^f,* ^^' fc>. '• ■i.a. '^^Bi /"-^ v,.*-* co\^^:^^> ./..^^-X .^°^:^^'> *^ \/ /^^'' ^V,/ /MA'. u..^'' -^ •l°« 4 CL •t°^ V » - •#> >^'"-^^, °o'#X-- L^>Cr 'Ji^' ^' °- ^^<'Si'\ ^°':^^'> .'^*^-^;'>-^ ^°^:^i^' °- ^ ^"* ^°v .',^"-b O -,.,» >**''-. ^\:( .Vr;sl<50^ < *^ / ' L.\J f^^^ 1 w w / A ROUND or IRTHDAY Prescott Bailty Bui! Illustrated ^J Eleanor WitlieyWlllarcl \<,Wb5^'* - "yU.Q^ I \\t\ Wnldan IrusL Lo Grand Kgpios I A Round OF Birthdays ENTERTAINMENT FOR CHILDREN, ♦ / J y By ^y PRESCOTT BAILEY BULL. With Illustrations by ELEANOR WITHEY WILLARD, Published by THE MICHIGAN TRUST COMPANY, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, CHRISTMAS, 1897. Copyright. 1897, Michigan Trust Company. DICKINSON BROS. ENGRAVERS AND PRINTERS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 6 3S IFntvobuctoriP. Our publication of a Christmas Book for the past two years has met with such cordial appreciation from our friends, and has opened up so many pleasant opportunities for new acquaintanceship, that we have again taken a departure from the beaten tracks of our legitimate busi- ness, and masquerade once more in holiday attire as publishers. The fun we offer for the young folks in the entertainments which follow, will last all the year round. While prepared with the special motive to provide for birthday frolics, they are not limited to any such application, but may be made to serve for any occasion, where an original and charming entertainment is desired. We believe that so novel and artistic an innovation, after the hack- neyed devices that have been used in the past for children's parties, will be gladly welcomed. A hint of each entertainment is given in the verses and illustrations, which will make the book of interest to the children, while ample suggestions follow for practical application. But these suggestions may be accepted in whole or in part, and the party made simple or elaborate at the discretion of the entertainer, with no bar to the introduction of wholly original ideas. With a Merry Christmas to our friends, young and old, We remain, THE MICHIGAN TRUST CO. Christmas^ i8gy. WINTER. The Year's Reception to the Months. SPRING. A Black and White Party. SUMMER. The Carnival of the Republic. AUTUMN. A Jack O' Lantern Party. rai^^^^n tm HJUVKNILE man who was weary of playing- The very same games that his brothers had played. While thro' the white garden one wintry day straying. Found of the same notion, a winsome young maid. Said she, with a wave of her hand most majestic : " I 'm too old for dolls and too young to 'come out,' I hate occupations that count as 'domestic ; ' Just where I belong, I am sadly in doubt. I can't slide down hill ; Mamma says, 'no such rudeness,' Nor hitch on to sleighs, nor play out in the street, Nor see Sister's beaux on account of my 'crudeness,' I can't seem to manage my hands and my feet. My birthday 's soon coming around with its party ; Mamma says I'll have one — a matter of course — I wish I could have something jolly and hearty ! I won't have the same kind, unless they use force." The youth gayly cried, "I have written some verses (They are, I assure you, my only offense), They hint at a plan, which my fancy rehearses. For giving a party with pleasure intense : *0h year ! lead forth thy seasons, All filled with happy days, To thee we offer g-reeting-, To thee we sing- our lays! First Janus comes triumphant, The king- of all the train, And with him artist Jack Frost Who etches on the pane. Then February follows, With honored birthdays two. Of Washington and Lincoln, Our heroes tried and true. Soon March begins to bluster, We beg him hasten by. And with him take the black clouds That frown beneath the sky. Then fresh, capricious April Who mingles smile with tear, And promises us garlands To deck the growing year. Next, May who wreaths the verdure With blooms of softest hues. And lures us out to wander Without our overshoes. Now June, beloved and queenly, Rose-crowned, our hopes to fill When she is reminiscent She tells of Bunker Hill. July, with ^lare ^d rockets, And;ardor ^er new, Soo;a<^arches in with fifers Yankee-Dopdle-Do. When Aug-ust faiir advances. You'll need your parasol To keep the sun from melting- Your big- new Paris doll. September tells her story Thro' saucy katy-did, And rings ag-ain the school bell, Tho' lazy boys forbid. October comes in beauty, With grapes on leafy vine, And evenings long and jolly When we sit up till nine. November needs no verses, Thanksgiving time is nigh ! And he comes in with turkeys, Enhanced by pumpkin pie. December, hoary-headed, With g-racious mien and face, Comes bring-ing peace and brig-htness, We profit by his g-race. The passing- months salute us With frolic, feast and fun, Each brings an added blessing-. The year needs ev'ryone.' And so the lad read to an ear sympathetic, His listener pondered the hint in the rhyme; She had for her birthday diversion poetic, 'Twas put in the charg-e of her friend "Father Time;" The maid was the "Year," "Master Jack Frost," her poet, He treated the months to full many a freak. The face of the Year wore a pink flush — I know it — Where lo ! the sly fellow had nipped at her cheek. But little "Miss Sunshine" put