mi- i iiiiiiE Z-: «!g;i!^ii;::,;.,i;:,.. ;, iiliiiliifi- ^:i:';ti' ';::• ^Si^i;;??!:- :>v^ ^.^.^' LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Shelf ..l.i.^JA UNITED STATES OE AMERICA f:^^^^ "itl^.^^"^ '"-vr-^r^^^^"'- "^^>^^H • -J Eureka Entertainments Containing A wide variety of new and novel entertainments suitable to all kinds of public and private occasions AUG 2 1894 * Philadelphia The Penn Publishing Company 1894 Copyright 1894 by The Penn Pumlishing Com tan y CONTENTS PAGE • S " Supper and Sociable 7 Girls' Bucksaw Exercise 12 The Peak Sisters 13 A Vernal Tree 14 A Lemon Party 16 A Brown Sociable 18 A Xight-Cap Sociable 19 A Poverty Party 20 Mum's the Word 22 A Phantom Party 22 Our Holidays 23 A Silence Party 24 Among the Trees 25 Circulating Library Social 27 Hidden Menus 28 For the Sewing Circle 29 Choeolataire . 30 3 4 . CONTENTS PAGE The Dairymaid ;>0 Flower Social 31 Chip Supper 31 A Topic Social 31 Harvest Home Jubilee 33 Ho, the Harvest Home 37 Match and Shingle Social 40 A Grecian Festival 40 The Ladies' Band 41 The Old-Fashioned District School . 41 Soap Bubbles 43 A Pansy Party 44 The Quiz Sociable 47 The Temple of Fame . 48 An Information Party 50 An Evening With Art 52 An Emblem Service 54 A Kite Party , 55 An Observation Party 56 The Old Curiosity Shop 58 Bean Socials . 59 Hints for Thanksgiving 63 For Christmas Time 67 A Snow Party • 77 Parlor Base-Ball 78 The Kalendar Kermesse 84 CONTENTS 5 PAGE A Festival of Days 90 A Twelve Months' Carnival 93 A Prize Contest in Domestic Accomplishments 96 Jingle Parties 97 Quaker Meeting and Social 99 A Weighing Social 10;> An Album Quilt 103 The Rainbow Festival 104 The Conundrum Social 104 A Gypsy Wedding 105 The Cobweb Party : 106 Puzzles in Figures 107 The Tombola 108 A Corn Banquet * 109 Seven Days' Wonder . .-.,.... 110 The Babies' Reception 113 The Smith Family 115 The Trades Display 115 A Progressive Peanut Party 117 The Legend of the Sacks 121 0-U-G-H 123 Little Old Folks 124 Living Letters 126 For the Fourth 127 Acting Proverbs 129 Little Sunflowers 132 6 contj-:nts PAGE Home Charades 132 A Paradox • . -. . 134 Easy Charade 134 Two Minute Charade 134 A Pope's Charade 135 Shado\»^ Pantomimes • 135 The Children of the Bible 138 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS s SUPPER AND SOCIABLE. 1. DECORATIONS. These can be made simple or elaborate at pleasure. A large letter ^' S " or two should be suspended in the room where supper is served. One made of red, covered with smaller letters in gilt is very pretty, also one of cotton batting sprinkled with mica. When room will admit, tables can be arranged in form of the letter. The ends and sides of table-cloths can be decorated with large fancy letters cut from calico or cam- bric. The paper napkins can be folded in the form of a letter '^ S '^ ; this can be easily done by folding in a narrow strip with pointed ends, and then folding back and forth. The waiters should have little fancy caps made of tissue paper — or something light and pretty, with the letter on the front. Also aprons decorated with letters in any form or color. Each committee should be desig- nated by letters in different colors cut from bristol board and tied with a ribbon for button-hole. 7 8 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 2. SUPPER. This should carry out the printed " Schedule " which should be at each plate. Everything possi- ble should be twisted into or decorated with the letter ^' S.'' Salads, etc., can be arranged in two colors, forming the letter with one. So with two kinds of pickles, meats, sliced eggs, etc., the let- ters can be secured. The biscuit can be stamped with a piece of tin before baking. Some of them should be in the form of double rolls. ^^ Siamese.'' The sweetly-sugared sauce can be peaches, oranges, or marmalade of some kind. 3. ENTERTAINMENT. A prize competition : Some time in advance of the entertainment, offer a prize for the best origi- nal ^^S" story — every word to begin with the letter ^' S/' and put the matter into the hands of one of the ladies. No names are to be made public, and, after the supper, choose judges, and have the stories presented by two good readers. The prize story is to take the cake, which has been specially prepared. Some sage and sensible, some sensa- tional — sentimental, some short and sweet, all signally satisfactory. A reading match : Arranged much as a spell- ing match, sides being chosen, with an umpire and time-keeper. The test proposed is to see who can read the " Schedule " without mistake EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 9 in the shortest time, limiting to one minute. The winner receives a medal, consisting of the letter ^SS '' neatly covered with tin foil and tied with a scarlet ribbon. As an extra, have a booth for the sale of popcorn and oranges. The white table-cover decorated with orange-colored letters. Oranges arranged in form of the letter and the popcorn sold in little paper boxes, folded to form a square with little handles decorated with an " S." If a large tinted letter could first be printed with the bill of fare over it, that would be an improvement. O SOLID SUBSTANTIAL SUPPER, SERVED BY THE C SISTER^S SOCIAL SOCIETY. SCHEDULE. SOLIDS. Savory slices, sage-seasoned, skillfully spiced. Scolloped salt sea oysters served steaming. Smoked sausage strongly seasoned. Sandwiches, smoothly spread, slightly salted. Sister Sophia Slagg's superior, soul-satisfying, Siamese bis- cuit, scientifically shaped, sufficiently spread. SIDE-DISHES. Sister Snell's sensible sour pickles, sharpening Simple Simon soon as swallowed. Sister Spry's sauerkraut salad, something suited to slow or spry. 10 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS SIPS. Specially selected coffee steamed and strained sweetened with sugar squares, sipped from solid silver spoons. Simple, steeped, sleep-stealing tea, satisfactorily strong. SWEETS. Sister Sabrina Simond's scrumptious sweet bread. S^more splendid stirred-cake. Sunday significations, such as sponge, snow, silver, spice, and so forth. Sweetly sugared sauce, sliced superbly slim, served in shal- low saucers, with skillfully skimmed sweet skum. An interesting little contest may be had by seeing who can read correctly without repetition or stammering, the following : SLEEPER STATEMENT. A sleeper is one who sleeps. A sleeper is that in which the sleeper sleeps. A sleeper is that over which the sleeper runs while the sleeper sleeps. Therefore, while the sleeper sleeps in the sleeper, the sleeper carries the sleeper over the sleeper under the sleeper until the sleeper which carries the sleeper jumps the sleeper, and wakes the sleeper in the sleeper by striking the sleeper on the sleeper under the sleeper, and there is no longer any sleeper sleeping in the sleeper over the sleeper. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 11 ANOTHER "S" SOCIAL. The following program of an " S '^ sociable held in connection with a missionary society may be suggestive to some social committee : SMALL SPEScIE SOCIAL. SECOND SUN AFTER SUNDAY. SEVEN SIXTY SHARP. Section I. Selected Music, - - ^ - Sonatrice. Some Missionary Statements. Selections from Shakespeare, - Somebody. Securing Society Shekels. Section II. "Speech is Silvern.'' Strange Customs, Side Show, Systematic Study, Sympathy, Scenes in a City, Selected, 12 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS The second part of the program can be carried out as a " topic '' social, partners being chosen, and tliey given five minutes to talk on each topic, a bell being used as a signal. GIRLS' BUCKSAW EXERCISE. An entertainment in New England was closed by a wood-sawing match. On the platform stood seven saw horses silently awaiting de- velopments. By the side of each saw lay two sticks of wood — one big one and one little one. Each stick was to be cut twice in two, and the young lady who completed the task first was to receive a silver pin, with a graven image of a bucksaw rampant thereon, while the lady last to push the serrated steel through the red oak was to have a bottle of Mother Winslow's soothing syrup. To the music of a piano accompaniment the seven ladies formed a line. Some of them bash- fully rested the knee against the stick to keep it in place, while the others went at it in business fashion. A Miss — '■ cut the first stick off* the quickest, the second also, and looked like a sure winner ; but her grit was more than her strength. Miss gained and passed her, finishing EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 13 first and second respectively in Im. 10s. and Im. 20s. Such a contest would be a fitting feature to an open social, where the young gentlemen are given the opportunity of showing who can most speedily and neatly thread a needle and sew a hem. THE PEAK SISTERS. This entertainment is given, of course, by home talent, ladies alone, or assisted by gentlemen, and the name given being either the " Peak Sisters '^ or the " Peak Family," as is most appropriate. The assumption of the name ^^Peak" is atoned for by the peak-ed details of costumes, etc. The participants should have peaked cufis, peaked collars, peaked coat-tails, peaked vests, tall peaked hats, etc. The cuffs, collars, and hats can be made of stiff white paper. Almost any musical selections can be pre- sented. There should be comic, old-fashioned, and simple songs in goodly numbers. Some of these can be paraphrased somewhat, so as to bring in the name ^^ Peak Sisters," etc. On making the grand entree the " Sisters " should bring their band-boxes, and if gentlemen take part they can bring their boxes and grips. These should be of different sizes, so that as the largest band-box is deposited on the stage the next 14 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS smaller one should be placed on top of this, and thus on until a wee bit of a one crowns the pyra- mid. The gentlemen's baggage is piled up like- wise. This entering march can be accompanied by a song of greeting. One comical round can be presented with good effect. '' Three blind mice/' for instance, and as the harrowing tale is recited one after another bursts into tears. The first pulls out a tiny handkerchief, the next a little larger, and so on till the last pulls out an enormous one. A pleasing closing tableau is to arrange the participants in a pyramid, some sitting on the floor, others on chairs, others standing, and others on top of boxes, one of the " Peaks " being alone at the top. Then start a round, so that it keeps going up and up, and at the finish the solitary " Peak " at the very top gives the finishing soli- tary note. A VERNAL TREE. This tree may be made to yield quite a profit from the sale of its fruit if taste is used in its decorations. The ladies of the society should save the shells of the eggs which thej^ use in the cookery, and lay them in a warm place where they will dry. Before the time appointed for the entertainment tiny trinkets must be found that EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 15 will go inside the egg — thimbles, white neck-ties, nuts, candies, tacks, and many other articles of use which may be gathered from each family and from the merchants of the town who are always found willing to aid in such undertakings. Then the egg shells must be fitted, two halves over some article, and held there by a tiny strip of paper pasted on with strong mucilage. Over the paper, around the egg, must be tied a tiny ribbon of any preferred color, leaving the ends of suffi- cient length to permit the egg to be fastened to the tree. Estimate the number of eggs that will be re- quired and request each member to furnish a stipulated number of the eggs ready for use. The committee on entertainment must provide a tree filled with variously colored tapers ready to light, and then the eggs must be tied on. To add to the entertainment a literary pro- gram should be provided and given before the eggs are sold. In order to make a successful sale, two persons should be selected to sell them, and in case any have not been disposed of they may be sold at auction. An amusing exercise may be arranged for a class of girls by asking each one to select a quota- tion on Spring from the numerous effusions to be found in the papers and magazines, or from the various popular authors who have written upon 16 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS this theme. Then close the exercise by a chorus upon Spring — many of which may be found in our song books. For the supper a suitable menu would consist of Salads. — Chicken or lettuce. Eggs. — Hard-boiled wdth shells removed and heaped on glass dishes. Oranges. — Whole or sliced. Cake. — Custards. — Milk, Etc.— Serve supper after the sale. Although not at all necessary yet it adds greatly to the effect of the class exercise if the girls dress in green or w^ear green tarlatan sashes and veils. This tree can be arranged at any other season of the year and called by any other name as for instance^ an Autumn tree and be equally pretty. A LEMON PARTY. A prominent society lady issued invitations which read : MRS. JONES, AT HOME, TUESDAY, 7 P. M. PLEASE BRING A LEMON. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 17 After greeting each guest the hostess asked her to '^ take her lemon to the dining-room and regis- ter." The dining-room was a blaze of golden light, from tiny fairy lamps with yellow shades. The dining-table had lemon-colored drapery, which was relieved by a flat centre-piece of deli- cate ferns and Catherine Mermet roses. At a side table sat a lady and gentleman who, all were informed, composed the " Squeezing Committee." This committee placed the name on a register, and tied a ribbon, marked in such a way as to be dis- tinguishable on each lemon. After the arrival of all the guests and the marking of all the lemons, they were again invited to assemble in the dining-room while the squeezing committee counted the seeds. Each lemon was cut in half, the seeds extracted, and after being counted and duly accredited to the owner on the register, they were placed in .a beautiful transparent glass bowl. The lemon was taken by the '^ Squeezing Com- mittee " and '^ squoze " into an immense punch- bowl. The guests were then invited to a repast of strictly lemon-made edibles — lemon ice, lemon ice cream, lemon cake, lemon jelly, sardines and lemon, lemon cream pie, and every conceivable sort of lemon-flavored food. Placed beside each plate was a bunch of yellow roses, tied with a satin bow of the same shade. After partaking of this unique repast, the glass 2 18 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS bowl containing the seeds was placed on the table, and a prize offered to the person who should guess the number of seeds therein, and a " booby prize " to one who should hazard the least accurate guess. After numerous efforts both fair and foul had been resorted to, and each guess had been duly registered, the seeds were counted and the prize awarded, the winner of the grand prize, coming within three of the right number, receiv- ing an exquisite lemon-colored lemonade bowl, while the " booby '' was made happy with a wooden lemonade squeezer. A prize was then awarded to the person whose lemon contained the most seeds, and another to the one who had the fewest. Meanwhile skillful hands had prepared the lemonade in the large bowl. A BROWN SOCIABLE. A Brown Sociable can be so prettily carried out that the sombre color is rendered almost as attrac- tive as its gayer and more attractive companions. Of course brown bread, a variety of chocolate cake, marble cake, spice cake, fruit cake, and doughnuts are an important feature of the metiu. Coffee, chocolate, and cocoa will be the drink- ables, while the dark and light meat of cold sliced turkey and tempting slices of daintily browned ^^ Veal Loaf" are arranged upon brown and white EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 19 china dishes. These are artistically decorated with fringed and curled brown and white tissue paper, and the Japanese napkins used are of brown and white design. A pleasing feature is the presentation to each guest of a " Brownie Card '^ as a souvenir of the evening. The cards being a reproduction of the different figures in '^ The Brownie Book," by Palmer Cox, done in brown sepia, with a suitable •selection describing each picture, and the cards are decorated with a brown silk cord so they can be worn as boutoiinieres. As part of the decorations used, some quaint and salable brown owls, admirable done in tissue paper and mounted on genuine brown branches ; together with some other pretty ornaments of the same style, put the finishing touches to a charm- ing entertainment where all declare everything has been '' done up quite brown." A NIGHT-CAP SOCIABLE. This peculiar title is suggestive of sleepy heads and pleasant dreams, or of that soothing draught of mulled wine or negus, the ^' night- cap " of our forefathers, whose slumbers were soothed by such refreshment, before the daj^s of prohibition and the cold water army. But in this time it bears a different meaning and de- 20 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS scribes a new idea in sociables where a number of jaunty caps of all colors — red, blue, green, yellow, orange, indigo, and violet — are the attrac- tions of the evening. They are made in pairs, two of a kind exactly alike, pinked around the edges, and gayly decorated with coquettish little bows, and strings of different colors, and consist- ing of an oblong piece of cambric about eight or ten inches long, folded over once, with a plait in front under the two, and strings on tlie two cor- ners, making them look like a little ^^ Dutch cap." Those for the ladies are pinned in bright array upon lace curtains and a selection allowed in pur- chasing. Those for the gentlemen — and very becoming they are to some, and quite ludicrous to others, when donned for the grand march — for supper — are wrapped in fancy colored wrappers and sold " sight unseen." The amusing excitement of ^^ finding partners " adds to the interest of the evening, and the gay little caps are carried home as souvenirs of the occasion. A POVERTY PARTY. The suggestions for this entertainment can be most readily gleaned from the following program. It is appropriately printed on coarse brown paper. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 21 POVERTY PARTY. Yew air axed tew a soshul that us foks ov the Klover Klub air goin to hay at Good Templar Hall, monday nite, may 20. rules and regulations. Chap. 1. — Eveiy woman who kums must ware a calerker dres & apern or sunthin ekarly apro- perate. Chap. 2. — All men Must ware there ole cloz & flanill shurts. No man with a Biled Shurt and Stcinup Dickey will be alowed to kum Unles their Durty. A PRIEZE Wil be gin to the Man & woman havin the wust lookin rig in the haul. These Reuls will bee infarcd to thee letter. MANNEGERS. Jonathun Estel, Esq., Mary McDugal., Jane Krowel., Ide Konic, Iney Laranee., Katharine Luh 22 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS AQEZ ! The hul Kiover Klub wil interduce strangurs and luk arter bashful fellers. There is gointer be spekin and singin by pus- sons who belong ter the klub. Phun wil Kummense at 8 P. M. Tickits inter the haul 11 cents. VITTLES. Twisted lasses downuts and kofy, they'l cost you .09 cts. Kum and havsum Phun MUM'S THE WORD. A " mum " social makes mirth and shows wlio can hold his tongue and who can't. The first one w^ho speaks is fined a certain sum, which en- titles him to a supper ticket. It is then his dut}^ to make the others loosen their tongues; if he succeeds, they also are fined. Those who refrain from talking the entire evening are given their supper free. Detectives are on hand to see that all rules are obeyed. A PHANTOM PARTY. The room is darkened, the drapings are of white, the gas is replaced with fairy lamps and tapers. The waiters are young ladies attired as EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 23 ghosts or as in a sheet and pillow-case party. As one of the features of the entertainment the phantom orchestra should appear. All are robed in white, powdered hair and faces, and all the instruments white. They go through all the motions of a complete orchestra, but of course give forth no sound. Shadow pantomimes can also be arranged for amusement at such an enter- tainment. OUR HOLIDAYS. This is a mere outline of what in almost any community can be made a charming entertain- ment. The idea is to have different persons represent various holidays and holydaj^s in the year. For instance, Valentine's day may be rep- resented by one costumed as a postman, and adorned with al] sorts of missives. A little ad- dress and a selection of music as ^' Bring me a Valentine," can be given. Or, if a humorous feature is desirable, let Sam Weller and young Sam be represented, and the dialogue spoken as spicily penned by Dickens. Another may represent Thanksgiving day in like manner. It may be a humorous or serious character as deemed desirable. Turkey feathers, edibles, etc., can be used in costuming. A thanks- 24 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS giving story may be recited, or a brief original address given. So with the Fourth of July. The impersonator can have drum, flag, gun, etc. St. Patrick's day and Christmas may readil}^ be impersonated. Decoration day with its tribute of flowei's is more sad but can be made very effec- tive. Otlier holidays are readily suggested. Appropriate selections for recitations and music can easily be found in almost any library. A SILENCE PARTY. " There was silence deep as death ; and the boldest held their breath for a time." Instead of the expected merrily uttered " good evening,' ' the hostess surprised her invited guests b}^ placing her finger on her lips and bidding them " hush," points to a sign on the wall — '' Be quiet, don't wake the babies." Each is presented with a dainty card, decorated and having some appropriate motto such as '' Put a seal upon thy lips," " Speech is silver, silence, golden." Each is also furnished with a pad of paper and a nicely sharpened pencil. The hostess introduces those who are not acquainted, by writing on a pad the usual form of introduction, and then begins a written conversation. Of course any one can write to any one else in the room, simply passing EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 25 the pad to the one he wishes to converse with. On tlie wall of the room are signs — ^^ Be Quiet/' - Don't Talk/' '' Keep Still/' etc. At the end of an hour or so the hostess removes the restriction, and all talk freely. Games, re- freshments, etc., follow, and the rested tongues will be found to be active enough. AMONG THE TREES. An entertainment especially appropriate for arbor day, or for the planting of a class tree at school, but yet suitable for many other occasions, can be arranged by representations of the various trees. Very unique, attractive costumes may be made from the leaves of different trees, etc. Oak — brown suit, hat made acorn shape, sash of oak leaves, and in the right hand an oak sap- ling or branch. Holly— white dress trimmed with holly leaves and branches. Pine — cone cap, pine shavings for adornment, etc. Such indicate what may be readily derived from other trees. For quotations, recitations, etc., the following are suggested : Longfellow — Voices of the Night, An April 2G EUKEKA ENTEKTAIXMEXTS Day, The Hemlock Tree, The Golden Mile Stone, Hiawatha's Sailing, Birds of Killingworth, El- liot's Oak. Lowell— To a Pine Tree, The Oak, The Birch Tree, An Indian Summer Reverie, Under the Willows, Al Fresco, A Wood, A Legend of Brit- tany, Under the Old Elm. Whittier — Among the Hills, Red Riding Hood, St. Martin's Summer, Mogg Megone, Funeral Tree of the Sokokes, The Lumberman, the Syca- more, The Palm Tree. Mrs. Browning — ^An Island. Bryant — Entrance to the Wood, A Winter Piece, Summer Wind, The Antiquity of Freedom, Autumn, Woods. N. P. Willis— The Elms of New Haven. John Buroughs — Signs and Seasons. Wilson Flagg — ^Woods and Waysides of New England. Emerson — Wood Notes. Helen Hunt Jackson — September Woods, My Hickory Fire, Down to Sleep. As a humorous feature a tableau of ^^ The Babes in the Woods '' can be introduced. A pile of old brush is show^n, and from under this there crawl out two children of a large growth. Per- sons representing birds, hopping about, gathering *up sticks, brush, and leaves with which to cover *^ the lost babes " will produce considerable merri- EUREKA EXTEETAIXMEXTS 2i ment. The ferocious uncle can also be introduced in an exaggerated and comical manner. CIRCULATING LIBRARY SOCIAL. Members of the company are dressed to rep- resent some book or character of a book. A band is pinned across the back, between the shoulders, lettered with the title or name of the character assumed. A belt around the waist has on it the name of the author. The " books '' march around the room to music, then to the platform, where they are arranged in tiers (by means of boxes of different heights) with backs to the audience. The large lettering in rows makes a fine show of volumes. A librarian who is w^ell read addresses the audience, describing the books in the manner in which they are shelved. The success of the entertainment depends largely upon the wit of the librarian. As the title of each book is named it faces the company. Sometimes, as in the case of Topsy, in Uncle Tora's Cabin, the character sings or recites. After all are described the public are invited to subscribe to the Circulating Library, and each person is allowed to take a book home. 28 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS HIDDEN MENUS. For a church social or sirailar gathering serve only such Tefreshments as the guests are able to decipher from a menu, in which the various arti- cles of food are named in so puzzling a manner as to make a little amusing guessing. A sample of such a menu is given. A little ingenuity will suggest numerous other ways of hiding the articles on the bill of fare, so tnat those who would satisfy their appetite must read it carefully to be able to order refreshments in- telligently. Suppose coffee, tea, water, bread and butter, sandwiches, meat, pie, cake, and ice-cream are to be served. The bill of fare can be after the following style, except the words in italics, Vv^hich are sim- ply printed here to make the explanation more clear : WE HAVE No lack of feed, so order and partake of all coffee which is and which may be ready for you. But a sandivich bread butter word — do not Sx ^ hm eat more than what a man doughnut pie meat water with a sharp appetite ought. If so, shall not pickle tea gUREKA E^'TERTAI^^MEXTS 29 I scream for extra pay ? It is wee trifle — ^only ice-cream siveet {cake) ten cents. FOR THE SEWING CIRCLE. A pleasant little party for ladies is called a '^ Thimble " party. Each lady is invited to bring her needle-work, or fancy w^ork of any kind, and spend the afternoon. The time is spent in work- ing and talking, luncheon being served about the middle of the afternoon. The most attractive feature is the favors, which can be pieces of bright-colored ribbons cut nine inches long. On one end of each is fastened a tiny brass thimble — any jeweler can drill a hole through the tops — and the other end is fringed. Half-way between the ends is pasted a card, on which an appropriate quotation is written. The cards should be the same width as the ribbons, and the quotations such as ^'A stitch in time saves nine." '* Seam and gusset and band, Band and gusset and seam, Till over the buttons I fall asleep, And sew them on in a dream." 