
Thy father paid debt for thee,
That from tyranny thou mayest be
free;
He paid II with the cost of blood.
Now, can't you stand where he has
stood?
Our fathers fought England, and
fought her With JOY.
But blood runs thicker than water. my
boy,
And the quarrel with her was soon
made to end,
And now to her we are a good. kind
friend
But France, we can't and shan't forget,
To her we owe the greatest debt;
In the homes of France to-day, my boy.
Thou can't hardly lind any JOY.
And she expects for us 10 repay
The debt, and help her right away.
Or ere she'll fall beneath the dust,
SO help her? Yes. my boy, we must.
Money, OF course. she is in great need,
But blood must help to pay the deed.
This world is sinful in many ways.
But il Is destined to see better days.
So rise, my boy, and show your grit,
For all the world has need of 1t,
And if not praised, stop not to pause.
For fight thou must, for thou hast
cause.
CHRISTIAN SHELTON.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
Editorial and Literary Department.
CELEBRATING TIE FOURTH.

On the morning Of the fourth. Rob
woke up and jumped out of bed. 1t
was only $50 O'Clock, but he had
planned to have a big day. lie and
four. more Of his friends had planned
10 go to the Old schoolhouse. about
w., two miles AVA. and fire cannon that
had been left on the grounds since the
war OF Secession They were going
TO take lunch and spend the day.
There was a creek nearby in which
they could fish and swim.
When Rob went 10 the breakfast
table he ate in such a hurry his mother
asked what was he going TO do. Rob
toid her but his countenancc fell when
his mothcr SAID. Rob. father had TO
60 TO the city to-day 20 attend 70 some
important business. | am sorry but
store for him while he's away"
ITS just my luck, 10 stay homo
when were going 10 have such a good
Never mind son, we'll get some
fireworks and shoot them even il you
can't shoot the cannon
Rob went off to tell the other boys
that he couldn't go
OF course YOU can't go. you're one
Of your mothers apron strings" teased
ono of tho boys
When the other boys had everything
ready they fred the cannon and such
noise Il did make. OF course the
thing exploded and burst INTO many
pieces Every one of the boys were
hurt and "a ken to the hospital.
When Rob went to see them the next
day the boy that leased said: Rob.
the next time we plan anything like
this III he the other apron string"
(Or!g!naD.
MARIA BEAZLEY.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
A SOLDIERS GIRL.

Once soldier was walking along the
street s.T ~ Whe 1 suddeniy ne heard voice
viii do when Melvin goes to France"
Melvin looked up and saw the voice
came from Katherine (his girD.
haven't gone yet, but 1 will soon.
Come on and don't make a fellow feel
SO blue"
rs that you. Melvin? I'm so glad to
sec you" said Kat Gas she was some
times called).
IN be over at your house Thursday
al right, be sure and come" said
"Good-by said Melvin.
Thursday morning came at last. Mel
vim went over to see katherine that
night. IL was sorrowful parting that
night, but Katherine put on brave
Come to the train tomorrow" said
Melvin.
.All right I feel as IL my heart
will break" sighed Katherine.
The next morning katherine was at
the train
their girls. mothers and fathers.
Melvin said: katherine, tell mother
Good-by."
letter from Melvin. 1t read:
Dearest katherine.-.I have met up
With many man ERE FRENCH girls but none can
lot Of my friends here. 1 am going to
school here. Arrived safe. Your
friend. Melvin Scott
=. S.-Please send me the sweater
YOU said you knitted for me as soon
as possible. Send il to Francc.--AL s.
Katherine sent Melvin the sweater
This is what he wrote her thanking
her for it,
Dear Grille. Sweater arrived
Thanks for it. 1t is the prettiest
have seen yet Write to mo soon.
Your friend Melvin Scott
y year and a half passed away. One
day the soldiers got word that the war
had ended and we had won the battle
All the soldiers went home happy.
When Melvin arrived Katherine was at
the train to meet him (Melvin). Mol
win went to see Katherine six months
Then he married katherine, and they
lived happy ever afterwards.
VIRGINIA SPENCER.
lOriglnul.O
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
EDNA LEE ROCK
WHY TIE SERVICE FLAG FLOATS
IN OUR HOME,
Ca True Story