in her appearance And shed a new light on his mischievous plaj^; When he was too rough, by her prompt interference, The sharp brilliant fellow was frightened away. The maid was rejoiced ! Father Time was propitious. With Jack Frost to 'liven and Sunshine to stay. With Months which in turn offered something delicious, What chances of fun for a Year and a Day ! HIS entertainment, in which the year is represented as receiving- the months, is especially appropriate if the birthday celebration happens to fall on New Years Day, but it may also be used at any time during the first two months of the year. The invitations, which should be sent several days in advance, are to be written on the backs of pretty little calendars. They may read: Miss Anna | Master Frederic { Brown, in the character of the Year, will receive the Months on January first, from eleven until two. -01 ( Miss April. Please appear as - ^jr . \j ^^ I Master No^ [Bate and address.] >vember. As the presence of the year and the twelve months would necessi- tate the number thirteen at table, a rog"uish Master Jack Frost must be added to the list of guests. He may be in attendance upon the winter months (the boys) and a little Miss Sunshine may be invited to accom- pany the summer months (the girls). If a larger company is to be in- vited, the additional girls may attend as hours of the da}^, dressed in white, the boys being hours of the night, dressed in black. If the birthday anniversary occurs during" the school term it should always be celebrated on Saturday. It is then possible to give a lunch- eon instead of a supper party. A little care and ing-enuity in decorating the rooms in which children are to gather will always enliven and give importance to an occasion. In this case the decorations must illustrate ideas relating to time. The signs of the zodiac may be displayed on one wall, on another a series of pictures peculiar to each month. Over the mantel may be displayed in bright paper letters the ancient riddle: ''There is a father with twice six sons; these sons have thirty daughters apiece, parti-col- ored, having one cheek black and the other white, who never saw each other's face, nor live above twenty-four hours." In another conspicuous place may be seen the familiar saying: "Thirty days hath September, etc." The dates 1606-18 — may be written underneath, as this rhyme appeared in literature as early as the former year. Evergreens and holly should be entwined about pictures and chandeliers. The personifications may be indicated by symbolic and humorous embellishments of the dress, though of course appropriate costumes will be more effective. The "Year" whether a host or hostess, will wear a crown inscribed with the proper date; it must be decorated with twelve glass "jewels" to represent the months. A necklace of three- hundred and sixty-five beads will also be suggestive. As pendants from this are attached at intervals, ornaments which stand for the var- ious holidays. One pretty device is a little cherub named "The New Year;" a heart stands for St. Valentine Day; a flag means the Fourth of July; a puritan. Thanksgiving; a stocking, Christmas. The pen- dant in the center must be a star bearing the date of the birthday which is the occasion of the party. The "Months" and other guests will, in similar ways, give hints of their characters. January, for instance, in the person of Janus, must wear two masks, the one of an old man, the other of a youth, as the ancient g-od looked both backwards to the old year and forward to the new. He will carry a key and a scepter. His costume must in addition give sug-g-estions of winter. When the "Months" and other guests arrive, "Father Time," an- other striking character, is to present them to the "Year." Bach "Month" must be prepared to tell the flower and sentiment belonging to his or her name. Some of the older children may be in- formed upon the names of famous persons and upon historical events connected with the months they personify. When the mysteries of costume and decoration have been solved, the guests may engage in the game of "All the Year Round." For this game, as many chairs are placed as there are players — less one. The children stand in the center of the room, while the "Year" tells a stor^ bringing in the names of the "Months" and "Hours." As the players hear their names they seat themselves until the chairs are fill- ed, the "Year" still standing. The narrative concludes with the ex- pression "All the Year Round;" those who are seated then rise and march or dance for a few minutes. At a given signal, all, including the story-teller, try to secure chairs; the one who is unsuccessful must now te the story-teller. It will be proper for "Father Time" to announce luncheon, when the guests will proceed to the table, the boys of course escorting the girls. In this way January will be paired with July, February with August, and so on, and the hours of the day with the hours of the night. The contrasts in the various representations of the characters will make a picturesque group at the table. There the g-uests will find as a center-piece a little palm; this is symbolic of the year, and is said to put forth a branch