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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #53831 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53831)
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-Project Gutenberg's Christmas at Punkin Holler, by Elizabeth F. Guptill
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Christmas at Punkin Holler
-
-Author: Elizabeth F. Guptill
-
-Release Date: December 30, 2016 [EBook #53831]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Emmy, MFR and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-[Transcriber's Note: Bold text is surrounded by =equal signs= and italic
-text is surrounded by _underscores_. Superscripted numbers are preceded
-by carets and surrounded by curly braces.^{9}]
-
-
-
-Christmas _at_ Punkin Holler
-
-_by_ Elizabeth F. Guptill
-
-[Illustration]
-
- PAINE PUBLISHING CO.
- DAYTON, OHIO
-
-
-
-
-New Entertainment Songs
-
-By Edna Randolph Worrell.
-
-
-These songs can be used in all manner of entertainments. The music is
-easy, and both music and words are especially catchy. Children like
-them. Everybody likes them. Sheet music. =Price 25 cents each. Five
-copies, $1.00.=
-
-=WE HOPE YOU’VE BROUGHT YOUR SMILES ALONG.= A welcome song that will
-at once put the audience in a joyous frame of mind and create a happy
-impression that will mean half the success of your entire program.
-Words, bright and inspiring. Music, catchy.
-
-=WE’LL NOW HAVE TO SAY GOOD-BYE.= This beautiful song has snap and go
-that will appeal alike to visitors and singers. It is just the song to
-send your audience home with happy memories of the occasion.
-
-=WE’VE JUST ARRIVED FROM BASHFUL TOWN.= This song will bring memories
-to the listeners of their own bashful school days. Words, unusually
-clever. Music, decidedly melodious. A capital welcome song, or it may
-be sung at any time on the program with assured success.
-
-=MY OWN AMERICA, I LOVE THEE.= A song that will bring a thrill of
-patriotism to the heart of every one who hears it. The children and
-grown-ups just can’t resist the catchy music. It makes a capital
-marching song.
-
-=COME AND PARTAKE OF OUR WELCOME CAKE.= A merry welcome song and a
-jolly one, too. The audience will be immediately curious about the
-Welcome Cake, and the children will love to surprise the listeners with
-the catchy words. Music, easy and tuneful.
-
-=LULLABY LANE.= The music and words blend so beautifully that people
-will be humming the appealing strains long after they hear this
-charming song. A wonderfully effective closing song, whether sung by
-the school or as a solo by a little girl, with a chorus of other little
-girls with dolls.
-
-=JOLLY PICKANINNIES.= Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill. Music by Edna R.
-Worrell. This spicy coon song will bring down the house, especially if
-you use the directions for the motions which accompany the music. The
-black faces and shining eyes of the pickaninnies will guarantee a hit.
-The words are great and the music just right.
-
-=THE LITTLE BIRD’S SECRET.= Here is just the song for those two
-little folks to sing together. They won’t have to be coaxed to sing
-it, especially when they find that the whole school is to whistle the
-chorus. This is a decided novelty, and will prove a rare treat to your
-audience.
-
-=A GARDEN ROMANCE.= This is a dainty little song telling of the romance
-and wedding of Marigold and Sweet William. It is just the song for
-dainty little girls to sing.
-
-=COME TO THE NURSERY RHYME GARDEN AND PLAY.= Here is something
-different for the little folks to sing. The Nursery Rhyme Folk are so
-familiar to children, it will be no trick for them to remember the
-words. The music has a most captivating swing.
-
-
- Paine Publishing Company - - Dayton, Ohio
-
-
-
-
- Christmas at Punkin Holler
-
- A CHRISTMAS PLAY
- BY
- ELIZABETH F. GUPTILL
-
- Author of “Christmas at McCarthy’s,”
- “A Topsy Turvy Christmas,” Etc.
-
-
- [Illustration]
-
-
- PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY
- Dayton, Ohio
-
-
-
-
-Cast of Characters
-
-
- MISS PEPPERGRASS The Teacher.
- AUNT HEPSEY A queer character of the district.
- HIRAM }
- JACOB }
- LUCINDY }
- JOHNNY }
- SAMMY }
- PATTY }
- BETSEY }
- PETER } Pupils.
- REUBEN }
- AARON }
- MOSETTA }
- MIRIAM }
- FAITH }
- SALLY }
- PATIENCE }
-
-
- Copyright, 1916, by Paine Publishing Company.
-
-
-
-
-Christmas at Punkin Holler
-
-
-
-
-_SCENE:_ _The schoolroom. The necessary articles of furniture are the
-teacher’s desk and chair, and a couple of long wooden benches, or
-settees, if the benches are not to be easily obtained. The pupils are
-moving around, talking, laughing, and romping; making considerable
-noise and confusion. Miss Peppergrass enters, in hood and shawl, and
-speaks, but fails to make herself heard. She removes her wraps, hanging
-them on a nail near her desk, and rings bell smartly. School slowly
-becomes quiet, but the pupils do not seat themselves. Instead, they
-stare, wonderingly, at teacher._
-
-
-MISS P.—Take your seats.
-
-HIRAM—Don’t hafter. It’s a hollerday.
-
-MISS P.—I should say as much, judging by the noise you were making; but
-we can not rehearse for the entertainment to-night in the midst of such
-a racket as that. It sounded like a den of wild beasts.
-
-JACOB—So ’twas, Teacher—a regular circus. I’m a lion, and I’m a-goin’
-to eat Sally up! (_Pounces on Sally, and begins to growl, and to
-pretend to eat her. Sally screams._)
-
-MISS P.—(_ringing bell again_) That will do, Jacob. Now, children, take
-your seats. We must have it quiet. (_Children crowd into seats. Johnny
-tries to pass the end of one seat, but is held back by Lucindy. He
-struggles._)
-
-MISS P.—What’s the trouble there, Lucindy?
-
-LUCINDY—Johnny won’t set down.
-
-JOHNNY—No such a thing, Teacher. I was a-goin’ ter set down, and she
-grabbed onto me.
-
-LUCINDY—He wasn’t! He was a-goin’ right by.
-
-JOHNNY—Well, I was a-goin’ to set down in my own seat. I don’t like to
-set there.
-
-MISS P.—But we are reserving the seats for the visitors. There will be
-a great many here to-night, you know. Don’t you want to be a little
-gentleman, and give up your seat to some one—your mamma, perhaps?
-
-JOHNNY—Huh! Ma couldn’t git herself into _that_ seat. She’s too fat.
-Pa’s a-goin’ to bring a chair for her, ’cause she couldn’t git into
-_any_ seat, ’thout you tooked away the desk first!
-
-MISS P.—Well, some one may want it.
-
-JOHNNY—They do. I want it.
-
-MISS P.—(_sharply_) Well, you can’t have it! Now sit down at once in
-the place assigned you, or—(_she takes a switch from her desk._)
-
-JOHNNY—(_seating himself_) You don’t give up your seat.
-
-MISS P.—Ah, but I shall to-night, Johnny. I shall give it, as the seat
-of honor, to our supervisor, Mr. Barker. I shall be glad to give it to
-him, Johnny.
-
-JAKE—(_aside_) Sure she will. She’s settin’ her cap for him.
-
-MISS P.—(_sharply_) What’s that, Jacob?
-
-JAKE—I wish you wouldn’t call me Jay _Cup_. Nobody else ever did. I’d
-as lief be called Jay Saucer, any day.
-
-MISS P.—We won’t argue the matter, Jacob. I asked you what you said to
-Johnny.
-
-JAKE—I was jest a tellin’ him thet you was more politer than him,
-that’s all.
-
-MISS P.—Indeed! We will rehearse now, for this evening.
-
-SAMMY—Be n’t we a goin’ ter trim that ere tree?
-
-PATTY—We brung a heap o’ popcorn, Teacher, all strung.
-
-BETSEY—And we’ve made paper chains, ’n tied up a lot o’ but’nuts in
-colored paper.
-
-PETER—’N ma’s made doughnuts ’n tied ’em up in blue ribbing.
-
-SAMMY—Please can’t we trim it fust?
-
-MISS P.—No indeed, you must all rehearse your parts first.
-
-JACOB—Can’t we lug it in?
-
-SALLY—Then we could look at it while we was ’hearsin’.
-
-MISS P.—It might take your attention. No, let it remain where it is for
-the present.
-
-JOHNNY—It wants ter be brung in here fer the presents. ’Sides, there
-ain’t no presents ben brung yit.
-
-MISS P.—It must remain outside until after the rehearsal.
-
-SAMMY—Somebody may steal it.
-
-MISS P.—I hardly think so, with woods all around us. A tree would
-hardly be worth stealing, Sammy. Silence now.
-
-SAMMY—(_aside_) Somebody may steal it, all the same.
-
-HIRAM—Kin we rehearse in custum?
-
-MISS P.—In what, Hiram?
-
-HIRAM—In custom. In our other rigs—our fol-de-rols ’n doodads that
-we’re go’n ter wear to-night?
-
-MISS P.—Oh, your costumes? Certainly, if you have brought them. (_Those
-who are to change clothing, rush out, pellmell._)
-
-REUBEN—Cuss is a bad swear word, Teacher. Ma licked me when I said it.
-
-MISS P.—I should suppose she would. Little boys mustn’t say naughty
-words.
-
-REUBEN—But you said it.
-
-MISS P.—I? Oh no, Reuben, I wouldn’t say a naughty word.
-
-REUBEN—But you did say it, jest the same. You told ’em ter put on their
-cuss tunes, ’n ef it’s bad ter call er cow a cuss, it’s bad ter call a
-tune one.
-
-MISS P.—Their costumes, Reuben. Their other clothes.
-
-REUBEN—Oh! (_aside, as Aunt Hepsey enters_) But she did say it, ’n she
-said it agin.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—How de do, Miss Peppergrass! I thought I’d jest drap in to
-hear the perliminaries, bein’s I couldn’t git out to-night.
-
-MISS P.—(_offering chair_) You are very welcome, Miss Bascom. But do
-come to-night.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—(_sitting down heavily_) Suz me, child, I dassn’t! I kaint
-posserbly go out arter dark, count ’o my rheumatiz. Cripples me all up.
-I’ll enjy it jest as well now, though, so jest go right ahead, same’s
-ef I warn’t here.
-
-SAMMY—Was that ere tree all right when you come in, Aunt Hepsy?
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Land, yes, Sammy. Why shouldn’t it be?
-
-LUCINDY—Sammy’s afraid a bear’ll come along ’n eat it.
-
-SAMMY—Haint neither, but I’m worried ’bout that ere tree. Somebody
-might steal it.
-
-(_Re-enter Hiram. He has pulled on the Santa Claus trousers over his
-overalls, and stuffed a pillow in front. He is endeavoring to place one
-behind._)
-
-REUBEN—That’s a cuss tune all right.
-
-MISS P.—Reuben!
-
-REUBEN—Well, you say it.
-
-MISS P.—I certainly did not. Say costume, Reuben.
-
-REUBEN—You don’t like it when I say it.
-
-MISS P.—You haven’t said it yet. Say it.
-
-REUBEN—(_sulkily_) Cuss tune.
-
-MISS P.—No, not cuss, cos. Cos-tume. Say it correctly or I shall punish
-you.
-
-REUBEN—Cuss, cuss tune.
-
-MISS P.—(_shaking him_) Cos! Say cos.
-
-REUBEN—(_whimpering_) Cu—cuss—cos!
-
-MISS P.—(_shaking again_) Tume.
-
-REUBEN—(_whimpering louder_) Tune.
-
-MISS P.—No, tume. Now say costume.
-
-REUBEN—Coss—tume! Boo, hoo, hoo!
-
-MISS P.—Now sit down and behave yourself. (_Reuben sits down, and
-sulks._) (_Hiram has been industriously stuffing in the back pillow,
-but the front one has fallen on the floor._)
-
-HIRAM—I kaint git on these ere britches ter save my gizzard.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Well, I sh’d think you might, Hi, I sure do. They’re big
-enough for old Paul Clear, let alone Hi Whittaker.
-
-HIRAM—Big enough! Guess they be, Aunt Hepsy, but fast ez I git the
-front piller in, aout it draps while I’m a gittin’ in the one behint.
-
-MISS P.—Let me help you.
-
-HIRAM—Guess I’ll hafter, Teacher, sure. Nice big baby I be, kain’t
-dress myself.
-
-MISS P.—Bring in the tunic, and then we’ll see.
-
-HIRAM—The two whats?
-
-MISS P.—The tunic. The blouse. The rest of the suit.
-
-HIRAM—Oh, the jacket? But there ain’t but one, less ’n you count the
-belt.
