SCENE.--_The Spider’s Web. A dark, dungeon-like room. Straw on floor.
Small door at left. Swords and spears hanging on rear wall.
Spinning-wheel, centre. From it radiate many strands of web (colored
string). As the curtain rises, the_ SPIDER _is spinning at his wheel.
Noise of some one coming rapidly up the stairs, left._
SPIDER (_jumping to his feet_). Hark! An enemy!
(_Takes down sword from wall. Brandishing the weapon, he retreats into
a further corner, right, where he squats down. Door bursts open.
Enter_ FLY _with a drawn sword_.)
FLY. Bzzzzzzzzzz! This is thy last hour, thou foul black Spider fiend!
(_A terrific encounter with swords. The web is partially cut down.
Finally_ SPIDER _and_ FLY _grapple_. SPIDER _puts_ FLY _on his back,
holds him down, and binds him with web. Just as he picks up his sword
and prepares to give_ FLY _his death-blow, a great trampling is heard
on the stairs, and at a blast from a fairy trumpet enter_ CRICKET,
_followed by_ FAIRIES, RABBITS, MOLE, _and_ FIELD-MICE, _all armed to
the teeth_.)
CRICKET. At him, my men! And to the rescue of the Fly!
(ELVES _and_ RABBITS _throw themselves on_ SPIDER, _overcome him, and
bind him, hand and foot, in his web. Meanwhile_, SPRITES _release_
FLY. _Enter_ MISS MUFFET _and_ DAIRYMAIDS.)
MUFFET. Poor Fly! To think that I allowed you to attack the black Spider
single-handed! I can never forgive myself! I hope that I have sent aid
in time! Are you wounded?
FLY. My wings are somewhat snipped; that’s all.
MOLE (_holding a sword to the_ SPIDER’S _throat_). Will you promise by
your eight legs to spin nothing hereafter but beautiful garments for
Little Miss Muffet, Queen of the Meadow?
SPIDER (_in a meek, choked voice_). I promise.
CRICKET. Remember, you are never to spin another web as long as you
live! I don’t care to have any more of my relatives entrapped.
SPIDER. I promise.
FLY. Do you promise to eat no more flies as long as you live?
SPIDER. I do.
MOLE. Very well, Elves, I appoint you as guards for the black Spider
over night. In the morning I will send around two Roosters whom I know.
For a reasonable salary of corn I am sure they will consent to keep an
eye on him hereafter.
MUFFET. Dear Fly, I like you all the better now that you have so bravely
bearded the black Spider in his web. Never again will he attempt to sit
beside me! (_Spider groans._)
CRICKET. But what about me?
MUFFET. As for you, my dear Cricket, I like you just as much as I do the
Fly, because you have led the expedition which rescued him and captured
that horrid thing. (_Spider groans._) Now, friends all, let us go back
to the meadow, and finish our curds and whey.
(_Music._)
CURTAIN.
A Barrel Brigade.
In a little Ohio farming community the children of Junior age have many
bright plans of work, and one of them is a barrel brigade. That is not
what they called it, I think; but the name fits so well that we will let
it stand, and I know that many Junior societies will like the plan.
Probably some of them are already trying it in one form or another, but
for those who have not thought of it here is a new field of usefulness
of the kind that brings “that comfortable feeling” both to the workers
and to those to whom the barrel is a welcome and sometimes unexpected
source of supply.
The particular barrel brigade mentioned meets regularly, either monthly
or oftener, on Saturday afternoons, for sewing and other business
necessary for their purpose, which is to fill a barrel each year, to be
sent to some poor family or families, either near or far, perhaps to
some struggling missionary’s household where the little ones are more
numerous than the ways of providing for them.
From the materials at their disposal the children prepare and put in all
kinds of things that they think will add to the comfort of those
receiving them. Take an imaginary peep into one of these barrels, and
you will see something like the following array--if you dig deep
enough!--warm crocheted mittens, babies’ socks, hoods, and even shawls;
children’s clothing, now become too small for some of the rapidly
growing first owners; reading-matter of various kinds; a few toys
sprinkled in here and there, not always new, but so carefully repaired
by the young carpenters, painters, and seamstresses as to look like new
or even better; aprons, holders, and dish-towels; bright home-made rugs,
cushions, and even a patchwork quilt, for some of the little girls are
as fond as were their grandmothers of cutting calico into little pieces
for the sake of sewing it together again. Never mind; this is not so
foolish as it may seem, for the quilt is warm, most of the pieces were
bits left over from gowns, and surely the old-fashioned “quilting-bee”
must have been royal fun for the brigade.
When all else is packed, a generous storekeeper usually contributes
several pairs of shoes and rubbers, and other small articles, just to
“fill in the chinks.” The shoes, of course, are selected, according to
sizes previously learned, to fit the different pairs of feet that they
are to cover. And, if some larger articles are contributed also, the
hearts of the brigade are still further rejoiced.
Any Junior society, whether in city or in country, could have a “barrel
brigade,” and with very little expense collect and prepare things so
useful and appropriate for the particular family or persons that are to
receive them that the practical value would prove worth many times the
cost. The barrel’s contents will vary according to the need, and also
according to the materials at hand; but it is hardly necessary to say
that food, if at all perishable, should not be included if the barrel
is to go by freight, as it is likely to be a long time on the way.
Clothing, reading-matter, and many other home comforts can be packed and
sent with safety.
Parlor Mountain-Climb.
Decorate the room with such mountain flowers and foliage as can be
procured, and order in advance of a stationer enough favors for all the
Juniors, each favor, when pulled, to reveal some article of
travelling-costume in crape paper or tissue-paper that will suggest
mountain-climbing. They might all be odd mountain hats of various colors
and kinds, the Alpine predominating; or some of them might be long
travelling-cloaks.
For the first half or three-quarters of an hour have a stereopticon talk
on the people and scenery of the Alps, giving pictures of Swiss peasants
and their cottages, and interspersing story and incident to add to the
interest. Follow this with a little appropriate music; a “Swiss bells”
instrumental selection and one or two pretty mountain songs like “The
Herdsman’s Mountain Home” would be good.
Then the Juniors are presented with their “travelling-bags,” as the
favors may be called, and are told to open them by pulling, and that
they will find something to wear while climbing the mountain. When all
are dressed for the climb, the preparations are completed by giving each
an alpenstock, and arranging several hassocks, cushions, big books,
etc., in the path of the prospective climbers; for the “mountain-climb”
proves to be an obstacle race on one foot.
When this part of the fun is over, there may be a written question game,
involving more mountains. Here is a list that may prove suggestive:
1. What mountain in Switzerland is a girl’s name?
2. What mountain in North Carolina is a favorite relative of most
Juniors?
3. What mountains are full of maps?
4. What mountain in Asia is the atmosphere and a small animal?
5. What mountain in Wales was pelted by a storm?
6. What mountain in Massachusetts reminds you of horseback-riding?
7. What peak in Japan is the first syllable of a girl’s name and an
exclamation?
8. What mountains are household animals and also destroy life?
9. What mountain in the Apennines is something that hurts, and the
exclamation it causes?
10. What mountain is a famous university?
11. What mountains in Australia are a kitchen stove in good order?
12. What mountains, if mixed, would make gray?
13. What mountains could blow a loud blast?
14. What hills in England are a kind of cloth?
15. What mountain in Brazil is a musical instrument?
16. What volcano in Sicily becomes a girl’s name by changing one
letter?
17. What mountains give light at night?
18. What mountain is a Bible character?
19. What mountains mean a pleasant day?
20. What mountain makes a noise like a college yell?
21. On what mountain did you eat your dinner?
22. What Irish mountains are very sad?
23. What mountain in Oregon is worn on the head?
24. What mountain belongs to the baby?
25. What mountains in Spain are a good kind of soap?
26. What mountain in Palestine is a balm?
27. What mountains in Texas could take a scalp?
28. What mountains are dangerous to boats?
Following are the answers:
1. Rosa.
2. Grandfather.
3. Atlas.
4. Ararat.
5. Snowdon.
6. Saddleback.
7. Jesso.
8. Catskill.
9. Corno.
10. Harvard.
11. Black Range.
12. Black and White.
13. Big Horn.
14. Cheviot.
15. Organ.
16. Etna. (Edna.)
17. Mountains of the Moon.
18. St. Elias.
19. Fairweather.
20. Hooper. (Whooper.)
21. Table.
22. Mourne.
23. Mt. Hood.
24. Cradle.
25. Castile.
26. Gilead.
27. Apache.
28. Rocky.
To the Junior who has answered the most questions correctly a reward may
be given, perhaps some pretty little article of Swiss workmanship, a set
of the Perry Pictures comprising mountain views, or a book containing a
good story of mountain life.
Refreshments served in picnic style may be sandwiches, and berries
supposed to have been “picked on the mountains.” Close the evening with
singing.
Rainbow Social.
After a missionary meeting let the Juniors decide what missionary or
mission field they would like to help; then give to each a mite-box
marked with his own name, to hold missionary pennies. Some months
afterward, have your “rainbow social.”
Collect the missionary mite-boxes a few days before, and except on the
bottom, where the name is written, they may be gilded to suggest still
further the pot of gold to be found at the end of the rainbow.
The room where the social is to be held should be decorated with
tissue-paper in rainbow colors. Each Junior should have a rainbow chain,
made of the same material, hung around his neck. The refreshments should
have the rainbow colors, too--oranges, apples, olives, variegated
ice-cream, etc. The “rainbow” feature may be carried out in another way
by asking each one present to tell one bright story or happening, or
sing a verse of some bright song, or recite something cheering.
Tell the Juniors the story of the pot of fairy gold supposed to be at
the end of every rainbow. Then have your “rainbow hunt,” arranged with
ribbons as in the “red-line jubilee,” except that the ribbons are of
rainbow colors, and at each end is discovered one of their old friends,
the mite-boxes, transformed into a treasure of shining gold. The Juniors
may exchange them, if they wish, among themselves, until each one has
his own; then they are broken and the “gold” inside counted separately
and all together. Close the social with a bright missionary song, and
later, after devoting the money to the object determined upon, tell the
Juniors as much as possible of just how it was used, and why it must
have seemed to those receiving it like “fairy gold” indeed. By this time
the Juniors’ interest in missions will probably be so enthusiastic that
they will want to try it all over again.