every month. The favors for those who personate months will be gilt crescents with the various forms attached, which embody the poetic Indian names. These are "The Moon of Leaves," (May); "The Moon of Strawberries," (June); "The Moon of Snowshoes," (November), etc. The miniature articles can be made of paper and other materials, or may be purchased at a toy store. The crescents will serve as name cards. The "Hours" will find toy hour glasses at their places; "Father Time," "Jack Frost" and "Sunshine" will be appropriately remembered by gilded scythe and pincers and a bunch of flowers. After luncheon, someone must tell a story relating to the year or seasons, its length to be decided by a little hour-glass. At the conclusion of the story, "Father Time" will announce to his fellow guests that he can allow them to remain no longer, and gather- ing them all together, he will marshal them out in order. ffff ♦fl^AVE you seen a " Black and White Party" lltt>^ With thing's that they call silhouettes ? If not, I'm sure it will always Be one of your deepest regrets. I went to one, only last April, At Henry's new house on the Square, Oh ! I don't believe there was ever Such fun to be had anywhere. I've been to excursions and picnics, And to parties, a-foot and a-wheel ; At some we have hunted for peanuts, And at some danced the horn-pipe and reel. I once had a candy-pull party ; I 've given some jolly sleig"h-rides. Where horns and shrill whistles were tooted, And toes were half frozen, besides. A BIficJC Alio White AS, And, dear me, I 've been to some parties, Where nobody dared make a sound ; Where we had some very poor suppers And nothing- to do but stand 'round. In fact, I am posted on parties ; You know I was ten late in May. Mamma says, I have eaten more ices Than a child ever saw in her dav. ^ But still, I am perfectly certain, Our party at Henry's was best. \ Did I g"o ? Well, you should have seen me, I g-ot there ahead of the rest. I'd had such a cute invitation. Which asked, in the cunningest rhyme. To come to a Black and White Party, Yhen followed the address and time. I tell you, I just was astonished At seeing- the black and white thing's : Big butterflies, crescents and goblins. And pixies and cherubs with wings. They peeped from the walls and the corners ; One sight nearly made me say "scat," For high on the mantel was sitting The form of a very black cat. Then you should have seen the tea-table, It made such a beautiful show. All decked with its black and white favors, Just done for us youngsters, you know. We'd "name cups" with humorous verses, I scarcely could tell what I ate. For ev'rywhere wonders were hidden, They even lurked under my plate. iflr ^r And what did we do for amusement ? Well, nothing- you'd ever suppose. First to a dark room we were taken Where somebody asked us to "pose;" A man all dressed up in old fashion ('Twas Henry's big- brother, named Joe), He drew what he spoke of as profiles, A style much in vog-ue long- ag-o. Then after we had our g-ay supper, Some gobolinks furnished us fun ; What they are I never can tell you Unless you have chanced to see one. And when we grew quiet, Miss Ada Collected us all round the fire, And told us strang-e stories of shadows, I thoug-ht that I never should tire ! But when I looked over my shoulder I saw forms fantastic and queer (If I'd been a very young- fellow I'd hated to have them so near). Sometimes they grew big- and portentous. Sometimes they crouched down by the wall, « Miss Ada said they were just waiting- To have a g-ood romp with us all. So then we jumped up in a minute And led them a dance and a chase ; I think that they certainly liked us. They seemed quite at home in the place. And when at the end we departed. And said a reluctant good-bye. Those shadows, slipped out through the gateway And followed us home on the sly Ana toiiowed us nome on tne siy i ^^^ BLACK AND WHITE PARTY" may not, at first, seem to have elements especially appropriate to the celebration of a spring- birthday, but it is chosen for its practical rather than for its poetic fitness. May-day parties and similar out-of-door gather- ing's are unpopular because of the frequent attendance of Messrs. Croup and Cold. The following- suggestions may be carried out indoors, and moreover, as they make no demands in the way of preparation, they are adapted to a season when the children are hard at work in school. The hours designated are from five to eight, to insure the play of the shadOiWS which are essential to our plan. That such dissipation may not make sleepy heads at school, the evening chosen must be Friday or Saturday. The invitations should read, "A Good Time in Black and White," adding the name of the little entertainer, time and place. The cards upon which the invitations are written afford an opportunity for a little sketch in black and white as a hint of what is to be expected. When these are dispatched, the next thing to be considered are the decorations; these must be in black and white, but the decided contrast prevents somberness. The pretty dresses of the little folks and bowls of spring flowers will supply color. The combination of clear black and white is so much used in