have two uncles lighting for Old
Glory and Uncle sam. My mothers
Z. and Private a. Donnan Bass They
are sons of Mrs. NJ l.. and the late w.
L. Bass one morning in April OF last
year, my Uncle Donnan came rushing
home from work and said: Mama,
want TO be soldier and fight for my
country and you. And | must go. as
my country is calling for volunteers
and must go: Please don't say no"
Grandma didn't hardly know what 10
say at the time, as he came in all Of
u rush. SO when she came to herself
to go,
mother, please let rue CO."
And after Il while she said: "All right.
son. you may go for your country needs
you She is calling you. God will take
will take care of you and bring you
safely back to home and mother"
So she went; and signed the papers
that gave her boy to Uncle Sam. Until
the great war is over. and then he viii
come back home to us.
he is now fighting somewhere in
most a year. One morning while
grandma was sitting peacefully knit
ting thinking of her son so far away
doing. my Uncle Charlie came in the
back door and said: Blanche Speak
ing to my mother}. where is mama?"
why are you home so early?" Then he
came closer to her SO that randma
couldn't hear him and said: Sister.
have joined the army"
Then mother began to cry. thinking
of her other brother SO far away. He
! said: Don't cry. my dear sister. please
don't cry, Help me to tell mother"
lie didn't know what to say, but brace
as he was. He rushed out to the front
porch. oh dear mother. look at your
other brave boy and tell him what you
think of him" Grandma didn't say
word. but gently laid down her knit
ting and looked at her son and dauEh-
ter. and through the mist OF her tears
she could see her other son stand ing
there. Uncle Charles came 10 her and
said: "Oh, dear mother, l am your
other brave soldier boy, who is not
afraid to die for his country and for
the dearest thing or earth to man,
and that Is his flag"
Yes. my son. you may go and fight
for your true country. God will take
care of you both and bring you both
back safe to me-"
Uncle Donnan is marine. and Uncle
Charlie is In me One Hundred and
Fourth Ammunition Train, Company f.
Twenty ninth Division. He is now
somewhere in France. too. And some
day we hope they will meet each other
again.
This is the reason the service nag
hangs in our home. and God bless
every star that Is on all service flags
and bring them back TO the old l.. s. ~
FRED STROUD.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
TIL; SLACI<EIt.

In the city of Chicago there lived
two boys of tho same age, Raymond
Morse and Roger BrockweN Ray when
lie heard of his country,s need OF men,
he AT once volunteered. but Roger
dreaded the thought of war. although
we would not permit any one to call
him Stacker. Ray urged him to en-
list in the aviation corps. but he de-
clined. Even Rogers father told him
fight for the cause OF right and defend
tho colors. may God protect you"
Ray tried many times to get Roger
In the aviation. but he would not join.
Rogers twclvc-year-old sister. Ethel,
was doing all she could for Uncle Sam
she had "A Liberty bond and three w.
s. s., she was also knitting for the
Red Cross. She would often say to
Roger. why don't YOU he an aviator
like Raymond, or soldier. or do some
good to Uncle Sam?" Bat he would say
that there were millions OF men to
fight for the United States and his
would reason 10 him. saying: Brother.
II every one thought the way you do
there would not be single person in
the armies TO go over the top"
With tho everlasting plcadings Of
Ray and the true advice OF his sister
his mind was soon changed. and he and
Ray walked proudly TO the enlsting
Office. where Roger BrockwclI volun-
teered as an aviator. and soon became
an expert flying man, his captain said
he was indeed an apt scholar.
We now sec Ray and Roger two fine
avtators and pleasure to Uncle Sam.
Composed by
ALTA ROBINSON.
sol
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
4 CRUEL GIANT.

