davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Walker. 8, West School; Monika
Kerschbaum, 10, Whittier School;
Ann Kohlenberg. II, Rockville
School; Mildred Meyer. age not
given, Millersville (Md) School;
George Sinclair Davis, II, Charlotte
Hall Md School; Eva Benkert,
age not given, Hyattsville (Md)
High School: Charles Davis, IA,
Margaret Brent High School. Me-
chanicsville, Md: Marjorie Hill, II,
Cooke School; Barbara Spittle, IA,
Langley Junior High School.
Arthur Williams, jr., 10, Langdon
School; Alice Reed, Is. Anacostia
High School; Patty Foster, II, Ia
koma School; Marie Bolle, IA. Lang
ley Junior High School; Shirley
Clayman, II, same school: Edna
Stewart, 13. same; Josephine Robert
son, age not given, Centerville (Va3
School; Jean Edwards. age not given,
Spencerville Md School; Mildred
Roby, 13, Browne Junior High
School: June Sudduth. II, school
not given; Ann Elizabeth Briggs,
llClloo SSllOOl,
IA, Francis Junior High School
Pauline Potter, 16. Jefferson Junior
High School; Diane Thompson, II,
Barnard School; Joyce Elizabeth
Lear, 10, Addison School; Doris and
Mary Hankel. 9 and II, Rockville
School; Lorraine Laredo. age and
school not given; Dorothy Main. II,
Peabody School; Shirley Seigel, II,
Kingsman School; Elsie Zucknick,
II, Lenox School: Edith Kraus. II,
same; Roberta .Goldsboro. II. Cot
taee City (Md) School; Nancy
Rickard, II, school not given:
Eleanor Hill, II, Alice Deal Junior
High School; Lorraine King, IA,
Germantown CMd) School.
X x X
That's a lot of names, and they
just about fill the space allotted to
this column today; but carrying
them here was the only way we
could think to hand out those pats
on the back.
And now, please-no more Christ
mas material until next year. And
speaking of next year-it begins a
week from tomorrow, so how about
some New Year stories and poems
for publication next Sunday? You'll
have to write fast, though. because
the deadline is 10 am. Wednesday.
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Christmas at Midnight

who stands beside me, says "Yes."s
Santa asks me more questions and
for each answer gives me a pack
age. After the questions he gives
me the remaining packages and
tells me to be good little girl dur
ing the next year. Then he leaves.
At just minute before IL o'clock
We turn of the lights and at mid
night we turn them on again. This
symbolizes the holy light of justice
coming into the darkness Of the
world.
Mother and father and I wish
one another a merry Christmas and
after that we sit down at the table.
On 1t are fruits, nuts and a cake.
We cut the cake In equal pieces
and each Of us breaks his or her
piece to see who gets the quarter
that was dropped into the cake
before 1t was baked. Then we eat
some nuts and fruits and open our
presents.
My mother lets me play with my
new toys for an hour. Then we 70
to bed. I think I spend q very nice
Christmas.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

On the way they came to beauti-
full city. Tene didn't remember this
city, so he told the grasshopper, who
said: This way is shorter. You came
the longest way" The people of the
city waved their hands to show them
the way 10 go.
When they came to the little
workshop on the hill, they were
singing Santa Claus Is Coming to
Town Santa was waiting at the
door, so he painted Tene again. He
also gave the grasshopper a cage.
They both went to Nancy and lived
in her house. Nancy was happy
when she saw what she had. She
was kind to them and played with
them lot. They often talked about
what happened before they be-
longed to Nancy.
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Prises T0tahng IS
| offered for Best
Contributions