pos- ters and in all kinds of illustration, that plenty of figures may be cut out which will lend themselves most effectively to decoration. When repetition of a figure is desired it may be copied by means of transpar- ent paper. Any of the outlines employed may be cut from white paper as well as from black, they should then be placed upon a black instead of a white background; the alternation of black and white produces a good effect. A frieze of coal black cherubs may extend around the wall of one of the rooms, and most certainly the popular and amusing ap- parition of the black cat must peep out of some corner. Black and white pictures portraying subjects of interest to the children may be temporarily fitted into the frames of the pictures on the walls. The lamps and candles should be dressed for the occasion in shades of white paper adorned with little black figures. While no black decoration can be allowed upon the dresses of the g-uests, white paper caps fitted to admit of a space for a little black fig-- ure in front, will make picturesque favors. The supper table affords an opportunity for an especial display of decorative ability. Here, as everywhere, the designs should be pretty or amusing-, never grotesque, as anything- of that sort might impress sensitive children unfavorably. It will afford infinite amusement if near each plate are pinned upon the cloth funny little black paper imps, cats, dog-s, stars, etc. Instead of name cards, each g-uest should be pro- vided with a white cup bearing- his or her initials in black letters, to- g-ether with a funn}^ verse appropriate to the individual. The crown- ing- feature will be the center piece, which will be a pyramid of paper dolls dressed in black and white and arranged in place by means of standards and wires. The dolls will be distributed to the girls as souvenirs at the close of supper. As such favors will not appeal to masculine taste, little paper windmills will be provided for the boys. These may be made of stiff black and white paper and surmounted by little paste-board figures, which fly around with extended arms when the mill is in motion. The decorations, favors, et cetera, described are too numerous to be provided for any one occasion, but a few of the sug-gestions will, if canned out, g-ive a g-reat deal of pleasure, and will, tog-ether with the entertainment which follows, justify the name of our party. The black and white conceit may even be shown in a measure in the food; let blackberry jam be the sweetmeat provided, and on the frosting- of the simple cake outline a scroll or motto in chocolate. When the g-uests have been received, they are conducted, singly, to a room, the door of which will bear the sign, "Ye Fotograf Parlours of Ye Olden Tyme at Ye Stand of Ye Silhouette Maker." Within, there should be some member of the family possessed of ability to act a comic part; his dress should be somewhat fantastic and in the style of a hundred years ago. He will explain to each comer that by taking- a certain seat a remarkable likeness may be secured. He will ask whether a silhouette or cameo is preferred and according to the reply will trace the profile upon black or white. The arrangements necessary are simple, the room should be made very dark and a single bright light be placed where it will throw upon a wall or screen the direct shadow of the sitter. When the profile has been drawn it is given to an assist- ant "artist" who will cut it out and mount it, being careful to put the name of the original upon the back. After supper the children will find all the silhouettes and cameos on exhibition and will have much fun in trying- to find their own pro- files and in fitting the others to their owners. When this is accomplished, a fresh surprise awaits; a Gobolink Pic- ture Gallery will now be revealed, which has been prepared on a fold- ino- screen. It is unnecessary to describe the way in which individuals of this new species are produced, after their introduction to the juvenile world by the St. Nicholas magazine. There should be as many gobo- links as guests, and each child should be allowed to g'ive a name to one of the forms according to his fancy; the gobolink artist must be careful to discard any specimens too abnormal in form to be readily named. Each child will be g-ive.n the gobolink which he or she has named. With the lights extinguished all will then gather around the open fire- place for the Shadow Story-hour, the best story-teller among the "grown-ups" in their midst. First the children will be asked to "make up" stories about their respective gobolinks based upon their fancied resemblance, the senior story-teller helping if there be hesitation. When their imaginations have been exhausted, the master-hand must contribute folk-lore stories in which the shadow plays an im- portant part. At last the little folks form a circle for a merry "shadow-dance" in the firelight. When the children say goodnight and wend their way homeward, clasping their black and white souvenirs, the shadows will have a new interest for them, whether thrown by the electric light upon city pave- ments, or cast by the tremulous rays of the lantern as it escorts them along the village