In land far away from here there
and fierce he could jumr over many
tall houses, large towns and cities and
very deep rivers. In n land not far
from where the giant lived were many
people. They were so afraid OF the
giant they would hardly go out of
their homes. In this land was n strong
man who decided to get rid Of this
cruel giant. SO one day he dressed as
poor old man and went to the giants
home. it WAS Il long walk. but ne soon
was knocking ut the giants door. Then
after while Grun voice answered.
"Come in" Then came the old man
walking very slow and ben; over The
old man said In n weak voice, Please,
give me n piece OF bread" The giant
thought a minute and said. II would
much rather have you to cut than to
give you piece OF bread" Tho old
man answered in nervous tone, II
thought you would be so kind as to lie {
me have piece of bread"
We'll" said the giant. maybe T
could let you have a piece of bread and
butter"
The old man sat down to eat and the
giant sat down with him. Just as the
giant sat down the old man stabbed
him. Then he jumped up for Joy and
ran to tell the people the good news
There never was a giant In that land
any more.
j. EVELYN TODD.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
Oun BOYS, ADDRESS TO AMERICA

Farewell. farewell 20 America.
II breaks our hearts 10 go It's so,
But what would become OF America
II we fellows didn't go?
It's hard to part. that's all true.
But what would become of me and
YOU
Be cheerful when we go away.
And pray for US TO come home some
day.
Boys. don't you hear your country call
ing,
Calling on YOU day and night;
She don't want us 10 be falling,
SO join and so and do what's right.
To France. to France is Americas warn.
For our boys to be ready. brave and
Good-by America, good-by,
Wen show you that we'll do or die.
Come boys. the ones whose left be-
We want to make those Germans
shine;
Come If you are but very few.
But as you all know a few will do.
Composed by
JOSEPHINE GERECKE.
r. F. D.. No. 4, Petersburg. Va.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
MY SOLDIER DOY.

When he was called to the colors,
My heart with pride was atiame
For knew | soon would be seeing,
on the honor roll his name.
He was the flower of manhood.
Honest, frank and true;
When he marched away to his duty,
With humanity's sake in view.
There while serving his country,
He was called by the roll on high:
To II he readily answered,
To me he said good-by.
Then wrapped in the flag OF his coun.
try,
The glorious red, white and blue;
lie was laid TO rest. while my heart
Is breaking for boy so noble an6
true.
LUNA BELLE SCARBOROUGH.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
A PRAYER.

Now 7 lay me down TO sleep,
] pray the Lord my soul to take;
God bless my uncle gone to war.
Oh, may he fight for Liberty.
Save millions more than little me,
From cruel fats mothless blast.
And bring him safely home at last.
HELEN OLDRIDCiF
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
buy THRIFT STAMPS.

l stick thrift stamp on my card
Every day or so.
| do not think it's very hard
To save your quarters though.
stick a war stamp on my card
And stick il on with JOY,
For | know that every dollar
Goes to some soldier boy.
SO II we could not give a brother
CAS- we all should have done),
We should keep ahuying thrift stamps
Until this war Is won
MINNIE MUNICH. Il
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
THE FAIRY.

AS little May awokc one morning
y bright thought flew TO her head
she looked around moment
Then jumped out OF the bed.
She dressed herself real quickly,
And combed her tiny head.
And turned around and swept the floor
And made up her little bed.
She went down in the kitchen
Before the cook awoke;
She cleaned up and made tho fire
And laughed al her funny little Joke.
She stole into the dining-room
And set the table there,
And very soft and light
She tripped up the long. tall stairs.
The cook awoke right late for her
But just az the Break of day
And declared that fairy had been
there,
And that little fairy was May.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
n,r Saving. StanpS

uans. Of those who have sen; in money FOR
savings stamps and have ten thrtf,
:rric: ioincd the It'd. e {. We are going
TO hs:c Red Cross lawn party the 2ai;ni
OF July 81 Hanover Courthouse. Il VIII
start al s o'clock. Please answer my Gucs-
rou at the top OF the ptg" and excuse
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
Tlr fIANI SVFN'
I.ninNa fllc Dnrr

Dear Idi,or.Si have enjoyed the pictures
and EtorIc. OF the I'D. .. g. Club for 2
long time. and would like 10 Join, 80 Will
you please tell nae what is necessary ana
W. w GEKALplEE NDAMs
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04

ALTA ROBINSON.
South Fifth Street
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04

It'll U 7 -
Sends Drawing
Petersburg. Va.

