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T. . 1 1 .. 7777 . . 1 . . . . . ' ... . - . * 1111 . 7 , . 1 ! . . . . . . . . . . ** VIN * ** ** INN ** ** 14 : i r : A K. HIS 14 HT 46] S8+ THE YOUNG FARMER’S PRACTICAL LIBRARY EDITED BY ERNEST INGERSOLL NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAIMMENTS BY RENÉE B. STERN The Young Farmer's Practical Library EDITED BY ERNEST INGERSOLL Cloth 16mo Illustrated 75 cents net each. From Kitchen to Garret. By VIRGINIA TERHUNE VAN DE WATER. Neighborhood Entertainments. By Renée B. STERN, of the Congressional Library. Home Waterworks. By CARLETON J. LYNDE, Professor of Physics in Mac- donald College, Quebec. The Farm Mechanic. By L. W. CHASE, Professor of Farm Mechanics in the University of Nebraska. The Satisfactions of Country Life. By DR. JAMES W. ROBERTSON, Principal of Macdonald College, Quebec. .. Roads, Paths and Bridges. By L. W. PAGE, Chief of the Office of Public Roads, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Health on the Farm. By Dr. L. F. HARRIS, Secretary Georgia State Board of Health. Farm Machinery. By J. B. DAVIDSON, Professor of Agricultural Engineering in Iowa State College. Electricity on the Farm. By FREDERICK M. CONLEE. Farmers' Rest Room, Storm Lake, Iowa, Furnished by neighboring farmers NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS BY RENÉE B. STERN ILLUSTRATED Hew York STURGIS & WALTON COMPANY 1911 Copyright 1911 By STURGIS & WALTON COMPANY Set up and electrotyped. Published May, 1911 ON Reprinted June, 1911 Uauu90 INTRODUCTION BY THE GENERAL EDITOR This is the day of the small book. There is much to be done. Time is short. Information is earnestly desired, but it is wanted in compact form, confined directly to the subject in view, authenticated by real knowledge, and, withal, gracefully delivered. It is to fulfill these con- ditions that the present series has been pro- jected to lend real assistance to those who are looking about for new tools and fresh ideas. It is addressed especially to the man and woman at a distance from the libraries, exhibi- tions, and daily notes of progress, which are the main advantage, to a studious mind, of liv- ing in or near a large city. The editor has had who is striving to make the life of himself and his family broader and brighter, as well as to increase his bank account; and it is therefore in the humane, rather than in a commercial di- rection, that the Library has been planned. V vi INTRODUCTION The average American little needs advice on the conduct of his farm or business; or, if he thinks he does, a large supply of such help in farming and trading as books and periodicals can give, is available to him. But many a man who is well to do and knows how to continue to make money, is ignorant how to spend it in a way to bring to himself, and confer upon his and niceties which alone make money worth acquiring and life worth living. He hardly realizes that they are within his reach. For suggestion and guidance in this direction there is a real call, to which this series is an answer. It proposes to tell its readers how they can make work easier, health more secure, of the whole family. No evil in American rural life is so great as the tendency of the young people to leave the farm and the village. The cnly way to overcome this evil is to make rural life less hard and sordid; more comfortable and attractive. It is to the solving of that problem that these books are addressed. Their central idea is to show how country life may be made INTRODUCTION vii richer in interest, broader in its activities and its outlook, and sweeter to the taste. To this end men and women who have given each a lifetime of study and thought to his or her speciality, will contribute to the Library, join with its eminently practical information a still more valuable stimulation of thought. ERNEST INGERSOLL. INTRODUCTION In a recent study of life in the country and small towns, one of the striking conditions brought out was the lack of sufficient social life. Particularly significant is the fact that this complaint came, not from outsiders- chance visitors or professional investigators; it was the direct testimony of the men and 'women living on the farms and in the small towns. The condition referred to is not local, or confined to any particular section of the country. The same statement came from peo- ple living in all parts of the Union—from New England districts, where there are many old village communities and farms comparatively close to one another, as well as from the more isolated Southern plantations, and Western ranches. The inadequacy of social life complained of had reference not merely to gatherings for en- INTRODUCTION tertainment, but also to all those opportunities for coming together which make for pleasurable coöperation and mutual helpfulness. It does not indicate that there are no social gatherings, no means for social and intellectual intercourse. There are the Church,—which stands for so much of community life; the Secret and Be- nevolent societies; the Farmers' Institutes and other organizations are to be found in many communities. However, their possibilities are often not realized to the full, or a fresher and more vigorous effort is required to make them effective. There are also opportunities in new lines of endeavor, for what is a well- known social force in one community may be entirely new in another. The value of coöperation has not yet been realized as thoroughly in our social as in our business life. In the social field, particularly in the country and in the small communities, coöperation is indispensable. In the face of existing obstacles in rural districts the individ- ual can achieve but little. Through the Local INTRODUCTION dj work effectively for better conditions-im- proved roads, better schools, more efficient local government; for greater opportunities for cul- ture, through local libraries, lectures and music. For the young as well as for the adult, associated effort is required. Clubs for boys and girls supply a need in education not satis- fied by the home or the school, stimulating, as they do, the child's self-reliance, and a capacity to govern, as well as teaching him to submit in a community of his peers—qualities not de- veloped under the restraint of the home or the school. Besides the pleasure and the stimula- tion which come from association with others of the same age, these clubs provide for older boys and girls opportunities for study and for self-improvement. The need of mutual help is, perhaps, greatest among the women in the community. While the women cling to the narrow confines of the kitchen and the home circle, the other members are leaving her behind and mentally alone. If she can keep abreast of the world and its in- terests, lighten the drudgery of the household xii INTRODUCTION by adopting improved methods, learn what may contribute to the better upbringing of chil- dren, the gain is not only to the woman but to the family as a whole. In the grind of routine household duties, there is need of the mutual encouragement that comes from common effort in one direction, and of stated times when the women of the community can come together for serious conference or for pleasure. Here is the field of service of the properly organized woman's club. The social life of the community centers in the main around the church, the school, and the library. Their influences are manifold, and their activities should be constantly broadened and adapted to the needs and conditions of the community. . This volume concerns itself, on the one hand with the activity of these clubs and social cen- ters, and on the other with the purely social type of entertainment. In both, the emphasis is laid on practical suggestions, on how the work may be initiated and conducted. Many of the suggestions are taken from the experi- ence of organizations with records of many INTRODUCTION xiii years' progress. As evidences of success in working together for companionship and the common good, they merit special consideration. Hints for purely social entertainments are al- ways useful, both in connection with more seri- ous work, and also as an end in themselves. If this record of what some have achieved will stimulate others to bring more of the commu- nity spirit to their own home districts, the ob- ject with which these pages were written will have been accomplished. I CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE INTRODUCTION .. . lol an ! . Vil PART I CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND SOCIAL CENTERS I. LOCAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS . . . . . * II. YOUNG PEOPLE'S CLUBS AND SOCIETIES . . . III. WOMEN'S CLUBS . . . . . . . . . . . 69 IV. SOCIAL CENTERS ..... ... .. 106 V. CONDUCTING A CLUB . . . . . . . . . . 138 PART II ENTERTAINMENTS I. ART OF ENTERTAINING . . . . . . . . . 151 II. SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS . . . . . . . . . 156 III. THE VALUE OF ARBOR DAY. .... IV. EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS . . V. AMATEUR THEATRICALS . . . . . VI. SOME WORD GAMES . . . . . . . . . . VII. MONEY-MAKING ENTERTAINMENTS. . . . . XV ILLUSTRATIONS Farmers' Rest Room, Storm Lake, Iowa. Fur- nished by neighboring farmers. . Frontispiece FACING PAGE An Ohio boy's experiment in Local Improve- ment in his home yard · · · · · · · Children's corn-growing and corn-cooking exhibit at Lincoln, Nebraska . . . . . . ... 50 Ponte Vecchio . . . . . . . . . . 80 A Wisconsin Traveling Library. . . . . 132 Sheet and Pillow Case Costume . . . . . 202 Japanese Girls in Native Costume . . . . 280 Typical Dutch Costumes .. .. 284 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS PART ONE CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND SOCIAL CENTERS Neighborhood Entertainments CHAPTER I LOCAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS We have all heard of Spotless Town, but how many of us have seen it and how many of us live in it? On the other hand, how many are really satisfied with the conditions sur- rounding us:the state of the roads and of vacant lots; the condition of the schools; our social and intellectual opportunities? Here and there a man or woman protests about some single matter, but the protest usually passes unheeded, for what does one count, or even a dozen, in the mass of population? Let, how- ever, a dozen individuals unite and state their point as that of an organized body, and the force of such a voice is heeded and its effect will be noted in bettered conditions. IS 4 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Mo We are in the midst of an era of organiza- tions, and of these none is more needed nor more useful than the Local Improvement As- sociation. It is one in which all members of the community may join. In it there is work for women as well as men. The children can add their quota of help, and in helping, learn more of practical good citizenship than many a formal lesson in civics would inculcate. The boy or girl who plants a tree or mends a fence is filled with a proprietary sense of satisfaction which makes for home-love and local pride. Perhaps your home village is kept in good order, not only at the station-grounds (which always most impress the visitor), but also in essentials that do not meet the superficial glance, such as the water supply or fire protec- tion on which local health and safety depend. There still remains the question: What is the life of your community? Is it active and social in the best sense of these terms? Do people have an opportunity to hear good lectures and good music, and do the young people rejoice in wholesome fun and amusement? In many communities the social life is far Before After An Ohio boy's experiment in Local Improvement in his home yard IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS from ideal, and waits for the best of its mem- bers to improve the situation. This is a prob- lem which is agitating both the city, and the country, and is confined to no special district. Whether it be physical or social conditions that most need improvement, a well organized Local Improvement Association is the best means of carrying on the work for the benefit of all. To form such an association, let a few peo- ple come together and decide what lines of work shall be undertaken. It is advisable to have a representative from each of the neighborhood interests, that is, one from each of the churches, from the local Grange or other society, and perhaps in addition thereto, the local doctor and teacher, as well as one or two business men in sympathy with the work. This gives the means of reaching all classes of inhabitants without fear of the enterprise seeming to be fostered by any one clique. At the first meet- ing it is well to keep matters informal, and ciety has been reached, a more general call should be issued for a meeting at which a reg- ular organization may be formed. Do not 6 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS ann strive for too large a membership at first, al- though it must be understood that all who de- sire to join are welcome. An exclusive spirit will destroy the general interest which should be one of the fundamental objects of the asso- ciation. Place annual dues sufficiently low that the expense need not deter anybody from joining the movement. A simple constitution and by-laws should be adopted. Many societies incorporate under the laws of their state, since the fact of incorpora- tion relieves the members from personal pe- cuniary liability. If the society remains unin- corporated, the members are regarded in the light of co-partners as to any indebtedness contracted:—for rent, stationery, and the like. If the association is a corporation, the credit is extended to the corporation as such, and there is no recourse to individuals for the corporate indebtedness. The corporate form is there- fore preferable. The state secretary usually issues blank forms upon application made by citizens desirous of incorporating an associa- tion. The association should hold monthly meet- IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS : 7 ings during the winter, at which reports may be made of labors completed or in progress, and plans for new work be discussed. This may be followed by a short formal talk on some phase of improvement-work more particularly desir- able at that time, and a general discussion of the subject. Sometimes an expert should be invited to give this talk, in order to introduce the stimulation created by a new view-point. Most of the work can best be accomplished by putting it in the hands of small committees ap- pointed by the president, but general interest must be sustained throughout the whole body, by keeping it in touch with the work. Make the president an ex-officio member of all commit- tees in order to enable him to keep all efforts coördinated and avoid duplication. It should be a duty of your officers to introduce the mem- bers to each other and to see that a little time is given for a social chat before or after the meeting, as one of the strongest assets of any association is the creation of a bond of fellow- ship. At the end of the year a more public gather- ing should be held in the town or village hall, 8 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS or in one of the churches, to which all the resi- dents are invited. If properly managed this should add new members to the association and preserve a spirit of cordiality and coöperation. At such a meeting present a review of the year's work and, if possible, secure some well known speaker-perhaps from a neighboring college-town, or from some other improvement association or the State Agricultural College, to deliver a crisp, short talk on some topic ger- main to the work. If you have a good local band, its presence will enliven the annual pro- gram. The major part of the time should, how- ever, be devoted to an informal social meeting, during which the members of the association act as hosts, doing their individual share to in- crease the town spirit and spread the gospel of local improvement. As an example of what a society composed of men and women of moderate means can ac- complish, let me outline the work of one founded many years ago in the early days of these so- cieties. It was started in a village which strag- gled over a square mile of territory on the out- skirts of a large city. In winter, when the R IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 9 snow had fallen heavily over-night and was lashed into great drifts, the children through- out the district looked upon the passing of the snow-plow as the chief event of the morn- ing. This plow, a primitive little three-cor- nered wooden affair, with a pole stuck out diagonally behind to act as a rudder, was pulled over the sidewalks by a philosophical-looking old gray horse and guided by an old man, who held the reins in one hand and the snow-plow rudder in the other. By the time the children were ready to go to school and the business men were starting for the train to the city, or to their shops on the main street of the village, the sidewalks were all cleared. This was the association's winter work. In summer it had the weeds cut when they began to overhang the walks, the open fields of flowering weeds were mowed in time to prevent the seeds from ma- turing and sowing their undesirable crops broadcast; and rubbish was removed from empty lots and streets. The association interested itself also in local school and political affairs. When necessary, the town-board was visited by the officers of 10 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS the association and a simple statement given of unsanitary conditions found in the school. Be- fore the days of the association, individuals had complained to the town-board concerning these same matters, and had received only promises of improvement; when the same individuals went as representatives of a body which in- cluded practically all of the progressive citizens of the district, the board remedied the evils. Herein lies one of the points of greatest value in improvement associations; for while a tem- porary group is apt to get but scant recog- nition from legislators, a permanent organiza- tion is a factor with which the authorities are bound to reckon carefully. This little asso- ciation was active in obtaining larger and bet- ter schools, in introducing university-extension lectures and fostering all the better social in- terests of the community. The general improvement of a town has its reaction upon the individual resident. A broken fence or an untidy lawn never looks so ragged or untidy in the midst of general dilapi- dation, but when curbs are mended, and trees · planted along the roadways, and the village IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 11 council is persuaded to clean or pave them, the uncared-for fence or lawn becomes conspic- uously shabby. Almost unconsciously there develops the tendency to bring individual hold-. ings up to the standard which the town itself is setting. Not only in a village is a vigorous Improve- ment Association effective; in densely settled farming districts, similar organizations could do much to improve roadways, prevent the spread of noxious weeds, and have fences kept in sufficient repair to restrain cows of an un- duly venturesome spirit from investigating the neighbor's corn-rows or meandering over his strawberry-patch. The local school and its grounds can be rendered attractive, and made to serve as an object-lesson of the wonderful transforming powers of paint, grass, trees and bushes. Most of this work can be done by the school children themselves under supervision of the association. Women are usually included in the member- ship of improvement societies and prove val- uable workers, especially in what may be desig- nated as the larger housekeeping side of the 12 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS r society's work. Cleanliness, sanitation, and the beautifying of buildings and streets are only a wider interpretation of the care of an indi- vidual home. An awakened interest in these things is but a broadening of the application of the forethought exercised for the individual family, to the uses of the larger family which includes the neighborhood. These activities are in large measure a pro- vision that the children shall have as good sur- roundings outside the home as they have inside it. The children can, however, be benefited not only by having conditions made better for them, but in an increased degree by themselves taking an active part in this process of better- ment. We hear much these days of the bright- est boys leaving the farm or village for the city, and we deplore the fact. The talk of the home table too often centers about the hardness and unprofitableness of farm-work, the “deadness" of the village, and in contrast the wonderful things accomplished elsewhere are depicted as fancy paints them. And when, as is often the case, the rural surroundings are sordid, why should not the boy want to go where money IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 13 seems to be made without effort and amuse- ment be had for the mere taking? He simply translates the family attitude into action, and it is really the family that sends him forth to the city and the factory, where the day's grind is just as wearing, is endured under less health- ful conditions, and the expense of living is greater than on the farm. Yet that very boy, taken in time, might have been given life and interest in his home dis- trict and have found the rewards as well as the pains of labor there. If the inhabitants were working towards better physical conditions and the creation of larger opportunities for social, intellectual and business life in their community, the boy would unconsciously fall into a like spirit of helpfulness and interest. Once let him feel the possibility of progress at home and he is much less likely to seek his for- tune elsewhere. It is in creating an organized effort towards progress in which all the neigh- borhood, young and old, may join that an active society for local betterment becomes so valua- ble. Leaving the intellectual aspect aside for a 14 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS time, there are several other phases of the work which have their appeal to older children and aid in arousing the desired interest. One of these is to have a "junior section” in the as- sociation, holding its own sessions and also meeting with the adult members at times. Let this section help in the Arbor Day exercises and have part of their season's study concern it- self with transplanting of trees and bushes : the best varieties to plant, the size they should be when moved, method of guarding roots in moving, and the proper way of preparing the earth for new trees. Native birds and their value to plant-life provide an allied topic for discussion, and debates on matters of local gov- ernment or any new projects of the association aid in awakening interest in the home district. On Arbor Day, if there are school-exercises, they should be incorporated in the general pro- gram for the day. A dignified, serious recog- nition of this holiday is of great service in re- minding both children and adults of the need of fostering our supply of trees, for we have been so rich in forests that we are only now begin- ning to awaken to the fact that they will not er IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 15 S . last forever unless proper care is taken of them. Where the school does not celebrate Arbor Day, the Local Improvement Association should do so. Appoint a central committee to manage the exercises, having each local club, society and church organization send a representative to serve thereon. This central committee should then appoint sub-committees, each to have charge of some branch of the work:-the selec- tion of trees, the place and scheme of planting, program and luncheon. The sub-committee in charge of planting should be sure that the holes are properly dug, the trees set at the right depth, and sufficient good earth supplied for filling in. This com mittee should also select the trees and shrubs for planting, securing good specimens of vari- eties which will thrive well in the soil and climate of their vicinity. Those in charge of the selection of a site, should devote themselves to one place each year in order to have a more thorough bit of work to show for their efforts. The school-grounds, unshaded roads, church- yards and public squares are all excellent fields les a 16 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS for Arbor Day plantings. If the program com- mittee will provide a short, snappy program it will make a better impression than the usual long exercises, which are apt to weary people before their conclusion. . A luncheon may be provided and the audi- ence will be willing to make up for shortness of program by length of luncheon, and will prove duly appreciative of this inversion of the usual methods. A picnic luncheon to which all bring their own baskets is the easiest solution of the luncheon problem, and the committee can provide hot coffee (either free or at cost) to go with the cold food. If the program is in the hands of adults, the children should be assigned an ample part in it, supplying either the music or some of the recitations, and should also have an active share in the actual tree-planting. On our national holidays we speak of great events and the historic landmarks of our coun- try. What has been done to preserve those within your own boundaries? Abstract pa- triotism is a good thing, but it takes practical, local patriotism to bring about results. Let IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 17 your improvement association appoint a com- mittee on “History and Historic-Landmarks” and make a study of your own district. Who were the early discoverers and settlers? What early documents, pioneer weapons or bits of quaint old furniture, are lying in your own at- tics, stored there as half-forgotten junk? The association can easily enlist the enthusiasm of the young folks to bring these to light and help cultivate the spirit which talks with pride of "our town” or “our township." In the matter of encouraging children to take more intelligent interest in farming, the work of the Steuben Nature Study Workers may be taken as a good example. Mr. H. L. Drummer, gardener of the Soldiers' Home at Bath, N. Y., began the work by giving seeds to children who would promise to plant and care for them. He induced the business men of Bath to offer prizes for the best products of various kinds. The local fair authorities set aside a day for the children. The local paper published a list of the prizes and rules for government of exhibits. Besides flowers and vegetables, exhibits were made of collections of native wood-specimens, 18 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS minerals, butterflies and other insects. One hundred and twenty-seven entries were made and forty-six prizes awarded. On Children's Day at the fair, Prof. L. H. Bailey of Cornell University made a special address to the young folks and their parents. That was nine years ago. Since then an an- nual field-day in the Soldiers' Home has been held by the children; teachers have become in- terested, and have added practical nature-study work to the school curriculum. That the ex- hibits have been good is proven by the gold medal won at the St. Louis Exposition by the Workers; that the children have a practical turn of mind was demonstrated by an exhibit made one year by a lad aged seventeen who showed one hundred and forty-nine varieties of potatoes of his own raising. In New York the State Agricultural Department supplies a syl- labus for study in relation to the work, but in any progressive community where state aid is not easily obtainable, it is more than likely that any one of a dozen of the successful farmers of the district could work out an equally satisfac- tory, outline, suited to local conditions. IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 19 In his book on “The State and the Farmer," Professor Bailey suggests that the children be allowed to cultivate their exhibits on portions of the fair grounds which otherwise would be unused except during fair week. He contends that such use of the grounds would make for local interest and progress and lift the fair above the plane of a mere series of side-shows. Giving the boy or girl a plot of land to culti- vate, or an animal to raise for the child's own profit, helps inculcate practical interest in farm life. The actual earning of money creates a sense of satisfied achievement akin to the win- ning of a prize at the fair. The lack of spending-money and a feeling of utter financial dependence on the parents has directed the desires of more than one young boy or girl city-ward. The agricultural fair and cattle-show, if aided by the Local Improvement Association, could be made far more valuable. The chil- dren might make exhibits of their products- and if a Boys' Agricultural Club exists in the neighborhood, its products are well worth at- tention. An exhibit of labor-saving devices -SO des 20 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS for kitchen as well as farm-yard can easily be obtained from the merchants in near-by cities, and would prove of special interest to the women. em set of books sent out for the enlightenment of country residents by an eager but misdirected club, that perhaps some farmers did enjoy a cozy evening at home, reading aloud to their families on such inspiring topics as spavin and under-drainage, but personally, he pre- ferred poetry or biography. The modern State Library Commission now supplies the poetry and biography as well as books on the business side of farm life, and a sample travel- ing library, with distribution of circulars showing how to obtain one in your district, would attract many a thoughtful person at the fair and aid in the spread of the movement. It is not, however, merely the physical sur- roundings which need redirection. There is also the social side. Much of the monotony of life is often an unnecessary adjunct to the vil- lage or farm community. In an article in The Chautauquan lately, Mr. M. B. Thrasher fur- IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 21 nished an account of the beginnings of an Improvement Society in a town of about 2,000 inhabitants. At an informal meeting it be- came apparent that the town needed some vital intellectual interests, and it was finally decided to experiment on lectures. One of the men in- terested suggested a certain popular lecturer whom they could get for an evening's talk for $30.00 and his expenses. The members pres- ent at the preliminary meeting made them- selves responsible for that amount, engaged the lecturer and had him send lithographed por- traits, etc., to be put in the store windows as an advertisement of the coming lecture. Then each went to work selling tickets to reimburse himself as far as possible for the amount of his pledge. One of the churches offered its room as a lecture-hall, but after some discussion it was decided to pay $8.00 for the use of a pub- lic hall rather than run the risk of having any- one consider the lecture a sectarian venture. From this modest beginning a regular course of lectures was evolved, and by the third season there was sufficient local interest to warrant the announcement of a course of ten lectures. 22 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Tickets for the course were sold for $2.50. Several years' experience proved that it was best to get good, and if possible, famous speak- ers, because only by making the lectures thor- oughly worth while could the audience be held from year to year. Mr. Thrasher suggests that in a course of ten entertainments, five should be devoted to lectures, two or three to concerts and the others to readings by elocutionists or to illustrated lectures. When all the programs are of the same type popular interest is not held as well as by this method. It is frequently possible to cooperate with neighboring associations by engaging the same speakers and thereby saving part of the expense. After five years the association above alluded to was enabled to accumulate a surplus over and above ex- penses on a course costing from $800 to $1,000, so that thereafter an occasional season's loss did not exhaust the surplus. A couple of Chau- tauqua Circles were evolved from the lecture courses; later a moribund musical association in the county was revived through the efforts IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 23 of the Society, and gradually developed until the annual musical festival-week has become one of the notable events of the year there. Another matter which might well come under the care of the Local Improvement Association is Old Home Week. In many towns this cele- bration is fostered mainly by the local shop- keepers. It offers enough attraction to bring the neighboring farmers to town, but does not reach out to other towns and cities to draw former residents back again for a visit and re- kindle their interest in the old home. In some localities however, the entertainment has been put in the hands of a local committee, or of the Improvement Association, so that the visitors should not be exploited for money-making pur- poses solely. The games for boys and girls are carefully organized beforehand; not only does the mayor give a speech of welcome, but some former citizen who has gone out into the world are concerts and music festivals provided by the music clubs and choirs of the district, and Old Home Week accomplishes much for the 24 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS town. The inspiration of a few days becomes the motive power for many months and adds joy to the mere fact of living. While lecturers and musicians from outside the local circle are a valuable and appreciated factor, they are not indispensable to success. Carefully arranged programs within the ability of the members of your own constituency are easily made enjoyable. Joint meetings of local organizations during the week make possible better programs than if the same talent were scattered over several societies meeting sep- arately. Prof. K. L. Butterfield tells of a joint meeting organized by Rev. F. A. Holden at Morris, Conn., in 1904, in which the church, school and local Grange coöperated during Old Home Week. The working possibilities of an improvement association are beyond the limits of any one outline, but the rule for all is the same: Do the work that lies nearest you, do it with all your heart, and do it now. Whether it be physical or social improvement that is most needed in your district, only you can tell. Professor Bailey, says: “Country affairs must be re- IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 25 directed, the problem is chiefly social. Good farmers are making the farms pay and the financial part of the business is improving. The community feeling, however, seems to be dormant, if, in fact, not actually perishing in many places.” And to this we may safely add, that while the impulse may come from without the work of "redirection” must come from within. The following questions may suggest some topics for town and village local-improvement work: Do your people take a live interest in matters before the town-board, or do they need to be stirred to a more active sense of their duty at the annual town-meeting? Is there a vacant or unsightly bit of ground in your midst that by a judicious outlay could be made a town park, improving the appearance of the town and supplying an appropriate place for pub- lic concerts and outdoor meetings? Are you in touch with the work of your school super- visors? Are you acquainted with the work of the Board of Agriculture, and of the agri- cultural colleges in your state, and are you get- ting all they are ready to give you and giving 26 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS them such support or assistance as they need? Have you a local library and do you know that the Library Commission of your state will aid you, either to found a library or to increase the usefulness of the one already in existence? These are but a few of the things that a live association may bring to the attention of its community. The danger is less that all will not have enough to do, than that when started, it will be found difficult to limit the interests of the association sufficiently to render accom- plishment of work possible. When a district ceases to be a mere collec- tion of householders, and rises to the dignity of a community with common interests and common aspirations, it becomes alive and the "monotony' of country life becomes largely a thing of the past. One achievement fosters another, and unexpected potentialities are evolved. We need the stimulation of our kind for our own better development. There is a species of provincialism and a lack of varied interest in city as well as in country life, but it lies with the community in either place to de- termine whether such conditions shall remain, OrOW IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 27 BOOKS ON TOPICS RELATING TO CIVIC IMPROVEMENT. BARRON, LEONARD.—Lawns and How to Make Them. New York, Doubleday-Page.--$1.10. EGLESTON, N. H.—Handbook of Tree Planting. N. Y., Appleton.—75 cents. ELY, HELENA R.–A Woman's Hardy Garden. N. Y., Macmillan.--$1.75. MATHEWS, F. S.-The Beautiful Flower Garden. (From the artist's viewpoint.) N. Y., Orange Judd. -90 cents. PAGE, L. W.--Roads, Paths and Bridges. N. Y., Sturgis & Walton.—75 cents. PARSONS, H. G.–Children's Gardens for Pleasure, Health and Education. N. Y., Sturgis & Walton.- 75 cents. : PRUDDEN, T. M.-The Story of the Bacteria. N. Y., Putnam.—75 cents. ROBBINS, MARY C.-The Rescue of an Old Place. Boston, Houghton.-$1.25. ROBERTS, I. P.-The Farmstead. N. Y., Macmillan. -$1.50. ROBINSON, C. M.—The Improvement of Towns and Cities. N. Y., Putnam.-$1.25. WARING, G. E., JR.-Sanitary Drainage of Houses and Towns. Boston, Houghton.-$2.00. WAUGH, F. A.-Landscape Gardening. N. Y., Orange Judd.—50 cents. ZUEBLIN, CHARLES.— American Municipal Progress. (Facts about large cities but helpful also to smaller towns.) N. Y., Macmillan.