30 EUREKA ENTERTAIKMEISarS CHOCOLATAIRE. At this unique entertainment chocolate is served in every conceivable form ; the menu cards, programs, decorations, and even the cos- tumes of the waiters are of chocolate color ; choco- late cups and saucers are sold with chocolate that is served in them. THE DAIRYMAID. * A number of young ladies arrayed in the simple, bewitching costumes of Dairymaids can give a very pleasant entertainment. The cos- tumes should be of white, and trimmed with a color, some white trimmed with pink, others white and blue, etc. The dresses should be short. They should wear sashes, fancy caps, carry milk- ing stools, tied with a bow to match the trimming of the dress, and have bright tin pails. A pretty march can easily be arranged, or a fancy drill, and they then sit upon their stools and sing a chorus. A musical and literary program can be arranged, according to local talent, using selec- tions appropriate to rural life. Booths can be provided at which articles can be offered for sale, or refreshments served — bread and milk, cheese, etc. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 31 • FLOWER SOCIAL. At the flower social buttonhole bouquets are made up in pairs and numbered correspondingly ; for instance, two yellow roses arc numbered 1 and two white ones 2 and so on. They are laid on separate trays, and a lady and gentleman in the dressing-rooms dispose of them as the guests come in. The gentleman pays so much for his, which includes refreshments for himself and partner, but the lady has hers free. The partners are thus selected by chance. CHIP SUPPER. Get some hard -wood chips, and have familiar quotations printed or painted on them. A chip is placed at each plate, and the person is to guess the author of the quotation. A TOPIC SOCIAL. Each person receives a program, after the style of a dance program, with certain topics of talk arranged upon it. A simple program is arranged as follows : 1. Music. 2. The Weather. 3. Eccentricities. 32 EUKEKA ENTERTAINMENTS 4. Dudes. 5. Recitation. 6. The Book I Last Read. 7. What I First Remember. 8. Chewing Gum. 9. Music. 10. School Days. 11. The Latest Fad. 12. Street Scenes. 13. Music. 14. Refreshments. The programs are to be filled as at a dance, and when the bell taps paj^tners are hunted up for ^^ The Weather," and for five minutes all are expected to talk upon this topic. The ringing of the bell announces the change of partners and of topics for the next five minutes, and so on through the program. Music, vocal and instrumental, or other features can be in- troduced to make the entertainment a varied one. The following program furnislies another good illustration : 1. Pennsylvania flood. 2. Sidewalks. 3. Ladies' receptions. 4. Which is the better half? 5. Shall we annex South America? EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 33 6. Should ladies have the right of proposal ? 7. Conundrums. 8. Why should the National Capital be re- moved ? 9. Mutual Admiration. HARVEST HOME JUBILEE. This is suited not only for churches but espe- cially for Granges, and similar societies. The decorations are made by arranging the fruits of harvest. * The main idea is to represent an old farmer's home. The centre of the home is the hearth-stone. A fireplace should be made, with shelf and side posts — rough lumber can be used. Then cover with a brick-colored coarse wrapping paper. Mark this off with white chalk or paint to represent brick. If old fashioned irons can be had use them for the front. Shovel and tongs, and other accompaniments should also be placed at the fireside. Above the shelf hang an old mirror, and on the shelf place an old-fashioned clock. Candlesticks should of course be given a prominent place on the shelf Beside the fire- place should be an old arm-chair — grandmother's chair. Near it an old pair of swifts, with a skein placed thereon, and a ball partly wound off*, and then dropped in the chair, as if the occupant who 3 34 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS had been winding the j^arn had just left for a moment. An old-fashioned stand, with a Bible upon it, and a pair of glasses resting thereon, add to the scene. Then an old spinning-wheel or other old furniture, will be gladly given a place. For decorations, string onions and popcorn, and hang in festoons. Cover two churns or large jars with cretonne and fill with grasses, branches of thorns from the thorn apple trees, and pompons made from the thistle and milkweed. Stand these each side of the fireplace. Wall paper is a good substitute for the cretonne. A large fan can be made of laths, covered wdth cloth, and then adorned with autumn leaves. A sickle covered with wheat heads is another adorn- ment. The word " Welcome " can be made by driving large nails through apples, thus pinning them in place. Other words or mottoes, borders, etc., can easily be made of yellow corn. Take the ears and saw them into pieces not over an inch thick, and then nail these up in the same manner as the apples. Easels, or bows and arrows, can be made of cat-tails : cover sheep shears with wool ; cover a pair of scales with grape leaves, and balance them with bunches of grapes ; cover a ladder with ears of corn ; a mina- ture log house can be made out of corn stalks ; take a small sized market basket, tie cat-tails to it for legs, with cross pieces for braces and EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 35 handle ; cover the basket with cloth and stick burrs all over the cloth, then fill the basket with all varieties of seed-pods to be found. Take a piece of cloth large enough to cover a peck meas- ure, fasten seeds all over it, then cover the meas- ure and fill it with nuts, which can be sold by an attendant. Accompany the nuts with picks made of bright horse-shoe nails, the upper half of which should be gilded. On one side of the room place a table of good size upon which arrange a pyramid of vegetables ; arrange so that the yellows, browns, reds, and greens display each other by the marked contrast of their colors ; keep in view the idea of placing side by side the very largest and smallest of each variety obtainable. If an organ is used, cover as nearly as possible wdth fall flowers and sprays of leaves. Serve a supper after the completion of the literary exercises, and use autumn leaves for tickets. Let the bill of fare contain roast turkey or chicken, cabbage or potato salad, celery, dough- nuts, pumpkin or mince pie, jellies, rusks and coff'ee. The waiters should be dressed as farmers' sons and daughters of ^^ ye olden time." Songs and recitations may be grouped together for a program of entertainment. The selections should be appropriate to harvest time and home on the farm. A very pleasing tableau is that of ^^ Coming to the Parson." 36 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS First Scene. — A young farmer, wide straw hat, pants tucked in his boots is pointing to a young girl who has his arm tightly grasped, she is look- ing up at the farmer from between the folds of her shawl which covers her head ; parson stands facing the couple at one side of the stage. Second Scene. — Parson receiving his pay. The young farmer stands looking up at the parson with a basket of vegetables braced against his right leg, w^hile the parson looks with smiling interest at the pay ; standing with book in one hand and glasses in the other. Another pleasing tableau to be accompanied by the song is '' Comin' Thro' the Rye." If a little boy and girl are the participants in the scenes, the effect is very pleasing. For a comical feature of the entertainment, the tableau of " Woodman Spare the Tree " can be used. The woodman should be as large a man as possible, wdth a very small tree, a mere bush. Or the reverse is good, a wee bit of a fellow, with a tremendous axe (made of pasteboard) and a good-sized tree. A shadow pantomime of this is very funny. A jack-a-lantern made of a pumpkin is also an addition. Another ingenious adornment is a little chariot cut from a pumpkin, with a daintily dressed doll for the little fairy. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 37 HO, THE HARVEST HOME. As one feature of a harvest home festival, in the corner of the room there is built upon a light lattice- work frame, a pagoda, or Temple of Ceres. Place the largest cornstalks at the corners, fastening sprays of smaller grains in graceful masses by the vines and rustic branches, and hang full ears of red and yellow corn along the top as pendants. Delicate festoons of autumn flowers and clusters of grapes, nuts, and scarlet berries of the moun- tain ash, or the deeper rich sumach, all add to the general effect. Some golden-haired maiden, clothed in soft draperies of yellow, trimmed with brown or crimson, wearing a classic girdle and sandals and bearing a graceful sceptre made of cat-tails,. will make a beautiful Ceres. Here merry attendants can serve the various fruits and nuts from the booth, also fresh popcorn. Others may sell various pretty little devices appropriate to the occasion, made of corn, bangle-boards, thermometers, etc. For the refreshment-tables the decorations should be of autumn leaves, boughs, and nuts. On the menu card appear various quotations such as the following : THE FEAST OF MONDAMIN. " And they called the women around them, Called the young men and the maidens, To the harvest of the cornfield. Come— oh ! come to the Feast of Mondamin !'' 38 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS *' Bless the food that stands before you, It is blessed and enchanted. It has magic virtue in it !" " Yellow cakes of the Mondamin And the wild rice of the river." ** All the wild rice has been gathered, And the maize is ripe and ready^ Let us gather in the harvest." " That the feast may be more joyous, That the time might pass more gayly. And the guests be more contented." " She has sent through all the village, Messengers with wands of willow, As a sign of invitation, As a token of the feasting." *' In the pleasant land and peaceful, Sing the mysteries of Mondamin, Sing the blessings of the cornfield." Tableaux can be easily arranged illustrative of the musical legends of Hiawatha. The costuming for the tableaux can be made picturesque and in- expensive by the skillful use of gay blankets, feathers, shells, chamois skins, and generous applications of red ochre or Fuller's earth and Spanish brown. The following can be used as a recitation at church entertainments, where some expression of thankfulness w^ould be highly appropriate, as for instance, before the serving of refreshments, or in the harvest home entertainments or services : EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 39 Praise God for \yheat, so white and sweet, of which to make our bread ! Praise God for yellow corn, with which His waiting world is fed! Praise God for fish and flesh and fowl He gave to men for food ! Praise God for every creature which He made and called it good! Praise God for winter's store of ice, praise God for summer's heat ! Praise God for the fruit-tree bearing seed, ^* to you it is for meat " ! Praise God for all the bounty by which the world is fed ! Praise God, ye children all, to whom He gives your daily bread ! The following poem by Andrew Lang can be used as a song or as a recitation in costume. It may be accompanied by swinging a prettily decorated scythe : Mowers, weary and brown and blythe, What is the word methinks you know, Endless over-word that the scythe Sings to the blades of the grass below^ ? Scythes that swing in the grass and clover, Something, still, they say as they pass — What is the word that, over and over, Sings the scythe to the flowers and grass? Hush, ah hush, the scythes are saying, Hush and heed not and fall asleep ; Hush, they say to the gi-asses swaying. Hush, they sing to the clover deep. Hush, 'tis the lullaby Time is singing — Hush and heed not, for all things pass. Hush, ah, hush, and the scythes are swinging Over the clover and over the grass. 40 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS MATCH AND SHINGLE SOCIAL, Wooden dishes are used so far as is practical. Cake is served on a shingle. Cream is dished with a wooden spoon. The " match " consists of a card with a stanza of poetry or a quotation written upon it. The card is cut in two diago- nally. A neat little ribbon is tied in the corner of each piece, and a half a match attached to each. The part of the match having the sulphur on it indicates the part of each card which the gentlemen are to take. Each lady takes a half card and each gentleman a half, and then the process of matching ensues. When partners are thus mated they can proceed together to the re- freshment tables. This makes much sport, and does away with wall flowers. A GRECIAN FESTIVAL. For a church hall it is beautiful. The drapings should represent columns, and be mainly of white. Costumes are easily copied from old Grecian works on mythology, and cheese-cloth and unbleached muslin form excellent materials. Flower and fruit-booths, goddesses who serve nectar and am- brosia (colored lemonade and angels'-food cake), and a cave where the oracle foretells events, are needed. Young men serve cream from tables. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 41 and a literary program, consisting of music, reci- tations, and tableaux representing scenes from mythology or Grecian history add much to the entertainment. THE LADIES' BAND. Young ladies costumed in red, white, and blue skirts, white Garibaldi waists, scarlet Zouave jackets, trimmed with gold braid, blue fatigue caps, silken sashes, etc., can furnish much entertain- ment by marches and countermarches, after a very little drill and practice. Then the young ladies appear with musical instruments as a full-fledged band, and the audience is delighted and surprised at the music. Those in the secret, however, have arranged a full brass band behind the draperies or curtains, and the young ladies, of course, are simply musicians in pantomime. THE OLD-FASHIONED DISTRICT SCHOOL. The participants in this entertainment should be as elderly and prominent men and women as can be secured. Much of its success depends on this. To see well-known men and women cos- tumed as boys and girls, and taking part in school exercises of long ago is very amusing. The costumes should be those of boys and girls 42 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS of the olden school times. The entertamment should be in three parts : Morning session, noon- ing, and afternoon exercises. Choice music can be interspersed. These grown children wend their way to school, answer the roll, sing their exercises, and recite their lessons. The infant class say their "a-b-abs." The spelling class, geography, and grammar classes follow. At noon the children are seen on the play-ground amusing themselves with the old pastimes. In the afternoon the committeemen visit the school. General exercises are given, like singing the States and capitals. An address of welcome, reci- tations, declamations, and compositions follow. The school board is dissatisfied, and criticise the teacher for introducing some such innovations as spelling '' labor ^' without any '' uJ^ He bids fare- well to the scholars, and the school is closed. Much amusement is caused by the questions, and the humor of the- recitations ; also by various pranks played by the pupils. This is one of the most popular entertainments yet devised. It requires little preparation, and but slight rehear- sal. In every place where it has been given it has delighted old and young alike, and drawn crowded houses night after night. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 43 SOAP BUBBLES. A soap bubble party will alwaj^s prove enjoy- able. Prizes are awarded the greatest number of large bubbles blown by one person, and a booby prize for the one whose bubbles burst before leav- ing the tube, etc. ; or a score can be kept and the winners declared. The following directions will be found of great value in increasing the strength and beauty of the bubbles. White Castile is the best soap for this purpose ; the mottled Castile is next. Get some friendly druggist to weigh out sixty grains for each ounce of water. Rinse a bottle clean. Use soft water. Put two ounces of the soap solution in a six or eight ounce bottle wdth a sound cork. The soap should be cut into fragments. For each sixty grains, or drachm, of soap, add eight teaspoonfuls of soft w^ater. After two or three hours, the bottle being put in a warm place, add glycerine, about half an ounce of glycerine for each ounce of water. Then shake well, and set the bottle aside for two or three hours. Then shake again, and then let it remain quiet for two or three hours. Thus continue for a whole day. Then let the bottle stand undisturbed for twenty-four hours. Bubbles of great size and beauty can be blown with this solution. A thin glass pipe will give better results than 44 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS a clay pipe. If a clay pipe be used, it should have as large a stem as possible. After a pipe has been used for a time it will work better than at first. This extra care and preparation may seem unnecessary, but it will be more than repaid by the result. A PANSY PARTY. Pansies are to be used for decoration and for adornment of hostess and guests. Among the features of entertainment is a sheet at one end of the room, upon which is painted a large pansy. Each guest is given a strip of green tissue paper, with a pin in the end, and each in turn being blindfolded, seeks to pin this stem in the right place. The most successful one is given a pot of blooming pansies. After this, literary pansies are announced. On a table is a veritable bed of pansies. They are made of paper and each one incloses a quo- tation. Each guest receives a pretty blank book, with a fancy pencil tied by purple and gold rib- bons. Each takes a certain number of the " literary " pansies and then all set at work giving the authors of the quotations. Some of these quotations are ridiculous, others appropri- ate. Each quotation is numbered, and as it is read each writes in the little book the number and EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 45 "name of the supposed author. Then the correct answers are read, and each person checks off his list. The one having the largest number is given as a prize a little book of Cjuotations. The second prize may be a photograph of a noted author with the date of the pansy party written upon it. Cards may then be distributed with a pansy painted on each. Each of the lads seeks out the lassie whose pansy is of the same color as his own. In couples they take their seats at the table, where at each plate is a tiny cluster of pansies to match the cards. In the centre of the table is a large cluster of pansies combining all the colors. After the ice-cream and cake has been disposed of, two long dishes are to be brought in, one filled with purple, the other with golden paper pansies. These are the ^^ pansy predicaments. '' Each lassie takes one of the purple ones, and each lad a yellow one. Then this is reversed, questions and answers are then read, causing much merri- ment. For instance one reads the question — ^^ what would you do if you should never grow any taller ?" The partner promptly reads his pansy's answer — ^^ I should scrub the spot with Sapolio." The ^^ stemless '' pansy can be drawn roughly w4th colored crayons and a few sheets of tissue paper will furnish all the stems needed. For 46 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS '' literary pansies/' sheets of different colored tissue paper are used. The pansies are pieces of paper cut in fine scallops, and the quotations (selected ' from any book of familiar quotations) are legibly written and twisted up in them. The little blank books can be used as souvenirs, and the pencils are such as are used in dance and card parties. The ^^ pansy predicaments '' are made in the same way as the " literary pansies/' the predicaments being wrapped in one color, the remedies, or answers, in another. If it is impossible to have cards painted there is another very pretty way to make them. Take half as many cards as there are guests, and write or print, in fancy letters and pansy colors, some pretty or appropriate quotations on each. Then cut each card diagonally, and let each one secure his partner by finding the one whose card completes his own quotation. For prizes, penwipers made to resemble pansies are appro- priate. In place of pansies violets can be used in like manner. For a pansy party a pleasing literary program can be provided, by appropriate selections from that charming writer, '' Pansy,'' whose books all young folks love so well. Tableaux can also be easily arranged, representing familiar scenes from her works, and a sketch of the fair authoress would prove an interesting feature. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 47 THE QUIZ SOCIABLE. This entertainment can be made most amusing. A conundrum contest is arranged, sides being chosen as in a spelling-matcli. After this con- test the company scatters about the room, each person being allowed to guess on twelve different articles or puzzles located in different places. Each article or guessing station is numbered. In order to have the right to guess, one must pur- chase a little card bearing twelve numbers upon it. This is tied to the button-hole, and when the w^earer guesses correctly a little seal — a piece of colored paper — is pasted over the number corre- sponding to the article guessed. If one guess right on the twelve things his card is filled with these seals. This keeps the company circulating, laughing, chatting, and guessing. Various guesses are arranged — the height of a hat, the difference in length in curved papers, and tests arranged for sight, smell, feeling, etc. Bj^ charging a small admittance, or making the number-card a ticket, and by serving refreshments, this sociable is made one of the most pleasant and profitable ever devised. 48 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS THE TEMPLE OF FAME. This is designed for a full evening's entertain- ment, by local talent, and should be presented with careful preparation and as pleasing stage effect as possible. The groundwork for the entertainment is a supposed contest among notable characters of all ages, to see who is most entitled to the wreath of never-fading memories, woven by the centuries that have been and are to come. The Queen of Fame is seated upon her throne, and with her pages and maids in attendance. Each contestant is appropriately costumed, and either recites or sings, or both, as is befitting to the character. When all are through the crown is awarded, and with the aid of a chorus of chil- dren the Queen places the wreath upon the brow of the successful one. As can readily be seen, the effect of the enter- tainment depends largely upon the costumes and the stage arrangements. Aside from these scenic effects, however, there is much depending on the fitness of the selections and the ability of the indi- viduals taking the various characters. The characters selected may be varied accord- ing to the quantity and quality of talent to be se- cured. If desirable, only famous women need be introduced. Or noted women and noted men both EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 49 can be brought into the entertainment. There is no need of more than one or two general re- hearsals, for each character can provide his own costume, and prepare his part privately. All that each performer needs to know is just when to appear upon the stage and what place he is assigned in the temple. The song or recitation and costuming can be prepared outside the gen- eral rehearsal. The children need to be drilled in singing a pleasing chorus and in some pretty marches attending the coronation ; they can be thus drilled without the presence of the other partici- pants. Such characters can be introduced as Columbus, who lays claim to the wreath because he gave America to the world ; Sappho, the Greek poetess, may present one of her sweetest poems ; George Washington may claim it as the father of his country ; Joan of Arc, in French armor, may sing her inspiring tribute to France ; Xanthippe, with her scolding tongue, can picture her shrewish character as she drives Socrates into the temple. Jenny Lind may sing her song. " The Brown- ings " or the Carey Sisters affectionately plead one for the other, and each give verses written by the other. Josiah Allen's wife, with Josiah himself, gives a humorous dialogue. Ruth, with her original costume as a gleaner, may be presented, and also 4 50 EUHEKA ENTERTAINMENTS Miriam, with her maids and cymbals and her sweet songs ; Mrs, Harriet Beecher Stowe^ with '' Topsy f Mother Goose, with Mother Hub- bard ; Benjamin Frankhn, with his kite and his .ahnanac ; Charles Dickens, with his ^^ fat boy," or others of his characters. In fact, there is no end to the variety of selections. The entertainment should be so arranged as to bring in both music and recitations^ the latter touching upon the pathetic, the grand, the humorous, thus giving a varied and pleasing entertainment. In closing, the chorus of children march and countermarch, singing and waving their garlands. They plead that Mother Goose be given the wreath. Barbara Frietchie seconds the motion in behalf of old age. The Queen decides in favor of Mother Goose, giving her reasons, whicli seem satisfactory to all the others, and the wreath is placed upon the brow of the winner. AN INFORMATION PARTY. Conversation bees, or topic parties, have proved quite as enjoyable, and much more profitable than card parties and other progressive frivolties. The information party is somewhat akin. The hostess passes around a pretty tray, upon which EUREKA ENTERTAINxMENTS 51 are sheets of paper, each with a fancy colored lead pencil, such as are used in dancing and card parties. After the ladies are suppUed with these, another tray of blank cards is passed among the gentlemen. The lady and gentleman whose pencils and ribbons, or cords, are alike, are deemed partners. Each couple is then called on to think of a question and write it on the card. Some one, who is designated for t!iat purpose, or the hostess herself, then collects the cards, and proceeds to read the questions. Five minutes is allowed in which to answer the query. The partners decide upon an answer, and write it upon their sheet, not conferring with other couples. Thus they proceed until all the questions are answered. Each question as read can be numbered, so that when the questions and answers are read they can come in their right order. As each question is read a second time, each couple reads their answer. Each right answer is marked 10, a par- tially right one, 5, and wrong one 0. If any dis- pute occurs it is decided by the couple who gave the question. The score is then made up and the prize awarded. At one party such questions were asked as : '' When will woman suffrage be universal in the United States?" ^^Who killed cock robin?" 52 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS '^ Which proportion in geometry is called the bride ?" '' Who wrote ^ red as a rose is she ' ?" '^ What is the height of the Washington monu- ment r The answer brings up topics of conversation and serves to enliven the evening, besides impart- ing no little information. AN EVENING WITH ART. This is a most pleasing and profitable enter- tainment. Nearl}^ all are more or less familiar with the entertainments in which statuary and pictures are made the prominent features. The most of these entertainments liave been of white statuary. The white statuary, as most know, is formed by draping persons with plain white cloth, and using flour for whitening the features, hair, etc. Some of these figures are made very eff'ective and pleasing. They need to be gracer fully draped, and the light should be skillfully adjusted. Aside from the white statuary, however, a still more pleasing and decidedly novel enter- tainment can be provided by giving showings of colored statuary, similar to the Hennecke or Rogers groups. The cloth selected for this pur- pose should be of the light brownish hue, or stone EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 53 color, the same tint if possible as is seen in this class of statuary. By making costumes of this, and using paint where needed, the effect can be secured similar to this statuary, and of life size. Many have tired of seeing ^^The Sculptor Boy," ^^ Justice,'' " Faith," etc., in white draperies. The figures in brown are more varied and pleasing. There are more humorous selections in the brown than in the white. Groups can be so arranged that every detail, every bit of furniture, as well as costume, features, hair, all may be of the same pleasing hue. Good music should be provided, and a few pieces of white statuary can be introduced, but they should be very few and very fine, A few living pictures can be introduced in the same program. The main purpose of these is to give a pleasing variety and relief. The brown statuary will be found to be the most prominent and most pleasing feature of the entertainment. Whenever possible, it is advisable to get a calcium light, and let it be handled by some one experienced. Then, by using different colored glasses a variety of effect can be secured. 