Dear Editor. i
years old ] live ir
on a farm. ] wish
very much. ] think
send me- a badge.
Nirgtlina. Va.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
Send, Drawing

Dear. Ettor;-The lag' Tine ! s "Ir-d m g :
IN. but this tirne IN say l know u. Last
sprlrg I got four NV m.neers toT
they have contributed right we'll am
.oudnr drawing. which hope 70 fsc IN
craving oi mine in the I'D C. We
II hasn't raiuet here for abou, three weeks
Well. I'll close foT THIS TIM. ,o
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04

GInH Yon Cnne BnrK. u
Dear Ediior.-i guess none OF you re-
wrote. back again. MIN nest
wishes. - christian StsLi o->'
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04

Dear Editor.--l want TO Join the I'D.
e. CLUB. | sending In drawing,
which ] hope Will be In the next Sundays
PAPER RUBY BRUCE.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
What Ia 10 with the Kaiser.

w tt"t ~ 49,
Dear Editor.-We
about wh3; wa! beco
the war u he is s.
oCEi,. not 20 ENl hi
HIM 10 live Us vel. q
way he has treated
allies. We ought to
Gcrma nn have wound
ami let them treat
Pu: him in a wagon
Make people pay 20
money 10 his victim
get q cork gun and
we ought TO take
would think hard OF
they refused 10 chc,
them. We ought 10
down everything. T
and his men build II
Kaiser ha vi bricks &c
q man didn't have
whip and hit the !
him in n damp place
axe MN up IN Il q
strap him in. Turn
out. Take him th!s "
and feet and roll hir
geon half full OF ice
death. Make him IL
moving pictures. Ma
one who wants him. /
eat. Sometimes mai ~
for two or three day
thing, say. That's
Jrople." Make him
his hands of and pu
mind him that that
men TO do 10 the ALI
tains. generals and .
fore him and tell Il
men. l think this "
punish the wicked o!
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-08-04
FlchmcHG.
Welcome. New Member.
Badge VIII he Sent.
Wrlcnmn N.w NItinhcr.

Dear Eti,or.-Can Join your I'D G. c
club hay. read your rag" long ,ina,
hui hav. never written before. am s.nd
ms a poem, which hop" You NIL ,tht m.
Your rulen and badge. II has a. last be
run 10 fcei IKE summertime here. h"pe
II-s.A NELLIE SCARL3DLyO CGL.
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1918-05-21

American Falls, May FL, 1918.
Received of employees of the American Falls Press
subscriptions totaling $500 for the Red Cross War
Fund Drive.
Signed, MRS. c. F. DAHLEN.
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1918-05-21

Lieutenant Kirby E. Torrance and
Private Herbert F. Wallace
and to the thousands and thousands of other
patriotic young men who are offering their
pleasures, their business interests, and posi-
bly, their lives, without hope of reward and
practically without pay, in order that we
may enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness, far removed from harm; who are
offering their breasts as a bar to the progress
of the Hun, a shield to protect humanity
from the unspeakable horrors that have been
the sad lot of all whom the Hun has brought
under his will; who are the bulwarks of
Liberty.
And to the Red Cross Angels of Mercy.
We might have lone more, but we feel
that we could not do less.
The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-10-31
TURN HAIR DARK
WITH SAGE TEA
II Mixed with Sulphur 1t
Darkens so Naturally
Nobody can Tell.


