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About The Omaha morning bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 17, 1922)
We Owe to Italy the Christmas Stocking. HOW many of you know to which country we owe oui gratitude for tho lovely old custom of hanging our Christmas stockings? Pet haps you have never thought much about it. You have just rt membered how you used to love to hang your stockings on Christmas eve From Italy scents to have come the first legend out of which has grown the pretty custom, as we know it today. Hong, long, lung ago in Padua, Italy, when Christmas evu canto around the very poor people would always leave their windows oi>en for they believed good old St Nicholas would visit them. He brought with him for each house long knitted purses, tied at both ends, and these he would toss through the open windows. These purses were of yarn made something like a foot less slocking. After a while the poor people of th>- town began hanging these knitted purses outside their windows, because they were afraid they might in some way bo nilsst d. When money grew scarce In Italy then St. Nicholas would till them with toys for children and useful gifts for grown people. In the north country where it is chilly at Christmas it became the custom to hang the purses on the mantelpiece, believing the good old saint would And his way down the cUininey to fill them. Out of the cus tom of hanging the long purses there grew that of the Christmas stock ings. Kven grown itcople like to forget their worries and they bang up their stockings with those of the children. They, too, enjoy the pretty old custom. So here Is an other "thank you" to Italy, the country that hns driven us se much that is lovely. [UNCLE PETER-HEATHEN BTMOP6I& I’ncle refer cornea to live at tbe home •f PrafcMor TreveDyn, father of Fru lienee aad Patience, the twlua, who ap peared In "The Trail of the Go-Hawk*/' tie le very lonely alnce dear Aunt I'ro donee went away and the twin* are de lighted to have him come to their home to live. He become* happier a* the da>M go by and he I* *urrounded by love and care. One afternoon the children **k him to play croquet with them nnd lie haa a fine time. After the game the children *eat themaetre* nt the edge of the lawn by the wooded grove which they eall the Myntfe Wood, playing that fatrleo live there. They make plan* for a ehih and Rarhel suggeNt* that they adopt t?aele l'eter. I WOW GO ON WITH THE STORY. (Continued from last Sun Joy > “If we woulld take Uncle Potei Into the club It would make ai oven si*," reasoned Prudence. “Hut having him In a club wouldn't not be like adopting him. and tin minister said It wmm the snaking of those girls to adopt that baby. Most likely he'd say the same about us ” ltachel was one of a family apt to quote the minister often, probably due to the fact that the pride of Mrs. Kirby's heart was her Sunday school class. Uncle Peter's fate hung for a mo ment while the glrla pondered how best to dispose of him. ltachel was the first tto break the silence. •“There are missionary societies in churches." "That's so,” replied Fatieni-e, and if we want to we can make this a missionary society.” Jane objected at once to this plan. "If we do that we'll hove to look after heatheus all the time and they arc always way off In Japan ot Just as like as not the ones we'd get would be at the North pole." "I think It'd be lots more fun to look after Uncle Peter and have pil ules and parties.” Ruth was always enthusiastic about anything thr. ( suggested possibilities for fun. "Then why couldn't we play lie's the heathen?” It was evident Ha chel had no thought of losing the main point of her argument. "Wo could! We could!” cried Pru dence, her eyes dancing, "and we'll enlighten him, for that's what they do with real church heathens, and we'll save his soul from consump tion and msnd his heart ” "His heart does need mending added Patience, “for Aunt Salih raid it seemed sometimes to her tha Ills poor old heart was broken.” "I’ve always thought I’d like to be n missionary when I am old. so I’d love to play It now.” Rachel felt as though she had won a vie tory. "Shall we keep it a secret?” Rath’s social instincts were strong, and child though she was. she rath er courted publicity. •'It seems aa though it would he more edifying,” replied Rachel stiffly. “Well, it'd be more fun.” Ruth knew the meaning of the word "fun,” but waa hasy In her under standing of "edifying.” Patience toyed pensively with the tiny gold trinket which hung from a chain around her neck. “I think I'll ask PTnc!e Peter for a piece of Ms gray hair to wear in my locket.” Will member winning prise story for October Sfnd please send name and correct address to Happyiand. —— Jane was envious. "It would bo nice it w*e all could have some of his hair. I have a lock, t, too.” Fortunately for Uncle l'eter, Pru dence came to his rescue, "lie hasn’t ho very much hair and six looks would be a good many to take all at one time. He could spare some of his whiskers easier.” "Are we going to tell him we want to adopt him and have him for a heathen? mieht to get • that fixed before wc lake any of his hair or whiskers.” ltachel wanted all details settled. They pondered over the question. Filled with missionary zeal, each longed for an Inspiration. “I will find him and bring him here,” volunteered Patience, "anil we’ll take him just to the edge of tho Mystic wood and tell him he has to he a heathen for we are mis sionSries and that he’s to tie ours.' "We can’t speak above a wliispci in the woods and tTncle Peter lias te have you speak up plain.” Prudence said as Patience went in search of I'nele Peter. “We must each think of something uplifting to say. be cause this is to be our life work." They were silent, frantically searching their brains. It was never so easy for the other girls to be original as it as for the imaginative child who had just spoken. (Copyright. 