davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20
CoV1NGToN, LA, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20,

Ing else. She knew OF old, exactly
all the good things that her boy liked
for the Christmas dinner-juicy black
fruit cake, steaming plum pudding,
odoriferous brown-roasted turkey, and
but oh! she didn't know what to pre-
pare for her-couldn't get any frog
legs IL she had wanted to. And the
geography said that frog legs were
favorite French dainty.
Oh, whatever would the minister
say? yes, and Sally Howarth,
too, when they heard about-about
"Angelique!" Sally had been "sweet"
on Henry, and poor old Ma Barker had
hoped
But, ah we'll! She mustn't let her
dear boy know He and his Angelique
would be there tomorrow.
Christmas eve the old folks deco
rated the house with fir boughs, holly
and strings Of coloped popcorn. They
even trimmed tree as they had done
for Henry ever since he had been a
little boy. Ma Barker thought, with
a rising lump in her throat, that may
be the French girl would look on 1t
all as silly; would curl her lip at their
homely endeavors, but
Christmas morning Jed, the hired
man. drove off in the sleigh to meet
their boy and his bride at the station
In town. The odor Of savory good
things on the kitchen stove permeated
the whole farmhouse, and the big open
fire in the dining room cracked in
comfortable contrast to the sparkling
cold of the snow outside. Ma Barker
hustled about, sadly setting the table
with her best dishes. She caught old
John stealthily coming up the base
ment stairs with a dusty demijohn.
"Why, Pa BarkerW she exclaimed.
What's that you've got there? l do
believe it's that cider that fermented
50 as we couldn't use It'll"
Eyes, 'tis," admitted old John pretty
shamefacedly and shuffling his feet
to hide his embarrassment. "But you
see, ! thought that maybe
as Henry's girl is French woman,
she'd rather like hard cider, seeing
as we haven't any light wines nor
champagne for her to drink"
A few minutes later they heard the
sleighbe1ls jingling, the snort of the
horses and the crunch Of runners on
the snow in front of the house. In
stantly the old folks forgot the dread
that had been overshadowing them
since the letter came. Ma Barker.
with trembling fingers undid her
apron, smoothed her hair $50 that
Henry's girl would see her looking
right" and rushed out of doors. Old
John followed more decorously and
stiffiy, for his rheumatism had been
troubling him more than ever lately,
making work harder for him about the
farm. Yes, he certainly was going to
miss Henry's help when
"My boyl my boyv" cried ma as
she threw herself into the extended
arms Of the sturdy young soldier In
khaki as he leaped out Of the sleigh
behind the broadly-grinning Jed.
They clung ecstatically together for a
few minutes until old John forced
them apart to pump his sons hand
up and down and humble something
about the bright sun on the snow max
ing his eyes water.
And then, after the first exuberant
greetings were over with, Henry
laughingly disengaged himself and
cried at them:
"And now let me introduce Ange-
lique to you, people. And I want you
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20

lamp. On the lounge lay man, his
clothes crusted with ice.
She went to him and put her arms
around him.
Harry" she sobbed. "They told
me you were dead; that the ice
cracked and let you through"
The big sailor opened his eyes and
yawned.
"Tm dead, all right-dead sleepy"
he grinned. "The Ice opened up, all
right, but / was on the other side Of
the crack, an by driyin' the dogs like
the dickens / got over the danger
place before she cracked on the other
side. got to Sloan City without trou-
bic, an comm back I skirted the
shore. At that, I'd got lost only for
the OF light"
She took one of his hands and
found 1t cold. and rubbed 1t vigorously.
"But why-why did you got" she de-
manded.
He tried to stife another yawn, but
didn't succeed.
"Well, Emeline was lookin' for
Santa" he answered, "an' couldn't let
her be disappolnted.r
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20
VOL. 46 No. 5

