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diff --git a/old/53831-0.txt b/old/53831-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b71bbb4..0000000 --- a/old/53831-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1646 +0,0 @@ -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 -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. - -=EVERGREEN AND HOLLY—SONG AND DRILL.= 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. - -=PEARL’S CHRISTMAS.= Original, pleasing and interesting Christmas -dialogue with an excellent moral, for 3 boys and 4 girls. Price, 5 -cents; seven copies, 25 cents. - -=SITTING UP FOR SANTA CLAUS.= 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. - - Paine Publishing Company. Dayton, Ohio. - - - - -READINGS AND RECITATIONS - - -=COMIC ENTERTAINER, THE.= Edited by H. L. Williams. 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, twenty-five cents.= - -=HUMOROUS MONOLOGUES. 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, twenty-five cents.= - -=THE EXCELLENT SCHOOL SPEAKER.= 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.= - -=HOWE’S COMIC SCHOOL SPEAKER.= Full of short, pithy, comic, and -humorous recitations. This book should be in every school. =Price, -fifteen cents.= - -=HOWE’S EXHIBITION SCHOOL SPEAKER.= 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.= - -=THE JUVENILE SPEAKER.= 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.= - -=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 -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, 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.= - -=THE NORMAL SPEAKER.= 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, -fifty cents.= - -Our large Entertainment Catalogue sent on request. - - -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. 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