1922.) k'ontlnued Xext Sunday.) TO _rsc BV BlUV somBRCL As today is the birthday .nntvet sary of one of our beloved poets. John Greenleaf Whither, l am going to give you a Whittier contest. The answers are all the names of poems written by the Quaker poet, so see how many you can guess Do not send your answers to Happy. Keep them and see how many you guess correctly. Answers will be published next week. 1— Guess file name of the poem shut in by the storm. 2— The poem without shoes or sf lickings. 3— The poem of sunshine and rain. 4— The poem which gathered tits hay in the field. 3—The poem w hich shared in the games of my youth. 6— The poein w here lessons were learned. 7— The pome which guarded the flag from disgrace. If one would be liappy, let him forget himself and gs alout making some one else happy. POLLY’S cook pit BOOK ^ O » V»1 11 ll. lnlllu oil C 111" .*ns eve the children are told to g thd stand Ufore the fireplace an* watch it very closely. Then rat tling on the tiled floor came coo kit s and hard candies. These are reall> thrown by the father, who stands hack, and the children do not see him because they are so busy watch ing the fireplace. The cookies and candies tell them that soon Kris Ktingle is coming. I know you will find the recipe 1 am giving you today very interest ing because it has been used many times by n little Dutch girl. Santa Claus Cookies. One cup New Orleans molasses, two cups brown sugar, one level tablespoon anise seed and other ing. Cook all together on stove un til well dissolved. Then add to this »nc teaspoon soda dissolved in a little hot water, one tablespoon vine gar or itendered alum, one large tablespoon anise seed and other spices, if you like. When this mix lure in cool, add enough flour to make it harder than piecrust. Roll like stick candy and cut in sticks. Sprinkle with buckwheat flour to keep from sticking together. Bake in hot oven. The cookies can be made in shape of thimbles, t»*o. These are the very cookies that are thrown in Holland on Christmas eve. Mother and 1 are going to make some tomorrow, and why don't you try them, too? PORLY. In Hr hi and Forest It is always a strange thing i me hnw many people seem to think that birds do not have any real love for each other. You ami I know better. When robins, catbirds, chick aloes and many other kinds of birds ire In distress their friends bravely Hy to their rescue. What do birds do when someone is robbing a nest? They rush in a crowd to help drive away the thief. Not only do they scream and cry to show their anger but they will fly at his face and peck at his eyes. Sometimes when cruel and thoughtless boys disturb a nest, they have reason to wish they had left it alone. Birds will fight with all their strength to protect theii little homes, and it is right that they should. Often have I seen birds old 01 blind, or with a wing or leg broken or hurt in some other way that made it hard to take care of themselves Never have 1 known it to fail that other birds will wait on them, feed them and lead them to water where hey may drink and bathe. Sometimes birds linve been caught in the lining of the nest and boon held prisoners for weeks. Do you imagine they are left to starve? No, indeed! Other bird friends novel fall to bring them food each day just as long as they are prisoners Thost who study birds constantly will se many beautiful examples of the lo\ ing thoughtful care of birds for eac. other. Itirds are so tiny that it dot not seem as though there could b« | any one in the world who would want to harm them, dots it? Your UNCL.E JOHN. Tom House of Sullivan. Mo., has two miles to walk to school, but likes it because it is through the woods and he secs squirrels and birds. i--—-t Coupon for Happy Tribe. Kvery boy and girl reader of th s paper who Wishes to join I the Go-Hawk* I Happy Tribe I of wh.ch Jartii s- I Whitcomb Rilej ' was the f.rst U:g Chief, can secure his of flc.al button by send.ng a 2-cent stamp with your name, tine and address With th.s coupon. Address your letter to "Happy," cari/^ this paper. Over 00.000 members! Motto "To Make the World a Hap pier 1’laee." Pledge "I promise to help some one every Jay. 1 will try to protect the birds and all dumb animals.” .. - ... . i FAIRY ,GROm> “ plays 1 B> K.MII.IK R1,A< K.MOBK ST. , EMII.IK liLACKMORK NTAPP mill ELKANOR C'A.MftRON. I.ast Sunday the curtain rose on i new play in HAPPYLAND. You read just who would take part in it. So many of you are following these little plays from Sunday to Sunday that are always waiting to greej you In our FAIRY GROTTO, your very own little theater