Handkerchief Gymnastics.
There are still many girls, even in these hygienic times, who are not
fortunate enough to attend schools that have gymnasiums. For these the
Junior girls may like to help organize a class for the practice of
handkerchief gymnastics. The writer has made a thorough test of every
one of these exercises before recommending them, and knows them to be of
practical benefit. They are similar to those practised daily at Cornell
University.
More breath means more life, and some of these exercises are especially
good to promote deep breathing. Let each girl come provided with a large
handkerchief and a gymnasium suit, which is easily adapted from an old
dress having a loose blouse; nothing but the skirt will require change.
[Illustration]
Standing erect on the ball of the foot, grasp the handkerchief by
diagonally opposite corners, so that the hands will be about an arm’s
length from each other. At the beginning and end of each exercise the
handkerchief is to be only lightly stretched. A towel may be used
instead of the handkerchief if that should be preferred, holding it by
the ends instead of by the corners.
The following directions will show the different positions to be taken.
Do not overdo the matter; some of the little girls will require frequent
rests, and some will be eager to go on; hence it is sometimes well to
divide them into classes. While most of these positions are easily
understood from the directions, a few are more difficult to describe in
words. We illustrate certain ones.
[Illustration]
1. Arms extended straight forward, on a level with shoulder.
2. From position 1 bend the arms, and rise onto the toes. Extend the
arms and sink back from the toes. Repeat from five to ten times. This
exercise is especially adapted to produce deep breathing. The mouth must
be kept closed.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
3. From position 1 bend the left leg at the knee, and raise it till it
touches the towel. Same with right leg.
4. From position 1 extend the left leg sideways and swing the arms to
the left. Return to position 1.
5. Arms raised high above the head.
6. From position 5 bend the body at the hips, and lean as far forward as
possible, the body and the arms remaining in a straight line, the head
raised slightly, and the weight of the body resting on the toes.
7. From position 5 bend and extend the knees, keeping the body upright.
[Illustration]
8. From position 5 bend the left arm, and lower sideways the right one,
which is extended. The towel passes across the back. The left hand holds
the upper end of the towel back of the upper part of the arm, close to
the shoulder. Raise the arms back to position and repeat to the left,
the right arm being bent and left extended.
9. Arms lowered in front of the body.
10. From position 9 twist the body to the left, the feet remaining
unmoved, and at the same time raise the arms, keeping them extended,
until they are high above the head. In the same way repeat the exercise,
turning the body to the right.
[Illustration]
11. From position 5 bend the body forward, swinging the extended arms
as low as possible without bending the knees.
12. Towel directly in front of the forehead, the head and elbows back.
13. From position 12, with toes apart, charge forward with the left
foot, keeping the right knee straight, bringing the weight on the
forward foot; return to position by rising on the toes of the forward
foot and giving a slight spring.
14. From position 5 swing the arms forward, bending the body at the hips
and bending the knees. The feet, with toes apart, remain with the soles
flat on the floor; the arms rest on the knees; and the towel is near the
floor directly in front of the feet and as far forward as possible.
15. From position 9 the left arm, bent, is raised over the head in order
to raise the towel upward directly behind the back. The right arm
remains extended downward. The towel is raised by bending the right arm
and extending the left. After raising and lowering the towel some five
times reverse the process, the right arm bending above the head and the
left arm extending downward. Finally the towel moves up and down behind
the back, while deep breath is taken and held.
When the exercises are once learned, they are the best of tonics, and
all the more exhilarating if done to music when the class is together.
The children should also be encouraged to practise them regularly at
home for perhaps five minutes just after the daily sponge-bath. The
older ones especially, whose increased school studies are beginning to
suggest round shoulders, will find the plan a great help. Their lessons
will be learned more quickly and easily because with the blood in active
circulation the brain will be clearer.
Bird Social.
Choose a pleasant, sunny room for your bird social, deck it with green
boughs and foliage, and provide places for a number of cages. Invite the
Juniors all to come, and ask those that have canaries or other pet birds
in cages to bring them. Of course this social must be held in the
daytime, and in mild if not warm weather. If the moving is done gently,
the birds will enjoy the social as much as the Juniors, or even more,
and you will have a gay concert. Let some experienced bird-owner give a
little talk to the Juniors on the best ways of caring for their birds.
It will be likely to save the life of some feathered songster, for not
every one, however careful and tender-hearted, understands just how to
keep the pets happy and healthy, as birds should be when at their best.
It may interest the Juniors to know that one of King Edward’s latest
fancies is improving the singing of English canaries. He has had fitted
up in Windsor Castle a large aviary to which hundreds of English
canaries have been sent. Here bird-trainers from Germany are busy
improving the voice of the English canary by means of “bird-organs” and
the suggestion found in hearing the better-voiced German canary sing.
The birds pass through a regular course of singing-lessons, and take
from three to six months to “finish.”
After the talk about caring for birds, which should be so informal that
the children should feel free to ask questions, a little fun is
introduced in the way of a bird-guessing game, conducted as follows:
Write on a blackboard, or blackboards, part or all of these twenty-four
questions, which are plays on the names of well-known American birds.
The guests should be provided with paper and pencils. Half an hour
should be allowed for the guessing. At the end of that time everybody
should pass his list to his right-hand neighbor and correct the list
which has been handed to him. Some one should read the answers slowly.
1. The way some English people pronounce a word which means “yell.”
(Owl--howl.)
2. A letter of the alphabet. (Jay--J.)
3. The bird that chews its cud. (Cowbird.)
4. A bad-tempered William. (Crossbill.)
5. The royal bird that is fond of a hook and line. (Kingfisher.)
6. A good time in a field. (Meadow-lark.)
7. The bird that ought to win every race. (Swift.)
8. The bird that is like a baby before it can walk. (Creeper.)
9. The bird that Yale ought to like. (Bluebird.)
10. The bird that whacks everybody. (Thrasher.)
11. The bird that is almost as important as the Pope. (Cardinal.)
12. The bird that you mustn’t stroke the wrong way. (Catbird.)
13. The bird that is “talk.” (Chat.)
14. The bird that you never ought to do just because you have beaten
your friend at checkers or something. (Crow.)
15. An unusually small sample of a well known vegetable. (Peewee--pea
wee.)
16. A bird that is almost “her glove.” (Hermit.)
17. A bird that can fly when there is plenty of wind. (Kite.)
18. Where bread is baked. (Ovenbird.)
19. Something found on a tree and then put in a nest for a certain
purpose. (Nuthatch.)
20. A bird that is always thieving. (Robin--robbin’.)
21. A bird that makes good coasting. (Snowbird.)
22. A bird that spanks an unfortunate boy having a common first name.
(Whip-poor-will.)
23. The bird that is a sweet-smelling tree. (Cedar-bird.)
24. The sparrow that the hounds like to chase. (Fox-sparrow.)
Most of the time will be spent in comparing experiences and pets, and
the Juniors will go away more than ever resolved to be kind to their
little feathered friends, which are among the most beautiful and most
helpless of God’s creatures.
A Fairy Strawberry Festival.
A strawberry luncheon given at the summer home of one of my Chicago
friends reminded me that the Juniors would delight in a strawberry
festival all their own. Where there is a hospitable farm or garden with
a large strawberry-patch, whose owner agrees to give the berries for the
festival if the Juniors will pick them, the way is open.
Usually in our northern latitudes the strawberries ripen just in good
time for the beginning of vacation, so that without interference with
school preparations the Juniors can pick the berries in the morning
while the dew is still on them. Twenty Juniors, each with pail or
basket, will make short and merry work of the picking. Then the fruit
should be kept in a cool place until afternoon, when it is taken to the
church basement or wherever the festival is to be, and hulled. There
might be a slight reward given to the Junior who picks the most berries,
also to the one who hulls the most, provided that the hulling is done
carefully.
Cake and ice-cream should be previously engaged, and some of the boys
may call for the cakes at the various homes in the afternoon. The
ice-cream, of course, will be delivered by the dealer, unless that,
also, is home-made and presented. Sugar for the berries must not be
forgotten.
With a few hints from the Junior superintendent the older girls can
arrange the tables, decorating them as prettily as they please with
flowers and ferns brought by the younger ones; and the boys may help
prepare the checks or tickets, with prices plainly marked. There should
be separate checks for the berries, ice-cream, and cake, so that,
whatever the order, the checks may be ready to send with each plate.
If the occasion has been well advertised, as it _will_ be--trust the
Juniors for that!--people will come in large numbers; and the Juniors,
previously drilled, may wait on them, the larger ones attending to the
“dishing out” in another room, while the smaller ones, dressed in fairy
and brownie costumes, act as waiters. Two of the Juniors, a boy and a
girl, might serve as cashiers.
When all have been served, toward the close of the evening there may be
several songs and recitations, ending with a fairy drill, following the
plan of the “holly and mistletoe drill” described elsewhere in the book.
If the room, or at least the wall back of the platform, be decorated in
green or in pink, with roses and ferns in profusion, the drill will
appear to better advantage.
The Juniors and their superintendent will find plenty of work, as well
as profit and play, in connection with this occasion, as is the case
with most strawberry festivals; but all will enjoy it; and, if thought
out well in advance, the details may be so divided as to make the labor
light. The flower committee of the older society will readily lend a
hand with the decorations if they are asked; and the fancy drill could
of course be omitted, although it is a very pretty feature. If given, it
should be by the smaller Juniors, both boys and girls, in their fairy
and brownie costumes, and all carrying small, light trays instead of
half-hoops.
A Pansy-Hunt.
From the colored plates in flower catalogues, and from advertising and
other picture cards, select those having pansies, the prettier the
better. Let the Juniors help collect them. This in itself would seem to
be a “pansy-hunt,” but it is only the beginning.
