davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
SANTA CLAUS BOOKS

From an Exchange.
 When the evening shadows gather
 and the time is 8 o'clock You can hear, if you will listen Mir.
 Sand Mans gentle knock. Then you'd better hustle lively-time
 your evening prayers were said And each boy and girl well tucked
 in their cozy, downy little bed. For when MT. Sand Mans knocking sounds the signal, you may know Santa Claus is closely watching from his palace built of snow. And the children that are naughty
 and don't mind their mas and Get their names down In the Bad Book" that Is kept by Santa Claus.
 Boys who never split the lkindling. and the girls who always cry When they're asked to wash the dishes-Santa Claus has got his On such boys and girls, and watches with sad and sorry look As he writes each name in sorrow on the pages of his book. And the girl who never hurries. but lets mamma do the work. And the boy who's always scheming all his little chores to shirk- They may think no one pays notice when they don't help mas and But their names are on tho Bad Book" that is kept by Santa
 Claus.
 But old Santa keeps a Good Book
 aP oI Where he writes the names of chill
 dren who are prompt at duty's And the boys who split the kindling
 and the girls who never shirk But rise early in the morning anl
 help mamma with the work; And the boys who never grumble
 when there's work for them to And the girls who help their mann
 mas till the homework is aH
 through
 Oh, they needn't ever worry when it's
 Christmas time, because All their names are in the Good
 Book" that is kept by Santa
 Claus.
 Is your name down In the Bad
 Book?" We'll, there is still q
 chance for you,
 And If you will listen to me, will
 tell you what to do. Don't act naughty, don't talk rudely,
 don't be noisy, be polite; Get up early in the morning, and into
 bed early at night. Cheerfully perform each duty, do
 your work before you play, Never put off till tomorrow work
 that should be done today. If you do these things, dear children,
 1t will please your mas and pas. And your names go in the Good Book" that Is kept by Santa
 Claus.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
How fhe Old Rag Doll
 Had q Merry Christmas

Your leg is very badly broken. vii take you up to the attic unti you can be mended'
 There" the Christmas angel said at last the nursery is all tidy, and ready for new toys-but. dear me, what's this? Why 1t Is the little rag doll"
 "Oh. please, do I have to go to the attic, too?" said the rag doll. Its very cold there, and I know the best doll will have the chimney corner for herself-and l don't want the mice to gnaw my toes"
 Why, you dear old thlng!" said the Christmas angel You're the same I was little. You go to the attic? Why I just guess not! We couldn't get along without you in the nursery. You do need a little mending, but l am going to sew you, and then you shall sit on the very tiptop of the Christmas tree"
 The Christmas angel lighted one of tho Christmas candles so that she could see to sew. Then she took the rag doll in her lap and opened her workbag and set to work
 First she stuffed the rag dolls in sides with pdenty of cotton so she could sit up. Then she sewed her toes and put new little white stock ings and black shoes on her feet She took piece of clean. white cloth and covered the rag dolls dirty face, and painted In blue eyes and smiling req mouth and vermilion cheeks. She sewed on a new yellow wig; and then she made pink-and-white checked gingham dress with puffed sleeves, and a white apron with strings to keep tho dress clean, and pink and-white checked sunbonnet to. tie under the rag dolls chin and keep her hair tidy.
 q think you will do now, you dear old thing said the Christmas angel
 So it came Christmas morning, and there on the tiptoe of the tree sat the ra.g doll quite made over The chill dren thought her really the most beautiful of all the Christmas things. As for the rag doll herself-why. all the pleasure of her old days was as nothing to the happiness that was hers.
 From Carolyn s. Bailey, In Kinder garden Review.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
The Exchange Corner