The old-time mixture OF Sage Tea
and Sulphur for darkening gray.
streaked and faded hair is grandmoth.
rs recipe, and folks are again using
), 10 keep their hair a good. even color
which is quite sensible, as we arc liv-
ng in an age when a youthful appear.
lnce is OF the greatest advantage
Nowadays, though we don't have the
roublesome task OF gathering the sage
md the mussy mixing at home. An
irug stores sell the ready.to-us
product, improved bv the addition Of
other ingredients, called "Wyeth's Sage
and Sulphur Compound" II is very
popular because nobody can discover II
laS been applied Simply moisten your
,omb or a soft brush with il ard draw
his through your hair. taking one
mall strand al time: by morning the
gray hair disappears. but what delights
the ladies with Wye,hs Sage and Sui,
'1ur Compound is that, besides beau.
.liully darkening the hair after a few
''plications, Il also produces that soft
lustre and appearance Of abundance
which Is so attractive. This ready-to.
use preparation is a delightful toilet
requisite for those who desire a more
youthful appearance. II is not intended
or the cure, mitigation or prevention
oi disease. (Adv)
The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-10-31

! returned quietly. nor is it fair to
Robert"
She caught her breath sharply, and
The next minute she rose impetuouSly
crossed over 10 me and crouched down
on an ottoman beside my chair. burying
her head IN my lap
'Im-I'm going 10 make a fool Of my
self, Madge" she said brokcnly. Don't
mind me. dear"
Aod then Tor the first time in my
long, intimate Friendship with her saw
Lillian Underwood in a paroxysm Of
weeping such as most women indulge in
ircqucnllg have seen her deeply
moved before have once or twice held
her ~ my arm, and listened 10 few
dry tackng eu0. bul had never seen
her "Ict herself gJ' before and her
emotion terrified mc-ult because il
was excessive or noisy but because II
seemed so incongruou thing coming
from my poised brauy friend.
Lillian Scorns Herself
But J knew her wcil enough 10 offer
no words Of sympathy or dissuasion. I
simply moved slightly that / might re
llcyc IN some degree her cramped posi-
ton. and thcn'hcld her closely smooth.
ing her beautiful. silver hair back from
her forehead until the plroxysm had
spent itself and she lay quietly against
me
When ,L. y,.Ii.. .....t L. L-t ,
The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-10-31

powder over the traces OF the tears
Then she came back slowly to the fire
but this time she didn't sit down She
simply stood erect wlth her hand,
clasped closely behind her.
Il shan't treat you TO another per
formance like that for the next ten
years, Ma1ge" she said apolcg.ucally
81 think rs about ten since / on, on
the last one haven't been working
hard enough lately. that's the reason
Nothing like a dose OF saving wood.
real or iiguratively. to keep your nerve
from going back on YOU"
"And, Of Course-7
."You were just about 90 tell me when
you were inlVruoted," paraphrasc1
mlschleyouSly feeling tia, pcrHap, %
BIZ OF nonsense was what she needed
most
What a brick You are. Nadgr she
commented undcrGaudlngiv. And
you're right II will help me 10 tell YOU
Robert Cayarin and / needed no
words" she began. and ! wished lha,
the lonely artist could hear the love hin
in her voice as she spoke $40 tell each
other what we really icll And there
were none spoken until Ne brought
Marion back to me from the Casklls-
you remember when she went. at the
time Of her grandmother, death"
Perfectly" responded also remem-
bcrlng how wonderfully the artist had
succeeded IN recoucillug the nervous
child to'her beloved grandmoiher's
passing on. and how the ir,lc girl clunp
to her Uncle Robert" when he brought
her home after weeks OF absence 10 the
mountain home Of his sister. Mrs. Cos.
grove
Marion really was 20 blame for IT
all, Marion'S mother ven, ON. a rcnde-
mile lighting up her face "ior when
Robert told her he was going back she
made a regular spoiled child scene. cry
ing that she never wanted 70 leave
either her mother or her Uncle Robert
again, and demanding mperiously-
heaven only knows where she got the