street. HT HOME, mid decorations of red and blue and white, Of emblems and inscriptions, of shields and ban- ners brig-ht, Columbia g"ave a party to which came all the States, From those which face the oceans, to that which holds the straits. First "Lone Star," "Little Rhody," then "Pine Tree," known as Maine ; "Palmetto," white with cotton; "the Hoosier," rich with g-rain; Columbia received them in the afternoon at four. All made a low obeisance ; full forty came, and more. TheCarhival THE REPyiLlC "Columbia" was Miss Martha, the "States" her play- mates dear. Each wore a graphic symbol to make the name appear. From these devices guessing* which State by each was meant, And vieing with each other a merry hour was spent. The State that proved the quickest (it was Miss Maryland Who guessed the largest number of that heroic band) Received a starry mantle and thought it was a boon To wait on Miss Columbia thro'out the afternoon. The States for their diversion a novel task essayed In making dainty favors for march and serenade. The boys with awkward fingers had to decorate the girls, Who deftly fashioned helmets to crown their gallant's curls. And when bedecked, in phalanx they marched with measured tread, With emblems of our Union borne proudly overhead. They sang "Star Spangled Banner," "My Country 'tis ^' of Thee," ^ ^ And followed "Down in Dixie" with Sherman "To the Sea." But even States grow hiingVy and long for bread and jam, So they rejoiced at "Supper!" announced by "Uncle Sam." The table stood inviting, with flags and mottoes gay. The States, with skill dramatic, kept up their varied play. The "Buckeye" told of Garfield, her loved and martyred one. And of her later hero, famed Canton's honored son; The "Turpentine," the "Granite," the "Southern Vol- unteer," — All told some joke or story, which added to the cheer. A.t length Sir Massachusetts, whose learning" is his boast, Arose and to Columbia proposed this timely toast : "Republic g-reat and matchless! we join to drink your health! Your lands yield up their richness, your mines pour forth their wealth ; And we, your loyal subjects. East, West and South and North, Proclaim your mig-ht and g-randeur on ev'ry July Fourth, With crackers and torpedoes and miles of grand parade. Oh may you live forever ! Pour out the lemonade ! " Columbia responded, "I thank you from my heart; I'm honored with your presence, I'm flattered by your art. Another toast I offer, I know you'll all agree : The Stars and Stripes forever ! They mean that we are free ! Oh, trust no politician ; depend on statesmen wise, They serve your loved Republic, she's sacred in their eyes. When rockets rise to Heaven, when banners greet the sun Remember that though Many, at heart we all are One!" U s:. „„,,... ™„..,.,, ,...,.. priety share the spirit of our National Festival. The Fourth of July is too often merely the occasion for the expenditure of a larg-e amount of money which is offered at our country's shrine in the form of noise and smoke. The program here outlined will invest the season with a deeper meaning-.* This, as well as the other reception which requires personification, is intended for children between the ages of ten and fourteen; the other two entertainments are equally enjoyable for younger children. * The invitations may take the following form: The Republic of the United States will be happy to receive his [or her] friends on Monday afternoon, July twentieth, at four o'clock, 225 Prospect Street. July thirteenth, eighteen hundred ninety-eight. The envelope should bear simply the name of the State to be per- sonated and should be enclosed in an outer one fully addressed. An explanatory note to some older member of the family should accompany the invitation, with explicit directions as to the part assigned. The young host or hostess is to represent the Republic, the cos- tume being designed for either a boy or girl. If a young girl is giving the entertainment, she may personate Columbia, taking her suggestions from the ideal representation as usually seen. Or she may choose to embody the Spirit of the Republic in an original and beautiful way. *An entertainment of this character will be equally appropriate to the month of February, which having- given us both Washing-ton and Ivincoln, vies with July in patriotic observances. Her dress may then be of thin gauzy material, white or lig-ht blue, spang-led with g-ilt and silver stars. If the dress be white, sash and shoulder bows of red, white and blue, together with a becoming little cap, will complete the costume. There should be a scepter surmounted by a gilded eagle; it should have streamers of red, white and blue, showing repectively the words Liberty, Justice and Truth. The costume for a young host may be devised of red trousers, blue coat and white vest. Decorations of stars, shields and other pat- riotic emblems may ornament the lapels of the coat; lace frills in the front of the vest and at the wrists, will give an air of elegance, if not considered too regal for the representative of democracy. Of course a boy may take the part of "Uncle Sam" and the invitations may read: "Uncle Sam will be happy to receive his children, etc.," but this