54 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS AN EMBLEM SERVICE. For the children of the Sunday-school an em- blem service is suggested as a pleasing and impressive way of imparting truths. Various symbols or objects, suggested by the Scriptures, and illustrative of various features in Christ's life and nature, are used. These are accompanied by familiar songs and passages of Scripture, recitations, etc. For instance, one scholar has a large key, which can be cut out of pasteboard and covered with gilt paper. The scholar recites : '^And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder ; so he shall open, and none shall shut ; and he shall shut, and none shall open.'' The scholar presents the key to the superintendent, who places it in a suitable place provided for it on the wall or desk, according to the peculiar arrangement of the room where the services are held. A cross, a floral one or a rugged one of wood, with vines about it, can be put in place, while some such familiar song as '^ In the cross of Christ I glory " is sung by the school or by certain pupils. The crown, the sceptre, the branch, the fountain, the shepherd's crook, and many other emblems can be used in this manner. As the service progresses EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 55 the decoration of the platform becomes more and more elaborate. Instead of putting full programs into the hands of the scholars assign a part, and do not allow any of them to know the parts given to the others. When the services take place they will then not know what is coming next, and their interest will be kept continually aroused to the very close. Of course, a full program should be in the hands of the superintendent and his assist- ants, and such parts, reading, etc., as are taken by the whole school should be in the hands of alL A KITE PARTY. Young ladies and gentlemen arrange a party for a drive into the country and for a kite-flying. Each is furnished with a kite, and the guests, indulging in the youthful pastime can have a merry time. The kites may be used afterward by the same company in an in-door gathering. The kites are suspended in different places, in the form of a cobweb, the balls of twine used in flying them being tangled as in a cobweb party described elsewhere, thus making a cobweb kite party as a grand finale for the merrj^-making. 56 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS AN OBSERVATION PARTY. The lady of the house and one gentleman should be in the secret of the game, the others being left in ignorance. The gentlemen are in- vited into a room by themselves. The one who acts as manager distributes among them slips of paper, each bearing the name of some lady, who is in the other parlor. Each gentleman is requested to write out the description of the lady's costume, telling what she is wearing, the color, material, jewels, head-dress — the more de- tails the better. Each gentleman is thus made, for the time being, a society reporter. No con- sultation i& allowed. Each must depend upon himself. At the end of the time assigned — five or ten minutes — the papers are gathered up and the gentlemen rejoin the ladies. In the meantime the hostess has explained to the ladies what they are to expect, and arrange with them for the completion of the game. The ladies have selected a jury of three or five ladies. A high stool has been provided, and each gentle- man in turn is made to stand upon this while the manager in a clear voice reads his paper with the description he gives of the ladies and their costumes. Great merriment is caused by the reading of EUREKA EXTERTAIXMENTS 57 these papers ; the catalogues of the colors, orna- ments, etc., being often as absurdly wrong as won- derfully near the mark. The ladies of the jury note these differences, and afterward consult and decide upon the most accurate description, and in many cases it will be found that the person least suspected of observing a lady's toilet will be the one who proves the most correct in his remarks. The beaten candidates will often plead that they were too absorbed in the contemplation of the ladies themselves, or in the interest of their conversation, to notice what the}" had on. Any- way, this game will produce much fun and merriment. The ladies can also be emploj^ed, if deemed advisable, while the gentlemen are retired. The ladies are requested to write on slips of paper, the height, age, weight, color of hair, etc., of the gentlemen, and they are read alternately with descriptions of the ladies' costumes, when the company has reassembled. Each lady has upon the slip of paper given her the name of a gentle- man present. A jurj^ of gentlemen decides upon the accuracy of the work of the ladies. 58 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP. Almost every household has more or less relics and curiosities — heir-looms — very old books, autographs, pictures, dresses, etc. An old curi- osity shop formed of these, gathered up in any town or city, can be made very interesting and profifable. A society appoints a committee who make a house-to-house canvass, securing the promise of the loan of one or more articles from each. The committee takes a list of all these ar- ticles. A hall is selected, and then others collect and arrange them so that none of the articles can be injured by handling or carelessness. When the curiosity shop is thus arranged it can be thrown open to the public, and an admission charged. It can be kept open every afternoon and evening for a week. The articles can be so arranged about the hall as to leave space in the centre for seats. Each evening there can be some simple entertainment, music, readings, etc. Old-fashioned selections, and ancient costumes, should charac- terize the programs of entertainment as far as possible. If refreshments are served, brown bread, baked beans, etc., should be on the bill of fare. In every town or city many matters of public interest can be secured for the old curiosity shop. The earliest records of the town, autographs and EUREKA EXTERTAINMEXTS 59 portraits of the early settlers, pictures of the town, old songs, old newspapers, old tax receipts, etc., will be found interesting. In a large city it will be found to be very profitable, for many will attend during the afternoons, when they can ex- amine the collection more at leisure. The evening programs should be short, so as to allow time for those attending to look about the hall. The expense of collecting the material is slight, and the work of preparation is not more than preparing for a carnival of nations or a bazaar. Every one who has loaned an article be- comes directly interested, and thus the enterprise can be made to interest a large number of people. It advertises itself a great deal. In fact, the curiosity shop can be made just what the origi- nators choose to have it. If they work to have it a success it will prove a great one. BEAN SOCIALS. Of course baked beans and brown bread are prominent at the menu. One game in wdrich bags of beans are the only requirement, affords much amusement. Sides are chosen as in a spelling match, and these little bags of beans are handed by the judge to the head of each line. At a signal the bags are 60 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS passed from one to another down each line, and back again to the judge, as quickly as possible. The side which first passes the bag back to the judge is declared victor. In connection with the same social can be used a jar of beans, in which the number can be guessed at, and the most successful guessers announced later in the evening. One of the most healthful, amusing, yet simple pastimes for the home is the bean bag game. Provide five bags made of bright colored ma- terial, each holding about a pint of beans, except one holding a quart, which is called '^ Jumbo.'' The game consists of throwing these bean bags at an inclined board. This board should be broad and one end raised about a foot. Near the raised end should be a hole in the board, large enough to let any of the bags fall through easily. Each player should stand about fifteen feet distant and pitch one bag after another at this board. Every bag going through the hole counts ten and every one falling off* the sides or ends of the board or not hitting the board counts ten against the player. Every bag resting on the board but not going through the hole counts five. ^' Jumbo,'' the double-sized bag, counts double the others. The material can be easily made at home. After an entertainment of a musical and liter- ary nature, beans are sold to the audience at a EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 61 stated price, and these beans are accepted for purchases at an auction held immediately follow- ing. The goods offered for sale are such as have been obtained by contributions from those attend- ing, each one bringing a package in which some article is WTapped and hidden. These pack- ages are auctioned off without opening, so that the bidder can only judge from the exterior ap- pearance of the package what he is bidding on. Each bid is for a certain number of beans previ- ously purchased, instead of a certain number of cents. Beans become the fiat money. The following bean social is suitable for a G. A. R. entertainment : A Queen of the Bean Pole is chosen and crowned by a coronet of gilt-cov- ered pasteboard, ornamented with white and black beans. A pole is prepared with twenty red, white, and blue streamers, or ribbons, fastened at the top. Twenty ladies and gentlemen, each with one of these streamers, march about the pole, singing and w^eaving, as at a May festival. Two large lima beans are glued to red, white, and blue ribbons. The beans are split, and on the inside is penned the date of the social on one half and a lady's name on the other half. At supper time each gentleman selects at random one of these beans, unties the bow-knot, and thus finds the name of his partner for supper. 62 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS Besides the bean souvenirs, tiny baskets, or little jars, filled with little red, white, and blue candy beans may be used as souvenirs. Here are two songs composed for and used on one such occasion : THE ARMY BEAN. Hot coffee in an old oyster can, With hard tack broken in, we have seen, On which soldiers a square meal would make When well mixed with the old army bean. Our fat meat and tough beef night and day, We have stuck on a stick long and clean, And have cooked o'er the bright burning blaze, To eat with our old army bean. There were beans of all colors and kinds. But the bean that just fills up your eye Is the white bean, and long may it wave For the boys, till the sweet by and by. Now that peace spreads her wings o'er the land, And musket gives way to the plow. In reunion we'll strengthen our band. And no new-fangled grub we'll allow. THE SONG TO THE QUEEN. In the days of the long gone by. We have dreamed of this beautiful queen. As by camp-fire the bacon we'd fry, And we warmed up the old army bean, CHORUS. 'Tis the queen that we mean, And we'll dance as we ne'er danced before. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 63 Army bean, here's your queen, And we'll bow to the queen evermore. When the war cloud at last had passed by, We returned to this queen of our heart, And not broomsticks nor fire in her eye From her side would induce us to part. Now, we've beans that are both green and dry, And our queen bakes a mess every day ; But we'd like, some time ere we die, A good mess cooked the old army way. HINTS FOR THANKSGIVING. GIVING THANKS. A very appropriate substitute for the usual asking of the blessing at the opening of the Thanksgiving feast is for each one at the table to read. or repeat a passage of Scripture in which expression is given to thanks. These passages can be written on cards, and one placed at each plate. TURKEY TABLEAUX. In Thanksgiving entertainments an amusing tableau can easily be presented, entitled "The only one who has nothing to be cheerful for.'' A live turkey, with legs tied, ready for the mar- ket and slaughter, is the sohtary figure in this tableau. 64 EUEEKA ENTERTAINMENTS REASONS FOR THANKS. An amusing feature for a social gathering is for each one in a company to write on a slip of paper the name of some person, official, society, or communitj^, and on another slip of paper some reason why one should feel thankful. These slips are then gathered up, those bearing the names being placed together in one receptacle, and those bearing reasons for thankfulness to- gether in another. Then some one draws a slip from each at random and reads ; or each one in the company may draw a slip from each, and then read. The misfit of names and reasons for thankfulness are often very humorous. The question is asked, " Why should our firemen be thankful V^ Perhaps the answer drawn with this is, " Because this has been a good building season,^' which was written originally as a reason for thankfulness for the architect or contractor. THE FIREPLACE. For entertainments the platform should be arranged to represent an old-fashioned fireplace. With simple settings, old arm-chairs, a spinning- wheel, etc., a home-like scene can be produced. Then songs and recitations, with the telling of a Thanksgiving story, can be formed into a pro- gram. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 65 DECORATIONS. For decorations the pumpkin can be used to advantage. The old-time jack-a-lantern is alike pleasing to old and young. Fruits, vegetables, and grains can be used in a great variety of forms and designs. THE STORY OF TO-DAY, The history of Thanksgiving is told in many ways, A simple recitation for a little giri is the following : The girl should be dressed as a Puri- tan maiden — a plain dress of gray or dove color, plain white apron, white muslin cap, and white kerchief plainly arranged, and pinned over the breast She may carry a basket of autumn fruit, or a small sheaf of grain : " 'Tvvas a brave little band of Puritans That settled in Plymouth town, And they said when the leaves were falling And the grass growing rusty and brown, We have garnered a wonderful harvest, Thanks to our gracious Lord ; Let us praise Him by setting apart a day To thank Him with one accord. This was long ago, O, the fleeting years Seem stretching so far away, Since Gov. Bradford, of Plymouth town, Appointed Thanksgiving day. That was the first Thanksgiving, Yet still we appoint a day, And try to honor it, and keep it In our Puritan fathers' way." 5 66 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS ANOTHER TABLEAU, A simple and appropriate pair of tableaux for a Thanksgiving entertainment are '' The Attack " and '' The Defeat.'' A little fellow appears seated in a high chair at the table, with a bountifully laden plate before him. He is attacking the viands with a knife, fork and spoon. ^^ The De- feat " shows the plate empty and the little fellow fast asleep in his chair. THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL. For Sunday-school give a chalk talk on Thanks- giving and giving thanks. Just a hint is given, leaving each superintendent to arrange details in accordance with his own individuality. Each person has an account to settle with 189 . Here are samples for the records : 189.. — In account ^vith A. Grumbler — Received. Paid out. Blessings. Growls. 189.. — In account with S. Tingy — Received. Paid out Mercies. Nothing. 189.. — In account with O. B. Joyful — Received. Paid out. Much. Much. ' The grumbler has given, but such giving — re- turning growls for blessings. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 67 The stingy man, like the sponge, absorbs all, but yields nothing, unless forced to. The truly happy one is he whose account with the year is a well-balanced one. Realizing his blessings, and giving thanks for them, he scatters blessings in turn. Let the question be pressed home : How does your account look ? Does the record show that you have been receiving with thanks, and giving with gladness. FOR CHRISTMAS TIME. A REVOLVING TREE. Fasten the tree on a frame consisting of three planks three feet long, and crossing each other in the centres ; place six small casters under them, one at each end, bore a hole through the centre of the frame, into which fit the lower end of the tree. The tree, with frame under it, is set on a raised platform, the sides and fronts of which are trimmed with evergreens. A hole is bored in the platform, into which the end of the tree pene- trates, the latter being small enough to work loosely. A person behind the tree turns it by taking hold of the ends of the planks, and thus pushing the tree around. In trimming the tree have the sides differ as much as possible, so some- thing new will be presented with each turn. Be- 68 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS gin ligliting the tree at the back, and as it is re- volved keep hghting. Jacob's ladder. "Jacob's Ladder" is formed by two ladders forming an arch and decorated with evergreens. From the centre is suspended a large evergreen bell with a calla lily for a tongue. To this are attached several ribbons, which are pulled by boys and girls, thus swinging the bell. As they pull the ribbons they sing such songs as '' Christ- mas Bells,'' " Ring the Bells of Heaven," etc. At the same time a real bell behind the scenes is sounded. A very large sleigh, decorated with evergreens, cotton for snow, etc., can be made to form a pleasing receptacle from which Santa Claus can distribute the gifts. TELEGRAMS FROM SANTA CLAUS. During the program which generally precedes the appearance of Santa Claus a telegraph mes- senger boy rushes into the room, bearing dis- patches from Santa Claus, w^hich are opened and read to the school. The first is dated ^^ North Pole " or " Polar Town," and so on, announcing his start, and the various mishaps and delays. The dispatches report him as coming nearer and nearer, until at last his bells are heard jingling in the distance. EUEEKA ENTERTAINMENTS 69 AN OPENING TREE. Three trees are needed, one stationary (at the back) .and two movable ones in front of it. The two in front have the branches so cut away that they can come close together, forming apparently one tree. The movable trees are fastened into platforms which are on casters, and by cords run- ning to the sides of the stage they can be moved so as to disclose the stationary tree at the rear, which should be brilliantly decorated and illu- mined. These movable trees can be closed and opened at pleasure, and if a little space is left be- tween them and the stationary tree various tab- leaux can be arranged so that, as the trees part, a new scene is presented. A FAIRY CHARIOT. This is made of a two-wheeled hand-cart. Nail upright pieces in each corner, then with heavy wire form an oval-shaped top, and make sides to resemble the sides of a cliariot. Cover the whole with white trimming and gilt stars, with a large star over the end of the hub, using gilt points, etc. The upright pieces can be covered with sil- vered paper, and from these and the sides of the chariot may be hung the lightest and brightest of the presents. The top is fringed with fairy stockings made in bright-colored tarlatan and 70 EUKEKA ENTERTAINMENTS filled with candies. In the chariot is seated a fairy queen. Four little fairies wheel it in. CAROL SINGERS. The words for the songs are in January St. Nicholas for 1889, and music can be easily pro- vided, or suitable carols, words and music, can be found in numerous singing-books. The singers should be costumed in old English style (high boots, long-tailed coats, and high hats). An aged harper can be among them. One scene represents them grouped under a window, arranged at the back of the stage ; as they sing the window is opened, and a number of children are seen by the light of a long taper held by one of them. As the carol is finished the singers take off their hats, and the children at the window throw down fruit and bon-bons. A CHRISTMAS GARDEN. This idea is suggested by a legend to the effect that in some remote and mysterious region there lived a band of Christian monks whose life duty was to plant the seed and grow crops of toys for Santa Glaus to distribute. These monks dressed in white gowns and always wore evergreen Christmas wreaths about their heads. Arrange the stage as a terraced garden, and devote one terrace to each kind of presents. Dolls appear EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 71 growing on small trees and bushes, etc. When the curtain rises there appear two or three white- robecl monks in the gardens, working. Santa Claus then comes in view and announces that Christmas is come and they must gather their harvest for the good children. Sticks are gath- ered for the bad ones, THE HOME FIREPLACE. Arrange an old-fashioned fireplace. This can be easily done by making a rough framework of boards and tacking on wrapping-paper of black color, or ordinary wrapping-paper can be easily painted the required shade. Then with white chalk mark off the bricks. This chimney and fireplace can be so arranged as to conceal a ladder down w^iich Santa Claus comes, the fireplace be- ing large enough for him to crawl out. Before his appearance a family scene can be made the basis of a short program. Grandpa can tell a Christ- mas story. Some one can recite " Hang up the Baby's Stocking," and fasten to the mantel one of grandma's great ones for baby's use. Other mem- bers of the famih^ can sing or recite. The mother can sing a lullaby as she rocks the cradle. After all have left the room for their various beds Santa Claus appears with his pack, and after filling the stockings proceeds to distribute his surplus presents. 72 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS A BOX FROM SANTA GLAUS. When the curtain rises there is seen a very- large box — a piano box is desirable. It is marked in big letters, as if shipped to the Sun- day-school which is having the entertainment. It is from Santa Claus, who soon after appears, and after a little speech proceeds to knock off some of the boards, and unpack the contents of the box. The boards of course can be so loosely nailed as to be easily pulled oflF. Then come trooping out of the opening a lot of boys and girls, who have apparently been packed in the box. The fact is that the box is so situated on the stage, that one end left open is not noticeable. The girls and boys can enter this end un- observed, and coming through the box, appear on the stage, as if all of them had been stowed away in the box. These children sing some pleasing chorus, and then take their places with the other children. Santa Claus then tells the children that it is more blessed to give than receive. By a previous arrangement they have brought various gifts for the poor, and these are gathered up, and placed in the great box, for distribution later among those who would otherwise be neglected. Then the children are given such bon-bons and gifts as are prepared for them. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS (6 In every family are to be found toys and books of which the children are tired, and which would prove acceptable among the poor. Clothing and provisions can also be packed in the box. The children will be delighted in the collection of the material. A CHRISTMAS BOAT. A boat is coming in use in som^ places as a pleasing change from the old-time tree. A row- boat can be arranged with little boys for sailors, and Santa Glaus, with white wig and whiskers, knee pants, and pack on his back. The boat is to be rolled in, w^hen the crew begins unloading the presents. To make a boat, lay two boards on the floor so that they fit very closely at the edge ; thej' should be fourteen feet in length, fifteen inches wide and half an inch thick. Screw three cleats firmly upon these flat boards, one near each end, and one in the centre. Turn the whole thing over and there is a flat surface fourteen feet long and two and a half feet wide. Draw upon one end the profile of a bow of a boat, and upon the other the stern. Saw the ends carefully, following the drawing. Paint the whole a light chrome- yellow. Shave the upper edge into a slight curve, beginning eight inches from the bow, and descending to the middle, then ascending to within /4 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS two inches of the stern. Paint a black stripe three-fourths of an inch wide, six inches below the upper edge, following as nearly as possible the curve, and six inches apart, two more stripes be- low it. Next shade the bow in black, also filling the curve from the upper edge to a distance of two feet from the lower edge. The boat can be made to stand firm by nailing two boxes, in one of which is -fastened a mast, and to which is tacked a sheet for a sail. Stretch a strip of blue cambric eight inches wide across the front of the stage, having three wavy lines of white painted on it for water. A CHRISTMAS DREAM. At the opening of the scene a boy appears seated by a home fireside, who soliloquizes, or re- cites an appropriate selection. He drops into a drowse in the big arm-chair, and after he has fallen asleep, he is supposed to dream. The dreams are then pictured in the form of tableaux. For instance, a tremendous jack-knife passes across the stage. It can be made of pasteboard stiff'ened by laths, and painted. The knife is half opened and set upon a platform like an in- verted V — thus \. This platform can be made of light boards and placed on casters, so that with the aid of cords it may be drawn back and forth across the stage, by persons concealed on each EUREKA EXTEKTAIXMEXTS 75 side of the stage. In this way numerous visions can be presented, picturing what is supposed to be seen by the boy in his dreams. A great pie, made out of shaded cambric, stretched on a wire frame, with the heads of four and twenty black- birds — cut out of pasteboard and blackened — will serve as another. A huge stick of candy, made as described in another paragraph, may be ridden by several dolls. Toys of all kinds in grotesque shapes can be passed over the stage. A box large enough to hold a small boy may be rolled in on this movable platform. As the centre of the stage is reached the lid is opened quickly, and the boy pops his head up (arrayed in a horrible wig and mask) like a mammoth toy, of the monkey-in-the-box order. A very large stocking can also be seen. There is no end to the number of visions which can be arranged ; the last is the entrance of Santa Claus himself, who pulls aside a curtain disclosing a Christmas tree. The distribution of presents closes the en- tertainment. DECORATIONS. Boxes should have top and one side removed, and then the side (toward the audience) covered with thick pasteboard, out of which are cut the letters, words and designs to be used. Cover these openings with thin colored tissue paper. 