When there are several hundred pansies, not as yet cut out, the Juniors
may meet for their work. The first thing to be done is to cut out the
pansies. This will not take long, and as the fingers fly some one may
read aloud an entertaining story, perhaps a short one by “Pansy”; or, if
that is not at hand, a bright one from the latest _Christian Endeavor
World_ is always in order at such times.
Next, the pansies are all placed in small, numbered envelopes, ten
pansies in each, preparatory to playing the game of “butterfly
pansy-hunt.” Half of the Juniors go out of the room, and the rest
proceed to hide the envelopes. When called in, the hunting party, who
are the “butterflies,” have a grand rummage, and the “butterfly” that
finds the most pansies is made the leader of the hiding party next time.
The divisions are reversed so that the hiders become the butterflies
each time that the pansies are all found. As the envelopes are numbered,
it is easy to determine when this is the case. Quick wits in thinking of
new places, and sharp eyes for discovering them, are thus kept busy, and
when tired of this game the Juniors may all be seated again around a
long table while the superintendent produces a large pasteboard box with
a pansy-decorated cover. Explaining that pansies mean “thoughts,” and
that this box is full of bright and sweet thoughts to be used for people
who have not quite so much to make them happy as the Juniors, she
invites the children to a new kind of pansy-hunt, which is not entirely
for themselves.
The box is passed around, and each Junior takes out a handful of the
clippings, which, needless to say, have been carefully gathered by the
superintendent and her friends, so that each one contains a thought
worth reading, and within the comprehension of the Juniors. Selections
found in books could be used also by typewriting them on slips of
paper, and might include a number from the Bible. Several rolls of baby
ribbon, one each of all the different pansy colors, should be in the
box.
When the Juniors are supplied with a handful of thoughts apiece, give to
each a pen and ink and a package of little cards. These cards should be
a trifle larger than visiting-cards, or just large enough to contain one
of the short written selections and a pansy. Let the children copy on
the cards, in their own handwriting, from the clippings the ones which
they like best; this will leave the original clippings to be used again
for other purposes. Each Junior may write seven, one for each day in the
week, after pasting a pansy on each card; then tie a ribbon a few inches
long through a hole in one corner, leaving one end free, and tie the
free ends of all seven ribbons together so that they can be hung up. If
the ribbons used are as many as possible of the different pansy colors
for each bunch, the effect will be extremely pretty. Some of the more
skilful workers may find that they have time to prepare a second bunch
in the same way.
These handfuls of thoughts may then be sent where they will be most
appreciated, and the pansy-hunt will have served, at the very lowest
estimate, a double purpose.
A Rainy Fourth.
There are bright possibilities in every cloud, and even a rainy Fourth
of July is no exception. So the Joyville Juniors discovered. Of course,
they were intending to have a picnic, besides enjoying the regulation
fireworks; and here was a cold, steady drizzle, for all the world as if
it were November.
Great were the lamentations; but just as the “Sultan of Sulkydom” was
about to have everything his own way he was put to rout by a big covered
wagon driven around from one house to another where the Joyville Juniors
lived. There were twenty-three of them in the society; but sixteen
houses contained them all, and fourteen of these were quite close
together; so it was not more than an hour before the last youngsters
were collected and all were landed in the big upper room of Judge
Elsworth’s house. Miss Elsworth, the Junior superintendent, welcomed
them with a certain twinkle of the eyes which made every Junior
instantly conclude that in spite of the rain they would manage to have a
good time.
“Just wait a minute until the Independence Wizard comes in,” said Miss
Elsworth mysteriously, “and then the best part of the fun will begin.”
The children were breathless. Presently there were three sharp raps at
the door, and the Independence Wizard was ushered in.
Two artistically draped table-covers, a wig, mask, skull-cap, and
glasses had transformed Miss Elsworth’s brother into a very presentable
wizard, and after entertaining the children for a half-hour with parlor
magic he produced from apparently nowhere a bundle of bright-colored
tissue-paper, some tinsel, a rubber ball, a large potato, a dried
sunflower stalk, and several other mysterious things, and said: “Presto!
change! The weather is not quite all we expected outdoors; but we are
independent, and will make our own fair weather right here. We will make
our own fireworks, too, and fire them off without even waiting till
night. That is what wizards are good for, if they are Independence
Wizards; and every one of you is going to learn the wizard trade,
beginning this very minute; that is, if you want to. Do you?”
Of course they did, and the girls were assured that this splendid offer
included them too; for would they not make the very best of witches?
With the aid of his sister, who had mysteriously disappeared a short
time before, and who reappeared now as the Independence Witch, with a
book of magic all her own in the form of a magazine saved for just such
an emergency, the wizard soon had the children absorbed in making the
charming paper fireworks fully described by Lina Beard in _The
Delineator_ for July, 1902. They can be fired off indoors as well as
outdoors; and the gorgeous comets, brilliant pinwheels, sparkling
calumet with its bright sparks flying all over the hair and clothing of
the experimenters, the sunflower-stalk sky-rocket, and the bamboo pistol
with potato bullets, were all as fascinating as they were harmless.
After the bright showers indoors had made the revellers quite forget the
dull showers outside, a giant firecracker candy-box was called into
use; and with songs, stories, and a lunch which disappeared so rapidly
as to convince any skeptic of the acquired magical powers of those
present, the fireworks were sorted out, and many of them were found to
be quite uninjured. These were carefully packed in a box for the
Children’s Home, and the Juniors voted that rainy day the best
Independence celebration ever held in Joyville.
An Indian Festival.
Chicago’s one hundredth birthday was the occasion of a celebration
interesting to many thousands, and not the least interesting feature was
the Indian village in Lincoln Park. Picturesque in their typical
costumes, the red men appeared much as their ancestors did a century
ago. From Chief No-zu-kah, the medicine-man in his coonskin cap and red
blanket, who rattled his medicine-bags as he walked, down to
six-year-old Hach-si-acha, the braves and squaws were the centre of
attraction; and this, together with an Indian festival once successfully
given by a wide-awake older Endeavor society, inclines me to think that
the Juniors should have one of their own, improving on all former
undertakings of the kind, and perhaps on nature as well!
War-paint and feathers, beads, blankets, and moccasins, should be
brought into use for the costumes. Decorate the rooms with plenty of
boughs and foliage, to represent a woodland scene; hang cages of
singing birds from the branches; and have a wigwam in one corner, with a
buffalo robe spread in front of its entrance. Two Junior “Indian” girls
who have learned the now popular basket-weaving, may be seated here at
their work, with finished baskets for sale. One or more flower-girls may
wander about, selling colored grasses and other similar treasures. One
of the Junior boys may represent a medicine-man, and sell roots and
herbs; another may sell bows and arrows to all who wish to test their
skill at the target, which must be so placed that stray shots can do no
damage. A loan exhibition of Indian curios will be instructive, if there
is some one to explain them; and the Indian portraits, in colors, to be
found among the Perry Pictures, will prove interesting. A fancy-work
booth may contain feather fans, dainty bags of beadwork, dolls dressed
as pappooses and squaws, and birch bark made into all kinds of pretty
conceits, from toy canoes to bon-bon-boxes filled with salted nuts
instead of candy.
The bows and arrows will play a lively part in the evening’s
festivities. A small sum may be charged for each trial, if desired.
Archery is said to be the coming sport; and, if it is indeed soon to be
revived from its centuries of partial sleep, and thus rival golf and
other favorites, one cannot begin to practise too soon! It is certainly
graceful, healthful, and fascinating enough to warrant the revival.
Refreshments should be nuts and fruits, delicious in themselves, but
served on wooden plates by “Indian” waitresses in the most primitive
manner. A programme might be rendered beginning with a reading from
“Hiawatha” illustrated with tableaux, which the Juniors, with careful
training, can present as well as any one; including also an Indian
hunter’s drill with bows and arrows, in which either boys alone, or
girls alone, or both boys and girls, might take part; and closing with
all the Juniors’ forming in line and uttering a war-whoop, which if not
realistic will be at least startling.
A Boys’ Book Party.
Library parties for grown people are common enough, but the boys should
have a costume book party of their own. The more boys present, the
better. The following suggestions for costumes may be helpful:
1. “Black Beauty.” A good-looking boy in burnt cork.
2. “Little Men.” Two or more brothers or friends wearing high hats,
long-tailed coats, etc.
3. “Pilgrim’s Progress.” A boy wearing a gown and carrying a staff. The
word “Mecca” should be printed on a label fastened to his breast.
4. “Tom Saw-yer.” A boy whose real name is Tom should raise a telescope
to his eyes every few minutes.
5. “Rob Roy.” A red-haired boy in Highland costume. The plaid should be
correct.
6. “Kenilworth.” (Kennel worth.) A boy leading his pet dog.
7. “Under the Lilacs.” A boy wearing a garland of real or artificial
lilacs.
8. “Under Drake’s Flag.” A boy wearing the British flag as a turban.
9. “Merry adventures of Rob-in Hood.” A boy named Robert wearing his
sister’s hood.
10. “St. Nicholas.” A boy dressed as Santa Claus.
11. “The Pirate.” A boy dressed as a typical pirate.
12. “Story of a Bad Boy.” A boy wearing a placard on which is printed
“The History of My Life.”
13. “Boys of ’76.” Two boys, each wearing a placard marked, “100-24.”
14. “Recollections of a Drummer-Boy.” A boy with a drum. On a placard is
written, “Forty Years Ago.”
15. “Sketch-Book.” A boy carrying a drawing-book under his arm.
Thirty is a good number to be present at a book party. All the guests
should send their book-titles to the host of the evening two or three
days before the party. At the door each boy should be handed a pencil, a
blank sheet of paper, and a numbered card which he should pin to his
back or sleeve. Half an hour should be allowed for guessing the names.
One reward might be a book like Kipling’s “Barrack-Room Ballads,” or
“Seven Seas;” another, a paper-cutter; and, for the shortest list, a
blank book. Ice-cream and cake have nothing to do with books, but
should be served just the same, if possible, to comfort the losers.
Card-Pasting.