Boys and girls of all ages up to
and including high school age are
invited to write for The Junior Star.
Prizes of 81 each are awarded for
The best five contributions published
each week. The following rules
must be observed:
/. All contributions must be orig.
inal
2. Name, age, address. telephone
number Gf any and school of the
author must appear at the top of
the first page of every contribution.
8. Contributions must be written
on one side of paper: if typewriter
they must be double-spaced.
4. The editors decision as to the
winners will be final. and The Star
reserves the right to publish any
contribution received in whatever
form he may deem advisable. re-
gardless of whether it is awarded a
prize. Checks will be mailed to the
winners during the week following
publication of their contribution.
5. Contributions will not be re-
turned.
Boys and girls who wish to act as
news correspondents of The Junior
Star may qualify by submitting at
least one feature story the princi-
pal stories on this page today are
good examples of what is wanted).
together with the information called
for above. Those qualifying will be
given cards identifying them as re-
porters for The Junior Star. The
editor reserves the right, however,
to decline to issue reporters cards
or to revoke those already issued
whenever such action appears ad-
visable.
Address: Junior Star Editor, The
Sunday Star, Washington, D. c.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

fore Christmas.
Tene remembered he was supposed
to 60 to a little girl named Nancy.
BY this time he was getting lonely
and wanted friend. He discovered
on the ground a grasshopper and
he said: won't you be my friend?
I'm lonely" So they became friends
AS they were wandering about they
found a little pond. They stopped,
but the grasshopper couldn't swim.
Tene plunged in and had fun. When
he came out his paint was not
pretty. He worried, because he knew
Nancy would not like it, and Santa
wouldn't have time to paint him
over when he returned. He told the
grasshopper the whole story.
The grasshopper was smart, so he
said, 1--WE shall start back now"
Evening star., 1939-12-24

by another name, St. Nicholas,
Pilznickel, or Kris Kringle, he is
always the same kind and generous
spirit.
christmas In Argentina is cele-
brated on January 6, instead of
December 25," explained Matilda
Tashof Of 1915 Webster street NV.
who has lived in Argentina most
of her life. "On December Is, every
one goes to church, because it is
considered very holy day. How
ever, January 6. being the day the
three kings arrived with presents
for the baby Jesus, is celebrated by
gift giving and rejoicing"
Matilda said the main difference
between Christmas in Argentina
and the United States is the
weather. AS you probably know
the seasons in South America are
just the reverse Of what they are
here.
Christmas in Puerto Rico is con-
sidered one of the most important
church festivals. Miriam Eckart,
who lives at 1857 Newton street,
said that on Bethlehem Day, Janu-
ary IL, a beautiful procession is held
by the natives to celebrate the COM
ing of the Magi.
THE Chinese have adopted many
OF our customs and so celebrate
Christmas in much the same way
we do" said Janice Mendelson of
1921 Fourteenth street NV. jan
ice, who lived in Tientsin, China, for
eight years.
The Chinese like bright colors,
and besides the customary holly,
tinsel and bright lights of the
Christmas tree they add their own
Chinese lanterns. They also have
little clusters of red glass berries
attached to the branches Of all the
trees sold. This greatly lessons the
decoration problem. AS in all their
other celebrations the Chinese make
great use of fireworks at this
season. And, by the way, Santa
Claus is called Dun Che Lao Rem in
China.
Betty Finley, who lived in the
Philippines for three years, said:
The greatest handicap is the ab-
soiute necessity for doing your
Christmas shopping early And by
early I mean two or three months
ahead of time, because most of the
articles must be brought from the
States"
Evening star., 1939-12-24