-$1.25. CHAPTER II YOUNG PEOPLE'S CLUBS AND SOCI- ETIES THERE comes a period in nearly every boy's life when the clan or gang spirit is uppermost, when his interests turn to the things outside of the home-circle, the company of other boys becomes paramount and all spare time is spent with them. Most boys pass through such a stage of growth which needs to be directed into safe channels and towards the best the world has to offer. At this period the Boys' Club satisfies both the craving for companionship of others of his kind and the desire to “belong to” something, which is the basis of the gang. Not only does the club perform the negative function of keep- ing the boy out of mischief, but it has also posi- tive value. It accustoms him to getting along with his fellows, to being self-controlled and considerate of others. Here, in the society of 28 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES his equals, he acquires powers of leadership and initiative in the management of affairs for which there are few occasions in the home or in the school. He learns also to take defeat in manly fashion, for the boy soon finds that it is not the one who loses the argument, but the one who loses his good temper who suffers the real failure. The experience of the work accomplished by here as illustrative of the effect such an or- ganization can achieve. About fifteen years ago one of the men in the town noticed that his son and his son's companions-lads from four- teen to sixteen years of age-began to go out together evenings, loafing down the main street, dropping into the pool-room or saloon and rapidly assuming the gang-spirit. The father, a quiet man, had within him enough of the boy-spirit to appreciate the motives under- lying these actions and did not attempt to keep his boy at home by force. Instead, he set to work to supply a counter-attraction. He par- titioned off a part of his barn for the use of the boys. With their help he put in some simple USSU 30 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS gymnastic apparatus and went there himself to exercise with the boys. He then suggested that they might bring their friends, but neither urged it nor seemed particularly anxious to have them make use of the gymnasium. How- ever, the boys came, and having come, they stayed. One evening the man suggested that they form a little debating club and offered to put lamps and a stove in the barn-room so that it could be used all winter. In a few months the incipient gang had become a decorous debating society, and it was the ambition of all the boys in the neighborhood to join. As an outlet for their energies they entered upon other activi- ties. In winter they flooded a big lot and had their skating in view of the house. In summer they went on long tramps into the neighboring country. Their companionship, which had be- gun in a tendency against law and order, yielded readily to the discipline of the regular proceedings of their meetings, and obedience to the rules and to the officers that they elected. What the boys had needed was guidance for their energies and they followed a good leader CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 31 quite as gladly as a bad one. Although osten- sibly managed by the club officers, they uncon- sciously sought advice and direction from the man who first started them and whose influence helped them long after the club was a thing of the past, and the boys themselves were grown men. Emulating the boys, the girls of this town organized a literary and debating society of their own, and conducted it with equal suc- cess. Occasional open meetings of the two clubs, and a spirit of rivalry, served to keep both to a high standard. Boy's Clubs cover a wide range of activities and differ in their aims and methods. The club that will succeed in one place, may prove a failure in another, and only a study of the in- dividual community can determine the type re- quired. The club in the town has, to some ex- tent, different aims from that in the farming sections. In the former it is needed to keep the boys from misusing their spare time; in the latter, it provides opportunities for companion- ship. The country boy does much work alone out in the fields or about the house and farm. He does not need a club to fill in spare time, for 32 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS he is usually busy. His club must have a defi- nite reason for existence either be a purely social one, or be for study purposes. He is self-reliant enough when it comes to action. What he lacks is the faculty of expressing him- self forcibly and easily when among his fellows, and the ability to sink his personality into the mass, making himself for the time being a cog in the wheel. It is this habit of team-work which the club teaches to advantage. Athletics will also develop habits of coöperation to a marked degree. The boy who would succeed in athletic contests must have control of his temper as well as of his muscles, and under proper guidance work of this kind can do a great deal in all-round development. Where school facilities are meager, the boys can make their club a means of rounding out their education and of keeping abreast of the times. The natural resources of the region, the conditions of the community, its interests, its opportunities in the way of schools and libraries must dictate the choice of work for the club. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES A number of considerations must be kept in mind to insure the success of a Boys' Club. In the first place the members must be of about the same age in order to work from the same basis of knowledge and interest. In the club before described, boys of various ages were at first permitted to join, but the diversity of in- terest was so great that the younger lads were soon persuaded to start a society of their own, to the advantage of all concerned. Another re- quirement is to have a variety of occupations, so that all the members may find something to their taste. It will not do for the club to de- vote itself exclusively to debates, or essays, or reading. These should be judiciously alter- nated with indoor athletics, outdoor games, recitations, simple plays and entertainments. Another means of maintaining interest is to provide a few special events in the course of the year to which the boys can look forward: a public entertainment which friends and parents attend; a debate with a rival club; or a game between the club team and that of a neighbor- ing village or township. Such events lead to 34 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS a livelier interest in the regular meetings, as well as providing the joyful sense of “playing host” to friends on the appointed days. Jealousy is allayed by rotation in office, and no one boy must be allowed to become a chronic office-holder. Have committees to look after certain branches of the work, so that within a year every boy has had some personal work to do. Loyalty is engendered by service, so that each boy cares more for the club in propor- tion as he gives of himself to it. A club of boys naturally takes to parliamen- tary law. The danger lies more in their wast- ing time over details of form and business, than that they will not be formal enough in their proceedings. The following outline gives the main points to be covered by a simple con- stitution and by-laws : - Article I. This club shall be called - Article II. Its object shall be Article III. All boys between the age of — and - shall be eligible for membership. Article IV. Officers shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and sergeant-at- arms. Committees on -- shall be appointed by the president. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 35 Article V. Meetings (time and place). Article VI. A quorum shall consist of (two-thirds) of the membership of the club. BY-LAWS. Article I. Order of business. Article II. Dues. Article III. Rules of order, method of election of members, officers, etc. Encourage the boys to decorate their meeting place and make it as attractive as their oppor- tunities permit. Books and pictures, brought from home, or purchased with the receipts from an entertainment, add to the homelike- ness of the club-room. The boys may meet at each other's homes if they have no centrally lo- cated room, or they may obtain the use of some school-house, library or church in their midst, although a room of their own is preferable. Meetings should be held at regular times, as often as once a week in winter-time if possible. At least one formal open meeting should be held during the season in order to show the progress of the club and to accustom its mem- bers to conducting their program in the pres- ence of others besides the usual attendants. 36 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS The older boys can govern their clubs for themselves, but will need the stimulus of some adult to whom they can turn for help and ad- vice in the maintenance of interest and order. Boys under fourteen years of age should elect their own officers, but be under the guidance of an adult leader. On this leader depends the success of the club. It is not sufficient that he be a “good” man-he must also appeal to the boys' sense of hero-worship, be forceful and magnetic, have enough of youth in him to join in their fun and yet be able to hold their re- spect. This type of man has it in his power to be of service to the youth of the community. By raising their ideals he raises their aims and makes them unconsciously turn to a choice of the better things of life. Although he in- fluences the boys, he must not dominate their organization, or rob them of the feeling that it is they who are responsible for the success of the club. They must feel it is their club and that it is a privilege to obtain membership in it. No pressure should be brought to bear to induce membership, nor should it be presented as a merit-something to be accepted because CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 37 it is right rather than agreeable. Once in a while there is a rare woman who has influence over boys and holds them, but usually boys turn to older men rather than to women for guidance and companionship. The sort of club that will succeed in one place may be a flat failure in another. Therefore different types of organizations are described here, the characteristics of each are indicated and the particular needs to which each minis- ters are suggested. THE ATHLETIC CLUB.. Physical prowess appeals to the boy and the "strong man” is his first hero. Athletics is thus a popular interest, needing only direction in order to make it effective. Dr. Forbush, author of "The Boy Problem,” declares that social work for boys must be based on physical activity, and that the natural play instinct must be directed so that it gives not only amusement, but makes the boy physically and mentally stronger. He points out the hero-worship which exists in all growing boys and pleads that this feeling be directed in the right chan- 38 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS nels. Although the village bully may be a coward, it is quite as likely that he is merely a lad of misdirected energy, who could, under proper guidance, make his fondness for leader- ship take the form of a protector of his smaller and weaker companions instead of being their arch-enemy. The country boy has advantage over the city boy in the amount of outdoor life and fresh air that fall to his lot. He has opportunity for ex- ercise and physical development. But does he make the best of these? We have grown so accustomed to pitying the lad who is brought up surrounded by brick and mortar, and to pointing to the country for our examples of physical excellence, that facts do not always sway our preconceived notions. Both Civil War and Spanish War officers found their city-bred troops quicker to follow orders and able to en- dure more hardships than their country-bred fellows. When Mr. Myron T. Scudder of New Paltz, New York, started the Country School Athletic League of Ulster County, he found not only that the boys did not know how to play, but that when they did try, their physical CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 39 development was neither as high nor as even as that shown by the boys in the Public School Athletic League of New York City. Aside therefore from the appeal that athletics have to the boy, there is an actual need for carefully planned exercises to ensure physical well-be- ing. Obeying the rules of a game brings also ability to do team-work and exercise of self- control, such as can be gotten by no other means. Athletics can be overdone until they become harmful, but that is an argument that applies equally well to studying, working, or eating. Any virtue carried to excess becomes vice instead of virtue. There is the usual argument that country, boys get enough exercise in doing their chores. This may be so, or it may even be claimed that they sometimes get too much exercise and are harmed by the exhaustion consequent upon the amount of farm work required of them. How- ever, such labor does not take the place of carefully planned athletics. The very fact of the city boy's symmetrical development and the uneven development of the country boy, in- dicates that the latter needs a little direction in 40 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS his exercise, and, in some few cases, a lighten- ing of his chores. If the school does not give athletic training, the Boys' Club can do it. There is no need for an expensive equip- ment. Many exercises need no apparatus, while Indian clubs, dumb-bells, gloves and a punching-bag may be procured for a moder- ate sum. As for mats for wrestling and jump- ing, vaulting-poles and parallel-bars, let the boys make these for themselves. THE LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB. This type of club is so well known as to require little comment. The benefits of such an organization need scarcely be mentioned. The average child is usually incapable of ex- pressing himself clearly when speaking before a number of people. Even when he has an idea he fails to find the right words to express his thought, he stammers and hesitates, be- comes conscious of his hands and feet and fails to do himself justice. Debate accustoms him to think while on his feet, to do so quickly, and to express himself concisely. Preparation for debate widens the boy's acquaintance with CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 41 books and magazines, and enriches his thoughts. In preparing either an essay or a debate, cer- tain points must be borne in mind. The topic must first be carefully studied from all angles. Then a careful marshaling of facts on both sides should be written out by each debater in order to find both the strength and weak- ness of his statements, and prepare for all pos- sible assaults on his arguments. For example, let us suggest possible lines of argument on each side of the proposition: The Introduction of Machinery has done more Harm than Good to Mankind. Affirmative. Negative. 1. The introduction of 1. Though thrown out machinery has caused of one employment, the many laborers in factor- manufacture of machin- ies and on farms to lose ery is in itself a new their work. field of employment, and many other new fields are developing. Even in Cromwell's day the “out- of-work” problem was brought before Parlia- ment, so it is not a new 42 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS phase of life caused by 'machinery. 2. Loss of work means . 2. There has always pauperism and a charge been pauperism; and, if upon the community at anything, modern meth- large. ods tend to decrease the proportion. 3. Formerly many 3. The opening of new small farms and factories fields of endeavor make gave a large number of new opportunities—there individuals a chance to is a constant call for the rise to the top; now the competent man or woman. increased size of farm or Coöperation saves waste factory makes the num- of brain and brawn. ber of possible owners proportionally small. 4. Women are driven 4. Companionship with from home life to the others and a broadening factory. of outlook make better women. Many women live in more sanitary sur- roundings in the factory than in their homes, and learn to improve home conditions thereby. 5. The quality of the 5. Quality is more even manufactured article is and certain valuable poorer; the waste in cul- processes could never . tivating ground on the have been carried out CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 1 . farm is greater, since ma- without aid of machin- chinery has come. ery. By-products, for- merly wasted are now converted into utilities. 6. Life of the worker 6. Work is no more is more monotonous, since monotonous now than in the introduction of fac- the old days of hand- tory methods. loom and hand-reaper. 7. Country people are 7. The city is a good drawn to the town and outlet for the unemployed the town itself is made in the country. The hideous by smoke, dirt growing substitution of and ugly building. electricity for coal is do- ing away with much of the dirt and better trans- portation facilities are reducing the crowding. When the facts are gathered and arranged - in proper sequence, condense them into as brief and concise form as is possible without sacri- ficing any good arguments. A short, crisp speech is far more convincing than a minute, long one. In a debate having one speaker on each side, the first debater is usually allowed a few minutes extra time for rebuttal, after his opponent has concluded. When there are two speakers on each side, the affirmative and 44 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS negative are presented alternately and no ex- tra time for rebuttal is required. Good reading lists with topics for debates or essays are numerous. It may be possible to borrow a traveling library from the State Library Commission for the use of the club. Newspapers and magazines also furnish cur- rent material for debate. A book that will suggest topics for debates and outlines for the preparation of some of them, is Brookings & Ringwalt's Briefs for Debate.1 LOCAL HISTORY. The Historical Society developed in many neighborhoods is often made valuable to the entire district. It lays its foundation in the collecting instinct of the normal small boy. Each community has a different field opened before it. In the older districts there may be forgotten papers and letters stored in the attics of the old homes which will throw light on much early history. Old furniture, clothing 1 Brookings & Ringwalt. Briefs for Debate on Current Political, Economic and Social Topics. N. Y., Longmans, $1.25. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 45 and early forms of farm implements may be gathered. Other districts yield Indian relics to the turning of the plow. Books or magazine accounts of the history of the district may be collected. Taken together, these may form a very respectable nucleus for a local history club and museum. The amateur photographer too, will find ample use for his talents in photo- graphing historical spots and manuscripts. If he can make lantern-slides also, so much the better. The State Historical Society of the state may be able to add to the material, supply reading-lists or send a lecturer to the club. With a collection as a basis, the club could hold regular meetings, having programs cover- ing some phase of local history, or interest allied thereto. In many communities there are older men who have shared in the history- making period and could tell of the clearing of the forests, crossing the plains, the coming of the first railway, incidents of war or polit- ical history. Get them to talk to the club from time to time; for, after all, history at first hand is the most interesting. 46 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS On national holidays have special open meet- ings to which friends are invited. Debates, recitations, music and essays could form the program, or a short play or historic tableaux be given. At the annual meeting give a re- sumé of the work of the year, so that the mem- bers may get a concrete idea of what they have accomplished. A number of historical games (to be ob- tained from any publisher of card games), may be kept by the club for use at social meet- ings or after the regular meetings have ad- journed. A set of cards modeled on one of these "bought” sets may easily be made to fit local conditions, and these would prove espe- cially interesting. NATURAL HISTORY CLUB. In certain parts of the country where the forests are being demolished, or the growth of the town is destroying the wild-flower areas, samples of wood and collections of flora, care- fully mounted and indexed, will in time acquire historical as well as scientific value. The same is true of the native insects. A collection CLUBS AND SOCIETIES of birds' nests, with a colored print of the former occupants mounted above each nest, makes a valuable exhibit. Eggs, on the other hand, are not worth collecting, as they are not needed for scientific purposes, are so fragile that they are sure to be broken and involve a needless sacrifice of lives that, spared, would be employed in aiding the farmers to get rid of various pests. Geological specimens may also be gathered. Sections in Ohio and Colorado are especially interesting for the variety of minerals, rocks and fossils they will furnish. There are plenty of little books telling how to preserve natural history specimens, and the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., will furnish simple directions if asked to do so. The historical and natural history speci- mens, gathered by young people, if carefully arranged and housed in the school, library or town-hall, may in time develop into a really valuable collection. 48 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS 2 ICO AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.' The Farmers’ Institutes, State Agricultural Colleges or some official source connected with the state department of education have fre- quently encouraged the formation of Boys' Clubs to compete in raising the best crops on small plots of ground allotted to them on their home farms. The most permanent of these clubs are those under local leadership, prefer- ably that of the county school superintendent. The clubs are organized for the purpose of seeing which boys can raise the most or the best of a specified article on a certain area of ground. Certain rules of planting, culti- vation and exhibition are made for all to follow, and in most instances printed instruc- tions are followed in growing the crop. Util- izing the competitive spirit, the children are unconsciously inspired to wider interests in their efforts to raise a prize-winning crop. Incidentally they learn to recognize good and bad qualities in the product; to guard against 1 Data largely taken from U. S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin 385. Boys' and Girls' Agricultural Clubs, by F. W. Howe. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 49 insects and fungi and other dangers to their crops; to improve the quality of their product and to read agricultural literature that will be of further help to them. They may also learn to keep accounts, to gain a full realization of the time and labor required in raising a crop and the value of coöperation. An exhibition gives opportunity for compar- ison of the work and establishes a bond of common interest and social spirit among the boys. It also gains the sympathetic attention of their parents and neighbors. Whether the boys grow fruit, corn, potatoes, cotton, live- stock or poultry depends upon the locality, but whatever is grown, the effect upon the boy is the same. When he realizes that farming needs study to become effective, and his inter- est is aroused in that direction, the making of a good farmer has begun. In some clubs boys and parents make excursions to neighboring experiment-fields and to State Agricultural colleges. Others have turned to the improve- ment of school grounds as a part of their work. Nebraska has had a flourishing organization for five years past under the leadership of the 50 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS state superintendent of public instruction and the Agricultural College of the State Univer- sity. Practically every county has its mem- bers in a corn-growing organization, and under printed instructions the boys raise their crops. The girls receive recipes from the domestic science department of the State University which guide them in their baking. Essays on allied topics are written and prizes are awarded for the best composition submitted. "Early in the fall a local contest is held in each school, the three prize-winning exhibits and the best three essays being then taken to a township show, then to a county exhibit, and finally to the state corn-growing and corn- cooking contest at Lincoln. This meeting in- cludes a grand corn banquet' which gathers from 2,000 to 3,000 boys and girls from all over the state." The work in Ohio, which began under the agricultural department of the State Univer- sity now reaches practically all of the state. Illinois received its impetus from the Farmers' Institute and from county superintendents of schools. In most instances a session at the Children's corn-growing and corn-cooking exhibit at Lincoln, Nebraska CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 51 county Farmers' Institute is devoted to the work of these clubs; at many state fairs they provide one of the most interesting exhibits. From year to year the object of the club should be varied in order to maintain interest and to broaden the educative value of the work. The work for each year should be planned early and carefully. Try to effect a per- manent organization in each county before the close of school, as a school meeting will most easily bring the children together. The bul- letin mentioned will give models for calls for meetings, constitution, records, and a list of bulletins covering the raising of specific crops. In organizing an Agricultural Club for boys, build up interest among the adults as well as the children by timely talks and demonstra- tions at Teachers' and Farmers' Institutes, and also at the meetings of Granges and other societies. Get these associations to offer prizes for exhibits and obtain others from local merchants, associations and individuals. Cash, due bills for merchandise, trophy cups, farm implements or household utensils, make suitable prizes. Last year in each of four 52 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS southern states the main prize offered was a trip to Washington, D. C., where, after seeing the city, the boys visited the Secretary of Agri- culture, who presented each of the winners with a diploma of merit. Winers OTHER TYPICAL CLUBS. A type of organization valuable for boys just reaching the age of adolescence is that of the Knights of King Arthur. This was de- signed primarily as a club for boys belonging to the same church, but could be adapted to mixed groups of boys as well. The following is a description of one of these clubs which was not distinctly a church organization, although it began among the boys of one of the churches under the influence of their minister. He writes of it: “My method of procedure was to call the boys over ten years of age in my Sunday School together, and ask if they would like to have a club. There were about twelve of them. Of course, they did, and so I organized them into a Castle of the Knights of King Arthur.1 After we became pretty well ac- 1 W. B. Forbush & F. L. Masseck. The Knights of King CLUBS AND SOCIÉTIES 53 quainted, I told the boys they could invite their friends to join. I insisted that every applicant to the club should come to see me, at which time I explained carefully to him just what the club was. The K. O. K. A. is founded on the idea of chivalry and has three degrees : page, esquire and knight. Each degree has an especial ritual and initiation and requires in- creasingly more from the initiates. The de- gree of page is simply introductory, but that of esquire requires rather a stiff promise from the boy in regard to his moral life... “The object of the Order is to call forth and develop the ideal side of the boy while giv- ing him the chance to vent his physical en- ergies under proper auspices. My idea in organizing the boys was, if possible, to get rid of the hoodlumism that was developing in the town and to show the boys that there was some- one who liked them, and who took an interest in them personally. . . . My boys did vari- ous things at the meetings. There was no set Arthur. Potsdam, N. Y., F. L. Masseck. By the same au- thors: “The Queens of Avilon” (describes a girls' club of similar type). 54 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS program outside of the ritual for opening and closing the conclave. At times we had informal talks or a short address, or story-telling, and the conclave was always followed by some kind of active exercise or games." Another type of club for young boys is sug- gested by Dan Beard's Sons of Daniel Boone. This has for its object the preserva- tion of animals and trees and the members are pledged to a certain standard of conduct. The officers of the clubs are named after heroes of the early settlement through Kentucky, Ohio and westward: Simon Kenton, John Chapman, and Daniel Boone being among the number. Like the Knights of King Arthur, it will have its special appeal to boys from ten to fourteen years of age. In the foregoing paragraphs different types of clubs have been described. In practice it is often convenient and highly desirable to com- bine several activities. Furthermore, a club leader should not forget that mere sociability is in itself an end, and that the more serious 1 The Boy Pioneers, Sons of Daniel Boone. N. Y., Scribner, $2. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 55 part of the program should be followed by wholesome fun and a good time. The details of club work may well be left to each leader -for a club to be successful must adapt itself to the material and the conditions under which the organization is formed. GIRLS' CLUBS. CIB Boys and girls from the ages of 12 to 18 do not work well together in clubs. The boys want more active amusement, the girls are more inclined to quiet reading or philanthropic work, and where an attempt is made to find a common ground they are all bored, or reach a state of silly sentimentality which is infinitely worse than boredom. Boys and girls develop better in separate clubs at this stage of their existence. Occasional joint meetings of their clubs, or the entertaining of one club by the other, creates an enjoyable diversion, makes for social courtesy and adds a wholesome spirit of emulation. Girls have the same desire for companion- ship with those of their age, the same worship of ideals and the same desire to organize and 56 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS "belong to something” as have boys. They are less apt to drift into bad company than are boys, because they do not break away from home so much. But the same type of desire for their kind is there, and if taken at the right time and properly directed may do much for the development as well as the pleasure of the girl. It is good for them to have their read- ing, amusement, charity-work or any other chosen occupation subject to rules for which they are responsible, for they get thus a discipline of mind and will that cannot be ex- celled. Usually athletics are less attractive to girls than to boys. Where they do form part of a club's activities, there is need of care on the part of the club leader to prevent over-exer- tion, for the danger from strain is greater with girls than with boys. Clubs in local history and in natural history are as applicable to girls as to boys with much the same benefits. Most girls learn to sew and cook at home in helping their mothers, but few mothers have time or strength to teach their girls more than CLUBS AND SOCIETIES as the daily routine requires. It is, however, the new dish, the labor-saving device or newest- style garment which is the attractive thing to the girl. There is often some woman in the community who will gladly teach either sew- ing or cooking and is competent to do so. One cooking club for young girls was organ- ized by a lady in a small town who wished to be of some use to the girls. The club was formed of ten girls who met at her house once a week to prepare a luncheon for themselves. The hostess purchased all supplies and divided the expense equally among all. The girls worked in pairs: one couple preparing cakes and biscuit; another, the meat course; the third, vegetables; the fourth, the dessert; while the fifth pair set the table and washed the dishes. There were ten meetings, so that no girl did the same thing more than twice. The lady in charge gave each pair their instruc- tions neatly written on a sheet of paper. After the luncheon the girls would copy one another's papers with the result that at the end of the season they each had the founda- tions of a very good little cook-book. 58 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS The same idea may be carried out by a group of girls meeting in the homes of the members. Here a luncheon may be prepared and the mother of the girl in whose home the meeting is held act as supervisor or instructor. Where the club is composed of older girls, and has a leader, the practical work may be sup- plemented by a simple talk on food values. An available manual is that by Mrs. Abel, men- tioned in the list on Household Economics. Agricultural clubs are entered into by girls as well as boys. Many of the former, how- ever, turn their attention to cooking the corn- products rather than raising the corn, and most exhibitions include provisions for these exhibits and award prizes to successful con- testants. Poultry-raising is another phase of the work which appeals to girls. A Book and Needle Club, such as is de- scribed in the chapter on Women's Clubs, could be carried on by the girls, teaching them at the same time to make their own garments. Reading or debating clubs are as profitable for girls as for boys, and a local musical club can be made an incentive to repay the hours 1- CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 59 : of practice required in music study. A few good books on musical forms-opera, sym- phony, cantata, etc., and biographies of musi- cians, would supply material for the literary portion of each meeting. Some member could be assigned one book to read and present a short outline thereof at each meeting, the musical references being illustrated by song or instrumental music by other members of the club. Such a club as this will require adult assistance if the members are all very young girls, and a few really good musicians are nec- essary to make it rise to a high standard. Where such a club is made up of older girls, it may be developed into a music-center for the community. By enlisting the organist, a good pianist, violinist, and the members of the choirs, it can be made to cover a wide range of music. Such a club may extend its membership to music-lovers who cannot take active part, al- lowing these to share in the expense, but not in the direction of the society. 60 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS YOUNG PEOPLE'S CLUBS. The advantages accruing from clubs to older boys and girls are even greater than those to younger persons. They may derive the same pleasures from companionship and sociability, and achieve more in the direction of self-im- provement. Clubs of older boys or girls can be left en- tirely to themselves, except in so far as a study club, or music club chooses an outside leader to direct its work. After the age of seven- teen or eighteen, boys and girls work together with common interests. Clubs of young people may well adopt more systematic programs for study. The following example of a club orig- inally composed of younger boys, which later merged into a young people's club is full of suggestion. A Sunday School teacher in a small town discovered that the boys in her class were spending their spare time in loafing, or read- ing books of a type that could do them no good. So this woman, a born teacher and a Shakes- peare student, suggested to her Sunday School CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 61 class that those who wished might come and read with her one evening every other week. Her class was composed of boys from sixteen to twenty years of age, most of whom responded to her invitation. They chose a play and she assigned parts to the various members, each one studying his own part and then reading them together. She then showed them how each character had its individuality and yet was dependent upon the others for its development. They read the history of the period represented in the play and discovered that many of the ideas ex- pressed by the characters were representative rather of the time than of the individual. Slowly this group of young men began to get a grasp on how much they might learn from the study of a single play, and by interchang- ing parts woke a spirit of emulation. Each one wished that his rendition of a certain part should at least equal, if not excel, the reading given by some other member. In the course of their meetings they were directed to works on Shakespeare, and made acquainted with the important annotated editions. Before the sea- 62 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS son . was over, they had become earnest stu- dents. The club was not confined to members of the Sunday School class, but the original mem- bers were permitted to introduce some of their friends, both boys and girls. The number had to be limited, however, to about twenty, in or- der to keep all actively interested. After the first season or two, readings were given to which friends were invited, and these became social events to the young people of the neigh- borhood. There was always a little social time spent before or after each meeting among the members. This club endured for a num- ber of years and was parent-club to several other groups modeled upon its lines, some di- rected by members of the original club for boys and girls of younger age. In the same way other authors of books in prose or in verse, may be made the subject for a season's study—Tennyson; Wordsworth; the Nineteenth Century Romantic School; the American poets, or essayists. Similarly a season may be devoted to some period in his- CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 63 1 tory, or to any other topic of interest, such as current events, or popular science. In such a club the local congressman, the members of the legislature, or former members of the com- munity who have achieved success in some field, may be invited to tell of the work of their particular profession Much that is contained in the chapter on Women's Clubs is equally applicable here, es- pecially for details in methods of organization. Special courses of study and lists of books of reference may be obtained from the Chau- tauqua Institute or from college-extension courses. Many of the larger colleges carry on considerable extension-work. A letter to the one nearest home asking for a list of their courses on the subjects of interest to you, will bring ready response. Many of the State Library Commissions supply study-outlines and special collections of books to study-clubs. Music may be made the subject for young people's clubs more successfully than for clubs composed of either boys or girls exclusively. In connection with the local choirs, musical 64 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS societies may be developed, both for the en- richment of the musical programs of the churches, and for secular entertainments. Amateur theatricals under proper direction may supply much pleasure and be also a means of culture if the plays chosen are good ones and careful study given the parts. The par- ticipants gain practice in memorizing, elocu- tion, ease of carriage and self-control before an audience. The training brought about by a debate or play does much to counteract the tendency toward awkward bashfulness so often seen in young men of eighteen or twenty years. When distance makes many club. meetings im- possible, the study required in order to learn a part between rehearsals gives a point of interest to hold the young people together even when they cannot meet so frequently. Few boys and girls who get their fill of ama- teur dramatics get the stage-fever. The care- ful preparation and study of a part gives them an insight into what real work serious acting would be, and if there is constant rotation of parts so that the hero or heroine of one play CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 65 VIS is the servant in the next attraction, no one actor feels indispensable in the company. A little wholesome talk by the leader will also reduce the desire for a stage career, and the appreciation of the days and weeks of prepara- tion required for a single play will dampen misdirected ardor. Sometimes the dramatic club is composed of boys or girls alone, who play both men's and women's parts; usually, however, under the supervision of a leader, the young men and women can work better together. No dramatic club will be successful unless it attends strictly to business during the time of rehearsals, rel- egating its social time to the later part of the evening. Expenses of the club may be met by charg- ing an admission fee to one or two public per- formances each year, or if the club does not need the money, the proceeds might well be devoted to some charity work, to the aid of local improvement, or for church or school equipment. Suggestions regarding the choice and stag- 66 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS ing of plays will be found in the chapter on entertainments.1 In communities where acting is not ap- proved, the reading of Shakespeare or other dramatists with the parts assigned to different people may be substituted for actual theatrical performances. These are but a suggestion of the possibili- ties lying before young people's clubs both for study and social life. The social side of these clubs becomes more important as the members grow older. LIST OF BOOKS FOR SHAKESPEARE CLUB REFERENCE USE, ADAMS, W. H. D., compiler.—Concordance to the Plays. (Not as complete as the $9.00 Clarke Concor- dance but will serve for the average club.) N. Y., Dutton.-$1.50. CLARKE, MARY C.-The Girlhood of Shakespeare's Heroines; a series of fifteen tales. N. Y., Scribner.- $3.00. CRAIK, G. L.-English of Shakespeare. (Edited by W. J. Rolfe; explains language and style of poet.) Boston, Ginn.-90 cents. 1 Among the publishers of good plays for young people are Dick & Fitzgerald, New York; William H. Baker, Boston, Mass.; Edgar S. Werner & Co., New York; Samuel French, New York. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 67 DOWDEN, EDWARD.