davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
The Christmas Spirit

What is so readily called "the Christmas
spirit" has come to have too restricted mean
ing II is usually employed as an easy syno-
nym for warm generosity, for readiness to
be friendly upon the slightest provOcation, for
a certain satisfaction in giving and receiv-
ing.
All this is true enough, but the real mean
ing of Christmas cannot be circumscribed by
small boundaries of customary behavior. 1t
has never been confined by nation or race.
It transcends even the limitations of one or
another religious faith 1t is part of the
spiritual growth CT mankind, a recognition of
a whole system of imperishable values trans
figuration of a world that is beset with woe
into new life of hope and joy.
1t is for this reason that the symbols of the
Christmas celebration have such universal sig
niicance One OF the most important is its
music. The birth of Jesus has probably inspir-
ed more great music than any other event
in history. Interesting, and significantly, some
of the best of it has been written by nom
transcribed the strict limits of given faith
But it is not merely music of great forms. of
the oratorios and cantatas II has been great
folk music from every part of the world.
We speak of Christmas music" quite
casually, not always realizing that the familiar
hymns and carols that we sing and hum come
not from our immediate background but from
a whole civilization. Germany and Austria
are conspicuously represented. Britain has
given us a rich legacy. And we sing, also, in
the melodies and rhythms of France of Spain
and Italy. Yes, and the Low Countries, Scan
dinavia and Russia. There is good reason for
this. Music is a universal language of emo
tion that needs little translation if our sources
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19

1t should be replanted in mixture of three
parts garden loan, one part well-rotted man
ure and one part leaf mold. The pot should
provide good drainage and the plant watered
to keep the soil from drying out.
In June, or when the weather is warm, the
plant may be placed outdoors in full sunshine
in northern areas. in light shade in the south
err ones. In the autumn, the poinsettia should
be brought indoors and placed in a window
where there is good light and air, but no
draught, in temperatures between so to IS
degrees.
To scare it into blooming" one garden
expert put it, the poinsettia should be kept
dark at night October on The department sug-
gests covering the plant with black cloth or
placing 1t in room not used at night.
Those who receive pOinsettia this Christ
mas should not be discouraged if it looks wilt
ed and dying. A plant that does not thrive in
extremes of temperatures or draughts, the
poinsettia has had rough time in its trips
frols the greenhouse to the florists and from
there tC steam-heated apartment. The plant
should be watered twice day until it perks
up."
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
Season of Peace

Christmas does not, eahappily, bring a
truce to the tragedies ard animosties th@t
afflict mankind. A plane viii crash in flames
at an airport on Christmas morning; a thief
will steal a child's gift to her mother; Com
munlst publications, copying Scrooge, will
complain Of Christmas absenteeism and carolr
sing. These incidents stand oua even more
sharply than usual in season that typifes
good will.
Yet perhaps that fact Is, IN ITSELF tribute
to Christmas, by marking the contrast between
what the world might be and what it is. Ger
tainly, men think more deeply of peace at this
time of year, and rejoice when areas of con-
fict are limited or removed. This year. for all
the doubts that cloud the international hori-
zon, the guns are stilled.
Four years ago, the long war in Indo-China
was still raging. The year before that Ameri-
cans were fighting in Korea, as they had been
since 1850. Farther back were battles in Pal
estine, in Indonesia in Greece and in China
until the little" wars merged with the great
global struggle that, the world believed had
enaed in 1945.
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
The Stdr ThQt Is Still There

Many wise men of today have been turning
their eyes, lately, to the skies, just the Three
Wise Men, journeying over the desert sands, did
nineteen-hundred-odd years ago. But they have
been following the wrong kind of star.
Their preoccupation, inconceivable to the
Magi, is with man-made stars, imitation satel-
lites, artful gadgets that can be flung thousands
of miles into space and made to spin in sort
of scientific dog-trot around the earth.
Nations have been vying with each other,
devoting some of their best brains and millions
of dollars, in a frenzied sprint to the moon. One
nation has successfully placed toy satellites in
the earths orbit and others have witnessed this
performance in a mingled spirit of awe and
envy. Sputnik racing through the heavens
has been hailed the mark of national great
ness as an achievement far outdistancing any,
thing like the invention of the wheel or the
discovery of penicillin.
To the Wise men of the East the veneration
Of the Sputnik would seem irrational enough
Were they to be told that the conquest of outer
space by means of earth-launched satellites may
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19