AiAohS 4OOIll. VIC OWL! lldu a kICdl Ocdl
of material. There were letters to
Santa Claus written in poetry form,
poems on a variety of Christmas
subjects, stories with yuletide
themes of one kind or another &.
We counted words, measured space
but the size Of the page remained
the same, and it was bulging around
the edges. In every stocking in
Washington and nearby Maryland
and Virginia is as full tomorrow
morning as the J. S. is today, it
will be a very merry Christmas,
indeed!
In selecting the material pub
lished today, The Junior Star con-
sidered-as 1t always does-the ages
Of the authors as well as the merits
Of their contributions. In other
words. if a poem by a 16-year-old
girl was just about as we'll done as
one by a boy of IA, then, of course,
the younger writer was given the
benefit of the doubt. Obviously, we
couldn't just fill the page with the
work Of any one age groIp-say 16-
year. -olds-and let it go at that; we
had to see to it that the younger
contributors were given fair
chance. too.
Some of the material that was
crowded out was pretty good, how
ever. and the least we can do is to
distribute some hearty pats on the
back among its authors. Therefore,
we are awarding honorable mentions
to the following:
Ruth Cooper, 13, Powell Junior
School; Balfour Greenblatt, II,
Lenox School; Dorothy Givandan,
-, Whittier School; Marcia Man
ming. II, school not given: Virgie
Dustin, II, District Heights Md
School; Betty Barrett, IS, St.
Mary's Academy: Gilmore Hastings,
IL, Brentwood Md School; Jean
Watkins. IL, Damascus Md High
School; Bettye Jeanne de Force, II,
Truesdell School; Rosemary Lynch,
8, Ludlow School; Jestine c. Parks,
10, Hoffman-Boston School, Alice
Anagnos, 8, st. Paul's School; Shir-
ley Rubenstein, IA, Powell Junior
High School
Marie Nolan, age not given, St.
Gabriel's School; Alverna Fighter,
IA, Richard Montgomery High
School, Rockville, Md; Helen Clark
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Tieg Learns a Lesson

in expensive mansions. Tieg was
hungry, so he went to a mansion
where pies, cakes and chicken and
other good things were being served
He knocked at the door and asked
for some food, but he was ordered
away from the clean doorstep.
Wealthy people were giving their
gifts to each other, so Tieg asked
for one. They told him he was too
poor, that they never gave thing
to poor man.
This was too much for Tieg. He
put on the red cap and whisked
away to his own country and his
own home. When he returned, he
called in his poor neighbors and gave
them presents. There was party
and entertainment for all, and Teg,
who repented, was greedy no longer.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

2 to 6 years old.
Santa Claus
was there in
person, giving
away we'll
stockings and
other gifts, and
there was ice
cream for every
body.
The Gordon
students, W ho
are members of
the Dis t r / C t
Chapter of the
j u Tor r e d
Cross, had filled
Evening star., 1939-12-24
LOrS.Disfance Talker

The chief salesman of a certain
firm has a very loud voice. One
morning when the manager arrived
at the Office, he heard a terrible
noise coming from the salesman's s
office.
Who Is that shouting?" asked
the manager.
That's Mr.. Hill talking to Chi
eago," replied the secretary.
well, tell him to use the tele-
phone"
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Prize Contribution
Greetings! We're Santa's reindeer.
We're here to tell our story
OF the wonderful eve of Christmas
With the real tale of its glory.
You see, we live where there's
nothing but snow,
And those we'll hidden trails we
thoroughly must know,
For he turns us loose on the snow
covered ground
And ne'er tells us the whole year
round
Till Christmas bells DER the world
resound.
Santa greets us and fastens us to
his sleigh,
For in a couple of hours we'll be on
our way
He packs his bag full of caps and
mittens
And dolls and drums and little kit
tens,
And muffs for hands that might get
frostbitten.
We pull and pull till we reach the
first town,
And Santa goes the chimneys down.
He fills each stocking up to the
brim,
And the Christmas tree he does
trim,
Placing surprises on every limb.
After we reach each house that
there is
Back to the North we bound with a
Whiz.
AS we reach Santa's shop, where his
helpers wait,
With an empty bag and a tired
gait,
He says that he hopes that we've
visited each State
And each town and city that exists
today,
To wish them a Merry Christmas
Day.
MARY CATHARINE OSTMANN, 12.
Holy Cross Academy.
Christmas time is almost here,
The happiest day of all the year.
Can I make some child glad that
day?
Yes, by giving some toy away.
My dolly is old, her dress is torn.
My teddy is battered, ragged and
worn.
No other child will love them like me.
I must think of something else, see.
I've kept this book so nice and neat.
See, here Is the story of Nellie and
Pete.
I've looked at these pictures time
after time;
I've read every verse, story and
rhyme.
Many times I've read this book,
So I'll take one last long look,
Then wrap it up and send it away
To make some child happy on
Christmas Day.
RUTH DAVIS, II,
BrightWood School.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

which Woul d
probably seem
very strange to
us, that are used
in observance
of the Christ
m as S e a S o n
throughout the
world.
However, there
is one feature
of our celebra-
ton which we
probably would
find in any
country, Santa
Claus. Although
he NAV he ca11ed
Evening star., 1939-12-24