A good variation from making scrap-books for a children’s hospital,
especially if the workers happen to be few, is to use large cards,
preparing them like the different pages of a picture scrap-book, but
leaving them separate. Then they can be easily handed from one bed to
another; and, as they can be divided among the different children, they
can be seen by many at once without waiting till enough whole
scrap-books can be filled. Ten Juniors can easily prepare fifty cards in
a single afternoon, but the pictures will be most interesting if weeks
are spent in collecting them.
Take large white or delicately tinted cards about eighteen inches long
and twelve inches wide. Paste on them gay pictures cut from advertising
cards and other sources, arranging them according to taste. One card
could be a menagerie, or a “Noah’s ark,” with a long procession of
animals winding all around from top to bottom. Such a card once made had
an array that would have astonished Noah. There were dancing bears, and
elephants with howdahs on their backs, and circus horses, and monkeys
dressed like Italian lazzaroni, and pigs with apples in their mouths,
and even a Christmas turkey carried on the heads of three geese. Another
card could be made up entirely of flowers or of flowers, birds, and
butterflies. Another could contain ships, sea-gulls, fishes, and some
shells on a supposed beach at the bottom. Funny groups of people doing
all sorts of things can be arranged.
Some of the figures can be cut from newspapers or old magazines; if
bright colors are desired, a paintbox can be brought into service, but
usually the uncolored pages are very acceptable mixed in with those cut
from colored plates and cards.
Sometimes figures cut from stiff cards will not be easy to paste, but by
spreading them (on the wrong side, of course) with a rather thin boiled
flour paste, and letting them lie for a few moments, they become softer
and more pliable.
Climbing the Bean-Stalk.
A barn with a captivating hay-loft, a stout ladder with a vine thickly
twined around it, some croquet-balls, four Indian clubs, a pointer, and
a supply of apples, oranges, and small bags of nuts or cracker-jack, are
all that you will need--except the Juniors, who are most necessary of
all.
“Climbing the bean-stalk” consists of going up the ladder to the giant’s
castle,--the very same castle, in imagination, explored by the immortal
Jack,--and finding and taking possession of the treasures. This means a
hunt in the hay for the apples and other things previously hidden there.
The pointer, croquet-balls, and Indian clubs may be tucked in to add
variety to the store.
After the treasures are all discovered and safely brought down the
bean-stalk, the Juniors will enjoy a game of “croquet-bowling.” A
sufficient space should be cleared on the barn floor, and the four
Indian clubs should be set up at one end as pins, three in a row behind
the king-pin. The bowling is then done with the croquet-balls.
The party may conclude with an impromptu “freak show,” using the
hay-loft as a pedestal from which to display the “freaks.” This is where
your pointer comes in. The amount of fun to be had from a “freak show”
can be best understood if I give you the description of Vincent Van M.
Beede’s, in his own words, only remarking that the barn adds to the
general hilarity, and that one of the Indian clubs would do very well
instead of the suggested andiron.
“One rainy morning last summer the children and I had great fun getting
up a freak show. As we had not thought out beforehand what we were going
to do, things were all the funnier. Little Marvyn, seven years old,
stood on a table and chose to be Pullaway, the Boy with the Rubber Skin.
“I was asked to be lecturer, so with a pointer in my hand I explained as
glibly as I could how marvellous a boy this was. Why, he could stretch
out the skin of his cheeks two feet, and then let it snap back again!
(Pullaway now showed his power.) Martin, a handsome fellow of twelve,
was Stickeminus, the Human Pincushion. I showed the (imaginary) audience
that pins had no effect on the feelings of this wonder. ‘I will stick a
pin into his arm this very minute,’ I said. Strange to say, the Human
Pincushion squealed! Fritz, thirteen years old, who has a beautiful
physique, was Lomposo Musculario, the Strong Man. ‘See him lift that
mighty andiron,’ I remarked. ‘It weighs 555⅕ pounds.’ Lomposo puffed and
groaned under his heavy burden. Essie wanted to be the Fat Lady; I
suppose because as a matter of fact she is very slender. It was
surprising how much she succeeded in blowing out her cheeks. Madeleine,
Champion Pie-Eater of the World, gobbled up anywhere from fifty to
seventy-five (imaginary) mince pies, and Jolliby, as Burroo, the One
Armed Wild Man of Borneo, seized my arm in his teeth while I was telling
what a dangerous creature he was. The other freaks set up a chorus of
alarm, and I do not know what would have become of me if Winkles, who
was the _Very_ Wildest Man, had not grappled in deadly combat with
Burroo; and, if Madeleine had not offered them her best (imaginary)
pies, they would, I fear, have devoured each other on the spot.”
Advertising-Carnival.
Having made out a list, for your own convenience, of well-known business
firms, local or otherwise, whose names could be represented by costumes,
let each Junior come dressed to represent one of the firms. For
instance, Marshall Field’s might be portrayed by a boy in a soldier’s
uniform, with dried grasses and other field treasures extending from
pockets and buttonholes; Macy’s, by a girl named May, or dressed as
queen of the May, with a placard attached bearing the letter “C.” The
same letter, worn by a boy carrying a gallon can, a hammer, and a
barrel-hoop, would answer for “Siegel and Cooper.” “Tiffany” might be
portrayed by a picture of two people having a slight quarrel, the
picture being fastened to the costume of a girl named Fannie or Annie,
or to that of a boy carrying a large palm-leaf fan and limping as if one
knee were affected.
Local firms, however, should predominate, and the utmost secrecy should
prevail in all the preparations. When the evening of the carnival has
arrived in all its glory, give each guest a pencil and paper, and reward
with some gift the one who can without assistance make out the longest
correct list of firms represented. Such an occasion would be interesting
to others besides the Juniors; and a charge for admission might be made,
in which case a light repast should be served, and a fancy march of the
various “walking advertisements” should add to the attractions.
This occasion might be combined, if desired, with the “evening with ads”
described elsewhere in the book.
Parlor Golf Party.
Most boys and girls are somewhat familiar with golf, and the Juniors
will probably prove no exception. Any kind of “parlor golf” may be
introduced, as simple or as elaborate as you please. Here is one kind
that must be interesting, called “Quiet Go-lol-uf,” and explained by
Vincent Van M. Beede as follows:
“This game is meant especially for boys and girls who know something
about the royal and ancient game of ‘golf’ sometimes called ‘go-lol-uf’
just for fun. Seat your friends about a table, pass around pencils and
paper, and then say:
“‘We are going to play go-lol-uf. I hope you won’t squabble much. This
game is a little different from the outdoor kind. Here you are expected
_not_ to get into a hole. I shall pass to each of you a card on which is
written something about golf. Write your answers on the large sheets;
and don’t forget, please, to write your names at the bottom of the
sheets. Number the answers, of course. At the end of every two minutes I
shall yell “Fore!” and everybody must pass his card to his left-hand
neighbor.’
“Here is a list of terms:
“1. A dancing-party. (Ball.)
2. A drink. (Tea.)
3. A box in which to keep the vegetable from which this drink is made.
(Caddie--Caddy.)
4. A society. (Club.)
5. The man who rows next the coxswain in a racing-shell. (Stroke.)
6. A common color. (Green.)
7. Bold. (Brass(e)y.)
8. The man who holds the reins. (Driver.)
9. A number. (Fore--four.)
10. A guess. (Hazard.)
11. Used for smoothing clothes. (Iron.)
12. A story that is not true. (Lie.)
13. A piece. (Slice.)
14. Something with which one eats. (Spoon.)
15. The noise made by an animal that does not like Thanksgiving.
(Gobble.)
16. A place where hay is kept. (Loft.)
“The rewards might be a golf-club, a scarf-pin, a score-book, a pair of
balls, or a rubber tee.”
* * * * *
Another game of golf is the one played on a table wound with a somewhat
crumpled cloth. Each player is furnished with a pea and a pin by way of
ball and stick. It is very good fun when there are players enough to
make the contest exciting; for the winner is the player who is first to
roll the pea up to goal. The pea that collides with another, or pushes
it, or even touches it, is sent back to the starting-point.
Other games mentioned elsewhere in the book may be substituted for one
or the other of these, in case not all present are enthusiasts on golf;
but the second one could be adapted to the veriest novice, while
interesting to all. Refreshments of cake and chocolate may be served,
and it would add to the fun if the small iced cakes were decorated with
various golf emblems.
Mysterious Basket-Ball.
Collect the materials, either with or without the Juniors’ help,
beginning some time in advance. When the time comes to have the “ball,”
the more mystery the better.
Place a large basket or clothes-hamper in the middle of the room. This
is the “mysterious basket” part, and each Junior is then told to help
himself to his “ball,” one of the many bundles wrapped up to look as
nearly like balls as possible, all the way from the size of a baseball
to that of a basket-ball.
Have ready plenty of scissors, paste, glue, needles, thread, and the
celluloid thimbles that can be bought for a cent or two apiece. As each
“ball” is opened, it proves to hold the materials for making a small
Christmas gift or article for a fair to be given by the Juniors, or for
a Junior fancy-work booth at a “grown-up” fair.
Many simple and inexpensive articles, both pretty and useful, can be
made by children of Junior age, both girls and boys. If a piece of work
which is all sewing happens to be drawn by a boy, so much the more fun.
The Junior superintendent acts as “umpire,” answering questions and
explaining the rules of the game. A thimble worn on the thumb is “foul,”
even if the fingers _do_ seem to be all thumbs, which is often far from
being the case.
Here is a partial list of articles which might be made:
1. Stamp-box, of heavy water-color paper, ready cut out. The one who
draws this bundle will have an easy task; merely to fold the box into
shape, paste the flaps on the inside, decorate the cover with a two-cent
stamp, and tie it in place with a ribbon.
2. Chamois spectacle-cleaner, cut in any fancy shape; two pieces
buttonhole-stitched around the edge with colored silk, and caught
together with fancy ribbon.
3. Pocket pincushion made of two pieces of stiff cardboard covered first
with a thin layer of cotton batting, then with wide fancy ribbon; sewed
together around the edge and filled with several kinds and sizes of
pins.
4. Chinese pen-wiper made of two nutshells glued together to make a
head; a pigtail of braided horsehair; a Chinese costume of red cloth
with several flannel leaves under the loose, short coat; ink features
for the face; and, if one likes, Chinese hieroglyphics in ink decorating
the costume.