open the way to new methods of raining de-
struction upon defenseless human beings below,
they would view it as nothing less than gigantic,
and literal, lunacy.
The Star the Wise Men followed was not
made in Tobolsk, or its equivalent No years OF
scientific research and experiments and ex-
hausting labor had been required for its assem-
bling. 1t was not earth-born or earth-bound.
1t gave off no "beeps" and it registered no tenn
peratures or velocity pressure.
1t was simply signal in the sky pointing
the way for any pilgrim who wanted directions,
not to the Noon or to Space Platform Number
68, but to little stable outside Bethlehem
The Magi had no desire to visit the moon, or
to juggle toy stars, to devise new means of
killing their fellow men. Their hopes were linn
tied to finding a Child wrapped in swaddling
clothes and laid in a manger, and they found
Him by following the right Star.
They found peace and serenity and Divine
Grace. The Star they followed is still there,
bright in Gods Heaven, overshadowed by no
Sputnik made by mortal hands.
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
The Next Day

In the dawn of the next day the shepherds
returned to their aocks out among the hills.
The stars were gone, with the night. Looking
back at the little town there on the ridge they
could see the inn but not the stable; and in the
first, long-shadowed sunlight they could see a
few early risen travellers in the courtyard pre-
pairing to resume their journey, unaware.
The shepherds hurried ON. Their focks
would be leaving their background to Craze on
the dew-wet grass from which they got most of
their water in this sparsey watered land, and
the boy helpers left behind would have trouble
holding the varied iocks apart.
But even as they hurried, one and another
of them looked at each other. Outwardly it was
like any other day they had ever known. Yet
they had seen a wonder, felt remarkable
thing, and they looked at each other to see if
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
The NativitY + St Luke 7, l-l9

And it came to pass in those days. that there
went out decree from Caesar Augustus, that
all the world should be taxed.
g. (And this taxing was first made when
Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
g. And all went to be taxed every one into
his own city.
f. And Joseph also went up from Galilee,
out of the city of Nazareth into Judaea, unto
the city of David, which is called Bethlehem
because he was of the house and lineage of
David:)
s. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,
being great with child.
g. And so it was, that while they were there.
the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered.
T. And she brought forth her firstborn son,
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid
him in a manger; because there was no room
for them in the inn
g. And there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night.
g. And 10, the angel of the Lord came upon
them, and the glory of the Lord shone round
about them; and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them Fear not; ;
for behold, bring you good tidings of great joy,
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19

are wide, if our feelings are deep.
The same thing is true of our constant as
sociation of lights with the Christmas festival
This is not at all peculiar to the Christian
faith for the lights have been long-recogniz-
ed symbol, both of joy and of rekindled hope.
II is not by accident that the first great COM
mand in the story of creation is, Let there be
light" Those who have walked in darkness"
realize how priceless is this boon and how
profound is this symbol.
Each element in the Christmas story and
the Christmas tradition may have its partic-
ular appeal and meaning to the individual
person. To some the emphasis upon simplicity
and humility may seem especially worthwhile
TO others, the casting out of great fear may
seem the keynote. To almost ALL the perva-
sve quality of human and divine love is the
very heart of the Christmas spirit,
1t is not unnatural. also, that in these per-
ilous times we should give special stress to
that part of the angels message that said:
peace on earth" We long for that peace and
adequately; sometimes we think of it only
But we know that this true peace among men,
We wish, in our hearts, to be persons and
peoples of that goodwill that was coupled with
the heralding of peace
We celebrate this festival and this holiday
with a characteristic lightness of heart. 1t is
well to do so, and it is good also that we bring
to it a warmth of heart. But it is not frivo-
1ous. The spirit of Christmas goes deep into
the spirit of all men. This is an occasion upon
which we can be more aware of it's true value
more earnest in our efforts to give it ex-
preston.
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19

all had seen and felt these things. They had.
The wonder shone upon their faces.
Then one among them paused to tie loose
sandal-thong and when he stood up he looked
back whence they had come. One thing he must
know He looked back at the humble village
of Bethlehem Judah. Then he looked beyond,
over the hills to the north where lay Jerusalem,
busy metropolis and center of the priesthood.
And he said to himself: "It was for simple men
like me. So it would happen in Bethlehem
Judah. not Jerusalem Even in a stable
And ne was content. He hurried on to join
the others. 1t was simple wonder, revealed to
simple men. 1t was for all men, not merely for
the law-givers and the rite-makers in the tenn
pies. And so, with the wonder of Bethlehem
upon them, the shepherds returned to their
focks in the bright light of the morning.
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19