idea has a touch of the grotesque rather than of the artistic. If a less elaborate costume be desired, the personification may be made clear with but a few touches, prepared entirely by the young en- tertainers. The ordinary dress may be decorated with the stars, shields, etc., and a belt or shoulder strap may bear the motto, "E Pluribus Unum," cut from gilt paper. The wand should never be omitted. This latter costume recommends itself, especially for an informal gathering; the expense is slight, and as imagination plays a large part in the enjoyment of children, nothing will be lost so far as the idea is concerned. In fact, simple preparations carried out by children themselves, will mean quite as much to them as will something more elaborate for which they must depend upon others. If the company is to be a large one, each guest may be asked to personate one of the forty-six states; if the number be limited, an_y num- ber of states may be selected, so that they are not fewer than the orig- inal thirteen; it is the intention, however, to have the entire fort3'-six. That the preparation may not be burdensome to the guests, the personifications should be carried out in a simple manner. Each "State" should wear, in large figures, the date of its admission into the Union, its motto and coat of arms; the last may be drawn with colored pencils, or, when not too complicated, cut from bright papers. Fur- ther, each "State" must carry something- for which that particular commonwealth is famous. Massachusetts, for instance, may bring- a picture of a school house, as she has always been foremost in education; Vermont may carry a little bottle of maple syrup; New Jersey, a hug-e mosquito constructed of wire; Connecticut, a wooden nutmeg; Florida, a toy alligator; Illinois should have a picture of Lincoln; Virginia, pictures of Washington and Jefferson; Mississippi, a little black doll, and Georgia some cotton; Dakota must contribute wheat; Indiana, corn; Maine, a little bundle of sticks marked lumber, and Minnesota will give a hint of her identity if she wears the label "Pillsbury's Best." The decision as to which states shall be represented by boys and which by girls, must be largely arbitrary. Florida and the Carolinas are cer- tainly feminine, while Texas, Vermont, Maine and others will fall into line as boys. If the table is to be spread in a tent on the lawn, the decorations may be made very effective. Red, white and blue bunting and flags, large and small, may be draped everywhere. Washington's coat of arms will make an appropriate decoration, and a fitting one, as it sug- gested the design for our flag. Pictures of the presidents may be hung in order from the supports of the tent, as well as those of notable men from all the states. A copy of the Declaration of Independence should occupy a conspicuous place; in fact, any picture, dates or quotations prominent in United States history may be judiciously used. Mottoes may be woven from red, white, and blue immortelles or other flowers and placed upon a background of evergreen. When the anticipated day arrives and the "States" have been cor- dially received by the "Republic," they will try to guess each other's names, by inspecting the costumes and by questions, wnich must be adroitly answered. They will record their guesses upon cards to which pencils are attached by means of the tri-colored ribbons. To avoid confusion the "States" must be given numbers which must be written upon the cards. Kach "State" must have some information well in mind, in order to be able to answer the questions concerning" his or her identity. This information should not, however, be too freely given. If a '"State" should announce "I contain the largest city in the country," the young- est child present would guess "New York." But the statement "In my mountains Hendrick Hudson and his dwarfs played at nine-pins" would give some test of literary knowledge. It will require some self-control on the part of the children to keep their inferences to themselves, but they must do so or all point to the game will be lost. A certain length of time will be allowed for the guessing, after which the cards will be collected; the owner of the one containing the greatest number of correct guesses will be made the Guest of Honor. A mantle of of red, white, and blue, spangled like the costume of the "Republic" will be draped about the shoulders of the winner and the "Republic" will place upon his or her head a pretty cap or wreath of laurel. When the guessing is over, and the honors have been awarded to the fortunate guest, red, white, and blue paper, properly cut, should be distributed, from which Washington cocked hats and rosettes are to be made; the girls folding the hats for the boys and the boys making the rosettes for the girls. When these favors are completed and donned the "Republic" and the "Guest of Honor" will lead in a grand march; the others will choose partners by drawing divided sentences written upon slips of paper. For example, a boy draws a slip of paper upon which is the name "Lincoln;" he will presently find a girl whose slip reads "issued the Emancipation Proclammation." Similarly two lines of a patriotic