in HAPPYLAND. The name of this month's play Is: "THE CHRISTMAS STAR.” (Continued From Lost Sunday.) COSTUMES. FAIRY WILFUL—Her fairy dress must he slaioed and torn, as she had traveled far. Wand is bent and worn. Hair loose and tangled. FAIRY WILLING-Dainty white dress, wings, headband md wand with star at tip. AUNT MARY—Long skirt of some soft material. Kerchief, fichu or hit of lace folded about the neck. White cap. Flair powdered in front. DIEDRICH- Pajamas, overcoat and overshoes er boots. VIRGINIA—Nightdress, o v e r shoes and coat. EVERGREEN BOYS-As much evergreen as possible tacked to suits, and caps with smal' ever green branch like a plume. JELF— White suit on which lias been tacked gold stars. Gold cape and wand PROPERTIES. Three wands, one without star, for Wilful, with star for Willing, and a gold one for Jelf Large gold star for tree. Small Christmas tree already trimmed. Basket Idled with tiny gifts in Christmas wrappings. THE CHRISTMAS STAR. Scene—Use for stage, if possible, side of room where there are win dows and fireplace. Otherwise, make U’l‘ and KI.KANOIJ CAMKKON window fiiiou* out of cardboard or wood, that a face may be seen through the opening. Fireplace may be made out of cardboard marked off with crayon pencil to look like bricks. In the oval at bottom a few oticks of wood may be laid and some red crepe paper Ry using an electric bulb in among the wood and paper you will have the effect of a lighted lire. Decorate the room with Christmas wrelths and greens. When the play opens A\int Mary is discovered seated in a low rocking chair locking at an old photograph album. AUNT MARY. (Turning jeaves of album and talking to herself as she looks at the old photographs.) Christmas eve f And for the first time In all my life I am alone! What good. OOOL> times we used to hav<. when wo were all at home together (She looks more closely at one photograph.) Mother, It seems a.s though you are smiling In the picture anil trying to say; “Merry Christmas. Mary! Merry Christmas, Mury!" Just a.s you uted to when 1 would run Into your room early Christmas morning. And now— (Rooks up bravely.) Well, Merry Christmas to you. mothor duur! (Knock is heard at the door.) AUNT MARY. (Rooks up, startled, for she bad decided she need expect no one to break the loneliness of her Christ mas ew.) I wonder who that can he? Come in. Come in. (Kntor two children, Diedrich and Virginia, carrying their empty stockings. They throw off their coats and overshoes and run over to Aunt Mary’s chair—one stand ing on either side of her.) DIEDRICH. (Addressing Aunt Mary earnestly.) Oh. Aunt Mary, would ymi euro If we hung our stockings by the fireplace? We thought about It after we had gone to bed and so we put on our coats and overshoes and ran over here. (Continued Next Sunday.) ____ ___ _ — - Another Way to Be a Good Go-Hawk A good Go-Hawk docs not forget the birds at Christmas time. Ho makes a Christmas tree for them by tieing bits of suet to a tree with perhaps a red apple or two. Then he scatters cracked nuts, bread (‘rumba, raw oatmeal or other uncooked breakfast foods in .he yard for the birds' Christ mas feast. So, remember this way to be a good Go Hawks. One of tlu 1' as a Go-Hawks, whose name is Florence Mitchell, has writ ten and asked me to give a pattern in my workshop for something new u> Christmas place cards. So 1 have drawn a wooden shoe, and some of the rest of you will enjoy making enough shoes for your own Christmas table. You know in 1 f«>1 bind the children always place Uni: l.ttle wooden shoes by the fireplace on Chritnias eve to wait the com ing of Kris Kringle. First draw the Jinttern ori your cards. Use your water colors to paint the shoos yellow arid then cut out. Print plainly the name of each < ’hristmus guest with black ink on his shoe. PETER. President Eeguia of Peru is en gaging school teachers, surgeons, administrators and engineers from the United States in his effort to modernize his country. rv I’llsn Ruse had gone lo her mother with a request for a nand kerchief. Searching through her drawer, her mother could only find , some of her best handkerchiefs, which she did not wish to give the child. “These are all my good ones,” she said. “I can’t find any just for common.” "Oh.” interrupted Klsa Rose eag erly. * I didn’t want one for com mon. I wanted it for my nose.” Donald, who was sitting near 'he kitchen stove, saw it was get ting pretty hot. Running into tho thor room, he called: “Oh. mamma, come quick and turn the wick down, for* the stove is burning up.” The Guide Post to Good Books for Children. Choose '>ne of these books to read each week. Perhaps you had l»et ter cut the list out each time and take it with you to your city library. It is prepared • for the Happyland hoys and girls by Mias Alice M Jordan, supervisor of chil dren's work. Boston public library. This week she suggests: Baldwin James, "Story of Rol and." Burnet. S H., "Sara Crewe." Hawk worth. Ha Ham. "Strange Adventures of a Pebble.” Edgar, Wagdalen. "Treasury of Verse for IJttie Children.’' Rhys. Ernest, compiler. "Fairy Gold." Setun. Ernest Thompson. ‘TLohn, Roy and Vixon." Hiftoka C.uikcr of Omega. Okl.,^ has a good many chickens and a^ little pet duck tlmt does many tricks. Christmas Tr*-o» In Happyiiuid.