5. Match-scratcher. Cardboard foundation, with a strip of blue paper
pasted across the top to represent sky; a strip of green paper of the
same width, pasted across the bottom for grass; a larger strip of red
paper between, marked off with ink to represent a brick wall; a cat made
of emery paper seated on the grass facing the wall.
6. Recipe-holder, of two teapots or teakettles cut from celluloid, tied
together with ribbon and decorated with water-colors in lettering or
other design.
7. Blotter, calendar, and pen-wiper combined. A dozen pieces of colored
blotting-paper tied together with a ribbon; the outer one with a picture
and a small calendar pad pasted on; or there may be a cover made of
white cardboard decorated with gold or silver paper bells, or with
flowers or leaves carefully and _separately_ cut from Japanese
tissue-paper napkins and pasted on. A tiny pen-wiper made of several
circles of chamois is to be tied in one corner.
8. Cover for a kodak album, made of rough, heavy tan or brown
writing-paper with a target in the centre. The target is made by pasting
four paper circles of contrasting colors, one over the other, each
smaller than the last, the smallest one in the centre being the
bull’s-eye; and printing, each side of the target, in gold or white, the
words “Snap-Shots.”
9. Court-plaster case of water-color paper, tied together with ribbon,
the cover decorated with a picture, the leaves of court-plaster.
10. Shaving-paper “snowballs.” These are very pretty, and are made of
many circles of white tissue-paper caught together in the same way as a
ball pen-wiper, and furnished with a hanging loop of red ribbon.
11. Pen-wipers of several thicknesses of felt, cut out leaf-shape or
flower shape, and held together with a bow and ends of ribbon.
12. Junior “comfort-powders.” Tie a cheery Bible verse or other pleasant
message in a piece of fringed tissue-paper; then tie fifty-two of these
in a bunch, one for each week in the year. Or the Juniors might combine
in this, and make the powders daily ones.
Other articles, as simple or more elaborate, will be thought
of in abundance; pretty ironing-holders, hair-receivers, dusters
and duster-bags, sweeping-caps, lamp-mats, dinner cards,
whisk-broom-holders, etc. The work, if well prepared in advance, could
probably be done by the Juniors in an hour at the longest; some of it in
much less. Rewards should be given, not for the most rapid work, but for
that most neatly done. The “umpire” may enlist the aid of one or more of
her friends in preparing the work, giving instructions, and assigning
rewards, especially if there are many of the small workers; and the
Juniors may be allowed to exchange tasks if thought desirable.
After the work is done, and while the committee is deciding as to its
merits, the “ball-team” may indulge in refreshments in the appropriate
globular form of doughnuts, oranges, or pop-corn balls; after which the
afternoon may close with the award of the gifts and a stirring game of
real basket-ball; or, if it is in the evening, or too late in the season
for this out-of-door sport, try a game of “Little Queen Fluff” instead.
“Little Queen Fluff” is a ball of cotton covered with colored crape
paper. Place the chairs two feet apart in a line across the centre of
the room; arrange the Juniors one opposite each chair, against the wall
on both sides of the room; give one of these balls and a palm-leaf fan
to each; and let them see which can most successfully send his own
particular “Little Queen Fluff” through her castle underneath the centre
of the chair, to the opposite side of the room. The side which gets all
its balls across the room first, fanning them by way of the “castle”
underneath the centre of the chair, wins the game.
A Puritan Thanksgiving Dinner.
This is a combination affair, enlisting Endeavorers of all ages; but the
Juniors’ part in it is an important one. The main idea is to make it a
pleasant occasion, not only for those who would have a Thanksgiving
feast anyway, but for as many as possible who would otherwise go
without. The very poorest should be hunted up and included in the
invitations.
Let me tell you how the plan was once carried out by a lady and her
little fourteen-year-old niece, whom we will call Priscilla. The writer
says:
“With the help of kind friends and faithful Bridget we made very much of
a success of our dinner, and many a poor soul was made happy for one day
at least. For several weeks previous, Priscilla and I spent our evenings
by the great fire in the big kitchen, dressing Puritan dolls for the
children, and making other gifts. Priscilla asked old sailor Hogan to
make for her a small model of the Mayflower such as she had seen in
Pilgrim Hall at Plymouth, and after we had stretched the old mahogany
table to its fullest extent, which reached almost the entire length of
the kitchen, and covered it with Grandmother Alden’s white damask
banquet-cloth, Priscilla placed the little ship in the centre on a large
mirror. The frame of the mirror we concealed with sea-sand, shells, and
pebbles; and on one side we placed a large stone which John had carved
into the shape of the dear old rock on which our Pilgrim Fathers landed.
We scattered over all this thin flaky cotton sprinkled with crystallized
alum to imitate snow, and the little Puritan dolls on deck made the
scene very realistic. The body of the ship we filled with our gifts.
[Illustration: DIAGRAM 1.]
[Illustration: DIAGRAM 2.]
“Priscilla made fruit-baskets, and bowls for the nuts and candy, out of
pumpkins. John sawed three large bright yellow ones for her as shown in
the diagrams. After these had been scooped out, using the contents for
pies, and dried thoroughly, we placed them on the table on mats of green
tissue-paper cut in the shape of pumpkin leaves. The effect against the
white cloth was quite pretty. For each of our poorer guests we made an
old-fashioned reticule of yellow cloth tied with green braid. In these
we placed a pair of woollen gloves, two pairs of woollen stockings or
socks, a handkerchief, a cake of soap, and an order for a stout pair of
shoes. In the way of gifts for the other guests there were little
keepsakes such as pumpkin pincushions made of yellow silk and tied with
green ribbons, Plymouth Rock paper-weights, and little models of
Governor Carver’s chair in which we tied yellow pincushions with green
ribbons. There were napkin-rings, needle-books, stamp-boxes,
paper-cutters, and pin-trays, all with engravings of the Mayflower or
some Pilgrim emblem. We had plenty of dinner for all. There was
everything required for a Thanksgiving feast, from the turkey and
cranberry sauce to plum pudding, into which Bridget had put plenty of
plums. All who helped in receiving dressed in Puritan costumes.
“After the dinner had been eaten and the presents distributed, Miss
Katherine Anderson, one of the teachers in the public school, gave a
little talk, for fear the significance of the occasion might escape some
of the most ignorant; but I am glad to say that there were none except
the very smallest who did not know the history of our Pilgrim Fathers.
The ladies of our old town have decided to give a dinner of this kind
every Thanksgiving.”
When the Endeavorers are to give such a dinner, the little address would
naturally be by the pastor, and the Juniors’ part of the preparations
might well begin with the “mysterious basket-ball” described elsewhere
in the book. In this case the small articles to be made or decorated
would of course consist wholly of such as would be adapted for gifts at
the dinner, and the Juniors should be told of the plan at the beginning
of their work. They could also help in dressing the Puritan dolls and in
receiving the guests; and, if they wish to do more, they might give a
“Mayflower drill” in Puritan costume.
An entertainment of this kind could also be given to raise money for the
church or society. In such cases, of course, the philanthropic features
would be omitted, an admission fee charged, and the articles from the
Mayflower sold.
Teddy and the Goblin.
(_Teddy’s Dream on Christmas Morn._)
BY MATTIE-MARIE GAMBLE.
The necessary requirements are a cot, a chair, a candle and candlestick,
a large stocking, a small camera, and a large wooden frame with an
opening about five feet square. The frame might be gilded or covered
with yellow Canton flannel, and should have a support at the back of
each side to hold it firmly in an upright position. There should be a
box or platform high enough to be on a level with the lower edge of the
opening of the frame, back of it.
The stage should represent a scene in the woods, with an abundance of
green foliage; and leaves or green cloth should cover the floor. Near
the back of the stage should be a curtain that could be drawn to each
side, on which are painted trees, etc., to carry out the woods effect.
Back of this curtain arrange a small sleeping-room, in which are placed
the cot and the chair with the candle on it; and in some prominent place
is hung the stocking, well stuffed, with the small camera peeping out at
the top.
Characters.
TEDDY, _A little boy of ten years_.
FUN, _A little old goblin_.
RED RIDINGHOOD AND WOLF.
OLD WOMAN WITH BROOM.
JACK THE GIANT-KILLER.
THE GIANT.
JACK AND JILL.
TOM, TOM, THE PIPER’S SON.
JACK-BE-NIMBLE.
BO-PEEP.
SIMPLE SIMON.
Costumes.
TEDDY. Long nightgown reaching to just above the ankles, barefooted, and
hair tousled.
FUN, _the goblin_. A boy of twelve or fourteen years, quite small for
his age. Long beard, pointed shoes that turn up at the toes, long belted
blouse and tight knee pants, stocking cap with tassel.
RED RIDINGHOOD. Long red cloak and hood and a basket. A large dog may
represent the wolf.
OLD WOMAN. Pointed hat with brim. Old shoulder-shawl and dress to
ankles, carrying a dilapidated broom.
JACK THE GIANT-KILLER. Page’s costume and sword.
GIANT. Very large man. Any fantastic costume.
JACK AND JILL. Dressed as country children and carrying a pail, Jill
with sunbonnet.
TOM, TOM, THE PIPER’S SON. Boy about sixteen, tall and slender; short
waistcoat, trousers above shoe-tops, little old hat on back of head; a
pig made of white Canton flannel under his arm. Or, if a small live pig
could be procured, it would add to the merriment.
JACK-BE-NIMBLE. Small boy in short waistcoat and trousers, with candle
in candlestick.
BO-PEEP. Shepherdess costume. Long crook with ribbon tied on end.
SIMPLE SIMON. Trousers to shoe-tops; straight ragged garment extending
almost to knees, and left open at neck; hair tousled. A tin pail and a
rod about two feet in length with long string tied to it and piece of
bent wire attached to the end of string.
TIME. Just before dawn Christmas morning.
SCENE _opens on the little bedroom._ TEDDY _asleep on the cot. Keep
the front of the stage as dark as possible during this scene, with
woods curtain drawn aside, and throw a dim light on the bedroom from
behind the scenes._
TEDDY (_waking, sitting up in bed, and rubbing his eyes_). My, but it’s
dark! I wonder if Santa Claus has been here yet. Guess I’ll see.
(_Strikes a match, and lights the candle, holds it above his head, and
peers around. Suddenly seeing the stocking fairly bulging with gifts, he
puts the candle on the chair, bounds out of bed, and makes a dive for
the stocking. When about to take it down, he hesitates._) I know it
ain’t time, but I just _can’t_ wait. I’ll just take _one_ thing out.
(_Reaches up carefully and takes down camera._) My! if it ain’t the
camera I wrote to Santa Claus for. I wonder how it works. (_Turning it
over._) I’ll take Rover’s picture the very first one. (_Dances back to
bed, camera in hand, and, pulling the covers over him, begins examining
it. Yawns several times, and talks in a sleepy voice._) Won’t ma and pa
be (_yawns_) surprised--when--they--see--(_yawns again_)--it,
though?--Wish--I--could---- (_Falls asleep._)
(_In runs little old goblin, frolics around the room a little, blows
out the candle, and perches himself on the foot of the bed._)
FUN. Aha! been into your stocking already, have you? and sound asleep
again. Well, well (_then talking to himself_), I will just wake him up
in dreamland, and have a little fun with him. (_Turning to_ TEDDY.)
Well, Master Teddy, how are you? Merry Christmas!
TEDDY (_very sleepy and still holding on to camera_). How do you
do?--but I--I don’t know you. What is your name? and where am I?
FUN. That’s so! Why, you are in dreamland; and you don’t know me?--ha!
ha!--well, my name’s Fun. You think that a queer name? Well, I took that
name because, you see, people are always wanting to do things “just for
fun,” and so I thought I would be well taken care of!
TEDDY. I wish I could take a picture with my new camera just for fun,
but I don’t know how.
FUN. Is that so? Why, I can take fine pictures. Just come with me into
the woods, and I will show you. (_Jumps down and pulls_ TEDDY, _with
camera, out of bed by the hand_. TEDDY _hangs back as if frightened_.)
O, don’t be afraid. I will take good care of you, and bring you back
again. Come on; we will take pictures of Mother Goose children in the
woods.
TEDDY. O--real sure ’nough live children?
FUN. Yes, I should say so. I know them all--Jack and Jill and Red
Ridinghood and----
TEDDY (_excitedly_). And Jack the Giant-Killer?
FUN. Yes--all of them.
TEDDY. O, let’s hurry! (_No longer holds back, but runs out, pulling_
FUN _after him. As they leave, the foliage curtains should be quickly
drawn together, leaving only the woods, and the light should now be
turned on that scene. Enter_ FUN _and_ TEDDY, _looking around_. TEDDY
_disappointed_.) I don’t see anybody.
FUN. Just wait. Now you stand behind the tree and watch. Keep quiet.
(_Enter_ RED RIDINGHOOD _talking to the wolf, the dog. While she is
talking_, FUN _takes the camera, and turns it in her direction. A stout
rubber band can be attached to the camera so that no one can see it, and
he snaps it very loud as he takes the picture._ FUN _turns to_ TEDDY
_and grins_.) I got that one; now we must get ready for the next.
(_Winds screw. At the same instant some one behind the scenes winds an
old clock or something that makes an equally loud sound. This should be
done each time a picture is taken. Just as he is ready for the next_,
TOM, TOM, THE PIPER’S SON, _runs across the stage with pig, and_ FUN
_jumps quickly to snap the camera_. FUN _turns to_ TEDDY _and winks_.)
Nearly lost that one. (_Winds again. After that the rest of the
characters come in, in quick succession, so that all of them are in
almost at the same time, each of course in his or her own way._ SIMPLE
SIMON _should set his mother’s pail down at one side and begin fishing
in it, always looking as silly as possible_. JACK-BE-NIMBLE _places his
lighted candle on the floor, and frequently jumps lightly back and forth
over it. In the meantime the giant has lain down asleep, and_ JACK THE
GIANT-KILLER _has taken his position with one foot on giant’s chest and
sword in hand_; BO-PEEP _has fallen asleep, and so on_. FUN _skips in
and out among them, snapping one picture after another, always winding
after each. Finally he stops_.) I wonder if I have them all.
TEDDY (_in loud whisper_). You didn’t get the giant. (_Is so interested
that he forgets to keep back, and finds himself in the centre of the
stage._)
FUN. Why, I forgot Little Bo-Peep! and the dear child is fast asleep.
(_Snaps camera again. At the same time, seeing_ TEDDY, _the children all
begin to laugh and dance around him, having lots of fun_. TEDDY _becomes
frightened, and, burying his face in his hands, cries aloud_. FUN _runs
to him, and when the children see the goblin they all scamper off the
stage_, BO-PEEP _and the giant disappearing with the rest_.) What is the
matter, my little friend?
TEDDY. I’m so (_sobs_) scared!
FUN. Scared at what?
TEDDY. Because they’re all around me.
FUN. Who?
TEDDY (_looking up wonderingly_). Why!--why, where are they?
FUN. You crazy child, who are you talking about?
TEDDY. Red Ridinghood and Jack the Giant-Killer and--and all the rest!
FUN. Ha! ha! (_Laughing heartily._) _You_ don’t understand them. Now you
see them and now you don’t.
TEDDY. Wish I could see them again, but I don’t want them to see me.
FUN. Well, the pictures are all ready now, and they are fine ones, too.
One hundred times larger than your camera. Think of it! Would you like
to see them now?
TEDDY. Well, I should say so!
FUN. All right; here goes. First we will have Little Red Ridinghood.
(_During the performance in the woods the cot, chair, etc., should be
removed and the large frame with platform back of it put directly behind
the foliage curtain. Back of the frame opening and platform should be a
woods background if possible. When_ FUN _announces the subject of each
picture, some one behind the scenes, near the front, should read slowly
and clearly the story or verse describing that picture. Meanwhile, those
characters are taking their positions in the frame, and when ready must
not move. As each story or verse is finished, the curtains are drawn
aside for a minute, showing the picture, and then drawn together again.
Then the next story and its picture, and so on until all are shown. As
each one is presented_, TEDDY _and_ FUN _dance around and clap their
hands, making such exclamations as “O my!” “Isn’t that great?” etc.
Curtain falls on the last picture_. FUN _and_ TEDDY _are again alone in
the woods_.) Here they all come back again, I declare! Too bad they
could not have seen their own pictures. O, well; it doesn’t matter. Why!
where are you going, Teddy?
TEDDY. I’m going home! (_Runs off the stage._)
FUN. Wait a minute. (_Talking to himself._) No use. Guess I had better
see if he gets home all right. (_Follows_ TEDDY. _Enter all the children
singing Mother Goose rhymes. While they are dancing and singing, the
large frame is removed, and the cot, etc., are replaced the same as in
the first scene. As the music is finished, they dance off stage. Curtain
opens on bedroom scene._ TEDDY _asleep with camera, and the goblin
perched on bed again_.) Well, the little fellow has had quite a treat,
and it is nearly time for him to wake up; so I must leave him for this
time. (_Jumps down, and as he steals lightly out, kisses his hand to_
TEDDY.) Good-by, little chap. I hope you will have a fine Christmas day.
Good-by.
(_A bright light is now thrown on the cot, and_ TEDDY _wakes up_.)
TEDDY. My! it’s broad daylight, and I’ll bet the folks are all up.
(_Sits up on one side of the bed; suddenly thinks of the camera, and
takes it up._) Wasn’t Santa Claus good, though? (_Meditatively._) If I
only knew how to use it! (_Brightening._) Why, I do! Now who was it
showed me how? O, yes! it was the goblin, I do believe; and I’ve been to
dreamland. Yes, it all comes to me now, and I’ve resolved that ----
(_Standing and reciting._)
When there’s something to be bought and you haven’t got the money,
You just write out that little thought,--now that sounds rather
funny,--
Just write it nice to Santa Claus, and seal it up right tight,
And when you go to bed you know he’ll bring it sure that night.
Because, you know, ’tis Christmas eve, when Santa always comes,
And brings you lots of things you want--nice cameras and drums;
And when you’re puzzled as to how to work the things you get,
Just go off into dreamland, and you’ll find out, you bet!
’Cause Fun, the little goblin, is always sure to know,
And you can take a trip with him if you are not too slow.
Then you will find out how to do most anything under the sun,
And when you wake up bright again, you’ll know just how ’tis done.
CURTAIN.
Cinderella Reception.
The Juniors come, if they wish, in fancy costumes; the smallest girl can
be Cinderella, in pretty slippers, and a trained Empire dress of pink
cambric, with her hair piled up on top of her head; and the smallest boy
should personate the prince, in a light-blue cambric suit with many bows
and buckles. Others may be the cruel stepmother, the proud sisters, the
fairy godmother, the king, the queen, and various other distinguished
people of the times.
Among the games which might be played is “my lady’s slipper.” One player
goes out of the room, and is blindfolded. The rest seat themselves in a
line in seats low enough so that their feet all reach the floor. The
feet must not be tucked under the chairs, or otherwise disposed of in
any way except straight on the floor in front of the seated players. The
blindfolded one is then called in, and tries to find out, by lightly
stepping on the toes of each, who is the one thus trod upon. Some
players can keep perfectly still while this is going on; but many have
not the necessary self-control, and the slightest laugh, exclamation, or
other noise often reveals the secret. The first one whose identity is
thus learned must change places with the blindfolded one, and the game
proceeds as before.
Perhaps the children will like to try a “slipper obstacle-race,” which
is like the race in the “parlor mountain-climb” except that each Junior
wears a paper slipper which must be kept on throughout the race.