older girl and listened to the howl
ing wind.
Probably not" replied Marie, who
was gazing abstractedly from the
living room window out over the
frozen lake.
Marie was quite sure Santa would
not come. Santa would have to be
her brother Frank, who was Emeline's
father, and he was at Sloan City, 20
miles away, helping an ice company
put up next summers supply. He
had promised to bring something for
Emeline's Christmas, but Marie knew
he would not attempt the trip in the
storm.
Frank was the nghtkeeper and the
government records showed Marie to
be his assistant. Frank kept the light
burning during the summer and in the
winter found jobs Of various kinds to
perform.
About five o'clock, through the
storm, Marie heard an automobile
horn, and presently came knock on
the door. Ben Clark, blanketed with
snow, stood there when she opened 1t.
IT can't stay" he said, "or I won't
be able to drive back, because the road
is drifting badly. I came because
heard some news you'll be interested
in. Harry Hammond went out on the
ice this morning with his dog team.
and up at the village fisherman just
came in with the news that the Ice
had cracked and part Of it went out.
Hammond didn't have a chance In a
thousand, especially in this storm. He
surely must have drowned"
Marie started back, horror in her
eyes.
Harry drowned!" she cried. SIT
doesn't seem possible. Are you sure2
Can't you do something? Take me out
on the ice in your car. Perhaps he's
still alive, lying somewhere on the Ice
freezing. The ice must be firm for a
long ways out"
"WhatT exclaimed Ben. "Go out
there in this bowling blizzard? The
ice might hold up for a long ways,
but I'd ruin the car and we'd stand
good chance of getting pneumonia, IL
we didn't get lost and wander into
open water"
Early that night the villagers were
startled to see red bar Of light shoot
from Clayton Point. 1t was the first
time in history that that light, which
had guided many a ship through sum-
mer gales, had shone forth into WIN
ter night.
Up in the light tower stood Marie
looking through the great glass wall.
striving to pierce the darkness and
storm with eyes that were red from
weeping.
"There's not much hope" she mused,
"but there's just chance he's still
alive and the old light might help
him."
For hours she remained at the post,
watching and waiting, all but hopeless.
Midnight found her asleep in chair
close by the light, exhausted by her
long vigil.
A scream from below made her wide
awake. She stumbled down the stairs
and groped her way to Emeline's room.
To her surprise lamp was burning
and there was Emeline seated on the
bed, bouncing doll, fully as large as
herself, on her knee.
Santa tame" cried the little girl,
and now Marie realized that 1t had
been scream of Joy that awak-
ened her.
"Santa tame!" repeated the tot. II
found this right on my bed"
Unable to understand, Marie went
out into the living room and lighted
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20
CHRISTMAS FACTS In BRIEF
Day Celebrated as Christian Festival
for centuries-Holly Once
a Sacred Plant.

Christmas day is the anniversary OF
the birth of Christ, and has been cele-
brated as a Christian festival for sew
eral centuries. The Christmastide lasts
from the 25th of December to the 9th
of January, the twelfth day after
Christ's nativity.
The origin of the Christmas tree Is
obscure; the thought of Christ as the
Light of the World and the Tree OF
Life may have given rise to the light
bearing tree, or the popular old belief
that every Christmas eve, trees BIOS
somed and bore fruit. may bave been
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20
the foundation of the custom.

the foundation of the custom.
Gift-giving is, of course, the echo
of the Wise Mems gifts; and mince
pie, turkey and plum puddings are
modern relics Of the pagan feasts.
Santa Claus, known to every child In
every land in this old world Is the per-
sonification of the spirit Of loving and
giving.
The holly, synonymous Of Christ
mas, was sacred plant, and the mis-
tletse q mysterious plant, supposed by
the ancient Druids to have some mys-
tic power of healing and preventing
misfortune. 1t was never allowed to
touch the ground, hence the modern
superstition that it Is unlucky for
mistletoe bough to fall from its place.
1t was dedicated to the Goddess OF
Love, which explains the custom OF
kissing under the mistletoe.
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20
By r. RAY BAKER


Copyright, 1913. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20

m0 is the subscription price
of The Farmer. You'll
eNL get more than the worth
of your money by being a
subscriber. Help boost the parish.
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20
Squarina Himself.

Last Christmas a young man was
invited to dinner at the house of one
Of the leading men in the town. At
the dinner table he was placed op-
posite goose.
The lady of the house was seated
on the young mans left. Seeing the
goose. he remarked:
"Shall sit so close to the goOser'
Finding his words a bit equivocal,
he turned round to the lady and said,
in a most inoffensive tone:
Excuse me, Mrs. Blank, meant
the roast one"
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20