song may be written, one on each of two slips of paper, to be joined by their holders; a famous quotation and the name of the man who uttered it; an event and the date, and so forth. As the "States" march they will sing patriotic airs, beginning with "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean." After circling a few times through the rooms the "Republic" will lead the way to the dining-room, where they will be seated. If the central table will not accomtnDdate the g-uests, some may be placed at smaller tables, each of which must have its share of red, white and blue decorations. Favors will be found at the places, little models of Washing"ton's coat of arms for the boys, and tiny flag's for the g-irls. As the meal draws to an end, one of the most prominent "States" will rise and g-ive the toast to the "Republic," whereupon all will rise and drink (in water or lemonade) to the health and long- life of the "Republic," who will g-racefuUy respond. The toasts may be orig-inal, or may be memorized from the introductory verses. When the flag* is toasted the g^lasses must be lifted hig^h toward a banner suspended above the table. After supper all will return to the drawing--room and a few of the "States" may give appropriate recitations, or a program of dances may follow. At last the "States," admonished by the lateness of the hour, will form a circle about the entertainer and sing- a g-ood-nig-ht song, after which they will depart, leaving- the "Republic" in undisputed posses- sion of the centralized power of his own fireside. M^CK'V l-AS^TEKM 'A ITT MK love the merry spring--time, summer, winter-time and fall; The last, the welcome harvest-time, is jolliest of all ! Yes, 'tis the lavish season of the vintag-e and the grain; There is a g-olden shimmer in the haze adown the lane. Reflected from the lances of the rich October sun. Whose slanting- rays fall softly where the brooklet's waters run. "The bloom is on the pumpkin," Mr. Whitcomb Riley said; We see the waiting- pyramids piled in the open shed. The boys who lie in ambush throw the Jack-o'-lantern's g-leam From 'round the dusky corners, just to make their sisters scream. Tis now the grapes are gathered, and there's fragrance in the air, Sweet Peace and hearty Plenty greet our vision ev'ry where. -^ S 1 'Tis now we search the orchards for the mellow fruit beneath ; The yellow corn is bursting- from the husk's confining- sheath ; The nuts are brown and ripened, we can snatch them from the burrs, We even think of g-etting- out our overcoats and furs. At last the frosty evening's drive the children all indoor; They clamor for amusement they have never had before, Till Master Spencer Bradley, who is foremost in the fun. Announces a decision which is cheered by everyone : "A Jack-o'-Lantern party ! we will have them g-reat and small, We'll set them by the doorway, we will hang- them in the hall. We'll dress them up in clothing-, we will use our sharpest wits, And have a big- procession that will g"ive the neighbors fits I" But such a culmiaatiou is averted -then and there, By timely intervention of a watchful parent's care. But with the fun and frolic she will help them all she can On Brother Kdward's birthday, when they carry out the plan. Hurrah for Jack-o'-Lantern ! Let it never more be said A fellow is not brilliant though he is a "pumpkin head !" N an autumn entertainment there is an opportunity to clothe in most attractive dress the thought of the wealth and g-enerosity of Mother Earth; for we may well take sug-g-estions from' the ^ an- cient festivals which gave a poetic interpretation to every phase of Nature. To be sure, the name "Jack-o'-Lantern Party" does not savor of the classic, but children scarcely appreciate the symbolic and beautiful unless embodied in some sort of frolic. Certainly dear old Jack-o'- Lantern, the friend of successive generations, deserves to be elevated to a place of honor. His golden hue has poetic possibilities, and the smile which he usually wears, his rotund figure, and the time honored and toothsome concoction with which he is associated, combine to make him a fitting representative of good cheer and plenty. The Feast of Jack-o'-Lanterns is a movable one, and any birthday anniversary which falls in the autumn may be made enjoyable by some variation of the entertainment here outlined. First the invitations. No one needs to think twice to picture in the corner of each card an animated little Jack-o'-Lantern provided with legs and arms. A more elaborate idea will be the veritable Jack- o'-Lantern himself cut from orange-colored cardboard as a cover to the paper invitation cut in the same form, after the fashion of the figure story-books. This form can only be provided if the number of guests is limited, as in the preparation we are obliged to invoke the services of an obliging "artist friend." Each guest should be asked to bring a Jack-o'-Lantern as a "part- ner," and if all enter into the spirit of the occasion, there will appear a comical crowd of various shapes, nationalities and expressions. When the guests approach the house two grinning specimens will beam upon them from the gateposts and two more will flank the doorway. In- doors a convenient newel post or a niche in the hall will aiford a rest- ing- place for another rotund brother. The decoration of the reception room or play room, where the children are to gather, may consist of festoons of green cheese-cloth held in place by bunches of Indian corn. Orange-colored cheese-cloth may also be used, caught by clusters of paper pumpkin leaves. An imitation of the vine with its tendrils will twine gracefully about pic- tures and chandeliers; pictures of fruits, harvesting, and other autumn scenes should find conspicuous places. An ingenious young host or hostess may succeed in dressing a fig- ure in orange and green and surmounting it with a smiling lantern. This will "receive," while its roguish creator, hidden behind its drap- eries, will give expression to sentiments suitable to a hospitable Jack- o*-Ivantern. The children will require no other diversion before supper than the comparison of their Jack-o'-Lanterns, and the carrying on of imaginary conversations between these comical visitors. When supper is announced, the attendant lanterns may be ranged along the wall of the dining-room, where their unwinking eyes will help to enliven the scene. The moisture of the lanterns renders the danger of a fire being set from the candles improbable, but care may be taken not to allow them too near inflammable dresses or draperies. If any Jack-o'-Lantern is rude enough to smoke, of course he must be *'put out." The supper table will, as usual, be the crowning-point of fancy and art. A horn of plenty filled with fruits will be a most beautiful centerpiece if it be safely suspended over the table or supported upon it. If this cannot be managed a dish should be scooped from half a pump- kin-shell and placed upon a wreath of dark green leaves in the center of the table; the fruits, like Peter's wife, can be kept in this very well. The candles on the table are to have miniature Jack-o'-Lantern shades made of oranges; these may be double-faced without reflection upon their characters. The name-cards are to be ornamented with a variety of pretty and funny fig^ures; little Jack-o'-Lanterns, horns of plenty, pumpkin seeds with little faces, tiny pumpkin pies, sprays of g-olden rod and other ap- propriate designs will come to mind. The first course, which will be on the table, will consist of orang-es from which the pulp has been removed, sweetened and returned, each little cover having- a clove in the center by which to remove it. Upon the side of each orang"e, toward the g"uest, should be sketched a little face, or the skin may be cut as in the larg^er Jack-o'- Lanterns, if care is taken not to penetrate the white lining-. These shells must be carefully saved, and on the departure of the g-uests be distributed, filled with candied orang-e. Under each orange when on the plate, may be concealed a slip of paper containing an appropriate verse. The remainder of the menu is left to the discretion of the caterer; if the children are old enough to partake of such dainties, orange ice and "gold" cake are suggested. After supper the children may engage in a pumpkin-seed hunt. Quantities of the plump seeds should be stowed away in every con- ceivable place. Each child is provided with a long orange-col- ored twine and stout needle upon which to string the seeds. These chains may be used as necklaces, watch chains, ornaments for the hair, etc. For older children, dancing is always in order, or they may be given paper and pencils and asked to try their skill at making couplets relating to the Jack-o'-Lantern Party. When the guests are cloaked and ready to say good-night, they should be permitted to have a quarter of an hour's romp with their lanterns out of doors. The Michigan Trust Company, GRAND RAPIDS. Capital ..... $200,000.00 Surplus ...... 100,000 00 Deposit with State Treasurer . 100,000.00 OFFICERS : LEWIS H. WITHEY, president. WILIvARD BARNHART, Vice-President. DARWIN D. CODY, 2d Vice-President. HENRY IDEMA, 3d Vice-President. ANTON G. HODENPYL, secretary. GEORGE E. HARDY, Ass't Secretary. F. A. GORHAM, 2d Ass't Secretary THIS Compaii}' is authorized b3' law to receive and execute trusts of ever}' character, from courts, corporations and individuals It was orsranized for the express pur- pose of actintr as EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, GUARDIAN. TRUSTEE, ASSlCiNEE, RECEIVER, and GENERAL AGENT in any matter of business, taking entire charge of estates, real and i^ersonal. It invests idle funds in stocks, bonds or mortgages, looking after the collection of interest, paj'ment of taxes, etc. (It maintains safe deposit and storage vaults, which afford ample protection from fire and burglars, for valuable propertj'. insurance policies, silverware, jewelr}". etc.) It is subject to ex- amination by the State Banking Department, and its deposit of 5100,000 with the State Treasurer, in addition to the liabilitj'of 5200,000 on the part of its stockholders, is securit}' for the faithful performance of its duties. DIRECTORS. N. L. Avery, Anton " V A'^^ ^ ^ -ov* ■.\/' ■^" '«'• ""^^/ -^"^ "^-.^' ' ^'' V^' -M'" ''-^^' •*« < s • ^ ^ <^ .«y. ''if^ .^^^ •^*- ^^"-. ^°^ ^^•n^. ,•l°.^ *°-n*i. <^'*7r^-'' .<^ ^ -.j-.T-- A ^