“Fairy bowling” is another good game. Cover the dining-room table
temporarily with a cloth of bright-colored flannel or other woollen
material; arrange across it, near one end, a pasteboard arch, or one of
heavy wire wound with ribbon, fastening the ends of the arch to bricks
on each side, covered like the table. Prepare a large bowl of suds, made
of soap, warm water, and glycerine; and arrange the players, boys on one
side of the table and girls on the other, giving to each boy a clay pipe
and to each girl a small fan. The boy at the head of the line takes the
bowl, blows a bubble, and drops it on the table. The girl opposite tries
to fan it under the arch before it breaks. Tally is kept with pink and
blue paper disks on little tally cards which may be attached to the
fans. Pink means a successful bowling; blue, a failure. As each two
players complete their trial, they go to the foot of the line, which
moves up to let the next two try. The game may consist of five rounds,
or four if there are many players. A ribbon-bedecked pipe and a pretty
fan might be the rewards given to the winning bowlers.
Here is a new kind of “slipper-hunt,” which is enjoyable. Tell the
Juniors that there are forty pairs of slippers hidden about the rooms,
and offer a reward to the one finding the greatest number that prove to
be pairs. The slippers should be of different colors, and about three
inches long. They are cut out of cardboard from patterns found in an
illustrated catalogue.
The plan of a doll Cinderella seated in a pumpkin coach lined with
light blue, with four and twenty chocolate mice harnessed to it with
ribbons and driven by a colored doll coachman, is not new, but is very
pleasing, especially to the younger ones. Refreshments may be
slipper-shaped sandwiches or cookies, lemonade, and the chocolate mice.
Star Social.
If you wish decorative features, the following are attractive, though
not necessary to the success of the social.
Cut from gilt paper as many stars about an inch in diameter as there are
Juniors. Then take a large star-shaped wire frame, one of those supplied
by florists for Christmas decorations, fill it with evergreen or holly,
if the social is to be held near Christmas time, and suspend it from the
ceiling or chandelier by ribbons, extending from each point upward and
meeting at the centre. From each point of this large star hang a group
of the little stars, by strings or baby ribbon of different lengths, so
that from each point the gilt stars will be hanging in a cluster, some
higher, some lower. Number all the stars, those in each group having a
number of their own. Thus the cluster of stars from one point will all
be numbered 1, those from another point 2, and so on.
Some of the Juniors are probably taking piano lessons, and making good
progress; or learning to play on other instruments; and of course a
number can sing well. Ask several of the musical ones to come prepared
to play or sing. A few others should have recitations; and two or three
who like to write can each write an original story not more than five
hundred words long.
As the Juniors come in, give to each of them a pencil and a star-shaped
white card with the words written from the centre towards each point,
“Pictures,” “Music,” “Stories,” “Speaking,” and “Museum.” Ask them to
write their names on the reverse side of their cards; and then to read
what is written on the star-points, and to make a check or cross very
plainly in that point having the name of the thing they like best. The
cards are then collected, and will be, by the way, no slight help to a
new Junior superintendent in learning to understand the tastes of the
children with whom she is to work, even after this particular good time
is over.
While the cards, after being collected, are examined and sorted, some
game may be played. The “flying star” is a good one. Each player is
supplied with a small empty spool, with a colored paper star pasted over
one end. Half the stars are red, the other half blue, to distinguish
which side the player is on. Arrange twelve berry-boxes, quart size, on
the floor in a hollow square. Mark four of them on the bottom with the
figure 5; four of them 10, and leave four blank. Place a tin cup in the
centre. Let the players stand a few feet away, and they may test their
skill in throwing. Each spool, or “flying star,” landing in the cup,
counts 20; when landing in one of the boxes, it counts whatever that
box is marked. Each side keeps tally, and when all the stars have flown,
the scores are compared to see which side has the larger.
Next, divide the Juniors into groups for the game “constellations,”
which is really several games in one. The division is made according to
choice as already marked on the cards given out on arrival. Those who
chose “Pictures” are put in Constellation No. 1, and to them belongs the
cluster of little hanging gilt stars marked with that number. Those who
chose “Music” are in Constellation No. 2, and so on. The gilt stars are
taken down and given to the Juniors thus by number, pinned to the dress
of each; and thereby every Junior becomes a “star,” and must prepare to
shine accordingly. As before stated, however, the star decorations are
not absolutely necessary; the Juniors can shine even without being thus
labelled.
The constellation of “star artists” sit together, and for half an hour
engage in some drawing contest. Perhaps the game of “accidental high
art” is as good as any. Spread a newspaper over a table; let each player
be furnished with two pieces of paper and a pen; and on the table place
a bottle of India ink and a fountain-pen-filler. With the filler let one
drop of ink fall upon one of the pieces of paper belonging to each, and
tell him to press upon it his other sheet of paper. This gives each
player the foundation for two pictures, so that if his first attempt is
not an entire success he can try again. The aim is to make of the
grotesque and shapeless blot, by the help of the pen and imagination, a
picture of some object--animal, tree, landscape, or whatever turns out
to be most feasible. As blots are never twice alike, there is every
opportunity for the fancy and skill of the artist.
While Constellation No. 1 is thus engaged, No. 2 is in the next room
preparing its musical programme with the help of those who have brought
something to sing or play; Constellation No. 3 is selecting recitations;
No. 4, if this is the authors’ group, is deciding on the order of
reading and perhaps the titles, or any other unfinished part, of its
original stories; and No. 5 is arranging a museum of natural curiosities
in the form of interesting hats, paper-cutters, and other small articles
whose origin and method of manufacture and use they think they can at
least partially describe.
At the end of the half-hour all the stars gather to listen to the
entertainment provided by each constellation. The “star artists” exhibit
their works of art; the star musicians play and sing; the star authors
read their effusions; the star orators declaim or recite; and the star
museum-directors give their exhibition. A vote of thanks, or some more
substantial reward, may be given to the constellation furnishing the
best entertainment.
Close the evening with refreshments consisting of cheese sandwiches cut
star-shaped and filled, presumably, with green cheese from the moon; and
glasses of creamy milk fresh from the Milky Way. What star or
constellation could fail to be satisfied with such fare?
On leaving, each Junior might be given a star-shaped Christmas card as a
memento.
This plan is capable, of course, like most of those given in this book,
of endless variation. A “surprise constellation,” or some other
preferred, might take the place of any one of those suggested. The
stories, recitations, and music might be given without any previous
arrangement outside, if a thoroughly impromptu programme is desired; but
in most cases a little inkling of what will be expected of them, in the
case of those likely to be called upon, makes the result more
interesting. Some of the musical numbers and recitations could be
humorous, others more serious; but most of them will naturally pertain
to Christmas or stars. The following, once contributed by the writer to
_The New Voice_, might be given by one of the more thoughtful Juniors as
a recitation:
Star-jewelled was the Night’s dark brow,
As, with a light caress,
Smiling, she saw the wondering Earth
Her promised King confess,
While Hate and Greed shrank back before
God’s Love-thought, born to bless
As the angel choir was singing.
O glorious Christmas yet to dawn,
When men shall understand,
The lowly manger of the heart
Become a temple grand,
Each cruel wrong and strife depart,
Quelled by an infant’s hand,
While the Christmas bells are ringing!
Then, Fear-thought, flee! and Hate-thought, die!
As gleams the Star’s clear ray,
Join, World, the wise men’s holy quest;
Put evil far away;
And give till all the earth is blest;
Let Love-thought rule to-day,
Every heart its incense bringing.
Holly and Mistletoe Drill.
BY IMOGEN A. STOREY.
An even number of small boys of uniform height must be used for this
drill. Usually it will be found necessary for the Juniors to call in the
aid of children outside the society, which will furnish a fine
opportunity to win new members.
At the rear of the stage a small hut should be constructed of light
framework, and covered with heavy brown paper. The roof and window-sills
of this must be spread with cotton to represent snow.
On the floor of the stage a heavy white cloth should be stretched, and
in the rear and at the sides boughs of evergreens covered with cotton
should be arranged to represent the woods.
The floor of the stage must be laid off as shown by diagrams to prevent
mistakes. Half of the children must be dressed in fairylike suits of
white, carrying a half-hoop trimmed with mistletoe and white satin
ribbons, the ribbons tied at each end of the hoop. The others must be
costumed in like manner, only in red, having hoops trimmed in holly and
red ribbons. All must wear green gauze wings.
When the drill begins, old Santa and his wife should be seen busy in
their little house, fixing toys. If presents are to be distributed, they
must be placed in the hut previous to the beginning of the exercise. The
children enter skipping to music, following the lines shown in Diagram
A, mistletoes on the right and hollies on the left, or the reverse.
[Illustration: DIAGRAM A.]
They skip, following lines as indicated by arrows in A, with arms in
upward bend position and hoops arched overhead. When the leaders reach
lines R and L, the skip step is changed to a march, and they join hoops
with partners so as to make a complete hoop with bows at each side. This
is a very easy movement, though it may seem the contrary. Those on the
right extend the inside arm straight to the side, shoulder-high, holding
the end of hoop with the arch down. Those on the left extend their arms
in the same way with the arch up. Each child grasps the end of the
partner’s hoop with his own in the inside hand.
On the leader’s reaching the front line the first position of the hoops
is resumed by all with skip step. When the side lines are reached, they
turn on the diagonal lines and begin a fancy step, dropping the hoop
down around the neck like a boa. On a change of music drop the hoop, and
advance the inside foot diagonally to inside (towards partner), and
place it on the floor, first count; hop on the advance foot, and swing
the outside leg across in front, bending the knee so that the foot which
is crossed over comes almost as high as the knee of the inside leg,
second count; swing the same foot diagonally forward to the outside
again, and place it on the floor, third count; hop on it, and swing the
inside leg across in front of the outside, fourth count. This step is
called “swing-cross step,” which somewhat explains the movement. On the
leaders’ reaching the front line the skip step with first position of
hoop is resumed by all. On reaching the side lines again, instead of
coming down diagonal lines as before, they turn on the rear lines as
shown in B, and come down the lines R and L in C, with the following
fancy step:
[Illustration: DIAGRAM B.]
[Illustration: DIAGRAM C.]
Advance the inside foot, and touch the toe to the floor, and the inside
arm straight to the side and the outside hand on the chest, the arch of
the hoop up, first count; change the weight to the forward foot, the
hoop arched overhead the same as in skipping, second count; repeat the
same to the opposite side, third and fourth counts. Continue this until
the front line is reached. Then resume the skip step, and follow lines
as before in A.