76 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS Then by setting a lamp inside the box, the light shining through the colored tissue paper gives a very pleasing effect. The boxes can be securely fastened at any height. In almost any town can be found a sign painter who will outline any letters you may want, and then you can cut them ovit. Pleasing decorations can be made by letters cut of pasteboard and then covered with cotton batting, to resemble snow. The cotton can be glued on. Another pleasing way, and inexpen- sive, is to take a background of velvet paper, red for instance, and then cut of silvered paper, letters or designs, and paste them on that background. When placed on a wall the effect is as rich as though the material was more expensive. The background can be made in the form of a banner, book, scroll, star, etc. Another decoration is a large stick of candy, about four feet long and six inches in diameter, made by rolling up a large sheet of paper, around which is wrapped strips of red paper in spiral shape, so that it looks like an old-fashioned stick of candy. A star can be made of thin lath, making six- teen points, covering this frame with sheets of pasteboard or very heavy brown paper, and gilt over this. English walnuts may be arranged by placing EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 77 in the shells little dolls, and then fastening them with ribbons or, instead of the doll, put in some motto, or piece of good advice, daintily lettered on a bit of ribbon. A SNOW PARTY. A snow party may be made a very charming fea- ture of a fair, or it may be a leading idea of home entertainment. The hostess and her daughters or sisters, indeed all the ladies of the family, sliould wear white gowns and white ornaments, whether they be jewelry or flowers. There are numberless pretty fabrics in white, both thick and thin ; gauzes dotted with silver for the younger folk and white cretons for the mothers. In the ornaments one can find plenty of white flowers and feathers, silver jewelry, white and silvered fans ; Roman pearls for the neck, and white feather trimming for gowns ; also, swansdown and fur wherewith to simulate frost and snow. The rooms should be decorated so as to keep up the snow idea, using evergreen branches pow- dered with flour and hung with shreads of cotton batting powdered with diamond dust. At the large toy stores there are sold all sorts of devices at low prices for imitation of snow and frost, and imitation icicles, that would dress a house very 78 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS prettily. Then there are the pretty glittering masses of frosted tinsel thread that can be flung from branch to branch with gay effect, to carry out the idea of winter. The snow idea should be carried out in the supper, also in the cakes and other confections, creams, bon-bons, etc. Every country housewife has her recipes for snow-cakes and snow-puddings, snow-creams, blanc-mange, etc. The table deco- rations should, as far as possible, be in white and silver. PARLOR BASE-BALL. Many in-door games have been invented in imitation of or built upon the principle of our great national game, base-ball, but there are probably none that combine the simplicity, ex- citement, and accuracy of parlor base-ball. It may be played by two, three, four, a dozen, or fifty people — the more the merrier. The game is played somewhat on the principle of throwing quoits, with the difference that a smaller weight is used, and instead of trying to place it within certain rings, the object is to throw it on one of a series of quadrangular spaces. The field is made on a heavy wrapping-paper EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 79 of medium size, say 22x28 inches. This is divided into 12 spaces and designated as fol- lows : THE CHART. HOME RUN FLY OUT FOUL OUT 3-BASE HIT 2-BASE HIT STRIKE OUT DOUBLE PLAY 1-BASE HIT BASE ON BALLS SACRIFICE STOLEN BASE BASE ON ERROR After the chart or field is made it is placed on the table or floor and the players take their posi- tions about ten feet away. The weight should be of the size of our half dollar. That coin will answer if nothing else can be obtained, although lead is a great deal better, as it has not the elasticity of silver. Either side plays until three outs have been made, the same as in base-ball. The side not playing acts as scorer and umpire, and in order to keep accurate tally of the play it 80 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS is advisable to provide a small diagram of a base- ball diamond, on which the scorer may place the base-runners, and manipulate them quickly and without any trouble. scorer's diagram. When the disk, for instance, falls on '^ Base on Balls," the scorer places a cent or a dime on the corner of the diamond marked 1. If the follow- ing throw yields '^ 2-Base Hit," the scorer moves the first coin around to the corner 3, and places another on corner 2. A sacrifice then would advance both one base, bringing the first coin home and the second to corner 3. When the EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 81 inning is over the diamond is cleared, and what- ever runs have been made are credited to the side making them. . THE RULES. The weight must lie clearly within any one of the spaces in order to count. If it touches any of the marginal or horizontal lines, it is considered as a " foul ball," and the player must throw again. If it touches the corner or dotted line, it counts as an out. If the weight falls on the space marked '' stolen base " when the bases are not occupied, it counts as an out; but if any one or all the bases are occupied, each base-runner moves up a base, and the player has another throw. When no base is occupied, and the weight falls on the space marked '' Double Play,'' it counts as an out. But if any of the bases are occupied, it counts as two out, and the base-runner furthest from home must be taken off. A sacrifice of course is only a factor in the base-running when there are none or but one out. A runner may not come home from second base on a first-base hit, and no runner may 6 82 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS take more bases than does the player succeeding him. In all other respects the general rules for base- ball are to be observed. The manner of choosing the players for the various clubs is simple enough. If four are to play in each club, thirty-two slips are made out, four for each club. They are equally divided, and folded and placed on two separate trays, one for the ladies to draw from and one for the gentle- men. This plan wdll give two ladies and two gentlemen to each club, and no favoritism can be charged to the hostess. Tlie score-sheet is a simple arrangement and can easil}^ be kept by one of the players not at play: THE SCORE-SHEET. NEW YORK. 1 ^ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R HB IVT R Smith — — — — — — — Miss Brown IVIr Jones Mr. Robbins Runs, A few general instructions will make a novice a master of the art of scoring for the parlor game. When a player is put out, write the number of such out on the square opposite the player's name. For instance, if Mr. Smith strikes out, he being EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 83 the first out, write the figure 1 in the first square. If Miss Brown goes out, write the figure 2 in her square and so on. When a one-base hit is made, put a small cross (x) in the upper left-hand corner of the square, a double cross (xx) representing a two-base hit, three crosses the three-base hit, and four crosses a home run. -Whenever a run is scored, place a large dot (.) in the square below the mark designating the hit. If the player gets his base on balls, put the let- ter B in the corner of his square or the letter E if he gets his base on errors. Be careful to write small, as the team may go around more than once in an inning. The base hits and runs of each player may easily be summed up at the end of each game. These score sheets should be handed to the hostess or some one appointed for that pur- pose, who will award the prize at the end of the tournament. All four games must be completed before the next are begun so that the play will remain even. It will be seen that no club remains on any one field more than two games, so that it cannot have the advantage of becoming familiar with the ground, and all will have equal chances. 84 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS THE KALENDAR KERMESSE. This may be properly called in English, a Calendar Fair. Outlines of similar entertain- ments are given elsewhere. Each of the twelve calendar months is represented by a booth, in which certain appropriate articles are on sale. The decorations should be suggestive of the month. January dazzles in its purity. The sloping roof is covered with batting and liberally sprinkled with diamond dust, which may be pro- cured at any costumer's. The draperies are of white lace curtains, also powdered, and elaborate silver paper fringes and icicles are arranged where they will have the best effect. The same paper is cut into large letters and forms the word " January." This is pasted on card-board and placed in a miniature snow-drift made of the batting in the middle of the front of the roof Attendants dressed in white with swan's down trimming about the neck and wrists sell the white aprons which complete a most effective scene. Colored a|)rons there undoubt- edly are, but they are not visible except to the inquirer. February is an arbor of light frame-work in the form of a hollow square. This is covered EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 85 with white paper, glazed if possible, marked off to represent large blocks of ice. The top is cut out in squares to represent a battlement with a tower on each corner, the whole forming an un- mistakable ice palace. The lettering on the front is of bright scarlet paper, and banners of the same, lettered in white with lists of the articles on sale are put in conspicuous places on the roof. The booth is devoted to the paper interest and the thousand and one articles which are made of the different colored tissue paper, and which it would fill an article to enumerate and describe. Give color enough to the structure to make it quite dif- ferent in effect from its January neighbor. At this table can be a paper published in the interest of the fair. Here, too, is the post-office, art gallery, fortune-telling tree (the fortunes being written in invisible ink and brought out over an alcohol lamp) ; also a birthday book in which auto- graphs are collected of all the visitors to the fair, at a fee of five cents each. On the last night this book can be sold at auction to the highest bidder. March, clad in cold, gray cambric and sur- mounted by an active windmill would certainly set one's teeth to chattering were they not more pleasantly occupied with the luscious candy and popcorn which it sets out. Under a mammoth Japanese umbrella sits the 86 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS old woman, whose family of dolls and furnishings it protects from the April showers. Fancy work is offered for sale at the booth of May, which is decorated in green and white tarlatan. The distinctive feature is the May pole, which, standing on the floor, towers several feet above the roof in the middle. It is entwined with ribbons (sateen, cut into strips) which are fastened from it to shorter poles, similarly deco- rated, at the corners. The same festooning may be repeated inside the booth. Stuffed birds in every attitude and position suggest the arrival of spring. June, being the month of roses, is appropriately given up to the sale of them and other flowers. Over a broad, low shelf on which the cut flowers are arranged rises an arch covered w^ith spruce and hemlock boughs, from which depend hang- ing baskets. Potted plants fill the space on the floor under the shelf. These may be voluntarily contributed bj^ individuals, and will be sure to bring into the treasury an unexpectedly large sum of money. Words cannot adequately describe the glories of the July corner, which is to be dressed in the national red, white, and blue, and designated as the " crazy table," over w^hich the Goddess of Lib- erty should preside, if anywhere. The roof pro- jects from the front of the gallery, and is draped EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 87 with a large flag, giving an indescribable effect. Streamers of bunting from the immense stuffed eagle on the top, reaching to almost anywhere, furnish a most picturesque as well as chaotic appearance. The ceiling and walls inside this open tent are covered with an enormous flag, and over the entrance hang Japanese lanterns and cannon crackers, while the letters of the sign, '^ Julj^," are made of large torpedoes glued to a blue background with a wide red border. Inside the booths are muskets stacked at various points, with hammocks slung from one to the other, in which maj^ be placed pound packages, tin-ware, etc. From a yacht on whose sail ^^4.ugust '^ in large blue letters is traced may be dispensed ice-cream and sherbet, as well as ice-water and lemonade. A large arbor does duty as the '^ home-made " table over whose latticed sides and roof are trained grape-vines, loaded with this delicious product of September. Lattice-work, grapes, leaves, cake, canned fruit, and pickles are all the work of woman's hands, and show the excellence to which she can attain in whatever direction she sets about it. October is magnificent in its draperies of richly colored portieres, lace curtains, scarfs, and hang- ings of every description. In this fitting interior are arranged the art treasures. 88 EUREKA ENTERTAINxMENTS November is a quaint, old-time New England kitchen, lighted with candles. In the corner is a tall clock, in front of the open fireplace is a set- tle, and the spinning-wheel and dresser unite with the small round tea-table in enticing to a closer inspection. Hot coffee, and chocolate are dispensed, and the cup and saucer sold therewith will remind each customer of November's allure- ments. December consists of a grove of tall Christmas- trees with patches of cotton- wool snow here and there and a variety of bags and baskets on the boughs awaiting purchasers. The costumes of the ladies in attendance at the different booths will add not a little to the success of the arrangement. It has already been noted that swan's down and white dresses are to be worn at the January stall, while paper naturally sug- gests itself for February. It comes already fringed, in long wide strips; one of these may be worn over the shoulders and tied in front with hanging ends like a scarf, a different color for each person. At the March table black dresses should be worn, with most elaborate necklaces, collarettes, vest fronts, etc., made of large loz- enges, white, pink, yellow, and chocolate. Pierce each lozenge carefully, and sew it to a foundation of large meshed lace for a vest front, or string on a strong thread for a necklace. In April each EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 89 lady is provided with a Japanese sun-shade. The May attendants are conspicuous with ribbons, a large rosette being worn in the hair, with jabots of the same color, having very long loops and ends at the waist line. The June fair ones may adorn themselves with natural flowers, and the " crazy '' ones in the July barracks with every- thing incongruous that they can think of. The August booth is attended to by a class of boys ten years of age, all dressed in white flannel saiior waists and blouses, pants and caps. The enter- tainment may be arranged so as to have quite a long intermission, when these young tars will carry trays of cream among the audience, after- ward receiving the money and returning the plates without obliging the willing customers to leave their seats. September is attended by ladies in white caps and aprons to represent cooks. At the art table are ladies in the richest dress and jewelry of our day, while in the adjoining Novem- ber kitchen is displayed that of a hundred years ago. The Christmas-trees of December are pro- fusely trimmed with the tinsel which comes for that purpose, and the attendants, dressed in white, may decorate themselves with the same eff'ective ornament. 90 EUREKA EXrEUTAINMENTS A FESTIVAL OF DAYS. As the manager makes the announcements the persons representing the various holidays of dif- ferent nations throughout the year march to the centre of the hall. They make their bows to the audience, the band playing appropriate selections, and then take their places in the grand march, which is three times repeated around the entire hall. For New Year's day, a bright j^oung maiden, arrayed in spotless white, appears carrying a book of "good resolutions.'' A flaxen-haired little child represents " Cupid '' for Valentine's Daj^ and has bow and arrow, with postman's bag and letters. St. George's day is a magnificent representa- tion, the queen being in her elegant velvet robe, and the king in his glittering armor. A fur costumed character is to represent the bear who came out of his hole on Candlemas day. For Washington's birthday George and Mar- tha appear in colonial costumes. Ash Wednesday and Lent are represented by characters in deep black. For Easter, three choir-boys chant an anthem. St. Patrick's day is represented by an Irish character in green costume. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 91 Decoration day is represented by three maimed soldiers, a soldier's widow, and children bearing flowers. May day, the English — eight youths and maidens — the girls in white, with flowers and ribbons ; the boys, sailors' waists, knickerbockers, gay sashes, straw hats ; a May queen on a plat- form (on wheels), attended by four pages ; also a May pole in the centre of the platform. The youths and maidens dance and sing about this. The American May day is represented as " moving day '' — a family burdened with the last bundles — bird-cage, small satchel, old silk hat, piece of stove-pipe, kettle, and loaf of bread. Children's day — little children with flowers, singing Sunday-school hymns, and one may give recitations. Archer day — the longest day, June 21st — a very tall gentleman, with linen duster and straw hat, trimmed with leaves, and carrying as a staff a young sapling. He is accompanied by the shortest day — December 23d — a very short girl dressed in winter wraps and furs. Bridal day may be represented by a bride and her maids. The Fourth of July — Uncle Sam and Liberty. The lady wears a liberty cap and her white gown draped with the flag. Two little boys follow drawing a small cannon. 92 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS Dog days — ^the old pound-master, a colored man, in hot-weather costume, who has captured a canine victim. A young lady in white flannel costume, is followed sedately by her dignified St. Bernard dog. School days — represented by a shy girl, plainly dressed, with school bag of books, etc. Thanksgiving day — A small boy reading the President's proclamation, followed immediately by a simple old working-woman, carrying home from the market her turkey for Thanksgiv- ing. Christmas — Santa Claus, of course. A little fellow thus arrayed will prove a novelty. Father Time, with his long white beard, scythe and hour-glass, represents the last day of the year. Besides the march and representation of char- acters, there insij be recitations and songs appro- priate to the days and seasons. There can also be booths and bazaars, where articles appropriate to the several daj^s are sold. Toys at the Christ- mas booth ; stationery and novelties for the writing desk at Valentine's booth ; housekeeping utensils for the May day booth ; toilet articles at the Bridal day booth, etc. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 93 A TWELVE MONTHS' CARNIVAL. Booths are to be arranged corresponding to the several months and seasons of th^ year. These are presided over by persons in costumes appro- priate to the month represented. Invitations can be scattered about notifying the public that *' Father Time '' will be ^' at home/' giving date and place, and that he will be assisted in the re- ception of his friends by his youngest child, "189.../' and his grandchildren, January, Feb- ruary, etc. " Father Time " himself should be at the door to receive his friends and take the tickets. His costume is too familiar to need de- scription. The year should be represented in costume by some one who can act as master of ceremonies and who will announce the various numbers of the literary and musical program. This program may easily be arranged by making selections of music, recitations, and tableaux ap- propriate to the different months and seasons. About the room can be various mottoes, such as " Time is money," " Thirty days hath September," etc. Calendars and almanacs can be used in decorating. The various booths can be arranged as follows : January should be costumed in white cotton flannel, sparkling with bangles and crystal beads. 94 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS and trimmed with cotton batting. Ices and cream can be served in this booth. The booth should be made as snowy and cool appearing as possi- ble. February is St. Valentine's month. The one presiding should be in gay clothes, with a velvet cap, ornamented by a large gilt heart from which waves a long plume. Cupid's bow and arrow, and a postman's bag should also be prominent. In this booth all sorts of fancy articles for the writing desk may be sold. March can be represented by a boy in rough suit, worn and out at the knees, old shabby felt hat, muddy boots. He is having his clothes brushed and mended. In this booth all sorts of articles are sold for mending and sewing. Fancy blacking boxes, whisk broom holders, can be given a place here. April wears a gossamer waterproof, thrown back to show a white dress, and light green tulle trimming. The booth can be decorated with Japanese parasols, umbrellas, etc. Various ar- ticles for the bath and the toilet can be sold here. May wears pale blue, with apple blossoms. June should be dressed in pink with roses. May and June should occupy a booth together, and it should be a floral bower, where button- hole bouquets, plants, and flowers can be disposed of. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 95 July should be represented by a young lady in white, with a red sash, a blue liberty cap, with a border of gilt stars ; she carries the national flag. August is a young man in yachting suit, with a sailor hat, or a tennis suit, with a racquet in his hand. July and August should occupy a booth to- gether. Lemonade can be the chief refreshment for sale here. The booth should be decorated with flags and national emblems, with light sum- mer draperies, fans, with croquet mallets and arches, and other parts of out-door games. If articles are desired for display and sale, fans, mits, etc., can be sold here. September is a young man in hunting suit, with game bag and gun. A well-trained dog is an addition, but not indispensable. October is a lady in wine color, with a mantle of orange or gold, and a crown of autumn leaves. September and October can have a booth to- gether. It is a fruit stand. In this booth can be the old apple woman. The booth can easily be made attractive with fruits of all sorts. Canned goods, preserves, etc., can be disposed of here. November is a stout, middle-aged man, dressed as a farmer, with a basket or hand-cart filled with vegetables, provisions, etc. . His booth should be the one where supper is served. The young ladies in this booth who serve as waiters can have 96 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS their cosrames in keeping, and adorned with po- tatoes, bits of pumpkin, corn, etc. December should be a Santa Glaus booth. Buffalo robes, with dots of cotton batting repre- senting snow, furs, etc., and evergreens can be used in decorating. Here should be sold candies and toys of all sorts. In connection with these booths there is a wide field for selecting appropriate literary and musical exercises. The '^ Song of Seven ^' with tableaux is appropriate. A tableau of the crowning of the May Queen is another. In fact, there are so many humorous as well as pathetic selections familiar to all, and each touching upon the different seasons that there need be no difficulty in pro- ducing a program suited to the local talent em- ployed. A PRIZE CONTEST IN DOMESTIC ACCOM- PLISHMENTS. Fathers and mothers are delighted to have their daughters compete for prizes offered for the best bread, brown and white, the best cake, the best samples of plain sewing, darning and mend- ing, and for the finest specimens of crocheting, for these things all tend to increase their interest in housekeeping. The prizes offered are of a valu- EUREKA ENTERTAIXMEXTS 97 able and substantial kind, and such as are calcu- lated to make the young ladies receiving them think still more highly of domestic accomplish- ments, and to continue in the exercise of their acquirements. Competent judges are selected for the different departments from older and more experienced housekeepers, sewers, and workers in fine needle- work, and the young ladies who bear off the prizes are justly proud of their success. A beau- tiful thimble is given for the best specimen of darning hose ; a half-dozen teaspoons for that in mending ; a handsome water set — pitcher, gob- lets, and tray, in iridescent glass— for the best piece of sewing ; a lace bed set — ^spread and pil- low shams — for the finest cake, and a beautiful Smyrna rug for the best specimen of bread. JINGLE PARTIES. These are said to have originated in cultured Boston, where the society people, surfeited with dancing and progressive card parties, devised them as a change. They originated in this wise : A number of young people gathered together, wrote their names on bits of paper, which, being well shaken in a hat, were passed about for new possession. Eich was expected to write an ap- 7 98 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS propriate jingle or rhyme on the name drawn, after which the slips were returned to the receptacle for lost identity. These w^ere subsequently read aloud, and the result, in many instances, was very funny. • Where the hostess desired an es- pecially interesting party, the names of* the in- vited guests were written on slips of paper, sealed in tiny envelopes, shaken in a hat, then drawn out and directed each in turn to one of those in- vited, thus giving him time to distinguish him- self with his jingle. Two or three are then chosen to sit in judgment, and the cleverest rhyme is chosen ; the author of this is then obliged to confess, no matter how per- tinent and saucy the remarks may be, and to him the prize is awarded. As the chances of being identified are few, the opportunities for spicy per- sonalities are many, and the whole makes very amusing reading. The prizes can be made attractive, and this game, with a bit of music, makes an evening where one feels one^s wits have been whetted, smiles provoked, and ears pleased with a merry jingle. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 99 QUAKER MEETING AND SOCIAL. The ceremony for this social gathering should be as faithful a representation of the genuine Quaker wedding as can well be produced on such an occasion. There should be a number of ladies and gentlemen dressed in the well-known Quaker costume. Cheap material of the time-honored tint can be used. The costume is so familiar as to need no description in detail. The evening should be divided into three parts — '' The Pass- ing Meeting/*' "The Wedding Day/' and "The Merry Making." THE PASSING MEETING. The men are seated on one side of the stage or platform and the women on the other. A curtain of drab cloth should divide them, thus giving at the same time a view of the women's meeting and the men's meeting, which are supposed to be held in different places. Some chant or weird music can be introduced with good effect. After sitting in silence a fevv- minutes the bridegroom rises, and accompanied by his '' next best friend " goes from the men's meeting to the women's meeting. The bridegroom offers his arm to the bride, who is on one of the rear seats, and she taking it, the couple march down to the front seat in the women's 100 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS meeting. They remain seated there awhile in silence, then the couple arise. The bridegroom announces : ^^ With the Divine permission and approbation of the Friends it is my honest inten- tion to take as m.y duly wedded wife Rachel Macy.'' Tl^e bride in turn makes a similar announcement that she intends to ^^ take as my lawful husband Christopher Macy.'' (Any words can be selected that seem desirable.) Together the couple may say : ^^ Hast thee aught to object?" Silence follows, and this being taken for assent the couple " pass " into the ^^ men's meeting." In passing into the men's meeting the bride is accompanied by one of the w^omen Friends. There the same ceremony is gone through, the same declarations made, etc., after which the bride is escorted back to her seat in the women's meeting. THE WEDDING. The curtain separating the men and women is taken down, so that the men and women appear as in one meeting, the men seated on one side, the ' women on the other. A committee is appointed, who make necessary inquiries as to whether these twain shall be made one, whether consent of the parents has been obtained, whether the bride and groom are in good standing in the Society of Friends. To add zest some cranky, spinster-like EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 101 individual may unexpectedly raise an objection, evidently speaking on account of a previous dis- appointment; to the effect that Rachel has been seen in a previous meeting to smile upon one of the other young men. Rachel is called to account, and explains satisfactorily her reason for smiling. She had seen a wasp crawling over his neck, and she expected every minute it would sting him and he would be moved thereby to speak in meet- ing. The poor fellow did not dare to move, lest he should disturb the meeting, and his condition was so pitifully anxious, and she got so nervous over the expected outburst when the wasp should be suddenly aroused to action that she could not help smiling. Her explanation being received, one of the elders reprimands her gravely for the levity she indulged in on that solemn occasion, but declares that she should be forgiven in view of the circumstances, and that the ceremony should proceed. The couple then arise, and Christopher taking Rachel by the hand declares — " In the presence of this assembly I take this, my friend Rachel, to be my wife, promising to be unto her a faithful and affectionate husband, until death shall us separate." The bride makes a similar declara- tion. The certificate of marriage is then set before them, and they sign it. 102 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS Then all present are given an opportunity to " set their hand as witnesses thereto.'' THE RECEPTION. This should be the social feature of the even- ing. Refreshments are served. Bits of drab cloth Vvrith some quaint writing or printing thereon, can be furnished those present, at whatever sum is decided upon, and these badges serve as tickets for supper, as well as souvenirs of the evening. For the literary part of the evening's entertain- ment, appropriate selections can be made illus- trative of Quaker life and customs. Music can also be introduced. The Quakers in costume should wait on the tables. The color for the evening should be drab, and this should be as prominent as possible in the decorations of the tables and rooms. This entertainment is appropriate for any time, but especially so for Whittier's birthday, December 17th. ^' An evening with AVhittier and the Quakers " can be made very instructive as well as interesting. The Quaker wedding can be made one feature of the evening. Essays and talks rela- tive to this people, glimpses at Bright, Penn, and Whittier, selections from the poet, the song, ^^ Simon and Ruth," and numerous other selec- tions of a literary and musical character can easily be secured. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 103 A WEIGHING SOCIAL. Take some ribbon, numbering one set for gentlemen and one for ladies. It is well to deco- rate them and put on the date, thus making a pretty evening souvenir. They are passed around. The gentlemen then find their partners by cor- responding numbers. A pair of scales is handy which can also be decorated. Some one weighs while another writes down the weights. Pair No. 1 is called. They are weighed. No. 2 and so on, each gentleman paying J cent for each pound over or under a certain standard ; take for instance, 275 pounds. A prize is given to the largest and smallest couples. AN ALBUM QUILT. The autograph or album quilt is composed of ninety blocks, each nine inches square. Each block is pieced out of muslin and oiled red calico, in different designs, or is made of a single block of muslin worked in some outline figure in red working cotton. Each lady takes a block and gets her friends to take a block, and every one so doing agrees to get ten names at ten cents each to be put on the lining of the quilt. 104 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS This makes each block net one dollar, and some realize more than this. The quilt when finished is disposed of for the benefit of the society, and will bring in a goodly sum. THE RAINBOW FESTIVAL. This festival has been given in diff'erent ways, more or less elaborate. AVhen fully prepared there should be seven different departments, one for each color of the rainbow. They should be arranged in the rainbow form, a semicircle. There may be four supper tables, a fancy work- table, a fruit and candy stand, and an ice-cream and lemonade stand. The ladies wear caps and aprons, with bows, to correspond in color with the table served. The dishes should also correspond in color so far as practicable. The foundation cover of each table should be white, and across the centre should be a broad scarf of the appro- priate color. THE CONUNDRUM SOCIAL. This can be used in connection with the " Quiz " social. A committee select fifty bright and appro- priate conundrums, with their respective answers, and have them written on a typewriter. Each is suitably numbered. Each slip is placed in a EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 105 package of refreshments — candies, nuts, cakes, etc., wrapped in Japanese napkins and tied with ribbons. Every package is divided, the fifty con- taining questions being sold to the ladies, the fifty containing the answers to the gentlemen, who seek the ladies having the corresponding number to their own, as partners for supper, where the packages are opened, and their contents supple- mented by other refreshments and coflee. The conundrums are then read off by some one selected for the purpose, the answers, after due time given for guessing, being given by the holders. A GYPSY WEDDING. Those who arrange for a gypsy entertainment can add with good effect, as one of the features, a gypsy wedding. The captain of the gypsies serves as priest as well. He wears a dark green dolman, thrown over his shoulders, and a red waistcoat with silver buttons. Two young men fetch the bridegroom from one tent, while the bride is escorted from her tent by two old women. The bride and bridegroom are led before the cap- tain. An old man hands to the captain a yellow scarf. The captain binds it lightly around the wrists of the happy pair, saying, as he does so, " Man and wife must be bound together.'' 106 EUREKA EXTEKTAIX.MEXTS He then takes a quaint earthenware jar, and pours some of the contents, supposed to be wine, upon their heads, repeating the words — '^ Some- times wine is sour ; so is life. Sometimes wine is sweet ; so is life. Life is a mixture of sour and sweet.'' He then removes the yellow scarf, and declares ^^ ye are now a true Zigeuner couple/' Congratulations and music follow. THE COBWEB PARTY. Will you walk into my parlor Said the spider to the fly. Take a string and follow closely, It will lead you low and high. Each guest or participant is handed the end of a string, or a card on which is a number, the duplicate of which is attached to the end of a string ; or, if preferable, each guest may be al- lowed to select his own string. The ends of these strings are all in the reception-room, or bunched in one place, so that all start from the same room. They should be of different colors, or those for the gentlemen of one color, and those for the ladies of another. Each guest starts out leisurely to follow his or her string to the end. These strings are run in all sorts of directions, woven about articles of furniture, around the piano legs, up the stairway, EUREKA EXTERTAIXMEXTS 107 down again, from one room to another, crossing other strings, and forming a labyrinth of cobwebs, which gives the name to the entertainment. At the extreme end of these strings are souvenirs, or the name of the partner whom the guest is expected to escort to supper. Much fun is caused in following up the strings, and clearing the tangles. The guests need not hurry, and oftentimes, as they meet on their journeys, they spend a few min- utes in merrily chatting. PUZZLES IN FIGURES. A pleasant amusement is to have the company arrange the following numbers so that they w^ill count 15 on every side, up and down, and from one corner to the other : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ^ 9 This can be done in five different ways, as fol- lows : 276 951 438 294 438 816 672 753 .951 357 159 618 276 492 834 108 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS THE TOMBOLA. The Tombola is a new entertainment that has very lately come into existence, and has won popular favor with church and other benevolent societies throughout the East, and is fast gaining patronage in the Western cities. It differs from a sociable in this waj^ : each member of the associ- ation giving the entertainment is expected to do- nate one or more articles which are placed in the hands of a committee. The committee arranges them into packages, each being w^rapped so its contents cannot be known until opened. The night of the Tombola, these are placed on a table conveniently near the entrance door, and as per- sons pass by they select a package to v/hich they are entitled on paying a small admission fee. The article they get may be valuable, while some may be objects which may create much sport. Refreshments are served the same as at the ordinary sociable, and the program may be varied according to the desires of the party. Another, but older way of disposing of these mysterious packages is the "Auction Social.'' Each package is auctioned off, wdthout being opened, so that the bidders have no idea wdiat they are bidding on. The opening of the pack- ages after they are sold, creates much merri- ment. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 109 A CORN BANQUET. If a musical and literary entertainment is given in connection with this, the selections for the program should be of an appropriate nature. Such songs as ^' Polly, the cows are in the corn !" " Give me three grains of corn, mother," " When the corn is waving," are suggested. Recitations or tableaux concerning Lord Corn-wallis, of of Joseph selling corn to his brethren can be intro- duced. The programs, bills of fare, advertising dodgers, etc., should be printed on corn-colored paper. Tlie decorations of the room can be in corn, and this color can be used in the head-dresses, aprons, etc., of the ladies waiting upon the tables. The following menu is suggested : MENU. ** And Boaz said unto her, ^ At meal time come hither and eat.' ''—Ruth ii, 14. CORN HULLED (with milk.) " Corn maketh men cheerful." — Zach. ix, 17. COKN BREAD, BAKED BEAXS. ^' They brought corn bread and beans." — II Samuel xvii, 28. COEXED BEEF. " Give them meat in due season." — Matt. xxiv. 25. 110 EUREK4 ENTERTAINMENTS CORN BREAD. ^^ Eat bread, and let thy heart be merry." — I Kings xxi, 7. CORN CANNED. " They did eat of the old corn of the land."— Josh, v, 11. CORN GEMS. " Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread." — Judg. xix, 5. CORN JOHNNY CAKE. " David dealt to every one a cake of bread." — II Sam. vi, 19. CORN BAKED INDIAN PUDDING. *' Go ye, carry corn for the famine of your house." — Gen, Ixii, 17. CORN-STARCH BLANC MANGE. " Give him the fruit of thy corn." — Deut. xviii, 4. CEREALINE CORN-STARCH CAKE. " Bake it in pans and make cakes of it." — Num. xi, 8. COKN POPPED. ** And he reached her parched corn and she did eat it." — Ruth ii, 14. COFFEE. " Do not drink wine or strong drink." — Lev. x, 9. SEVEN DAYS' WONDER. The " Seven Days of the Week," is a simple and inexpensive way to arrange the church fair. In a hall hired for the purpose, or in the EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 111 church parlors, have seven booths, one for each day m the week. Monday's booth must be decorated vfith wash- tubs, clothes-pins, etc., and Monday's girls dressed in red and white washerwomen suits, pretend to wash clothes. They sell fancy soaps, w^ash aprons, clothes-pin bags, etc. Tuesday's girls in blue, under a booth of iron- ing sheets, etc., iron, and sell holders and articles of that kind. Wednesday's girls appear as little old women, and advertise to ^' mende neat and sprye '' and to '' sew on bachelors' buttons.'' Work baskets and needle-work are sold here. Thursday is the reception day. An elaborate booth, the interior representing a parlor, is open to all — for a dime. Here young people in full reception dress receive and serve chocolate, lemonade, or some other dainty from the side tables. Friday is sweeping and dusting day. The booth is made of brooms, dusters, etc. Dust- caps, dust-cloths, and feather dusters are sold here. Saturday is baking and churning day. An old- fashioned kitchen is represented, where pies, bread, milk, dainty pats of butter, butter-milk, etc., are sold. Sunday can be omitted or given, as desired. 112 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS If represented, show an old-time congregation with a leader, who gives the tune with the tuning-fork and beats time, while the congregation sing old- time hymns. In connection with this entertainment there can be a literary and musical program, if desired. One very pleasing selection in this connection is the following, which can be given by little girls, dressed as housekeepers. They accompany the recitation by appropriate motions : Busy and happy young housekeepers we ; Not very large specimens— that you can see But we've just the same housework of all kinds to do That the big, grown-up housekeepers have to go through. Since Monday is wash-da}^ all the world round, At the wash-tub on Monday we're sure to be found. We wash Dolly's clothes till they're pure as the snow, Then we rinse them, and wring them, and hang them up so. On Tuesday the ironing has to be done, So we sprinkle and fold — that's the part that is fun ! And we smooth out the wrinkles with our irons, you see, Rubbing backward and forward till they're as smooth as can be. On Wednesday we bake — and oh ! 'tis such fun To knead the soft dough — this is how it is done ; For our cakes we must have just the finest of dust, Then our pies — this is how we roll out our crust. On Thursday there's nothing especial to do, So we do odds and ends— darn stockings or sew. But on Friday with broom we make the dust fly, As we sweep the house o'er, where'er dirt we espy. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 113 And at last, wh^n Saturday comes — ^oh ! dear ! dear ! We're as busy as any grown folks ever were, We clean and we scrub, and w^e brew and we bake. Then, our week's work all done, Sunday rest Ave can take. THE BABIES' RECEPTION. One may be given in accordance with the follow- ing suggestions, and it will prove a wonderful suc- cess. In connection with the announcement that such a reception is soon to be held, a registry book is placed in two or three of the business houses, and parents are requested to there register their babies between the ages of six months and four years. On the registry will be placed the age, name, address of parents, etc., and in this manner the committee may learn how many babies must be provided for at the reception. Besides this there may be some quiet urging of mothers who have attractive babies, and thus a goodl}^ number of babies will probably be secured for the recep- tion. An artist is secured to talvc the pictures of the babies, and a committee of ladies can secure orders on commission. Four young ladies, solic- itors, take orders at the reception and afterward, and they will find no difficulty in disposing of a goodly quantity. For the reception proper the committee of arrangements secures donations of provisions and 8 114 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS the loan of baby-chairs, tables, etc. The doors open at 1 o'clock p. m. All but the babies them- selves pay admission and pay for lunch. The program may be as follows : 3 p. M. — Babies' rally ; enrollment and putting on of badges. 3.15. — Babies announced ; number of boys and girls stated and formal introductions. 3.30. — Babies' grand march. 4.00. — Taking of the babies' pictures and babies engaged in play. 4.15. — Singing baby songs, lullabys. 5.00-^ — Babies' homeward march. The luncheon for the older folks is spread from six o'clock until nine p. m. The musical pro- gram of lullabys and recitations concerning the nursery and home life can be extended till later in the evening if desired. Every one will wish to be in to see the babies eat their supper being about as interestins: a feature as anv. Each babv wears as a badge a piece of blue or pink ribbon with " Babies' Reception " 23rinted thereon. The menu for the babies consists of blackberry blanc mange, hard-boiled eggs, in halves ; rolls or bread and butter sandwiches, plain cake, jum- bles with dolls in them, milk, oranges, and bananas. The following is a sample of the local notices put in the paper for advertising purposes : EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 115 " Babies short and babies tall, Babies big and babies small, Blue-eyed babies, babies fair, Brown-ej^ed babies with lots of hair, Babies so tiny they can^t sit up, Babies that drink from silver cup. Babies that coo and babies that creep, Babies that can only eat and sleep. Babies that laugh and babies that talk, Babies quite big enough to walk, Babies that are double and babies single, Oh ! won't they make a mery jingle. You'll see them all if you only go To the . '. baby show\" THE SMITH FAMILY. Almost every community has enough Smiths to furnish the needed talent for an entertainment. The novelty of having no participants except those bearing this name will prove an attractive feature. Recitations, music, etc., in fact, every number on the program should be given by a real Smith. THE TRADES' DISPLAY. With, perhaps, the exception of the "Old Dis- trict School,'' no entertainment is proving so profitable and pleasant as this. It can be made as elaborate as the talent and taste of the partici- 116 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS pants desire. It is suitable for any town or city, and . is arranged wholly with local talent and material. Generally the display is made by young ladies, but young gentlemen can also participate, and some children can be used to advantage. Each represents some store or business, and the costume is made up largely of articles sold by the mer- chant or firm thus represented. The merchants gladly furnish the material for these costumes, as it is a splendid advertisement for them. Each participant uses her own taste and ingenuity in arranging costumes, so that the work is divided among many, making the preparation comparatively easy, considering how elaborate an entertainment can thus be made. Those thus going in the display engage in sim- ple marches, preside at booths, and distribute cards and souvenirs. If desired, a committee can prepare also a short literary and musical en- tertainment in connection therewith, consisting of songs, or tableaux, etc., selections as far as possible bearing upon the mercantile life, or the various trades. EUREKA EXTERTAINMEXTS 117 A PROGRESSIVE PEANUT PARTY. For the invitations, the material miglit excite surprise to the uninitiated; some good looking peanuts, carefully split in two, a surprisingly small quantity of smooth, white note-paper, a roll of narrow pink ribbons, a sheet of cotton batting, and one of wrapping-paper, and postage stamps, the last requisite. It has been a pleasant task to make the list of friends to be invited, and now the note-paper is to be cut into strips, hardly more than an inch in width, and the invitation inscribed in small hand- writing. The strip of paper is then rolled tightly and enclosed in an empty peanut shell tied together with ribbon. To send this unique invitation through the mail it is carefully wrapped in cotton and enclosed in a roll of paper long enough to give room for the postage-stamp to be canceled at the office without crushing the peanut. When these queer little rolls are sealed at both ends and directed, the progression has fairly begun. Two games may be introduced, one a '^ Cinderella'' game, suggested by the resemblance of the split peanut shell to a slipper, and by the idea of having c[uotation cards cut in two and matched again. 118 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS The verses chosen are all from Tennyson and must be quite appropriate. Two of them, taken from the '^ Sleeping Palace/' make reference to ^^ the fairy prince.'' The lines are written on correspondence cards, leaving a wide margin at the top for the half- shells, which are attached with thread and needle, after the cards are cut in two vertically. The first or left-hand halves are to be placed on one tray, intended for the '^ princes," and the other halves to match, on the left, to be passed to the ladies. A game of " Princess " to follow this is quite original. Let it be reserved until we come to the party itself. Very pretty Japanese handkerchiefs may be bought for sixty cents a hundred. Keep some of them for the table, and the rest make into bags, with peanuts for tassels. Meanwhile people are wondering what a ^^ Pro- gressive Peanut Party" is like, and it is sure to be a genuine surprise, to the guests at least. One of the young men is now detailed for duty, and enters the room bearing an immense, old- fashioned tray, heaped with the Japanese bags, which are passed with the remark '^ If we get any peanuts before the evening is over, we will need something to keep them in." Directly a maid comes in with two trays of the EUREKA ENTERTAINMEXTS 119 long-expected, the delectable nut, and places them at the further end of the room. The ^'Cmderella'' game takes but little time, but serves to make everybody acquainted, as each ^' Prince '' starts out with his slipper and quota- tion, trying every lady's card, till he finds the tiny shoe to match and the writing to finish his lines. The cards are kept as souvenirs. Now ^r the ^^ Princess'' game. ^^It will be necessary," says the leader, ^Ho choose a princess. Hers will be the easiest part in the game, as she has only to preside and dis- pense the royal bounty." ^^ She must be popular, pretty, and piquant ; precise, prim, and petite ; one who will promul- gate progressive principles and be particularly partial to punctual people who are promptly in their places." Amid great merriment, a young lady is form- ally elected to this high rank. " Now the princess must appoint a page." Choosing quickly, the Princess responds. "I will appoint Mr. " This Mr. must be a wit, in which position he soon becomes the life of the company. He is instructed to ask of each person in the room three questions : '^ Your appellation, place of abode, and what presents do you bring the princess?" 120 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS In answer the letter ^^ P '' must be duly repre- sented, and no one will be presented who brings less than three presents, Patty Pettengill, from Pamlico, provides pearls, pinks, and plums ; Pomona Patch, of Podunk, has pumpkins, pugs, and pollywogs ; Polly Peterkin, from Palmyra, brings prunes, palms, and pistachio nuts, the only wonder being how Polly ever came to travel so far. Quick wits are being tried to the utmost when Publius Pavonious declares himself from Paler- ]no, and Paul Putnam modestly hails from the Point of Pines with pickles, pepper-sauce, and peanuts. Tlie Princess, well provided with peanuts, generously bestows the coin of her realm upon those devoted subjects as she makes the rounds following her page. Then the Perkinses, Putnams, Proctors, Peter- kins, and all are pompously presented at court. An invitation to the dining-room, ostensibly to finish the peanuts, reveals a greater variety in confections ; and surely a better natured set of people were never gathered than those who re- enter the parlor, when a stream of conversation and more music makes the moments fly till the good-nights are said. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 121 THE LEGEND OF THE SACKS. This can be easily arranged as a part of any juvenile entertainment, and it teaches some very wholesome truths. Three boys are the participants. They are dressed like travelers, with staffs, hats, gowns, etc. Each has two coarse sacks, one hanging in front, the other behind. No. 1. — You ask me what I do with these sacks. Well, I will tell you, if you will agree to tell me what you do with yours. In this one behind me I toss all the kind deeds of my friends. They are hidden from my view, and I soon forget all about them. In this one hanging in front of me I put all the sins which the people I know have committed. As I walk along I can turn them over and look at them. Now tell me what you have got in your sacks. What is there in this one ? (Give the front sack of No. 2 a vigorous punch.) No. 2. — "Stop, don't do that, you'll spoil all my good things." No. 1.—^' What things T No. 2. — " Why my good deeds. I keep them all in front of me, wdiere I can always see them, and take them out and show them. See, here's the half-dollar I put in the plate on Sunday ; here's the shawl I gave the beggar girl ; here are 122 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS the mittens I gave that crippled boy ; and here's the penny I gave the organ grinder (shows the various articles and puts them back in his sack.) Here is even the smile I gave the street sweep.'' No. 1. — "And what is in that sack behind you?" No. 2. — ^^ Tut, tut, there is nothing I care to look at in there. That sack holds what I call my little mistakes." No. 1. — '' It seems that your sack of mistakes is fuller than the other." No. 2. — '' You had better stop. It's none of your business I tell you, how many mistakes I made." No. 1 (addressing No. 3). — '' What sort of a car- go do you carry in your sack ?" No. 2 (addressing No. 3). — '^ Let's see w^hat you've got." No. 3. — " With all my heart, for I've got a good assortment, and I like to show them. This sack (pointing to the one in front of him) is full of the good deeds of others." No. 1. — '' Your sack looks nearly touching the ground. It must be a pretty good weight to carr3^" No. 3. — " There you are mistaken. The weight is only such as sails are to a ship, or wings are to an eagle. It helps me onward." No. 2. — " Well, your sack behind can be of EUREKA EXTENT AIXMEXTS 123 little use to you, for it appears to be empty ; and I see it has a great hole in the bottom of it.'' No. 3. — " I did that on purpose, for all the evil I hear of people I put in there, and it falls through and is lost. So you see I have no weight to drag me downward." 