a pair of skates. Apply to Conrad Stubbs. 130 South Eighty first street, or phone Woodlawn 1O53-J.
 l want to exchange a kitten for Shepherd puppy. Lois Melton, S2so Cardwell avenue, East Lake.
 What will have to give you for 6 pair of skates? Phone Woodlawsa lS43-W, and call for Molly Williams. My Dear Jane: l want to ask you to exchange your wrist watch for my wheel. If you don't think that is fair and square, will send you about S5 or $l0 in advance. Now, please don't forget my plan. as am anx- ious to hear from you to know if I am going to get it. Now, if you. want to swap, please send me the watch by parcel post, and try to get 1t here by Saturday. Yours truly, Lutie Drake.
 have two bicycle tires to swap off for a Morrow brake. Call Wood lawn 666 any time after 3 o'clock Elvin Fritch.
 Dear Eloise: have a pair q skates. doll, a dresser and bed ' would like to exchange with you fqs your wheel. If you will do it, vs will exchange Saturday. If you thing that is not enough. I will give vol s5 more. Your friend, Clara Mat Bryant
 Dear Mary; I have cooking set of white enamel which I would likl to exchange for a game of "FiTk Points" If yea wish to exchange the flower, will exchange something for it. will be in town Monday. .Decembes 20. to see the twins, and we can exchange things then. Your, friend. NNat1e Rosenthal sS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24

There was once very, very old rag doll who lived in nursery. She was so old that she had seen all the children grow up-the boy who wore trousers now, the girl who had her hair done in braids the miGdle-sized child who had so often laft he rag doll out in the garden at night. There was only the baby left-bless his pink toes!
 But the rag doll was very, very old and one beautiful Christmas time she began to show her age.
 Her hair had been combsd so much that 1t had come out dreadfully. and her nose, from a great deal of kiss ing, was entirely gone. Her pretty pink cheeks had been washed away when the boy tried to teach her to swim in the bath tub, and all htr c3elhes were very untidy indeed.
 The baby never noticed all these things, but the toys did; they all made the most unkind remarks to the rag doll the day before Christmas
 Look at your dirty face.' said the large French doll. You'll be put in the attic tonight. That's where the old dolls go." Look at your dress" said the Jumping jack. Tt Is all torn l WOuidH Waik across the nursery floor with you
 Did you ever see such thin hair7" asked the hobby horse. T thought my tail was thin, but 1t isn't to be compared with thatp
 But just then the nursery door opened, and the Christmas angel came in. You could be perfectly sure that 1t was the Christmas angel even if she did have on a gingham apron. because her face shone so through the dark.
 The French doll must go up to the attic" said the Christmas angel. There Is more beautiful new best doll coming"
 Why. the jack-in-the has for gotten how to jump
 You see the jack -the-box had been so excited about the rag dolls dress that he had broken his spring,
 "The jack-in-t -the-box must go up to the attic. too" said the Christmas an- gel.
 Then she went over to the hobby horse.
 Poor. old hobby-horser' she said.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
 I N CHRISTMAS >~,~.:;a53alS= l==><>E ><8e$ 4s2aQ LETTINGS ET Azazaz6ags3z 3

candies and fruit. Yours very truly,
 o. T. O'CONNELL DURR. No. Ill Sadler St.
 Dear Santa Claus: want little train for Christmas. and suit of, clothes for Christmas If Santa Claus will bring them to 1. RAY GLENN. Dear Santa Claus: want an elec- trio train, and I want a basketball and I want gun. BOB EAGER,
 Robinson School. Dear Santa Claus: I want to tell you what I want for Christmas. want a sweater and box of candy and a wrist watch.
 ELEANOR CARDwEII.
 Robinson School. My dear Santa Claus: I am lit- tie girl g years old, and try to bs, good. I study hard at school Y love nv teacher. but think I love you the best because you have bi ought me so many pretty things. I want you to bring me a pretty doll and doll bed. and little set of dIshes. I have long curls ard blue eyes and want a doll to favor myself; and I want some fruits and candy. Your little friend,
 FRANCES TIMER. 7 Santa Claus; I want & doll and buggy If you can. I want a ball and pencil box, and nuts and candy. oranges and all kinds of fruit.
 NANCY LOU HARDIN. Dear Santa Claus: I want a drum and a sled to ride on the snow Dear Santa Claus. will you bring all the things I want7 Your friend,
 LOUIS BURSON,
 Second Grade.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
LITTLE STOCKING
 TELLS A STORY

Tt was Christmas Eve and all was quiet. I had been hung up by little Mary long time. All of a sud. den I heard noise. l looked around and who should I see but Santa Claus He went to work and filled me up with apples, oranges and lots of things I saw him put beautiful doll in pretty doll carriage. After Santa Claus had gone, l said to the doll, Are you for Mary? She said:
 "'Yes. Have you seen my trunk with all my pretty clothes in it?' 1 said, No,' but I couldn't say any more because Mary was coming down the stairs. She looked at her doll
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
EARLY CHRIsTMAs MoRNING

0HlAAhS NhA6 hOlA.NhNU Four little feet pattering on the floor, Two tangle-currd heads peeping in at the door. Hear the merry laughter OCT the chmney's roar.
 Early Christmas morning Two little stockings full of sweets and toys. Everything so charming for little girls and boys. How could they help, then, making such dreadful noise,
 Early Christmas mornings Down beside the stockings many gifts were spread. Dollies. drums, a cradle and brand new sled; Haven't we too many?" little Nellie said,
 Early Christmas morning. Four little bare feet on the sidewalk cold, Two little faces with want and hum ger old, Peeping through the window where those gifts unrolled;
 Early Christmas morning. Yes" says John to Nellie, as he spied the two, We've so many presents-tell you what we'll do I'll give half of mine away. Now, dear Nell,.wil your"
 Early Christmas morning. Two little hungry ones into the house were called, Favors heaped upon them till they stood enthralled. Was not this the angels song, Peace. good will to alln'
 Early Christmas morning.
 Mary B. Peck.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24

o my I-wish MT santa Claus hadn't made me an electric train, A horn or an auto would have been lots more fun.
 Well, l don't know that horn got a pretty hard lick when that little boy threw it down. and that auto got shaken up a bit when 1t ran into that doll. l guess l had better be satis- fled with being what l am.
 Aw, pshaw! here comes my owner. He doesn't give me bit of rest. Well l guess I just won't run. Now l don't know. He has a hammer. guess 1 had better run after all.
 1 am pretty hot. He's been running me pretty fast. Well. l can get some rest now. He's putting me in my box. Good-by everybody, l will see you some other time.
 JESSE F. YEATES
 Sr. R Grade. Lakeview School.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24

In this weeks exchange column there are a number of letters from children who are proposing to make swaps" They are in earnest in the trading mart and are willing to give square deal.
 Maybe there is an answer to one of your ads in this Children's Page'
 If you want to exchange anything, write down the articles you want to swap and what you will take for them: add your name and address and phone number; and write your desires to Aunt An, care of The Age Herald.
 Dear Mae: I heard that you had a wheel to exchange for my watch. I will swap my watch for your wheel. If that is not fair, will pay you ST more. I will see you about it Fri day afternoon. Yours truly, Lena Johnson.
 would like to exchange three chickens for brown pig. Call Woodlawn 423-J and ask for Vera Kerr.
 l have pair of Belgian hares Crab bits) and will exchange for a ban tam rooster and a hen. Phone Wood lawn 1170 and call for Eugene Cole.
 Dear Mary: l heard that you had a writing desk to exchange for a talking doll And so if you still have the desk, l would like to exchange, because I know you would take good care of my doll. Your friend, Louise Hodges.
 Dear Albert: I heard that you did not like your wheel and I would like to exchange my wheel for it if you want to. Yours truly, Charles Bry- ant.
 l have four wheelbarrow wheels which l would like to exchange for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
A CHRISTMAS STORY

Once there was a little girl, and her father and mother were dead. This little girl lived with her aunt. Her aunt scolded her when she was late. The children at school made fun of her and called her a beggar. Christmas was drawing near and all the children were going to hang up their stockings for Santa Claus to fill The aunt told her that she would not get anything for Christmas but sticks and ashes. So when next morning came the little girl took her stockings and there she found can dies and nuts. and tho aunt thought that the little girl had some friends after all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24

derful things that the Savior of men taught his people when he was on earth, before He went home to live with His father, the great God.
 Up in Heaven
 One of the most beautiful things Jesus ever said was:
 Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven"
 What a wonderful place Heaven must be with thousands and millions of little children just like these and others that you know about
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
ELAINE MASSEY
NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

1t was the night before Christmas. The children in Mir. Browns house hung up their stockings and went to bed. The oldest boy, before going to sleep, heard chatter on the roof. He got up and as he passed hg the fireplace he saw q jolly little man dressed in a red suit with fur and a belt on it. He also had bag with him. When he opened it he took out lots of toys and fruit. He filled the stockings and turned and jumped up the chimney He whstled to his team and drove away.
 Tie next m0rning the children got up and got their toys. They got what they wanted and had a merry Christmas. WHITMEL COBB.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
TWO LITTLE GIRLS

There was once two little girls whose names were Ruby and Mary Ruby was years old and Mary was :. They wanted Christmas to come so bad they didn't know what to do. Christmas came at last! That night they hung their stockings in front of the fiheplace. They went to bed and rested well. Christmas morning they got up early and went to see what Santa had brought them. Ruby got a doll with curly hair, blue eyes. rosy cheeks. She also got a pair of skates. Mary got a doll and a pair of skates. Both of them had all kinds of fruits and candies. They had d merry Christmas.
 LIZZIE MAE GRAHAM.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24

carriage. am a good little girl. I help Mother wash dishes and sweep floor. I am 8 years old. l want some fruits and nuts and a little chair and a little tea set, little doll bed. I want you to come to see me Christmas. Yours truly,
 INEz BRYAN. > Altoona, Ala. Dear Santa Claus: I will write letter to let you know what I want you to bring me. I am little girl, age of H. I go to school at Pine Grove. like my teacher. Santa Clause, I have little siste age 2. l want you to come to see her. But I will not ask you to come to see me because you have brought me so many pretty things every Christmas. I help my mamma ever morning to clean up the house before I come to school. I have little brother, age years. I study the forth grade. Aunt Ann, you all be sure to put our letters in the Bir- mingham paper because this is our first letter we have wrote. We want 1t to come out. We want to read them. From
 THELMA THOMPSON.
 Birmingham, Ala. Dear Santa Claus: I am writing you this letter to let you know what I want. I want a dress. pair of shoes No. 5's. some stockings and some candy and fruit. Yours truly,
 LACONIA DURR,
 No. Ill Sadler St.
 Birmingham, Ala. Dear Santa Claus: I am writing vou this letter to let you know what [ want for Christmas. I want pair of No. s1a English walkers, pairs of stockings, a hat, some nuts and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
The ChiLdren's Letter Box

mallows to be toasted on a big log fire.
 If this were to be a summer after noon, l would like fruit salad and ice cream to take the place of pop corn and marshmallows. On this sum- mer afternoon l would like a book of the cold north or of sunny Africa. or sit up and dream of Christmas and Thanksgiving. I would also like good picture show or play
 PEARL HARPER, Barker School-6th Grade
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
TOO SUDDEN

From Central Wesleyan Star.
 Little Mary came into the house bedraggled and weeping:
 My goodness! cried her mother, what sight you are. How did it happen?"
 'I am s-sorry, mamma, but I fell into mud puddle"
 What With your best new dress on?"
 "Y-y-yes. I didn't have time to change it."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24


 smoky Chicago, where most little pc of each other and with only hall be These homes are called apartment boys and girls must play in the same But this little girl. Nelle Booher, had a real home there and a regu- lar garden. And one day, when she was playing. she caught one of these beautiful ring necked turtle doves. Her mother later bought another dove. and, oh Joy, one day the doves made a snug little nest and laid an egg!
 Then little Nelle's family planned to move from thelr home in Chicago to Birmingham. Little Nelle was so, sorry to leave the egg and went out to look at it--and what do you sup pose? She found tiny, naked dove just as hungry as all little birds are. When 1t was three days old Nelle's mother put the tiny baby in little grape basket and brought it to Bir- nlingham with its mamma and papa. Which brings Aunt Ann to the grand climax;
 While that little birl now is grown.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
A TEDDY HEAR

The first I remember of my life was a log in sawmill. I was then made into sawdust and from this into a bear. 1 was sent to Birmingham to be sold at the State Fair One day when l was resting so nicely a man jerked me down and gave me to a young man. This man carried me home to his sister. She carried me into her room, where she set me upon the mantel I was very happy in my new home till one night. She left the window raised and in came a gust of wind and landed me right in the coal bucket, and now I am a one eyed teddy bear.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
HOW TO SPEND
 FRIDAY AFTERNOONS

After school on Friday afternoon l think it would be nice if two or more friends would get together and go to a picture show. They could books.
 also read the newspaper and good Children could easily get up a club for every Friday afternoon. This would be nice.
 KATHERINE KONTOS, Barker School-Senior 9th Grade.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24