When they reach the side lines, old Santa steps to the front door of his
hut, and blows a whistle or horn, and the skip step is changed to a run
on the toes. The players run down the side lines, and turn on the lines
shown in C leading to the hut. When the leaders reach the cross marks on
these lines, a signal from the piano or another blast from old Santa’s
horn is given for them to halt, which should be executed by them
together. After they have halted, old Santa steps down from his door,
and gives another blast, and all should turn facing inside; that is,
towards lines R and L. Old Santa should walk up and down inspecting
them.
Old Santa, in deep tones: “I have decided to engage you, Mistletoe and
Holly Berry fairies, to do some work for me this beautiful Christmas
night, for I am getting old and lame. Can I depend on you?”
Fairies all together: “Yes, sir.”
Old Santa: “I want you to take each child in this audience a gift from
me and my wife. Will you do it?”
“Yes, sir; indeed we will,” should come in loud, emphatic tones from the
little fairies. Santa should go back to the door of his little hut and
receive the gifts from Mrs. Santa Claus, who hands them out to him.
Santa must call out the names as he gives them to the fairies, as they
file past on lines shown in C, turning on lines R and L, thence down the
steps in the centre. After distributing the gifts they return for more
by side steps as shown in C. In this way the presents, even for a large
audience, can be easily disposed of.
Jack Frost Reception.
The Juniors may wish to give a Christmas tree to the children of some
orphan asylum, combining with this plan a merry time for themselves as
well. If so, a “Jack Frost reception” would be a good way of doing it.
One of the smaller boys, who is also one of the liveliest in the
society, should be chosen to personate Jack. He should be dressed in a
close-fitting suit of white Canton flannel, the fleecy side out, with
here and there little tufts of cotton batting sprinkled with diamond
dust. Long white stockings, with tiny bells sewed on them, and a few
sprigs of holly, complete the costume.
Red crape-paper shades should cover all the globes. The tree should be
hung with glittering icicles of rock-candy, and trimmed with tufts of
sparkling cotton snow. An imitation bird’s nest for each guest is lined
with crinkled white tissue-paper, filled with white sugar almonds, and
placed among the branches. Then the presents, which might be toys or
books that the Juniors have outgrown, in small boxes wrapped around with
cotton batting and tied with white thread, make lovely snowballs. Pull
the cotton out between the threads till each box is a fluffy,
ball-shaped mass; then dip them in diamond-dust; label each with the
name of the one for whom it is intended, and hang them with gilt or
silver cord to the tree. Snowballs of all sizes may be made thus, and
those too large to hang on the tree may be piled around the trunk.
When all have arrived, there may be singing by the Juniors, after which
the “snowballs” are distributed. Jack Frost capers gayly about, ringing
his bells, and tossing the balls to the children, who in turn toss them
lightly about from one to another till each one reaches its owner. The
birds’ nests of almonds and the candy icicles are left on the tree until
later in the evening.
Refreshments are served at the north pole. On the centre of the
dining-table place an uneven block of ice, and extending up from the ice
have a long pasteboard mailing-tube covered with the imitation snow. A
white toy bear standing on the top of the pole, holding in its mouth a
sprig of dusted holly or evergreen, and several other bears grouped
around its base, complete your north pole, and, to further the arctic
effect, the chandelier may be trimmed with icicles and dusted sprays of
green, and for an added touch of elegance, if desired, there may be Jack
Frost place-cards made in fancy shapes, spread with a thin coating of
mucilage, sprinkled with diamond-dust and the names written in gold or
silver lettering. Of course these are not necessary. A substantial but
wholesome lunch should be served.
One or two simple games selected from the index in the back of the book
may be introduced if wanted, but the presents and the little feast will
take up most of the time. Finish unloading the tree; close the evening
with the singing of more Christmas songs; and the guests will go away
convinced that the Juniors are not only the happiest people in the
world, but that they are glad to share their pleasures with those not so
fortunate.
Mistress Mary’s Contrary Reception.
Another name for this entertainment would be “A Midwinter Flower Fête.”
It is charming at any time of the year, however, as both the winter and
the flowers can be made to consist wholly of costumes and decorations.
The guests are received by “Mistress Mary” of Mother Goose fame, with
several “pretty maids all in a row.” The members of this reception
committee should be dressed as for a garden party, in white or light
dresses, large hats, etc. They may be chosen from the Intermediates or
older Juniors, or from the grown-up society; perhaps they might be the
Junior superintendent and Junior committee.
Entering, the guests find themselves, to their surprise, not in a
garden, but in a world of ice and snow. Cotton sprinkled with
diamond-dust is on all sides, with red berries and evergreen from the
winter woods; tables are spread for a feast in an ice grotto where the
palest of blue and green draperies are combined with mirrors and lights
so arranged as to increase the illusion; and there is a constant tinkle
of invisible sleigh-bells.
Just as every one begins to shiver, there comes a burst of gay music;
and Mistress Mary’s flower-garden appears in the midst of the wintry
surroundings. It is a striking and pretty contrast. The smallest Juniors
are chosen for this part of the entertainment. While the children are
coming in, some one should sing the time-honored lines:
“Mistress Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle-shells,
And pretty maids all in a row,”
or, as one version has it, “_flower_-maids all in a row.” The small
Juniors are dressed as follows: The boys in closely fitting suits and
caps of green, trimmed with strings of sleigh-bells and small shells;
the girls in dresses and hats of tissue-paper or crape paper, each girl
representing a flower. The blossoms most easily imitated can be selected
by studying a florist’s catalogue or a botany with colored plates. Some
wild flowers are delightfully suited to the purpose; such as the
buttercup, the daisy, the blue marsh clematis, the pale yellow
adder’s-tongue, the pink swamp mallow, the wild rose, the bluebell, and
the Carolina lily in its brilliant hues of crimson, orange, and brown.
Then there are nasturtiums, asters, morning-glories, sweet peas, and
chrysanthemums; in fact, the list will be found to be a long one.
Ribbons and artificial flowers may be used as trimmings where they will
heighten the effect.
Each child should carry a basket decorated with the appropriate flower
or with “cockle-shells” or “silver bells,” as the case may be, and
filled with small articles for sale. A fancy drill is given on entering;
and, if desired, some appropriate flower songs or recitations may be
added. Then the contents of the various baskets should be offered for
sale.
If any of the guests do not understand where the “contrary” part of the
entertainment comes in, ask them if they ever knew a flower-garden so
contrary to nature as to grow in such surroundings before their eyes. Of
course, the Juniors are never contrary in any other way.
The Bells of Bonnydingle
In Two Acts
BY LILIAN M. HEATH
Characters.
DOROTHY DOT, _A dear little girl under a magic spell_.
SIR DISMAL DUMPS, }
THE BUGABOO MAN, } _Two enemies of children_.
QUEEN OF THE COSEY CORNER, _The children’s fairy friend_.
FAIRY BRIGHT-THOUGHT, _Chief counsellor of the Queen_.
WEST WIND, _Friend to_ DOROTHY.
DOROTHY DOT, _Grown larger, after the spell is broken_.
OLD WOMAN WITH BASKET.
CAROL, }
AVIS, } _Friends and playmates of_ DOROTHY’S.
FRANK, }
ROY, }
REALLYWISH, }
JUSTNOW, } _Brownies_.
I CAN, }
I WILL, }
Six, eight, or more SUNSHINE FAIRIES.
Costumes, etc.
DOROTHY DOT, _while small_. Girl of nine or ten, small for her age;
dainty modern dress.
SIR DISMAL DUMPS. Boy of fourteen, or older; antique court costume of
gray and dark green.
THE BUGABOO MAN. Boy of fourteen, same style of dress as Dismal Dumps,
but colors red and dark blue. Wears a mask.
QUEEN OF THE COSEY CORNER. Girl of fourteen; trained white spangled
dress, crown, and wand.
FAIRY BRIGHT-THOUGHT. Girl of ten; short white spangled fairy dress,
with wings.
WEST WIND. Girl of fourteen who can sing well; flowing rose-colored
robe, long gray mantle.
OLD WOMAN WITH BASKET. Girl of twelve or thirteen; brown or purple skirt
to ankles, gingham waist, small red shoulder-shawl, sunbonnet.
DOROTHY DOT, _grown taller_. A well-grown, bright-looking girl of
thirteen, closely resembling the small Dorothy. Dress apparently the
same, only longer.
CAROL. Girl of eleven or twelve. Ordinary dress.
AVIS. Girl of eleven. „ „
FRANK. Boy of twelve. „ „
ROY. Boy of eleven. „ „
REALLYWISH, JUSTNOW, I CAN, and I WILL. Boys of ten; Brownie costumes.
(“I Will” should have the strongest voice.)
SUNSHINE FAIRIES. Girls of eight or nine; flowing hair, short fairy
dress of bright orange-yellow, made still brighter by a liberal use of
spangles. Wings.
COSEY CORNER. Prettily draped and cushioned couch in one corner of rear
of stage.
SUNSHINE TREASURE-BOX. First act, a box about the size of a small but
deep trunk, labelled on the front in plain lettering, “Sunshine.”
SUNSHINE TREASURE-BOX. Second act, box of same shape, but very large; if
possible, nearly four feet deep; with same label in same position on
front, in letters of the same shape but larger. Have blocks of wood
nailed inside for steps. The lid should be on hinges, and the whole back
of the box, except at the very top, is sawed out, leaving it open. The
curtain hangs at the rear of the stage, with a large opening immediately
behind the box, so that Sunshine Fairies and others can easily pass into
the box from behind the scenes. Foliage, rocks, and stumps for seats,
and other playground accessories. Have a stump and a particularly soft
rock against the outside of the box, to serve as steps.
CHANGE OF COSTUME. In the second act, near the close, Sir Dismal Dumps
and the Bugaboo Man should change quickly while in or back of the
Sunshine-Box, from their former costumes to suits of spangled
orange-yellow cambric, made in similar style.