In the evening,
about Z o'clock.
At 11::30 I wake
up and dress
and just IS
minutes before
midnight - and
Christ m q S "A
little bell rings.
When the bell
rings I 60 into
the dining room,
where We have
the Christmas
tree. There are
no lights In the
room e x c e D {
those on the
treA and thAro
Evening star., 1939-12-24

When Christmas Eve rolls around,
Santa comes without sound.
He fills the stockings full of toys,
Some for girls and some for bows.
And when he goes away so gay,
He says good-by until next Christ
mas Day.
ALFRED w. CARCHEDI, II,
Truesdell School.
1t is Christmas in the mansion,
Yule-log fires and silken frocks.
1t is Christmas in the cottage,
Santa's filling little socks.
1t Is Christmas on the highway,
In thronging, busy mart,
But the dearest, truest Christmas
Is the Christmas in the heart.
MILE ADAMS. IA,
Spencerville (Md) School.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

4 lesson. They
gave him a lit
tie red cap that
would take him
to any land he
wished to visit.
Tieg wanted to
get richer, so
he put on the
cap and flew
away to the land
OF riches.
w h en- Tieg
arrived, he was
surprised to find
himself In rags,
without a cent
In his pockets.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Prize Contribution.
I walked up the hill to where He lay
In swaddled clothing on the hay.
I saw the stable, once so bare,
Inflamed with radiance from His
hair.
The breath Of oxen warmed the stall
Which served as home for God, for
all.
The shepherds, who from near and
far
Were led here by a brilliant star,
Laid their lambs beside His bed,
In silence praised, no words were
said.
And then I felt the wind grow mild
Which once had been so clustering
wild.
From out the cleaning white OF
snow
I watched tiny flower grow
On my ear there fell an angels voice
And I heard the heavenly choirs
rejoice.
I saw His parents, without word,
Give thanks for what they'd seen
and heard.
In all this splendor I played my part
And, kneeling, offered Him my heart.
MARY K. RUDDY, Ia,
Sacred Heart Academy.
This is the kind of Christmas day
That we delight to see.
Little Sue and Sister Mary
Are happy as can be.
The snow falls gently, flake by flake,
Like fairies on the wing,
And not a sound the fairies make;
Sue thinks they ought to sing.
And Grandma will love to kiss
The rosy cheeks of Sue,
And Sue will say, You mustn't miss
Dear joey; kiss him, too
Now if you ask who joey may be,
He's just that doggie brown
In Sues arms who loves to see
The snowfakes dancing down.
DONALD DUCKWORTH, 10,
Montrose (Md) School.
If you wish to happy be,
Put your thoughts on what to give
At Christmas. Forget the me"
And help the poorer ones to live.
Happy feelings you'll enjoy,
Lots of pleasure will be yours;
Thinking of the others toys
And games for in and out of doors.
THE BOYS OF ROOM g."
Polk School.
The preparation has now begun.
The children are having lots of fun
The games are ready to be played
the next day
When every one will be so gay.
The children decorate the tree.
So pretty. tomorrow, 1t will be.
Santa Claus will do the rest,
Which the children think is the best
ALBERTA CASSELL, 13,
Banneker Junior High School,
When Santa comes at Christmas
And finds my tree all bare,
I know he'll dress it beautifully
And trim it with great care.
I know he'll fill my stockings
With all good things to eat
And place my dolly carefully,
Leaning against the seat.
SYLVIA PERRY, 13,
Banneker Junior High School.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