-Shakespeare (in Literature Primers. Excellent introduction to the works of the dramatist.) N. Y., American Book Co.--35 cents. JENKS, TUDOR. - In the Days of Shakespeare. N. Y., Barnes.-$1.00. ROLFE, W. J.-Shakespeare the Boy. N. Y., Har- per.-$1.25. ume: Expurgated Shakespeare, edited by H. N. Hudson (for school and family reading). Boston, Ginn, 23 vols.---35 cents per vol. in paper; 50 cents in cloth. Temple edition. (A dainty edition, notes by Israel Gollancz, M.A.) N. Y., Dutton.—40 vols. @ 45 cents per vol. New edition of Shakespeare edited by W. J. Rolfe. N. Y., Am. Book Co.-40 vols. @ 56 cents per vol. SMALL REFERENCE COLLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S MUSIC SOCIETY. BANISTER, H. C.-Music. (A general handbook.) N. Y., Holt.--80 cents. DICKINSON, EDWARD.--Music in the History of the Western Church. N Y., Scribner.-$2.50. FILLMORE, J. C.--Pianoforte Music. (History of pianoforte music and biographical sketches.) Phil., Theodore Presser.-$1.50. HENDERSON, W. J.—How Music Developed. N. Y., Stokes.-$1.25. HUNT, H. G. B.-A Concise History of Music from 68 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS the commencement of the Christian era to the present time. N. Y., Scribner.-—$1.00. KREHBIEL, H. E.-A book of Operas, their His- tories, their Plots and their Music. N. Y., Macmillan. $1.75. UPTON, G. P.-The Standard Concert Guide, a handbook of the standard symphonies, oratorios, can- tatas and symphonic poems for the concert goer. (Fuller accounts of each of the subjects treated in this book may be obtained in separate volumes by the same author.) Chicago, A. C. McClurg._$1.75. WILLIAMS, C. F. A.—The Story of the Organ. N. Y., Scribner.-$1.25. CHAPTER III WOMEN'S CLUBS In these days of coöperation, what is more natural than that women should organize to- gether for work or pleasure? The usual ar- gument against women's clubs is well answered by Clinton Rogers Woodruff, secretary of the National Municipal League, when he says: "That club life with women is liable to abuse, like club life with men, has never seemed to me either an effective or a fair argument against them. We do not judge the Christian Church by the few men and women who use it as a cloak for their iniquity. No more should we judge women's clubs by those who use them as cloaks for mere ambition, or as a means of avoiding their domestic or marital duties." A survey of the work of women's clubs throughout the country discloses the fact that in most instances, these clubs, far from leading 69 70 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS women into greater worldliness and away from their households and children, are useful in aiding the mothers to become better home-keep- ers. In other words, these clubs help the modern home to keep pace with the modern school and business life. Woman has always been considered the great social factor, con- sequently it lies with her to institute whatever reform makes for the better community life, provides openings for mental development or initiates harmless and satisfying forms of recreation. All forms of recreation and of work, gain by being shared with others. The temptation to form the stay-at-home habit is great, more particularly to women who have the care of large families and live in isolated districts. They are apt to lose the desire for contact with the life of the community and to fall slaves to a deadening routine into which it grows more and more difficult to break. To create a bond of friendly intercourse between such women, and a common meeting-ground where they may come together and spend an occasional afternoon, there to read the same WOMEN'S CLUBS 71 books, and express their thoughts to one an- other, is the object of the club; and its effect is found to be the rousing of latent interests and broadening of both mind and sympathies. The best method of starting a club is to gather a few friends who may be interested and talk the matter over informally. Decide in a general way what the work of the club shall be and who are to be invited to become members. Try to confine the membership dur- ing the first season to people who will be con- genial and who will feel an interest in the same general lines of study, since too great a diversity of purpose tends to make it diffi- cult to maintain a small club. The general objects and membership having been decided upon, send out a definite call for the first meeting. When this meeting convenes, elect a tem- porary chairman and secretary. The latter not only keeps a record of the proceedings but also notes the names and addresses of those present who signify their intention of becom- ing regular members of the club. The only business at this meeting besides informal dis- 72 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS cussion of plans should be the appointment by the chairman of a committee to prepare a con- stitution and by-laws. As soon as these have been adopted, permanent officers should be elected. It may be that by taking a recess the committee appointed to draw up this constitu- tion and by-laws can at once prepare them. If so, then at the close of the recess, the tem- porary chairman will have them discussed, debated, amended and adopted section by sec- tion; each section being read and voted upon separately. A simple constitution and by-laws, together with an explanation of the more usual rules of club decorum and management, are given at the close of the first part of this volume. They will require modification to suit the needs of each particular club adopting them. In a small and rather informal club, perma- nent officers may be elected at the first meeting, after the adoption of the constitution and by- laws. It is well to have the chairman, or reg- ular president if elected, appoint a committee, whose duty it shall be to bring in plans for the season's work at the following meeting, at WOMEN'S CLUBS 73 which time they may be discussed and deter- mined upon. Sometimes clubs hold meetings which are so simple and informal that there is no regular president; a leader being chosen for each meet- ing. In this case it is not good policy to ex- pect the member in whose home the meeting is held to serve as leader, since her duties as hostess are quite sufficient to make it inexpe- dient for her to act also as presiding officer. In a more formal small club, three officers: President, Secretary and Treasurer, will be found sufficient, the number of officers increas- ing with the membership and number of ac- tivities of the club. In the absence of any of the officers, a member may be chosen to fill the office temporarily. It is a mistake to overload the club either with many officers or with a multiplicity of sub- jects to be studied. Select subjects such that material for study may be easily obtainable and that preparation of work will not take too much time from busy members. There are many programs that may be made useful and enjoyable by a little 74 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS 1 preliminary reading, and the use of a few ref- erence books. In arranging the program try to make at least an outline for the entire season, and as- sign the more elaborately prepared work as far ahead as possible in order that ample time may be given for necessary study and reading. It is advisable for the Secretary to again notify all participants in each program two weeks in advance of the date of its delivery, in order that there may be no misunderstandings at the last moment. Many women find it difficult to speak before a group of people, this difficulty often amount- ing to painful nervousness. Training and ability to speak readily are acquired either by having all members respond to a roll-call with some quotation, by giving brief reports of cur- rent events, or some kindred method. One club answers roll-call with anecdotes. Another club responds by having each member an- nounce some discovery which she has made or of which she has heard, thereby possibly bring- ing out, in turn, every subject from the proper temperature of an oven for making angel-cake WOMEN'S CLUBS 75 : 75 to the difference between contagious and in- fectious diseases. If the membership is large enough to sup- port several sections, work along different lines may be carried on by each of them simul- taneously, with occasional joint meetings on topics of general interest. A club of farmers' wives is not apt to assume a size sufficient for division into sections, but if more than one club exists in a township, an occasional joint- meeting could be arranged which would pro- mote acquaintance and permit a comparison of methods of work. If a speaker from outside circles is occa- sionally asked to address the club, a new point of view may thereby be introduced to add life to the topic. Even if the visitor's ideas are not such as agree with those of the members, yet the mere suggestion of a new angle of vision helps to clarify opinions. At the same time, the work by the club's own members is not to be lightly brushed aside, for one's great- est interest lies in the things to which one con- tributes, rather than in those which one merely receives. 76 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Just what program will best suit any one club must be determined by its own members. Rather than lay down any arbitrary rules of procedure, let me suggest what some existing clubs have done. Several clubs, for instance, have found ample field for study in the work women are accomplishing in this country. In literature, science, art and the business field they are making their way, partly driven by changes in economic conditions and partly because those in the vanguard have pushed the door so wide open in their efforts to gain “an enter- ing wedge” that it has become easy for others to follow. It is less difficult to find accounts of the women who have distinguished themselves in literature than in any other field and there- fore this subject especially recommends itself for a reading course where books and current magazines are few. There is possibility of great elasticity in the choice of books. These may consist solely of the works of the authors cited, or, if a library is at the service of the club, they may be supplemented by biograph- ical and critical material. · WOMEN'S CLUBS : 77 : It will be found to be more satisfactory to devote an afternoon to an author, rather than to attempt to crowd too much material into a short space of time. Condense the bio- graphical notes as much as possible and devote the major part of the time to reading ex- cerpts from the author's books. These should be selected with the object of illustrating the different styles of writing practiced by the author, and should be read aloud by various members of the club, to whom they have been assigned beforehand by the leader for the day. Later, let the books circulate among the mem-: bers, in order that they may have opportunity to read them through, if they so desire. . If the books to be read are largely fiction, the club will derive far more benefit from its season if it devotes a preliminary period of several meetings to a discussion of what the novel stands for in literature and how to read and appreciate it. Marion Crawford's “The Novel : What it is,” and Brander Matthews'. "The Short Story," should be read and dis- cussed to that end. In the early days of women's clubs the ten-:. 78 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS rS. dency was largely literary or philanthropic, but latterly the field has broadened to cover all topics of interest. A number of clubs are forming travels at home" classes. One of these recently completed a round-the-world tour, the course having occupied several years. Each member of the class selected some coun- try for which she did the main work and was assisted by other members to whom she as- signed special topics. The order of study covered the following points: Name or names of the country-ancient and modern; location, boundaries, size and general geography (coasts, mountains, plains, rivers, etc.); climate; vegetable products; animals raised; inhabitants; food products and prep- aration; peculiarities of clothing; industries; religion; form of government and name of present chief magistrate; principal towns and capital; art; architecture; music; commerce; customs; foreign possessions; general history and literature; recent news. In some of the more newly settled sections of the United States, where all of the adult population are recent arrivals from other WOMEN'S CLUBS 79 states, or from foreign lands, and where no native inhabitant could possibly be over ten years of age, a series of most interesting trav- el-talks could be given by having each member of the club take as her topic the district in which she was born or in which her childhood was passed. There would be an intimate ele- ment added to these talks which no amount of study without the touch of personal familiar- ity with the subject could give. Of course, each member would be expected to add to the breadth and accuracy of her information by careful reading on her topic. The club naturally wishes to see the places it visits, instead of merely hearing about them, and luckily this wish is readily gratified. A number of firms 1 now issue inexpensive prints of the famous places of the world and several hundred views will be found within the means of a modest treasury. Ample illustration can be secured for any special period or for any one country. Not only in travel clubs are pictures of value. Literary societies also may 1 A list of firms handling inexpensive prints will be found at the end of this chapter. 80 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS find pictures illustrating the scenes in which their tales are laid, and patriotic clubs may procure copies of historic pictures and places in many ways. For instance a reading of George Eliot's “Romola," is made more vivid by views of the old city of Florence. Do you remember how, when Tito fled across the Ponte Vecchio, he ran down to the middle of the bridge before jumping into the Arno flowing below? Did you ever wonder why he ran all that way instead of jump- ing while nearer the shore? Was it because there the water was not deep enough and he would be crushed on the rocks? No, not that. Just look at a picture of the quaint old Ponte Vecchio, and you will discover at a glance. Along both sides of that bridge are built little shops with only the central arches left to give an unobstructed view of the river. Up to that point, a person on the bridge is hemmed in by the shops on each side as on an ordinary street, and once upon it, Tito had to reach the middle before he found an opportunity to jump into the river. A good idea for a club using collections of UTENTE Ponte Necchio WOMEN'S CLUBS en pictures is to circulate these among the mem- bers, a few at a time. Mounted on light weight card-board or bristol-board, they may be easily handled and kept in good condition. A few pictures put where they can be seen while one's daily work is being done, and then exchanged for a few others, will in the course of a couple of weeks or months afford far more pleasure than the possession of a larger collec- tion, which is not kept in view. Mention of pictures naturally suggests the art club, for like the travel club it depends in large degree on illustration to enlighten its text. The work of an art club must not be taken to mean exclusively the studying of the biog- raphy of artists and a critical analysis of their works. There is another and a practical side to it, which lies at one's very doors. Why study the art of Greece and Rome when one's own home is far from having such beauty as might easily be given to it? Your immediate neighborhood is worth more to you than a Corot landscape, and what avails the study of beautiful things unless it helps you to see 82 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS where beauty may enter into your daily life? If there is a new public building about to be erected in your neighborhood, are the town authorities getting plans for the most artistic structure that the funds at their disposal will command? Are there pictures on the walls of your school-house? If so, are they the sort of pictures that will burn into the memory and be carried as a joy and inspiration through life? Should your club be able to give one artistic thing to your school each year, it will make for the education of the children. Each cast and picture should be the finest that your means will allow, for one good thing is better than several mediocre ones. Provided there is a Local Improvement As- sociation in your district, the art club should coöperate with it in all that makes for beauty. In some states, Minnesota, for instance, the State Federation of Women's Clubs has founded a State Art Society which receives a state appropriation for holding annual exhibits i Casts should be waxed so that they may be sponged at times to avoid the accumulation of dust, which will not only destroy the outlines but also act as a menace to health. WOMEN'S CLUBS 83 of art and handicraft, and the giving of a course of art lectures each year. The librarian of the nearest library is usually glad to find serious students who are making use of the books, and cheerfully coöperates with the program committee in selecting such references as are at the library's command or may be obtained by it. In many towns the librarian or purchasing committee of a library will devote a certain percentage of their book fund to buying along lines that will be of serv- ice to the club in its work, if the program or book-list is submitted far enough in advance of the times at which their purchases are to be made. In a number of instances women's clubs have been the means of organizing local libraries; the members in the first instance buying small reference collections for their own use, and then, by means of entertainments, gathering the means for purchase of larger supplies of books. They then make the entire collection the nucleus of the local library, which the vari- ous members take turns in serving as librarian. In Appleton, Wisconsin, the clubs often donate 84 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS their books of reference to the library at the end of their season. In several states the traveling library and the Library Commission are both creations of the women's clubs, their books, money, and in- fluence having been given, until both library and commission grew into accomplished facts. If there are not the necessary books within reach, a traveling library may be obtained from the library commission in the state and many state commissions make up special libraries for the use of study clubs. Several State Library Commissions have prepared outline courses of study on a variety of topics, which may be bor- rowed by clubs. Leaving the literary and artistic side of club life, let us take a glance at what some women's clubs are doing in the fields of domestic econ- omy, neighborhood improvement, and the specific work of supervision of the child and the school. One very simple study club was formed by a group of women who pacified their troubled consciences for giving themselves an "afternoon off" each week by taking their sew- ing with them. They organized a "Book and WOMEN'S CLUBS 85 Needle Club” in which the members took turns in reading aloud from some chosen volume. Wishing to vary their program they decided to devote half an hour to discussion of some topic before beginning their reading. The con- tents of their sewing-baskets and the materi- als upon which they were at work were chosen as subjects of discussion. The possibilities of such a program grew and resulted in a series of ten minute talks. A leader was appointed for each afternoon, who discussed the main topic, and was followed by other members, previously selected by her to discuss the sub- topics which had not been touched upon. The source of each article, its history and the his- tory of its manufacture were given and com- parison made of the various kinds and grades of goods, and the best method of taking care of each article was discussed. They were: 1. Sewing implements: scissors, pins, needles, thread (cotton and silk), etc. 2. Cotton: (in- cluding the history of the cotton-gin), mercer- ized cotton; dyed in the yarn; printed goods. 3. Wool: (including sheep raising in the United States), alpaca, and mohair goods. 4. Silk: 86 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS (silk culture in the United States), Tusseh or tusser silks; artificial silks; silk mixtures with wool, linen, cotton, etc. 5. Colors and dyes: - vegetable, mineral and aniline dyes. Warm and cold colors; colors to choose or to avoid. A number of clubs are taking courses in cook- ing and food values under the leadership of members of the Household Economics Depart- ment of some neighboring college. They are thereby becoming acquainted with labor-saving devices, as well as the nutritive value of vari- ous foods. Much of their enlightenment comes from the free discussion by the club members as well as from their chosen leaders. In any study of household economics, it is scarcely necessary to remind farmers' wives of the value of the Farmers' Bulletins published by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, to be ob- tained from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C., who will send a list of them on request. In a club of a dozen members, meeting twice a month, the following topics would supply a season's program. A leader should be ap- pointed for each afternoon who presents a WOMEN'S CLUBS 87 carefully prepared digest of the subject under discussion and then throws the meeting open for a general exchange of views and experi- ences. 1. Saving strength by saving steps: Ar- rangement of sink, ice-box, kitchen utensils and stove, in order to keep things within reach. Dishwashing utensils, racks for drying dishes, etc. Methods of saving steps in setting and clearing the table, etc. See Farmers' Bul.1 353 for economical ice-box construction; No. 270 for household conveniences; No. 342 for model kitchen. 2. The best and most economical stoves and lighting devices, and their care. 3. The fireless cooker, pro and con. Its value in preparing breakfast cereals overnight and in saving of fuel. How to construct a cooker. (Bulletin 269.) 4. Care of drains and garbage disposal. (Bulletin 69, on kitchen and table wastes.) 5. Removal of dust and proper ventilation. 1 These bulletins are issued by the Department of Agricul- ture at 5 cents each. Works covering topics not reached by the Bulletins will be found in the list on Household Economics at the end of this chapter. 88 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS This includes a discussion of the use of rugs instead of having carpets fastened to the floors, collecting dust in corners and underneath the fabric; use of dampened cloth in dusting, use- lessness of feather duster, etc. Ventilation at night and means of preventing draughts. 6. Canning and preserving: labor-saving de- vices. Does it pay to do all your canning in- stead of buying canned-goods, when the labor and fuel are counted in the cost of doing it at home” (Bulletins 175, 203, 359.) of food. (Bulletins 34, 85, 93, 112, 121, 128, 142, 182, 244, 249, 256, 293, 332, 363, 391.) 8. School lunches. 9. Household decoration: pictures, wall- papers, carpets and furniture. 10. (a) What are the best flowers to raise for interior decoration? (b) What are the best flowers to raise for the decoration of the home grounds? (Bul. 195 for annual flowering plants.) 11. (a) Shall we have a parlor to use only occasionally or shall we convert it into a com- fortable sitting-room for daily use? WOMEN'S CLUBS 89 (b) What shall we do to make the kitchen more attractive? 12. What shall we do to keep the children at home and interested in home and farm work? From the economics and housekeeping of the home it is but a step to the larger economics and housekeeping of the neighborhood. It is valuable not only to know the best methods of cooking meat, but to know also that the meat is in good condition and properly cared for be- fore it reaches the kitchen. Should you have reason to suspect that the food offered for sale is being handled in an unsanitary manner in your shopping town, proper agitation for in- spection of village shops may be considered as well within the scope of any women's club. If care is taken that your children are protected from bad air and bad drainage at home, it should lie within the scope of your club to see that like care is taken in the schools to which your children are sent. If trees are planted in your gardens and the walks and drives are kept in good condition, why not extend your interest beyond your own gates and aid in tree- planting along the highways, and make those. 90 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS highways such that they are not a continual sorrow to man and beast. In any effort to improve conditions, a certain amount of opposition must be overcome, and it takes much good judgment and more tact to keep from antagonizing those with whom you wish to work. They must be made to realize that you are trying to work with them and not against them in order to overcome opposition. In the matter of having greater cleanliness in shops, the exercise of care that food-stuffs, such as bread, pickles, meat, etc., are not ex- posed to the dust of the streets; that refuse is not pushed under the counters, or animals housed with food-stuffs in the storage-rooms; or unsanitary toilets allowed in these rooms, let your club use due vigilance. If you can get one shop-keeper to do away with these abuses the field is yours. For the sake of retaining their business hold upon the community the other shops will have to come up to the stand- ard set. A vital part of women's club-life has always been in the study of child-life, the relations of school and home and the improvement of WOMEN'S CLUBS 91 schools. One of the most inspiring stories of what women have accomplished for the better- ment of school conditions was told by E. C. Brooks in The World's Work a few years ago. Started by a conference of a few young women in a North Carolina normal school, the move- ment spread until a state association was formed to aid and advise the local association of parents, teachers and pupils which was started in each little district. Whatever the school needed became the object of the local association to supply. The whole movement may be typified by the courage and persistence of one little community, District No. 1, New Hope Township, Wayne County,—a territory containing only sixteen families having chil- dren of school age, with a total of twenty-seven pupils in attendance during the four months' school term. The local association, numbering seventy-five persons, held eight meetings dur- ing the school term, and raised $141.70 by en- tertainments and subscriptions. This was not a wealthy community, for only eight of the six- teen families owned their own land, all the women did their own housework, and in only 92 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS one family did the members have high-school education. Yet this little band in the course of one year improved the school surroundings by taking up stumps, replacing scraggy trees by good ones, leveling the ground and laying walks. They had an addition to the school- house built, put in new windows, built new steps and had the building painted inside and out. They paid the music teacher's board and part of her salary; they bought an organ, a library and several pictures. Women and chil- dren cleaned the desks and floors, polished the stove, and put up racks for the children's wraps, all without any aid from the school fund. The men of the neighborhood assisted with the car- pentry and heavier work in the school yard. The children did much of the cleaning and earned money for pictures by a Saturday's work at cotton-picking, in which their teacher helped them; but except the teacher and one lad of seventeen all were under twelve years of age. Free concerts and entertainments on all holidays followed the installation of the organ, and the school has become the neighborhood center and inspiration. Other districts have WOMEN'S CLUBS 93 done like work--still others are following their example. REFRESHMENTS. Many clubs serve refreshments at the close of their sessions, and when members come from a distance and will have long rides home again this is an excellent plan. Neighbors who meet but seldom feel this opportunity for getting better acquainted over their tea-cups, one of the best features of any club. It gives an op- portunity for friendly talks at a time especially set apart, instead of letting outside matters creep in and disturb the regular club program. But whenever this is done a strict rule should be made and adhered to as to what is to be served for refreshments; otherwise there is a risk that each hostess, with a natural desire to show hospitality, might be tempted to outdo the previous entertainer through fear of fall- ing behind. If the club has a regular place of meeting it is well, therefore, to have a standing committee whose duty it shall be to take charge of the refreshments, to make the coffee, and to 94 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS call on various members to take turns in sup- plying other articles of food. The social time at the luncheon table is not to be lightly frowned upon, for it takes much the same place with women that the social smoke does with men-a means of falling into an easy chat which paves the way to stronger friendships. Another value lies in the fact that nearly every club has among its mem- bers women who are not used to talking out- side of the family circle, and who hold back at the meetings to a degree that at times makes them seem cold and uninteresting. If women of this retiring disposition are put on the social or refreshment committee, or asked to help with the serving, it gives them a means of showing their warmer side to the club, because in look- ing after the welfare of others they grow un- conscious of themselves, forget their shyness and gradually are at ease. The aims and purpose of the town and the country club being in many particulars quite diverse, they are not often prone to affiliate; yet having in common their fundamental mo- tives, these clubs may in a way supplement one WOMEN'S CLUBS 95 another, and, to a certain extent, become allied to their mutual advantage. A town club in one small western village has made itself useful to its farm sisters in a most sensible way and at no great expense to itself. The farmers usually drive into town once a week to do any necessary marketing and to meet their friends for a social and business chat. They congregate in the drug-store, postoffice or hotel-lobby, and make themselves at home. The farmers' wives, however, did not enjoy remain- ing in these lounging places, and when they ac- companied their husbands to town were often at a loss for a resting-place after their shop- ping was done, especially if they did not hap- pen to feel inclined to visit their village friends. Moreover, some of the women were obliged to bring their children with them, thus further complicating their problem. The village Women's Club had this situation brought to its attention, and decided that when the farmers' wives came to town they should be deemed the guests of the club. The matter was placed in the hands of a committee, a large, airy room was rented, enough furniture was 96 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS donated by various members (partly from their own over-supply), and the room thus converted into an attractive rest-room, one of the most welcome attachments of which was full toilet, conveniences. The club then invited the farm- ers' wives to make use of the room when in town, and to extend the invitation to their friends and neighbors. The entire proceed- ing was carried out with such simplicity and good-will that it was accepted in the spirit in which it was offered. This guest-room has proven a boon to many a tired woman who has been refreshed by an hour's rest while wait- ing for her husband, and by the mother who found a place in which to give her children a luncheon brought from home. Members of the village club visit the room daily, and friend- ships are then formed that far more than justify the little expense incurred for rent and maintenance. Latterly a club has been formed among some of the farmers' wives and joint meetings of the town and country clubs are held a couple of times in the season-these being largely social affairs. Ottumwa, Iowa, has provided a rest-room for country visitors in its WOMEN'S CLUBS a means town-hall; Storm Lake has a successful one in connection with its library, some other small cities and villages have done the like, and been equally a means of benefit to both town and country. The club that has progressed to local strength may often gain added impetus by join- ing its state Federation of Women's Clubs. The Federation carries on consecutive work in several different directions, and the local club may thus receive much help in its work, whether for betterment of school conditions, for getting in touch with the library movement or for ex- change of papers, programs, etc. The annual fee for the club is usually about $3.00 to $5.00. New York State has for some years past held Women's Institutes in connection with its Farmers' Institutes. Other states are adopt- ing the idea, and while the practice is not yet universal, the tendency is growing. This does not bar women from attendance at the general meetings, but adds topics of exclusive interest to women. Just as the men are attracted to the latest labor-saving devices in farm ma- chinery, so should their wives and daughters 98 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS have an opportunity to learn of labor-saving devices in household machinery. The program at such an Institute is generally conducted by both experts and the women who attend, each group giving part of the instruction. Women who find it difficult to arrange a pro- gram but wish consecutive work, can arrange with the “Chautauqua Reading Circle” 1 of Chautauqua, New York, either to follow their regular course of study or get some of their special programs. In conclusion let me quote Dore Lyon in an article written for Collier's Weekly some years ago: The Women's Club is hardly understood by the mass of men and women who stand on the outside and condemn, but make no special effort toward their own enlightenment on the subject. It is simply hav- ing one's pleasure, duty, philanthropic work or charitable work, as the case may be, organized. ... In their club life, women exchange ideas on important topics of the day, they give to each other the result of their study of subjects of general inter- est; they exercise long forgotten lines of imaginative 1 The monthly magazine with club membership costs $2.00; the books for the regular course each year added makes a total cost of $5.00. Special club arrangements can be made. WOMEN'S CLUBS 99 composition by writing papers and essays; they culti- vate feelings of cordiality and good-fellowship to- ward their own sex, and they bring into their lives uplifting influences. ..Women likewise gain a training in their club life which is invaluable to their homes for they are taught self-control and a dignified consideration of important questions. A woman with a well poised and rounded mind certainly makes a better housekeeper. LIST OF FIRMS HANDLING INEXPENSIVE REPRODUCTIONS OF FAMOUS PICTURES, ETC. G. P. Brown & Co., 38 Lovett St., Beverly, Mass. Pictures one cent each; 120 for $1.00. Cosmos Picture Co., 119 West 25th St., New York. Ten pictures, standard size, for 25 cents; 50 pictures, $1.00. All subjects in dull finish and very effective. Detroit Publishing Co., Detroit, Mich. Souvenir Postal Cards. These cover travel in various coun- tries, giving street scenes and architectural repro- ductions. Portraits of illustrious people are also included. 10 for 25 cents. Be sure to specify post- cards, as this company carries photographs also. A. W. Elson & Co., 146 Oliver St., Boston, Mass. The Elson prints are photogravures on etching paper. They are published in sets of ten for $1.00, or ten cents each for single pictures. One set “Here Shake- speare lived” is valuable for illustration in a Shake- speare course. Houghton, Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Portrait cat- 17 U 100 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS alogue, 10 cents; portraits of authors and their homes, 10 for 20 cents; by the hundred, one cent each. A. W. Mumford & Co., 378 Michigan Ave., Chi- cago, Ill. Colored pictures of birds, mammals, min- erals, insects and plants. 2 cts, each; $1.80 per 100. Perry Picture Co., Malden, Mass. Reproductions of famous pictures, persons and places, Indian por- traits, etc. Price, 1 cent each, in lots of 25 and over; 120 for $1.00. Singer Sewing Machine Co., Manhattan Borough, New York City. Pictures of United States scenery in sets of ten, price 18 cents for postage. Soule Photographic Co., Dudley St. (Roxbury), Boston, Mass. Photographic reproductions of objects of art, architecture, etc., 4x5 inches, 15 cents each, or $1.50 per doz. ; 8x10 inches, 30 cents, $3.00 per doz. Bureau of University Travel, Trinity Place, Boston, Mass. Reproduction of Greek and Roman Sculpture, Italian Art, Dutch and German Art. Pictures, 1 cent each, in lots of 25; 80 cents per 100. LIST OF REFERENCE BOOKS FOR USE BY READING CLUB. (The first two titles apply to course on American i women writers only.) Women Authors of Our Day in Their Homes. Ed- ited by F. W. Halsey. N. Y., Pott.—$1.00. 1 H. L. Johnston, Boston, L. C. Page.-$1.50. CHESTER, ELIZA (H. E. Paine).-Chats with Girls on Self-culture (Portia series). N. Y., Dodd.-$1.25. WOMEN'S CLUBS 101 CRAWFORD, F. MARION.-The Novel : What it is. N. Y., Macmillan.-75 cents. LEGOUVE, ERNEST.--Reading as a Fine Art. (Primer on the art of reading aloud.) Phila., Penn Publishing Co.-50 cents. MABIE, H. W.-Essays on Books and Culture. N. Y., Dodd.-$1.25. MATTHEWS, J. BRANDER.—Philosophy of the Short Story. N. Y., Longmans.-50 cents. MATTHEWS, J. BRANDER.— The Historical Novel and other Essays. N. Y., Scribner.—$1.25. MOULTON, R. G.-Four Years of Novel Reading. Boston, Heath.–50 cents. . WHEELER, W. A. & C. G.–Familiar Allusions. (Explains allusions to art, history, mythology, etc., met with in reading.) Boston, Houghton, $2.00. WOOD, JAMES (compiler).—Dictionary of Quota- tions. (Ancient, modern, English and foreign sources.) N. Y., Warne & Co.-$3.00. 1 A FEW BOOKS ON ART FOR ART CLUBS. BALFOUR, HENRY.-Evolution of Decorative Art. N. Y., Macmillan.--$1.25. BENSON, W. A. S.--Elements of Handicraft and Design. (Written for use in school-work shops, but filled with practical directions for carpentry and de- signing.) N. Y., Macmillan, $1.60. CAFFIN, C. H.-American Masters of Sculpture. N. Y., Doubleday.-$3.00. CAFFIN, C. H.-The Story of American Painting. N. Y., Stokes.-$2.75. CLEMENT, CLARA E. (Mrs. Waters).-Handbook of Legendary and Mythological Art. Boston, Hough- ton.--$3.00. DE FOREST, JULIA B._Short History of Art. (Popular account.) N. Y., Dodd.-$2.00. GOODYEAR, W. H.-A History of Art, for classes, art students and tourists. N. Y., Barnes.-$2.80. HAMERTON, P. G.–Thoughts about Art. Boston, Roberts Bros.--$2.00. HARRISON, BIRGE.-Landscape Painting. (Based on talks given before the N. Y. Art Student's League.) N. Y., Scribner.--$1.50. HAMLIN, A. D. F.-A Text Book of the History of Architecture. N. Y., Longmans.-$1.50. HEATON, MRS. M. M, K.-Concise History of Paint- ing. (Most valuable of the older short histories.) N. Y., Macmillan.-$1.50. VAN DYKE, J. C.-Art for Art's Sake. (Simple nontechnical explanation of art and its meaning.) N. Y., Scribner.-$1.50. Little Books of Art, a series published by A. C. McClurg & Co., Chicago, Ill., @ $1.00 per volume. They cover the subjects: art of Japan; book plates ; Christian symbolism; enamels; English furniture; music; jewelry; miniatures. These works are by different authors. 1 Leypoldt & Iles, in their List of Books for Girls and description of Della Robbia work and accounts of Gothic vaulting WOMEN'S CLUBS 103 QT BOOKS FOR A TRAVEL PARTY FROM THE MISSISSIPPI TO CALIFORNIA AND PUGET SOUND, BRIGHAM, A. P.-Geographic Influence in Ameri- can History, Boston, Ginn.-$1.25. BROOKS, NOAH.–First across the Continent; the Story of the Expedition of Lewis and Clark, 1803-5. N. Y., Scribner.-$1.50. DRAKE, S. A.-Making of the Great West. N. Y., Scribner.-$1.50. GARLAND, HAMLIN.-The Trail of the Gold-seekers. N. Y., Harper.-$1.50. HOUGH, EMERSON.—The Story of the Cowboy. N. Y., Appleton.-$1.50. IRVING, WASHINGTON.—The Fur-traders of the Co- lumbia River and the Rocky Mountains. (Contain- ing extracts from Irving's Astoria and The Adven- tures of Captain Bonneville.) N. Y., Putnam, 90 cts. LUMMIS, C. F.-A Tramp across the Continent. N. Y., Scribner.-$1.25. PARKMAN, FRANCIS.--The Oregon Trail. Boston, Little.—$1.50. (Crowell, N. Y. edition @ 35 cents.) PAXSON, F. L.-The Last American Frontier. N. Y., Macmillan.--$1.50. REMINGTON, FREDERIC.-Pony Tracks. (With Gen- eral Miles in the Bad Lands and Yellowstone. Illus- trated by the Author.) N. Y., Harper.-$1.75. ROOSEVELT, THEODORE.- Episodes from "The Win- ning of the West. 1769–1807." (Knickerbocker lit- erature series, Vol. 1.) N. Y., Putnam.--90 cents. SHINN, C. H.- The Story of the Mine, as illustrated 104 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS U by the great Comstock Lode of Nevada. N. Y., Appleton.—$1.50. The following maps will be found useful and a copy of each, obtained by the club secretary, should be displayed on the wall during the meeting. Transportation routes of the world. U. S. Depart- ment of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 57x32 inches. Free on application. State maps. General Land Office, Washington, D. C. Vary in size. 10 cents each. REFERENCES FOR BOOK AND NEEDLE CLUB. LAUGHLIN, CLARA E., ed.—Complete Dressmaker with simple directions for Home Millinery. (In- cludes boys' clothing, renovating, etc.) N. Y., Apple- ton.-$1.25. PATTON, FRANCES.-Home and School Sewing. (Gives description of materials.) N. Y., Newson & Co.—60 cents. WATSON, KATE H.-Textiles and Clothing. Vol. X, Library of Home Economics series. (Gives prac- tical directions for sewing and history of the art very fully illustrated. Lists of other books to con- sult are cited. Best single volume on subject.) Chi- cago, American School of Home Economics.-$1.50. BOOKS ON HOUSEHOLD ECONOMICS. (References in addition to the Bureau of Agriculture . Bulletins.) ABEL, MRS. M. W. H.-Practical Sanitary and WOMEN'S CLUBS 105 Economic Cooking. Rochester, N. Y., American Pub- lic Health Association.-40 cents. BAILEY, E. H. S.-Text-book of Sanitary and Ap- plied Chemistry. N. Y., Macmillan.—$1.40. CURTIS, MRS. I. G.-The Making of a Housewife. (Facts told in story form.) N. Y., Stokes.—$1.35. HARRIS, DR. L. F.—Health on the Farm. N. Y., Sturgis & Walton Co.--75 cents. HARRISON, EVELEEN.--Home Nursing. N. Y., Mac- millan.-$1.00. LYNDE, C. J.-Home Waterworks. N. Y., Sturgis & Walton Co.—75 cents. OPPENHEIM, NATHAN.—Care of Children in Health. N. Y., Macmillan.-$1.25. PARLOA, MARIA.—Home Economics. N. Y., Cen- tury Co.-$1.00. POPE, A. E. & CARPENTER, M. L.—Essentials of Dietetics in Health and Disease. N. Y., Putnam, $1. PRUDDEN, T. M.—Dust and its Dangers. N. Y., Putnam.—75 cents. RICHARDS, MRS. E. H. S. & S. M. ELLIOTT.-Chem- istry of Cooking and Cleaning. Boston, Whitcomb.- $1.00. TERHUNE, MRS. M. V. H.—Marion Harland's Com- plete Cook-book. Indianapolis, Bobbs-Merrill.—$2.00. VAN DE WATER, MRS. V. T.-From Kitchen to Gar- ret. N. Y., Sturgis & Walton Co.-75 cents. N. Y., Barnes.—$1.00. WIGGIN, KATE D. (Mrs. Riggs). Children's Rights; a book of Nursery Logic. N. Y., Houghton.-$1.00. CHAPTER IV SOCIAL CENTERS EVERY community has its social centers in which people congregate. Some of these, al- though organized for business purposes, by their very nature drift into the position of social centers. One of the most notable in- stances was the post-office (especially at mail- time), before the advent of the local delivery and “R. F. D.” Everybody went for the mail and incidentally met everybody else. All the news was published there long before it found its way into the columns of the local paper. This had a certain value, for at least it brought people together. Other social centers were organized for the distinct purpose of aiding people to pursue common interests and pleas- ures. Of these the most notable are the church, the school and the library. In some places one of these three is the chief factor, in 106 SOCIAL CENTERS 107 others, another is better developed. The ex- periments and successes with all three in dif- ferent communities offer suggestions which may be adapted to the particular needs of other places, and it is with these possibilities of greater expansion and service that this chapter has to deal. THE CHURCH. Religious organizations are now alive to the advisability of making the church a larger fac- tor in the life of the community. Little, there- fore, need here be said on the subject, since church journals are busy discussing the prob- lem in all its aspects, and each congregation has its own ideas as to how far it shall reach out into the neighborhood life. The tendency for the churches to take an active part in the life of the people and not merely of their Sun- day life, is spreading rapidly among the city congregations. While the country church does not face the same problems of mad rush and the lure of vulgar amusements, it has before it a serious situation in the absence of proper encourage- ment to a fuller and richer life. 108 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS There is, then, a rich field for the country church in which it can reach out and minister to the daily needs of its members. It may well serve as a center for intellectual and social life, by providing a meeting-place for permanent or temporary organizations working for the pub- lic good, or even be the means of instigating the formation of such organizations. Where there are regularly organized clubs in the com- munity, the church could house them; where no clubs exist, the church members might form them. Serious study-clubs for men and women or social clubs for the young people are powers for good potent enough to be worthy the sanc- tion and assistance of the church. Courses of lectures on travel, literature, or problems of local talent or calling in outsiders for the dis- cussion of problems. The use of the stereop- ticon for illustrating lectures adds greatly to the interest aroused. Clubs, especially young people's organiza- tions, need new interest added constantly. One such club has a different committee of three appointed for each month in the year to SOCIAL CENTERS take charge of the program. The rivalry be- tween the committees results in an almost uni- formly high standard being maintained. Much of what has been given under the head of club activities, can in the absence of such club, be made to center around the church. MUSIC AND THE CHURCH. · One church activity undertaken in a number of communities with excellent results is the musical festival. The choirs of a number of small churches in nearby districts undertake to learn the same music. Once a year they meet in some central town, and after a day's prac- tice together they give a festival to which all the neighborhood is invited. This coming to- gether gives inspiration to the singers, and un- der good leadership it affords education as well is held. Usually a small admission fee is charged and this suffices to pay the cost of the trained leader who rehearses the chorus and conducts the concerts. In some districts a local orchestra can be de- 110 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS I eam e DW e veloped for service at all sorts of meetings and can earn enough to pay its own expenses. A fair-sized orchestra can give its own share of the festival program, and may add interest by the performance of one of the 6toy” or "children's” symphonies. The one by Haydn is, of course, the best known of these, but there are others requiring less musical proficiency and fewer instruments.1 The organ, with its wide range and richness of tone-color, can be used in connection with vocal music or independently. Where a church is the fortunate possessor of a good organ, it can become the music center of the neighbor- hood by arranging recitals at times that will in no way interfere with the regular church activi- ties. In planning such a recital the music should be made popular and diversified enough to in- terest many types of listeners. In any recital it is necessary to employ suitable contrast be- tween the numbers given, but it is good to have 1 Carl Fisher, Cooper Square, New York City, publishes a list of these symphonies and a list of instruments required; both the score and instruments may be obtained through his SOCIAL CENTERS 111 the consecutive numbers in closely related keys, as in the various movements of a sym- phony, since they follow one another rather closely, especially in a church where the pro- gram is not interrupted by applause. Great quantities of vocal, orchestral, operatic, piano and other music have been satisfactorily ar- ranged for the organ, and are within the reach of the average studious player. By means of these transcriptions organists can make the people acquainted with treasures of music which they would never otherwise hear. Organ programs should not be over an hour in length, and may be varied by introducing a group of songs, or a violin solo to organ accom- paniment. The following programs were arranged by Miss Anne L. Pearson, organist of the Wood- lawn M. E. Church, Chicago, to suggest the great variety of organ music that is not beyond the powers of the average church organist. acCON- PROGRAM: Prelude No. 3....... .......Mendelssohn Pastorale, from Sonata in D Minor........ Guilmant Entree du Cortege, Benediction Nuptiale, from the Marriage Mass...... .........Dubois Christmas March ........... ... Merkel Impromptu Pastorale .......................Buck Fugue, “Little G Minor"....................Bach To the Evening Star, Pilgrims' Chorus, from Tannhäuser ...... ......... Wagner PROGRAM: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor... ..Bach Largo, from “Xerxes" ......... ....... Handel Funeral March ...... Chopin Offertory in A flat... ....... Read Andantino in A flat................. Grand Chorus, In Paradisum.. ........... Dubois Grand Chorus in D.... ........... Guilmant Communion in G..... ............Batiste Marche de Fête....... ...Claussmann PROGRAM: Prelude and Fugue in E Minor (Cathedral)...Bach Songs without words (Consolation; Spring Song) ............................... Mendelssohn Hosannah, Cantilene Nuptiale..............Dubois Grave-Adagio, from Sonata in C Minor..Mendelssohn Funeral March & Seraphim Song......... Guilmant Grand Offertoire in C Minor, “St. Cecilia,” Upus 1 Opus 7 ..............................Batiste SOCIAL CENTERS 113 THE SCHOOL. The country school-house has been the social center for the neighborhood since early days. Before the city made active use of its schools for adults, the country school was the home of the spelling-bee and the center for lectures and other meetings. For these pur- poses it continues to be used. The school-house can be used advantageously for educational work among older persons to even greater degree than it is now. When a number of people in a district get together and hold a series of lectures or conduct a debating or reading club they can give themselves a post- graduate course, such as the Farmers' Institute gives along other lines. Sometimes the local teacher needs stimulus in her work to make her realize the need of a higher standard; sometimes it is the parents who do not understand what the school is striving to do. Questions on the training of children in the home, the value of manual training, the desirability of school-gardens, the 114 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS advisability of putting a new stove in the school or of increasing the school tax-levy, are all sub- jects that fall in the province of a Parents' As- sociation. In the usual country district the teacher can easily know the families of all the pupils in the school. There is little need for the association on the ground of forming acquaintanceship. The organization can, however, provide for a coming together of the teachers of the county and the superintendent of schools with the cit- izens, and here the questions can be discussed from the point of view of the parent as well as that of the teacher, with the result of a better mutual understanding. One or two meetings during the winter, presided over by a capable chairman, at which some live topic is presented in a few short talks both by teachers and by parents, each from his point of view, and then left to a general discussion, will do much to further coöperation between home and school. The Alumni Association first organized in the higher schools of education, is now recog- nized as a valuable factor also in the public school. This could be made an adjunct to any SOCIAL CENTERS 115 school of fair size. The young people who re- main in the community should have their asso- ciation and hold monthly meetings during the winter. These meetings take the form of either literary or debating clubs with social good times. An Alumni Association which meets for good times only is not likely to last very long, nor are the school authorities fully justi- fied in giving the use of the building for such purpose. If, however, the young people meet to carry on some sort of program that is in effect, a post-graduate course, whether in lit- erature, civics, oratory or other field of in- terest, they can well claim the use of the school- house for such meetings. Such an Alumni Association can do some- thing also for the school, by helping to beautify the building, or a class-room, or add to the library or museum. A typical Alumni organization, that has proved successful, is a debating club composed of the young men and women, who have grad- uated from the school. They met throughout each winter, holding debates which were fol- lowed by a social merry-making. The young 116 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS women took turns in bringing refreshments. At each meeting five cents was collected from each member and these dues formed a fund with which something was bought every year for the school, a reference book, map or pic- ture. Other Alumni clubs have organized amateur dramatic societies and given annual perfor- mances; others stand sponsors for lecture courses each winter, selling tickets to defray their expenses. Sometimes some distinguished alumnus or former townsman is induced to re- turn and give a talk to the students and alumni. These Alumni organizations serve a useful purpose in bringing young people together for both educational and social ends, and enable the school to exert its influence long after the regular curriculum has been completed. The school is the logical home for the museum, and the Alumni association can do much to further its growth both by arranging and adding to collections already formed and by stimulating the younger children to aid in the gathering of new material. Where no local library flourishes, the school SOCIAL CENTERS 117 library should be available to adults as well as children. It may supplement its resources by calling upon the State Library Commission for a traveling library on topics of general interest to be housed in the school building. Volunteer librarians could keep the school-house open one or two evenings each week for adult readers, and gradually arouse public interest to the point of starting a local library. In whatever way the school can be made to serve, it should be utilized, for the school, which is the finest expression of the life of the com- munity at large, belongs to every member of the community, regardless of age or previous education. THE IMPORTANCE OF A PUBLIC LIBRARY. The value of a library in the community can- not well be overestimated. It is the center of the intellectual life of the district and provides facilities for the work of the clubs, the Local Improvement Association, the Grange and the church societies. It coöperates with the school in its work for children; it continues the work of the school among the adults. Into a circle 118 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS of narrow interests it brings a wealth of knowl- edge of the outside world, so that isolation is overcome by the companionship it affords. No wonder we hear remarkable tales of sac- rifice and devotion in the founding of libraries. A typical story is one connected with the estab- lishment of a library in a small Ohio town. Here a young woman, realizing the need of the neighborhood, made up her mind to establish a library. She interested a few friends, and founded a Women's Club with the avowed pur- pose of bringing together people who would work for the cause. She gave her time and energies and in the end was successful. club. When the members were through with them, they were donated to the library. These served as the beginning, and the State Library Commission was induced to send a traveling library to supplement the collection. The women rented a small room in a building just off the main street of the village, furnished it themselves, kept open three afternoons and evenings in the week, and took turns in acting as librarian. They urged everybody in the SOCIAL CENTERS 119 neighborhood to become borrowers, spoke for the library in season and out of season, and solicited contributions in money and donations of books. The library was made free to all who would use it, and books were loaned for home reading to all who requested them. The room soon be- came a social center, and the town grew proud of "our library.” People began to help by giving a single book, or a subscription to a magazine. Each season the Women's Club gave a number of entertainments, which brought more books and money to the collec- tion. Before long there was a demand for the use of the library every evening. The village authorities, after considering the matter, set aside a small part of the tax levy for library use. A regular librarian was engaged. The Women's Club continued its coöperation, mem- bers helping the librarian during busy hours or by aiding in extra work. Gradually the library outgrew its original quarters, and was removed to a larger room. The Library Commission continued to send its traveling libraries, chang- 120 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS wer ing them every six months. In this way the library was kept up to date, and reference books were provided, such as would have been beyond the means of the village. The Com- mission's books were usually selected with special reference to the work of the study clubs of the town, but books of general interest also were added. This library will probably soon outgrow its present quarters, and move to a building of its own, or find suitable quarters in the town-hall. The growth of this library is typical of that of hundreds of small libraries. The history of one such enterprise in a county in Wiscon- sin is illustrative of the part the library plays in the social life of a country community. It began with the loan of a traveling collection of sixty volumes. The next year a social group began its local work with nine volumes of its own, and developed into a combination of library and literary club. Its history and its work may best be told in the words of its secre- tary, Mrs. W. A. Tripp: With our nine books we organized in 1901 what is known as the Campbell Library Club. We have SOCIAL CENTERS 121 : now 350 volumes which are cared for by our librarian in her own home. For the convenience of caring for the books, the club purchased a large sectional book- case in which the books are always kept in a neat and attractive manner. We have thirty-five members in our club-twenty-three ladies and twelve gentle- men. We hold our regular meetings the first Satur- day of each month (we chose Saturday so that our local teacher could also attend). We have many so- cial meetings and the proceeds of both regular and social meetings are put in books; at our regular meet- ings we have always taken up some study for self- improvement. During the past six years we have studied Ameri- can authors, Shakespeare's “Merchant of Venice,” and made a study of the State of Wisconsin. ... For our historical lessons, outlines and books were furnished us by the State Library Commission; for the geographical and industrial study of the state the outlines and questions were made out by some member of the club. We not only studied the state at large, but our own township furnished us with plenty of material for study. At the end of these meetings we gave a dinner to which we invited many of the pioneers from different townships in the county, 4 and the program of that day was the relation of their experiences. ... At our meetings some member gives a paper on current events, and this has been one of the most interesting topics. Every member is supposed to take part in the discussion of this topic, and it is especially interesting when our legislature 122 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS and Congress are in session, and many bills of inter- est to us are discussed.... We have just spent thirty-three months in a “travel course in the United States” and all thought it the best study we have ever had. The Library Commis- sion furnished us with a set of outlines and our club bought a duplicate set. We also had fifty copies of the outlines printed so that each member of the club could have his own. Our money is raised by charging a fee of ten cents at each meeting and we also hold social meetings and entertainments to raise money for books. The hostess at each meeting serves refreshments and we meet at one another's houses. Any person in the township may draw books upon recording his name with the secretary and the payment of ten cents annual dues. Whenever we get a small sum of money together the various members of the club suggest books for pur- chase, and after discussion we decide which ones we will buy. After the books have been six months in the library (so that the club members who have bought the books may have a chance of reading them) any reliable person living in a distant part of the township may take a number of volumes and circulate them in his neighborhood. We have sent out as many as forty volumes at one time, but usually sent ten or fifteen. They keep the books until all have been read, then return them to the librarian and get another set, SOCIAL CENTERS 123 This library in Campbell County is an ex- ample of what can be done by a few people with a common purpose. In spite of having dis- tance and other difficulties to overcome they have accomplished much. The examples cited illustrate how a library may be started and what it can do to stimulate the intellectual life of the community. The library becomes the social center for all the local organizations and institutions, helping them in their work, and benefiting by their support in money and in books. The library is in a position to render val- uable service to children by accustoming them to the proper use of books. The young people should be encouraged to use it, and go to it for their reference work. Let the teacher send the school children to make use of the books in order to give them the habit of turning to the library for help in their work. Even where there is a school library it can be advan- tageously supplemented by the public library. A number of libraries devote either one room or a corner of a room to the children's books. 124 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Low tables and chairs, and bookcases that are not too high for the children to reach, are in- stalled. In some towns a number of games are added, and the children come to look upon the library as the natural place to which to turn for quiet amusement. The games must, of course, be such as can be played without disturbing other people, such as chess, checkers and dominoes. In one town where there was trouble on the part of the unruly boys, the librarian, instead of making rules excluding these boys, bought some new games and sent personal invitations to a few of the boys. One evening a week she was “at home” to the boys invited, to teach them the new games. They came, and rowdy- ism ceased. It is fortunately the very excep- tional boy who is knowingly rude to a woman who has treated him as a friend whom she is pleased to know. It is one thing for a boy to 15 ( 1 The following games were among those used in this experi- ment: Game of Wild Animals (Cincinnati Fireside Game Co., 10c.). Flags of all Nations (New York, McLoughlin Bros., 20c.). Wogglebug Game of Conundrums (Salem, Mass., Parker Bros., 35c.). Toot (automobile game) (Parker Bros., 45c.). 125 misbehave in a public building where he knows nobody personally; but when this same boy feels that in that building he is the guest of Miss me, whom he knows personally, his at- titude is apt to alter materially for the better. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS ON THE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF A LIBRARY. Before starting a library it is well to fina out if there are any laws in your state governing such an institution and just what the laws are. The information needed can be obtained by writing to the State Library Commission, or a local lawyer will be able to guide you. If there is no law which will permit part of the tax levy to be used for the support of the library, part of your energy should go toward working for such a law. All local and neighboring societies should also be interested in the agitation. If the library must be supported wholly or in part by voluntary subscriptions, pledges of an- nual subscriptions should be obtained. One library was able to raise enough pledges of twenty-five cents a year for a period of three years to insure its maintenance. Farmers 126 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS often paid in kind, and arrangements were made with the local grocer for the purchase of perishable articles, while other products were safely stored until higher prices prevailed, or were auctioned off at a library-social at- tended by the entire neighborhood. A charge of five cents to the borrower of each volume is sometimes substituted for annual subscrip- tions, and fines for books kept beyond the reg- ular time add something to the income. Women can increase the library funds by fairs, socials and other entertainments. Some- times the publication of one edition of the local paper is turned over to them, the profits be- ing devoted to the library. In some communi- ties it has been possible to obtain the rent for the library by subletting the room outside of the library hours for the use of clubs. Although it is sometimes necessary to keep the library in a private house, this has grave disadvantages. Some people hesitate lest they make too frequent use of the house, or fear to remain long examining books. Children es-. pecially, cannot be encouraged to make free use of books thus housed. One of the best fea- SOCIAL CENTERS 127 tures in a library is its ability to create an atmosphere in which everybody shall feel wel- come and rightfully at home. It is therefore better to get a separate room for the use of a library where the neighborhood is densely enough populated. In a country district a corner of the school-house may be utilized. In the village a vacant room in the town hall is often obtainable, or a room may be secured in some building at a nominal rental. Here a place of common interest may be created in which people can meet with a sense of real com- panionship. When a room has been obtained the boys of the neighborhood may be induced to kalsomine the walls and also stain the floors, in order to make the place fresh and inviting. Furniture need not be expensive. The cheapest sort of table and chairs can be made attractive if stained with some dark finish. If necessary the first book-cases can be made from wooden boxes fastened together and stained. Such an equipment is serviceable and inexpensive, yet may be made to look really attractive.. Where funds are limited, attention must be nec 128 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS paid to the interests that are to be served the school, the club, the casual reader. It may be necessary to buy heavily of fiction in order to popularize the library, and gradually add books of more serious nature for club and stu- dent use. Some books of interest to the busi- ness men of the community should be bought. The men themselves can often be induced to supply the funds for this purpose. In one town the business men raised the money for such books by holding a baseball match, and devoting the proceeds to the library. At the end of the season, the clubs will often turn over their books, purchased for their study course, thus adding works of reference to the library's collection. Many reports of state bureaus and depart- ments of education, which add materially to the library's resources may be obtained free of charge. The various departments of the fed- eral government also publish valuable reports, which are issued either free or at a nominal charge. The Farmers' Bulletins and the Year- book of the Department of Agriculture, for in- SOCIAL CENTERS 129 stance, are supplied free of charge to any library. Catalogues of these bulletins may be obtained by addressing the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. It will be well to remember, however, that the space and the librarian's time are valuable, and that it is false economy to gather books of no practical use because they can be had without cost. The state traveling library collections sup- plement the local library, and provide more books than are within reach of a library of small means. These are renewed every few months, and can usually be selected with a view to the particular needs of the neighbor- hood. Picture collections are useful for school and study classes. They should be gathered with a definite purpose and not until a definite use for them is seen, for there is danger of picture- collecting becoming a mania and a waste of valuable time. Only good prints should be kept, and these should be mounted on card- board of uniform size, preferably gray, red or black. The paste can usually be obtained from 130 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS the local printer, and kept sweet by adding to it a few drops of oil of cloves.1 Many amateur librarians evolve very in- genious schemes of cataloging and recording the loan of books. They can, however, spare themselves much trouble by following the methods invented by trained librarians, and adapted to the needs of the small library. Two systems of book classification the Dewey and the Cutter, are the outcome of years of study and experiment. They provide a convenient means for keeping all books on the same sub- ject together, a matter which gives the amateur librarian much trouble as the books become numerous and require closer sub-division. An- other advantage in the adoption of a standard system is that a trained librarian can take it 1 To make your own paste the following formula will be found satisfactory. One tablespoonful of alum. One quart of water. Half pint of flour. Mix the flour with a little water and stir to a cream. Dis- solve the alum in the rest of the water and bring to a boil, and then pour in the cream and cook twenty minutes. Stir while cooking, strain and add twenty drops of oil of cloves. When cold, transfer to jars which can be closely covered when not in use. SOCIAL CENTERS 131 over without having to learn a new system, or having to recatalog a library which has out- grown the bounds of its organization. It will save energy in the beginning and money in the end, to invest in a couple of good practical manuals on library organization and management. The latest edition of The Li- brary Primer by J. C. Dana, Librarian of the Newark Public Library, or Miss Plummer's Hints to Small Libraries, will be helpful to any small library. Essentials in Library Admin- istration, by Miss L. E. Stearns, of the Wis- consin Library Commission, gives the main divisions of the two standard types of book classification, sample cards and blanks, sug- gests the supplies required by a small library, and gives addresses of library supply houses. The Library Bureau, one of the large supply houses, which has offices and salesrooms in Boston, New York, Chicago and Washington, gets out a little booklet entitled: “How Shall I Catalog my Library,” which will be sent free upon request to any library. The library will naturally coöperate with local societies and the school in the celebration 132 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS of holidays. It can reach many people by judicious use of the newspapers, publishing lists of new books, or lists of its references to some timely topic. An annual report pub- lished in the paper will also serve to arouse in- terest. Club programs should be submitted to the librarian as early as possible, so that their references can be looked up during spare time, and not called for at the last minute when the librarian may be rushed with other work. Thus in a variety of ways the library is able to reach out into the life of the community, to satisfy its desires and to stir it to new am- bitions. ANNIHILATORS OF DISTANCE. We have discussed the social centers in their various aspects. There remains to be men- tioned the means by which people living at a distance from these centers may yet be brought in touch with them. We have to-day four of these: the trolley car, the telephone, rural free delivery, and the newspaper. By means of these farm dwellers and those who live in small towns can keep in touch with the larger world A Wisconsiı Traveling Library SOCIAL CENTERS 133 and with one another. These improvements also make possible a richer social life. The uses and the value of the trolley cars are too obvious to need more than passing mention. The service on many of these lines is excellent; on others the persuasive powers of a militant Local Improvement society are sadly needed to enforce better schedules, waiting-rooms, etc. The telephone can be used in various ways to further the work of the clubs, library and school. Where the membership of a club is scattered over a wide area, the secretary can thus keep it informed of the work done, of special meetings, and changes of programs. Short committee meetings may be held over the telephone. In a paper read a couple of years ago by Mrs. D. E. Allen of Downs, Kan., before the Wisconsin Library Association, en- titled “The Library and the Rural Telephone," she described her small library and told how she had extended its usefulness to a number of people who lived far from town. Students or club-members telephoned to the library for in- formation. Sometimes their references were made ready for their use at a certain time 134 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS when they were coming to town, or if only a few short references were obtainable and it was difficult for the inquirer to reach town at all, Mrs. Allen would have somebody read the references to him over the telephone. The farmer telephoned for help which he knew would be found in certain bulletins which he did not possess. It is recorded in one library that the farmer's wife called in haste to ask how to make her butter "come'—and she got the information! There is a tale of a teacher in a western dis- trict who kept up the work of her pupils for over a week when a blizzard made school at- tendance impossible to the children, by advising with them over the telephone wire as to their current studies. The local newspaper can be utilized to a greater degree than at present to coöperate with clubs and other organizations in their work. The paper is usually glad to receive items of interest to a considerable portion of its readers. Clubs can publish their programs for the year in advance, and obtain reprints for their members. Lists of books for col- SOCIAL CENTERS 135 lateral reading may be added. The reports of the meetings should be published. The newspaper can also aid the clubs by paying special attention to articles of interest in connection with their work, reprinting from their exchanges items of special value. By coöperation with the library, there can be published in connection with church or other entertainments, references to books and ar- ticles on authors or composers. Arrange- ments may be made for weekly announcements of the work of the library and the clubs, a definite amount of space being allotted to each beforehand. As a rule, progressive local newspapers give attention to church and social notices, and to the doings of various organiza- tions, so that little need be said here on this phase of the newspaper's activity. The news- paper may, however, be a large factor in main- taining interest in the social and cultural ac- tivities in the community. Nothing need be said here on the effect of “R.F. D.” in bringing those living at a distance from cities and towns into touch with the rest of the world. e 136 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS m With the trolley, the telephone, the newspa- pers and the R. F. D., much of the isolation of certain districts can be removed. By means of these inventions it is possible for the inhab- itants to enter into more intimate social life, and, through coöperation, to avail themselves of many of the advantages heretofore reserved for city dwellers only. FIRMS RENTING LANTERN SLIDES FOR LECTURE PURPOSES. 1 The Christian Lantern Slide and Lecture Bureau, Y. M. C. A. Bldg., Chicago, Ill. Rental per set (75 to 100 slides), with printed lecture, $2.75, with Stereopticon, $2.50 extra. Six sets $11.00. Adver- tising matter supplied. Literature, travel and re- ligious subjects. Farrar Collection of Lantern Views. Address Frances Farrar, Elmira, N. Y. Rent of plain slide, one day, 5 cents; colored slide, 10 cents. To those who live outside of the city, time for transportation is allowed and one day extra for study and practice with slides before use. One cent per slide charged for keeping them overtime. Retur charge must be prepaid. Excellent collection of travel pic- tures, art and architecture. McIntosh Stereopticon Co., 35 Randolph St., Chi- cago, Ill. Rent per slide, 5 cents the first day, 1 cent per day thereafter. Two days' rental without charge SOCIAL CENTERS 137 to customers over 100 miles from Chicago; other or- ders include all time from the day the slides are sent out until their return. Return charges must be pre- paid. Some state library commissions loan lan- tern-slides and a lantern to libraries or study clubs. There are usually a nominal fee and transportation expenses charged for these slides. CHAPTER V CONDUCTING A CLUB GENERAL RULES FOR A WOMEN'S CLUB A simple constitution and by-laws for the small club should be framed on the following general lines : Article I. Name. Article II. Object. Article III. a. Officers: election and duties; b. Executive Board: composition and duties. Article IV. Method of election to membership. Article V. Annual meeting date. Article VI. Method of amendment of constitution. BY-LAWS. Article I. Date of regular meetings. Article II. Special meetings. Article III. Committees : appointment and duties. Article IV. a. Annual dues; b. Date by which dues must be paid ; c. Forfeiture of membership for non- payment of dues ; d. Resignations. Article V. Guests. Article VI. Quorum. Article VII. Method of amendment of by-laws. 138 CONDUCTING A CLUB 139 Article VIII. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the meetings of the Club, where not inconsistent with More detailed information regarding a con- stitution and by-laws may be obtained from any State Federation of Women's Clubs, or some large club, such as Sorosis or the Chicago Woman's Club, is usually willing to send a copy of its laws to another organization upon request. Duties of Officers. The duties of the Presi- dent are to call meetings to order and preside over them. She announces all business in proper order, puts all questions or motions, maintains quiet, and decides points of order and may yote when the voting is by ballot, or when she is required to do so to break a tie. If the President wishes to join in debate or discussion, she must call some member to the Chair temporarily, and is then free to take the floor the same as any other member. The member acting as President during this time requests the President to resume the Chair when the debate in which she is engaged is finished. 140 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS The Secretary keeps minutes of all meet- COL written notice of meetings to members and committees. At each meeting she reads the minutes of the previous meeting, which are then to be approved (subject to correction) by re The Treasurer collects and keeps an account of all monies collected and disbursed; she takes vouchers for all payments of expenses incurred by the Club or committees thereof, all payments to be made upon written orders of the President, and reported at the next reg- ular meeting of the Club. Members must address all remarks to the President, and there should be no talking di- rectly between members. To address the Chair, a member must rise and say “Madam President.” The President recognizes her by saying “Mrs. - " This signifies that Mrs. has the floor, and she must not be interrupted, except by a member calling for a Point of order or a Question. A motion once lost may not be revived at the same meeting except by a motion to re- CONDUCTING A CLUB 141 consider the matter, which can be made only by one who voted on the prevailing side. If the motion to reconsider is adopted the original motion is then open to debate. The person making a motion may withdraw it, if there is no objection. If anybody objects, the matter of withdrawal must be put to a regular vote. Before bringing any matter to a vote, the President must state clearly the motion to be voted upon. Voting shall be by the ordinary form, the President saying: “All in favor of "Contrary, No." The President then an- nounces the result. Any member may call for a count, saying: “Madam President, I move there be a rising vote." If seconded, the President puts this motion to vote. If it carries she proceeds to call for a rising vote on the original question. She asks all those in favor to please rise and counts the number standing. When they are seated, those opposed are asked to rise and they in turn are counted, and the result an- nounced. 142 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS In case of a vote by ballot, regular tellers should be appointed by the President to dis- tribute, collect, and count the ballots. The tellers report the number of ballots cast for and the number cast against the motion to the President, who then announces the result to the meeting, stating the number of the ballots con- taining the word "for” and the number con- taining the word "against.” The person making a motion has the right to speak first and last in favor of that motion. It is wiser in debate to refer to the member who made this motion” or “the Secretary'' rather than to “Mrs. Jones,” or “Mrs. Thomp- son." If a rule is broken, mistake made, or other urgent matter arises that must be settled at once, the means for meeting such a contingency, is a “Question of privilege” or “Point of or- der.” These are not motions, take precedence of all other matters under consideration and are to be decided at once by the presiding offi- cer, to whom they must be addressed. When they are settled, business is resumed at the point where it was interrupted. CONDUCTING A CLUB 143 Questions of privilege are questions foreign to the business in hand and refer to some mat- ter of general privilege; such matters for in- N request that the speaker talk a little louder, or to more clearly explain the matter under discussion. The desire of a member to make an immedi- ate report on an urgent matter because she must leave within a few minutes, or any mat- ter requiring instantaneous action, are also known as “Questions of Privilege.”' The “Point of order” concerns the speaker who has been interrupted. It may be that the member is not adhering to the subject under discussion, or is exceeding the time limit. If a speaker does not adhere to the subject under discussion a member may rise and say. "Point of Order.” The speaker must be seated while the President inquires: “What is your point of order?” This the objecting member must state in a few words. The mem- ber then sits and the President decides whether or not the point is well taken and rules accordingly. Any member may appeal 144 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS IS- from the decision of the Chair on a Point of order. If the appeal is seconded, the Chair must put the matter to a vote of the Club saying: “Is the decision of the Chair sus- tained?'' and call for a vote on it. If the Point of order is not sustained, the original speaker may continue, or, if sustained, she may continue only by making such change as the Point of order demands. The same is true of the Question of privilege.. Motions. To fix a certain specified time to adjourn, takes precedence of all other motions pending; excepting a direct motion to adjourn, which must be voted upon at once and cannot be debated, modified, or reconsidered. When a report is made, a motion should be made and seconded to adopt it, after which the President announces that it is open to debate. The report may then be voted upon, debated or refused, or a secondary motion be made to sub- mit the report to the committee for further ac- tion or investigation. A motion may be amended, and the amended motion when properly seconded, may be amended, but an amendment of an amendment CONDUCTING A CLUB 145 - may not be amended. However, a substitute for the original motion may (if germain and properly seconded) be entertained, and, if adopted, this will dispose of the whole matter. A motion to suspend the rules requires a two-thirds vote of those present and is neither debatable nor amendable. If several members try to obtain the floor (that is the right to speak) at the same time, the President shall decide which one spoke first and has the right to continue. There is no appeal from such decision, which, in some cases may appear to be arbitrary, if several members rise practically at the same time, but is necessary to insure the regular progress of business. Order of Business.--1. Meeting called to or- der by the President (at which time all talking must cease). 2. Minutes of the previous meeting read by the Secretary at the request of the President. (Any announcements are to be made at this time after the minutes have been adopted). 3. Reports made by all officers and commit- tees at the request of the President. 146 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS IS 4. Unfinished business is then taken up, af- ter which new matters of business are in order (This is followed at the annual meetings with nominations and elections of officers for the ensuing year). 5. Regular program for the day. 6. Adjournment. Introduction of Business--All new business is introduced by a motion made by one mem- ber and seconded by another, or by presenta- tion of a communication, but should any member object to the latter method of intro- duction, the matter must be put as a motion, and then has a right to regular debate. Unfinished business dies with the expiration of the term of the committee having the mat- ter in charge. A tie yote on a motion defeats the motion, unless the President votes in the affirmative. A tie vote on an appeal to decide on “sustain- ing the decision of the Chair” stands decided affirmatively. (For full particulars as to par- liamentary practice, consult “Robert's Rules of Order” to be had of all booksellers.) CONDUCTING A CLUB 147 FULL NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF PUBLISHING FIRMS QUOTED IN THIS VOLUME. Am. Baptist Publication Society.-Philadelphia, Pa. American Book Co.--100 Washington Sq., N. Y. D. Appleton & Co.-35 West 32d St., N. Y. C. W. Bardeen.--Syracuse, New York. R. G. Badger.-194 Boylston St., Boston, Mass. Baker & Taylor Co.-Union Square, New York. A. S. Barnes & Co.-11 East 24th St., New York. Bobbs, Merrill Co.--Indianapolis, Ind. The Century Co.-Union Square, New York. Thos. Y. Crowell & Co.-426 W. Broadway, N. Y. Dick & Fitzgerald.—18 Ann St., New York. Oliver Ditson Co.—Boston, Mass. Dodd, Mead & Co.-Fourth Ave. & 30th St., N. Y. Doubleday, Page & Co.- 131 E. 16th St., New York. E. P. Dutton & Co.-31 West 23rd St., New York. Dana, Estes & Co.—208 Summer St., Boston, Mass. Ginn & Co.-Boston, Mass. Harper & Bros.-Franklin Square, New York. Henry Holt & Co.-34 West 33rd St., New York. Houghton, Mifflin Co.-4 Park St., Boston, Mass. Orange Judd Co.-439 Lafayette St., New York. John Lane Co.—110 West 32nd St., New York. J. B. Lippincott & Co.-Philadelphia, Pa. Little, Brown & Co.-34 Beacon St., Boston, Mass. Longmans, Green & Co.-91 Fifth Ave., New York. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard.-93 Federal St., Boston, A. C. McClurg & Co.-215 Wabash Ave., Chicago. 148 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS The Macmillan Co.-64-66 Fifth Ave., New York. Newson & Co.—27-29 West 23rd St., New York. L. C. Page & Co.-New England Bldg., Boston. Penn Publishing Co.-Philadelphia, Pa. Jas. Pott & Co.-214 East 23rd St., New York. Theodore Presser & Co.-Philadelphia, Pa. G. P. Putnam's Sons.-27-29 West 23rd St., N. Y. Rand, McNally & Co.—160 Adams St., Chicago. Roberts Bros. Boston, Mass. Charles Scribner's Sons.--153 Fifth Ave., N. Y. Silver, Burdett & Co.-231 W. 39th St., New York. Fred’k Stokes & Co.—333 Fourth Ave., New York. Sturgis & Walton Co.—31 E. 27th St., New York. Fred’k Warne & Co.-36 E. 22nd St., New York. PART TWO ENTERTAINMENTS CHAPTER I ART OF ENTERTAINING MAUD HOWE once wrote: “How shall we entertain? Joyously! Pleasure is contag- ious. Every house has its climate; some are in the torrid, some in the temperate, some in the frigid zone. Remember moreover that you create the climate of your house. ... When the door bell peals to the ring of the first arrival, put aside all thoughts of how you look, how the drawing-room looks, how good or indifferent the dinner may prove; banish every care, meet your guest with nothing on your mind save the anticipation of passing, and helping him to pass, a delightful hour. And if you can do this the battle is already half won. ... How shall we entertain? According to our means. . . . There is no more dreadful wet-blanket to a guest than the thought that an entertainment prepared for lea MO 151 152 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS him costs more than the hostess can afford.” To the above apt advice, let me add, if an accident occurs, make the best of it and do not dwell on it to the discomfort of your guests. A couple of instances will illustrate this: I remember a Christmas dinner to which a num- ber of guests had been bidden. On Christmas morning the hostess discovered that the baker had neglected to deliver the bread ordered. Efforts to obtain some at various shops proved vain. The hostess happened to know that her guests did not care for biscuit, but, instead of worrying, she sent one of the children with a message to the nearest guest explaining the sit- uation and calmly invited her to bring what bread she had in her house along for the din- ner. The whole matter was taken as a joke and passed off without embarrassment to any- body. A short time afterwards I attended a din- ner-party at which, by some accident, the cakes had failed to arrive. The hostess had sweet biscuits in the house quite sufficient to satisfy any guest. In fact, had attention not been called to it they might never have even missed ART OF ENTERTAINING 153 the cake, but the hostess was so worried by its non-arrival and mentioned the fact so apologetically and so frequently that the guests felt a sense of embarrassment. A comparison of the two incidents proves that if anything goes wrong, one must explain when explana- tion is needed, but if it is possible to pass it Coff as a joke, or ignore it altogether, that will be the kindest and most courteous thing for all concerned. In large gatherings a set program is nec- essary for at least part of the evening in order to get things started. This is especially the case should some of the guests be strangers or inclined to be bashful. It is the duty of the hosts to see that these guests are intro- duced to others and entertained throughout the evening. In club gatherings, or similar functions, ask the members who are inclined to shyness to be of service, either in helping to serve the luncheon or arranging the games. While en- gaged in occupation of this sort a person's mind is off himself and on his task, and he forgets to be shy or awkward. He is thus of- 154 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Tanner ten drawn unawares into taking active part in the proceedings. Many a person is judged to be either haughty or stupid when, as a mat- ter of fact, he is merely timid and has unconsciously assumed a repellent manner through fear of making a mistake or intruding. Many a really clever and kindly woman hides herself behind a mask of aloofness when unac- customed to mingling freely with strangers, while all the time wishing that somebody may. care enough to see through the mask and as- sure her of a real welcome. In both social and regular club meetings, beware of mistak- ing for either stupidity or self-sufficiency what is really but a lack of self-confidence. Where the social meeting is given by a club or society the success or failure of the affair lies largely in the hands of the reception com- mittee. The members of this committee must be the most tactful obtainable, and during the whole evening must devote their entire time to the guests. It is their duty to see that stran- gers are taken care of, that the program is car- ried out properly, or in case of accident to smooth it over as best they may; to encourage ART OF ENTERTAINING 155 the bashful-and this requires tact indeed to restrain the guest of dominating character. from monopolizing an undue share of attention. Each member of the reception committee must feel personal and individual responsibility, and not try to transfer to other shoulders anything he can himself do, for nowhere more than here is the old saw true that "Everybody's business is nobody's business." CHAPTER II SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS have been classified for use on various occa- sions. The same game will, however, be found adaptable to many different circum- stances. NEW YEAR'S EVE. On New Year's Eve in the olden days in Scotland the boys used to wander the streets, singing beneath the windows of the houses un- til they were invited in. They went about in pairs, one of them dressed as a girl and carry- ing a broom. The girls acted as ushers and went through all sorts of antics with their brooms, while the boys sang and collected pen- nies. This custom was copied at a recent New Year's party, a number of boys donning old- 156 SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 157 vere fashioned blouses of cotton goods, belted in like Norfolk jackets, and on their heads wear- ing mitre-shaped caps of brown paper from which were suspended paper masks with holes for eyes, nose and mouth. Other boys dressed themselves in calico wrappers and wore sweep- ing-caps, from which their masks were sus- pended. As soon as the guests had assembled and had greeted one another, there came a knock at the door. When it was opened in trooped the singers, followed by their attend- ants. The boys sang the old songs, such as "Barbara Allen," and "Blue Bells of Scot- land,” while the "girls" swept the floor and performed a broom drill. Instead of pennies they were given candies, and retired to have a celebration of their own. Throw the Holly. After the singing, the hostess brought in a small stake eighteen inches in height, securely fastened to a base and set this on the floor. She brought also a wreath of holly and told her guests that each of them would have three chances to throw the wreath over the stake. Of course, a room in which this is done must be a good- sized one or there is no sport in the game. The three trials were named in turn, Health, Wealth and Happiness, and landing the wreath around the stake would bring one of these for the ensuing year. This is a clever variation shoe. Another fortune-telling game is called : Russian Fortunes.-In Russia the girls play this game at holiday time. Each girl puts a bit of jewelry into a large dish of water and then covers it over with a napkin. A series of verses is then sung and with each verse one bit of jewelry is taken out at random, the par- ticular verse being sung at the time telling the fate of the owner. The following verses may be chanted for the fortune-telling: The owner of what's first in sight Shall soon be decked in bridal white. Friends be thine throughout thy life To keep thee ever from want and strife. Joy be thine for evermore; A welcome waits at every door. . She whose jewel now comes to view Shall find her fondest wish come true. SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 159 Riches will never come thy way. Thou'lt earn thy bread from day to day. The fair maid who owns this gaud Soon will take a trip abroad. And the next one we do find Shall always have contented mind. The Bells.-Next on the program each guest was given a card and pencil. At the top of each card was sketched a string of bells and beneath this was written: “How many of these bells can you name?” Then came the follow- ing ten descriptive phrases, each characteriz- ing a different kind of bell. The answers, here inserted for illustration, were of course, left for the guests to put in. 1. A bell that is never peaceful. (Belligerent); 2. A sea bell. (Bell-buoy) 3. A noisy animal bell. (Bellow) 4. An unsubmissive bell. (Rebel) 5. An architectural bell. (Corbel) 6. A literary bell. (Belles lettres) 7. A scolding Biblical bell. (Jezebel) 8. A flower bell. (Bluebell) 9. A city (bell) in Ireland. (Belfast) 10. An herb; it means "beautiful lady." (Belladonna) 160 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Any imaginative hostess may easily find other words, as well as “bell," upon which to ring similar variations. A Meeting of Familiar Days.- Tired of the usual array of Columbias, Christmas fairies and George Washingtons who throng fancy- dress parties, a Young People's Club welcomed the year at a Meeting of Familiar Days. The entertainment committee wrote on each guest's invitation a request that the recipient come bearing symbols to represent some specified day, and each one was asked to be prepared with an anecdote or short poem appropriate to the day, selected. As each person entered the room on New Year's Eve, a card bearing a number was at- tached to his sleeve, and he was given a small pad of paper and a pencil. He was then told to guess the day represented by each of the others, designating it by the number on the sleeve of the bearer. Questions were asked of anybody and everybody, in an attempt to solve the problem, thus effectively “breaking the ice." Those questioned were permitted to an- swer only “yes” or “no," so that their inter- SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 161 rogators had to display considerable ingenuity in the framing of their queries. All the days were there: Monday, her clothes-line hung with laundry of doll's clothes stretched across her gown; Tuesday with her tiny ironing- board; Good Friday with her hot-cross-buns; Pay-day carrying money and overdue bills; Election day; Moving-day; Palm Sunday; Club Meeting day-and all of the rest of the familiar family. When the cards were gath- ered, the person guessing the greatest number correctly was awarded a year's subscription to the daily paper of a near-by, city, as a “daily” reminder. Shortly before midnight an old man en- tered. He was bent and weak, wore a long beard, and carried a scythe and hour-glass. He announced: The years go past us, one by one- Each brings its share of duties done. I pray that I have brought to you Joys a-plenty, sorrows few. May the New Year blessings send, For my time now nears its end. Hear the bells in chorus ring : The King is dead-Long live the King ! 162 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS As he turned to go out, a little boy all in white and garlanded with flowers slipped in and the old man disappeared. The child carried a ban- ner on which the new date was painted in gilt letters. He turned and beckoned to his as- sistants,--several little girls in white, who came in carrying trays with filled glasses which they passed to the guests. This was so timed that it was accomplished just before midnight, and when all were served, the host raised his glass and offered a toast "To the New Year!" SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY. (FEBRUARY 14) On entering the room at a Valentine party the gentlemen were directed to each take a card from one plate and the ladies from another, and then to seek the card which was a mate in history and literature had been chosen and soon Darby and Joan, Jack and Jill, Dante and Beatrice were together again, while the Little Minister and Babbie and King Arthur and Guinevere were once more mated. These combinations indicated partners for SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 163 the game of cards which constituted the even- ing's entertainment. In this instance the game played was: Hearts. The cards are dealt as for whist. The object of the game is to get rid of all the hearts in one's hand. Therefore, try not to take any trick containing hearts. The player must follow suit, but if he cannot do so, he has an opportunity to throw off a heart on the hand, or to get rid of a high card of some other suit which might take a trick on which someone else had discarded a heart. Each player has five counters and at the end of each hand he must pay into the pool as many count- ers as he has hearts. The one with no hearts wins the pool, but if more than one person has no hearts they divide the pool between them. Euchre may be substituted and hearts be made trumps for the entire evening, no matter what the widow indicated. Score cards may be made by cutting large hearts from sheets of heavy red paper; then, taking a sheet of gum- med white paper, cut it into tiny heart shapes. The winners of each game are given tiny hearts to paste on the large score cards and 164 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS keep tally by them. When the points are counted the lady who wins the first prize re- ceives a heart-shaped red satin sachet, while a little heart-shaped stick-pin serves as the gen- tleman's prize. The hostess of the evening may make use of her heart-shaped tin cake-cutter for cutting her sandwiches heart-shaped (as can easily be done if the meat is minced) and also for mak- ing the borders of tiny cakes which surround the individual portions of ice cream in heart- form. Coffee and little motto valentine can- dies should also be served. Still another Valentine party is suggested by the following invitation: SWEETS TO THE SWEET. Put on your tub-clothes and come to help make them on Saint Valentine's night at eight o'clock at the home of Mrs. Margaret Grey, 314 Main Street. When the guests were assembled they found the ingredients ready for making fudge, and as it was a small party, there was work for all. After the candy had been made (and incident- 1 SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 165 TU we ally tasted) a little supper was served. As a relief from the sweets beforehand, the supper consisted of salty or acid foods. After supper, each guest was provided with a pencil and paper and given ten minutes in which to compose a valentine of at least four lines. These were then signed and thrown into a bowl and the hostess drew them forth one at a time and read them aloud,—the guests mean- time trying to guess who had written each one. The souvenirs on this occasion were little boxes which the guests were invited to fill with the.candy they had made, for home consump- tion. Garden Party in Winter-Last Valentine's Day a young people's club invited its friends to a garden party and requested them to come in summer costume. The club hall was deco- rated with branches which had been covered with masses of pink spring blossoms. These were made of little bunches of small rounded pieces of tissue paper, fastened together and then crushed slightly before being tied here and there on the branches, producing the effect of cherry blossoms. Garden seats and benches 166 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS were placed about the room and a couple of hammocks hung. Sofa cushions, covered with white and pale-colored wash-slips, were in evi- dence. A bed of pink and white tulips, made of paper and planted in a box of sand, bor- dered one side of the room; and potted plants, grouped here and there, added to the summer- like effect. The games played were tennis and croquet, adapted to in-door use. The tennis net was erected and the game played with the usual balls, but palm-leaf fans were substituted for rackets. As it was impossible to mark out a court, the game consisted in tossing the ball across the net the side sending it over, scored three, the side failing to return the ball lost a point. A tape had been laid across each side, to show the limits of the court, and the return of the ball outside, meant the loss of a point. The couple first scoring twenty-one was declared victorious. The croquet was played with old base-balls, to obviate the noise that ordinary croquet- balls produce on a wooden floor. To hold the SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 167 arches erect, potatoes were cut in half and laid flat side on the floor and the ends of the arches were inserted in these as holders. Luncheon was served in true picnic style, using paper napkins and wooden plates. A cloth was spread on a low table instead of on the ground, but otherwise the usual out-door picnic method was adhered to. Sandwiches, pickles, cake, coffee and lemonade were served. After luncheon, the game of Hide the Heart was indulged in, which proved to be merely Hide the Thimble, under a new title, a little red silk heart-shaped cushion being the heart sought. Before leaving each guest was re- quested to take up a tulip from the sand-bed, as a souvenir, and found a little gift of some sort attached to the roots. as a Y WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY-FLAG DAY-FOURTH OF JULY, The games and entertainments given in this group are suitable for any patriotic holiday. There are also a number of inexpensive his- torical games published, which will supply an evening's amusement. 168 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Historic Pictures.-Provide guests with sheets of stiff paper and pencils and ask them each to draw a picture, representing some event in American history. Ten minutes is al- lowed for making the drawing. The fact that a person cannot draw well is no excuse, since the less one knows about drawing, the more amusing his picture is apt to be, and the wilder will be the guesses as to the subject it represents. At the bottom of the sheet the artist writes the title of his picture, but folds this under so that nobody can see it. The pic- tures are then passed to the right and the re- cipients write upon the sheets their guess as to the subject. This is also folded under, and again the sheets are passed to the right, and the guessing process repeated until the pic- tures have made the rounds and each has come back to the one who created it. They are then gathered up and exhibited, one by one, the va- rious guesses as to their meaning being read aloud, ending with the reading of the title be- stowed on each picture by its creator. The picture of several people in a boat may be guessed as “Washington Crossing the Dela- SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 169 ware;'! "The Landing of Columbus” or “The Arrival of the Pilgrims," when in reality the artist intended to show “Father Marquette Going Down the Mississippi''! Flag Game.-One clever little woman who did not know of the existence of the already prepared flag games, copied the pictures of the various flags shown in her large dictionary, on cards numbered from one to twenty. Each guest was given a sheet of paper with corre- sponding numbers and was asked to write the name of the nation to which each flag belonged as it was exhibited. A pretty American flag was the prize offered to the person who guessed the greatest number correctly, but needless to say, nobody was able to make a perfect cata- logue of national ensigns. Historical Questions. This makes a good substitute for the flag game, and it is surpris- ing to see how much the older people have for- gotten, and how well the children remember, the early history of the country. Try such questions as: 1. Name three decisive battles of the Revolu- tionary War. 170 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS 2. Name six signers of the Declaration of Independence. 3. Name the thirteen original states. 4. Give the date of Washington's first inaug- uration. Sometimes the dates are given and the con- testants asked to tell the event which occurred then. If the school teacher is not present, it is pretty safe to predict that some youngster barely in his teens will make the greatest number of correct answers on such a test. · Patriotic Music.--A musical contest is con- ducted in this wise :-play two lines each, of various national airs and let those present cor- rectly name them all—if they can! The fol- lowing tunes are suggested: Marching through Georgia; Dixie; Watch on the Rhine; The Austrian Hymn; America; Yankee Doodle; Marseillaise; Blue Bells of Scotland; Wearing of the Green; and Columbia. Yankee Doodle Housewives. This is good fun whether given before a family group or in the presence of an audience large enough to fill a hall. Place your performers on a plat- 1- OL SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 171 form so they can be plainly seen from any part of the room. When the curtain rises a group of women is seen at various household tasks: one is at an ironing-board ready to iron a bit of cloth; a second stands with broom poised, about to sweep; a third is seated, holding a pan of potatoes in her lap and a knife in her hand, ready to pare the vegetables; a fourth stands with a dust-cloth raised to a picture on the wall; and in the foreground is a woman on her knees about to scrub the floor. At a given signal somebody seated at a piano be- gins to play Yankee Doodle very slowly. As she does so, the women on the platform begin their tasks, mechanically working in time to the music. Gradually the music grows faster and faster and the women keeping time quicken their motions also, until piano and actors are going at full speed. With a crash the piano-playing comes to a stop, the figures on the platform are motionless, and the per- formance is over. The whole effect produced is that of a set of mechanical toys and is very funny. One advantage enjoyed by this per- formance lies in the fact that the women can be 172 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS dressed in ordinary kitchen clothing and no special costume is required. The number of performers may be increased indefinitely: dishwashers, seamstresses, etc. being added. If the performance is given in a private house, a clothes-horse covered with sheeting makes a good screen to use instead of a curtain while the performers are taking their places on the platform. Winter Dance in Summer.-A winter party in summer will be something of a novelty. This must be held indoors and is effective only in a large hall. Sufficient ventilation to keep the room cool is a pre-requisite to success, es- pecially as the decorations are effective only under bright light. White cotton-goods laid on the floor and sprinkled with a solution of alum brings snow under foot; but if the floor is to be used for dancing, use the alum solution only about the edges of the room in order not to interfere with the smoothness of the dancing surface. Pine branches hung about the walls and also dipped in alum solution to make them look as if Jack Frost had just come, add to the wintry effect. Tiny cornucopias of paper SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 173 covered with paste and then dipped in dia- mond-dust may be hung from the branches to represent icicles. Here and there place great snow-balls, glistening with ice and snow. These are made by intertwining several barrel- hoops for a foundation and covering them with cheesecloth to make a ball. Over these place a layer of cotton-batting, sprinkle with alum solution, and here and there dab on the white of an egg before sprinkling with diamond dust to make a brighter glitter. A heap of tiny cotton snow-balls, filled with souvenirs is effective, but the particles of cot- ton that will be found next day clinging to clothing and furniture, make one hesitate to recommend this substitute. For a centerpiece on the supper table use a cake of ice, (placed in a pan which is hidden by a banking of cotton). In the center of the ice make a hole, using a hot poker for the pur- pose; remove the water thus formed and pour into the hole some spirits of camphor. Just before the guests enter the room, light the camphor and the effect produced is that of the ice itself being on fire. When the ice begins 174 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS to melt remove it and let its place be taken by a mock plum pudding. This is made of gela- tine, filled with fruit and nuts. Make a good lemon-jelly and when nearly cold add the chopped or sliced fruits. When served, sur- round with holly or pine sprigs. The menu may be chosen according to the taste of the hostess, but she should provide a plentiful sup- ply of finely chopped white of hard-boiled eggs. to give a snow-covering to the meat and vege- tables. Shredded cocoanut serves the same purpose on the sweets. as ST. PATRICK'S DAY. (MARCH 17) After a dinner on St. Patrick's day, the guests were told that they were expected to prove the degree of their acquaintance with the Blarney Stone, by showing their ability as makers of compliments. Each gentleman was asked to draw a card from a plate, and found thereon the name of one of the ladies present. Then each in turn was given two minutes in which to pay the most extravagant compliment possible to the lady whose card he held. If he failed, or if the lady blushed, forfeits were de- ec SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 175 manded, which had to be redeemed after all had gone through the ordeal. After this game, each guest received a card on which were written ten questions, the an- swers to which they were requested to insert. The one who answered all correctly, received a copy of some odd little book, like "Pigs in Clover." The following were the questions and their answers: 1. Why is the center-piece at dinner like an Irish clover? Ans. It is sham rock. 2. What Indian dance would St. Patrick have put a stop to? Ans. The Snake Dance. 3. What country wears St. Patrick's colors ? Ans. Greenland. 4. What fruit is objected to in Ireland? Ans. The orange. 5. What Irish county would make a good winter coat? Ans. Ulster. 6. Which Irish city belongs on top of a bot- tle? 176 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Ans. Cork. 7. Why should the pine-tree be made St. Patrick's tree? Ans. Because it is ever-green. . Ans. The Bow of Orange Ribbon. 9. What form of rhyme is in place on an Irish holiday? Ans. The Limerick. 10. If you dreamt on St. Patrick's eve what sort of dream should it be? Ans. A pipe-dream. Bubble Party.-Tiny pipes are often used as souvenirs on St. Patrick's day. At one :children's party each child was given an ordi- nary clay pipe tied with a green ribbon. Bowls of soap and water were brought in and the chil dren sat down to blow soap-bubbles. In pre- paring the soap-bubble mixture, enough soap was rubbed into the water to form a lather on the surface; then the lather was removed and the remaining solution was ready for use. A little glycerine was added so as to make the bub- bles more tenacious and hence last longer. The SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 177 pipes had a thin coating of soap rubbed inside the edge of the bowl beforehand, as this assists in the blowing of larger bubbles. Prizes were given for the largest and most gorgeously col- ored bubbles, and a fan was given the chil- dren with which to drive the bubbles round the room. In preparing St. Patrick's Day decorations, yellow flowers may be turned green by im- mersing their stems in a solution of bluing for several hours before using them. CHAPTER III THE VALUE OF ARBOR DAY “With the planting of a tree, a blessing comes to him who drops the seed."-Arabian proverb. THE following program is adapted for use ercises in charge, or may be carried out by the children in a school. The essays below were written for the use of school children; if adults give part of the program, they can easily sub- stitute other topics or enlarge upon those here given. PROGRAM. 1. Reading: The Governor's proclamation, to be read by a member of the town board or of the school board. 2. Reading: Arbor and Bird Day Law. 3. Music. 4. Recitation by a little girl. 5. Essay: Arbor Day and the Value of Trees. 6. Recitation: The Discontented Pine-tree. 178 THE VALUE OF ARBOR DAY 179 7. Music. 8. Essay: John Chapman. 9. Recitation by three children: The Growth of the Tree. 10. Planting of the trees. A suitable recitation, as the fourth number of the program would be the following, written by Eleanor W. F. Bates, and first published in Little Men and Women: THE NATIONAL FLOWER. "The grown people round us are trying to think Which flower is best for our national one; Now don't you think dogwood would be the most fun?" “No, Towser,” said Kitty, “It seems to me Pussy-willows or catnip much better would be." ESSAY.---ARBOR DAY AND THE VALUE OF TREES. In the olden days the people in many parts of Europe cut down trees as they needed them. Gradually there was less and less wood to be found, until the people saw that if they did not take steps to change matters, they would face a serious situation. So they began to plant 180 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS them. This happened hundreds of years ago and now the forests in many European coun- tries are in flourishing condition. In Germany the foresters go about each year marking such trees as may be chopped down. Even upon his private estate a man must get the consent of the government to cut down his trees; other- wise, for the sake of some whim, one man might destroy the trees planted by past gener- ations for the enjoyment of many future ones. In this country our forests were so dense and numerous that it seemed as if we might destroy But in the past few years we have been learn- ing our mistake, and now, by the celebration of Arbor Day, are trying to replace the trees and bring back their beauty. Not only beauty do the trees give us. Their trunks and roots serve as shelter for animals in winter after the birds have left the branches in which they dwelt all summer. The rows of great trees act as a wind-break in times of storm, and give grate- ful shade during the heat of sunshiny days. They purify air and water by living on the THE VALUE OF ARBOR DAY 181 elements which are fatal to man, and giving them forth again in such form as we need to breathe. The roots not only help drain the land but also keep the earth sweet and pure, while the fallen leaves enrich the soil, acting as one of our best fertilizers. Along the banks of the streams the trees stand as do the dykes in Holland-protecting the edge of the land from the inroads of the water. The fine net-work of roots holding the earth firmly in place also draws up enough water to keep the surrounding ground in good condition. A large volume could be written upon the uses made of tree-products :-medicines, acids, syrups and dye-stuffs, as well as the edible fruits and nuts we gather. And then we must mention uses of the wood in building houses, ships, furniture, bridges, telegraph-poles and masts. Our daily papers are usually printed on a wood-fiber; and wood-pulp is used in the fashioning of many household utensils such as pails and bowls. One could go on for an hour telling of the many uses to which wood is put, but to-day we are content to plant the trees for 182 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS the sake of the shade and beauty they will give to our neighborhood. May they grow in size and beauty, that when we are no more they will stand as lasting monuments to us and as a reminder to others to “go and do likewise.” THE OLD GERMAN LEGEND OF THE DISCONTENTED PINE-TREE. Deep in the great, green forest, where the birds sing through the summer-time, and the winds moan over the empty nests all the win- ter long, grew a little pine-tree. About her the rabbits played, and the soft green moss laid a carpet at her foot. But the little pine-tree was not happy, for she stood in the midst of a group of trees whom she envied for the cloaks of green leaves in which they were decked. How she longed to be dressed as they were! One day she sighed, “Ah, all of the other trees are so beautiful! I wish that I too wore leaves, instead of just needles. If I could choose, I should be decked in golden leaves." . . . . . . . . . And, lo! The little pine-tree slept. When she awoke her needles were gone and in their THE VALUE OF ARBOR DAY 183 stead a mass of golden leaves bedecked her. "Ah!” said the little pine-tree, “now I am beautiful indeed. There is no tree in the forest as lovely as I.” And then there came through the forest two men. When they saw the pine-tree, they cried, “Look! Look at the golden leaves! We must gather them and take them home that we may be rich forever." "No, no," said the little pine-tree, “those are my leaves. You must not take them." But the men did not hear. They stripped her bare and left her shivering in the cold. "Truly,” said the little pine-tree, “I would rather have needles than golden leaves. But could I wish again, I should choose glass leaves and then men would not rob me.” And again the little pine-tree slept. ........ When she awoke her branches were covered with glistening leaves of glass. "Ah!” murmured the little pine-tree, “now I am the most beautiful tree in the forest. See, when the sun shines upon me, how glorious I am!" But soon the sun hid his face; the storm-cloud came and the rain fell; slowly at 184 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS first, then faster and faster and heavier and heavier, and as the great drops hit the delicate leaves, they fell in shards at the foot of the lit- tle pine-tree. And once again she stood bare in the midst of her companions. "Ah, me!" said the little pine-tree, “I have been too ambitious and have asked for more than my companions are given. Had I but green leaves like them, I should indeed, be con- tent.” And a third time the little pine-tree slept. . . . . . . . . . . . When she awoke there was a mantle of soft green leaves about her and she breathed con- tentedly and shook out her leaves and re- joiced. And there came through the forest an old mother-goat with her children. “See," she said, "there is a nice little tree, so small that we can reach almost to her top, and her leaves will make us an excellent dinner." And one by one the little pine-tree's leaves were lost again. As she stood bruised and sore that night she sighed, “Had I but my needles again, I would ask no more." And when morning came her THE VALUE OF ARBOR DAY 185 needles once more covered her branches. All summer long the little pine-tree grew tall and straight in the sunshine, and when winter came, the leaves on the trees about her withered and fell to the ground, but her mantle of green re- mained. She alone of all in the forest stood clothed. ESSAY. -JOHN CHAPMAN. One of the men who stands for all the ideals of Arbor Day is John Chapman, better known by his nickname of “Johnny Apple-seed.” It is to him we owe most of the great fruit- orchards in Ohio and the Mississippi Valley district. For over forty years he wandered about the country giving apple-seeds to all who would accept and plant them. In 1790 he drifted down the Ohio River in a boat loaded with apple-seeds, which, it is said, he obtained from the cider presses of Pennsylvania. Barely six thousand people lived in the dis- trict between the Alleghany Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at this time, but within a few years a tide of emigration set westward, and the plains were dotted with the slow-moving 186 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS white-topped emigrant wagons. In advance of these went John Chapman. Wherever he found an open glade near a river with rich soil suitable for his purpose, he dug up the ground and planted his seeds; protected them from wild in his boat down the river to repeat the process in the next open glade. He went on foot over the Indian trails car- rying the seeds on his back in bags. The In- dians treated him with kindness, admiring him, and yet regarding him as having some mental trouble and standing in awe of him on that ac- count. During the War of 1812 he wandered unarmed and unharmed wherever he chose. Although some people looked upon him as a fanatic, or even as quite mad, he was really a man of large purpose. He saw the possibili- ties of great orchards, and was a big enough man to give himself heart and soul to his self- Fort Wayne, Indiana, the wilderness he trod has become a land of farmsteads and cities, and his orchards have become the pride and wealth of the Middle West. THE VALUE OF ARBOR DAY 187 ACTION-PIECE.—THE GROWTH OF THE TREE. The smallest child-a little girl-should be dressed in brown; the second, a boy, slender and of medium height, wears a cape of pale green and carries a bough with young green leaves on it. An older boy should wear a cape of dark green and carry a bough with heavy dark green leaves. (These can be made of paper and fastened to the bough.) Little girl: I am the seed so tiny and brown, Searching a home in your good town. Make for me a soft, warm bed, And soon o’er the surface I'll raise my head. She goes through the action of planting an acorn, and then steps back. The younger boy speaks: I am the sapling, growing free, Soon to stand as a full-grown tree. Water me well, and give me care, And welcome shade to you I'll bear. He plants his sapling and then steps back. The - older boy then speaks: Here I stand, the full-grown oak, 1 Number 11 on the Program; three characters. 188 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS In summer hid 'neath a dark-green cloak; In autumn, dressed in a suit of brown, Till winter tears my old leaves down. Through my branches, then, the cold winds sing; And when, at last, we all grow old, Your children's children shall be told Of the pleasant day when you planted me The joyous tale of the old oak tree. CHAPTER IV EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS THE origin of making presents of Easter eggs lies so far back in history that we can do no more than guess at it. Brewer tells us that this practice was Persian or Magian, and that these ancient peoples presented each other with eggs as symbols of the mundane egg for which the great gods Ormuzd and Ahriman con- tended. All the eastern nations, Hindoos and Jews as well as Persians, followed this cus- tom. With the introduction of Christianity the custom was continued, but the meaning of the gift was changed to become a symbol of the Resurrection, and for many centuries the eggs were colored red in "allusion to the blood of their redemption.” Perhaps the most famous Easter egg cele- bration in America is that which is held every Easter Monday in the grounds of the White 189 190 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS House at Washington, D. C. Before the grounds were bought by the government, they were a part of the farm of a sturdy old Scotch- man, who had taught the neighbors' children this custom of his native land and invited them to use his grounds. When the property even now on this day, the children bring their hard-boiled colored Easter eggs and roll them down the slope around the Executive 1- grounds unless accompanied by a child; so one amusing outgrowth of this rule has been started by some youngsters, who not only want to en- ter the grounds, but also wish to be paid for doing so. On Easter Monday, a stranger who approaches the White House will probably be accosted by some little boy, who kindly offers to loan himself to the adult as passport into the grounds, on the payment of a nickel. If the offer is accepted, the visitor and child go up to the gate and are promptly admitted and go over to the slope where the egg-rolling is in progress. The borrowed child having then ful- filled his duty slips out, leaving his escort to EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 191 enjoy the sight of the egg-rolling to his heart's content. Meantime the youngster continues to loan himself to various adults at five cents per loan, until the gate-keepers suspect that they have seen him before, and refuse to re-admit him. Hard-boiled eggs are used on the White House grounds, but the old form of egg-rolling was usually done with the raw product. The game consisted in rolling one egg against an- other until one was broken, in which case it be- came the property of the owner of the un- broken egg. The victorious egg was then pitted against another, and so on until the last egg to remain unbroken was proclaimed the victor. In Germany the children are taught that the Easter hare lays all the colored eggs and hides them for the good children to find on Easter morning. In every family there is an egg-hunt on Easter morning, parents and children join- ing in the search throughout the house and garden. The eggs are usually hard-boiled colored eggs, but here and there a special prize of chocolate or other candy egg is found. 1a 192 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS S - At an Easter party the children are some- times told to choose partners. Then each pair is given a small basket and told to hunt for eggs in the pauses of the music. Whenever the music plays the children must march about the room, each couple holding their basket between them; but every few minutes the music stops for a short time and the youngsters scramble off to gather all the eggs they can find until re- called by the sound of the piano or organ. For this game the eggs must be hidden in one room, or at most in the rooms on one floor. The Russian Easter somewhat resembles our Christmas-gifts are made of fruit, flowers, little waxen angels and toys, and each child is provided with a palm branch. These branches are used on the following morning to beat the lazy ones, who do not get up on time. MAY DAY. In some parts of the country the pretty cus- tom of May baskets still exists, and early on May Day morning the children may be seen hanging baskets of spring blossoms on the door- knobs of their friends' homes, knocking on the EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 193 door and then slipping away before they are discovered. This custom comes to us from England, as does also that of the Maypole Dance. A combination of these two customs results in a very pretty May Day party for children. Little baskets full of spring flowers and con- taining invitations to the party are hung on the doors of the children invited. On the day of the party a high pole is erected on the lawn, with long streamers of different colored rib- bons (strips of colored cotton cloth will do as well), caught at the top of the pole and long enough to reach the ground. When all of the children have arrived, each one is given an end of one of the ribbons,—the boys and girls alternating and facing, they dance about the pole, in and out, weaving the ribbons as they go, until the whole pole is clothed with a cover of closely interlaced ribbons. In climates where May Day is warm in theory only, but is in fact chilly and liable to cause colds and illness by out-of-door sports, indoor games may be substituted. Among these substitutes is: VOI 194 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS A Cobweb Party. This always affords amusement for young people. To arrange this web take a number of long ribbons, winding them about furniture, door-knobs and from room to room. All the ribbons have a common starting point but no two are allowed to follow the same windings. Each child is given the end of a ribbon at the common starting-point, and he must then follow it to its other end, winding as he goes. Sometimes the ribbon is wound about in one room, sometimes it extends from parlor to kitchen and back again, but when the end is reached there will be some little fun it is to see what each one finds. In this cobweb game, strong strings may be substituted for ribbons, and will answer the purpose equally well. If balls of different col- ored twines are used, the color effect is as good as that of ribbons; and as they may be longer the fun will be more. The only rule to be observed is that no thread must be broken, but must be untwisted or untied if it gets into a knot. Good souvenirs for a May Day web are tiny baskets of flowers, blotters with pen-and- EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 195 ink sketch of some flower on the cover, or little stick-pins of flower design. The refreshments served should be in the spring colors :-white and yellow. Chicken sandwiches or salad, lemon or orange ice or custard, with frosted cakes will carry out this color scheme. Scatter yellow blossoms over the table-cloth and for a center-piece erect a tiny May-pole (made of a piece of gilded or painted broom handle) with yellow and white ribbons extending to the plate of each guest and ending in a tiny bouquet of some white spring flowers. HALLOWE’EN. In honor of the harvest great bonfires are kindled on Hallowe'en (night of October 31), in many a European country-side, and around it the people dance and make merry. Through- out this country also the day is observed in various ways. The combination of the harvest festival and the Hallowe'en tricks and games forms an excellent celebration. Guests may be invited to dress appropriately to represent some grain, fruit or vegetable, and 196 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS prizes be given those wearing costumes voted upon as the best. At one such party the lady's short-waisted dress of crushed-pink cotton crepe; on this she had worked brown seed- shaped dots here and there. A long, loose cloak of light green, splashed with irregular lines of darker green and lined with white, half concealed her gown. The only ornaments worn were chains of watermelon seeds, but these were not needed to suggest the fruit she repre- sented. One of the men appeared in a bat- tered old hat and overalls, from the rents in which appeared wisps of straw. More straw protruded from his cuffs and straggled from under his hat. The corners of his mouth were painted to make it look larger, and a few lines added on his cheeks, making him a most perfect and disreputable specimen of scarecrow. The room in which the guests assembled had had its usual decorations removed and in their place were cornshucks, sheaves of wheat and dried grasses, with here and there a black sil- houette of a witch flying ceilingward on her broomstick; and black cats, with tails erect, EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 197 Me peered from unexpected nooks or corners. Luckily there was a big fire-place in the room, and in it a fire burned all evening. Corn and corn-poppers were placed conveniently near, while marshmallows, with long pointed sticks on which to roast them, were also provided. The company indulged in all the old Hal- lowe'en games that could be rememberedor which were suggested to them by Burns' poem on “Hallowe'en.” First, fortunes were tried by using three dishes of water: clean water in the first, stained in the second, and none in the third. One at a time, each of the men was blindfolded and then advanced to test his for- tune. If his hand went into clear water he would marry a maiden; if into foul, a widow, while the empty dish signified bachelordom. Meantime some of the girls had placed three nuts close to the fire and named two of them after lovers. Did one crack or jump, he for whom it was named would be unfaithful. Did it blaze or burn, his love was true. The third nut was named after the girl herself, and if it burned, together with one of the other two, it was a sign of their marriage. 198 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS A large tin spoon was then brought in, and each guest, in turn, put upon it a bit of lead, which when melted, was poured on to a plate and the form which it assumed was used for fortune reading. Following this, a bundle of small sticks was brought in and distributed. Then each person in turn lighted his stick, and while it burned told a story or sang a song. (It is well to have in reserve several good tales, or short poems clipped from newspapers or magazines to help the bashful ones through this ordeal.) The following suggestions, clipped from an article recently given in a daily newspaper, were tried with great success: A pumpkin, a large ear of yellow field-corn, a pint of peanuts in the shell, a pound of pecans in the shell, a basket of apples, one beautiful chrysanthe- mum, a large bunch of Malaga grapes, and a bough of red oak leaves are the requisites for the entertain- ment. And these same articles may serve as decora- tions during the evening. The game is to guess the number of parts of each one of the list, for instance: How many grains on the ear of corn? How many seeds in the pumpkin ? How many grapes in the bunch? EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 199 How many pecans in a pound? How many petals on the chrysanthemum? How many leaves on the oak bough? How many apples in the basket? The answers when this game was played a year ago were, respectively, 851, 474, 154, 93, 439, 37, 140, 46. They will serve as an indication of the possible answers, for, of course, they would never be twice the same. enough to grant a view of the entire length. This was suspended by a ribbon in the doorway; the bunch of grapes was also suspended in the same way. The oak bough decorated almost a whole corner in the room, being hung on a nail driven high in the wall. The chrysanthemum stood in a tall vase on a table, and the nuts were in glass dishes on small tables. The apples were the little “snow apples" placed in a pretty basket. The seeds of the pumpkin had been dried in the oven and were also in a glass dish. A fine specimen of pumpkin should be selected; after taking out the seeds cut a round lid from the top and wash the pumpkin and lid carefully. The entertainment appealed to the men, and, as you know, they are sometimes hard to interest in these things; but what man or boy does not like to try his powers of calculation? There was a prize appropriate to the question for the best calculator. For the grains of corn, an imitation ear of corn filled with bonbons, procurable at the confectioner's; for 200 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS the pumpkin-seeds, the pumpkin itself, filled with "kisses," etc. Of course, the answers had actually been obtained beforehand, except in the case of the chrysanthemum, which was judged by one section of the flower, and the grapes, which were counted after the company had guessed. In preparing decorations for the Hallowe'en supper lanterns were made from oranges hol- lowed out. Sending the rays of their tiny candles through the eyes and mouth cut in them, they helped light the table. Four pins held each candle securely in place. In the center of the table a large hollow pumpkin, filled with fruit and grain was placed, and on its summit stood a doll, dressed in witch's cap and cloak. Wherever possible, small hollowed pumpkins and cabbages were substituted for ordinary dishes, and potatoes and turnips served as candle-holders. As a last course, a dish of English walnuts was passed to the guests. These had been opened beforehand, the nut- meats removed and little scrolls of paper, on which fortunes were written, inserted; after which the pieces of nut were glued together again. The fortunes, written either in milk or lemon-juice on narrow slips of paper, and thor- EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 201 oughly dried, left no visible marks. Such writing can be brought out only by the appli- cation of heat; holding the papers near the gas or candle-light will cause it to gradually appear in a dull brown color, as was done on this oc- casion. After supper the guests were invited to go, light of two bowls of burning alcohol, a witch dressed in the regulation pointed-hat and long red cloak, told fortunes. A little salt was thrown over the alcohol from time to time to add to the weird effect, and the family black cat was kept in evidence by surreptitious bribes of meat. Another type of Hallowe'en party was that given several years ago by a group of college girls who all lived in the same house. The hostesses were arrayed in sheet and pillow case, with white masks over their faces. All of the girls invited were similarly provided, so that there was no distinguishing any of them. 1 Whenever alcohol fires need replenishing, to avoid serious accident, be sure the fire is extinguished before pouring on the fresh supply of alcohol. 202 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS The girls wandered about, chatting with the men, but as soon as their identity was discov- ered, half a dozen of the sheeted figures would join hands and dance about in a circle until the bewildered men had lost track of the ones they had discovered. Several of the fortune-telling games were tried, and then the girls dropped their masks and a general scramble at bobbing for apples was indulged in. A tub of water had been provided in which the apples floated. The game consisted in trying to bite into an apple and then draw it out of the water with- out the use of hands. The men enjoyed this game thoroughly, but a very little of it was quite enough for the girls, who soon turned their attention to a game of Apple-ten-pins.-Several planks were laid side by side and covered with a sheet stretched taut over them to make a good rolling surface. This surface was about 4x8 ft., at the height of an ordinary table above the ground, and sloped slightly upward at the farther end. A row of apples was placed, like ten pins, on the farther edge, and beneath this was a basket to catch them as they fell. A base-ball or croquet- as dots. alam P 11- WA ELMA RAINAS.LVO LAVE 10 D T...... 17 ) W S07 116 5121 e WHYTRON WWE 3513181 . X L ! . . ma MEIRA TA hilas 2 . Sheet and Pillow Case Costume EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 203 ball was rolled from the opposite end of the table and each guest took a turn at seeing how many apples he could knock into the basket in three trials. All the rugs and floor-coverings had been re- moved and the floor waxed the night before, so the party soon resolved itself into a dance, ex- cept for the few who remained about the fire- place, popping corn and roasting apples. The accompanying illustration will show the style of sheet drapery used, although there are many methods equally good. The sheets should be belted in at the waist in order to make them less cumbersome. The masks are made of white cotton cloth, cut large enough to cover the face and to come well down over the chest. Strings are attached at the sides and the mask is tied on before the pillow-case head- covering is adjusted. Pushing one corner of the pillow-case into the other makes the re- Thanksgiving Day usually takes care of it- self as far as entertainment goes, the program 204 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS being dinner-and then more dinner! There are always a certain number of people in any community, however, who have no homes of their own, or, having a home, are still alone. Upon this holiday many of these lonely ones are invited to join the families of their more fortunate friends, but it frequently happens in a newer community that those without family- ties are too numerous to be cared for in this manner. In certain communities those who have no special invitation are gathered in at the local church and a Thanksgiving dinner in the church assembly-room has become a thing to look forward to. Some of the members have been known to refuse other invitations rather than miss the Thanksgiving dinner with their pastor at the church. The time after dinner is usually spent in a program of appropriate readings and music. Where this idea cannot be carried out conveniently by the church, the local club might manage the affair. A suggestion for a Thanksgiving dinner given each other by a group of lonely women, appears in Zona Gale's delightful book, en- titled “Friendship Village,” in the chapter EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 205 “Nobody sick, nobody poor." The tale is too perfect to spoil it by brief description. It is worth following by those who are lonely; it is worth reading aloud as an after-dinner enter- tainment for those who are fortunate enough to be with their families on that day. In the older parts of the country where back to Pilgrim times, the children or young people often arrange a costume party on Thanksgiving evening, all being dressed in costumes of the seventeenth century—the men appearing in knickerbockers, low shoes with big buckles, shovel hats, leather-belted long coats, and deep, turnover collars, while the prim kerchiefs and simple gowns of the char- acteristic Puritan women are too well known to need describing. As dancing would be rather out of character for these good Puritans, historical games of various sorts should be the order of the even- ing. In the newer sections of our country some of the early settlers could enliven the assemblage with their accounts of the Thanksgiving Days 206 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS of frontier times, or back in the old homes from which they came. 1 CHRISTMAS. Christmas brings its customs from many lands and many centuries :-the use of mistle- toe is a legacy from the Druids of pagan days; stocking-hanging is said to be of Italian origin; our tree came from Germany by way of Eng- land; England contributed the plum-pudding; and Santa Claus comes from Holland, where the Dutch children place their wooden shoes in- stead of their stockings as receptacles for gifts. The German tree may be either a model of simplicity or, on the other hand, may be fur- nished most elaborately. One of the prettiest simple decorations is that devised by two little German ladies. They brush a solution of alum on the branches of the tree, and set it in a cold spot until dry, when a hoar-frost effect is ob- tained. They take bits of cotton, dip them in white-of-egg and then into diamond-dust (powdered mica). These are hung on the tree; red and white candles added, and a gilded star an a EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 207 is placed atop. Cotton is laid around the base of the tree and generously sprinkled with dia- mond-dust. Sometimes strings of popcorn are added to decorate the branches, but that is all. It is a very simple decoration and yet exceed- ingly effective. The alum solution can be used on spruce trees, but the balsam-fir does not take it very well. No matter what sort of tree is used, a cup of water placed under the tree will add enough moisture to keep the leaves from falling for a considerable length of time. Among some of the wealthier German fam- ilies an entire room is devoted to the Christmas tree and its belongings. In one corner the tree is placed, and by its side are built miniature representations of the Manger and the Visit of the Magi. Sometimes there is a tiny mill near-by, with a mechanical device to set it run- ning, and a real little mill-stream gives it power. Of course, this means much prepara tion and expense, but many a German family indulges in these during the holiday season. Poinsettia is much used for Christmas dec- orations of late years, and as it is easily and effectively imitated in red crêpe paper, its in- 208 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS troduction is a distinct addition to the scheme and napkins made of heavy crêpe paper, with poinsettia design, are now obtainable, and for large gatherings may be made to serve instead of linen. The effect is good and the saving in laundry-work is well worth considering. At a recent Christmas party for grown peo- ple the following clever scheme of gift distri- bution was used with great success: two rooms and the guests were invited into the front room, facing the screen of sheeting. On the other side a line had been hung across the sheet and from it suspended a row of variously sized stockings. The host put on his long over- coat, duly stuffed out with pillows, and his wife's fur boa was arranged to look like trim- ming on the coat. A paper cap and a beard of fringed paper were adjusted and a bag full of gifts slung over his shoulder. Then a couple of lights were lit back of the curtain and those in the front room were extinguished. This threw the shadow of the stockings and of Santa EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 209 Claus on the sheet. Santa Claus stepped up to the stockings, put his hand to his ear as if listening, nodded cheerfully to show his satis- faction with the absence of noise (betokening that all the children were asleep) whereupon, dropping his bag, he proceeded to fill the stock- ings. Both packages and stockings were labeled to facilitate his task, but this the guests in the front room could not see. As he worked, somebody recited part of “The Night Before Christmas," and as the last line was reached, Santa Claus waved his empty bag and retired; the sheet fell and the guests were invited to step forward and find their own stockings. The shadow method was used by this partic- ular hostess because she could afford neither time nor money for making a regular Santa Claus suit, and by means of her sheet was able to give the proper effect with little trouble. If this idea is copied, Santa Claus should hold a rehearsal of his scene, in order to learn how to keep his profile to the audience and not have it cut by cross-lines of stockings, which would mar the effect, to say the least. If the sheet is m 210 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS dampened with a spongeful of water before use, the shadow will be much clearer and con- sequently more effective. This same scheme was used at a Church party, and the invitation is worth quoting for the suggestion it contains: The members of the Longville Church are invited, with their families, to meet Santa Claus on Christ- mas Eve at eight o'clock in the Church parlors. Santa Claus has kindly consented to distribute gifts in person and will take charge of any packages you may consign to his care for other members of the congregation. He has also a stocking which belongs to The Little Boy Who Gets No Other Gifts Than These. Will you bring him a toy or apple or a piece of clothing? The contents of the Little Boy's stocking yielded a goodly store to the minister of the congregation for distribution among needy children of the neighborhood; and nothing will foster general good-feeling more than such kindly remembrance of the less fortunate. Christmas Magazine.-Shortly before Christ- mas a young people's club advertised an en- tertainment entitled: "Contents of a Christ- mas Magazine.” When the guests entered IN VIUI EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 211 each one was presented with a card, of which the following is a copy :- Table of Contents. pose for each of these scenes). . . . 2. A Story of Adventure . . . . . . . 3. Garden Hints . . . . . 4. Love Story . . . . . . fo : . 5. Joke Page . . . . . . . o . 6. Women's Fashion Page . . . 7. A Menu for the Day After . . . . . 8. Advertising Section . . . . . . . The entertainment was given in a fairly large hall, one end of which had been curtained off. Back of this a platform had been built two feet from the ground, two and a half feet wide and five feet long. The floor of the stage sloped slightly towards the front, making it fully three inches higher in the back than in the front. The wood was painted white, and white sheet- ing was stretched for the background. When the curtains were drawn back, they opened just far enough to frame this stage. For the first scene, the cover design, a placard was fastened near the top of the sheet, labeled: 212 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS OAKVILLE JOURNAL Dec. 1910. The volume and number were fastened to the front of the platform, thus appearing at the bottom of the page: Vol. 7.—No. 12. Upon the platform was placed a group of children (in bright-colored dresses to contrast with the white background), posed about a small tree as if dancing around it. The curtains were closed at the end of half a minute. As the actors must keep absolutely motionless while the cur- tains are open, it is better to let the audience demand a second view of a scene, rather than a prolonged one, as this gives the actors a mo- ment's rest while the curtain is closed. It is hard enough to keep the youngsters still for half a minute, and grown folks often find the same difficulty-only they are less frank about admitting the fact. The “Story of Adventure” showed Santa Claus in his traditional red suit and white furs, putting gifts into stockings hung before a man- tel. At one side was a door, slightly ajar, through the opening of which two youngsters EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 213 in night-clothes were peeping. Hanging over the front of the platform was a large placard, on which the following text was plainly let- tered: “GEE, JIMMY, BE CAREFUL! IF HE CATCHES US, ALL THEM THINGS WILL JUST TURN TO AIR AND WE WON'T GET NOTHIN'-'CEPT A LICK- IN?" The “Garden Hints" revealed a table on which stood a small Christmas tree, decorated with apples, strings of cranberries, oranges and gilded nuts. From the front of the table hung a placard, on which was written: ANXIOUS READER: NO, LUTHER BURBANK WAS NOT THE ORIGINATOR OF THE TREE THAT BEARS SEVERAL VARIETIES OF FRUIT AT THE SAME TIME; THIS DISCOVERY BELONGS TO SANTA CLAUS. used in the previous story was again employed. This was just a skeleton made of two uprights, a cross piece and top, which were painted gray and set against the wall. On this stood a clock, pointing to midnight. Three small stockings were hung before the mantel, and a woman sat on the other side, busily sewing. Her hair was 214 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS drawn back tightly, her face looked thin and worn; her plain dress was neat, but very shabby. She was sewing busily on a handsome gown of lace and satin. Underneath the legend read: "IF I CAN ONLY GET IT DONE TO-NIGHT! MAYBE THEY WILL PAY ME IN THE MORNING, AND THEN I CAN GET SOME CANDY AND MIT- TENS TO PUT INTO THE STOCKINGS BEFORE THE CHILDREN ARE UP.” For the next page a heap of cotton or cheese- cloth, covered with alum and diamond-dust to look like a snowbank, was required. A large mirror was laid on the platform, having its border hidden in whitened cotton, to look like a bit of ice in the midst of the snow. In the snow at the lower edge of the ice, a stout old gentleman sat, clinging for dear life to his um- brella with one hand, and clutching for his hat which had rolled to a little distance with the other. His feet were slightly up in the air and he had evidently just descended to his present position. His face was red, his hair on end and his whole expression one of surprise and insulted dignity. In front of him stood a EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 215 young man, gazing solicitously upon him and evidently just about to speak. On the front of the stage hung a card bearing the following dialogue: "O, DID YOU FALL, SIR ?” "NO, INDEED; THIS IS THE WAY I USUALLY GO DOWN TOWN.” The "Women's Fashion Page” proved to be taken from Mother Goose, for the legend hung on the front of the platform read: "MISTRESS MARY, QUITE CONTRARY, HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW ? WITH SILVER BELLS AND COCKLE-SHELLS, AND PRETTY MAIDS ALL A-ROW.” On the platform stood a line of young girls in costumes of white (made of draped cheese- cloth). At their feet were rows of shells and bells, both made of silvered paper. Above their heads hung the further legend: “EARLY SPRING STYLES” An extra screen of red was slipped back of the figures to bring them out in greater promi- nence, but this screen was made small enough 216 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS to leave the white border all around and give the effect of an illustration on a page. The next page bore near the top a placard with the words: “MENU FOR THE DAY AFTER” and showed upon the stage an invalid in a rock- ing-chair, tucked in blankets; the doctor, in frock-coat, whiskers and spectacles, stood over her, pouring out a dose of dark-colored liquid from a big bottle into a large-sized kitchen spoon. The last page copied a well-known advertise- ment for a cleaning-powder. A copy of the ad- vertisement itself, in poster form, was fastened high in one corner of the screen, and beneath it was a life-sized model of the same figure, in blue gown, white cap and apron, red wooden shoes, and carrying a large stick. As the face did not show and the figure required was rather athletic, a young man, in woman's clothes, posed for this picture instead of a woman. Since it was difficult for people in the back of the room to read the legends fastened on the front of the platform, one of the hosts read e Corner SCI | WOM2 EASTER AND OTHER FESTIVALS 217 these aloud for each new page. After the ad- vertisement page, he announced that in making up the Contents the best page of all had been omitted, and asked the audience to remain seated a moment, so that that also could be shown to them. The curtain was then drawn back the full width of the room, disclosing what had been concealed until then: a large Christ- mas tree, lighted and loaded with gifts, with Santa Claus ready to make distribution. Ex- tra screening had to be used between the tree and the audience during preparation, to keep the lights from showing through the curtain. The lights for the stage had been arranged on each side of the page exhibited, and all lights in the outer room were extinguished during the performance. Table Decorations.-In some families the Christmas bran pie is a regular institution. On the arrival of the guests, each is presented with a colored favor; on entering the dining- room, an enormous pie, from which colored rib- bons depend, is discovered in the middle of the table, when each guest selects the ribbon to match his favor and draws out a Christmas 218 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS gift. The pie is made by using a dish-pan, lined with brown paper, filled with bran, and covered over with a sheet of paper painted to look like a nicely browned crust. Another good center-piece may be made by placing a mirror on the Christmas table, covering the edge with cotton heavily strewn with diamond-dust. A tiny tree, with candles lighted, is placed on the center of the mirror. The only decorations on the tree, besides the candles, are a frost of alum- solution and tiny bags of various colors, filled with candies. These bags are fastened to the tree by long ribbons, each of which stretches to a sitting-place at the table. After dinner each guest traces the ribbon from his plate to the bag which hangs at its other end. CHAPTER V AMATEUR THEATRICALS SUCCESS or failure in amateur theatricals lies, first, in the choice of a competent stage-man- ager; second, in the acceptance of his decisions as final in all matters; and third, in the realiza- tion that rehearsals and the proper study of parts mean actual work and hard study in or- der to make the public performance successful. If possible, get for your manager somebody who has had previous experience and is pos- sessed of tact, artistic understanding and decision. The company must be carefully se- lected, only those who are capable being accepted. One may succeed as a social favorite and still prove to be the worst possible choice for any part in the cast of a play; but by ap- pointing such a person on your entertainment committee, he is made of service in his proper sphere, and is not slighted. 219 220 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS The best way to select characters for the various parts is to have them read by one set of people and then by another until several per- sons have read each part. The manager can then make intelligent selection. Even after this, when the play has been in rehearsal for some time, a manager may have to shift some of his parts. A person who reads well, may be unable to personate his part, or his perfor- mance may, despite himself, grow worse in- stead of better. When possible, let those who have minor parts in one play be given the chief rôles in another. Always try to prevent three or four people from getting a monopoly of the choice rôles in every play. Envy is the rock on which many a promising company has split, and this must be duly guarded against at all times and in every possible manner. Curtains and stage may be made in the man- ner described under the heading of Tableaux, but the stage should be somewhat larger for the giving of plays. Try to place the stage so that meet in a most embarrassing way when they are supposed not to see each other. For foot- AMATEUR THEATRICALS 221 lights provide several small tin lamps with re- flectors, which, placed along the front of the stage, cast their light upon the actors. A wire- netting should be placed before these lamps, to protect gowns and stage properties from the danger of catching fire. Carriage-lamps make good side-lights, and at least one strong light should be placed out of view of the audience on each side of the stage. These should be placed near the front in order to avoid the casting of shadows. Sheets of colored glass or of very thin silk, held before the side-lamps, will give any necessary color effects. There must be no light cast from the rear of the stage at any time. Scenery may be painted on sheets of calico stretched across a wooden frame. Treat the surface with whiting and size before applying the paints. Remember that your object is to obtain a certain effect when the scene is viewed from a distance and paint with that object in mind, rather than aim at perfection of detail. In painting a scene it may be necessary to work from a small model. In that case, divide the model by cross lines into a certain number of 222 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS squares and then similarly divide your calico sheeting. You will thus have to copy but one square at a time and your proportions will be better maintained when this geometrical basis is followed. Your sheets should be painted on both sides, having a different scene on each, both for the sake of economy of space occupied and for the saving of time in scene-shifting. The second scene should be painted up-side- down with reference to the first scene, in order that a mere turning over of the frame will put the next scene in position when the use of the first one is ended. If a drop-curtain is used, have it mounted on a roller, like an ordinary window-curtain, and fasten a pole across the bottom to make it hold taut and roll evenly. The use of a pair of cur- tains, drawn apart to disclose the scene, is usually found more satisfactory than a drop- curtain. Attached to these curtains should be two pairs of strings—one pair for use in draw- ing them apart and the other for closing the curtains. In order to avoid awkward mistakes, distinguish these pairs of strings by having them of different colors. AMATEUR THEATRICALS 223 What has been said concerning costuming, under the head of Tableaux, applies with equal force to amateur theatricals. Do not attempt anything which goes beyond your resources in scenery or costuming. There are enough plays within the ordinary range of staging for you to choose from. "Twenty Minutes Under an Um- brella”; “What Happened to Jones”; “One of You Must Marry''; “Money”; “A Night Off," and “The Old Gardener” are all plays within the powers of average amateur abilities.1 For the children, “Little Men" and "Little Women” supply two good plays, and several satisfactory ones will be found in the Book of Plays for Little Actors. Costumes requiring the Greek or Roman toga may easily be made, but on the whole it is a wise rule to avoid cos- tume-plays, unless you are in a position to make or rent the necessary accessories. 1 Samuel French (26 W. 22nd St., New York) publishes these plays. Other publishers are mentioned in the chapter on Young Peoples' Clubs. 2 “Little Men” and “Little Women,” adapted by E. L. Gould, Book of Plays for Little Actors, N. Y., Amer. Book Co., 30c. (For 3rd grade children, Holiday Plays.) 224 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Make-up will require practice and must be tried by artificial light in order to be sure of the effects produced. Most of the publishers of plays issue books on Make-up, Costumes, etc. Before applying paint, wash the face thor- oughly with cold-cream so that the coloring matter will come off easily. Use grease-paints, as dry paint is injurious to the skin and should be avoided. After the performance, wash with cold-cream, before applying soap and water. In order to make the eyes look bright and large, apply a little grease-paint on the eye-lids and a little black on the lashes. The black paint must be melted and applied with a fine paint- brush. Carmine, or rose-pink on the cheeks, brought high on the cheek-bones and shaded off towards the nose and lower part of the face, will suggest a healthy, youthful appearance. This is intensified by the addition of a slight dab of color on the chin and lobes of the ears. In order to hide a bald spot or to bring the hair- line lower on the forehead, paint in a few strag- gling fine lines of brown, and, at a short dis- tance, the desired effect will be produced. In making these lines, use color a little darker AMATEUR THEATRICALS 225 than that of the hair which it is supposed to shadows should be placed just below the cheek bones to produce hollow cheeks, and lines for wrinkles must be put in very carefully. Black enamel laid over a tooth will effectually re- move it, so far as appearance goes. When a wig is worn, it must be drawn down carefully with joining paste, to conceal the hair beneath and obliterate the joining-line. With paste- powder one may change the shape of the nose or chin and spirit-gum holds on false whiskers and eye-brows. The latter may be made of Berlin wool or horse-hair. Other little tricks of make-up will suggest themselves as occasion demands. To have the performance out of doors is in- teresting under suitable circumstances, and can often be successfully managed. If you are for- tunate enough to find a bit of ground forming a natural stage, backed by heavy under-growth, it will save much preparation. Otherwise a stage must be erected about two feet above the level on which the audience is seated. Let this be made to slope off to the level, and hide the 226 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS sides with a covering of green sod. The back and sides of the stage must be framed by trees and bushes, the latter thick enough to screen the players who are awaiting their cues, and to conceal them completely after they have made their exits. A couple of serviceable dressing- rooms should be erected well back of the stage. Put four poles in the ground to make the cor- ners of your room, and then make the walls of some sort of cheap sheeting, or tent-cloth. If the performance is given at night, sufficient light must be supplied for the stage. If a day- light performance is essayed, experiment on your make-up beforehand, as sunlight is merci- less on a badly made-up face. It is even more necessary in an out-door performance than in an in-door one, to modulate the voice carefully and to cultivate its carrying powers. The success of such a performance will be aided by having one of your number stationed back of the last row of seats to report from time to time to the stage manager concerning the voices he fails to hear distinctly. Serious study of parts, rehearsals, and then more rehearsals, are the secret of success in AMATEUR THEATRICALS 227 amateur theatrical performances of any kind. Tableaux.-If two rooms are connected by a doorway use the smaller room for your stage, the wood-work about the door forming your proscenium. You will find it more satisfactory to take the door off its hinges and have a cur- tain to draw between the tableaux, as the door is apt to be in your way. Back of the door- way erect a stage. Make it at least a foot in height, so that people in the back of the other room can see the tableaux plainly. A large packing-box, cut to the proper height, will serve as a stage if it is sufficiently strong to bear the weight of several people upon it. Either paint the stage white or drape it with white covering. For impromptu tableaux a clothes-horse, covered with sheets, will do for a background, but if the performance is given in a hall, the background should be stretched on a frame made for the purpose, and the frame anchored upright in the same manner that is used in putting up a tennis-net. A couple of lamps should be placed out of sight of the audience, back of the doorway, one on each side of the stage, in order to bring the 228 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS performers into a bright light and eliminate shadows. A couple of lamps, with reflectors, may also be so placed in front of the stage as to cast light upon the performers. Very thin black gauze stretched across the opening in front of the doorway or stage adds greatly to the effect, by cutting off sharp out- lines, bringing out the good points of the pic- ture and adding softness to the entire effect. In a hall or large meeting-room a platform about ten feet square gives ample space, and the curtains should be drawn back just far enough to frame the stage. A valance about ten inches deep, hanging from the curtain wire after the long curtains are drawn, will add a top section to the frame around the tableaux. Another method of bordering the pictures is to construct frames of various sizes. Get moulding by the foot or use narrow scantling's. Fasten these together to make a frame of the size desired, and then either paint it or cover it with cotton cloth. This makes really the most effective framing for a tableau. Here, as in shadow pictures, there must be AMATEUR THEATRICALS 229 a stage-manager who knows something of the work before him, and to whom implicit obe- dience is rendered, if the performance is to be a smooth one. The manager must choose his players for adaptability, grace and beauty, the value of these three attributes lying in the or- der in which they are named. A fine complex- ion or hair will not matter so much, especially as paint and puffs are available to produce these for any player. Remember that severe looking gowns belong with a figure having fine lines; delicate materials and laces are required to tone down the lines of heavier figures, or faces of very intense type. If an evening per- formance is to be given, try all colors by lamp- light before deciding upon them. Some of the loveliest pinks, lavenders and blues, under artificial lights, turn to yellow, pink or green -and very ugly tints of these colors, at that. Cheese-cloth is a soft and inexpensive material which lends itself well to costumes for tableaux. People who live near large cities and care to go to the expense, may hire costumes of all styles and periods; but where this is impos- 230 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS sible, it is far better to choose simple subjects for which elaborate accessories are not neces- sary. Readings from the poets make a set of lovely pictures and are easily managed. Read through such poems as can be found; select a few lines for which an illustration may be posed, and let the lines be read aloud at the time the tableau is given. Tennyson's "The Day-Dream,” for example, provides material for an entire entertainment, since it is but a poetical version of the old nursery favorite "The Sleeping Beauty." The first scene shows the butler asleep in the foreground, with a wine-flask in one hand. Back of him, at a table, are seated the waiting- maids in old-fashioned, short-waisted gowns, with short sleeves, consisting of a single puff caught in above the elbow. These dresses may be made of cheese-cloth, each in a different color. Next to one of the maids kneels a page, holding her hand to his lips. The page wears a white blouse and short trousers, and has a curly, blonde wig. In the background stands AMATEUR THEATRICALS 231 the steward, carrying his great bunch of keys. All have their eyes closed and are evidently sound asleep. • The second scene shows the king and his barons around the banquet table. The king holds his wine-glass aloft and the others seem about to follow-but all are sound asleep. In setting this scene, place the table in the foreground, cover it with a long, white table- cloth falling to the ground, in such manner that the banqueters, seated upon the other side, are visible only above the table. This simpli- fies the costuming. The king wears a long red robe and a gilt paper crown. His courtiers wear velvet jackets (cheap velveteen will serve), buttoned up to the throat. A soft jabot of lace is pinned down the front of some jackets, and soft white turnover collars are used on others. The third scene brings us to the Sleeping Beauty. Cover a lounge with white cloth or sheets. On this the princess lies sleeping, her golden hair loose and falling to the ground. Over her is a coverlet, with silken stars em- Se 232 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS broidered on it; stars cut from silk or some thin cloth and basted on a pretty one-color coverlet, will serve the purpose. The next scene is the same, but shows the prince just entering the room. His costume consists of low shoes, with long stockings, short black velveteen trousers and jacket; the latter half-opened to show a white blouse be- neath. He carries a cap of black velvet, with long white plume, in his hand; and he will look the part better if he can be induced to wear a blonde wig. Between this scene and the next one, the curtain is closed for a moment only, and opened again to show the prince bending over the couch, having just kissed the princess. As he rises to an erect position and the curtain is again closed, sounds are heard of people run- ning, cocks crowing and the rattle of glasses. Next follow, in rapid succession, a repetition of the first two scenes. In the one, the butler puts the flagon to his mouth, the maids open their eyes and put up their hands to adjust their hair, or look about them, evidently still half asleep. The little page kisses the hand AMATEUR THEATRICALS 233 IU he holds, while the steward jangles his keys and starts about his work. The banquet scene shows the king and courtiers awake and, glasses to lips, they quaff the toast which has been waiting these hundred years. Next comes a garden scene. This requires some potted plants and green branches to pro- duce the necessary effect. The prince and princess are disclosed walking in the garden; he with his arm about her waist, and they are evidently deep in conversation. Although this completes Tennyson's tale, an- other scene, in which the king unites the hands of the lovers, before his assembled court, would make a most fitting conclusion to the series. Lowell's "The Courtin',” Tennyson's "Dream of Fair Women," Dickens's “Boots at the Holly Tree Inn” and his “Christmas Carol," are good subjects for tableaux. A series of Gibson pictures is easily posed; but beware of trying them unless your company includes men and women who can make-up to the physical standard exacted by these pic- tures. Pictures from Mother Goose, posed by 234 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS children, are good material for a set of ta- bleaux to be given at a children's party. The value of historical tableaux has already been mentioned. Scenes from local history, staged for any patriotic holiday will not only entertain, but also add their mite to the pride in local conditions which makes for local af- of agriculture in the early days, copying the costumes and implements used in farming by different nations, could be made part of Old Home Week Celebration, or given in connec- tion with a county fair. In a recent moving- picture show, given in Washington, D. C., the farmer was shown planting his wheat by sow- ing it broadcast. A country woman com- mented, in a tone of utter disgust: “They have no business to show a picture like that. It gives children a wrong idea. They ought to know that wheat is drilled.” All of which is perfectly true, the city child should know of modern methods; but perhaps the farmer has forgotten that in the old days, in some parts of the country, wheat was sowed broad- AMATEUR THEATRICALS 235 cast, and that is just the sort of thing to show in a series of tableaux given to illustrate the change of method and the history of agricul- ture. A tableau representing cotton might show several girls combing out their long hair, with the explanation that Whitney got his idea for the mechanism of the cotton-gin by watch- ing the way his daughters combed their hair, and disentangled it. Tobacco naturally sug- gests the famous tale of Sir Walter Raleigh smoking his pipe, and of his frightened serv- ant, who, seeing the smoke and not understand- ing its cause, thought his master was on fire, and deluged the unfortunate knight with a great pitcher of water. Simple pictures, requiring costumes of the present day, are of a type easily copied and will be more effective than an attempt at more elaborate displays. Trying to reproduce scenes of luxurious wealth and ostentation, when only the usual home-manufactured cos- tumes are obtainable, may end in producing upon your audience merely a sense of failure. The same is true in amateur dramatics, and 236 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS a competent stage-manager will make thorough study of his resources before deciding upon tableaux or plays to be staged. Shadow Tableaux.-In arranging the stage for shadow pictures in a private house, the doorway between two rooms may be made to contain the screen on which the shadows are cast. Usually, however, the doorway proves too narrow for the purpose, and a separate frame has to be made. If sheeting is used for the screen on which the shadows are to be cast, it must be stretched taut in the door- way or over the frame. Just before the per- formance, wet it with a brush or a spongeful of water in order to make it more transparent. To hang the curtain which is used to hide the screen between tableaux, stretch a wire across the room about seven feet above the floor. Over this, the material is to be pinned, putting the pins not more than six inches apart in order that the curtain may easily slide back and forth. Heavy sheets could serve as cur- tains. During the performance all light must be extinguished in the room where the audience is seated and a single light lit behind the cur- AMATEUR THEATRICALS 237 eva tain. If a lamp is used, place it in a box fas- tened on a low table. Have the box open only on the side facing the audience. Back of the lamp place a reflector in order to get as strong a light as possible. The greatest care should be exercised by all performers in order to avoid even the slightest danger of fire. A very fine wire-netting stretched on a frame and made to slide in a groove on the front of the box would be the best protection. As objects are seen only when in front of the light, most wonderful ef- fects of sudden appearances and disappear- ances are obtained by passing things over the box containing the light. Furniture seems to drop from the ceiling when handed over the box, but the first and last care of the stage man- ager must be that the box itself is bolted to the table and cannot be over-turned. Where elec- tric light is obtainable, a couple of large bulbs, with a reflector fastened back of them, will pro- vide the best possible light. Scenery is easily cut from stiff paper. This may be adjusted back of the screen to give a shadow effect, or, if painted, be pinned to the front of the screen. Ordinary pieces of furni- 238 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS ture cannot be used because the shadows they cast seldom bear the least resemblance to the desired form. Construct from boards such articles as are needed, fashioning them of or- dinary height and length, but with a breadth of only a few inches. For instance, your chair would have a six inchi wide seat, but other- wise conform to the usual measurements. To manufacture crowns, peaked-hats and like properties, use paste-board and glue. In giving shadow pictures remember that only the profile makes a good picture, and turn- ing too far mars the effect. The shoulder farthest from the curtain must be carefully managed lest a very grotesque shadow be cast. In turning around, do it quickly in order to present the other side of the face as promptly as possible. When passing another person, remember to move rapidly so that the shadows will not be superimposed for more than an in- stant. Recollect also that the reflection is cast only so long as the object remains in the area illuminated by the lamp. Form is everything in a shadow picture, and color is nothing. A rather homely girl, with good profile and fig- AMATEUR THEATRICALS 239 ure, will cast a far more beautiful shadow than will some little pink-and-white beauty with a pug nose. A stage manager should be ap- pointed who knows something of managing this type of entertainment, and his directions must be accepted without question. There should be thorough rehearsing before present- ing the pictures to an audience, whether these pictures be merely set poses or involve action. With a little practice a poem or story can be presented in shadow pictures accompanying the tale, read to the audience by one of the entertainers. Tennyson's “The Beggar Maid” and Lowell's “The Courtin?" are poems easily illustrated on the shadow screen. "The Barberry Bush," sung by nearly all chil- dren, gives plenty of action and opportunity for illustration to occupy a whole evening. For those who have forgotten this old favorite, it is here repeated: “Here we go round the barberry bush, Barberry bush, barberry bush, Here we go round the barberry bush, So early on Monday morning. 240 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS This is the way we wash our clothes, Wash our clothes, wash our clothes, This is the way we wash our clothes, So early on Monday morning. 17 UNI Here we go round the barberry bush, Barberry bush, barberry bush, Here we go round the barberry bush, So early on Tuesday morning. This is the way we iron our clothes, Iron our clothes, iron our clothes, This is the way we iron our clothes, So early on Tuesday morning. This form is repeated for each day in the week except that on Wednesday: "we sweep the house", Thursday we learn to sew'); Friday sowe dust the house"; Saturday we bake the bread"; and Sunday we go to Church." CHARADES. Charades.-Charades should be performed in pantomime until players have considerable experience; otherwise lines will be forgotten or wrongly given at the crucial moment and the desired effect will be lost. If the one at 241 whose house the entertainment is to be held, knows that charades are to be given she will greatly facilitate matters by having provided a few clothes for "dressing up.” Some old dresses, scarfs, hats, over-coats and an um- brella will serve the purpose, and a few sheets must be added if there are to be any Greek costumes. Cocked-hats, epaulettes, and swords may be made of stiff paper. A clothes-basket will serve for a boat. Charades go more smoothly if a stage manager is appointed to plan and direct the acting and to tell each player what is expected of him in each scene, so that there will be no hesitation. In Shakespeare's day there was no scenery. A placard announced the scene, so it will be merely a reversion to classical standards if you hang up a sheet of paper, descriptive of the scene, instead of trying to provide any sort of stage setting. In fact, a placard, bearing the words: “This is a Garden” or “A Prison Dungeon” will look about as much like the real thing as the average amateur stage setting gen- erally does. m rev 242 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Charades are merely acted words; each syl- lable being acted by itself and then the whole word given in the final act. Suppose "window" to be the word chosen. The stage manager announces to the assembled company that a word of two syllables has been chosen and will be given in three acts; the first two representing the syllables and the third giving the entire word. Let the first scene be a race. At one end of the stage, or part of the room used as a stage, place a young girl, holding in her hand an apple, or better yet, if you have it, a silver cup. At the other side of the stage, stand two boys, ready to run, and in the center the time-keeper is placed, watch in hand. When the curtain is drawn, at a given signal, the two boys run across the stage. The one who first reaches the prize takes it, and the time-keeper steps up and pats him on the shoulder. There may also be several on-look- ers who add their pantomime congratulations. The second scene shows a woman kneading dough, which she handles ostentatiously. The third scene will require a window, placed at one side of the stage, which several of the AMATEUR THEATRICALS 243 actors try in vain to open; point to it and have considerable dumb show of conversation about it. At last somebody gets it open and the act is over. Words of two syllables are the easiest to act, but any of the following list will make good charades: Groomsman Courtship Music Cannibal Breakfast Carmine Forty Mischief Clothes-horse SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY (APRIL 23). Every Shakespeare Club should celebrate the poet's birthday. If the entertainment is given for club members and a very few invited guests, who also know Shakespeare, the follow- ing celebration will be in place, but it will need the assistance of several musicians to make it really attractive. The first part of the even- of various of the sonnets, which have been set to music, and of piano selections from Nicolai's “Merry Wives of Windsor” and Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet." 244 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS When luncheon is served each guest receives a menu card reading: You shall have better cheer ere you depart; and thanks to stay and eat it.-CYMBELINE. The early village cock.... King Richard III Thou art all ice .........,King Richard III Things sweet to taste. ....King Richard II But one cup: I'll drink to you......Othello Interpreted in terms of food this proves to be chicken-salad, ice-cream, cake and coffee. After luncheon a quotation game is played. In the center of the dining-table set a large dish of dried beans and have the players gather around. The leader is supplied with an ample list of Shakespearean quotations, each marked with its source. He reads a quotation and then asks the first person the name of the play in which it appears and the character who spoke the given lines. If both questions are cor- rectly answered the player is allowed to take two beans from the dish. If he answers only one correctly he receives but one bean, and the next player is asked to answer the question on which the first has failed. If he fails, the ques- tion goes around the circle until correctly an- AMATEUR THEATRICALS 245 swered, and a new quotation is then given out. Each player is questioned until he makes a mistake, when the next person gets a turn. One bean is given for each correct answer and at the end of the game the one who holds the most beans is counted winner. Plays.-An out-door presentation of one of Shakespeare's plays makes fitting celebration of the closing of the club season. "A Mid- Summer Night's Dream” or “As You Like it” serve as charming open-air spectacles. The methods of preparing the stage for such a per- formance were outlined under the heading Amateur Theatricals. TRAVEL PARTIES. The games suitable for a social evening of the Travel Club are legion. From them the following have been culled: Geography.—This game is of French-Cana- dian origin, and a description of it appeared some years ago in The Canadian Magazine. Players are seated in a circle, and one calls out the name of a country. The player next to him must then name a country, beginning 246 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS with the last letter of the word just given. The next player uses the last letter of that word as his initial letter, and so on. About fifteen seconds is allowed each person to think of his word. Sometimes the first player begins with the name of a province, river, or lake, but no matter what he chooses, the other players must give a word describing the same type of geo- graphical division. Anybody who fails to give a word drops out of the game. Suppose the first player says: “Greece;" the second player must use E for his initial letter, and gives "Egypt," then follow: Turkey, Yuca- tan, Netherlands, Spain, and so on until no- body can find a word with which to continue. Alphabet.-Choose any letter of the alpha- bet. The guests, in turn, must then give a geo- graphical name which begins with that let- ter. Any person who fails to respond within ten seconds must drop out of the circle. As in “Geography," the words chosen must be confined to the same geographical division. Beginning with the letter "M" and using only cities, the list might read about as follows: AMATEUR THEATRICALS 247 Milwaukee Michigan City Medford Manistee Manitowoc Mansfield Munich Mantua, etc. Travel Rhymes.The game of "Word and Question” is adapted to this game. Let the players, supplied with pencil and paper, be seated in a circle. Each one writes at the top of his paper some question about a city or country. He then folds over the paper to hide the question, and passes it to his right-hand neighbor, who adds at random any two words. This is again passed to the right and the per- son receiving it must write a rhyme in which the question is answered, and the two words are used. Most of the verse will be dog- gerel of the sort that once was described as “Not full grown dog; it is really nothing but pupperel." But this fact adds, rather than detracts, from the fun of the game. Here is an illustration: 248 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Question: "Have you ever been in Boston?'' Words given: “Pleased” and “Weather.” Resultant rhyme: Although I've traveled all about, In every kind of weather, I've never been in Boston town. Shall we go there together? I'm sure that you will feel quite pleased To view the ancient city; So we will go to Boston town. To miss it were a pity. U. S. Mail.---A large room is needed for this game, and all pieces of bric-a-brac and delicate furniture should be removed beforehand, if the hostess is to continue in a peaceful state of mind. The players stand in a circle, and each one is given the name of some town. The post- master is placed in the center and calls the name of the mail that is to be exchanged, and while the players are changing places he tries to slip into the place of one of them. If one is so dispossessed, he becomes postmaster and the former postmaster takes the name of the city the other has lost. Suppose the postmas- ter calls: “New York to Providence." The AMATEUR THEATRICALS 249 ma players having these names exchange places. Sometimes the postmaster calls three or four pairs in rapid succession so that half a dozen players are moving at the same time. He may not, however, call upon any one city to deliver mail to more than one place at a time. Every few minutes he calls: “General Delivery,” and this means a universal scramble, every- body trying to change place at once. Luncheon.—If a luncheon is served, the selection of partners in the following manner adds another game to the list. Place cards in one dish, each bearing the name of a state. In another dish place the names of the capitals of these states. Let each gentleman select a card from one dish and each lady take one from the other. When these are properly matched they will indicate partners. Care must be taken to have the number of cards correspond with the number of guests; otherwise the re- sult will be confusion. Express tags are ap- propriate either as invitations or as place- cards. When luncheon is served ring a big bell and announce: “Twenty minutes for dinner,” in true railroad manner. Serve the meal in re- are 250 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS lunch-counter style-fruit in glass bowls, sand- wiches in piles, wrapped in oiled paper and each dish labeled to show its contents. Dough- nuts, pie and pickles should be placed on in- dividual plates, within easy reach of the trav- elers, who help themselves to everything except the coffee, which is served only to those who order it. MUSIC CLUB GAMES. There are a number of games that can be used by a music society for a social evening. When the guests arrive, supply them with pen- cil and paper; then let one member of the club seat himself at the piano or organ and play two lines from some popular song. The guests are to write on their papers the title of the song played, about a dozen themes being given before the cards are collected and the various guesses compared. The selection of music depends entirely upon your audience. If all of those present have considerable musical education the selection should, of course, be taken from more classical music. If given to your members only at the AMATEUR THEATRICALS 251 Ilu 2.5 end of a season of musical study, let the pianist select bars from the music which was studied. This sounds simple enough, but a number of people who are quite sure of themselves will be surprised to find that, like the cuckoo, they have “laid the egg in the wrong nest.” A piece of sheet-music makes an appropriate prize for the one who guesses all the music cor- rectly; while a bunch of old keys should be presented as booby-prize. Musical Terms. This is another game which calls for the use of pencil and paper. A list of two dozen questions are asked, the guests being expected to answer in musical terms. Follow- ing are the questions, with answers inserted: 1. Part of a fish...... ........ Scales 2. What a tight shoe does.......Press toe (presto) 3. A fine dandy.........................A swell 4. Something to keep the cattle in pasture....Bars 5. What a pair of shears should be......... Sharp 6. To open a door with...... ..........Key 7. Short letters ......... .......Notes 8. What tired people like. ...... ......A rest 9. What a weather vane does................ Turn 10. Three sisters of same age. ............. Triplets 11. What can a pocket do.................... Hold 12. A vegetable..................... A beet (beat) 252 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS: 13. Month of the year......................March 14. A black, sticky substance. ................Pitch 15. What a tape line helps us do..........Measure 16. Something to wear...................... A tie 17. Mean and Low...................Base (bass) 18. One residence in an apartment-house....... Flat ..... Minor 20. Officer in the army.....................Major. 21. Four times 10......................40 (Forte) 22. To sell from house to house ......Peddle (pedal) 23. Money paid as result of law-breaking...... Fine 24. The most important item on a cheque. . Signature Play Softly. This is a musical version of the old game of Hot and Cold. One person is sent out of the room and then the others hide some small object for him to find. The player is recalled and begins his search. One of the party is seated at the piano and guides the searcher by playing more loudly when he gets away from the object sought, the music grow- ing softer and softer as the searcher ap- proaches his goal. This guidance continues until the hidden object is discovered. other that requires music. Chairs are placed in a row, alternately facing in opposite direc- tions. There should be one less chair than AMATEUR THEATRICALS 253 there are players, and the guests march around them while the music plays. When it stops they must all sit down. The one who finds no chair drops out of the game. When the music resumes, one chair is removed and the march recommences. This is kept up until only one person is left. The success of this game lies largely with the musician. He may play more and more slowly until everybody expects him to stop, and then suddenly begin to play rap- idly, and stop abruptly when nobody is ex- pecting it. ICCE MOTHER GOOSE PARTY. There was an old woman who lived in a shoe; She had so many children, she didn't know what to do. So instead of a whipping, she thought her best chance To make them be good, was to give them a dance. So take "Mother Goose," and there you may see Which one of her children you'd best like to be. And, pray you, come dressed for your part in the book, 254 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Nor tell who you are till we've all had a look. The party will gather next Thursday at eight At Odd Fellows' Hall. Your hostess will wait To bid all her children come home to the . shoe, And tho' they'll be many, she'll know what to do. R. S. V. P. March twenty-seventh. . In response to this invitation they came,-a motley crew. On the wall hung a sheet on which was painted the historic shoe, and in therein, receiving her guests and assisted by Mother Goose herself. The Old Woman wore a plain black dress with old-fashioned basque buttoning down the front, a plain white ker- chief about her neck, and a gingham apron. Mother Goose also wore black, but her apron was white and she had on a bright red cape and high peaked black hat. She leaned upon a cane and looked very, very old, although a close examination might have revealed the fact that powder was the main ingredient in AMATEUR THEATRICALS 255 her white hair, and that soap and water would easily remove most of her wrinkles. The guests came promptly. There was Lit- tle Bo Peep in her short red skirt with a tuck- ed-up overskirt of flowered material, and a black peasant bodice over her white collarless waist. She wore a big flower-trimmed shade- hat, and carried a crook. Tom, the Piper's Son wore bicycle trousers and long stockings, and carried a toy pig under his arms. With him came Bobby Shaftoe, the silver buckles on his knees holding in place the velvet bows at the bottom of his knee-length trousers. Then there was Mistress McShuttle. Do you remem- ber her? Irenen- She lived in a coal-scuttle Along with her dog and her cat. What they ate I can't tell, But 'tis known very well That none of the party were fat. And they weren't. She had on a plain tight- fitting gown and had her hair drawn back so tight that she was the thinnest-faced woman imaginable, and the toy dog and cat she carried about in her coal-scuttle were the sorriest look- 256 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS ing specimens obtainable. She had hardly en- tered the room when there was a noise of barking, and in came the beggars "some in rags, and some in tags and some in velvet gowns." Then there was Daffy Down Dilly with her “petticoat green and her bright yel- low gown” draped over it. She was accom- panied by Taffy the Welshman carrying the fa- mous piece of beef under his arm. Three New Yorkers came as "The Three Wise Men of Gotham” carrying the bowl, in which they went to sea. Then entered a young man, trundling a girl in a wheelbarrow. He was recognized as the youth who went to London to get himself a wife and then found "the streets were so broad and the lanes so nar- row, I was forced to bring my wife home in a wheelbarrow." Then there came Little Boy Blue, Jack and Jill, Jack Sprat and his wife, Little Miss Moffett and a dozen others. When most of the guests had assembled, in came Old King Cole, a stout man wearing knee- breeches, long black stockings, big silver buckles on his low-cut shoes, and a white blouse over which a red robe was flung. He wore on AMATEUR THEATRICALS 257 his head a crown of gilt paper. In one hand he carried a pipe, in the other a bowl, and he was followed by his fiddlers three. After marching about the room he settled at the piano and played an overture. The Old Woman then addressed her guests, explaining that each one in turn must stand upon the low platform op- posite her and allow the others to guess the character represented. If all guesses failed, the one on exhibit must assist them by going through the action of his part. As soon as somebody guessed correctly, the character upon the platform was to recite his poem and step down to make place for the next person. When several people belonged to the same group-like the three men of Gotham, for in- stance-they were posed together, and the ferent representations of the same character. After all had been exhibited the guests voted upon the best costumes, and prizes were given to the gentleman and lady who ranked highest. At this party a special award was given to Mary's Little Lamb, ably represented by a live white poodle, whose fur coat had been clipped 258 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS close on his little legs and his floppy ears shorn to look as like his model as possible. When it comes to a question of what food is to be served at a Mother Goose party, we find ourselves facing rather a serious prob- lem. A superficial perusal of Mother Goose would suggest that her characters live mostly on pie. Little Jack Horner had a Christmas pie; there was "A: Apple Pie,” there were four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie; and then, you remember, the Queen of Hearts “she baked some tarts," which are a sort of abbreviated pie. The meats mentioned are rather heavy Taffy “stole a piece of beef," and the little man “could eat no fat and his wife could eat no lean;'' Mother Hubbard was still more dis- couraging, for all she sought was a bone. However, a more careful study of the book will reveal hidden dainties. Remember this one? “I had a little hen, The prettiest ever seen; She washed up the dishes, And kept the house clean; - SO And brewed me my ale," etc. AMATEUR THEATRICALS 259 There, you have it! What more authority do you need for cold chicken, or chicken salad, fresh bread and cider? Or, if you prefer, There was a little man, and he had a little gun, And his bullets were made of lead, lead, lead. He took it to a brook, and he shot it at a duck, And hit it in the head, head, head. You may also remember Tony "rode a cock horse to Banbury Cross," and the poem dis- tinctly states that he bought “A penny white loaf. A penny white cake And a penny apple-pie.” So there you have cake, not to mention the omnipresent pie. Curly Locks fed upon “strawberries, sugar and cream;" Cross Patch was told to "Take a cup and drink it up.” If you want more des- sert, remember there were sthree children sliding on the ice," which, by the way, is our only authority for ice-cream. To finish the list: Two little kittens on a stormy night Began to quarrel, and then to fight, One had a mouse and the other had none And that is the way the quarrel was begun. 260 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS This poem is, to say the least, very vague. There is no explanation as to how the kitten caught the mouse, what right she had to it or of what the mouse was made. Personally, I am inclined to think it was a chocolate mouse, and feel that it amply sanctions our adding chocolate mice for a candy course. Some Mother Goose collections include “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pep- pers." I doubt if the authentic version of Mother Goose contains this poem, but if you love peppers well enough to include them on so slight an authority as this, and are willing to take the risk, go ahead and have them! At any rate, the centerpiece on your table should be the largest old shoe obtainable, out of which tumble all the dolls that can be bor- rowed from the children of the neighborhood. At each plate put one of Boy Blue's little tin horns or a toy spider (the latter made out of a small potato with bent wire hairpins for legs and cloves or shoe-buttons for eyes). A card and pencil should be at each plate and the guests be required to cite thereon some poem 7 AMATEUR THEATRICALS 261 CO) which will give authority, for each course served. For those who grow tired of dancing, a pic- ture social may be given. Divide the company into two groups and send them into different rooms. Provide each group with a large sheet of paper and colored chalks. Then give each side a different rhyme, and underscore the words which must be illustrated. Let the two groups then exchange pictures and guess from the illustrations the rhyme they represent. Suppose one group had been given Mistress Mary, quite contrary How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells And pretty maids all in a row. The illustration might show several little round beds on which grow plants labeled : violets, pansies, and so on. Not having any silver, white chalk might be used to draw the bells, these being tiny sleigh-bells, a din- ner-bell and a cow-bell. The cockle shell is a wonderful thing if nobody happens to be quite sure what a cockle shell looks like; and as for 262 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS the pretty maids all in a row it may take con- siderable imagination to discover even a trace of prettiness about them, provided none of the group who have to make the illustration are artists. However, the bell gives the first clue and once started it is easy to guess the rhyme. CHAPTER VI SOME WORD GAMES Anagrams.-Let a word be chosen and have each player write it at the head of his paper. The game consists in making as many words as possible from the letters forming the orig- inal word given. No letter may be used more often in any one word than it appears in the original word. Simple plurals, formed by add- ing the letter “g” to the singular, are not counted as extra words, nor are proper nouns or abbreviations permitted. A certain time is allowed, usually about twenty minutes, for discovering the words. At the end of that time one person reads his list and the others When the first one finishes, the next person reads the words he has found which were omitted from the first paper, and so on around the circle. The simple way to count is to give 263 264 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS the person with the longest list of words the first place. If the formation of long words is considered desirable, the reckoning must be by syllables. This is really a fairer index, since it is as easy to find several short words as it is to make one long one. Favorite words for anagram making are: Constantinople; Intermediate; Conglomeration and Recalci- trant, but shorter words may also serve the purpose. So short a word as “Live” contains material for five other words: lie, veil, vie, vile, and evil; and in the word “Herein" six other words may be found without altering the arrangement of the letters in the original word. There are: he, her, here, ere, rein, in. Logomachy. -Each player is given a num- ber of letters which are turned face down on the table. Each person in turn places a letter face up in the center of the table and if he can form a word of not less than three letters from 1 Anagram sets for use in this game are inexpensive and may be bought from any manufacturer of games, or they can be made at home by use of inch square bits of heavy paper, on each of which a letter is written. Have about three dozen of each of the more commonly used letters, and a few extra vowels, while half a dozen each of q, x, and z will suffice. SOME WORD GAMES 265 those collected, he takes them. He may do this either before or after he has turned up his letter. He continues to draw new letters so long as he can add them to the words al- ready made by himself or any other person. The person who turned up the last letter is allowed about twenty Seconds to claim the word, after which anybody may take it who first names it. Each player takes from an- other player any word, if by adding another letter, he can make a radically different word of it. Changing verbs into their own parti- ciples, or nouns to adverbs or adjectives, is not counted. Proper nouns and abbreviations are barred. Some standard dictionary should be previously chosen as authority to settle dis- putes. If a player has a word which can be trans- posed into another word he must name this transposition, for if he does not do so, another player, upon announcing it, may take the word for himself. When any one player has ten words, all must count the number of syllables their words contain and the person having the greatest number of syllables wins the game. 266 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Sometimes the one who first has ten words is considered the winner, but the counting by syl- lables is a fairer test. Synonyms.--Sides are chosen. The leader on one side then gives an adjective, and his op- ponent must, within half a minute, give a synonym of the given word, or describe it in three words. The description is not accepted, however, if anybody on the other side can give one word in place of the three. The player who gives the synonym, in his turn, announces an adjective for the other side to match. Any player who fails to give the word within the specified time-limit drops out of the line. Sup- pose the leader says "tired,” the first man on the other side caps it with "weary." He then gives “religious” as his adjective. The second man on the other side says “pious” as his synonym, and then announces “old,” which his opponent defines as "advanced in years,'' but is forced to drop out of the line when some- body on the other side gives the single word "aged” in its place. Live Anagrams.—This game is also played by two opposing sides. When ready, the leader SOME WORD GAMES 267 on one side gives any letter; the leader on the opposite side must promptly add a letter. Then the second one in the first line gives the third letter, and so on until no more letters can be added to form a word. Each player must have a definite word in mind, for the leader on either side may challenge any person to give the word of which he is thinking, in order that letters may not be added at random. Neither proper nouns nor abbreviations are allowed. As an ex- of good; “Gi” says his opponent, having “Give" in mind. “Gir" is the third, for the word “Girl.” “Gird” says the fourth, think- ing of “Girding," "L” is next given and then “E,” the word “Girdle” being formed. Any player who in his turn cannot add a letter, drops from the line and the man opposite has next chance. A variation of this game is to give simple words, but spell them backwards. A five letter word, spelled backward, will make hard work for the three last players. Suppose the first person says “H” (Marsh); the second : "C" (Perch); the third: “A” (Beach); the fourth: 268 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS “E” (Peach); the fifth, with none of the four words already thought of in mind, gives "T" as the first letter. Sliced Words.-To prepare this game, write the letters of a certain word on separate bits of paper, and mix the letters thoroughly. Divide the players into couples and give each couple a like set of letters. The pair who first arrange their letters into the word get one point, and another set of letters is distributed all round, to be made into a word. If two couples discover a word at the same time, they are each granted a point, six points winning the game. BOOK GAMES. A literary salad makes a refreshing dish to serve at a reading circle upon the completion of some book or course of reading. Select short quotations, or descriptions of incidents, from the book read. Copy these on narrow strips of paper and number the slips; then put them in a bowl. . The members, armed with pad and pencil, seat themselves at a table and each draws a slip from the bowl. Copying the num- ber of the slip on her paper, the player pro- SOME WORD GAMES 269 ceeds to write from memory the name of the person to whom the quotation belongs. The slip is then passed to her right hand neighbor who in turn writes on her pad a guess concern- ing the slip obtained. Thus all are kept con- tinually occupied, for as a member passes a slip to her right she receives another from her left- hand neighbor. As soon as the slips have made the round, one person is chosen to read her paper and the others correct her, or are by her corrected, as the case may be. A very pretty way to prepare this salad is to make it on large, green leaves of tissue paper. Cut long, narrow strips of the tissue paper, round off the corners, fold them lengthwise over a knitting needle, and draw them off, allowing them to pucker as you do so, and the effect will be that of a crinkly lettuce leaf. In the heart of each leaf paste a little white strip of paper, on which your numbered quotation is written. Then place the leaves in a glass dish as you for a second in melted parafine before the writ- ten strips are pasted on, the leaves will look as crisp as does the real lettuce.. 270 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Hidden Identity. There are two ways of playing this game. The first method is to send one player out of the room. The others then decide upon a well-known character in history or fiction whom the absent one is to represent. He is then recalled and each of the others, in turn, asks him a question about himself until he recognizes the character that has been thrust upon him. On his return the player may be as- sailed with such questions as: “Did you like life on an island?” “Did you believe in divorce, or did you merely practice it?” “You must have grown tired of keeping your arms crossed on your chest for so many pictures, didn't you?" "How many of your brothers were kings?" "Is your present residence in Paris to your liking?” It would probably re- quire no more questioning to indicate that Na- poleon was the character chosen. The other form of the game allows the per- son who goes out to decide upon a character to represent and then act it out for the others to guess. Sometimes the company is divided into two groups and each side in turn acts out an event in the career of the character chosen. SOME WORD GAMES 271 Living Books. This is a form of guessing which has been popular for library socials for several years past. It may, however, be new in some places, and is good enough fun to be worth trying. Each guest is asked to come to the meeting dressed to represent some book. As he enters, he gives his correct title to the hostess, but the others are left to guess. Usually prizes are given for the costumes which are voted to best express the books they repre- sent. The costumes may be as simple or as elaborate as desired. The following are among the simpler ones. Several young girls may come together as “Little Women." There are two ways of representing “Looking Back- ward.” It seems simple to glance over one's shoulder every few minutes, but it is really easier for a man to slip his coat on backward and fasten it up the back, so giving the appear- ance of being completely turned around. The minister escapes easily if he can bring some child with him and thus personate "The Min- ister's Charge." Myrtle Reed's books, “Lav- ender and Old Lace” and “Old Rose and Silver” make easy costuming, and “The Bow of 272 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Orange Ribbon” is such an obvious favorite that it had better be avoided, lest the entire party look like an Orangemen's meeting. A nondescript costume, which the wearer claims "stands for nothing," causes considerable com- ment and guessing until at last somebody is clever enough to label it correctly as “Much Ado about Nothing." An invitation to a similar type of library gathering reads as follows: TY Some of the most noted characters have escaped from the books in our library. Will you help us to find them and get them safely back again? A meet- ing for that purpose will be held at the library on Saturday evening, November the fourth, at eight o'clock. You are urgently requested to be present. As each guest enters, a paper is pinned on his back, giving the name of some well-known char- acter in fiction. Each one has to guess what character he represents, by the remarks made about him. He may ask questions, but all an swers are to be indirect, merely suggesting some phase of the life and character thrust upon him. “The Little Minister" will be asked about his parish and gypsy wife; and U SOME WORD GAMES 273 Dorothy South may be asked for Civil War stories and invited to go riding "soon” in the morning. Mock Auction. If money is to be raised, a mock auction may be held. Get somebody with a glib tongue and able to carry off the affair well to act as auctioneer. Next to him have a table or desk at which sits the bundle- wrapper. The bundles, already tied and con- taining any and every sort of article except books, should be hidden from view of the audi- ence and placed within easy reach of the bundle- wrapper. Give the auctioneer one real book and let him appear to announce the title of the next bundle to be sold from the title of this book. As soon as the book has been bid for and declared sold, he will give it to the bundle- wrapper, who, while pretending to wrap it as a package for the purchaser, in reality slips it out of sight for a moment and returns it to the auctioneer for him to auction off under the next title; but substitutes for it the bundle labeled with the title that has just been sold, which is given to the purchaser. The auctioneer should be supplied with a list of the titles and contents 274 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS of the bundles so as to make it easy for him in his selling The following titles will serve as a suggestion for making up the bundles :- "The Golden Fleece," by David Graham Phillips. (Represented by a bit of gilded lamb's wool.) “Middlemarch,'' by George Eliot. (A card with the words “March 16," written upon it.) “Red Rock,” by. Thomas Nelson Page. (A bit of stone painted red.) “The Heart of a Child," by Josephine Das- kam Bacon. (The picture of a child with a red heart painted on her dress.) “That Pup,” by Ellis Parker Butler. (A china toy-dog.) “Comrades," by Thomas Dixon, Jr. (The picture of a man with his dog.) “Cabbages and Kings," by 0. Henry. (A couple of small cabbages and the four kings from a deck of cards.) "Bitter-Sweet," by J. G. Holland. (A lump of alum and a lump of sugar.) If the auction is held for the benefit of a library, either sell the packages outright, or SOME WORD GAMES 275 te charge an admission price of one new book from each visitor, and supply bags of dried beans to use instead of money at the auction. In either case, have the bidders distinctly un- derstand that it is a mock auction so there can be no feeling that they are being treated un- fairly. Book Criticism.--Each player is given the title of a book. The same titles are copied be- forehand and each one placed in a sealed en- velope. These are thoroughly mixed before each player is asked to draw one at random. On the envelope he writes a criticism of the book, the title of which has already been given him, and then passes the envelope to his right hand neighbor, whose duty it is to open the envelope and take out the title therein contained. He then announces this title and reads the criti- cism as if applying to that book. Sometimes the guests try to guess to what book the criti- cism really applies, but they are usually con- tent with a mere reading of the funny combina- tions obtained. For instance, somebody is given "Alice in Wonderland” as his title, and writes: “A tale for children and grown ups; a ce U 276 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS whimsical dream-story full of humor and sur- prises.” But when the envelope is opened the title contained therein and to which the criti- cism is made to apply is Roosevelt's “Winning of the West.” Sliced Stories.--A game for sharpening wits is a continued story. One person starts the story, and after a few minutes stops in the middle of some adventure and the next player takes up the tale at that point and carries it along until he, in turn, relinquishes it to the third player. Fifteen or twenty people may add their share until the result is far different from what any one player had in mind. Book Pictures.--A series of posed pictures to represent book titles or popular literary characters is useful as entertainment at a more formal affair. Barbara Frietchie and her flag; Rip Van Winkle waking from his sleep, and Portia in her lawyer's robes, are easily posed. If the tableaux are given out of doors, Paul Revere on his horse, and Ichabod Crane's head- less horseman-carrying his head under his arm, are very effective. This last effect is made by drawing a cape up over the rider's head SOME WORD GAMES 277 and putting a pumpkin-face under his arm. If the tableaux are given on the birthday of some author, as many as possible of the scenes should be chosen from his works, and some- body deputed to read a few descriptive lines as each is shown. Literary Luncheon.-Luncheon for a book club or library social meeting should be in char- acter. The explanations included in parenthe- sis on the appended menu should be omitted since they are given here only in fuller explana- tion of the idea. If the refreshments are limited to ice-cream, cake and coffee, the first title given, would serve equally well as descrip- tion of a gold and chocolate layer cake; and “Palgrave's Golden Treasury” might desig- nate sponge-cake. MENU Between the Dark and the Daylight-W. D. Howells. (Sandwiches, making one side of brown bread and one side of white. Fill with minced chicken.) Lays of Ancient Rome–T. B. Macaulay. (Deviled eggs on lettuce.) The Wearing of the Green. (Cucumber and lettuce salad.) 278 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS 2 The Ice Queen-Ernest Ingersoll. (Orange Ice.) Sweetness and Light-Matthew Arnold. (Angel Cake.) Coffee & Repartee-J. K. Bangs. (Black Coffee.) Sweet Content-Mrs. Molesworth. (Candies.) If tea is served, substitute “Over the Tea Cups” by O. W. Holmes, for the coffee entry. CHAPTER VII MONEY-MAKING ENTERTAINMENTS A number of social affairs have been de- scribed under other headings which could be turned into money-making affairs. Among these were the Book Auction, Amateur Dra- matic Performances, and the Mother Goose Party. In adapting Mother Goose, give a fair and have the booths conducted by the charac- ters so dear to the children. Toys, books, mag- azines and candies should be sold, and the Queen of Hearts be asked to preside over the table of tarts Games, such as potato-races, a tug-of- war and three-legged races, may be indulged in, each contestant paying a fee to enter the race, and a prize being offered to the winner. Unclaimed Parcel Auction.--The big express companies each year hold an auction sale of un- opened unclaimed packages left on their hands; 279 280 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS an the purchasers taking a chance as to the con- tents of the packages. A club could raise quite a fund by holding a mock auction, mod- eled on these lines. Ask each member to donate anything, from a pound of sugar to an old pair of shoes. A few really attractive articles should be added to give zest to the bid- ding. The articles are then all carefully wrapped and tied in bundles, the auctioneer selling each package without disclosing its con- tents, and the bidders taking their chances on what they may buy. Japanese Fête.-Fairs Of All Nations, in which each booth represents a different country, have been held until most people feel that the idea has been worn threadbare. A more ef- fective fair is one given to represent a single nation, carefully carried out in all its details. The mere mention of a fête suggests the Jap- anese, who welcome the cherry-blossoms each year with festivals of rejoicing. When orchards are in bloom a perfect back- ground is found ready prepared for the blossom-fête. Booths are easily constructed by placing strong uprights in the ground, with SOMS Japanese Girls in Native Costume MONEY-MAKING ENTERTAINMENTS 281 enough cross-beams to hold them in place and then covering the sides and roof with cheap Japanese matting. Costume all attendants in long Japanese kimonas, tightly belted with sashes in some contrasting color, bound well above the waist-line and tied in butterfly bows in the back. The women must wear their hair high and may finish the headdress with little bunches of blossoms above the ears. In one of the booths, inexpensive cotton- crêpe kimonas should be on sale. Provide both the long and short lengths, and add some small sizes as wrappers for little children. They are useful also as wraps for babies if made of wash- flannel. A few kimonas for dolls might be added, or perhaps the Japanese dollies them- selves, properly costumed, could be sold. Buy the cotton-crêpe in quantity, procure patterns and make the kimonas yourselves, in order to increase the per cent. of proceeds, as after a lit- tle practice, they are easily and rapidly made. Another booth might be devoted to Japanese fans and embroideries, and still another to the many inexpensive Japanese china dishes, brass and lacquer-ware. Among the dishes, have sev- 282 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS eral Japanese nut-sets. These consist of one large bowl and several smaller ones and are useful for an infinite variety of purposes. Jap- anese wind-bells, made of little glass strips, are decorative, low priced and will sell rapidly. Another booth should have on sale inex- pensive Japanese prints and picture post-cards. Flowers may be sold in Japanese fashion-two or three carefully arranged in a vase. Flowers like jonquils and tulips are arranged upright in shallow dishes, held in place by strips of soft lead, bent to shape. Get a plumber to make a number of these strips for you, cutting them ten inches long and an inch wide. :: In the tea-booth serve tea in tiny Japanese cups, with rice-wafers. Omelets or boiled rice with cumquots (little Japanese preserved oranges) are also in keeping. Crystallized fruits could be sold, and a candy made like a peanut-brittle substituting puffed rice for the peanuts. For amusement have in one large booth pseudo-Japanese jugglers, a fortune-teller and, if possible, arrange a dance by girls in Japa- nese costume. The dance consists of a series of MONEY-MAKING ENTERTAINMENTS 283 poses with a few graceful steps in between, ac- companied by the music of stringed instru- ments. One booth may be devoted to the Japanese game "Cage the Pigeon,” a charge being made for each game played. In this game a battle- dore and shuttlecock are required. The shut- tlecock is to be sent into a flower-covered cage by means of a single stroke of the battledore. The cage may be made of a pasteboard box with open top, the sides being covered with paper flowers. This is fastened against the shuttlecock. Each successful caging counts one, and five successful cagings make a score for which a prize is given. Checkers, chess and games and may also be played. The Japanese batter-seller is a great favorite with the children. He is provided with a bowl of batter and an ordinary pancake soapstone or gridiron. Each youngster, upon payment of a couple of pennies, is permitted to pour a spoonful of the batter on the stone and make his own cake. When it is cooked the batter-seller 284 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS sprinkles a little sugar on it. It is then taken in the fingers and eaten. There is a regular festival of dolls for girls on March third, and a boys' festival, largely de- voted to kite-flying, on the fifth of May in Japan; so that there would be ample authority for the sale of dolls and kites at a Japanese fête, If it is inconvenient to hold the fair at blos- som-season, chrysanthemum-time may be se- lected, although any flower in profusion will serve the purpose. If held in-doors in winter paper flowers can be substituted. A Dutch Fair.-A Dutch fair or Kirmes properly falls about Christmas time. Dress the women in full black skirts putting under them as many petticoats as can possibly be worn. It is no uncommon thing for a Dutch peasant woman to wear as many as a dozen underskirts, til her dress stands out as if stretched over a hoop. A blue gingham apron hides the skirt all around except a few inches at the bottom. Some of the aprons are of checked material one- third of the way down, the remainder being TE Typical Dutch Costumes MONEY-MAKING ENTERTAINMENTS 285 made of plain goods. A plain bodice, with tight sleeves, half-way to the elbow, and the neck cut V shape, with a tight necklace of many strings of corals or garnets belong with this costume. Add wooden shoes and a little tight cap of lace or lawn. The men wear trousers so loose that they hang like bags, and sometimes are caught in with a band at the bottom. Loose coats are put on over negligee shirts of blue or white, with turn-down collars. The inevitable wooden shoes are worn. Make the decorations in blue and white, the colors of the Netherlands, with orange-yellow added for the reigning House of Orange. Around the sides of the room bave shallow boxes of sand or saw-dust in which artificial tulips—white and yellow, with green leaves-- are planted. When the tulips have been made, dip them in hot melted paraffine for a second and let them dry thoroughly in order to get the proper waxen effect. The green leaves need not be dipped and are put on afterward. If the surface of the petals gets cracked, hold them close to a light until the heat causes the paraf- fine to soften and cover the break. On the last es 286 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS night of the fête these tulips are sold, one by one, the purchaser finding a little souvenir tied to the roots of each. Appropriate articles for sale at a Dutch Kermes are wooden kitchen utensils-spoons, bowls, etc.--and wooden shoes. Another booth may contain imitation blue and white Delft china. At the chocolate booth sell plain choc- olate for eating and serve cups of hot chocolate, with little dry cookies cut in the shape of birds and animals which are known as kloosjes. A marshmallow makes a very good substitute for whipped-cream on the cup of chocolate. At the cake booth poffertjes and waffles are made. The former are very like our buckwheat cakes, but very light and thin and about three inches in diameter. The waffles are made like ours, but thin and dry. Both these cakes should be served when very hot, buttered and sprinkled with sugar. Hopjes, a very hard chocolate caramel, is a favorite Dutch candy and should be sold from a separate table. Instead of the usual Dutch flower booth sup- pose you try a "Flower and Ice-cream" booth. MONEY-MAKING ENTERTAINMENTS 287 Get several dozen very small new flower-pots and line them with oiled paper (dip tissue- paper in melted parafine if you care to make your own oiled paper). For decoration place a few pots on exhibition, filled with earth and having a paper tulip standing in each one. The flower-pots you are to sell, however, should be filled with ice-cream. Smooth them off even with the top of the pot; cover with grated chocolate to give the effect of earth; plant a paper tulip in each and stick in a spoon, spade-wise. The tulip belongs to the pur- wishes to keep the flower-pot also. The Dutch are great skaters, so that if it is possible to arrange either for roller-skating or for real ice-skating on some property near the fair, this could be run in conjunction with the Kermes. Vaudeville performances may be added and be quite in character. German Coffee Party. A German "after- noon coffee” makes a pretty affair for women. Coffee and German cakes (recipes for which are easily procurable) are sold; and enough cake may be baked to sell to the guests for home use. 288 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERTAINMENTS Booths, to be in character, should sell useful household articles. If the affair is held near Christmas a considerable sale of “Handy boxes, for Christmas packing," could be made. These supply all the paraphernalia for packing the holiday bundles, and should each contain two dozen sheets of white wrapping-paper, two dozen sheets of tissue-paper, two balls of holly or red baby-ribbon, a ball of white twine, two dozen Christmas cards (leaving space for sign- ing the donor's name), a small pair of scissors, a tube of library paste, two packages of the lit- tle holly-decorated gum-stickers, used for fast- ening bundles, and also one-half dozen large manila envelopes. Smaller boxes containing only the tissue-paper, ribbon and gum-stickers, might also be provided for those who cannot afford to buy the larger collection. No matter what sort of entertainment is given, advertise it thoroughly both at home and in neighboring towns, through the newspapers and by means of placards in public places. Offer to reserve tables for parties engaging them beforehand, and in this way induce people MONEY-MAKING ENTERTAINMENTS 289 to entertain their friends at the fair. This will bring in a number of extra people, and also add a desired social tone to the entertainment. THE END INDEX TITLES AND NAMES OF GAMES IN ITALICS Arbor Day and the Value of Agricultural fairs and ex- Trees, 179–182. hibits, children's, 17-19, Art, clubs, 81-83; Minnesota 48-51; Local Improvement State Art Society, 82; Associations and, 19-21;. firms handling reproduc- labor-saving devices ex tions, 99–100; book list for hibited at, 20. clubs, 101–102. Agriculture, children and, 12 Athletics, for boys, 29-30, 32, 13, 17-20, 38-40, 48-52, 58. 37-40; for girls, 56. Alphabet, 246-247. Alum-solution, use of, 172, в . 206. Barberry bush, The, 239,240. Amateur theatricals, for Bells, The, 159-160. young people, 64-66; pub Book and Needle Club, 84-86; lishers and plays, 66, 223; book list for, 104. organization, 219–227; out Book Criticism, 275-276. door performances, 225-226, Book games, 268-278. 245. Book lists, civic improve- Anagrams, 263–264, 266-268, ment, 27; Shakespeare, 66– Annihilators of distance: trol 67; music, 67–68; reading ley, 133; telephone, 133 club, 100-101; art, 101- 134; newspapers, 134-135. 102; travel, 103–104; Boolo Apple-seed Johnny, see Chap and Needle Club, 104; household economics, 104- Apple-ten-pins, 202–203. 105; addresses of firms Arbor Day, Local Improve mentioned, 147-148. ment Association, celebra- Book Pictures, 276–277. tion of, 14-16; program, Boy Pioneers, 54. 178-188. Boys' clubs, 28–55; agricul. 291 292 INDEX tural, 19, 48–52; purposes of, 28, 29–32, 53–55; and athletics, 29–30, 32, 37-40; and debating societies, 30- 31, 40-44; general manage- ment of, 31-37, 52-53; open meetings of, 31, 33; and education, 32, 40-41, 44-47; outline constitution and by-laws for, 34–35; type of leader required, 36; and local history, 44-46; and nature study, 46–47; Knights of King Arthur, 52–54; Sons of Daniel Boone, 54. Bubble Party, 176-177. Church, The, 107–112; and lecture courses, 108; and young people's clubs, 108– 109; and music, 109–112; lantern slides for church lectures, 136-137; Christ- mas party, 210. Club management, see Con- s titution, by-laws and pro- cedure. Cobweb Party, 194–195. Constitution, by-laws and procedure, for Boys' clubs, 31-37; for Women's clubs, 71-75; general rules, 138- 146. Cooking, girls' club for, 57– 58; for women, 86-89; book lists for, 104-105. Costume parties, 156–157, 160–164, 165-167, 172- 174, 195–196, 201-203, 205, 253–262, 276–277, 280-281, 284-285. Cage the Pigeon, 283. Candy-making Party, 164- . 165. D Chapman, John, 54, 185-186. Charades, 240--243. Chautauqua Circles, 22, 98. Children, in Local Improve- ment Associations, 4, 12- 14, 17, 90–93; and Arbor Day, 14–15; clubs for, 28- 66, 114-116; and the school, 90-93, 114-116; and the library, 123–125, 127. Christmas celebration, 206- 218. Christmas Magazine, 210-217. Day-Dream, The, tableaux of, 230-233. Debating societies, for boys, 30–31, 40-44; for girls, 58; for young people, 115. Dramatics, see Amateur theat- ricals. Drawing games, 168–169, 261–262. Dutch Fair, 284-287. INDEX 293 Easter celebration, 189–192. Education, influence of Local Improvement Association in, 9-10, 89–93; Boys' clubs and, 32, 50; Girls' clubs and, 56-59; the school and, 113-117; libra- ries and, 117–125. Entertaining, art of, 151–155. 55-57; athletics for, 56; cooking, 57-58; agricul- tural, 58; sewing, 58; de- bating, 58; musical, 58-59. Going to Jerusalem, 252- 253. Grange, 5, 24, 51, 117. Growth of the Tree, 187-188. Guessing games, 159-162, 168–170, 175-176, 198–200, 243-247, 250–252, 261–262, 268–269, 270-273, 275-276. H Farmers' Institutes, 48, 50- 51, 97–98, 113. Farming for children, see Agriculture, Farmers' rest-rooms, 95-97. Federation of Women's Clubs, 97. Fête, Japanese, 280–284; Dutch, 284-287; German, 287-288. Flag Day, 167–174. Flag Game, 169. Fortune telling games, 158– 159, 197–199, 200-201, 282. Fourth of July, 167–174. Hallowe'en celebration, 195- 203. Handy boxes for Christmas packing, 288. Hearts, 162–164. Hidden Identity, 270. Hide the Heart, 167. Historic Pictures, 168–169. Historical Associations, see Local history. Historical Questions, 169–170. Household economics, for girls, . 56-58; for women, 19-20, 84–90; book lists, 104–105. Garden party in winter, 165- 167. Geography, 245–246. German Coffee Party, 287- 288. Girls' clubs, 55-59; literary, 31, 56, 58-59; purpose of, Illinois, Boys' agricultural clubs in, 50–51. Japanese Fête, 280-284. 294 INDEX к Knights of King Arthur, 52– 54. L Lantern slides, and church lectures, 108; firms renting slides, 136–137. Lecture courses, and Local Improvement Associations, 21-23; how to manage, 21- 22, 24; and the church, 108; lantern slides for, 136–137. Library, The, and Women's clubs, 83-84, 118–120, 132; and the school, 116–117, 123; and the community, 117–125; and travel clubs, 120-123; in country dis- tricts. 120–123; and the child, 123–125, 127; organi- zation and management of, 125-132; cataloging, 130- 131; use of telephone, 133– 134; use of newspapers, Local Improvement Associa- tions, 3-26; scope, 4, 23- 26; value to children, 4, 12–13; how to organize, 5; incorporation of, 6; open meetings, 8, 15–16; work accomplished by, 8–10, 20- 23, 89-93; political influ- ence, 9–10; influence in education, 9-10, 89–93, in- fluence on individuals, 10; in country districts, 11; women in, 11-12, 82, 89- 93; Arbor Day celebration by, 14-16; local history and, 16–17; agricultural fair and, 19–20; lecture courses, 21–23; Old Home Week and, 23–24; books on civic improvement, 27; newspapers and, 134-135. Logomachy, 264–267. M 135. Library Parties, see Book Parties. Literary Luncheon, 277-278. Literary Salad, 268–269. Live Anagrams, 266-268. Living Books, 271–273. Local history, and Local Im- provement Associations, 16– 17; and Boys' clubs, 44-46; and Girls' clubs, 56; games and tableaux, 234-235. Make-up for theatricals, 224- 225. May Day celebration, 192– 195. Meeting of Familiar Days, 160-162. Mock Auction, 273-274. Money - Making Entertain- ments, 273-274, 279–289. Mother Goose Party, 253–262, 279. Musical clubs, 22–23, 58–59, 63–64; book list for, 67- INDEX 295 78, 79–80; book lists. for, 100-101. 68; in the church, 109–112. Musical games, 170-172, 192, 243, 250-253. Musical Terms, 251-252. N National Flower, The, 179. Nature study, Steuben Na- ture Study Workers, 17-18; and Boys' clubs, 46–47; for girls, 56; collections in the school, 116. Nebraska, Boys' agricultural clubs in, 49–50. New Year's celebrations, 156– 162. Newspapers, 132, 134-135. Reading clubs, see Debating clubs. Refreshments and table deco- ration, 93–94, 164-165, 167, 173–174, 195, 200, 217-218, 244, 249–250, 258–260, 277- 278, 282–284, 286–287. Rules of order, see Constitu- tion, by-laws and procedure. Russian Fortunes, 158–159. s Ohio, Boys' agricultural clubs in, 50. Old German Legend of the Discontented Pine-tree, 182– 185. Old Home Week, 23–24, 234. Ottumwa, Ia., farmers' resto room, 96. St. Patrick's Day, 174-177. St. Valentine's Day, 162–167. School, The, 113–117; Local Improvement Associations and, 9-10, 117; Women's clubs and, 90–93; Alumni Associations, 114-116; the telephone and, 134; the library and, 116–117, 123. Sewing clubs, for girls, 58; for women, 84-86.. Shadow tableaux, 208–210, 236-240. Shakespeare club, for young people, 60-62; books for, 66-67; birthday celebra- tion, 243–245. Sliced Stories, 276. Sliced Words, 268. Social centers, 106-132; the church, 106-112; the P Paste, recipe for, 130. Patriotic Music, 170. Pictures, for club use, 79-81; firms handling, 99-100; in the library, 129–130. Play Softly, 252. Reading clubs, for women, 76- 296 INDEX 16; by Women's clubs, 89; essay on, 179–182. Trolley cars, 133. school, 113–117; the li- brary, 107–132. Sons of Daniel Boone, 54. Spelling Games, 263–268. State Agricultural Depart- ment, New York syllabus, 18; and Boys' clubs, 48-52. State Library Commissions, 20, 63, 84, 117, 118, 121, 125, 137. Steuben Nature Study Work- ers, 17–18. Storm Lake, Ia., farmers' rest-room, 97. Synonyms, 266. Unclaimed Parcel Auction, 279-280. U. S. Mail, 248–249. T Tableaux, 170-172, 210-217, 227-236, 276-277. Tableaux, see also Shadow Tableaux. Telephones, 133-134. Thanksgiving Day celebra- tion, 203–206. Theatricals, see Amateur the- atricals. Throw the Holly, 157-158. Travel clubs, 78-79; book list for, 103–104; and the library, 120–123; games, 245-250. Travel Parties, 245–250. Travel Rhymes, 247-248. Traveling libraries, 20, 84, 119–120, 129. Tree-planting, by Local Im- provement Associations, 14- Washington's Birthday, 167- 174. Winter Dance in Summer, 172–174. Women, in Local Improve- ment Associations, 11-12. Women's clubs, 69-99; pur- pose and value, 69–71, 98– 99; organization and man- agement, 71-76, 97, 138– 146; roll-call, 74; study of women's work by, 76–77; reading courses, 76-78, 79– 80, 100-101; travel courses, 78-79, 103-104; pictures used by, 79–81, 99-100; art courses, 81-83; 101-102; in Local Improvement As- sociations, 82, 89–93; the library and, 83-84, 118- 120, 132; Book and Needle Club, 84-86, 104; cooking and housekeepers' courses, 86-89, 104-105; refresh- ments served by, 93-94; town and country, 94–97; newspapers and, 134-135. INDEX 2,97 Word Games, 263-268. Writing games, 159, 169-170, 175-176, 198–200, 247—248, 250-252, 263-264, 268-269, 275–276. Young people's clubs, 60-68; for Shakespeare study, 60– 62; for music study, 63- 64; for amateur theatri- cals, 64-66; book lists for, 66-68; the church and, 108-109; Alumni associa- tions, 114-116. Yankee Doodle Housewives, 170-172. M i . . . .. .. . . .. 1 Viktim KITUINIENTOWARHTERDE 04 . 1 1 .III. 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