Oh, such lot of letters the chiJ- dren's page editor has received to be delivered to Santa Claus!
 Aunt Ann is printing them, so that the bewhiskered, genial old gentle man who is the one fat man in the world who knows how to squeeze himself down any chimney, may read them and know what is expected
 While his reindeer are stamping around on the roof and these children are all sound asleep. Santa Claus will deliver the presents asked-unless he just happens to get sort of mixed up and leaves the wrong things.
 Aunt Ann knows, though, that whatever he does leave will just be fine. anyway.
 Altoona, Ala. Dear Santa Claus: I am little girl aged 2. l am in the sixth and sev- enth grades and go to school at Pine Grove. l want to tell you what to bring me for Christmas. I want sleeping doll with curly hair, and I want her to be 2i5 feet high. I want a Christmas hat and dress with It. And bring me some oranges, and ap- ples. and nuts, and candy. I will hang my stocking up Christmas night.
 Dear Old Santa. you have been so kind that l don't think that you will leave me off this Christmas. I have two sisters; one 15 and the other IS years old. l am the baby child. I have good teacher. Her name is Mrs, Earl Murphree, and sure do like her. l help mother wash the dishes, carry water and clean up the house for mother.
 Now I will close, Dear Santa Goodby. ETHEL BERRY,
 Altoona, Ala. Route No. 9
 Dear Santa: Here are a few things l would appreciate: Roller skates, a motorboat, electric dlshwasher. one pair of tan shoe strings, a doll, box or toothpicks, knife, map of Asia and lead hammer. There are more things l need, but thought would let you off easy this time on account of business conditions. However, you can add spark plug to the above. Yours most truly and sincerely. JESS E. JAMES,
 97 Swiss Cheese Boulevard. Altoona, Ala.
 Dear Old Santy: I am writing you to tell you what I want you to bring me at Christmas. I want you to bring me some fruits. candies, nuts, apples, oranges and a doll. I have been a good girl this year. and I want you to bring me some things. I have a little sister. age 5, and I want you to bring her some fruits and doll I am going to school and I am in the l fifth grade. I have been smart girl this year. I help Mamma wash the dishes and make up the beds You have been good old friend to me, Santa Yours truly,
 CLARA MURPHREE, Altoona, Ala. R. F. D. No. 3, 1 Wilsonville, Ala. Dear Aunt Ann: l am a very small boy, only years old. I want you to see Santa Claus for me and tell him to bring me tram, a gun, some marbles. a ball. bat. knife, pair of glasses Cike Daddy's). Bring my | little brother. Billie, some nice things also. He needs a little bed, a ball and some candy and horn. try to be a good little boy and help my mother and play with Billie. My Daddy says Is I am a good boy Santa Claus will bring me lots of nice things. Your little friend.
 l.. B. LIDDLE, JR. Route 3, Altoona. Ala.
 Dear Old Santy: I am ritting you to tell you what I want you ta bring me Christmas. 1 want a little slepy doll with curly hair and a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
WINTER

The sun shines every day For every little child to play; The birds are singing everywhere Even though the trees are bare. With the geese south flying And all the sweet flowers dying, We can know that winter is here And that Santa is near.
 Russell WedgeMorlh
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24
A CHRISTMAS STORY

It was & cold day in December-ths day was 8 cold and Christmas day also. A ragged boy was out in the cold and without 8 home or anyone to care for him, 80 he had to take care of himself.
 One day he came to a little cottage. He looked in through a window. Hs saw a room all lighted up, and he saw toys on tho tree.
 He went around to the door. He knocked on the door, a little girl came to the door. She ran to tell her mother. She met her mother in tho kitchen door. The mother went to the door. She let the little boy in. He was glad to get in out of the cold into the warm house. So he had a merry Christmas after all.
 JIMMIE M'CLURKIN-
 IT DID
 From the Boston Transcript.
 First Lawyer: Did his address D the jury carry conviction?"
 Second ditto: Tt did. His client got five years"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-24

l think 1t would be pleasant to be- gin, after I come home from school, to toast marshmallows and eat pop corn until supper, with a good book to read. I would like my marsh