SAoAo Ao q" "a oCo w ISClyH HUN
School. Her poem was printed la
straight, we reprint it here:
Dear Santa:
Each day
I've been very good,
Fed the chickens and brought in
wood
Each week
I've tidied up my room
And swept the yard and walk with
my broom.
Each month
I have gone to the All Club,
I've learned to sew and cook some
grub"
Each year
To needy girls and boys
I've given outgrovn clothes and
tired-of toys.
Now Santa
On Christmas morning
Please leave me q book
Where I can settle in some quiet
nook and
Have Merry Christmas,
Just me and my book.
Dear Santa Claus:
This is the first time I've written a
letter
To the one whose gifts couldn't be
better.
I've always gotten just what I've
wished for,
And never have had to wish for
more.
But this year Id like something
special,
Not large thing, not golden ring.
Just a gift I recently saw
In large downtown department
store.
1t was navy blue, with a large red
strip.
And, believe me, Santa-it was a
pip.
The article I now hold in my dreams
Is. I think. within your means.
And now, I'll tell you Santa Claus,
Just what that beautiful gift was:
An ce-skating outfit, in red and blue.
You're the only one I can tell, Santa.
So please remember, I'm counting
on you.
GLORIA JOYCE LOWY, IA,
Roosevelt High School.
Please don't forget me, Santa,
I've been very good.
I've obeyed my parents
And done all should.
Please remember the poor,
Who won't get many toys.
Because their daddies have no work,
Although they are good girls and
boys.
Don't forget my parents,
Who to me are very dear.
Bring them something nice,
Like you do every year.
I'll hang my stocking in the same
place,
III leave the front door open;
And If you don't walk right In,
My heart will be broken.
MARY BURNS. 13,
st. Gabriel's School.
Dear Santa Claus, so good and true,
This letter is from me to you!
I want an erector set and trains,
The Wizard Of or on a toy set.
Please give the straw man a set of
brains,
And don't let the tin man get rusty
or wet,
And to the lion Il know he'll de-
serve),
A gruffy roar and lots of nerve.
ROBERT CANNADAY, IA,
Banneker Junior High School.
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Just Between Ourselves
BY PHILIP H. LOVE,
Junior Star Editor.

Christmas Star may
stockings be nlled to the bursting point!
Today issue Of the j.
ea There Stories
"Chrstmassy' for which space be provided.
But after
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Prise Contribution.
BY PENELOPE MIZALES, 10,

6t. F6W 3 AC10emy.
Most children wake up Christmas
morning and find their presents
under the tree, but my Christmas is
different. I 60 to bed very early in
Evening star., 1939-12-24

While sitting down a moment
And thinking of one so dear,
I couldn't help but send you
A little Christmas cheer.
This, is to show my love
To one who's more than kind,
And one who's very thoughtful
OF US all at Christmas time.
'Tis no one but dear Santa
Who works from year to year
And tries to remember every one
Who has been sweet and sincere
VIVIAN BARKSDALE, 13,
Banneker Junior High School.
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Attractive

Attractive
Parson: "And which Of all the
parallels do you like the best, my
child?"
Tommie: 1.-THE one where some
body loafs and flsheS!" 4
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Dear Santa Claus. with heart so gay.
I'm sending my letter to you today.
I want an electric car, a pair of
skates,
A box Of pies and a set of plates.
A big bass horn and a pretty coat,
Airplanes that hum and a big boat,
A dog and ball, shiny bell,
A baby to cry, pair of shoes,
Some nuts and oranges and good
jelly cakes,
Three little dolls and some soldiers
handy,
A set Of glass and lots Of candy.
FLORENCE GROOME, II,
Lincoln (Va.) School.
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Children Adopt Verse to
Tell Wishes to Santa

Verses became the Junior
tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas Most of the
Nicholas written The number
unable the mailman brought.
special Christmas
Claus is awarded Evelyn Arnold 49,
School Her printed last
straight, W
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Prize Contribution.
BY EDWIN STATKUS, 13,
JApnY Erhoo1

Tieg was a miser. Despite all his
money, he refused shelter to the poor
one cold Christmas morning.
The fairies decided to teach him
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Christmas Spirit Inspires
Flood of Yuletide Poetry

The Christmas spirit something
scribe inspired of people
their Christmas thoughts and stories into
Not only The Junior Star poetry
contributions that impossible
them, including considered quite
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Cuddles and Tuckie
Registered o. s. Patent

Our teacher says the reindeer stay
In Santa's country, far away
They live on moss; that's all that
grows
In Lapland underneath ths SHOWS.
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Mistaken Identity

Hello, Perkins, where did you get
that black eye?"
ut was only sweethearts' quar-
rel"
"Sweethearts' quarrel! Why your
girl didn't give you that, did she?"
"No; it was her other sweetheart"
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Dear Santa:
I am just little boy Of IL.
I'm writing you this note because
heard you were so swell.
I haven't been so good, nor have
been so bad.
But If you'll just overlook these two,
III be very glad.
First, III tell you the things want
(Which are very few,
A large red bike and a train that
says choo-choo-choo.
Next I want a box of candy to give
my dad and mother
And a small red sock to hang up
for my little baby brother.
While glancing through this note,
Santa, hope that you will
see
That you have one Merry Christ
mas, and it's from me.
BERNICE WILLIAMS, Is.
Cardozo Business High School.
written for her little brother
Jimmy)
Evening star., 1939-12-24
The Helpful Grasshopper
Prize Contribution
BY JOETTA MARIE BOYDSTON, 10,

dark about the city santa workshop lighted
being fixed Christmas looked
at him and said We'll m through with you long
until Christmas had tired
thought
hadh ottorho honottin hackh he.:-
Evening star., 1939-12-24
Junior Red Cross Members Prepare Gifts for School
Christmas Is
Different in
Other Lands
Young People Who
Have Lived Abroad
Tell the Story
By MARY WEBSTER, 16.
Roosevelt High School,

Have you ever stopped to think
that not every one celebrates Christ
mas in the same manner as we?
There are many customs, some of
Evening star., 1939-12-24
By Frances Royster
Williams

Another funny thing is true;
Though Santa comes from Lapland,
too Yn
He hasn't any lap-you see
His tummy's winery his lap should b.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Some nights are two months long,
they say,
Where little Lapland children play;
And then sometimes it's broad day.
light
For two whole months, both day
and night.
Evening star., 1939-12-24
GOrd0nUnit
Works for
Children
Fifty Youngsters
Entertained at
Salvation Army
BY MARY ALICE FAIRBANK, II.
Gordon Junior High School.

Pupils of Gordon Junior High
School did their Christmas bit this
year with party at Salvation Army
headquarters for so children from
Evening star., 1939-12-24

CIcc, AllU ClIeIe UcSIQe IL SC4uQS
Santa Claus.
First, Santa asks me II I have
been . good uttl1 girl. My mother,
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Dear Santa:
Christmas comes but once a year.
So listen, Santa, and you shall hear
What want for Christmas.
First a lovely doll that talks.
A great big teddy bear that walks.
Second, want a canary that sings.
A stocking full of wonderful things.
A big red bike with a bell that rings.
And, oh yes, I want a shiny new ball
Well, Santa, guess that's all.
so don't forget on Christmas eve
night.
III be waiting by candle light.
MARILYN COUSINS, IL,
Paul Junior High School.
Dear Santa Claus, with suit so red.
I'm sure that when I'm tucked in bed,
You will come with tinkling bells
And fill all my little shelves.
A letter is waiting for you there
On the piano by the stair.
Now read it carefully, if you please,
And unpack your sack with ease.
Here is what I want you to leave.
A large blue bicycle and lots of
books,
A watch that says 'tick-tock"
And Is always on the dot,
And some candy and cake
That make children's stomachs ache.
BERN1CE ROGERS.11,
Deanwood School.
Evening star., 1939-12-24

Around him were people who wore
aue clothes and lived comfortably