-
-MISS P.—Bring the whole of it here.
-
-HIRAM—And the mask? ’N the cap ’n whiskers.
-
-MISS P.—Yes, the whole of it, and hurry.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Jest you come here, Hi. I’ll fix you up. Go right on ’ith
-your programmy, Miss Peppergrass. I’ll tend ter him. I’ve rigged many a
-Santy Claws in my day.
-
-(_She assists Hiram, while the rehearsal goes on._)
-
-MISS P.—Now, children, we must get to work, or we will not be through
-by the time they want to trim the tree.
-
-SAMMY—Somebody’ll steal it afore then. Better bring it in, Teacher.
-
-MISS P.—The tree is all right, Sammy. Now I have the programme all
-arranged, and we will proceed just as we shall to-night. First will be
-the welcome song.
-
-RHODA—Ma says Ruby oughter say his welcome piece fust.
-
-MISS P.—Oh no. We will sing first, then Reuben will speak his piece.
-
-REUBEN—(_starting up_) I’m a-goin’ ter speak first. Ma said so.
-
-MISS P.—Sit down, Reuben, till I call your name.
-
-REUBEN—(_still standing_) Call it first, then. Ma says I gotter say it
-first.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Reckon he’ll hafter, ef his ma says so.
-
-MISS P.—I’m running this school.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Mebbe so, mebbe so; but you don’t know Hanner Ann Jenkins ’s
-well ’s I do, or you’d know thet ef she’d made up her mind thet Ruby
-sh’d speak first, she’ll have him do it, ef it breaks up the whole
-entertainment. Hev’n’t you ever noticed thet Ruby was kinder sot in his
-ways for a youngster? He takes it from his ma, she thet was Hanner Ann
-Bean. I’d let him say it fust, ef I was you, I really would.
-
-MISS P.—But I have my programme all arranged.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Change it, child. Ef ’twas jest Ruby, you could lick him
-inter mindin’, but Hanner Ann is six feet high, ’n weighs over two
-hundred. Do let’s have peace at Christmas time. ’N ’twill be anythin’
-but peace ef Ruby don’t say that ere leetle varse fust. Go ahead ’n git
-it over, Ruby.
-
-(_Reuben comes out, and speaks._)
-
- Welcome,^{1} Mr. Supervisor, welcome,^{2} friends and pairients dear.
- On thet^{3} tree I think you’ll find a gift for everybody^{4} here.
- Hope^{5} I get a jumpin’ jack, and a bag of candy sweet.^{6}
- ’N now I’ve said my little piece, I’ll make my bow,^{7} and take my
- seat.^{8}
-
-(_At 1, he bows elaborately to Aunt Hepsy, in the teacher’s chair. At
-2, he bows to school. At 3, he points to side of room. At 4, he opens
-his arms, flinging his hands widely apart. At 5, he clasps his hands,
-with a loud clap, gazing upward. At 6, he smacks his lips. At 7, he
-bows again. At 8, he runs to seat._)
-
-RHODY—He didn’t say it right, teacher. It’s “Hope I get a pretty toy.”
-
-REUBEN—Well, a jumpin’ jack’s a pretty toy, aint it? It’s what I want,
-anyhow.
-
-RHODY—Ma’ll lick you, ef you say it so.
-
-TEACHER—That will do, Rhoda. Let him fight it out with his mother
-himself. If he gets a whipping, it’s no more then he deserves.
-
-RHODY—But Ma said for you to make him say it right.
-
-MISS P.—If he’s to say it when he pleases, he may say it as he pleases,
-for all I care.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—She’ll skin him alive, ef he does say it wrong. Hanner Ann
-writ that ere little varse herself, ’n she’s prouder of it than a
-kitten with its fust mouse. Better say “pretty toy,” Ruby, ef your ma
-says so.
-
-REUBEN—A jumpin’ jack is a pretty toy.
-
-MISS P.—We will now sing our welcome song. (_Several begin to sing, in
-different keys. Miss P. raps on her desk and they stop._)
-
-MISS P.—No, no, children. Wait till I give you the key. I will start
-the songs, and you must wait for me. Why, what would people think if
-you started in like that, all out of tune?
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Think it was a lot o’ sheep a blartin’, most likely.
-
-(_Children laugh. Miss P. raps for order, gets the key, with an
-old-fashioned tuning fork, if one can be obtained, and starts the
-song. All stand up to sing. Tune: “Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are
-marching.”_)
-
-
-SONG.
-
- We are gathered^{1} here to-night, on this Christmas Eve so bright,
- Just to show you all^{2} the things that we can do.
- We are glad^{3} to see you here, friends and parents kind and dear,
- And we give^{4} a hearty welcome now to you.
-
-Chorus:
-
- Welcome,^{5} welcome, friends and parents!
- Welcome, welcome now to you.
- We^{6} will speak and we will sing, and some music we will bring,
- And we’ll do it every bit,^{7} kind friends, for you.^{8}
-
- Just^{9} behold that Christmas tree, loaded^{10} down for you and me,
- Presents^{11} hanging from its boughs for great and small.
- There are dolls^{12} and toys and drums, apples, cakes, and sugarplums,
- Something nice^{13} is there, I’m sure, for one and all.^{14}
-
- Santa Claus^{15} is drawing near. He will be here, never fear^{16}.
- With a pack^{17} well loaded, he’ll come down^{18} the flue.
- Soon we’ll hear^{19} his sleighbells’ chime, while the reindeer’s^{20}
- hoofs beat time,
- And whatever^{21} you want most he’ll bring to you^{22}.
-
-(_In singing, let some do the motions well, some awkwardly, while some
-exaggerate them._)
-
-(_Motions—1, Clasp hand on breast. 2, hands together, throw them
-widely apart. 3, boys bow elaborately, girls courtesy. 4, hold out
-hands, in greeting. 5, clap hands, through two lines. 6, touch breast,
-with both hands. 7, gesture with right forefinger. 8, throw right
-hand out, forefinger pointing. 9, point to where tree is to be. 10,
-bend forward. 11, both hands high, drooping from wrists. 12, point to
-imaginary articles, making little jabs in air, here and there, as each
-is mentioned. 13, clasp hands. 14, throw hands widely apart. 15, clap
-softly. 16, shake forefinger to music. 17, hold arms to designate large
-pack. 18, hands high, bring down together. 19, hand to ear, listening.
-20, beat time, with right foot. 21, clasp hands. 22, gesture with right
-hand._
-
-_Hiram sings from where Aunt Hepsy is dressing him, and Patty and Faith
-step inside door and sing, then pop back into entry. Patty may be
-partly dressed, and Fay partly undressed._)
-
-AUNT HEPSY—(_clapping_) Brayvo, children, brayvo! Where ever did
-you find sech a proprate song as that, Miss Peppergrass? (_Miss P.
-simpers_) You never writ it your own self, did you? Wal, I guess
-that’ll take the wind outen Hanner Ann Jenkinses sails. I allers
-thought a heap o’ po’try, myself, but I s’posed it took a lot o’
-brains to write it. Did it take you days ’n days? And what was all the
-flumadoodles with their hands for?
-
-MISS P.—Why, motion songs are very popular in the cities, I’ve heard,
-so I thought we would give some at our entertainment.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Yes, indeedy! Punkin Holler allers did pride itself on
-keepin’ right up to date. We’re no hayseeders in this commoonerty.
-
-MISS P.—Don’t you think the motions were very graceful?
-
-AUNT HEPSY—I haint a doubt they was, Miss Peppergrass, not a mite o’
-doubt; but I was so flabbergasted at hearin’ them ere new words sung to
-thet old tune and so dumfounded at seein’ all them young ’uns a wavin’
-their paws, wild like, in the air, thet I never once noticed if it war
-graceful. It sure was, though, an’ that’s a fact.
-
-MISS P.—Next will be a recitation by Lucinda Lowe. An old poem, with
-new variations. (_Lucinda advances, bows very low, and recites. She
-announces the name of her piece, as do all, in the old-fashioned way._)
-
-
-MARY’S LAMB AT CHRISTMAS.
-
- Mary had a little lamb
- With kinky, soot-black wool.
- He tagged her everywhere she went,
- Just like a little fool.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Fool be’nt a pretty word, Lucindy. Why don’t you say
-numb-head?
-
-LUCINDY—’Twon’t rhyme.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—But it’s a deal high-toneder.
-
-LUCINDY—All right. I don’t care. (_Announces title again, and begins._)
-
- Mary had a little lamb,
- With kinky, soot-black wool.
- He tagged her everywhere she went,
- Just like a little-numb-head.
-
- He tagged along to school one day,
- Agin the teacher’s rule.
- He kicked up his heels, and blarted right out,
- To see a Christmas tree in school.
-
- The teacher tried to turn him out,
- But, nimble as a cat,
- He sent his little hind heels out,
- And knocked the teacher flat.
-
- “What makes the critter act that way?”
- The eager children cry.
- “Because it is a holiday,”
- Was Mary’s quick reply.
-
- The lamb he danced around the tree,
- And blarted out his song,
- As if upon the program-mee
- He really did belong.
-
- He bunted down some candy bags
- And frisked around some more,
- Till Mary caught him by the ears,
- And pulled him through the door.
-
- Now take a warning from this tale,
- And tie your critters tight,
- So no ungainly beast shall spoil
- Our Christmas tree to-night.
-
-(_Bows, and takes seat._)
-
-HIRAM—Look out, Sammy. She’s put that lamb of hers out doors, and he’ll
-eat up the Christmas tree.
-
-SAMMY—Can’t we bring it in now, teacher?
-
-MISS P.—You can _not_. (_as Sammy tries to speak_) No, no one will
-steal it.
-
-SAMMY—Some one may eat it.
-
-MISS P.—I hardly think any one will be hungry enough for that. People
-do not eat trees.
-
-SAMMY—Deers do, ’n bears, ’n—’n—moose! Jes’ s’pos’n a big moose comed
-along, ’n et off all the branches!
-
-MISS P.—We’ll risk it, I think. Next on the programme is a duet by
-Jacob Toothaker and Rhoda Jenkins.
-
-(_They come out, bow to the chair, then to the school, then,
-elaborately to each other, and sing to the tune, “Reuben, Reuben, I’ve
-Been Thinking.”_)
-
-RHODA—
-
- Jacob, Jacob, I’ve ben thinkin’
- What a grand good thing ’twould be
- If each day could jest be Christmas,
- With a great big Christmas tree.
-
-(_Pauses. Looks inquiringly at Jake, who looks sulkily at her._)
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Wal, why in tunket don’t ye go on?
-
-RHODA—’Taint my turn. It’s his’n.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Chirp it up, Jake.
-
-JAKE—Sha’n’t.
-
-MISS P.—Come, Jacob sing your verse.
-
-JAKE—I won’t sing it, ’n I won’t sing it ternight, nuther, ef she calls
-me Jay Cup! ’Taint my name, ’n I don’t keer ef ’t does sound stylisher,
-so there! My name’s allers been Jake tel this term er school. By next
-it’ll be Jake Platter, I expect.
-
-RHODA—But Jake hasn’t got syllerbles ernough.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Sing it (_sings_) “Jakie, Jakie, I’ve ben thinkin’.” That’ll
-go all right.
-
-JAKE—’Twon’t nuther. Jakie’s a kid’s name. It’s Jake er nuthin’. Ef she
-sings it so, I’ll sing back, ’n ef she don’t, I won’t.
-
-MISS P.—I never saw such stubborn children in my life. Did ever you,
-Miss Bascom?
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Land, yes, child. His pa’s jest like him. Him ’n me was
-promised, once, ’n he wouldn’t git spliced less’n I’d wear a blue
-delaine he’d bought fer me. Course, _I_ warnt so mulish az he war, but
-I’d sot my heart on a white dimity, ’n bein’s I war the one to wear it,
-twar his place to give in. But he wouldn’t—no siree! ’N we bickered ’n
-bickered bout it, ’n I went right on a makin’ up the white dimity ’n
-finally he says, says he, “Hepsey, it’s me an’ the blue delaine, or the
-white dimity for an ole maid.” “Land sakes!” says I, “You don’t say so?
-Wal, you kin jes’ take yer old blue delaine, ’n hunt ye up a gal meek
-enough ter be married—’n buried, in it,” says I, ’n off he went, mad as
-a hatter. Much ’s ever he speaks to me yit, but I was married—in the
-white dimity—two year afore he found a gal that ’d have him, ’n could
-wear that blue delaine. You see, I’d cut ’n made it, ’n I was slender
-in those days—the slenderest gal in town. Yes, Ezry Toothaker’s some
-sot, ’n Jake comes nat’rally by it. Sing it to suit him, Rhody, do!