dent Calvin Coolidge took part in the first cera-
monies. Then, only the people who were in
Washington could attend Now, through the
miracles of modern communications the entire
country can participate
But the message is the same now as IL was
35 years ago-or more than 10 Centuries AGO
when Babe was born in Bethlehem. AS Pres
ident Eisenhower said in his message we are
celebrating peaceful Christmas for the first
time since 1949. Peace on earth is sfill our
hope and our prayer
The Nation is one in the lighting of tree.
It is one in the spirit Of joy and goodwill that
pervades this Christmas season. It is one in
cherishing the tradition that on Christmas
Eve, the President should light the tree that
symDohzes millions of trees in millions of
homes. And we are one in sharing with Prasi-
dent Eisenhower his prayer of gratitude for
the blessings we have at this Christmas sea-
son. and OF hope that peace on earth may live
with us always.
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19

which shall be to all people.
IL. For unto you is born this day, in the
city of David, Saviour which is Christ the
Lord
IL. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye
shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,
lying in manger.
Is. And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying,
IA. Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men,
Is. And it came to pass as the angels were
gone away from them into heaven, the shep-
herds said one to another, Let US go now even
unto Bethlehem, and this thing which is
come to pass, which the Lord hath made known
unto US.
16 And they came with haste, and found
Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a
manger.
IL And when they had seen it, they made
known abroad the saying which told them
concerning this child.
49, And all they that heard it, wondered
at those things which were told them by the
shepherds.
19. But Mary kept all these things. and
pondered them in her heart
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
A shepherds tale:


shepherds tale:
About sunset the flock became restless as
though it would storm But the sky remained
clear and no winds moved.
BY their nature sheep cling closely together,
more so than other animals, but while we strove
to get them settled for the night, several young
ewes broke and fed into the brush.
After them, little JOEL" the chief herds
man commanded me.
/ ran down the hill and struggled through
the thickets, tearing my shirt and bruising my
feet and arms. After much shouting and pur-
suing, l got them turned back, catching one
swift lamb in the crook of my staff.
Hot and breathless, / picked the young one
up and carried him back toward the herd.
sat him down nearby and he fed, bleatng to
the refuge of his fellows
well done, little joe" an older herdsman
declared in a great voice and there was laugh
ter among the others. 1--WE shall make man
of you in time"
They gave me bread and a gourd of milk.
l squatted on the edge of the circle. eating
slowly and not seeking to take part in their
stories, for they would have mocked my youth.
Thrice more. sheep strayed too far apart
and was sent chasing into the dusk to brjag.
them back. My elders jeered in humor. "Ob-
serve, the little one trembles in fright--he
must have seen the wolves eyes in the night"
NAY. it is not thus" / murmured, know
ing trembled only from my labors. The old
herdsmen beat the ground with their stats in
laughter Hear! His voice quivers with
couragei"
But as night deepened the mockery ceased
and the flock quieted altogether. The stars
spread in numberless thousands across the
heavens, like mighty herd with jeweled fleece.
Those are Gods pastures. l thought. But
these sparse, rolling hills OF Judea also are
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
Peoce on Earth, Always

AS he pressed the switch to light up the
Christmas tree on the south lawn of the White
House, President Eisenhower carried forward
a tradition which symboIizes in a special man
ner the way the Christmas season brings Am
ericans together in a spirit of goodwill.
All over the Nation, hundred of community
trees were lighted up an instant after the
lights twinkled from the tree at the White
House. All over the Nation, millions of people
watching on television or listening by radio
felt that the Christmas holiday now had actu-
ally begun.
The tradition of a White House Christmas
tree lighting dates back to 1923, when Presi-
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19
Christmas Is In The Heorf

the quaint English of his time couplet which
has comforted a host of men since then. Two
lines of this poem by Edmund Spenser are
carved on the gravestone, by his own wish, OF
the novelist Joseph Conrad:
Sleep after toyle. port after stormie
seas,
Ease after ware, death after life does
greatly please.
Winston Churchill, accepting the Nobel
Prize for literature, wrote that the first duty
of man in these troubled times is to seek for
calm amid the storm, for peace and quiet in a
noisy world.
Many others have expressed the yearning
of the human spirit for a quiet sanctuary and
peaceful haven, untroubled by the tumult 'and
shouting of the working, worrying and war
ring world. On Christmas know where to
look for it, as surely as the shepherds and wise
men found their way to Bethlehem by guild
ance of prophecy and the leading of a Star.
Many find it in their homes, many in church
or chapel, some in crowded places where good
will among men echoes like carol from long
ago. But the eternal meaning of Christmas is
still a message which came calm on the lis
tening ear of night" the story of a secret
birth in wayside stable of Child Who was
born to be Prince of Peace but was laid in
manger because there was no room elsewhere
He it was Who in the days of His public min
istry told where true peace can be found. "The
kingdom of heaven is within you"
Milford chronicle., 1958-12-19

Editors note: When the shepherds of
Judea travelled to Bethlehem to see the
Christ Child, someone had to stay behind
to tend the Cocks. Here is an imaginary
recreation of the events of that first
Christmas night as they might have been
described by the one who was left behind
Arkansas State press., 1958-01-03
AROUND PINE BLUFF
JE 4-2227
Mrs. Lena #B. Jones

Mrs A. ]. freeman and Miss 10 Riley Sledge left last
week for Toledo Ohio where Mrs Freeman will be the guest
of her sister and daughter and family and Miss Sedge will
be the guest Of Mrs Hilda Strong.
Powell ID. D. Clayton, of Milwaukee made a business
trip the city last week.
Mr. and Mrs. .Wynne, of 1903 West Barraque street
have as their guest Clifton Brown brother Of Mrs Wynne
Of Baton Rouge "a.
Mr. and Mrs Eugene Winbush and Of Chicago were
of Mr. and Mrs Madison Speers of SO N. Spruce
street parents of Mrs. Nnbush
Riley Williams, HIN Of the U S Naval Hospital Staff,
Great Lakes Illinois IS spending the holidays with his par
ens Mr.. and MRS Williams, of 1920 Bel street
Mrs Jimmie Faye Jones and children, Of 2fo6 Kentucky
home again after several months absence.
Hfs Pearle E Covngton has her guest her daughter
Mrs hattie Bo3aia, O. Brooklyn. N. Y.
Rev T. W Redwood of Kansas City called here on
Of the death of his brother Cleveland Redwood
Lucy Lee mother of Mrs. Samme Thompson passed
Sunday Funeral arrangements at this time incomplete
George Pman Of Ft Leonard Rood Mo. is the holt
day guests of parents. the Weys of 1909 N Magnolia
street
Alfred w Terry ST. is home after being confined to the
Cotton Belt Hospital for the past several days.
Mrs Mary Jackson of ITO Louisiana is confined to the
Cotton Belt Hospital at Texarkana
Arkansas State press., 1958-01-03

APPEAL FOR WORKINGS. M.
B. Spears, resident of Little Rock.
has appealed to the newspapers to
help her find work
A graduate of Tenn. A Sc I
State university, Mrs. Spears re-
ceived a B. S. Degree in biology
in 1852 and a Master of Science
degree in Science Education June
8, 1857. Additional courses have
been included for teacher eerti-
fication in Health. She also holds
American Red Cros certificates
for teaching first-aid and safety
and home nursing.
According to science educators,
a child must have more than the
deaire to become a scientist. He
must have a good scientific back
ground based on scientific think
ing
Mrs. Spears has remained I'M
employed because there has been
no demand for science or health
teachers in Arkansas.
Arkansas State press., 1958-01-03
cage rive

WAsHiNGToN-GREEN V0WS-Betfel A. M L church
9th and Broadway Streets the setting for the wedding
o. Teopa Clara Green daughter Of Mrs Ernest Green
tie late hr Green TO Harold Washington Sunday December
q at 4 Vows exchanged before arrangement
Of palms. greenery and white flowers hanked b. candida
bra the altar Ernest and Scott brothers the
bride served ushers and lighted the candies Rev Rufus
K Young pastor officiated Music furnished by
Myrtle l. Williams organist, and Mrs L. Smith, soioist
The bride given in marriage by her grandfather. S
Scott. of peau de sole with pearl sequin
studded lace yoke Of lace held her veil of llu-
sion. She carried bible topped with orchids
Miss Theodore Jackson maid of honor, wore a gown
81 green taeta with interest the neck skirt
matching head dress completed the She carried
white colonial bouquet studded with holly Miss
Martin, bridesmaid and Mrs Worthy Springer matron
honor similar ensembles deeper shade green
Fletcher Washington of Chicago, brother of the groom
best Groomsmen Marion Smith Worthy
Springer.
reception followed at the Green residence. Serving
Miss frankie Hampton, Mrs Virgil Gets Miss Nell
Cooper Mrs Harense Mitchell Mrs A. Coulter Mrs F.
Marshall Mrs. p Dorton Mrs w. Hail. Mrs Wnifred Hart
Mrs. A. Cam, Mrs. L. R Gravely
Out-of-town guests included Mrs Rebecca Washington
Of Baltimore Maryland Mrs. R. w. Johnson Santa Anna
California sister of the groom and Mr. Mrs
Washington, Chicago.
After trip to Chicago, the couple flew Baltimore
Maryland where they will make their home Washington
who is the Mrs. Rebecca Washington Baltimore
is employed in the U. S. Social Security Department
Mrs Washington kindergarten teacher
public schools
Arkansas State press., 1958-01-03

guests Mr. and Ars Res Little Rock There we're many
other friends present who presented the honoree with
useful gifts
The Elite club met Friday at the home Of Mrs Betty
Moore The next meeting will b held January the
of Mrs Portia Powell 706 Hickory street Mrs Doris John
president.
Miss Franeeal Jones, daughter of MT and Mrs Johnnie
JONES' TIT Walnut street. for the HOLIDAYS She is
student at State college. Pine Bluff.
Mrs Louise Carroll Chicago was the house guest of
MT and Mrs Norman Handy 1915 East 9th street. She is
the cousin of Mrs. Handy
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Powell TIT Walnut street had
as house guest Mrs Powels sister Miss Marjorie Felser of
Louisville, Kentucky.
City mission win be held Janary at Eight Street Bap-
st church. Rev W. r. Vaughn pastor Ida Jordan presi
denet
TIE usher unSn business meeting will be held Wednes-
day. January at at Morning Star Baptist church,
Rev c c. Canada, pastor G. H. Brown PRESIDENT Mrs b.
Handy reporter
Lincoln elementary PTA will Wednesday, January
at p. m. N p HarshaI principal Mrs b. Handy presi-
dent.
Mr. and Mrs Cleo Davis 31s Elm street have as their
house guest his uncle, Amos Whittier, Chicago.
Arkansas State press., 1958-01-03
Dew Drop


Mrs. Rolene Bowie
Mrs. Heneretta Huston apent
the Christmas holidays with her
brother. Louis Powell IN Wilmot
Mrs. Ada Hudson returned
home from Detroit after spending
a few weeka with her i'll niece.
James Wilson left for st
Louis to spend three months with
Mrs. Maxwell's sister, who lon
her husband recently. William
Swopes is visiting Chicago He
left for the wedding of his son,
Leroy. Mrs. Viola White, who
suffered from severe burns last
month is home after being releas-
ed from the University hospital.
Her condition is satisfactory.
Holiday visitors are Mr.. and Mrs.
T. Crumpt and children of Little
Rock, and Mr.. and Mrs. Ed Max
well of Dew Drop. They will be
entertained with Mr.. and Mrs. e
r. Kimbrough of Gould
Arkansas State press., 1958-01-03

The fashionable home of Mr. and Mrs Harvey Jackson
2622 Pulaski beautiful setting for the Modernsc
clubs gala Christmas party The coorfu lighted Christmas
tree the unique arrangement of ponsea added much
to the holiday spirit The dining table beautifully laid
with madeira linen cloth and red satin ribbon forming
cenered red and silver tree, encrcled with red
reindeer and candles placed in black and gold holders
carrying the motif of the Yue Delightful music
by Nat King Cole and other popular writers enjoyed
while delicious turkey dinner served Gifts were ex
changed between club members along with Mrs Jacksons be-
ing the recipient many birthday gifts The following guests
present Mrs G. w. S. Is Mrs Jesse B. Woods, Mrs
William Dill, Hicks Mrs Harold Anderson, Mrs. Jerry
Carmichael Mrs. William (Bi Wagner, Mrs Nettie Cham
hers Mrs Marvin L. Haynes of Philadelphia, Pa Mrs
Lawrence Smith, cohosess and Mrs Jackson most
Gousy thanked for arranging such lovely evening of enter
tainmen