American boys. The old folks parted
from him courageously-old John
with a stern grip Of calloused, toll
worn hands, and Ma Barker with tears
steadfastly hidden behind her faded,
loving eyes. He was their all and
they gave him.
In the anxious months that followed
the old folks life held the same hard
routine as. ever ON the farm. Old
John drove to town oftener than usual
sometimes even twice q week-to
see If any letters had come from mys-
terious, sinister places in France, and
he and mother would pore over the
few that did arrive in the proud
knowledge that their Henry was
"gOod" boy and was doing his duty.
They prayed each night that the Lord
would keep him safe to come back
to them and to keep him from tempta-
tion while away from their care.
Then one day, like a thunderbolt
out Of a clear sky, came a terrible
letter from France, which said: II
have found the sweetest little girl
In all the world, and I'm bringing her
home with me as q Christmas pres
ent to you. The regiment Is now at
Brest for embarkation and We'll sure
ly be home for the holidays. {.
She Is awfully pretty; black hair, big
eyes and always wanting to be kissed.
Her name Is Angelique. OF
course she can't speak anything but
French, but, dear mother and dad,
I Just know that you'll soon learn to
love her as much as l do,"
The old folks were stricken with
CONSERVATION. Their Henry bringing
home French girl-a foreigner who
wouldn't understand their simple, old
fashioned ways, and to whom they
never could reconcile themselves
Such one-accustomed to the
wicked frivolities of Paris-never
would fit in on the farm, however
modest or mice" she might be. More
likely she would despise it, and them,
and take their boy away to live In
some big city-leave them lonely In
the old age that was now upon them.
The old folks bowed their grayed
heads beneath the blow, nearly heart
broken, although they tried bravely to
conceal their most narrowing breads
from each other.
Maybe she won't expect to wear
silk. underwear all the time and will
De willing to help you wipe the dishes
evenings, mother old John clumsily
tried to console his wife as they sat
alone in the farmhouse kitchen one
night after chores were done. sand
maybe, after all, she won't want to
smoke cigarettes before people when
she finds that American girls around
here don't do that sort of thing"
Ma Barker shook her head sadly.
I'D do anything almost to make
our boy happy, pa" she said, while
the tears gathered in her faded eyes.
"We must do our best not to let him
notice how disappointed we are. Only
I'm afraid she'll never be content here
or the farm with u.s."
Ma Barker went about preparations
Tor the big Christmas dinner with
fearful premonitions. heavy hearted.
She was nervous; wanted to sit down
ana cry. hut felt she had to keep up
oefore pa, for Henry's sake, If uoth.
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20

emerged. Seems he's gettin' In q
hurry about it. Christmas don't come
till tomorrow"
There was nothing about the sailor
to denote that he was seafaring
man, unless 1t was his rolling gait, for
he was bundled up much as the other
man, although his coat, instead Of
being fur, was an old fuzzy blue one.
Navigation had closed some months
ago, because large share Of the
lake had an icy blanket, and
Harry Hammond was obliged to find
other pursuits till spring. So he
fished through the ice and helped keep
the village Of Bennett supplied with
food.
His knock was answered by q dark
eyed girl Of three years, who smiled
brightly.
"Hello, Emeline," ne said, and he
took her In his arms and asked her
about Santa and what she expected
the old gentleman from the North to
bring her.
''Big dolls what want" she told
him, trying to spoil the part in his
hair, and failing because there was
not any there to begin with. "Dat's
ali-just big doll."
From the adjoining room came an
other dark-eyed girl Of nineteen wip-
ing her hands on an apron.
Harry placed the tot on the floor.
and as he did SO he discovered a pic
ture standing on the table. 1t was
Of very good looking young man.
"T see Mr.. Clark left a present, !"
Harry said, and Immediately wished
he had kept his thoughts to himself,
for the girl flared up.
"Yes," she said with tinge Of de-
>fance. "Ben Clark left me his pic.
ture. I hope you don't object"
The sailor studied the blue pattern
In the faded red carpet.
"Wouldn't do much good If did,
he responded. "You an he's gettin
pretty thick, Marie. I thought things
was pretty well understood between
you an me-but that was before Ben
commenced takin' you ridln' and
shinin' up to you. A man with car
certainly does have an advantage ovel
ms poor guys.
Marie's cheeks grew red and she
tapped her foot.
Toy Yoronnd
she said In voice that sounded like
q ringmaster's whip cracking, 'you
nor no man Is going to dictate to me
Mr.. Clark has been very nice. Besides
he's a highly refined gentleman, and
you-well, you're not, and you know
It."
Ben turned toward the door.
"Mebbe I better step out O. 1t alto
gether," he observed.
He opened the door and was abou
to step out, when Emeline sprang int
his arms. He kissed the child on tha
forehead, then put her back on th'
floor and went out, remarking to him
self that ''this sure Is some merr.
Christmas"
That afternoon a storm that ha,
been brewing for days vented its spit
on the village and its surroundings
which included Clayton Point and tn
| lighthouse. A raw, stiff wind carries
biting pieces Of hard snow.
"Mebbe Santa Claus tan't tome" sal
the tot, % she snuggled up to tn
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20

never would be satisfied. Old John
Barker never referred to them, but
every once in while his wife would
catch herself brooding, mistyeyed, of
the sure day when young Henry would
marry and leave them alone on the
big farm for which there was no other
heir.
Her sole comfort in the thought
was that he would undoubtedly marry
one of the honest buxom daughters Of
neighboring farmers, who would be
content with country life and not ex-
pect to take him too far away from
them In their old age.
Then came the great war, and
Henry went overseas with his regi-
ment as did most of the other true
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20
Christmas Thanks.

For little children everywhere
A Joyous season still we make,
Ind bring our precious gifts to t..teI;:
Ever sor the dear child Jesus sahe-
St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1919-12-20

Copyright. 1919. by Western Newspaper Union
By DELYSLE FERREE CASS

He old folks always
had wanted a baby
girl, even long after
Henry had been born.
But the years rolled
by, their boy grew up
big, handsome and
strong, always cheer
full and helpful about
the farm, and they
tried to resign them
selves to the fact that
<Lo;r hrw,,hJn n n ~ q q
The Mena weekly star., 1919-03-06
AVOID HE FLU BY KEEPING THE
 LIVER ACTIVE
Doctors Find Calotabs, the New Nau- sealess Calomel, Best Laxative for Colds and Preventive for Influenza and Pneumonia.

To cut short a cold over night, to stop a sore throat, and to put the sys- tenn in the best possible condition to avoid influenza and pneumonia, doc tors are advising the new nausealess calomel, called Calotabs, which are free from the sickening and salivat- ing effects of the old style calomel. At the first sign of cold or sore throat, it is best to take Calotab at once, before the inflammation has gone too far. You may thus save yourself spell of sickness.
 One Calotab at bed time with a swallow of water-that's all No salts, no nausea, nor the slightest in- terference with eating, work or pleas ure. Next morning your cold has vanished, your liver is active, your system is purified and refreshed and you are feeling fine with hearty ap- petite for breakfast Perhaps you -can congratulate yourself that a stitch in time" has saved you serious illness. Calotabs are sold only in original sealed packages, price thir- ty-five cents. Your druggist recom- mends and guarantees Calotabs and will cheerfully give back your money if you are not delighted Adv.
The Mena weekly star., 1919-03-06
EUREKA ECHOES.

Alvie Combs is visiting relatives at near Potter.
 Most all of the farmers are sowing oats this week.
 Ode Wiles made a business trip to Mena Wednesday.
 Leonard Butler of Chant, Ark, is visiting friends near this place.
 John Combs made business trip to Mena Thursday and Saturday.
 B. J. Doughty and Mr Hart made a business trip to Mena Thursday and returned Friday.
 We wish to thank Prof. Tom J. Wilbanks for the nice compliment that he passed on our school and teacher. We also wish him back to visit our school in the next term.
 Mary Edna Barron of Acorn closed a very successful three months term of school Saturday at this place We pupils and patrons don't think that we could have had better teacher for our school. She returned to her home at Acorn Saturday evening and was accompanied by her friend Geo. w. McClain of that place. We all wish her the best of luck in the future for her kindness to the pupils.
 Dollie Dimples
The Mena weekly star., 1919-03-06
INK SPLASHES.

Oat sowing and gardening are the order of the day
 Mrs. Austin spent the weekend here with her daughter, Mrs. Harve Elm bry
 Charles Hall of Mena was at the Walter Howard home Sunday after noon.
 Mir. and Mrs. George Embry visited with Mir. and Mrs. P J. Mitchell near Pine Grove Sunday.
 Rector s;ifisffar5d came in Sstt,;ssff;a Sstt,;ssff;a;a ' from Camp Beauregard La, to spend seyen-day furlough with homefolks
 There was a singing at the Will Riley home Sunday afternoon Also at the II. l.. Rosson home Sunday night
 Mr and Mrs. Frank Embry and children of Owens Chapel visited here Saturday night and Sunday with Mrs. Ellen Embry.
 Word was received from c. A. Grif- fin stating that he was located seven miles southeast of Tioga, Tex, and was liking it fine so far
 Fayette Brown arrived home Sun day from Camp Pike, where he had received his discharge. He had just come from overseas and will have many interesting things to tell his many friends.
 The hearts of Mir. and Mrs. Pink Mitchell were made sad when the message came last week stating that their son, Merchie, had died some where in France. Mir. and Mrs Mitchell have the sympathy of the entire community
The Mena weekly star., 1919-03-06
BIG FORK BITS.

J. A. Smith of Albert was trading in Big Fork Saturday.
 Miss Lou Putnam of Big Fork went to Oklahoma last week.
 J. B. Lilies of Mena spent the lat ter part of last week in Big Fork.
 A. W. Jones and Mack Bates made business trip to Mena last week.
 Grady Ward of near Black Springs visited Monday night with friends here.
 Mrs. G. A. Norton of Little Mis- souri, was trading in Big Fork Sat urday.
 Miss Ruth Lilly of Big Fork went to Mena last week, where she will go to school.
 James Spake of Alder visited Sat- urday night at the G. w. Beck home at Newsbee Heights.
 Harold Briscoe and Columbus Lewis went to Mena last week Mir. Briscoe took a bale of cotton.
 Mir. and Mrs. Ellis Goss and chill dren of Mena visited Sunday with relatives at Big Fork
 Elder D. B. Nelson and wife will leave this week for Texas, where they will make their home.
 Mir. and Mrs T. H. Jones of Cedar Lawn spent Saturday night and Sun day with friends at Big Fork.
 Mrs A. w. Jones of Cedar Lawn visited Thursday night with her aunt, Mrs. E. A. Lewis, at Mill Creek.
 Homer Bates and Miss Cecelia Bates of Big Fork visited Saturday with their brother, w. J. Bates at AL der.
 Mir. and Mrs. James Pate of Fair view farm visited Saturday night and Sunday with Mir. Pate's mother at Mill Creek. Two Jumpers
The Mena weekly star., 1919-03-06
RANSOM RAMBLES.

Noy Blair made trip to Nunley last Sunday.
 R. A. Thomas and family were wis iting Sunday with w. F. Willis.
 Prayer meeting was held Sunday night at the home of Asa Gatlin.
 Mir. and Mrs. John Graf were wis iting last Sundaylwith MT. and Mrs Ed Shinn.
 Mrs. Roy Cole entertained her mother and brother from Mena last Sunday The brother has recently re- turned from France.
 Oscar Starr, brother of J. Y. Starr has been visiting here for several days. He returned to Mena Sunday to begin work for c. B. Lyons.
 R. A. Thomas, Birl Mount, Nave Shinn, w. R. Shinn, Lanie Wear, W F Willis, A. A. Blair, W. P. Whisen- ant, w. T. Whittenberg, Mir. and Mrs Asa Gatlin and Ivan Gatlin were Mena visitors last Saturday.
The Mena weekly star., 1919-03-06
Pedagog.
CENTER POINT CIRcLETs.

Elder Lacey moved back to Mena last week.
 Willis Outright visited friends at Oliver Chapel Sunday.
 J. H. Maddox and J. M Day were trading in Mena Saturday.
 Naler Chamblin of Mountain Fork visited friends here Sunday.
 Many of our people heard Mr. Red ding preach at Oak Grove Sunday.
 s. 0. Shepherd and family of Rocky spent Sunday with relatives here.
 Walter Moser has been on the sick list.
 A Sunday school was organized at our school house last Sunday after noon.
 Louis Borden and wife of Potter spent Sunday at the C. R. Outright home.
 MT and Mrs. John Lively are spending this week with relatives near Hatfield.
 Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Johnson moved last Friday to a house on the Will Gordon place.
 J H. Maddox and J. M. Day went to Eagleton Tuesday after some cattle they had lost.
 Mrs. W. L. Parker and children of Mena moved last week to their farm near Rich Mountain.
 Vim. Vibbert, Mir. and Mrs. Drew Davis and Isaac Saurbaugh were trading in Mena Monday.
 Luther Shepherd and wife visited the latter part of last week at the home of Joe Smith at Mountain Fork Oscar Cummings and wife assisted Nolla Cummings and family to move Monday from Potter to the R. T. Con- nally place.
 The personal property of the late Henry Chamblin will be sold at pub lie auction at the residence on Fri day March T.
 John Lively has so far recovered from rheumatism as to be able to farm and has decided to remain here another season.
 John Brown, wife and child, and Mrs. G. B. Hill spent Saturday night and Sunday at the home of William Brown near Old Potter.
 The Freedom young people have been organized into class for reli- gious instruction under the supervis- ion of Mir. and Mrs. Lehman.
 Pat Welch from south of Rocky was the guest of Jewel Maddox Sat urday and Sunday. On Sunday they visited the hotel on Rich Mountain.
 Are