-’Tain’t ’s ef ’twas fer allers. It’s jest ternight.
-
-RHODA—But there’s two notes, Aunt Hepsy.
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Draw out the Jake good ’n long, ’n it’ll go. This way.
-(_sings_) “Jake, Jake, I’ve been thinkin’.”
-
-RHODA—(_sings_) (_She makes the “Jake” decidedly jerky._)
-
- Jake,^{1} Jake, I’ve ben thinkin’
- What a grand^{2} good thing ’twould be
- If each day could jest be Christmas,
- With a great^{3} big Christmas tree.
-
-JAKE—(_sings_)
-
- Rhody,^{4} Rhody, I’ve ben thinkin’
- What a grand^{5} good thing ’twould be,
- If we never had no Christmas,
- ’Cos it costs too much, you see.
-
-BOTH—
-
- Too^{6}-ra-loo-ra-loo^{1}-ra laddie,
- Too^{7}-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra lay.
- If it { always^{8} } could be Christmas,
- { never^{9} }
- Wouldn’t^{10} that be grand and gay?
-
-RHODA—
-
- Jake,^{1} Jake, I’ve ben thinkin’
- That upon yon^{3} Christmas tree,
- Hangs a present from your sweetheart^{11},
- Something nice^{12} it’s sure to be.
-
-JACOB—
-
- Rhody^{4}, Rhody, I’ve been thinkin’
- That there hangs on that^{13} ere tree,
- A leetle^{14} box for my young sweetheart.
- Cost a quarter^{15}. Yes-sir-ree!
- (_Both sing chorus, as before._)
-
-RHODA—
-
- Jake^{16}, Jake, I’ve ben thinkin’
- If a ring^{17} the thing should be,
- It^{18} would be the finest Christmuss,
- That has ever come to me.
-
-JAKE—
-
- Rhody^{19}, Rhody, you have guessed it.
- ’Tis a fine brass ring, you’ll see,
- With a big red stun set in it,
- Jest to bind you unto me.
- (_Chorus as before._)
-
-RHODA—
-
- Jake^{20}, Jake, when we’re wedded,
- Will you keep each Christmas Day?
-
-JAKE—
-
- No, by hemlock!^{21} In my wallet,^{22}
- All my money then will stay.
- (_Chorus._)
-
-RHODA—
-
- Then^{23} you’d better keep your ring, sir,
- I’ll not have a stingy man!
-
-JAKE—
-
- ’Tis a frugal wife I’m wanting.
-
-RHODA—
-
- Jest you find^{24} one if you can.
-
-BOTH—
-
- Too^{25}-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra-laddie,
- Too^{26}-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra-lay
- I’ll^{27} not have { a stingy husband
- { a spendthrift wife, Miss,
- So I’ll bid you { Sir, } good-day^{28}.
- { Miss, }
-
-(_Motions—1, shake finger, coquettishly. 2, clasp hands. 3, wave hand
-toward place where tree is to stand. 4, beat time with right fist on
-left palm. 5, clap hands. 6, join right hands, trip around, stop,
-facing, on opposite side. 7, join left hands, and repeat 6. 8, nod.
-9, shake head. 10, join both hands, and dance around. 11, put head to
-one side, and smirk. 12, both hands clasped on breast. 13, point with
-right forefinger. 14, measure with thumb and forefinger. 15, clap hand
-over hip pocket. 16, hang head bashfully, step nearer. 17, hold up left
-hand, and look at ring finger. 18, place hands on Jake’s shoulders.
-19, shake her gently. 20, place hands against Jake’s breast, look up
-earnestly. 21, starts back. 22, slaps pocket. 23, steps back, head
-high. 24, nods emphatically. 25, turn backs toward each other, heads
-high. 26, look over shoulder. 27, face about. 28, bow elaborately.
-Rhoda dances to seat. Jake stalks glumly to his, hands in pockets._)
-
-AUNT HEPSY—(_clapping_) Good, good enough! Ef you writ that ere song,
-Miss Peppergrass, you’re a genyus. It’s the truest and funniest thing I
-ever heerd. And the funniest part of it is, the men folks’ll never know
-how funny it reely is! It’s human natur, sure enough. ’Twas wuth comin’
-in, jest to hear that one song. What’s next on the programmy?
-
-MISS P.—“Santa Claus.” An original composition by Betsey Jones.
-
-(_Betsey comes out, unfolds her composition very deliberately, and
-reads her title with emphasis._)
-
-BETSEY—“Sandy Claws!”
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Hain’t you pernouncin’ his name kinder odd-like, Betsey?
-
-MISS P.—That’s what I think, but—
-
-BETSEY—’Tis Sandy Claws. Uncle Sol says so, and he’s the oldest man in
-this town. He says folkses allers used to say it so, and it’s jest a
-new-fangled notion to change it. ’N he said if I’d read it jest as I
-writ it, he’d give me ten cents, ’n I’m a goin’ to do it. I never had
-ten cents to once’t before, ’n I’m a goin’ to get it.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Don’t blame ye a bit. Ef anybody kin git ten cents outen
-old Sol Perkins, it’s their bounden duty to do it, say I. Go on,
-Betsey, ’n read it up good ’n loud.
-
-BETSEY—“Sandy Claws.”—Sandy Claws is an old, old man, older than
-Methuselah ever dreamed of be_ing_. He lives in a big snow house,
-built around the North Pole, and uses the Pole for a flag staff. He is
-very fat and jolly, with a big ponderosity in front. His belt is so
-long it has to be made to order. His eyes are the kind that twinkle
-and laugh all by themselves. His nose is round and red, like a little
-apple. His cheeks are, too, what you can see of ’em. They are mostly
-covered by his whiskers. His whiskers are very predominant. They grow
-as thick as a crop of well fertilized clover in a good hay year. His
-hair is long, thick, and curly, so that if he bumps his head gett_ing_
-down a chimbley, it won’t hurt him none—I mean not any. These hair and
-whiskers are of a sandy color, which is one reason he is called _Sandy_
-Claws. The other reason is because he has claws.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Hold on there, Betsey! I’ve seen many a picture of Sandy
-Claws in my day, but nary a one that had claws.
-
-MISS P.—Nor, I, Miss Bascom, but if Uncle Sol says so—
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Land yes, there’s no disputin’ Sol Perkins. He’s sailed
-around the world, ’n lived with the Feejees ’n the Hottentots, ’n if
-you doubt ary one o’ his sailor yarns, he’ll up ’n say, “Wal, was _you_
-ever there?” ’n course you never wasn’t ’n there ’tis. But claws on
-Sandy Claws is most too much ter swaller.
-
-BETSEY—Uncle Sol’s seen old Sandy Claws with his own eyes, ’n he
-_knows_. Sandy saved him when he was wrecked in Baffin Bay, ’n he lived
-with him most six months, till it come Christmuss again.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Wal, wal! I knew Sol had ben wrecked some two or three
-hundred times, but I never heered of _that_ time afore.
-
-BETSEY—Nor I, till I hed this ere comporishing to write, ’n then he
-told me. He’d allers kep it a secret afore. (_reads_) His claws are
-not on his fingers, but on his toes, ’n when he finds a bad child
-a-sleepin’ (I mean sleep_ing_ with his stock_ing_ hang_ing_ up by the
-chimbley), he jest scratches him good ’n hard with them claws o’ his’n,
-and whops up chimbley again, ’n leaves it hang there empty, less’n he
-puts in a stick. He brings beautiful things to good girls and boys, and
-I hope he’ll bring me a diamond necklace this year, or at least a gold
-chain with a diamond locket. I’ve wished for them every year since I
-was a child, and although he has not brought them, I haven’t given up
-hop_ing_ yet.—Betsey Euphemia Perkins, aged 12.
-
-There, Teacher, didn’t I say them “ings” good? I never dropped none.
-
-MISS P.—Very good indeed, Betsey, and your composition is certainly
-original, with your Uncle Sol, at least. (_Betsey takes seat._)
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—That’ll please Sol—that ere compliment. He doos hate ter
-have any body doubt his stories—and after all, _we’ve_ never went to
-sea.
-
-MISS P.—Next is a recitation by Aaron and Mosetta Peaslee.
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—What’s the name ont?
-
-AARON—(_as he and his sister come out_) Name’s “Aaron and Moses.”
-
-MISS P.—But I told you that wouldn’t do for a piece, and you were to
-learn another.
-
-MIRIAM—(_rising_) ’Tis another, Teacher—or rather it’s the same one
-made longer. Ma she said it was too bad to change it when ’twas so
-’proprate, ’n Reuben’s mother she fixed it up fer ’em. It’s good, now,
-Teacher, really, ’n Ma she says it’s that or nothin’. ’N if they can’t
-speak it, we can’t any of us come to-night.
-
-MISS P.—Well, let’s hear it, children.
-
-(_Children bow to chair, then to school, then to each other._)
-
-AARON—Says Aaron to Moses, “Let’s cut^{1} off our noses,”
-
-MOSETTA—Says Moses to Aaron, “It’s the fashion to wear^{2} ’em.”
-
-AARON—Says Aaron, “With my shearses^{3}, we’ll trim off our earses^{4}.”
-
-MOSETTA—Says Moses, “I fearses ’twould bring the tearses.”^{5}
-
-AARON—Says Aaron, (that’s me, then) “Let’s stay as we be,^{6} then.”
-
-MOSETTA—Says Moses, “We’ll do so,^{7} like Robinson Crusoe.”
-
- BOTH—And Aaron^{8} and Moses will stay as they be,
- And come^{9} hand in hand, to this fine^{10} Christmas tree.^{11}
-
-(_Motions—1, hit nose with forefinger, with downward stroke. 2, smooth
-nose, and down on cheeks with both forefingers, holding head up, rather
-haughtily. 3, cross forefingers, work them back and forth, like shears.
-4, take tips of ears between thumbs and forefingers. 5, wipe first
-one eye, then the other, with corner of handkerchief. 6, clap hands
-together. 7, nod. 8, join hands. 9, walk to corner where tree is to
-stand. 10, spread hands apart, motioning toward corner, and looking
-up. 11, stand a moment in position. 10, then turn and bow, hands still
-apart. 11, join hands, march to front, bow, and take seats._)
-
-MISS P.—Well, of all the poems I ever heard!
-
-MIRIAM—Yes, warn’t it a nice one, teacher? Hanner Ann Jenkins is goin’
-to hang ’em each a present for speakin’ it, ’n ma’s goin’ to hang one
-for Hanner Ann for writin’ it. She wouldn’t take a cent, ’n it took
-her three hours. It’s wuth ten cents an hour, ma says, ’n that there
-present’s goin’ to be wuth every bit of thutty cents.
-
-MISS P.—But—
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Least said soonest mended, child. Best keep still, and go
-on with the programmy.
-
-MISS P.—Music by the orchestra. “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
-By Night.” (_Peter, Jacob, Rhoda, Miriam, Betsey, and Sammy come out._)
-(_Sammy has a drum, Peter “bones” or “clappers,” Jacob a jewsharp, or
-harmonica if he can play the tune on it, Rhoda has a triangle, and
-Miriam and Betsey have paper covered combs._)
-
-HIRAM—(_from doorway_) Shell I come, teacher? I’m all rigged out in
-these doodads.
-
-MISS P.—Yes, come and take your part. Santa Claus has a right to
-whistle at a Christmas entertainment.
-
-(_Hiram takes place in line, and whistles the tune. Any other tune
-will do as well, providing it is old-fashioned. They should have some
-difficulty in getting started. Miss P. “beats time” with a ruler._)
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—(_at close_) Wal, wal! So that’s an orchestry! I’ve often
-read in the papers, “Music by sech and sech an orchestry,” but I never
-knowed what an orchestry was. They did real well I’m sure. They’d ought
-to hev a wong kore piece. The folks’ll be sure to clap ’em back.
-
-MISS P.—They have, Aunt Hepsey. Play “Glory Hallelujah,” children.
-
-(_They do so._)
-
-HIRAM—Now shall we play “Ole Hundred”?
-
-MISS P.—No, that is to conclude the programme. That will do.
-
-(_They take seats._)
-
-MISS P.—Next is a song by Faith Toothacre, “A Christmas Fairy.”
-
-(_Faith runs from entry, dressed as a fairy, in short white skirts,
-with many ruffles, paper wings, flowing hair, with a paper crown, and a
-long slender stick in her hand. Bows lightly and waves wand._)
-
-FAITH—Ma, she ain’t got the star fastened to the end of my wand yet,
-and she said this’d have to do till to-night. It’s the peskiest thing
-she ever tried to make stay, she says, but it’s got to stay, somehow.
-
-MISS P.—Very well. Now sing. (_Faith starts it, first too low, then too
-high, then Miss P. starts it, and she sings._)
-
-FAITH—(_sings_) Tune: “Lightly Row.”
-
- Lightly,^{1} oh, lightly, oh, comes the Christmas Fairy, oh.
- Brightly,^{1} oh, sprightly, oh, tripping^{2} o’er the snow.
- Coming^{3} from a land of light, just to make your Christmas bright.
- Lightly,^{1} oh, lightly, oh, tripping^{2} o’er the snow.
- Lightly,^{1} oh, lightly, oh, weaveth she a spell, just so.
- To^{4} and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.
- Singeth she a carol sweet, as^{5} she comes with dancing feet,
- To^{4} and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.
- Clear^{6} the way, clear the way, for the happy Christmas Fay.
- Joy^{7} she brings on^{8} her wings, as she softly sings.
- Spreading^{9} cheer and joy and mirth, over all the snow clad earth,
- Light^{10} and gay, light and gay, comes the Christmas Fay.
-
-(_Motions—1, sway wand lightly, to and fro. 2, trip lightly to one
-side, (at next 2, trip back.) 3, wand high, to right, bring down,
-obliquely. 4, trip back and forth, a few steps. 5, stand still in
-place, but dance lightly up and down. 6, wand to left, against body,
-bring to right, and out, with sweeping motion. 7, hands out, in front.
-8, look around, over left shoulder, at wing. 9, wave wand low. 10, hold
-wand high, dance around in place. At close, bow airily, and dance to
-seat._)
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Wal, ef that aint the purtiest thing I ever saw! And Fay
-makes a sweet fairy. Now you writ that, I’m sure, Miss Peppergrass. Oh,
-you needn’t acknowlidge it, ’nless you wanter, kaze I kin tell, by the
-way you blush, ’n simper. You needn’t be ’fraid ter own it, fer it’s as
-good as anythin’ Longfeller ever writ, I’m sure.
-
-MISS P.—NEXT A RECITATION BY JOHNNY LOWE—“Hang Up Your Stocking.”
-
-JOHNNY—(_he speaks very low and fast._)
-
- Hang up your stockin’ on Christmas Eve;
- That is, if you’ve been good,
- And don’t disobey, nor try to deceive,
- But do as a little boy should.
- For if you’re good, there’ll be sugarplums,
- And toys in it, too, I know.
- But if you’re bad, there’ll be just a stick
- To wallop you with. Oh, ho!
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Massy me, Johnny! I couldn’t hear a word of it. What was it
-about?
-
-MISS P.—Say it louder, Johnny.
-
-JOHNNY—Yes’m. (_says first line very loud and fast._)
-
-MISS P.—No, no, Johnny. Say it slower. (_Johnny says two lines, very
-slowly._)
-
-MISS P.—A little faster, Johnny, and loud, too. (_Johnny tries again,
-and does well, but speaks very loud._)
-
-AUNT HEPSEY—Wal, even deef old Joe kin hear that, I reckin.
-
-MISS P.—Recitation by Sally Whittaker. (_Sally comes out, and puts
-finger in mouth a minute, then bows, puts in finger again, takes it
-out, bows again. Does so two or three times._)
-
-MISS P.—Speak your piece, Sally, like a nice girl.
-
-SALLY—I’th forgot it.
-
-MISS P.—The oak—
-
-SALLY—Oh yes, the oak.
-
- The oak an’ the apple, the pine and the peath,
- Are very fine treeth, you thee.
- But the betht tree I know, with the bethtetht fruit
- Ith that tree—the Chrithmuth tree. (_Points to tree._)
-
-AUNT HEPSY—Good for you, Sally.
-
-MISS P.—Next, a recitation by Patience Toothacre, “Watching for Santa.”
-
-(_Patty comes from entry, dressed in long nightie. She has bare feet
-and flowing hair, and carries a candle._)
-
-AUNT HEPSY—For the land sakes, Patty Toothacre! Go dress yourself.
-
-PATTY—(_indignantly_) I _is_ dressed, underneath. This is my—my—
-
-REUBEN—Cuss tune.
-
-MISS P.—Reuben!
-
-REUBEN—That’s what you called it.
-
-PATTY—
-
- I’se watching for Santa. I hope he’ll come soon.
- ’Cause every one’s ’sleep in this house except me.
- He hasn’t come yet, for my stocking’s not filled,
- I lit me a candle and crept down to see.
-
- I’ll sit^{1} down and watch for him, here on the floor.
- And tell him I need a new dolly to-night.
- My eyes^{2} are so sleepy I just have to shut ’em,^{3}
- But^{4} I’ll keep awake to catch Santa, all right.^{5}
-
-(_Motions—1, sits down. 2, rubs eyes. 3, closes eyes. 4, lies down
-on floor. 5, sit up, open eyes, stretch sleepily, lie down and go to
-sleep. Hi tiptoes in, and carries her out._)
-
-MISS P.—Now the orchestra will play the closing piece, (_to Sammy, who
-is wildly waving hand_) What is it, Sammy?
-
-SAMMY—Please kin I g’wout?
-
-MISS P.—Yes. (_Sammy tiptoes out. Orchestra begins “Old Hundred,” and
-Sammy bursts wildly in._)
-
-SAMMY—Teacher, oh teacher! Somebody’s been and gone and done it! I told
-you they would! I told you so! Oh dear! Oh dear!
-
-MISS P.—Why, Sammy, what is the matter? What has happened?
-
-SAMMY—Somebody’s gone and stole that ere tree!
-
-(_School breaks up in wild confusion, every one running out to see._)
-
-
-
-
-Christmas Entertainments
-
-
-=CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER.= A new Christmas play by Elizabeth F.
-Guptill that abounds in clean, wholesome fun from beginning to end. It
-depicts the trials of the teacher of an old-fashioned “deestric school”
-in conducting the last rehearsal for the Christmas Entertainment. Some
-of the pupils are in “custom,” as big Jake puts it, and “Sandy Claus”
-is there. The children go through their parts with gusto and more or
-less success. May be given in any schoolroom by any number. Easy to
-produce. Costumes simple. Children and grown-ups will be delighted with
-CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER. Price, 15 cents.
-
-=A TOPSY TURVY CHRISTMAS.= Another new Christmas play by Elizabeth F.
-Guptill. It is decidedly humorous from start to finish. The characters
-are strong and at every turn of the play there is a happy surprise for
-the audience. The children are tired of “minding,” and the everything
-being “just so,” so they start to find a place where they will find
-things different. They find it in Topsy Turvy Land, where they have
-strange experiences. When at last they have a Topsy Turvy Christmas,
-they are ready to go home and be satisfied with things just as they
-are. May be given in any schoolroom by any number of children not less
-than fifteen. In two short scenes. This clever play will prove a sure
-winner wherever produced. Price, 15 cents.
-
-=CHRISTMAS AT McCARTHY’S.= Elizabeth F. Guptill. Here is a new
-Christmas play for the older children and as many young children as
-are available. It combines in a marked degree the gentlest pathos and
-the most sparkling humor. Several nationalities are represented in the
-tenement and there is opportunity for the introduction of specialties
-if desired. Circumstances cause Elsie, the tenement orphan, to believe
-Jimmy, the newsboy, will buy her a Christmas present, and it seems
-it is up to Jimmy to do it. Christmas is an unknown quantity at the
-tenement, but all agree that Elsie must not be disappointed, and plan
-to have one somehow. The entertainment is given by the “inhabitints
-thimsilves,” at McCarthy’s. In the midst of the fun, Elsie’s lost
-father walks in, and the finale is a general rejoicing. Price, 25c.
-
-=CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES.= By Cecil J. Richmond. A book full of the
-choicest new and original dialogues for Christmas, parts for both boys
-and girls being well provided for. Some are for the little folks, in
-rhyme; some are for intermediate grades, and others for older children.
-Every dialogue in this book is decidedly to the point and easy to
-prepare. They will delight young and old alike. Contents: Is There
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-=EVERGREEN AND HOLLY—SONG AND DRILL.= By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A drill
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-=Price, twenty-five cents.=
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-=HUMOROUS MONOLOGUES. By Mayme R. Bitney.= A fine collection of
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-=THE EXCELLENT SCHOOL SPEAKER.= The “Excellent”—is true to name. A
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-Full of good things. You can make no mistake in securing this speaker.
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-=THE JUVENILE SPEAKER.= Every piece in this little book can be used and
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-by teachers everywhere. =Price, twenty cents.=
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-=LITTLE PIECES FOR LITTLE PEOPLE.= Each set has twenty cards containing
-twenty-nine bright, pretty recitations for boys and girls, from five to
-ten years of age. Teachers like the pieces because of their convenient
-form. Being printed on cards, all wearisome copying is avoided. =Price,
-fifteen cents.=
-
-=MONOLOGUES FOR YOUNG FOLKS. By Mayme Riddle Bitney.= Fifty-four
-original, clever, humorous monologues for young people from six to
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-be a recounting of incidents, but a monologue has action; it becomes
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-Patriotic Occasions (3). For Thanksgiving Day (8). For Christmas (9).
-=Price, twenty-five cents.=
-
-=RECITATIONS FOR PRIMARY GRADES, ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE. By Elizabeth F.
-Guptill.= A collection of an unusual sort. Every one is as interesting
-as a story, and every one has a very decided point. Not a recitation in
-the collection that is dull or impractical. =Price, fifteen cents.=
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-=THE NORMAL SPEAKER.= A book suited to the wants of all, from the
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-Our large Entertainment Catalogue sent on request.
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-PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY, DAYTON, OHIO.
-
- * * * * *
-
-Transcriber’s Notes:
-
-Play changes characters' names to nicknames and back again at times.
-Dialect is inconsistent in spelling. For example “haint” and “hain’t.”
-Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
-
-Page 4, “rehease” changed to “rehearse” (rehearse your parts)
-
-Page 5, “On” changed to “Oh” (Oh no, Reuben)
-
-Page 11, “fashinoned” changed to “fashioned” (in the old-fashioned)
-
-Page 15, superscript 24 changed to 21. (No, by hemlock!^{21})
-
-Page 19, “going’” changed to “goin’” (goin’ to hang one for)
-
-Page 22, “Hallelulah” changed to “Hallelujah” (Glory Hallelujah)
-
-Back cover: “Chistmas” changed to “Christmas” (sing a beautiful
-Christmas)
-
-
-
-
-
-End of Project Gutenberg's Christmas at Punkin Holler, by Elizabeth F. Guptill
-
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-
-Project Gutenberg's Christmas at Punkin Holler, by Elizabeth F. Guptill
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Christmas at Punkin Holler
-
-Author: Elizabeth F. Guptill
-
-Release Date: December 30, 2016 [EBook #53831]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Emmy, MFR and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-
-<h1 class="faux">
-Christmas
-at
-Punkin Holler</h1>
-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 528px;">
-<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="528" height="800" alt="cover" />
-</div>
-
-
-<hr class="full" />
-
-<div class="bbox">
-<div class="adtitle2">New Entertainment Songs<br />
-
-<small>By Edna Randolph Worrell.</small></div>
-
-
-<p>These songs can be used in all manner of entertainments. The music
-is easy, and both music and words are especially catchy. Children like
-them. Everybody likes them. Sheet music. Price 25 cents each. Five
-copies, $1.00.</p>
-
-<p><b>WE HOPE YOU’VE BROUGHT YOUR SMILES ALONG.</b> A
-welcome song that will at once put the audience in a joyous frame of
-mind and create a happy impression that will mean half the success of
-your entire program. Words, bright and inspiring. Music, catchy.</p>
-
-<p><b>WE’LL NOW HAVE TO SAY GOOD-BYE.</b> This beautiful song
-has snap and go that will appeal alike to visitors and singers. It is just
-the song to send your audience home with happy memories of the occasion.</p>
-
-<p><b>WE’VE JUST ARRIVED FROM BASHFUL TOWN.</b> This song
-will bring memories to the listeners of their own bashful school days.
-Words, unusually clever. Music, decidedly melodious. A capital welcome
-song, or it may be sung at any time on the program with assured success.</p>
-
-<p><b>MY OWN AMERICA, I LOVE THEE.</b> A song that will bring
-a thrill of patriotism to the heart of every one who hears it. The children
-and grown-ups just can’t resist the catchy music. It makes a capital
-marching song.</p>
-
-<p><b>COME AND PARTAKE OF OUR WELCOME CAKE.</b> A merry
-welcome song and a jolly one, too. The audience will be immediately
-curious about the Welcome Cake, and the children will love to surprise
-the listeners with the catchy words. Music, easy and tuneful.</p>
-
-<p><b>LULLABY LANE.</b> The music and words blend so beautifully that
-people will be humming the appealing strains long after they hear this
-charming song. A wonderfully effective closing song, whether sung by
-the school or as a solo by a little girl, with a chorus of other little girls
-with dolls.</p>
-
-<p><b>JOLLY PICKANINNIES.</b> Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill. Music
-by Edna R. Worrell. This spicy coon song will bring down the house,
-especially if you use the directions for the motions which accompany the
-music. The black faces and shining eyes of the pickaninnies will guarantee
-a hit. The words are great and the music just right.</p>
-
-<p><b>THE LITTLE BIRD’S SECRET.</b> Here is just the song for those
-two little folks to sing together. They won’t have to be coaxed to sing
-it, especially when they find that the whole school is to whistle the chorus.
-This is a decided novelty, and will prove a rare treat to your audience.</p>
-
-<p><b>A GARDEN ROMANCE.</b> This is a dainty little song telling of the
-romance and wedding of Marigold and Sweet William. It is just the
-song for dainty little girls to sing.</p>
-
-<p><b>COME TO THE NURSERY RHYME GARDEN AND PLAY.</b>
-Here is something different for the little folks to sing. The Nursery
-Rhyme Folk are so familiar to children, it will be no trick for them to
-remember the words. The music has a most captivating swing.</p>
-
-<div class="center">
-<b>Paine Publishing Company &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dayton, Ohio</b><br />
-</div></div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-
-<div class="maintitle">
-Christmas at Punkin Holler<br />
-<br /></div><div class="center">
-<big>A CHRISTMAS PLAY</big><br />
-BY<br />
-<span class="author">ELIZABETH F. GUPTILL</span><br />
-<span class="authorof">Author of “Christmas at McCarthy’s,”<br />
-“A Topsy Turvy Christmas,” Etc.</span><br />
-<br />
-<br /></div>
-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 48px;">
-<img src="images/title.jpg" width="48" height="46" alt="emblem" />
-</div><div class="center"><br /><br />
-<br />
-PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY<br />
-<small>Dayton, Ohio</small><br />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-
-<h3>Cast of Characters</h3>
-
-
-
-
-<div class="center">
-<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="cast">
-<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Miss Peppergrass</span></td><td align="right">The Teacher.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span></td><td align="right">A queer character of the district.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Hiram</span></td><td align="left" class="btrb" rowspan="15">&nbsp;</td><td align="right" rowspan="15">Pupils.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Jacob</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lucindy</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Johnny</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Sammy</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Patty</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Betsey</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Peter</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Reuben</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Aaron</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mosetta</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Miriam</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Faith</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Sally</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Patience</span></td></tr>
-</table></div>
-
-
-
-<p class="copyright"><br />
-Copyright, 1916, by Paine Publishing Company.<br /></p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-
-<h2>Christmas at Punkin Holler</h2>
-
-
-<p><i>SCENE:</i> <i>The schoolroom. The necessary articles of furniture
-are the teacher’s desk and chair, and a couple of long wooden
-benches, or settees, if the benches are not to be easily obtained.
-The pupils are moving around, talking, laughing, and romping;
-making considerable noise and confusion. Miss Peppergrass enters,
-in hood and shawl, and speaks, but fails to make herself heard.
-She removes her wraps, hanging them on a nail near her desk, and
-rings bell smartly. School slowly becomes quiet, but the pupils do
-not seat themselves. Instead, they stare, wonderingly, at teacher.</i></p>
-
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Take your seats.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—Don’t hafter. It’s a hollerday.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I should say as much, judging by the noise you were
-making; but we can not rehearse for the entertainment to-night in
-the midst of such a racket as that. It sounded like a den of wild
-beasts.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jacob</span>—So ’twas, Teacher—a regular circus. I’m a lion, and I’m
-a-goin’ to eat Sally up! (<i>Pounces on Sally, and begins to growl,
-and to pretend to eat her. Sally screams.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—(<i>ringing bell again</i>) That will do, Jacob. Now, children,
-take your seats. We must have it quiet. (<i>Children crowd into
-seats. Johnny tries to pass the end of one seat, but is held back
-by Lucindy. He struggles.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—What’s the trouble there, Lucindy?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Lucindy</span>—Johnny won’t set down.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—No such a thing, Teacher. I was a-goin’ ter set down,
-and she grabbed onto me.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Lucindy</span>—He wasn’t! He was a-goin’ right by.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—Well, I was a-goin’ to set down in my own seat. I
-don’t like to set there.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—But we are reserving the seats for the visitors. There
-will be a great many here to-night, you know. Don’t you want to
-be a little gentleman, and give up your seat to some one—your
-mamma, perhaps?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—Huh! Ma couldn’t git herself into <i>that</i> seat. She’s too
-fat. Pa’s a-goin’ to bring a chair for her, ’cause she couldn’t git
-into <i>any</i> seat, ’thout you tooked away the desk first!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Well, some one may want it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—They do. I want it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—(<i>sharply</i>) Well, you can’t have it! Now sit down at
-once in the place assigned you, or—(<i>she takes a switch from her
-desk.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—(<i>seating himself</i>) You don’t give up your seat.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Ah, but I shall to-night, Johnny. I shall give it, as
-the seat of honor, to our supervisor, Mr. Barker. I shall be glad
-to give it to him, Johnny.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—(<i>aside</i>) Sure she will. She’s settin’ her cap for him.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—(<i>sharply</i>) What’s that, Jacob?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—I wish you wouldn’t call me Jay <i>Cup</i>. Nobody else ever
-did. I’d as lief be called Jay Saucer, any day.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—We won’t argue the matter, Jacob. I asked you what
-you said to Johnny.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—I was jest a tellin’ him thet you was more politer than
-him, that’s all.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Indeed! We will rehearse now, for this evening.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Be n’t we a goin’ ter trim that ere tree?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Patty</span>—We brung a heap o’ popcorn, Teacher, all strung.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Betsey</span>—And we’ve made paper chains, ’n tied up a lot o’ but’nuts
-in colored paper.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Peter</span>—’N ma’s made doughnuts ’n tied ’em up in blue ribbing.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Please can’t we trim it fust?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—No indeed, you must all rehearse your parts first.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jacob</span>—Can’t we lug it in?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sally</span>—Then we could look at it while we was ’hearsin’.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—It might take your attention. No, let it remain where
-it is for the present.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—It wants ter be brung in here fer the presents. ’Sides,
-there ain’t no presents ben brung yit.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—It must remain outside until after the rehearsal.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Somebody may steal it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I hardly think so, with woods all around us. A tree
-would hardly be worth stealing, Sammy. Silence now.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—(<i>aside</i>) Somebody may steal it, all the same.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—Kin we rehearse in custum?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—In what, Hiram?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—In custom. In our other rigs—our fol-de-rols ’n doodads
-that we’re go’n ter wear to-night?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Oh, your costumes? Certainly, if you have brought
-them. (<i>Those who are to change clothing, rush out, pellmell.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—Cuss is a bad swear word, Teacher. Ma licked me when
-I said it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I should suppose she would. Little boys mustn’t say
-naughty words.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—But you said it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I? Oh no, Reuben, I wouldn’t say a naughty word.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—But you did say it, jest the same. You told ’em ter put
-on their cuss tunes, ’n ef it’s bad ter call er cow a cuss, it’s bad ter
-call a tune one.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Their costumes, Reuben. Their other clothes.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—Oh! (<i>aside, as Aunt Hepsey enters</i>) But she did say it,
-’n she said it agin.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—How de do, Miss Peppergrass! I thought I’d jest
-drap in to hear the perliminaries, bein’s I couldn’t git out to-night.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—(<i>offering chair</i>) You are very welcome, Miss Bascom.
-But do come to-night.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—(<i>sitting down heavily</i>) Suz me, child, I dassn’t!
-I kaint posserbly go out arter dark, count ’o my rheumatiz. Cripples
-me all up. I’ll enjy it jest as well now, though, so jest go right
-ahead, same’s ef I warn’t here.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Was that ere tree all right when you come in, Aunt
-Hepsy?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Land, yes, Sammy. Why shouldn’t it be?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Lucindy</span>—Sammy’s afraid a bear’ll come along ’n eat it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Haint neither, but I’m worried ’bout that ere tree.
-Somebody might steal it.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Re-enter Hiram. He has pulled on the Santa Claus trousers
-over his overalls, and stuffed a pillow in front. He is endeavoring
-to place one behind.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—That’s a cuss tune all right.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Reuben!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—Well, you say it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I certainly did not. Say costume, Reuben.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—You don’t like it when I say it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—You haven’t said it yet. Say it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—(<i>sulkily</i>) Cuss tune.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—No, not cuss, cos. Cos-tume. Say it correctly or I shall
-punish you.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—Cuss, cuss tune.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—(<i>shaking him</i>) Cos! Say cos.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—(<i>whimpering</i>) Cu—cuss—cos!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—(<i>shaking again</i>) Tume.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—(<i>whimpering louder</i>) Tune.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—No, tume. Now say costume.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—Coss—tume! Boo, hoo, hoo!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Now sit down and behave yourself. (<i>Reuben sits down,
-and sulks.</i>) (<i>Hiram has been industriously stuffing in the back
-pillow, but the front one has fallen on the floor.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—I kaint git on these ere britches ter save my gizzard.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Well, I sh’d think you might, Hi, I sure do. They’re
-big enough for old Paul Clear, let alone Hi Whittaker.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—Big enough! Guess they be, Aunt Hepsy, but fast ez
-I git the front piller in, aout it draps while I’m a gittin’ in the one
-behint.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Let me help you.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—Guess I’ll hafter, Teacher, sure. Nice big baby I be,
-kain’t dress myself.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Bring in the tunic, and then we’ll see.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—The two whats?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—The tunic. The blouse. The rest of the suit.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—Oh, the jacket? But there ain’t but one, less ’n you
-count the belt.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Bring the whole of it here.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—And the mask? ’N the cap ’n whiskers.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Yes, the whole of it, and hurry.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Jest you come here, Hi. I’ll fix you up. Go
-right on ’ith your programmy, Miss Peppergrass. I’ll tend ter him.
-I’ve rigged many a Santy Claws in my day.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>She assists Hiram, while the rehearsal goes on.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Now, children, we must get to work, or we will not be
-through by the time they want to trim the tree.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Somebody’ll steal it afore then. Better bring it in,
-Teacher.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—The tree is all right, Sammy. Now I have the programme
-all arranged, and we will proceed just as we shall to-night.
-First will be the welcome song.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—Ma says Ruby oughter say his welcome piece fust.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Oh no. We will sing first, then Reuben will speak his
-piece.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—(<i>starting up</i>) I’m a-goin’ ter speak first. Ma said so.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Sit down, Reuben, till I call your name.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—(<i>still standing</i>) Call it first, then. Ma says I gotter
-say it first.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Reckon he’ll hafter, ef his ma says so.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I’m running this school.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Mebbe so, mebbe so; but you don’t know Hanner
-Ann Jenkins ’s well ’s I do, or you’d know thet ef she’d made up
-her mind thet Ruby sh’d speak first, she’ll have him do it, ef it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
-breaks up the whole entertainment. Hev’n’t you ever noticed thet
-Ruby was kinder sot in his ways for a youngster? He takes it from
-his ma, she thet was Hanner Ann Bean. I’d let him say it fust,
-ef I was you, I really would.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—But I have my programme all arranged.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Change it, child. Ef ’twas jest Ruby, you could
-lick him inter mindin’, but Hanner Ann is six feet high, ’n weighs
-over two hundred. Do let’s have peace at Christmas time. ’N
-’twill be anythin’ but peace ef Ruby don’t say that ere leetle varse
-fust. Go ahead ’n git it over, Ruby.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Reuben comes out, and speaks.</i>)</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Welcome,<sup>1</sup> Mr. Supervisor, welcome,<sup>2</sup> friends and pairients dear.</div>
-<div class="verse">On thet<sup>3</sup> tree I think you’ll find a gift for everybody<sup>4</sup> here.</div>
-<div class="verse">Hope<sup>5</sup> I get a jumpin’ jack, and a bag of candy sweet.<sup>6</sup></div>
-<div class="verse">’N now I’ve said my little piece, I’ll make my bow,<sup>7</sup> and take my seat.<sup>8</sup></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p>(<i>At 1, he bows elaborately to Aunt Hepsy, in the teacher’s chair.
-At 2, he bows to school. At 3, he points to side of room. At 4,
-he opens his arms, flinging his hands widely apart. At 5, he
-clasps his hands, with a loud clap, gazing upward. At 6, he smacks
-his lips. At 7, he bows again. At 8, he runs to seat.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhody</span>—He didn’t say it right, teacher. It’s “Hope I get a pretty
-toy.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—Well, a jumpin’ jack’s a pretty toy, aint it? It’s what
-I want, anyhow.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhody</span>—Ma’ll lick you, ef you say it so.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Teacher</span>—That will do, Rhoda. Let him fight it out with his
-mother himself. If he gets a whipping, it’s no more then he deserves.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhody</span>—But Ma said for you to make him say it right.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—If he’s to say it when he pleases, he may say it as he
-pleases, for all I care.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—She’ll skin him alive, ef he does say it wrong.
-Hanner Ann writ that ere little varse herself, ’n she’s prouder of it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
-than a kitten with its fust mouse. Better say “pretty toy,” Ruby, ef
-your ma says so.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—A jumpin’ jack is a pretty toy.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—We will now sing our welcome song. (<i>Several begin
-to sing, in different keys. Miss P. raps on her desk and they
-stop.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—No, no, children. Wait till I give you the key. I will
-start the songs, and you must wait for me. Why, what would
-people think if you started in like that, all out of tune?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Think it was a lot o’ sheep a blartin’, most likely.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Children laugh. Miss P. raps for order, gets the key, with an
-old-fashioned tuning fork, if one can be obtained, and starts the
-song. All stand up to sing. Tune: “Tramp, tramp, tramp, the
-boys are marching.”</i>)</p>
-
-
-<p class="center">SONG.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">We are gathered<sup>1</sup> here to-night, on this Christmas Eve so bright,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Just to show you all<sup>2</sup> the things that we can do.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">We are glad<sup>3</sup> to see you here, friends and parents kind and dear,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And we give<sup>4</sup> a hearty welcome now to you.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="center">Chorus:</div>
-<div class="verse">Welcome,<sup>5</sup> welcome, friends and parents!</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Welcome, welcome now to you.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">We<sup>6</sup> will speak and we will sing, and some music we will bring,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And we’ll do it every bit,<sup>7</sup> kind friends, for you.<sup>8</sup></span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">Just<sup>9</sup> behold that Christmas tree, loaded<sup>10</sup> down for you and me,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Presents<sup>11</sup> hanging from its boughs for great and small.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">There are dolls<sup>12</sup> and toys and drums, apples, cakes, and sugarplums,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Something nice<sup>13</sup> is there, I’m sure, for one and all.<sup>14</sup></span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">Santa Claus<sup>15</sup> is drawing near. He will be here, never fear<sup>16</sup>.</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">With a pack<sup>17</sup> well loaded, he’ll come down<sup>18</sup> the flue.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">Soon we’ll hear<sup>19</sup> his sleighbells’ chime, while the reindeer’s<sup>20</sup> hoofs beat time,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And whatever<sup>21</sup> you want most he’ll bring to you<sup>22</sup>.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>(<i>In singing, let some do the motions well, some awkwardly, while
-some exaggerate them.</i>)</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Motions—1, Clasp hand on breast. 2, hands together, throw them
-widely apart. 3, boys bow elaborately, girls courtesy. 4, hold out
-hands, in greeting. 5, clap hands, through two lines. 6, touch
-breast, with both hands. 7, gesture with right forefinger. 8, throw
-right hand out, forefinger pointing. 9, point to where tree is to be.
-10, bend forward. 11, both hands high, drooping from wrists. 12,
-point to imaginary articles, making little jabs in air, here and
-there, as each is mentioned. 13, clasp hands. 14, throw hands
-widely apart. 15, clap softly. 16, shake forefinger to music. 17,
-hold arms to designate large pack. 18, hands high, bring down
-together. 19, hand to ear, listening. 20, beat time, with right foot.
-21, clasp hands. 22, gesture with right hand.</i></p>
-
-<p><i>Hiram sings from where Aunt Hepsy is dressing him, and Patty
-and Faith step inside door and sing, then pop back into entry.
-Patty may be partly dressed, and Fay partly undressed.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—(<i>clapping</i>) Brayvo, children, brayvo! Where ever
-did you find sech a proprate song as that, Miss Peppergrass?
-(<i>Miss P. simpers</i>) You never writ it your own self, did you?
-Wal, I guess that’ll take the wind outen Hanner Ann Jenkinses
-sails. I allers thought a heap o’ po’try, myself, but I s’posed it
-took a lot o’ brains to write it. Did it take you days ’n days?
-And what was all the flumadoodles with their hands for?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Why, motion songs are very popular in the cities, I’ve
-heard, so I thought we would give some at our entertainment.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Yes, indeedy! Punkin Holler allers did pride itself
-on keepin’ right up to date. We’re no hayseeders in this
-commoonerty.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Don’t you think the motions were very graceful?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—I haint a doubt they was, Miss Peppergrass, not
-a mite o’ doubt; but I was so flabbergasted at hearin’ them ere
-new words sung to thet old tune and so dumfounded at seein’ all
-them young ’uns a wavin’ their paws, wild like, in the air, thet I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
-never once noticed if it war graceful. It sure was, though, an’
-that’s a fact.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Next will be a recitation by Lucinda Lowe. An old
-poem, with new variations. (<i>Lucinda advances, bows very low, and
-recites. She announces the name of her piece, as do all, in the old-fashioned
-way.</i>)</p>
-
-
-<p class="center">MARY’S LAMB AT CHRISTMAS.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Mary had a little lamb</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">With kinky, soot-black wool.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">He tagged her everywhere she went,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Just like a little fool.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Fool be’nt a pretty word, Lucindy. Why don’t
-you say numb-head?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Lucindy</span>—’Twon’t rhyme.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—But it’s a deal high-toneder.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Lucindy</span>—All right. I don’t care. (<i>Announces title again, and
-begins.</i>)</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">Mary had a little lamb,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">With kinky, soot-black wool.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">He tagged her everywhere she went,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Just like a little-numb-head.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">He tagged along to school one day,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Agin the teacher’s rule.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">He kicked up his heels, and blarted right out,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">To see a Christmas tree in school.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">The teacher tried to turn him out,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">But, nimble as a cat,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">He sent his little hind heels out,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And knocked the teacher flat.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">“What makes the critter act that way?”</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The eager children cry.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">“Because it is a holiday,”</div>
-<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Was Mary’s quick reply.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">The lamb he danced around the tree,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And blarted out his song,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">As if upon the program-mee</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">He really did belong.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">He bunted down some candy bags</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And frisked around some more,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">Till Mary caught him by the ears,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And pulled him through the door.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">Now take a warning from this tale,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And tie your critters tight,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">So no ungainly beast shall spoil</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Our Christmas tree to-night.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p>(<i>Bows, and takes seat.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—Look out, Sammy. She’s put that lamb of hers out
-doors, and he’ll eat up the Christmas tree.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Can’t we bring it in now, teacher?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—You can <i>not</i>. (<i>as Sammy tries to speak</i>) No, no one
-will steal it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Some one may eat it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I hardly think any one will be hungry enough for that.
-People do not eat trees.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Deers do, ’n bears, ’n—’n—moose! Jes’ s’pos’n a big
-moose comed along, ’n et off all the branches!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—We’ll risk it, I think. Next on the programme is a
-duet by Jacob Toothaker and Rhoda Jenkins.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>They come out, bow to the chair, then to the school, then, elaborately
-to each other, and sing to the tune, “Reuben, Reuben, I’ve
-Been Thinking.”</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Jacob, Jacob, I’ve ben thinkin’</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">What a grand good thing ’twould be</span></div>
-<div class="verse">If each day could jest be Christmas,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">With a great big Christmas tree.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>(<i>Pauses. Looks inquiringly at Jake, who looks sulkily at her.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Wal, why in tunket don’t ye go on?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—’Taint my turn. It’s his’n.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Chirp it up, Jake.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—Sha’n’t.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Come, Jacob sing your verse.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—I won’t sing it, ’n I won’t sing it ternight, nuther, ef she
-calls me Jay Cup! ’Taint my name, ’n I don’t keer ef ’t does sound
-stylisher, so there! My name’s allers been Jake tel this term er
-school. By next it’ll be Jake Platter, I expect.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—But Jake hasn’t got syllerbles ernough.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Sing it (<i>sings</i>) “Jakie, Jakie, I’ve ben thinkin’.”
-That’ll go all right.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—’Twon’t nuther. Jakie’s a kid’s name. It’s Jake er nuthin’.
-Ef she sings it so, I’ll sing back, ’n ef she don’t, I won’t.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—I never saw such stubborn children in my life. Did ever
-you, Miss Bascom?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Land, yes, child. His pa’s jest like him. Him ’n
-me was promised, once, ’n he wouldn’t git spliced less’n I’d wear a
-blue delaine he’d bought fer me. Course, <i>I</i> warnt so mulish az he
-war, but I’d sot my heart on a white dimity, ’n bein’s I war the one
-to wear it, twar his place to give in. But he wouldn’t—no siree!
-’N we bickered ’n bickered bout it, ’n I went right on a makin’ up
-the white dimity ’n finally he says, says he, “Hepsey, it’s me an’ the blue
-delaine, or the white dimity for an ole maid.” “Land sakes!” says
-I, “You don’t say so? Wal, you kin jes’ take yer old blue delaine,
-’n hunt ye up a gal meek enough ter be married—’n buried, in it,”
-says I, ’n off he went, mad as a hatter. Much ’s ever he speaks to
-me yit, but I was married—in the white dimity—two year afore he
-found a gal that ’d have him, ’n could wear that blue delaine. You
-see, I’d cut ’n made it, ’n I was slender in those days—the slenderest
-gal in town. Yes, Ezry Toothaker’s some sot, ’n Jake comes nat’rally
-by it. Sing it to suit him, Rhody, do! ’Tain’t ’s ef ’twas fer allers.
-It’s jest ternight.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—But there’s two notes, Aunt Hepsy.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Draw out the Jake good ’n long, ’n it’ll go. This
-way. (<i>sings</i>) “Jake, Jake, I’ve been thinkin’.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—(<i>sings</i>) (<i>She makes the “Jake” decidedly jerky.</i>)</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Jake,<sup>1</sup> Jake, I’ve ben thinkin’</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">What a grand<sup>2</sup> good thing ’twould be</span></div>
-<div class="verse">If each day could jest be Christmas,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">With a great<sup>3</sup> big Christmas tree.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—(<i>sings</i>)</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Rhody,<sup>4</sup> Rhody, I’ve ben thinkin’</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">What a grand<sup>5</sup> good thing ’twould be,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">If we never had no Christmas,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">’Cos it costs too much, you see.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Both</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Too<sup>6</sup>-ra-loo-ra-loo<sup>1</sup>-ra laddie,</span></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Too<sup>7</sup>-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra lay.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">If it { always<sup>8</sup> } could be Christmas,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3em;">{ never<sup>9</sup>&nbsp; }</span></div>
-<div class="verse">Wouldn’t<sup>10</sup> that be grand and gay?</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Jake,<sup>1</sup> Jake, I’ve ben thinkin’</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">That upon yon<sup>3</sup> Christmas tree,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">Hangs a present from your sweetheart<sup>11</sup>,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Something nice<sup>12</sup> it’s sure to be.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jacob</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Rhody<sup>4</sup>, Rhody, I’ve been thinkin’</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">That there hangs on that<sup>13</sup> ere tree,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">A leetle<sup>14</sup> box for my young sweetheart.</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cost a quarter<sup>15</sup>. Yes-sir-ree!</span></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>Both sing chorus, as before.</i>)</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Jake<sup>16</sup>, Jake, I’ve ben thinkin’</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">If a ring<sup>17</sup> the thing should be,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">It<sup>18</sup> would be the finest Christmuss,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">That has ever come to me.</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Rhody<sup>19</sup>, Rhody, you have guessed it.</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">’Tis a fine brass ring, you’ll see,</span></div>
-<div class="verse">With a big red stun set in it,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Jest to bind you unto me.</span></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>Chorus as before.</i>)</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Jake<sup>20</sup>, Jake, when we’re wedded,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Will you keep each Christmas Day?</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">No, by hemlock!<sup>21</sup> In my wallet,<sup>22</sup></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">All my money then will stay.</span></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>Chorus.</i>)</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Then<sup>23</sup> you’d better keep your ring, sir,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">I’ll not have a stingy man!</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Jake</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">’Tis a frugal wife I’m wanting.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rhoda</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Jest you find<sup>24</sup> one if you can.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Both</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Too<sup>25</sup>-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra-laddie,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Too<sup>26</sup>-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra-lay</span></div>
-<div class="verse">I’ll<sup>27</sup> not have { a stingy husband</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">{ a spendthrift wife, Miss,</span></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">So I’ll bid you { Sir,&nbsp; } good-day<sup>28</sup>.</span></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 9em;">{ Miss, }</span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>(<i>Motions—1, shake finger, coquettishly. 2, clasp hands. 3, wave
-hand toward place where tree is to stand. 4, beat time with right
-fist on left palm. 5, clap hands. 6, join right hands, trip around, stop,
-facing, on opposite side. 7, join left hands, and repeat 6. 8, nod.
-9, shake head. 10, join both hands, and dance around. 11, put
-head to one side, and smirk. 12, both hands clasped on breast. 13,
-point with right forefinger. 14, measure with thumb and forefinger.
-15, clap hand over hip pocket. 16, hang head bashfully, step nearer.
-17, hold up left hand, and look at ring finger. 18, place hands on
-Jake’s shoulders. 19, shake her gently. 20, place hands against
-Jake’s breast, look up earnestly. 21, starts back. 22, slaps pocket.
-23, steps back, head high. 24, nods emphatically. 25, turn backs
-toward each other, heads high. 26, look over shoulder. 27, face
-about. 28, bow elaborately. Rhoda dances to seat. Jake stalks
-glumly to his, hands in pockets.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—(<i>clapping</i>) Good, good enough! Ef you writ that
-ere song, Miss Peppergrass, you’re a genyus. It’s the truest and
-funniest thing I ever heerd. And the funniest part of it is, the men
-folks’ll never know how funny it reely is! It’s human natur, sure
-enough. ’Twas wuth comin’ in, jest to hear that one song. What’s
-next on the programmy?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—“Santa Claus.” An original composition by Betsey
-Jones.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Betsey comes out, unfolds her composition very deliberately,
-and reads her title with emphasis.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Betsey</span>—“Sandy Claws!”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Hain’t you pernouncin’ his name kinder odd-like,
-Betsey?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—That’s what I think, but—</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Betsey</span>—’Tis Sandy Claws. Uncle Sol says so, and he’s the oldest
-man in this town. He says folkses allers used to say it so, and it’s
-jest a new-fangled notion to change it. ’N he said if I’d read it
-jest as I writ it, he’d give me ten cents, ’n I’m a goin’ to do it. I
-never had ten cents to once’t before, ’n I’m a goin’ to get it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Don’t blame ye a bit. Ef anybody kin git ten cents
-outen old Sol Perkins, it’s their bounden duty to do it, say I. Go
-on, Betsey, ’n read it up good ’n loud.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Betsey</span>—“Sandy Claws.”—Sandy Claws is an old, old man, older
-than Methuselah ever dreamed of be<i>ing</i>. He lives in a big snow
-house, built around the North Pole, and uses the Pole for a flag
-staff. He is very fat and jolly, with a big ponderosity in front. His
-belt is so long it has to be made to order. His eyes are the kind
-that twinkle and laugh all by themselves. His nose is round and
-red, like a little apple. His cheeks are, too, what you can see of
-’em. They are mostly covered by his whiskers. His whiskers are
-very predominant. They grow as thick as a crop of well fertilized
-clover in a good hay year. His hair is long, thick, and curly, so
-that if he bumps his head gett<i>ing</i> down a chimbley, it won’t hurt
-him none—I mean not any. These hair and whiskers are of a
-sandy color, which is one reason he is called <i>Sandy</i> Claws. The
-other reason is because he has claws.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Hold on there, Betsey! I’ve seen many a picture
-of Sandy Claws in my day, but nary a one that had claws.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Nor, I, Miss Bascom, but if Uncle Sol says so—</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Land yes, there’s no disputin’ Sol Perkins. He’s
-sailed around the world, ’n lived with the Feejees ’n the Hottentots,
-’n if you doubt ary one o’ his sailor yarns, he’ll up ’n say, “Wal, was
-<i>you</i> ever there?” ’n course you never wasn’t ’n there ’tis. But
-claws on Sandy Claws is most too much ter swaller.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Betsey</span>—Uncle Sol’s seen old Sandy Claws with his own eyes,
-’n he <i>knows</i>. Sandy saved him when he was wrecked in Baffin
-Bay, ’n he lived with him most six months, till it come Christmuss
-again.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Wal, wal! I knew Sol had ben wrecked some two
-or three hundred times, but I never heered of <i>that</i> time afore.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Betsey</span>—Nor I, till I hed this ere comporishing to write, ’n then
-he told me. He’d allers kep it a secret afore. (<i>reads</i>) His claws
-are not on his fingers, but on his toes, ’n when he finds a bad child<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
-a-sleepin’ (I mean sleep<i>ing</i> with his stock<i>ing</i> hang<i>ing</i> up by the
-chimbley), he jest scratches him good ’n hard with them claws o’
-his’n, and whops up chimbley again, ’n leaves it hang there empty,
-less’n he puts in a stick. He brings beautiful things to good girls
-and boys, and I hope he’ll bring me a diamond necklace this year,
-or at least a gold chain with a diamond locket. I’ve wished for them
-every year since I was a child, and although he has not brought
-them, I haven’t given up hop<i>ing</i> yet.—Betsey Euphemia Perkins,
-aged 12.</p>
-
-<p>There, Teacher, didn’t I say them “ings” good? I never dropped
-none.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Very good indeed, Betsey, and your composition is certainly
-original, with your Uncle Sol, at least. (<i>Betsey takes seat.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—That’ll please Sol—that ere compliment. He doos
-hate ter have any body doubt his stories—and after all, <i>we’ve</i> never
-went to sea.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Next is a recitation by Aaron and Mosetta Peaslee.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—What’s the name ont?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aaron</span>—(<i>as he and his sister come out</i>) Name’s “Aaron and
-Moses.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—But I told you that wouldn’t do for a piece, and you
-were to learn another.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miriam</span>—(<i>rising</i>) ’Tis another, Teacher—or rather it’s the same
-one made longer. Ma she said it was too bad to change it when
-’twas so ’proprate, ’n Reuben’s mother she fixed it up fer ’em. It’s
-good, now, Teacher, really, ’n Ma she says it’s that or nothin’. ’N if
-they can’t speak it, we can’t any of us come to-night.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Well, let’s hear it, children.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Children bow to chair, then to school, then to each other.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aaron</span>—Says Aaron to Moses, “Let’s cut<sup>1</sup> off our noses,”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Mosetta</span>—Says Moses to Aaron, “It’s the fashion to wear<sup>2</sup> ’em.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aaron</span>—Says Aaron, “With my shearses<sup>3</sup>, we’ll trim off our earses<sup>4</sup>.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Mosetta</span>—Says Moses, “I fearses ’twould bring the tearses.”<sup>5</sup></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aaron</span>—Says Aaron, (that’s me, then) “Let’s stay as we be,<sup>6</sup>
-then.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Mosetta</span>—Says Moses, “We’ll do so,<sup>7</sup> like Robinson Crusoe.”</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Both</span>—And Aaron<sup>8</sup> and Moses will stay as they be,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3em;">And come<sup>9</sup> hand in hand, to this fine<sup>10</sup> Christmas tree.<sup>11</sup></span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p>(<i>Motions—1, hit nose with forefinger, with downward stroke.
-2, smooth nose, and down on cheeks with both forefingers, holding
-head up, rather haughtily. 3, cross forefingers, work them back and
-forth, like shears. 4, take tips of ears between thumbs and forefingers.
-5, wipe first one eye, then the other, with corner of handkerchief.
-6, clap hands together. 7, nod. 8, join hands. 9, walk to
-corner where tree is to stand. 10, spread hands apart, motioning
-toward corner, and looking up. 11, stand a moment in position. 10,
-then turn and bow, hands still apart. 11, join hands, march to front,
-bow, and take seats.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Well, of all the poems I ever heard!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miriam</span>—Yes, warn’t it a nice one, teacher? Hanner Ann Jenkins
-is goin’ to hang ’em each a present for speakin’ it, ’n ma’s
-goin’ to hang one for Hanner Ann for writin’ it. She wouldn’t take
-a cent, ’n it took her three hours. It’s wuth ten cents an hour, ma
-says, ’n that there present’s goin’ to be wuth every bit of thutty
-cents.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—But—</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Least said soonest mended, child. Best keep still,
-and go on with the programmy.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Music by the orchestra. “While Shepherds Watched
-Their Flocks By Night.” (<i>Peter, Jacob, Rhoda, Miriam, Betsey,
-and Sammy come out.</i>) (<i>Sammy has a drum, Peter “bones” or
-“clappers,” Jacob a jewsharp, or harmonica if he can play the tune
-on it, Rhoda has a triangle, and Miriam and Betsey have paper
-covered combs.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—(<i>from doorway</i>) Shell I come, teacher? I’m all rigged
-out in these doodads.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Yes, come and take your part. Santa Claus has a right
-to whistle at a Christmas entertainment.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>(<i>Hiram takes place in line, and whistles the tune. Any other
-tune will do as well, providing it is old-fashioned. They should
-have some difficulty in getting started. Miss P. “beats time” with
-a ruler.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—(<i>at close</i>) Wal, wal! So that’s an orchestry!
-I’ve often read in the papers, “Music by sech and sech an orchestry,”
-but I never knowed what an orchestry was. They did real well
-I’m sure. They’d ought to hev a wong kore piece. The folks’ll
-be sure to clap ’em back.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—They have, Aunt Hepsey. Play “Glory Hallelujah,”
-children.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>They do so.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Hiram</span>—Now shall we play “Ole Hundred”?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—No, that is to conclude the programme. That will do.</p>
-
-<p>(<i>They take seats.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Next is a song by Faith Toothacre, “A Christmas
-Fairy.”</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Faith runs from entry, dressed as a fairy, in short white skirts,
-with many ruffles, paper wings, flowing hair, with a paper crown,
-and a long slender stick in her hand. Bows lightly and waves
-wand.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Faith</span>—Ma, she ain’t got the star fastened to the end of my wand
-yet, and she said this’d have to do till to-night. It’s the peskiest
-thing she ever tried to make stay, she says, but it’s got to stay,
-somehow.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Very well. Now sing. (<i>Faith starts it, first too low,
-then too high, then Miss P. starts it, and she sings.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Faith</span>—(<i>sings</i>) Tune: “Lightly Row.”</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Lightly,<sup>1</sup> oh, lightly, oh, comes the Christmas Fairy, oh.</div>
-<div class="verse">Brightly,<sup>1</sup> oh, sprightly, oh, tripping<sup>2</sup> o’er the snow.</div>
-<div class="verse">Coming<sup>3</sup> from a land of light, just to make your Christmas bright.</div>
-<div class="verse">Lightly,<sup>1</sup> oh, lightly, oh, tripping<sup>2</sup> o’er the snow.</div>
-<div class="verse">Lightly,<sup>1</sup> oh, lightly, oh, weaveth she a spell, just so.</div>
-<div class="verse">To<sup>4</sup> and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.</div>
-<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>Singeth she a carol sweet, as<sup>5</sup> she comes with dancing feet,</div>
-<div class="verse">To<sup>4</sup> and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.</div>
-<div class="verse">Clear<sup>6</sup> the way, clear the way, for the happy Christmas Fay.</div>
-<div class="verse">Joy<sup>7</sup> she brings on<sup>8</sup> her wings, as she softly sings.</div>
-<div class="verse">Spreading<sup>9</sup> cheer and joy and mirth, over all the snow clad earth,</div>
-<div class="verse">Light<sup>10</sup> and gay, light and gay, comes the Christmas Fay.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p>(<i>Motions—1, sway wand lightly, to and fro. 2, trip lightly to one
-side, (at next 2, trip back.) 3, wand high, to right, bring down,
-obliquely. 4, trip back and forth, a few steps. 5, stand still in place,
-but dance lightly up and down. 6, wand to left, against body, bring
-to right, and out, with sweeping motion. 7, hands out, in front. 8,
-look around, over left shoulder, at wing. 9, wave wand low. 10,
-hold wand high, dance around in place. At close, bow airily, and
-dance to seat.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Wal, ef that aint the purtiest thing I ever saw!
-And Fay makes a sweet fairy. Now you writ that, I’m sure, Miss
-Peppergrass. Oh, you needn’t acknowlidge it, ’nless you wanter,
-kaze I kin tell, by the way you blush, ’n simper. You needn’t be
-’fraid ter own it, fer it’s as good as anythin’ Longfeller ever writ,
-I’m sure.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.—Next a recitation by Johnny Lowe</span>—“Hang Up Your
-Stocking.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—(<i>he speaks very low and fast.</i>)</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">Hang up your stockin’ on Christmas Eve;</div>
-<div class="verse">That is, if you’ve been good,</div>
-<div class="verse">And don’t disobey, nor try to deceive,</div>
-<div class="verse">But do as a little boy should.</div>
-<div class="verse">For if you’re good, there’ll be sugarplums,</div>
-<div class="verse">And toys in it, too, I know.</div>
-<div class="verse">But if you’re bad, there’ll be just a stick</div>
-<div class="verse">To wallop you with. Oh, ho!</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Massy me, Johnny! I couldn’t hear a word of it.
-What was it about?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Say it louder, Johnny.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Johnny</span>—Yes’m. (<i>says first line very loud and fast.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—No, no, Johnny. Say it slower. (<i>Johnny says two lines,
-very slowly.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—A little faster, Johnny, and loud, too. (<i>Johnny tries
-again, and does well, but speaks very loud.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsey</span>—Wal, even deef old Joe kin hear that, I reckin.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Recitation by Sally Whittaker. (<i>Sally comes out, and
-puts finger in mouth a minute, then bows, puts in finger again, takes
-it out, bows again. Does so two or three times.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Speak your piece, Sally, like a nice girl.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sally</span>—I’th forgot it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—The oak—</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sally</span>—Oh yes, the oak.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
-<div class="verse">The oak an’ the apple, the pine and the peath,</div>
-<div class="verse">Are very fine treeth, you thee.</div>
-<div class="verse">But the betht tree I know, with the bethtetht fruit</div>
-<div class="verse">Ith that tree—the Chrithmuth tree. (<i>Points to tree.</i>)</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—Good for you, Sally.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Next, a recitation by Patience Toothacre, “Watching
-for Santa.”</p>
-
-<p>(<i>Patty comes from entry, dressed in long nightie. She has bare
-feet and flowing hair, and carries a candle.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Aunt Hepsy</span>—For the land sakes, Patty Toothacre! Go dress
-yourself.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Patty</span>—(<i>indignantly</i>) I <i>is</i> dressed, underneath. This is my—my—</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—Cuss tune.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Reuben!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Reuben</span>—That’s what you called it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Patty</span>—</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
- <div class="poetry">
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">I’se watching for Santa. I hope he’ll come soon.</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">’Cause every one’s ’sleep in this house except me.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">He hasn’t come yet, for my stocking’s not filled,</div>
-<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">I lit me a candle and crept down to see.</span></div>
- </div>
- <div class="stanza">
-<div class="verse">I’ll sit<sup>1</sup> down and watch for him, here on the floor.</div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And tell him I need a new dolly to-night.</span></div>
-<div class="verse">My eyes<sup>2</sup> are so sleepy I just have to shut ’em,<sup>3</sup></div>
-<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">But<sup>4</sup> I’ll keep awake to catch Santa, all right.<sup>5</sup></span></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p>(<i>Motions—1, sits down. 2, rubs eyes. 3, closes eyes. 4, lies down
-on floor. 5, sit up, open eyes, stretch sleepily, lie down and go to
-sleep. Hi tiptoes in, and carries her out.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Now the orchestra will play the closing piece, (<i>to
-Sammy, who is wildly waving hand</i>) What is it, Sammy?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Please kin I g’wout?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Yes. (<i>Sammy tiptoes out. Orchestra begins “Old
-Hundred,” and Sammy bursts wildly in.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Teacher, oh teacher! Somebody’s been and gone and
-done it! I told you they would! I told you so! Oh dear! Oh
-dear!</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Miss P.</span>—Why, Sammy, what is the matter? What has happened?</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sammy</span>—Somebody’s gone and stole that ere tree!</p>
-
-<p>(<i>School breaks up in wild confusion, every one running out to
-see.</i>)</p>
-
-
-
-<hr class="full" />
-
-<div class="adtitle2">Christmas Entertainments</div>
-
-
-<p><b>CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER.</b> A new Christmas play by Elizabeth
-F. Guptill that abounds in clean, wholesome fun from beginning to end.
-It depicts the trials of the teacher of an old-fashioned “deestric school” in
-conducting the last rehearsal for the Christmas Entertainment. Some of the
-pupils are in “custom,” as big Jake puts it, and “Sandy Claus” is there. The
-children go through their parts with gusto and more or less success. May be
-given in any schoolroom by any number. Easy to produce. Costumes simple.
-Children and grown-ups will be delighted with CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN
-HOLLER. Price, 15 cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>A TOPSY TURVY CHRISTMAS.</b> Another new Christmas play by
-Elizabeth F. Guptill. It is decidedly humorous from start to finish. The
-characters are strong and at every turn of the play there is a happy surprise
-for the audience. The children are tired of “minding,” and the everything being
-“just so,” so they start to find a place where they will find things different.
-They find it in Topsy Turvy Land, where they have strange experiences.
-When at last they have a Topsy Turvy Christmas, they are ready to go home
-and be satisfied with things just as they are. May be given in any schoolroom
-by any number of children not less than fifteen. In two short scenes.
-This clever play will prove a sure winner wherever produced. Price, 15 cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>CHRISTMAS AT McCARTHY’S.</b> Elizabeth P. Guptill. Here is a new
-Christmas play for the older children and as many young children as are
-available. It combines in a marked degree the gentlest pathos and the most
-sparkling humor. Several nationalities are represented in the tenement and
-there is opportunity for the introduction of specialties if desired. Circumstances
-cause Elsie, the tenement orphan, to believe Jimmy, the newsboy, will
-buy her a Christmas present, and it seems it is up to Jimmy to do it. Christmas
-is an unknown quantity at the tenement, but all agree that Elsie must not
-be disappointed, and plan to have one somehow. The entertainment is given
-by the “inhabitints thimsilves,” at McCarthy’s. In the midst of the fun,
-Elsie’s lost father walks in, and the finale is a general rejoicing. Price, 25c.</p>
-
-<p><b>CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES.</b> By Cecil J. Richmond. A book full of the
-choicest new and original dialogues for Christmas, parts for both boys and
-girls being well provided for. Some are for the little folks, in rhyme, some
-are for intermediate grades, and others for older children. Every dialogue in
-this book is decidedly to the point and easy to prepare. They will delight
-young and old alike. Contents: Is There a Santa Claus? 2 small children,
-Santa Claus and chorus; Herbert’s Discovery, 2 boys; The Christmas Dinner,
-2 little girls, 1 larger girl and 2 boys; Playing Santa Claus, 1 small and 2
-larger boys; A Double Christmas Gift, 2 small girls, 2 larger girls, and 3
-boys. Price, 15 cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>EVERGREEN AND HOLLY—SONG AND DRILL.</b> By Elizabeth F.
-Guptill. A drill for any even number of boys and girls, or all girls. The
-girls carry garlands of evergreen while the boys carry wreaths of the same.
-After a spectacular drill and fancy march they all sing a beautiful Christmas
-song, which accompanies the drill. Following the song they wind a spiral to
-the center of the stage, unwind same and march off. Complete instructions
-are given. It is the best Christmas drill ever published; easy to produce and
-decidedly novel. Price, 15 cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>PEARL’S CHRISTMAS.</b> Original, pleasing and interesting Christmas
-dialogue with an excellent moral, for 3 boys and 4 girls. Price, 5 cents;
-seven copies, 25 cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>SITTING UP FOR SANTA CLAUS.</b> A humorous dialogue for 6 girls,
-5 boys, and Santa Claus. If you expect to have a Christmas entertainment,
-you surely want this. Single copy, 10 cents; or 10 copies, 60 cents.</p>
-
-<div class="center">
-<b>Paine Publishing Company, Dayton, Ohio</b><br /><br />
-</div>
-
-
-
-<div class="bbox">
-<div class="adtitle2">READINGS AND RECITATIONS</div>
-
-
-<p><b>COMIC ENTERTAINER, THE.</b> An up-to-date
-collection of the choicest humor. Such a variety in prose and
-poetry as to suit almost any occasion. The book also contains four monologues,
-two for male and two for female characters; also four short dialogues.
-Price, thirty cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>HUMOROUS MONOLOGUES.</b> By Mayme R. Bitney. A fine collection
-of twenty-nine original monologues designed for the use of the amateur
-and the professional monologist. Practically suitable for ladies. The
-author has brought out with skill the humorous incidents that help make
-up the life of the country girl and woman, while the fashionable woman of
-the city, who is interested in parties, teas and golf, is just as truthfully
-depicted. Price, thirty cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>THE EXCELLENT SCHOOL SPEAKER.</b> The “Excellent”—is true
-to name. A book of over one hundred pages, especially compiled for us
-by C. S. Bradford, containing selections of poetry and prose, new and fresh.
-Full of good things. You can make no mistake in securing this speaker.
-Price, fifteen cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>HOWE’S COMIC SCHOOL SPEAKER.</b> Full of short, pithy, comic,
-and humorous recitations. This book should be in every school. Price,
-fifteen cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>HOWE’S EXHIBITION SCHOOL SPEAKER.</b> Contains about one
-hundred pages of selections of great range from the choicest literature of
-our country, suitable for schools, homes and exhibitions. It is the best
-thing out. Send for it. Price, fifteen cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>THE JUVENILE SPEAKER.</b> Every piece in this little book can be
-used and is worthy of its place in this useful work. It is undoubtedly the
-best book of the kind, for the money, published; and is highly recommended
-by teachers everywhere. Price, twenty cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>LITTLE PIECES FOR LITTLE PEOPLE.</b> Each set has twenty
-cards containing twenty-nine bright, pretty recitations for boys and girls,
-from five to ten years of age. Teachers like the pieces because of their
-convenient form. Being printed on cards, all wearisome copying is avoided.
-Price, fifteen cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>MONOLOGUES FOR YOUNG FOLKS.</b> By Mayme Riddle Bitney.
-Fifty-four original, clever, humorous monologues for young people from
-six to sixteen, or for monologists who impersonate children. A recitation
-may be a recounting of incidents, but a monologue has action; it becomes
-alive, and you are carried along with intense interest. A great variety
-of subjects. Also twenty-eight selections as follows: For Washington’s
-Birthday (4). For Labor Day (4). For Memorial Day, Flag Day, and
-other Patriotic Occasions (3). For Thanksgiving Day (8). For Christmas
-(9). Price, thirty cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>RECITATIONS FOR PRIMARY GRADES, ORIGINAL AND
-UNIQUE.</b> By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A collection of an unusual sort.
-Every one is as interesting as a story, and every one has a very decided
-point. Not a recitation in the collection that is dull or impractical. Price,
-fifteen cents.</p>
-
-<p><b>THE NORMAL SPEAKER.</b> A book suited to the wants of all, from
-the smallest school-child to the oldest reader. Do you want the most
-eloquent passages ever delivered by our greatest orators? Do you want the
-most soul-stirring patriotism? Do you want the purest, tenderest and
-most ennobling pathos? Do you want the most droll, eccentric and ludicrous
-descriptions and characterizations? Do you want the richest, rarest
-and most side-splitting humor? Do you want to arouse a new interest in
-literature and elocution among your pupils? Do you want the selections
-recited by the most eminent elocutionists? Do you want the cream, the
-quintessence of all that is suitable for reading or declaiming in schools,
-exhibitions, literary societies, picnics, or in the family or private reading
-room? Buy the Normal Speaker and you will be sure to find in it something
-that will supply your wants. Price, thirty cents.</p>
-
-<p>Our large Entertainment Catalogue sent on request.</p>
-
-<div class="center">
-<b>PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY, DAYTON, OHIO.</b><br />
-</div></div>
-
-<hr class="full" />
-<div class="tnote"><div class="center">
-<b>Transcriber’s Notes:</b></div>
-
-<p>Play changes characters names to nicknames and back again at times. Dialect
-is inconsistent in spelling. For example “haint” and “hain’t.” Obvious
-punctuation errors repaired.</p>
-
-<p>Page 4, “rehease” changed to “rehearse” (rehearse your parts)</p>
-
-<p>Page 5, “On” changed to “Oh” (Oh no, Reuben)</p>
-
-<p>Page 11, “fashinoned” changed to “fashioned” (in the old-fashioned)</p>
-
-<p>Page 15, superscript 24 changed to 21. (No, by hemlock!<sup>21</sup>)</p>
-
-<p>Page 19, “going’” changed to “goin’” (goin’ to hang one for)</p>
-
-<p>Page 22, “Hallelulah” changed to “Hallelujah” (Glory Hallelujah)</p>
-
-<p>Back cover: “Chistmas” changed to “Christmas” (sing a beautiful Christmas)</p></div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
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