0-U-G-H. The following is well adapted for recitation in any school exhibition or entertainment. The reciter should write the words in small capi- tals upon the blackboard as he proceeds with the verses, thus making the comicalities more appar- ent to the audience : I'm taught p-L-o-u-G-H Shall be pronounced " plow ;" ** Zat's easy when you know/' I say ; " Mon Englais I'll get through.'* My teacher says zat in zat case 0-u g-h is " 00." And zen I laugh and say to him : " Zees Englais makes me cough.'* He says : '' Not coo, but in zat word 0-u-g-h is ' off.' " Oh ! sacre bleu, such varied sounds Of words make me hiccough ! He says : *'Again mon friend ees wrong I 0-u-g-h is ' up ' 124 EUKEKA ENTERTAINMENTS In hiccough.'* Zen I say : '' No more ! You make my throat feel rough.'' " Non, non," he cry, " you are not right ; .0-u-g-h is ' uft? " I say : " I try to speak your words, I can't pronounce them though." "In time you'll learn, but now you're wrong, 0-u-g-h is ' owe.' " " I'll try no more. I shall go mad — I'll drown me in ze lough !" " But ere you drown yourself," said he, '' 0-u-g-h is ' ock.' " He taught me no more. I hold him fast ! And killed him wiz a rough ! LITTLE OLD FOLKS. A program for an entertainment to be given by the little folks must necessarily be varied some- what to utilize the best local talent at command. Select the recitations, music, and tableaux some- what with an idea of what the children can do best. If there is a sweet little singer let her give a solo. If two boys and two girls whose voices harmonize can be secured, have a chil- dren's quartet on the program. If there is any popular quartet or choir in town name the little quartet after them. Have all the children who take part in the program dressed as older persons. Have a master of ceremonies, some bright young EUREKA EXTERTxUNMEXTS 125 man who will announce each number. The girls should wear long dresses and the boys should wear cutaway coats and full evening dress, wdiite ties, gloves, etc. The dress coats can easily be arranged by taking old coats, ripping the seam of the skirt and pinning it back. The costumes for the girls can likewise be temporarily draped, so as to give the effect without going to the ex- pense of purchasing new dresses. In selecting the recitations, choose such as can be attended with some costuming. For instance, " Grandmother's Soliloquy '' should be given by a little girl dressed as an old lady. An Indian can be made up very amusingly by a little boy, with a feather duster, the handle run down under his collar, the feathers sticking up above his head ; then, by wrapping a red table-cloth about him and with a bread-knife in his hand, he can recite ^' Lo ! the poor Indian.'^ If there are any children in the society or community who can play any instrument, as a violin, cornet, etc., have them as soloists. The audience will not be critical with the little folks. Of course, there can be piano solos. Let all these little soloists be arrayed in imitation of older artists. For another interesting feature of the entertain- ment select from the children's books almost any picture of child-life, and arrange tableaux from 126 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS them. They will be found easier to arrange than would seem at first. The pleasing little recitation of the sunflowers can be introduced by costuming four little girls, whose faces peek out as if from the centre of a flower. LIVING LETTERS. Two little children grouping themselves into letters, with others watching them, gives a pleas- ing efi'ect. One stands erect, her hands by her side, while her little assistant lies down on the floor with her feet to the feet of the other, the two thus forming the letter L The next letter is not so easily formed. By aid of a hoop, one clinging to one side, the other to the other, with their heads resting together on top, they form a pretty picture and a perfect Q To make the next letter is somewhat difficult also. By the aid of a bit of rope, on which both pull, placing their feet together, and leaning backward they form the letter ^ Another letter. One standing with one arm extended, the other sitting on the floor with one arm extended in a straight line, thus they form the letter ^ This is a pleasing way to spell out the charm of home — Love. EUKEKA ENTERTAINMENTS 121 FOR THE FOURTH. As a feature of a Fourth of July entertainment for the young folks, have different boys and girls represent the various prominent incidents of In- dependence day. For instance, one lad appears costumed in fireworks, care being taken that they are in form only, minus the powder, lest some accident occur. He tells the wonderful influence of powder in having secured our independence, and as a help in celebrating it — a noisy reminder and patriotic inspiration. Two boys, one boy with fife and another with drum appear together. The fifer speaks of the various patriotic tunes — of the old-time Yankee Doodle, and how, above the whistle of bullets, is the whistle of the fife. The drummer in turn tells the wonders of the rub-a-dub-dub, and how the long roll has aroused patriots to defend their country. The two then play together some familiar tune. Another seems to advocate the pen. He has a very large pen and writing material is used in costuming him. The pen is mightier than the sword. It wrote the Declaration of Independence. Education is the safeguard of its maintenance. The sword should be presented by another, and its merits advocated. It is a symbol of leader- 128 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS ship. What grand leaders our country has had ! The mere mention of familiar names is enough to arouse enthusiasm. What could have been accomplished without wise, brave leaders ? The bells can be used in costuming another, who should have a very large bell, symbolizing the grand old independence bell which pro- claimed liberty throughout the land. Another can be costumed to represent labor, wdth spade, pickaxe, etc. Without honest indus- try, no nation can truly be free. Another should present a large Bible, with some appropriate reference to the gospel as a liberating agency, making men free indeed. Morality is the only sure foundation for civil lib- erty. The flag, too, has held a wonderful mission. About it ralh^ all the patriotic hearts. It has in- spired eloquence, bravery, song, and service. At the close of the tribute to the flag, let all gather about it, and join in some old, rousing, patriotic song. The exercises can be made more efi'ective if there is placed in the centre of the stage an altar — the altar of our country — -upon which each places a tribute — the pen, a sheet of music, a sword, etc. In almost every community can be found some one capable and willing to write a short address EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 129 for each participant. Or appropriate selections can be used in connection with different characters. With these suggestions and a httle home help, a very pleasing exercise can be prepared for a Fourth of July entertainment. ACTING PROVERBS. Charades form a pleasing feature of home entertainment. No attempt should be made to have them elaborate, either in wording or cos- tumes. It is astonishing what merriment a little ingenuity will develop. In costuming, a feather duster, with the handle run down his back, makes a good head-dress for an Indian. A red table-cloth makes a good blanket. A sheet fixed with a broomstick for a mast makes a good ship. An apple-woman with an umbrella overhead can readily be represented. Patches can be easily represented by pinning a piece of paper to the coat and pants. A coat turned wrong-side out looks like a ragged jacket. Besides acting words there is much amusement in acting proverbs, such as ^'A new broom sweeps clean.'' The following description is given of how the young folks of one household acted this proverb : Maggie took the part of an Irish servant. Pet was the mistress of the house^ and Tommy a 9 130 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS rheumatic old uncle. When the sliding doors were dra,wn back he was discovered in an arm- chair before the fire. He groaned pathetically, and moved as if his joints were made of wood. Pet, in spectacles, a horse-hair wig, cap, and snowy kerchief, sat opposite, describing the vir- tues of the new servant. " She is a 'w;6-markable tweasure," said the wee lady in conclusion, '' Humph !" grunted Tommy ; ^^ wait a week and see. I think she put damp sheets on my bed, I feel so much worse this morning. Ow !" '^ I will ask her at once," said Pet, bustling to the door. "Bridget!" "Yes, mum," comes a doleful answer, and Bridget aj^pears, hanging her head. " Why, what's the matter ?" asks her mistress. " Sure, mum, I meant no harrm at all. 'Tis an accident that's after happening." (The story Bridget now tells is one she has read and re- membered.) " I was shwapping the room, and a little burrd flew in an' lit on the clock. ' Cuckoo !' says he, bowld as brass. ^ Whist,' says I, ^ himself is ashlape in the arrum-chair,' says I. ^ Cuckoo !' says he again, jist that way. ' Whist !' I says to him again, an' I sthruck him wan with the broom, an' — an' here I have the three halves dead in my hand !" EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS. 131 ^^ Oh ! dear," says Pet, ^^ the stupid thing has broken my new cuckoo clock !'' But Bridget, being forgiven on account of her good intentions, is told to sweep up the hearth. She runs about after broom, dust-pan, etc., up- setting chairs, leaving the doors open on Tommy's back, then slamming it so that he winces and groans, and Pet is obliged to give her a number of commands, at the same time excusing her to Tommy on account of her zeal. The scene comes to an end when Bridget, on her hands and knees before the fire, succeeds in poking the broom- handle between Tommy's ribs so painfully that he forgets all his other aches, and jumps up to punish her just as the door shuts on a terrified Irish howl. ^' It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good " was acted in a lively manner as follows : An able crew of two were discovered in a ship (or wash-tub) laboring in a gale. In spite of heroic exertions she became a wreck, drifting helplessly until she struck on a desolate island composed of chairs laid on the floor and covered with shavv^ls. The exhausted mariners crawled ashore, but had hardly announced themselves saved when a horde of cannibals attacked and made them prisoners, representing bj^ signs their extreme hunger and their gratitude to the tempest for providing them a meal. 132 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS LITTLE SUNFLOWERS. As one feature in a little folks' entertainment, a flower social, or other appropriate evening's program, have little girls recite in concert with accompanying motions. They should represent sunflowers by wearing head-dresses made to rep- resent these flowers, their faces appearing in the centre, there being bright yellow petals with a double row about each face. These can be made of paper and easily fastened. Long, wide stream- ers of yellow tissue paper should be attached. As little sunflowers you see us now ! When the wind blows we all do bow. We bend to the east, we bend to the west, We smile at the south wind, which we love best. When the sun rises we bow to the sun ; We watch his course till the day is done. What are mere sunflowers good for, pray ? To teach you this lesson day by day ; Whether the hours are dark or bright Look toward the sky and follow the light. HOME CHARADES. Feline — A word of two syllables, one act for each, and one act for the whole word. Fee — Sick person in rocking-chair, white cloth about the head, blanket over the shoulders, feet in coal-hod ; doctor enters, tall hat, spectacles, medi- EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 133 cine case, cane, etc., and removing overcoat, ex- amines patient, feeling pulse, pulling out his watch, looking at patient's tongue, and tapping on the chest to see if lungs are all right ; patient takes pills, and then pays the doctor his fee. Line — The lone fisherman perched on the back of a chair ; has considerable trouble arranging his line, getting out the snarls, and t}dng broken places, at last throws in his hook (an old spoon can be used in rigging up the hook). Throws the hook and bait behind a lounge or table, out of sight, where another person can be hidden, who can fasten on the articles caught ; these ar- ticles should be ridiculous ; the line breaks, and has to be tied again, fisherman at last pulls hard, and line gives way, and he falls over backwards ; curtain falls, or doors close. Feljne. — Scene, sleeping room in hotel, guest shown in by clerk, with candle and valise ; pre- pares for his couch, by removing shoes, coat, and vest, and putting on night-cap ; blows out candle, lies down and begins snoring ; cat begins yelling outside ; wakes up ; recklessly throws boots in di- rection of yelling cat ; glass heard to smash as if window broken; yelling continues, and guest keeps throwing until articles of ammunition are ex- hausted ; the valise itself being the last to go ; guest then lights the candle, and starts out to find the clerk and get redress. 134 EUKEKA ENTERTAINMENTS A PARADOX. For a simple charade, at church social, or home gathering, simply have two persons meet, shake hands, and each remark, " How do you do. Doc ?" (It is still better if two physicians can be secured who will take the part.) The answer to the charade is, of course, '' a paradox " — '^ a pair o' Doc's/' EASY CHARADE. Miss. — ^A little girl enters the room, and is ap- parently hunting for something she has missed. Led. — The little girl comes in leading her dog. Misled. — The little miss appears being led by her mother or other person. TWO MINUTE CHARADE. A few minutes fun for the fireside. The word is " marmalade." The first syllable is acted by having ^^ ma " (or a little girl with her doll) seated in a rocking-chair. The second syllable can also be represented in the same manner. The third syllable is represented by an egg in an impro- vised nest. It is '^ laid." The whole word can be represented by a jar of preserves placed on the centre-table. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 135 A POPE'S CHARADE. Announce to the friends in the parlor a cha- rade in one act — it being the name of an author, and also the title of one of his works. Whoever gives the charade should array him- self in any long black robe, a waterproof, or gos- samer. He should wear a tall hat made of paper (newspaper pinned together will do), and shaped similar to the hats worn by the popes. A cross, cut out of black cloth should be pinned on his hat. On his back should appear the letters ^' S " and '^ A," also cut out of paper and pinned on the garment. The solution of the m3^sterious and priestly appearance is "Pope" and his " Essay [S. A.] on Man.'' SHADOW PANTOMIMES. . The only wonder is that they are not more frequently used in entertainments, as they are simple as well as amusing. Almost any familiar ballad can be illustrated ludicrously. The means employed are familiar to most readers. The prime requisite is a screen or curtain of thin white cloth. It should be drawn as tightly as possible. The larger it is the better. The front, 136 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS or that side toward the audience, should be kept dark, while the actors' side of the screen should be illumined by a single bright light, placed exactly in the centre and as near the floor as possible. Between acts .a large book may be placed directly in front of the light. This effectually prevents the illumination of the screen, and yet leaves light enough for the actors to prepare for the next piece or act. As an aid, and to prevent the apparent partial amputation of the lower extremities of the shad- ows, a narrow platform can be made, equal in height to that of the flame of light above the floor, and extending across the stage a foot or so from the screen. The actors standing upon this are more apt to keep the proper distance between the light and the curtain. The performers should always strive to present the profile as near as possible toward the light — not toward the screen. All performers not engaged in the scene should be careful to stand behind the light. Many amusing bits of scenery — in fact, most of them — can be cut out of thick brown paper and pinned against the screen. Any opaque material will do. False noses, beard, old hats — in fact, almost everything needful for making up — can be thus provided, and they cast even a EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 137 better shadow in many cases than the real. Others can be attached to threads, and hung over a wire stretched across the upper, part of the room. For instance, a rising sun can be made of pasteboard, with fringed edges, and by pulhng the string can be made to move upward. The flow of blood can be imitated by sawdust, which is let fall from the actor's hand as he places it upon the supposed wound. Pouring of liquors can be represented in like manner, or by fine, dry sand. Falling tears can be shadowed by marbles, whose sharp rattle, as they fall on the floor, make them even more ludicrous. Furniture should be as narrow as possible, reckoning from the screen backward. Every- thing placed on the table should be set near to the rear edge. A blow that really passes behind a performer's head appears on the screen to strike him squarely in the face. A sword thrust between his arm and his body appears to pass right through him. Such a simple shadow as of the weary lodger going to bed on a cot, makes much merriment. After he falls to sleep, a rat creeps out, comes along to the cot, crawls cautiously over the sleeper, and at last enters his open mouth. The sleeper gulps him down, and another rat appears. Thus the scene goes on until the man bloats up tremendously. Then the doctor is called in and 138 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS begins pulling out the rats. A very little experi- menting with pasteboard rats, and strings, with the help of an unseen assistant on the other side of the cot, make this very amusing to the little folks. Much fun can also be caused by making vari- ous objects out of proportion. A very little bull attacked by a dog several times larger is an in- stance, the bull proving the victor, and tossing the big dog high in air. A little patience, ingenuity, and experiment- ing, will result in learning more about shadow pictures than can be told in many pages. THE CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE. This is a simple service, yet so arranged as to keep up the interest of the children, and even of the older folks. The purpose is to introduce various child characters in such a way as to awaken interest in the Bible narratives, and assist the memory in retaining the facts thus learned. The service opens with a short responsive read- ing, prayer, and song. The selections are appro- priate to the time, touching on the duties of chil- dren to God, and to parents, and representing Jesus as the friend of children. EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS 139 Then there are various short recitations, each giving the main facts in the hfe of some child character in the Bible, but not giving the name. After each recitation, the school is given a chance to tell what character is referred to. These . word pictures are very interesting, and the chil- dren listen very attentively to determine who is the one spoken of. With each is a little lesson teaching a practical truth. The program closes with a recitation ^^ The Infant Babe of Wondrous Birth,'' and with singing ^^ There is no name so sweet on earth," etc. One trouble common with most services of this kind is usually caused by placing in each child's hands a full program. The}^ glance it through, thus getting quickly an idea of the whole service, so that its novelty is destroyed. Under our arrangement the children do not know what is coming next. The superintendent and his assistant have complete programs. Each scholar taking part is given only the portion assigned to him, and has no knowledge of the other features of the program. In this way the interest of all is maintained to the close. The songs selected are such as are appropriate, and are so familiar to all that there is no necessity for rehearsals or special preparation. Any superintendent can assign the parts a week in advance, and without any rehearsals or 140 EUREKA ENTERTAINMENTS elaborate preparations, can conduct a very inter- esting and effective service by this arrangement. If it is desirable to introduce any special music, or recitations, he can readily do so, and if for any reason any participant should fail to respond, the service is not necessarily marred. Shoemaker's Best Selections, No. 3 Compiled by J. W. SHOEMAKER, A. M. Late President, and founder of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents Many good teaching pieces will be found in this number, also, following are some of the most popular selections ; The\ Adoon the Lane, a delicious bit of Scotch Dialect. The American Flag, a 'fine patriotic piece, by Joseph Rodman Drake. The Baby's First Tooth, humorous, by the Danbury News Man. . Bardell and Pickwick, the famous trial scene, by Charles Dickens. The Baron's Last Banquet, dramatic. The Battle of Beal an' Duine, a strong war poem of Scotland, by Sir Walter Scott. The Burning Ship, a dramatic descrip- tion of a ship on fire. Claudius and Cynthia, a popular dramatic selection, scene in Rome. The Closing Year, for New Year's, by George D. Prentice. The Dutchman's Serenade, German Dialect. The Eagle's Rock, very dramatic. The Famine, from Hiawatha, by Henry W Longfellow. A Florentine Letter, highly dramatic, by Susan Coolidge. From Exile, dramatic. The Gladiator, very dramatic, scene in Rome. Good-night, Papa, a beautiful temper- ance recitation. The Haunted House, a dramatic description, by Hood. The Hypochondriac, humorous. If I Should Die To-night, spiritual, and suited for Sunday-schools. The Indian Chief to the White Settler, a popular declamation, by Edward Everett. Jack and Jill, light humor. Kit Carson's Ride, a stirring incident of life on the prairie, bv Joaquin Miller. The Kitchen Clock, exceedingly popu- lar, by John Vance Cheney. Laughin' in Meeting, humorous, by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Licensed to Sell; or, Little Blossom, temperance. Lides to Bary Jade, humorous descrip- tion of a man with a cold in his head. Little Golden Hair, child characteriza- tion. Maud Muller, ahvays popular, by John G. Whittier. The Monster Cannon, a dramatic description, by Victor Hugo. National Monument to Washington, for Washington's Birthday. Ode on the Passions, a superior teach, ing piece, especially for voice culture, by Collins, The Painter of Seville, strong and popular. Parrhassius and the Captive, very ' dramatic, by N. P. Willis. Passing Away, familiar, but good. Poor Little Jim, a pathetic story of the mines. The Power of Habit, a striking tem- perance selection, by John B. Gough. The Promise, spiritual, good for Sun- day-schools. Reaching the Early Train, humorous, by Max Adier. Reply to Mr. Corry, forensic oratory, good for teaching, by H. Grattan. Rock of Ages, very pretty, contains singing parts. The Senator's Dilemma, humorous, by James De Mille The Seven Ages of Man, from Shakes- peare. Signs and Omens, German Dialect. Tell on His Native Hills, patriotic, a good teaching piece. The Three Fishers, tender and pathetic, by Charles Kingsley. Tom Sawj^er's Love Affair, humorous, by Mark Twain. The Two Glasses, temperance, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. The Vagabonds , pathetic, dramatic, and a good temperance piece, always acceptable, by J. T. Trowbridge. Woman, a pleasing tribute to her sex, by Tennyson. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 4 Compiled by J. W. SHOEMAKER, A. M. Late President, and founder of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents This issue is characterized by the great number of patriotic pieces which it contains. In addition to this feature the following selections may also be mentioned : A Man's a Man for a' That, a popular Scotch Dialect poem, by Robert Burns. The Angels of Euena Vista, a verv- dra- matic battle scene, b}- John G. Whit- tier. The Annuity, humorous, Scotch Dia- lect. Aunt Kindly, a good teaching piece on the conversational order, by Tlieo. Parker. Ye Baggage Smasher, humorous. The Battle of Bunker Hiil, strong pa- triotic poem. Battle Hymn of the Republic, stirring patriotic poem, by Julia Ward Howe. The Black Horse and His Rider, a fine prose patriotic declamation, by Charles Sheppard. The Burning Prairie, a dramatic recita- tion, by Alice Carey. The Cause of Temperance, a strong temperance piece, by John B. Gough. Centennial Oration, a fine declamation, and also excellent for teaching pur- poses, by Henry Armitt Brown. The Christmas Sheaf, a Norwegian Christmas story. Columbia, patriotic. Curfew Must Not Ring To-Night, familiar, but a very popular recita- tion, by Rose Hartwick Thorpe. Deacon Munroe's Storj'-, humorous characterization. The Declaration of Independence, very convenient for Fourth of July occa- sions, as well as for reference pur- poses. Dora, a dramatic descriptive characteri- zation, by Tennyson. Dot Lambs Wot Mary Haf Got, a parody on the original poem in Ger- man Dialect. The Fire, a dramatic description. The Gambler's Wife, pathetic and dra- matic. The Ghost, sometimes known as ''Abel Law's Ghost," quaint Yankee humor. Grandmother's Story, an old woman's story of the Battle of Bunker Hill, The Great Beef Contract, exceedingly humorous, by Mark Twain. How a MaiTied Man Sews on a Button, humorous, by The Danbury News Man. Judge Pitman on Various Kinds of Weather, humorous, by Alax Adler. Kentucky Belle, a popular poem, de- scribing an incident of the Ci\il War, by Constance Fenimore Wool- son. Leap Year Wooing, humorous, by David Macrae. A Negro Prayer, Darkey Dialect. No God, a strong moral selection. Ode to the Deity, a fine oratorical selec- tion, excellent for voice culture. Ode to the Legislature, a sa.tirical poem, by John G Saxe. Paul Revere 's Ride, familiar, but always acceptable, by Henry W. Longfellow. The Rationalistic Chicken, humorous. The Raven, old but still given by some of the best readers Rienzi's Address, stirring declamation Tomm^y Taft, good for temperance oc- casions. Tribute to Washington, for Washing- ton's Birthday. The Union, a patriotic poem Clarence's Dream and Mark Antony Scene, Shakespearean Extracts. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 5 Compiled by J. W. SHOEMAKER, A. M. Late President, and founder of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents Among the most popular follov/ing : The Ager, a humorous degcription of a sufferer with chills and fever. Archie Dean, a selection of the coquet- tish order, by Gail Hamilton, Bannock-Burn, a stirring bit of Scotch poetry, by Robert Burns. The Bride of the Greek Isle, a dramatic recitation, by Mrs. Hemans. The Brook, a popular poem, by Tenny- son. Budge's Version of the Flood, child characterization, very amusmg, by John Habberton. Catiline's Deftance, familiar but al vv ays a popular dec;amation. Course of Love Too Smooth, the amus- ing experience of a pair ot lovers on a slippery night. Dedication of Gettysburg Cemetery, the celebrated speech of Abraham Lincoln. Elder Mr. Weller's Sentiments on Literary Composition, from Pickwick Papers, by Charles Dickens. Fashionable Singing, a humorous re- presentation of tashionable singers. The Flood of Years, a strong oratorical selection, excellent for teaching, by William CuUen Bryant. Good Reading, an extract from an ex- cellent address on the subject of pub- lic reading, by John S. Hart. Hans and Fritz, German Dialect. He Giveth His Beloved Sleep, a beauti- ful spiritual poem, by ^vlrs. Browning. Heroes of the Land of Penn, patriotic, having especial reference to the early * settlers of Pennsylvania, by George Lippard. How We Hunted a Mouse, humorous. John and Tibbie's Dispute, Scotch humor. The Last Hymn, describing a wreck at sea, pathetic and dramatic, part to be sung. recitations in this number are the The Leak in the Dyke, a dramatic reci- tation by Phcebe Gary. Lost and Found, a pathetic stor\' of the Welsh Mines. Magdalena; or, the Spanish Duel, humorous and popular, the incident is laid in Spain. The Maiden Martyr, veiy pathetic. MembrangQUS Croup and the McWil- liamses, humorous, by Mark Twain. Moral Effect of Intemperance, a strong temperance piece, by Henry Ward Beeclier. My Trundie-Bed, pathetic recollections of a mothers teachings. Old Ironsides, a patriotic tribute to the old frigate, " Constitution," by O. W. Holmes. Over the Hills and Far Away, a beauti- ful bit of pathos, by Miss Mulock. The Prisoner of Chillon, a very dra- matic selection, by Byron. The Puritans, a strong prose descrip- tion of our forefathers, by T. B, Macaulay. Samantha Smith Becomes Josiah Allen's Wife, humorous, by Josiah Allen's Wife. The Schoolmaster's Guests, a humor- ous characterization, by Will Carle- ton, The Swell's Soliloquy, impersonation of a dude. Swallowing a Fly, a bit of prose, characteristic of the author, T. De Witt Talinage. Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, a stirring tem- perance piece, by J. G. Holland. Uncle Daniel's Introduction to a Mis- sissippi Steamer, one of the best negro dialect pieces ever written, by Clemens and Warner. Why Biddie and Pat Married, an amus- ing Irish dialect recitation. Man's Ingratitude, and Prince Henry and Falstaff, Shake- spearean extracts. Shoemaker's Best Selections, No. 6 Compiled by J. W. SHOEMAKER, A. M. Late President, and founder of The National SchooS of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents The following may be mentioned as among somie of the niosc effec- tive recitations : Artemus Ward's London Lecture, one of the best humorous pieces ever written. Asleep at the Switch, a thrilling inci- dent in the experience of a switch tender. The Battle of Ivry, a standard dra- matic recitation, by T. B, Macaulay. The Bridge of Sighs, a popular pathetic poem, by Thomas Kood. Brother Anderson's Sermon, a superior negro dialect recitation, by Thomas K. Beecher. The Children's Hour, a poetic descrip- tion of the author s children, Henry W. Longfellow. A Day at Niagara, a humorous descrip- tion of a visit to Niagara Falls, by Mark Twain. The Deserted House, a beautiful de- scription of life and death, by Tenny- son. Doctor Marigold, sometimes known as the cheap Jack, excellent opportuni- i ties for characterization, by Charles Dickens. -• The Dukite Snake, an Australian bush- mari's storv, extremely dramatic, by J. Boyle O'Reilly. Easter Morning, a pleasing Easter poem. Eve and the Serpent, a Frenchman's idea of the fall of man, humorous. Extract from the Last Days of Hercu- laneum, a fme dramatic description. Father Phil's Collection, this is one of the best Irish dialect recitations, and is given by some of the most promi- nent readers. Getting Under Way, an amusing de- scription of sea-sickness, by Mark Twain. The Green Mountain Justice, humor- ous. Jane Conquest, the incident is that of a wreck at sea, very dramatic. The Little Hatchet Story, one of the most popular humorous recitations in print. It is a description of the inci- dent of George Washington and the clierry tree. Miss Edith Helps Things Along, a humorous characterization of a pert child, by Bret Harte. Nae Luck Ahoot the House, a pleasing Scotch poem. The Old Sergeant, a pathetic story of the Civil War. The Palmetto and the Pine, a figura- tive description of the North and South. Relentless Time, excellent for teaching, by Henry W. Longfellow. The Ride of Jennie McNeal, a stor} o) colonial days, by Will Carielon. Robert of Lincoln, introducing bird songs, by William Cullen Bryant. Satan and the Grog Seller, a fine tem- perance piece. School Called, a pleasing poem illus- trative of school life. Song in the Night, an amusing sleep- ing-car incident introducing snoring. St. John, the Aged, a beautiful spirit- ual poem. Thanatopsis, always popular, excel- lent for teaching, by William Cullen Bryant. . A Thanksgiving, a pleasing poem for Thanksgiving, by Lucy Larcom. Tom, a story of how a dog saves the life of a child in a fire, by Constance F"enimore Woolson. Valley Forge, a fine oratorical selection, * good for teaching,, by Henry Armilt Brown. Zekle, Yankee courting, by James Rus- sell Lowell. The Dagger Scene, and From the Tragedy of King John, Shakespearean Extracts. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 7 Compiled by J. W. SHOEMAKER, A. M. Late President, and founder of The National School of Elocution and Oratory ♦ 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents While it is the aim to make one number as good as another, this issue has always been one of the most popular of the series. Followifig are some of the most attractive selections : The Death of the Old Year, appropriate for New Year's, by Teuiiysori. The American War, a fine forensic se- lection, by Lord Chatham. A Royal Princess, a strong dramatic recitation, by Christina Rossetti. Sister and I, pathetic and extremely popular. The Death of Nelson, a good teaching piece, by Robert Southey. The Night Before Christmas, always popular for Christmas eniertainments. The Night After Christmas, a humorous sequel lo the foregoing selection. A Parody, being a parody on Cassabi- anca ; or, The Boy Stood on the Burn- ing Deck. The Crescent and the Cioss, a beautiful contrast between Christianity and Mohammedism, by T. B. Aldrich, Reflections on "Westminster Athey, ex- cellent literature," good for tCciching, by Washington Irving. Our Traveled Parson, humorous, by Will Carleton. Daisy's Faith, popular child charac- terization. How Tom Sawyer Whitewashed His Fence, humorous, by Mark Twain. Cuddle Doon, a pleasing bit of Scotch Dialect. The Death of the Owd 'Squire, a fine dramatic piece. Scene in Yorkshire. Mine Katrine, German Dialect, by Charles Follen Adams. The Voice in the Twilight, good for Sunday-schools, by Mrs. Herrick Johnson. The Ship of Faith, an exceedingly good Negro Dialect piece. Mount Blanc Before Sunrise, a beauti- ful oratorical poem, good for teaching^ by S. T. Coleridge. Surly Tim's Trouble, a pathetic and very popular piece ; used by the best readers; Lancashire Dialect. The "V^illage Blacksmith, always popu- lar, by Henry \V. Longfellow. Tom's Little Star, a humorous poera, describing the experience of a stage- struck woman. Marco Bozzaris, old but good, an excel- lent teaching piece, by Fitz-Greene Halleck. Fair Play for Women, an appeal for the rights of woman, by George William Curtis. Masters of the Situation, a superior teaching selection, by James T. Fields. Lighthouse May, an excellent selection, showing the heroism of a lighthouse keeper. A Model Discourse, humorous, some- times known as the Old Mother Hub- bard Sermoji. The South Wind, a pleasing descrip- tion, good teaching piece, by Henry W. Longfellow. The Wounded Soldier, pathetic : the in- cident is that of a dying soldier. Very popular. The Owl-Critic, very clever humor, by James T. Fields, The Leper, a strong dramatic recitation, by N. P. Willis. That Hired Girl, humorous. Old Robin, how a horse saves his master from moral ruin, by J. T. Trowbridge. Hannah Binding Shoes, a beautiful and pathetic poem, by Lucy Larcom. The Gray Honors the Blue, good for Decoration Day, by Henry H. Wat- te r son.. Paradise, an excellent encore piece. Widow Brown's Christmas, a pleasing Christmas story. Shoemaker's Best Selections, No. 8 Compiled by Mrs, J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice-President of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents * From the many good pieces in this number the following may be mer tioned : After Death, a beautiful spiritual poem, by Edwin Arnold. Reckoning With the Old Year, for New Veai's. The Defense of Lucknow, a patriotic recitation bvTennvson. Nations and Humanity, oratorical, by George William Curtis. The Emigrant's Story, the main inci- dent is that of a storm on the prairie, very popular, by J. T. Trowbridge. Mrs. McWilliams and the Lightning, humorous, by Mark Twain. A Christmas Carol, a magnificent poem ; parts to be chanted, by Father Ryan. The Song of Steam, good for teaching. Setting a Hen, German Dialect, some- times known as Sockery Setting a Hen. The Everlasting Memorial, good for Sund.iy-school entertainments, by Ho- ratius Bonar. Scene from Leah, the Forsaken, gen- erally known as the Curse Scene. Grandma Al' as Does, child characteri- zation. Nebuchadnezzer, Negro Dialect. The Temperance Question, an excellent temperance piece, by Wendell Phil- lips. Better in the Morning, very pathetic. Philosophy of Laughter, a laughing piece. Bay Billy, an incident of the Civil War, good for Decoration Day. The King's Missive, 1661. a stoi-y of colonial times, bv John G. Whittier. Blue Sky Somewhere, pathetic. Coney Island Down der Pay, German Dialect, bv Henrv Firth Wood. The Sioux Chief's Daughter, very dra- matic and exceedingly popular, by Joaquin Miller. The Bald-Headed Man, very funny, in- troducing an inquisitive child. An International Episode, an encore. The Arrow and the Song, also a pleas- ing encore piece, by Henr\' W. Long- fellow. Rest, good for Sunday-schools, by George MacDonald. Carl, dramatic. Enoch Arden, an extract from the popu- lar poem of that name. b>- Tennyson. The Character of Washington, for Washington's Birthday. A Practical Young Woman, humorous. Over the Hill from the Poorhouse, a se- quel to Over the Hill to the Poor- house, by W^ill Carleton. Peace in God, for Sunday-schools, by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Beecher on Eggs, humorous. A Tale of the Yorkshire Coast, a pa- thetic selection in Yorkshire Dialect. An American Specimen, humorous, by Mark Twain. Little Feet, pathetic. An Order for a Picture, a ver>' accept- able pathetic selection, always popu- lar. How * * Ruby ' ' Played, a very humor- ous piece, giving a countryman's de- scription of the playing of Rubenstein. Reply to Hayne, oratorical and good for teaching, by Daniel Webster. The First Quarrel, dramatic and pa' thetic, by Tennyson. Vashti, very popular, by Julia C. R Dorr. Her Letter, a stor\' of early California, Ecene in Poverty Flat, by Bret Harte. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 9 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice=President of The NationaLSchool of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents The following are some of the most popular pieces in this number: Mrs. Walker's Betsy, astpryof humble life told in graphic language. Bertha in the Lane, pleasing pathos, exemplifying a sister's sacrifice, by Mrs. Browning. Mrs. Ward's Visit to the Prince, supe- rior Yankee Dialect. Selling the Farm, a pathetic story of farm life. The White Squall, humorous, by Wil- liam M. Thackeray. Brier-Rose, a thrilling Norwegian story, ver>'- popular, by Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen. A Christmas Ballad, a pathetic Christ- mas story. The National Ensign, a patriotic decla- mation. Horatius at the Bridge, heroic, very popular, by T. B. Macaulay. Lookout Mountain, German Dialect. The Child on the Judgment Seat, moral and spiritual, good for Sunday- schools. The Sailing of King Olaf , beautiful sen- timent, excellent for vocal culture. The Palace of the King, Scotch Dialect. The Aged Stranger ; or, I Was With Grant, humorous incident of the Civil War, by Bret Harte. Baby's Visitor, encore. Mine Vamily , German Dialect, by Charles Follen Adams. The Ideal, encore. Rover's Petition, good child's piece, by James T. Fields Pwize Spwing Poem, a dude's poem. Potency of English Words, oratorical, excellent literature, good for teach- ing, by John S. Macintosh, D. D. Thoughts for a New Year, for New Year's. Master Johnny's Next-Door Neighbor, boy characterization, by Bret Harte. William Goetz, humorous. Connor, very pathetic and exceedingly popular. The Song of the Camp, introduces the song of Annie Laurie, by Bayard Tay- lor. Tribute to Washington, for Washing- ton's Birthday. St. George and the Dragon, dramatic. The Yorkshire Cobbler, good for temper- ance occasions, Yorkshire Dialect. Sam's Letter, and extract from Our American Cousin, a humorous imper- sonation of an English lord. Unnoticed and Unhonored Heroes, ora- torical. School Begins To-day, appropriate for the opening of schools. The Truth of Truths, excellent litera- ture, good for teaching, by Ruskin. Terpsichore in the Flat Creek Quarters, describes a dance among the Negroes, Darkey Dialect. The Widow and Her Son, beautiful and pathetic, by Washington Irving. Awfully Lovely Philosophy, characteri- zation of a gushing aestjietic young girl. Last Prayer of Mary, Queen of Scots, pathetic, the last hours of Queen Mary. The First Party, humorous, child char- acterization. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. !0 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice-President of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 Pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents Special mention may be made of the following, wiiich are some of the fcest pieces in this number : Eulogy on Garfield, eulogistic of the life and death of President Garfield, by Hon. James G. Blaine. The PhantoTi Ship, a tale of a slave ship, byCelia Thaxter. Despair, dramatic, by Tennyson, Washington Hawkins Dines With Col. Sellers, humorous, by Twain and Warner. Drifting, a pleasing and always popular poem, by Thomas Buchanan Read. The Law of Death, patnetic, by Edwin Arnold. Tilghman's Ride, how he brought the news from Yorktown to Philadelphia. A Frenchman on Marheth, French char- acterization. The Lost Found, pathetic, being an ex- tract from Evangeline, by Kenry W. Longfellow. Dick Johnson's Picture, an interesting temperance story. Theology in the Quarters, Negro Dia- lect. The Death of Roland, heroic, the inci- dent is that of a battle between the Christians and Saracens. To the Survivors of the Battle of Bun- ker Hill, patriotic and oratorical, also good forteaching, by Daniel Webster. The Shriving of Guinevere, a fine dra- matic recitation, by Dr. S. Weir Mitchell. A Reminiscence of Exhibition Day, hu- morous, by R. J. Burdette. The Blind Lamb, a pleasing child's reci- tation, b\»Celia Thaxter. The Old Year and the New, for New Year's, by Eben E. Rex ford. Little Rocket's Christmas, a pleasing Christmas story, by Vandyke Brown. Larrie O'Dee, Irish Dialect. The Schoolmaster Beaten, dramatic. excellent for characterization. An extract from Nicholas Nickleby, by Charles Dickens. Dot Baby off Mine, German Dialect, by Charles Pollen Adams. Caught in the Quicksand, dramatic, ex- cellent piece for teaching, by Victor Hugo. Nay, I'll StayWith the Lad, dramatic. Little Dora's Soliloquy, child charac- terization. Rev. Gabe Tucker's Remarks, Negro Dialect. The Irrepressible Boy, introduces an in- quisitive boy. Herve Riel, a fine dramatic recitation, by Robert Browning. Jamie, dramatic and pathetic, very popular. Armageddon, the war cry of the future, by Edwin Arnold. Tammy's Prize, Scotch Dialect. New England's Chevy Chase, patriotic, by Edward Everett Hale. A Railway Matinee, very funny, excel- lent opportunities for various imper- sonations, by R. J. Burdette. Mick Tandy's Revenge, pathetic, but with a pleasing ending. The Sky, excellent literature, a beauti- ful description, good for teaching, by Ruskin. Balaklava, a dramatic incident in the war of Russia. Chickamauga, patriotic, good for Deco- ration Day. The Wayside Inn, pathetic, by Adelaide' A. Procter. The True Story of Little Boy Blue, a pleasing child's piece. Rizpah, the familiar Bible story in blank verse, dramatic and pathetic, parts to be sung. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 11 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice-President of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents This has always been one of the most popular numbers of the series. Among the many pleasing selections in this number may be mentioned the following- : Apostrophe to the Ocean, excellent for vocal tiaiiiin>j, by Byron. An Arctic Aurora, an interesting de- scription of the Northland. The Bobolink, affords opportunities for the incroduction of bird tones. Catching the Colt, a good recitation for young folks. The Child Martyr, an excellent child's piece. The Clown's Baby, a pleasing incident of life in a mining camp. The Convict's Soliloquy the Night Be- fore Execution, exceedingly dramatic and pathetic. Death of Little Dombey, pathetic, ex- tract from Dombey and Son, by Charles Dickens. The Dutchman's Snake, very amusing. Echo and the Ferry, a beautiful descrip- tion, good piece for impersonation, by Jean Ingelow. Flash, the Fireman's Story, an amus- ing incident of a miiknian's horse that had served its time in the lire depart- ment, by Will Carleton. The Foxes' Tails; or, Sandy Macdon- ald's Signal. This is one of the most deservingiy popular humorous pieces in print, and is given with marked success by the best readers. The Freckled-Faced Girl, humorous characterization of a pert young girl. The Front Gate, humorous. The Froward Duster, very amusing, by R.J. Burdette. Garfield at the Wheel, patriotic. The Grandmother's Apology, old lady characteri;:ation, by Tennyson. Her Name, child characterization. Jerry, introducing the impersonation of a newsboy, very popular. The Lisping Lover, encore. Little Gottlieb's Christmas, a pleasing Christmas story of Germany. Mice at Play, humorous, opportunities for a number of characterizations. Modern Facilities for Evangelizing the World, oratorical, by Henry Ward Beecher. Mona's Waters, highly dramatic. The New Slate, child characterization. Nicodemus Dodge, humorous, by Mark Twain. No Kiss, encore. The Old Year and the New, for New Year's, by Josephine Pollard. One Flower for Nelly, pathetic Easter piece, by Rose Hartwick Thorpe. The Prospects of the Republic, oratori- cal, by Edward Everett. Queen Vashti's Lament, dramatic and pathetic. Rock Me to Sleep, pathetic. Romance of a Hammock, very- clever humor. The Shadow of Doom, dramatic recital, by Celia Thaxter. Song of the Mystic, a beautiful moral and religious poem, by Father Ryan. Sunday Fishin ' , Negro Dialect. Supposed Speech of John Adams on the Declaration of Independence, patri- otic, by Daniel Webster. A Telephonic Conversation, humorous, by Mark Twain, This Side and That, encore, by George MacDonald. Thora, a Norwegian story, ven' popu- lar, by Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen. Ticket 0' Leave, dramatic, by George R. Sims. Where's Annette? dramatic. The Wonders of Genealogy, humorous, Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 12 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice°Pressdent of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 Pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents Special mention may be made of the following superior selections : Aunty Doleful's Visit, the incident is that of an old lady trying to cheer a sick niece by telling her all sorts of distressing news, by Mary Kyle Dal- las. Aux Italiens, an exceedingly popular selection, parts may be sung, by Rob- ert Bulwer Lytton. The Ballad of Cassandra Brown, a tra- vestie on someof the modern lorms of exaggerated elocution. The Battle-Flag of Shenandoah, a pa- triotic poem pertaining to the Civil War, by Joaquin Miller. The Bells, a superior selection forvocal culture, by Edgar A. Poe. Bells Across the Snow, a pleasing Christmas poem, by Frances Ridley Havergal. The Bishop's Visit, a good child's reci- tation, by Emily Huntingdon Miller. The Blind Poet's Wife, a pleasing nar- rative and an excellent recitation, by Edwin Coller. The Book Canvasser, hum.orous, by Max Adler. A Brother's Tribute, a strong heroic and pathetic selection, good for G. A. R. occasions. The Country School, humorous. Earnest Views of Life, an instructive declamation, by Austin Phelps, D. D. An Eastertide Deliverance, A. D. 430, good for Easter occasions. The Engineer's Making Love, humor- ous, by Robert J. Burdette. The Fall of Pemberton Mill, one of the most pathetic, dramatic, and generally effective recitations in print, contains singing parts, is exceedingly popular, by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. A Fly's Cogitations, a humorous de- scription of a fly's meditations during its progress over the scalp of a bald- headed man. Good-bye, a good encore piece, illustrat- ing how women say good-bye to each other. The Grace of Fidelity, a good Sunday- school selection. How Girls Study, humorous, good op- portunities for impersonation of dif- ferent girl characters. How the Gospel Came to Jim Oaks, pa- thetic, a story of a mining camp. Interviewing Mrs. Pratt, an amusing experience of a reporter attempting to interview the wives of a Mormon. Jesus, Lovor of My Soul, a very pleas- ing selection, parts to be sung, by Eu- gene J. Hall. Jimmy Brown's Steam Chair, very amusing. Lasca, dramatic and pathetic, scene in Texas on a cattle ranch, exceedingly popular. The Legend of the Beautiful, a strong spiritual piece, by Henry \V. Longfel- low. Lincoln's Last Dream, a pathetic poem, good for recitation, by Hezekiah But- ter worth. The Maister an' the Bairns, Scotch Dialect. Mine Schildhood, German Dialect, by Charles Follen Adams. The Newsboy's Debt, a pathetic poem, by Helen Hunt Jackson. Over the Orchard Fence, old farmer characterization. Poor House Nan, pathetic, bv Lucv H. Blinn. Popular Science Catechism, humor- ous. Receiving Calls, humorous ; extracts from the diarv of a minister's wite. Santa Claus in the Mines, a popular Christmas story of a miniiig camp. The Serenade, a good encore piece. She Cut His Hair, humorous, by the Danbury News Man. The Skeleton's Story, a fine dramatic description — prairie scene. A Story of Chinese Love, a good encore piece. Teddy McGuire and Paddy O'Flynn, Irish Dialect. Temperance, a strong address on that subiect by the Rt Rev. John Ireland. ATer'ble 'Sperience, Negro Dialect, by Rev. Plato Johnson. Total Annihilation, a good encore piece, sometimes known as "There aint goin' to be no core." Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 13 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice=President of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents This issue has also been one of the popular numbers of the series. Among some of the good pieces which it contains are the following : Civil War and is a very thrilling and dramatic selection ; exceedingly popu- lar, by George W. Cable. Memorial Day, appropriate for Decora- tion Day. A Methodist Class Meeting, humorous and pathetic, Yorkshire Dialect. Mine Shildren, German Dialect, by Charles Follen Adams. Mother and Poet, dramatic and pa- thetic, very popular, by Mrs. Brovvn- The Abbess's Story, a dramatic de- scription, by Henry W. \Longfello\v. After-Dinner Speech by a Frenchman, good French impersonation. The Ancient Miner's Story, pathetic, by Will Carleton. Aristarchus Studies Elocution, a trav- esiie on some kinds of modern elo- cution. At Last, a beautiful spiritual poem, by John G. Whittier. Aunt Polly's George Washington, Ne- gro Dialect. Banford's Burglar Alarm, exceedingly amusing and very popular. Canada, a pleasing tribute to ourneigh- bors across the border. The Chase, very dramatic, by Walter Scott. A Child's Dream of a Star, very pa- thetic, by Charles Dickens. The Chopper's Child, a good child's piece, by Alice Carey. The Cloud, a beautiful description and a good teaching piece. Ego et Echo, good encore piece, afford- ing excellent opportunities for dis- playing the voice, bv John G. Saxe. The Humblest of the Earth Children, fine descriptive piece, good for teach- ing, bv Ruskin, In the Signal Box, a Station-master's Story, exceedingly pathetic but with a pleasing ending, by Geo. R. Sims. Jehoshaphat's Deliverance, good for Sundav-schools. The Little Quaker Sinner, a good girl's piece. Lead the Way, a fine declamation, by Lvman Abbott. The Legend of the Organ Builder, apa- thetic description and a very popular piece, by Julia C. R. Dorr, Let the Angels Ring the Bells, a pleas- ing Christmas poe!u. Lord Dundreary in the Country, a very taking extract from " Our American Cousin," impersonation of an Eng- lish lord. Mary's Night Ride, an extract from ** Dr. Sevier." It is an incident of the A New Cure for Rheumatism, the treat- ment is the*%plication of bees to the afflicted parts, ver\- popular, by Rob- ert J. Burdette. The New Year, or Which Way, appro- priate for New Year's, bv Lvman Ab- bott. The Old Continentals, a pleasing tribute to the soldiers of colonial times. The Old Man Goes to Town, excellent opportunity for old-man characteriza- tion. On the Stairway, encore. Out to Old Aunt Mary's, one of the popular poems of the author, James Whitcomb Riley. Our Relations to' England, oratorical and a good teaching piece, by Edward Everett. Regulus to theCarthagenians, familiar to all, but still a most acceptable decla- mation, by E. Kellogg. A Rhymlet, encore. Song of the American Eagle, a good patriotic poem. The Spring Poet, humorous. The Two Stammerers, the incident is that of two persoriS who claim to have been cured of stammering, but it is a question which is the worse stammer- er of the two, very amusing and popular. TheV-a-s-e, illustration of the differ- ent pronunciations of the word in different localities, humorous and a good encore piece. The Yosemite, a sublime description of the far-famed California Valley. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 14 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice-President of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents The following are among the popular selections in this number : Ballad of the Wicked Nephew, a good humorous piece, by James T. Fields. Battle of Morgarten, heroic, the inci- dent is that of a battle between the Swiss and Austrians, by Mrs. He- mans. Be a Woman, a beautiful and popular poem, by Dr. Edward Brooks, A, M. Bill and Joe, a pleasing and clever hu- morous selection, by Oliver Wendell Holmes. BrudderYerkes's Sermon, Negro Dia- lect. The Cow and the Bishop, a capital hu- morous selection containing excellent opportunities for impersonation. A Culprit, humorous, by Margaret Van- degrift. Daniel Gray, a beautiful description, by J. G. Holland. The Day is Done, the ever-pleasing and popular poem, by Longfellow. The Death of Steefforth, an exceeding- ly dramatic extract from David Cop- perfield^ by Charles Dickens. Destiny of America, oratorical. Domestic Economy, humorous, by the Danbury News nian. The Drummer Boy of Mission Ridge, excellent for G. A. R. occasions. The Finding of the Cross, a good mis- sionary piece. Going for the Cows, a description of country life, introducing various calls, by Eugene J. Hall. The Great Issue, oratorical, good for teaching, by Edward Everett. Jimmy Brown's Sister's Wedding, very funny. June, the well-known poem, by James Russell Lowell. Jupiter and Ten, encore, by James T. Fields. King Harold's Speech to His Army Be- fore the Battle of Hastings, heroic, by Buhver Lytton. The Lady Judith's Vision, a pleasing Christmas poem. The Last Charge of Ney, oratorical. The Life-Boat, pathetic, but with a pleasing ending, by (tco. R. Sims. Military Supremacy Dangerous to Lib- erty, oratorical, good for teaching, by Henrv Clav. The Miseries of War, also oratorical and good for teaching, by Chalmers. Money Musk, description of a negro dance, . excellent opportunities for characterization, very popular. A Mother's Portrait, 'a very pathetic poem, familiar but always acceptable, bv Cowper. Mr. Winkle Puts On Skates, humor- ous, by Charles Dickens. Nearer Home, a beautiful spiritual poem, by Phcebe Cary. The Night Watch, very dramatic, by Francois Coppee. Pockets, a strong descriptive piece, by Julian Hawthorne. The Puritan, a tribute to our fore- fathers, by George William Curtis. The Romance of the Swan's Nest, a beautiful description, by Mrs. Brown- ing. A Second Trial, how a boy almost failed in his commencement oration, but was saved by his sister from do- ing so ; verv popular, by Sara Winter Kellogg. The Ship of State, patriotic, an excel- lent declamation. Sister Agatha's Ghost, humorous, Yorkshire Dialect. The Soldiers' Home, Washington, for G. A. R. occasions, by Joaquin Miller. The Sweetest Picture, a most accept- able pathetic poem, bv Alice Carv. A Tear of Repentance,' a beautiful de- scription, by Thomas Moore. The Tender Heart, encore, by Helen Gray Cone. Thoughts for the New Year, for New Year's. Three Leaves from a Boy's Diary, humorous. The Twenty-second of February, for Washington's Birthday, by William Cullen Brvant. The Victor of Marengo, excellent decla- mation, good for teaching. The Widow Cummiskey, "clever Irish wit. Ulysses, a pleasing description, good for teaching, by Tennyson. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 15 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice-President of The National Scliooi of Elocution and Oratory 200 Pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents For Recitals this is one of the best numbers in the series. The following may be mentioned as among the popular pieces : America, a patriotic poe^m. The Bachelors, excellent humor. 'The Bartholdi Statue, an eloquent tribute to the Goddess of Liberty, by Julian Hawthorne. Beautiful Hands, pieasing sentiment. Becalmed, very dramatic. Childhood Scenes, a beautiful descrip- tion. Christmas Guests, a good Christmas story. The City of Is, a fanciful poem. Commerce, a strong declamatory selec- tion, good for teaching, by Edward Everett. A Concord Love Song, encore. David's Lament for Absalom, pathetic and popular, excellent for teaching, by N. P. Willis. The Death of Jezebel, very dramatic. Der Oak und der Vine, German Dialect, very popular, by Charles Pollen Adams. The Fading Leaf, a beautiful descrip- tion, by Gail Hamilton. Fall In ! i85o, an incident in the forma- tion of the Southern Army ; an excel- lent piece for characterization, by George \V. Cable. Flag of the Rainbow, patriotic, by Thomas Dunn English. The Golden Bridge, humorous. Grant's Place in History, an histori- cal description. The Gray Champion, a fine teaching piece, embodying the spirit of Ameri- can freedom, by Nathaniel Haw- thorne. Guessing Nationalities, humorous, good piece for characterization, by Mark Twain. In the Children's Hospital, pathetic, by Tennyson. Ireland to be Ruled by Irishmen, Irish patriotism, good for declamation, by William E. Gladstone. Jem's Last Ride, pathetic. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, ex- tract from 'Guinevere": a beautiful recitation, by Tennyson. The Kiss Deferred, a pleasing pathetic poem, very popular. La Tour d'Auvergne, heroic. Little Christel, a child's piece. Little Foxes, an instructive selection, by R. J. Burdette. Little Mafd v^ith Lovers Twain, hu- morous. Manhood, a stirring declamation, by George K. Morris, D. D. Mr. Beecher and the Waifs, a pleasing incident that occurred in his own church. Mrs. Picket's Missionary Box, good for missionary occasions. Music in Camp, frequently known as " Music on the Rappahannock," parts to be sung, very popular. An Old Roundsman's Story, for Christ- mas, by Margaret Eytinge. Our Choir, encore. Our First Experience with a Watch Dog, an extract from " Ruddtr Grange," very amusing and popular, bv Frank R. Stockton. A Perfectly, Awfully, Lovely Story, an aesthetic exaggeration. The Price of a Drink, good for temper- ance occasions, bv Josephine Pollard. She Wanted to Hear it Again, encore. Speech Against the Stamp Act, ora- torical, and a good teaching piece, by James Otis. A Song for the Conquered, a stirring patriotic poem. A Story of an Apple, a good recitation for a boy, b\- S\dnev Dver. A Strange Experience, 'a good girl's piece, bv Josephine Pollard. The Three Kings, a good descriptive poem. b\- Henrv W. Lonijfellow. A Tragedy on Past Participles, humor- ous. The Two Runaways, Negro Dialect, humorous, very popular, by H. S. Edwaids. Watch Night, for New Year's, by Horatius PJonner. The World We Live In, one of the au- thor's characteristic graphic descrip- tions, by T. De Witt Talmage. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 16 Compiled by Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Vice=President of The NationaS School of Elocution and Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents This issue has always been one of the popular numbers of the series. Special mention may be made of the following excellent selections : The Angel and the Shepherds, a de- scription of the birth of Christ, being an extract from " Ben Hur" ; can be accompanied with musical interludes, by Lew Wallace. Back from the War, a graphic descrip- tion ; good for G. A. R. occasions, by T. DeAVitt Talmage. The Battle Hymn, oratorical and good for teaching. Calls, a minister's somewhat curious boy endeavors to get an explanation of ministeria' calls , vers' funny. The Chariot Race, a fine description and a strong dramatic selection ; one of the most popular pieces ever writ- ten, an extract from "Ben Hur," by Lew Wallace. The Christening, an amusing incident of how a child was misnamed in the christening. The Curse to Labor, a strong appeal for temperance among the laboring classes, by T. V. Powderly. The Day of Judgment, an amusing in- cident of two children who thought the world had come to an end, by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. Decoration Day, a beautiful patriotic poem, b\- Wallace Bruce. The Elf Child, sometimes known as " The Gobble-uns'll Git Vou," by James Whitcomb Riley. The First View of the Heavens, a beautiful description. Fraudulent Party Outcries, oratorical and a good teaching piece, by Daniel Webster. How the Celebrated MiltiadesPeterkin Paul Got the Better of Santa Claus, a very amusing Christmas story. An Invitation to the Zoological Gar- dens, a very funny stuttering piece. The Jefful, affords good opportunities for baby talk and cries, by John Hab- berton. Jimmy Hoy, a capital Irish Dialect prose selection, by Samuel Lo\'er. I^ily Servoss's Ride, a fine dramatic se- lection. The incident takes place at the close of the W^ar during the rav- , ages of the Ku-Klux, by Judge Tour- gee. The Message of the Dove, a dramatic Easter poem, bv E. Nesbit. The Mourner a la Mode, a satirical poem on the mourning custom as observed in fasliionable circles, by John G. Saxe. The New South, a graphic description of the present condition of the South, by Henry W. Grady. An Old Sweetheart of Mine, a very popu- lar poem, by James Whitcomb Riley. A Pin, clever humor, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, The Portrait, very dramatic and ex- ceedingly popular, by Lord Lytton. Praying for Shoes, pathetic, by Paul Hamilton Havne. . Song of the Mountaineers, a patriotic poem, by T. Buchanan Read. The Tell-Tale Heart, a murderer's con- fession, exceedingly dramatic, by Ed- gar Allen Poe. That Waltz of Von V7eber, a beautiful rhythmical poem, by Nora Perr\-. The Thanksgiving in'Boston Harbor, a splendid Thanksgi\ing piece, by He- zekiah Butterworth. Topsey's First Lesson, an extract from " Uncle Tom's Cabin," vers funny and affording excellent opportunities for - characterization, by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Toussaint L' Ouverture, oratorical, by Wendell Phillips. The Tv/O Pictures, the story of a beau- tiful child, who when grown to man- hood was found in a felon's cell. The Uncle, a man had murdered his brother and in attempting to tell the story to his nephew reveals his iden- titv, intensely dramatic, by H. G. Bell. Water and Rum, one of the author's most stirring appeals for temperance, by John B. Gough. Wisdom Dearly Purchased, excellent declamation, by Edmund Burke. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 17 Compiled by Mrs. J, W. SHOEMAKER Vice-President of The National School of Elocution and Oratory 200 Pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents This is also one of the good numbers of the series, by some consid- ered one of the best Among the many good pieces may be mentioned the following: Alexander's Feast ; or, the Power of Music, a beautiful rhythmical poem, popular as a recitation and good for teaching, bv Dryden. Army of the Potomac, an excellent poem, for G. A. R. occasions, by Joa- quin Miller. The Army of the Potomac, a splendid prose selection, also good forG. A. R. occasior.s, by Chauncey M. Depew. Aunt Melissy onBoys, Yankee Dialect, very amusing throughout, the particu- lar incident being that of turkeys be- coming intoxicated by eating corn soaked in rum, by J. T. Trowbridge. Aunt Sylvia's First Lesson in Geogra- phy, Negro Dialect, an old Negro woman's hrst attempt at the study of geography. Colloquial Powers of Dr. Franklin, a strong descriptive piece, good for teaching. Dead on the Field of Honor, a good dec- lamation. Easter Morning, an Easter-tide oration, by Henry Ward Beecher. The First' Thanksgiving, a beautiful poem for Thanksgiving occasions, by Hezekiah Butterworth. The Garfield Statue, an eloquent trib- ute to the martyred President, by Hon. Grover Cleveland. The Heavenly Guest, a spiritual poem, translated from the Russian of Count Tolstoi, by Celia Thaxter. How We Fought the Fire, an amusing poem, descriptive of afire in a country village, bv Will Carleton. Inge, the Boy King, an excellent dra- matic selection. Norwegian scene, by Hjalmar Hiorth Boyesen. Jimmy Brown 'sPronipt Obedience, hu- morous. Labor, a prose declamation, bv Thomas Carlyle. The Land of Thus and So, a fanciful poem, by James Whitcomb Rile\-. The Legend of Rabbi Ben Levi, a'beau- tiful and instructive poem, by Henry W. Longfellow. Lexington, a patriotic poem pertaining to Revolutionary times, by Oliver Wendell Holmes. The Little Match Girl, a pathetic Christ- mas story, by Hans Christian Ander- sen. Lord Dundreary's Riddles, a popular extract from " Our American Cousin," impersonation of an English lord. Lost, an excellent dramatic piece, good for temperance occasions, by L. M. Cunard. Love of Country, patriotic and a good teaching piece, by Newton Booth. The Low-Backed Car, very popular Irish Dialect poem, humorous, by- Samuel Lover. The Minuet, a pleasing poem, introduc- ing the minuet step. The Monk's Magnificat, a very popu- lar poem in which a chant is effec- tivelv introduced, by E. Nesbit. Mr. Brown Has His Hair Cut, a very amusing prose selection. The Poor and the Rich, a fine moral and instructive poem, b}- James Rus- sell Lowell. The Ride of Collins Graves, a thrilling description of the bursting of a dam, by John Boyle O'Reilly. Rome and Carthage, a strong dramatic declamation, bv Victor Huso. The Rustic Bridal ; or, the^ Blind Girl of Castle Cuilie, a beautiful descrip- tive poem, affording opportunities for impersonations, b\- Henry W. Long- fellow. Sent Back by the Angels, pathetic and a verv popular selection. The Silver Plate, the incident is that of a child offering itself as a contribu- tion to a missionary collection, by IMargaret J. Preston. TookNodice, German Dialect. The Usual Way, very clever humor. The Vow of Washington, eulogistic or' the work of Washington^ by John G. Whitiier. What is a Minority? a fine oratorical selection, by John B. Gough. A Wild Night at Sea, a strong dramatic description, by Charles Dickens. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 18 Compiled by SiLAS S. NEFF President of The Neff College of Oratory 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents Special attention is directed to tiie the large list found in tiiis number: Absolution, a popular poem, dramatic and pathetic, by E. Nesbit. After the Wedding, a very effective pa- thetic poem by \Vm. L. Keese. Appeal for Temperance, an eloquent ad- dress on tlie subject of temperance, by Henry W. Gradv. The Auctioneer's Gift, a pleasing pa- thetic poem, by S. N. Foss. Ballot Reform,' oratorical, by Hon. Grover Cleveland. A Bad Boy's Diary, humorous, boy characterization. The Blind Man's Testimony, a good Sundav-school piece. The Captain's Well, one of the latest poems ot John G. Whittier. Charity Grinder and the Postmaster General, a popular humorous selec- tion, affording excellent opportunities for characterization, by Mary Kyle Dallas. Daniel Periton's Ride, a thrilling inci- dent of the great Johnstown flood, by Judge Tourgee. The Defense of the Bride, a popular dramatic poem, by Anna Katherine Green. The Death Bridge of the Tay, pathetic, but with a pleasing ending and very popular, bv Will Carleton. The Drunkard's Daughter, a pathetic temperance selection, by Eugene J. .Hall. GetsDhere, German Dialect, by Charles F'ollen Adams. The Good, an instructive selection, by J. Bovle O'Reilly. The Grand Old Day, a Thanksgiving Doem, by Will Carleton. The Home in the Government, oratori- cal, by Henry \V. Grady. Imph-ni, a very popular bit of Scotch Dialect. John of Mt. Sinai, a good Sunday- school selection, by \. L. Frisbie. Little Charlie's Christmas, a pathetic Christmas story. Th^ Man in the Moon, a quaint humor- ous poem, by James Whitcomb Riley. Naming the Baby, humorous. following good pieces selected from Nathan Hale, the Martyr Spy, a dra- matic incident of the Revolutionary War, bv I. H. Brown New Year's Hymn, good for New Year's occasions, by Frances Ridley Havergal. A New Series of Census Questions, ver}- amusing. Noses, a boy's composition, humorous, by Henrv Firth \\ ood 0' Grady's Goat, Irish Dialect. Opportunities of the Scholar, a strong appeal to students to n-ake the best of their opportunities, by Henry W. Grady. A Packet of Letters, a very clever hu- morous poem, by Oliver Herford. The Pilgrims, ari eloquent tribute to our forefathers, by Chauncey M. De- pew. A Relenting Mob, dramatic, by Lucy H. Hooper. She Washed for Him, humorous. She Liked Him Rale Weel, a pleasing bit of Scotch Dialect. Squarest Un Among 'Fm, pathetic. St. Martin and the Beggar, good for Sunday-schools, by Margaret E. Sangsler. Taste, an excellent encore poem, by James XMiitcomb Rilev. Through the Dark Forest, a description of one of Stanley's experiences in his march througli Africa. Tobe's Monunient, a very popular pa- thetic selection, excellent opportuni- ties for characterization. To a Water Fowl, a good teaching poem, bv William Cullen Brvant. Two Christmas Eves, a path'etic and dramatic i-oem, by K. Nesbit. The Volunteer Organist, pathetic and verv popular, by S. N. Foss. Was i to Blame, a very cle\er humor- ous ]')oem. Wanted to See His Old Home Again, encore, Negro Dialect. The Whistling Regiment, describing an incident of the Civil War, introduc- ing the song of "Annie Laurie," very popular, by James Clarence Harvey. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 19 Compiled by Mrs. ANNA RANDALL DiEHL the weli=known Author and Teacher of Elocution, New York City 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cenis From the large list of good pieces directed to the following : Address to the Toothache, humorous, I Scotch Dialect, by Robert Burns. Amateur Photography, humorous, by Nathan Hasktil Dole. An American Exile, dramatic, by I. H. Brown. Ballad of the Wayfarer, pathetic, by Robert Buchanan. Beware, the ahvays popular poem, good for encore, by Henry W. Longfellow. Bridget O'Flanniigan, an Irish Dialect selection, being a discussion on Chris- tian science and cockroaches. Camping and Campers, a pleasing de- scription, by the celebrated word painter "Adirondack " Murray. Courting in Kentucky, characterization of Southern mountaineers. Daddy Benson and the Fairies, pa- thetic, good piece for impersonation. A Dinner Discussion, a humorous inci- dent of carving a can.vas-back duck. Divided, a beautiful and pathetic de- scriptive poem, by Jean Ingelow. A Dream of Fair Women, an extract from the celebrated poem by Tenny- son. The Drop of Water, a very dramatic poem, describing a death caused by the continuous dropping of water. The Dumb Savior, an excellent selec- tion for use at meetings of Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Gettin' On, an old-man characteriza- tion. Her Laugh— in Four Fits, a good en- core piece. The Horse Auctioneer, an amusing in- cident of how a horse auctioneer at- tempted to sell a piano. How Uncle Podger Hung a Picture, a capital reading, very amusing, by Je- rome K. Jerome. In de Mornin' , Negro Dialect, by Lizzie York Case. •In Swanage Bay, a dramatic descrip- tion, by Dinah Mulock Craik. Is It Worth While, an instructive poem, by Toaquin Miller. Jim Arizona, 1885, a dramatic incident of stage-life in Arii^ona. The King's Daughter, a humorous in this number special attention is poem, splendid for King's Daughters' entertainments. The Lady of Shalott, a pleasing poem, popular with the best readers, by Tennvson. Lecture by the New Male Star, how a woman reporter wrolt up an account of a lecture, humorous. Looking for Bargains, humorous, af- fording opportunities for impersona- tion. Love and Latin, good encore. Midnight in London, a graphic descrip- tion of the great cit>" by gas-light. Muckie-Mouth Meg, a popular poem, by Robert Browning. Oh! the Golden Glowing Morning, a good Easter poem. A Queer Boy, humorors. Reuben James, a patriotic story of the navy. Ride, a dramatic poem, the incident is a fire scene. Sermons, instructive and excellent lit- erature, bv John Ruskin. The Siege of the Alamo, the story of the Alamo in verse. The Summerset Folks, a good encore piece Swipesy's Christmas Dinner, a street gamin's Christmas. The Toboggan Slide, very amusing and affords opportunities for impersona- tion. The Tola of Mustard Seed, pathetic, by Ed\^■in Arnold. A Tragedj'- in the Sunshine, very dra- matic. Tray, describes the saving of a child's life by a faithful dog, by Robert Browning. A True Bostonian at Heaven's Gate, encore. Twilight at Nazareth, good for Sun- dav-schools, bv Joaquin Miller. The Veiled Statue at Sais, a fine nar- rative poem. The War-Horn of the Bikings, a beau, tiful specimen of prose poetry, bj William Morris. Yawcob's Dribulations, German Dia^ lect, by Charles Follen Adams. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 20 Compiled by Mrs. EDNA CHAFFEE NOBLE ^ Director of The Detroit Training School of Elocution 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents Special mention may be m.ade of the following pieces selected from the large number of excellent selections : The Fortunes of War, a pathetic story of the Civil War. The Survival of the Fittest, a medley. Their First Spat, a young couple's first disagreement. The Condensed Telegram, humorous. A Tale of Sweethearts, good for imper- sonation, by George R. Sims. The Obstructive Hat in the Pit, an ex- ceedingly good humorous selection, very popular. Dimple and Dumpling, affords good op- portunities for child characterization. The Doctor's Story, a pathetic prose selection, bv Bret Harte. For A' That'; or, Selling a Feller, a capital humorous prose selection, being an extract from the .well-known writings of Josiah Allen's Wife. Two, a pathetic poem. An Early Start, humorous. The Rivals, a fancifui poem on the co- quettish order. Wait On, a strong spiritual selection. He Worried About It, droll humor, by S. W. Fo5S. Riding on a Rail, description of some humorous incidents on a railway train, by Mary Kyle Dallas. Elopement in Seventy-five, a colonial romance. Getting Acquainted, encore. Millais's Huguenots, a pathetic story of the eve of St. Bartholomew's mas- sacre. Judy O'Shea Sees Hamlet, an Irish wo- man's description of the play. The Election of the Future, a humorous description of how voting will be con- ducted when women have the right of suffrage. Me and Jim J Western characterization. Naughty Kitty Clover, a good girl's piece. Boys Wanted, a good piece for boys. Bridget's Soliloquy, Irish Dialect, by Marv Kvle Dallas. Following the Advice of a Physician, humorous. Josiah, country courting, encore. A Casuality, pathetic. Theophilus Thistle ' s Thrusted Thumb, excellent for articulation exercises. A Day in the Woods, a pleasing de- scription, by R. J. Burdette. A Rajput Nurse, a very dramatic as well as pathetic poem, by Edwin Ar- nold. Song Without Music, a superior Negro Dialect selection. Parental Discipline, a humorous de- scription of an incorrigible bov. The Song of the Market Place, 'how a poor woman's prayer is answered through the great tenor, Mario. The Wedding, a pathetic story in the form of a colloquy, by Southey. Halbert and Hob, a strong dramatic recitation, by Robert Browning. Not in the Programme, a pathetic inci- dent 'm the life of an actress, by Ed- win Coller. A Poor Rule, encore. Aunt Phillis's Guest, a good Sunday- school selection. Mrs. Jones's Revenge, how she failed to get even with her husband for stay- ing out late. Uncle Noah's Ghost, humorous. The Festal Day Has Come, a patriotic poem by Hezekiah Butterworth. Popular Americans, French Dialect, affords opportunities for characteriza- tion. De Quincy's Deed, a dramatic poem. Billy, humorous, shows up the pranks of a mischievous. boy. Coaching the Rising Star, a travestie on how some modern elocutionists train their pupils. I Will Not Leave You Comfortless, pa- thetic. Little Busy Bees, how a popular young man was fleeced at a church fair. Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Eliza- beth, a humorous description of an interview between the two historical characters. Skimpsey, a pathetic story of a horse jockey. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 21 Compiled by AUSTIN H. MERRILL Instructor in Elocution at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. 200 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents ' This issue is characterized by the large number of humorous and en- core pieces that it contains, but there are to be found in it many othei excellent selections as well. Special mention may be made of the following : An Uncertain Pledge, efticore. An Old Vote for Young Marster, negro dialect, splendid piece for characteri- zalion. Child and Mother, a fanciful poem, by Eugene IHeld. Because, encore, Influence After .Death, a very good short declamation. Bill Smith, humorous, by Max Adler. A Little Bird Tells, a child's piece. Her Perfect Lover, encore. The Unexpected, encore. Thar Was Jim, good for impersonation. Overboard, a patlietic description of a man being washed o\-erboard at sea. St. Patrick's Day, Irish Dialect. When Should a Girl Marry ? encore. A Puzzle, encore, by Margaret Eytinge. Nobody Cares, a n'^asing little pathetic poem. The Old Canteen, a pathetic incident of two brothers who take different sides in the Civil War, by H. S. Edwards. True Courage in Life, a short declama- tion, good for teaching, by W. E. Channing. Woman's Career, clever humor. Memory, encore. Love of Country, didactic, by I. H. Brown. Sea Weed, a fanciful poem. A Game of Marbles, exceptional oppor- tunities for characterization. From the Window, pathetic. Wearyin' For You, pathetic, by F. L. Stanton. Worse Than Marriage, encore. How He Lost Her, encore. Two Opinions, a pathetic poem, by Eugene Field. Clive, very dramatic and exceedingly popular, by Robert Browning. Babies, a very amusing extract from "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," by Jerome K. Jerome. Recalled, pathetic, by Margaret J. Pres- ton. Rapoleon at the Pyramids, an excellent declamation, by George R. Graff. Lydia's Ride, an incident of the British occupation of Philadelphia. The Stranded Bugle, a beautiful de- scription Personal Influence, didactic. Contentment, the reflections of a lazy man, by Eva Wilder McGlasson. Billows and Shadows, a graphic prose description, strong moral, good for teaching, by Victor Hugo. The H' Anthem, encore. Two Gentlemen of Kentucky, affords excellent opportunities for cliaracleri- zation, bv fames Lane Allen. The Bridal of Malahide, pathetic. The Cry in the Darkness— The Senti- nel's Alarm, a dramatic incident of Indian fighting. How Did She Know, encore. The Revenge, an heroic poem, by Tenn\-son. Intimations of Immortality, didactic. What Else Could Ke Do, encore. That Sugar-Plum. Tree, a fanciful poem, by Eugene Field. The Benediction, a strong dramatic recitation, introduces a chant, by Francois Coppee. Winnie's Welcome, Irish Dialect. The Sabbath, good for Sunday-schools, by T. Frelinghuysen. An Italian's Views on the Labor Ques- tion, Italian dialect and characteri- zation. The Mysteries of Life, a good declama- tion, bv Chateaubriand. The Men of Gloucester, describes the rescue of men at sea, by Laura E. Richards. An Unregistered Record, humorous, negro dialect. Best Policy in Regard to Naturaliza- tion, a good instructive declamation. Crossing "the Bar, one of Tennyson's latest and most beautiful poems. De Candy Pull, negro dialect. A Sisterly Scheme, how a younger sister supplanted her older sister, interesting and amusing; very poyiular; given by the best readers, by H. C. Bunner. Cupid Swallowed, encore. Shoemaker's Best Selections No. 22 Compiled by Mrs. LORAINE iMMEN President of the Ladies* Literary C!ub, Grand Rapids, Michigan 200 Pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents ; Paper, 30 cents This issue is designed as a memorial number to J. W. Shoemaker, A. M., originator of this series. 1 he selections in the main are contributed by various prominent elocutionists throughout the country, which is sufficient guarantee of their excellence. Of the many superior pieces special mention may be made of the following : By the Alma, a poem of Scotch hero- ism, by James Dawson. The Deacon's Week, a splendid selec- tion for missionary occasions, by Rose Terry Cooke. Hilda's Little. Hood, a most acceptable recitation, by Hjalmer Hjorth Boye- sen. Rural Infelicity, a good h p. morons prose selection. A Gowk's Errant and What Cam' O't, excellent Scotch dialect. The Lost Puppy, humorous. The Fate of Sir John Franklin, a good piece for vocal culture. Little Black Phil, a patriotic incident of the Civil War, affording- opportuni- ties for characterization. Marguerite, a Decoration Day story. Mr. Pott's Story, humorous. The Old Wife, pathetic. Not Ashamed of Ridicule, a good declamation. My Vesper Song, pathetic, parts to be sung. Scallywag, a good piece for imperson- ation, by Caroline B. Le Row. Teaching a Sunday-School Class, humorous, a young lawyer's first experience in teaching a class of boys. Mr. Kris Kringle, a beautiful Christmas storv, being an extract from "Mr. Kris Kringle," by Dr. S. Weir Mitchell. The Land of Nod, a fanciful poem, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. The Mysterious Portrait, an amusing result attending the finding of a mir- ror in Japan. How Hezekiah Stole the Spoons, hu- morous. The Hunt, an inspirititig extract from " The Love Chase." A Big Enough Family, a child imper- sonation. Joan of Arc's Farewell, a thrilling declamation. The Soul of the Violin, a pathetic story of a musician's attachment to his vio- lin, a very popular recitation. My Double and How He Undid Me, humorous and very popular by Dr. Edward Everett Hale. Fall In, a thrilling poem for G. A. R. occasions. Leap Year Mishaps, affords good op- portunities for spinster characteriza- tion. • The Teacher's Diadem, a good Sun- day-school selection. Lyric of Action, an instructive decla- mation, by Paul Hamilton Hayne. The Traveler and the Temple of Knowledge, a pleasing extract from "Sliips That Pass in the Night," by Beatrice Harraden. Thanksgiving Day, a pathetic Thanks- giving story. On the Other Train, a veiy pathetic prose piece, exceedingly popular. Them Oxen, a great-grandmother's story, old woman characterization. Dot Dutchman In Der Moon, German dialect. Hagar, a dramatic description of the departure of Hagar to the Desert. An Easter with Parepa, a very accept- able Easter story. Jock Johnstone, the Tinkler, a capital Scotch dialect poem, very popular. His Sister, encore. Hilda, dramatic and pathetic. M^ M.\!;>~Tm.'-a;>'^' iJ^t^fei^^SIE^^SS .>flw: r -i ^^;^^ ^^t -1?- ^ w - ^^ -^^^ l!^'" ^ "^ K^^V ^ ^.^- -\;> ;n. -'^ f ,: ^p^'. y -^r--J^ .'.(3 m .'.•,»'^'> .':.;'.%-'.: ■.'*y.: