!ii.>>0'.^ H!?:;i^J }lliH''^;;iiM. 0<> . .^■:-^.J -^ 0' ^■ •V '^"%'\< . r-. /,c .V ''t,-. '%' ]li^ • % ,/ ''=^%^' .,<-■ Social Activities for Men and Boys SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR MEN AND BOYS ALBEKT M. CHESLEY w Young Men's Christian Association Washington, D. C. New York Young Men's Christian Association Press 1910 (^' (>■ Copyright, 1910, by The International Committee of Young Men's Christian Associations Address: V. M. C. A. Press 124 East 28th Street New York CCU27882o Contents Preface vii Introduction xiii Bibliography xiv Social Affairs 1 Receptions 1 Banquets and Dinners 31 For Non-members 35 Indoor Games and Stunts 41 Forfeits -67 Amateur Entertainments 69 Plays 94 Holidays 97 Departmental Specialties 115 Physical 115 Educational 123 Bible Study 131 Songs and Yells . 145 Association Clubs . 165 Camps and Outings 225 Indians and Scouts 261 Miscellaneous . . . . ■ 283 Alphabetical Index 293 Classified Index 298 Quotations from Amos R. Wells What is it to be social? It is to appreciate the meaning of life. It is to realize that we are set here in this world, not for houses, lands, gold, silks, praise, authority, fame, but for character. You may make a great stir about socials in your Association, but unless the warm heart of Christ is in them, your socials will be more like the water of Labrador than the water of life. Unless, to win men to the Master, you are willing at least to try to forget self, to lose self-consciousness in service, you cannot be social. Sociability does not consist in forms and trappings, but in the spirit. Forget yourself; remember Christ; seek to wm souls for him. The test of a social committee comes, not in the social, but the day after; not in the Sunday meeting to which you may have welcomed the stranger heartily, but on the street and in the cars Monday morning. Oh, we need to learn how to smile, — not on our lovers, our friends, the dear ones in our homes, — we know that already; but on the peevish, the cross, the sullen, the ugly. We need to learn how to talk, — not with the friendly, the well- informed, the responsive, — we know that already; but with the stupid, the rude, the uncultured and coarse. We need to learn how to shake hands, — not with soft hands, and white hands, and warm hands, and strong hands, — we know that already; but with soiled hands, and cold hands, and hard hands, and flabby hands. We do not pray half enough over our socials, either while we are planning them or while we are carrying them out. To converse requires sympathy more than anything else. True con- versation takes us out of ourselves, immensely widens our experiences, deepens our knowledge, and adds to our lives the lives of those we meet. Social — to save! To save from what? Well, from loneliness, for one thing. Social — to save from discontent. Social — to save from uselessness. Take the awkward boobies and transform them into wide-awake gentle- men. Develop latent talent and energies. Social — to save from gloom. Ah, who has greater need of our cheery brotherhood than the depressed young people, the discouraged, those whose tempers have become soured? Preface Spiritual sociability is a sure success. It is bounded by neither space nor time. In every man, in every place^ in every undertaking, it is splendidly supreme. — W. B. Abbott. In arranging the material for this book the writer has felt the above so strongly that it has been difficult to tell what to exclude. Everything seems to depend upon the social element. The educational department of the Young Men's Christian Association is not commonly supposed to be built around sociability. Impressions of concentra- tion, ''grind/' the knitted brow, etc., immediately asso- ciate themselves with the educational department or the institute. Yet one of the most successful depart- ments of education in the Young Men's Christian Associations of North America has been developed through the social spirit. Fellowship, comradery, en- thusiasm, and downright affection are so intermingled with drudgery that drudgery is swallowed up, obliter- ated, forgotten. Men and boys are drawn and held. They learn to love the men who teach, and later to love the Christ within the teacher. So everything is, or should be, social. This book is a collection of suggestions, aimed to make easier the great work of spreading Christ's joy among men. A great many games are contained herein. They are intended absolutely as a means to an end. It should be an established principle Avith all to use these activities to help build character. Several books have been written on principles of social work. We take pleasure in presenting some thoughts from these writers. The numerous quota- tions which are found at the tops of the pages through- out the book are intended not only to inspire social spirit, but may be used on programs, menus, or place- cards at banquets. In a little book called ''The Social Element," by the late Edwin F. See, general secretary of the Brooklyn Young Men's Christian Association, the writer lays down the following principal propositions : viii PREFACE First, As a sociological fact, we live as socii and not as indi- viduals. Second, As a religious fact, Christ came to influence and modify these social relationships. Third, The group spirit is in operation among young men outside and inside the Association, and some of our secre- taries are successfully availing themselves of it in the develop- ment of Association life. Fourth, This spirit may be employed in redeeming the Association from the institutionalism which has so largely taken possession of iit, and may lead to a real enjoyment of the Association by the membership. Fifth, Eating and drinking are necessary social agencies in the work of the Association. Sixth, The observance of the group principle may lead to further efforts in behalf of workingmen. Seventh, Some of the most effective religious work may be done in a social environment. Eighth, The personal work of the Association should be, as far as possible, in the hands of social leaders. Ninth, Men, noit functions, should be the objective of our social activities. Men should be carried through the Associa- tion in adherence to one another, as well as in adherence to lines of work. Tenth, The secretary may largely multiply his influence by seeking to develop Christian manhood in the leaders of groups within the Association. This should be done on the basis of personal friendship. That sterling leader of social activity in the Christian Endeavor Society, Amos R. Wells, says in his book that you cannot he social unless you are social to save. That is putting the matter very strongly. It practi- cally says that gatherings of boys and men just for fun are not truly social, no matter how much fun they have, unless underneath the fun there is a rock founda- tion of character building. Mr. Wells would have every social planned with this in view, and he states very frankly that unless workers are willing to ''forget self, to lose self-consciousness in service y they cannot be social. The Y. M. C. A. Press has a pamphlet called ''Social Work,'' written by Walter M. Wood, George L. Leon- ard and George A. Warburton. The following from Mr. Wood's article deals with the need of fellowship of man with man : PREFACE ix An aggregation of over-advertised conveniences, shabbily cared for by attendants and sold to men ait half-price under the guise of membership, does not constitute a Young Men's Christian Association ; neither do fine equipment, good mainte- nance, polite attendants and low cost make, of themselves, an Association true to the spirit of its name. There should permeate the Association the happy, vigorous, and helpful personality that attracts, stimulates, and inspires. The leadership of the physical director is better than the dumb-bell ; the sympathetic heart-throb of the teacher is better than the lesson ; the cordial greeting of the reception commit- teeman is better than the most improved doorman or hat- rack. A man's body may cry out for conveniences, but his heart cries out for fellowship ; let him have the first, if pos- sible, but do not deny him the latter. Mr. Wood also deals with the subject of what re- ception committeemen should be like, and gives some straightforward suggestions as to the equipment of good social committeemen. They should have good manners ; ''the slap on the back, the punch in the ribs, and the promiscuous 'glad hand/ are usually abomina- tions.'' They should also have information. The secretary must see that his committeemen are trained and well informed as to the institution. They should have conveniences for work — desks, correspondence facili- ties, record blanks, personal cards — tools for service. Mr. Wood recommends a time schedule, that men may do their share of service. Things committeemen should do : ''Meet men at the door, answer inquiries, introduce men to secretaries and other officers, show men through the building, distribute printed matter, welcome and follow up new members, discover and bring together men of like inclinations, invite men to the building, report concerning each man served, gather criticisms and suggestions and report to the secretary." Mr, Leonard deals with the "Relation of the Recep- tion Committee to Strangers.'' He says that it should be hospitable, intelligent, helpful, thoughtful, continu- ous, confidential and full of love : *T can never forget a scene once witnessed in the reception room of the Twenty-third Street building, New York City. The secretary of the branch had resigned and left the city X PREFACE before his successor was appointed. During this time the general secretary of the New York City Association made his headquarters at the Twenty-third Street building, and took up much active work on the floor of the reception room. The first evening after the departure of the former secretary I stood in the room in conversation with Mr. McBurney, when a poor young man entered the door. Mr. McBurney was in an instant across the room, at his side, and had him by the hand before many a man would have started from his place. This love for young men was the secret of his power and influence. This should be our motive whenever we are on duty, and if that motive fully controlled us we would broaden unconsciously the sphere of our work and render some of our best service outside the rooms in greeting strangers on the street, or as opportunity offered, and extending to them the hospitality and helpful asisociation of the rooms." The theme of Mr. Warburton's plea is that ''Nothing lives to itself. The insects move in swarms, the birds of the air go in flocks, and the beasts of the field fraternize/' Since this is so, and men and boys v^ill gather socially, and too often improperly, as in the saloon, the cheap club, etc., special pains must be used to make features particularly attractive. In closing Mr. Warburton attempts to sketch an ideal social life, and give a hint or two as to how it may be kept up : ''To begin with, the building must open well. Entering, you are not in a passage-way, but in a room with rather low walls and with a fireplace at one end. The prevailing colors are warm and rich, and there are no signs except a bulletin board. You may not see 'Welcome' on the wall, but your eye reads it in the face and manner of whoever is in charge. The secre- tary's desk is at one side, and behind it a door leading to the directors' room. There is no bank furniture in sight, and you are glad of that, especially if you have worked late and are trying to balance your accounts downtown. There are plenty of young men standing about who seem to be enjoying them- selves, and some of them are actually leaning over the secre- tary's desk and he does not seem to mind it. In fact, you are not long in finding that he is the center of the social group, for no sooner is your name known than you are taken and introduced to him. His manner is frank and kindly ; the grip of his hand is cordial, but it does not injure your fingers; his conversation is general, and you find that he knows some of your acquaintances, and that the things in which you are interested are not without interest to him. He says nothing about religious subjects, and at this you may be surprised, yet PREFACE xi you think of him as a Christian man oftener than as an official of an organization. Passing on, you are shown the parlor, where various games are in use, just as they would be in a well-conducted home. Pictures adorn the walls and everywhere are signs of good taste. The men are not all speaking in whispers as though they were attending a funeral, yet there is an absence of boisterousness. The ceilings are low and the rooms well-lighted. Things look as though they had been made to use. The impression produced by your first step into the place is confirmed as you move about. Everything seems so open. One room opens into another ; fireplaces blaze with a cheerful flame ; the men are like the place, open-faced and open-hearted. 'Ample room and verge enough.' When the time comes you are taken into the enter- tainment hall to enjoy a concert. The object of the concert is evidently not to make money but to educate and refine the tastes and furnish elevating entertainment. You go out to return as often as you may. You become one of the group who wait to welcome, and the kindly greeting of one night is repeated to thousands. ''The things which hinder sociability are care, pride, conceit, shallowness, hypocrisy, hatred. "The things which foster and develop it are genuineness, sympathy, tact, conversation, heartiness, deference, faith, hope and, crowning all, love. In social as in religious life 'Love is the fulfilling of the law.' " We are inclined to agree with Dr. George J. Fisher, in his book on ''The Social Spirit,'' that the Young Men's Christian Association has been merely playing at social work. ''Great advances have been made in the organization and development of the physical, reli- gious and educational departments, but few new prin- ciples have been originated with reference to a logical plan of social work, in accordance with which the membership would be really sociable, and the brother- hood spirit would predominate." The following is suggested as a logical plan to follow in creating a social spirit : First. The culture of the senses — Taste: "The first laugh was at the sight of a good meal." Smell: Have the buildings well-ventilated, no stufify odors from furniture, locker rooms, etc. Sight: Restful colors, pleasing combinations of color, excellent pic- tures. "If the eye be light, the whole body is light." Hearing: Ragtime will often produce coarse singing xii PREFACE and shuffling of feet. A higher type of music will elevate. Cultivate glee, orchestra and mandolin clubs. Think of the power of national airs to thrill the heart. Touch: Wet and damp hands cause repugnance. Second. The formation of natural groups. Dr. Fisher deals with a great truth when he urges the natural grouping of men and boys to do hard work. The best kind of sociability. Third. Prayer is social. United prayer brings the promise of His presence. Bands of men grouped for prayer are a great social power. Fourth. Suggestion. Use the things occurring daily and turn them into sociability. One of the men is to be married. Have a surprise presentation on the gymnasium floor. Have some pranks, laughter and good will. It is talked of for several days and sug- gests more. Fifth. The Emotional. Stir the emotions through those forms of social entertainment which make one think of home, of country, and of brotherhood. Variety. Not too long concentration. Remember the small groups that are inevitable. They must not be antagonized, but converted or overwhelmed by a popu- lar sentiment in the opposite direction. Expectation. Make your advertisements positive. ''We are all happy here," is better than /'Don't look grouchy." It is very evident that sociability is older than the race itself, going back through the ages to the great heart of God Himself. True sociability is born of love, the beginning and the essence of the Creator's plan. "Love never faileth .... seeketh not its own." It is a law of perfect unselfishness. With this idea caught and retained in the mind, one absolutely forgets self in loving service for his fellows. There is no note of sadness in it, but only one of joy in the privilege of helping in the great plan of bringing about the king- dom of heaven on earth. "Spiritual sociability is a sure success." This book is prepared as a thesis in connection with special graduate work of the Young Men's Christian Association Training School, Spring- field, Mass. Introduction Sociability is a condition not an act. It may be regarded as the color or the temperature of personal contacts. The so-called social features are of value in proportion as they yield a forgetfulness of self in a more lively attention to the thought and actions of others and in a mutual sharing of pain or pleasure. The splendid collection of things that have worked contained in this volume offers a wide range of sug- gestions with enough of detail to facilitate the distri- bution of responsibility among workers and with enough of cue to inspire further invention of social machinery. It must be remembered that all social devices are but the clothing of, and the medium in which moves, the personal factor. The most important question in connection with any social event is as to the kind and amount of personal influence liberated and the degree to which receptiveness of that influence is furthered. From a Young Men's Christian Association stand- point, five tests may wisely be applied to any con- templated social event : 1. Will it attract men and boys into the Association fellow- ship? 2. Will it aid the Association to assimilate its members into its varied activities? 3. Will it socialise the members by bringing different indi- viduals and groups into such contacts as will increase their interest in each other, reducing their prejudices and cul- tivating their sympathies? 4. Will it recreate or relieve from the tedium and enervating strain of one's usual line of thought and action? 5. Will it culture or grow the finer sensibilities and appre- ciations? When judged by such tests it is believed that the suggestions in the following pages will show many points of strength. Walter M. Wood. Note It has been impossible to satisfactorily classify this book; many of the paragraphs might well appear under several different headings, and the final placing has been somewhat arbitrary. There has been no attempt to discriminate between men and boys in the general divisions, as very often a feature would fit either. It is left to the one using the book to select and adapt to his peculiar needs anything he may find that appeals to him, and the indexes will aid in locating any desired item. Acknowledgment and Bibliography The author is indebted not only to the following publications for valuable assistance, but also to the scores of Association secretaries who have taken time and thought to contribute their best social events for this book. "The Social Element/' Edwin F. See, Y. M. C. A. Press. "Social to Save," Amos R. Wells, United Society of Christian Endeavor. "Eighty Pleasant Evenings," United Society of Christian Endeavor. "Social Evenings," United Society of Christian Endeavor. "Social Work in the Young Men's Christian Association," Walter M. Wood, George L. Leonard, George A. War- burton, Y. M. C. A. Press. "The Social Spirit," Dr. George J. Fisher, Y. M. C. A. Press. "Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games," Albert M. Chesley, Spalding's Athletic Library. "Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium," Jessie H. Bancroft, The Macmillan Co. Association Boys, New York. Association Men, New York. Physical Training, New York. Official Handbook, Boy Scouts of America, New York. Key to Classified Index Besides a full Alphabetical index the book is subindexed under the following classification : Banquets and Dinners. Boys. Camps and Camping. Clubs for Boys. Committees. Dramatics. Educational. Entertainments. General Social Events. High School and College. Holidays. Industrial — Men and Boys. Members and Non-members. Musical. Outings. Parlor Tricks. Patriotic. Physical. Railroad Men. Receptions. Religious. Socials for less than Twenty. Socials for more than Twenty. Socials including Ladies. Songs and Yells. Summer and Outdoor Affairs. Y. P. S. and Y. W. C. A. SOCIAL FEATURES Receptions and Socials 1. PRESIDENTS RECEPTION General secretaries will welcome the following plan to make the new member an intelligent, enthusiastic Association man. In the large cities it is astounding how little the member knows of the ideals and actual operations of the Young Men's Christian Association. In most places no intelligent effort is made to inform him. Result : he goes about town a user of one of the privileges — gymnasium or educational ; he is not a part of the great Christian brotherhood. Upon mak- ing him such depends the future of the Young Men's Christian Association. Here's a way : Hold at a regular time (every two weeks if pos- sible), and in the same room (not too large) a Recep- tion to New Members. Men, on applying for member- ship, are given receipts for dues, and are told that their tickets will be issued at the reception. It should be carefully and kindly explained to them that the presi- dent and general secretary desire to meet them, and they will, of course, welcom^e an opportunity to witness a few stereopticon pictures illustrating the Y. M. C. A. work. A card, granting the use of the privileges until the time of the reception which the member can attend, may be issued. It may read as follows : Young Men's Christian Association, Blanktown,, N. Y. This card grants the use of the (desired) privileges to (name of new member) until (date of reception). The president and general secretary will be pleased to meet you socially on the above date in the Sir George Williams Room at eight o'clock. Stereopticon, music and light refreshments. You will receive your membership ticket at the reception. 2 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Do not try to get up the kind of social that best pleases you, but the kind that best pleases others. — Amos R. Wells. Tickets will have to be issued to members who, for one reason or another, may be absolutely unable to attend such a function, but they should be handed, and urged to read, an interesting statement (well illus- trated) of the work of the local and world-wide Asso- ciation. Present : new members, president or vice-president, general secretary, and as many representatives of the various departments (both employees and committee- men) as possible. Program 1. Song, ''The Son of God Goes Forth to War." The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain ; His blood-red banner streams afar : Who follows in His train? Who best can drink his cup of woe, And triumph over pain, Who patient bears his cross below — He follows in His train. A glorious band the chosen few, On whom the Spirit came ; Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew, And mocked the cross and flame. They climbed the dizzy steep to heav'n Thro' peril, toil and pain. O God ! to us may grace be giv'n To follow in their train ! 2. Responsive Reading (expressing Association ideals). President. (1) The Lord reigneth ; let the earth rejoice. Audience. (2) / will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. President. (3) Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Audience. (4) Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, zvhich is Jesus Christ. President. (5) Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. RECEPTIONS AND SOCIALS 3 A merry heart goes all the day, Your sad tires in a mile-a. — Shakespeare. Audience. (6) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to he ashamed. President. (7) Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways? Audience. (8) By taking heed thereto according to thy word. President. (9) I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Audience. (10) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. President. (U) If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another. All. (12) That they all may be one; as thou. Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 3. Musical Selection. 4. The World Basis of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion : The Young Men's Christian Association seeks to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be His disciples in their doctrine and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of His Kingdom among young men. 5. Stereopticon, showing views of the Association in all lands. 6. Song, "America." Our Fathers' God to Thee, Author of liberty. To Thee we sing ; Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King. 7. Prayer by Representative of Religious Work. 8. President's Address of Welcome. 9. Introduction of new members. (If the suggestion is tactfully made, each will rise and introduce himself.) 4 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Let not the social committee forever push forward the same merry- makers. Try to find fresh talent. Be a committee of Columbuses. — Amos R. Wells. 10. Question Box. 11. Song, "Onward, Christian Soldiers." Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God : Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod; We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope and doctrine. One in charity. Onward then, ye faithful. Join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song: Glory, praise and honor. Unto Christ the King: This thro' countless ages. Men and angels sing. Chorus: Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. 12. Refreshments. Workers should be careful to find out and remember the name, occupation and church prefer- ence of each new member and in what he is most interested. 2. HIGH SCHOOL RECEPTION PROGRAM. Pianists — ^John Scott, Ivan Kauffman. Cornetist — Signor Visconsi. Yell Leader — Max Ades. Lower Hall. I. Everybody gets acquainted but (?) "Cheer up, the worst is yet to come." II. "Pentathlon" Contests. These contests are exceedingly serious, therefore refrain from all levity. RECEPTIONS AND SOCIALS 5 Happiness has been defined as having things; better, as having what you want; better still, as being able to do without what you want. — Rollins. 1. Somewhat Elephantine. J. Schoonover, '10 R. Larr, '11 A. Merrill, '12 O. McAfee, '13 First Second A Boxer Uprising — The Shores Twins. 2. Hitting Hard and Furious. C. Lyons, '10 J. Brophy, Capt., '11 C. Brosius, '12 W. Crist, '13 First Second 3. "Pollv" Contest. R. Lammers, '10 K. Offut, '11 S. Clark, '12 C. LaFlower, '13 First — Second "Biscuit Shoot." O. Tipton, R. Ogden. 4. Easter Novelty. M. Ades, Capt. '10. E. Kuhns, '11 I. Miller, Cap3ii. j iQ)RiXG YOUR FRIENDS. on the three best poems, and a good wit present to the best of the three a B. A. P. (Big Apple Pie), to the next best a L. A. P. (Little Apple Pie), and to the third N. A. P. (No Apple Pie) ; the last prize should look very rich and juicy but be filled with cotton. The winners must divide their pies before the audience. Secrecy is a big part of the fun in this contest. — O. E. Merritt, R. R. Y. M. C. A., McKees Rocks, Pa. 12. FALL RALLIES In the fall of the year a big social rally may be held, at which reports of members' summer social activities are made, accounts of vacation and ''off-time'' experi- ences given, and many delightful hours of the past summer time lived over again. Events of this sort RECEPTIONS AND SOCIALS 21 It is the test of fine character, as o£ fine singing, that the person displaying it makes it seem, not a difficult thing well done, but the simplest thing in the world to do. — Rollins. help mightily to hold members who would otherwise drop their membership until the colder season opens, and they also aid the Association in securing meimbers who would ordinarily never be enlisted during the summer season. Moreover, they furnish an oppor- tunity for secretaries, who during the busier season of the year find it almost impossible to cultivate the social acquaintance of members, to gain a host of new friends. Friendships thus cultivated have, to my personal knowdedge, frequently culminated in the surrender of the lives of men and boys to Jesus Christ, and in their enlistment into active service for their fellows. This is the supreme test of the value of summer social work. It costs money, time, thought, perspiration, but the investment pays big dividends. — F. D. Fagg, New Britain, Conn. 13. "SATURDAY NIGHTERS" Last year we tried a number of novelty socials on Saturday nights under such n'ames as the "Peanut Square," 'Top-Corn Ball,'' "Chestnut Circle,'' and the "Sweet Apple Bee." On these evenings we gave the members some form of entertainment and introduced a number of novelties in getting the men acquainted, such as playing an original^game called "I Know You," where every man would introduce himself to the other men present, there being in the audience a man who, when the fiftieth person shook hands with him, placed a silver dollar in his hand. This had been explained to ithe audience beforehand, but of course they did not know which man had the dollar. We also tried a number of guessing games, bringing into the Associa- tion a dummy street-car conductor who had supposedly ofifended a member, and the game was to get his number, the one guessing nearest to it getting the prize. One of the best means of helping ithe fellows to enjoy themselves on these ocoasions was the printing of 22 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES In seating strangers, place them, i£ possible, near the most socially inclined of the members. — Amos R. Wells. popular songs in mimeograph and having a good pianist and a vocaHst to start them. We think of getting out our own songbook this year. — Horace G. Williamson, Cincinnati, O. 14. A RE-UNION INVITATION MEMBERS' RE-UNION for NAUGHTY NINE Monday Night, October 1 1 Eight Sharp RAILROAD MEN'S BUILDING FRANK G. REYNOLDS. Funny Man CHARLIE WOLD, Musical Glass Masseur PICTURES OF THE ARCTIC REGION Showing How to Discover the Big Nail CONTEST "CLIMBING THE NORTH POLE" (Greased) PRIZE $3.00 Entries: — Allegamush, Matt Henson, Cook, Peary and Frozadafoot. After the pole is dumb, the Board of Ash Can and Waste Basket Research, will receive the "data" of Cook and Peary DON'T MISS THE TESTIMONY OF MATT HENSON AND THE ESQUIMAUX ETAH REFRESHMENTS (EAT-AH, OR GO WITHOUT) ONE NIGHT ONLY— MEMBERSHIP TICKET ADMITS —W. W, Adair, R, R. F. M. C. A., Nezv York. RECEPTIONS AND SOCIALS 22> Today's best should be tomorrow's starting-point. — The Saturday Evening Post. 15. LEFT-HANDED SOCIAL A reception to a victorious basket ball team took the form of a ''Left-handed Social.'' A four-page pro- gram, cards opening on the wrong side, bore a cartoon of a basket ball player in action, and the following verse : Left-handed greeting, Left-handed eating, Left-handed compliments, too ; Left-handed name. Left-handed game, I think that's enough, don't you? The reception line greeted the guests with the left hand, and the left-handed compliments were ''slamis'' and ''knocks." Refreshments were eaten with the left hand, and the three blank pages of the cards were used in securing left-handed autographs — ^a prize being given for the largest number received. At the con- clusion of the musical program, team trophies were presented and individual medals awarded. — Washing- ton, D. C. 16. UNIVERSITY RECEPTION The University of Buffalo has a theatre party once a year — one of its greatest social events. It is the one thing that seems to unite the five departments. After the program in the theatre closes, the Association sends a band to the theatre and brings the students and their friends direct to the hall. A contest between the five departments is held, including the following events : spider race, basket ball, tug of war and block race. The winning department is presented with a banner or pennant to be kept for one year. After the contest, which ends about 12.30, refreshments are served — sandwiches, doughnuts, coffee, etc. Usually over 400^ men attend. This helps to counteract the tendency of the men to go to saloons and other evil resorts 24 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Your social will be a comparative failure if you have not gathered into it a few disreputables from the highways and hedges. — Amos R. Wells. after the show. A reception is also held earlier in the season for the freshman class, at which time member- ship in the Association is discussed. — W. B. Van Scoter, Buffalo Central. :17. A RAILWAY SOCIAL Arrange chairs like the seats of a railway coach, with an aisle down the center. If the party is a large one, place from four to six chairs crosswise on each side of the aisle, instead of two. Have the program fairly well arranged previously. Gomgs, bells, whistles and train noises are provided for; also a conductor, brakeman, periodical and candy boy. When the train is well under way, start the program. The conductor in taking the tickets should have an argument with a man who won't pay, putting him off the train. Other features are monologues, dialogues between the pas- sengers, and a group singing. The brakeman announces stations. After the items on the program — 'and the passengers — -are exhausted, announce the end of the journey or dinner in the dining car and adjourn for refreshments. 18. SALMAGUNDI PARTY Thirty of the older boys brought ladies to the Asso- ciation for a ''Ladies' Night" and called the event a ''Salmagundi" party. Small tables were set around the room at which two couples were placed, and progressive parlor games played. At the ring of the bell by one of the patron- esses the parties changed from one table to another. Six or eight prominent ladies were secured as patron- esses, and music was furnished by a good orchestra. Score cards were punched at each table. Refresh- ments were served in separate rooms, or at the tables. RECEPTIONS AND SOCIALS 25 You find yourself refreshed by the presence of cheerful people. Why not make earnest effort to confer that pleasure on others? — Lydia Maria Childs. By selecting only the choicest fellows as promoters, this was conducted in a dignified and interesting way. —W. S. Reed, Newark, N. J. 19. TWO NOVELTY SOCIALS The feature of the evening is an exhibition of regu- lar gymnasium class work, with potssibly the addition of a few specialties. Every member participating is obliged ito come masked and in costume. Aside from the social value of this, the advantage lies in the fact that every member may participate. Members are to be divided into two groups, one on each side of a curtain, and each side performs in turn on apparatus which has been so arranged that shadows will be oast upon the curtain. While one side is per- forming the other is guessing las to the identity of the performers ; the side guessing ithe greatest number cor- rectly wins a prize. — Dr. Lyman G. Haskell, Jackson- ville, Fla. 20. COLLEGE PREPARATORY SOCIAL Last spring we had a most enjoyable evening with the graduating class of our high schools. The princi- pal idea was to get in touch with them regarding the various colleges to which they expected to go in the fall, and to bring them into touch with representative students who were the leaders in the social, athletic, and religious life of their respective institutions. Representatives from practically every college in our state were present and each made a short talk. — A. L. Ward, Indianapolis, Ind. 21. INCLUDING THE LADIES The Association building is opened every other Friday evening for a ''Ladies' Reception/' when the 26 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES You think you are unselfish. Make trial of it at the social by for- getting whether you are having a good time in your desire to give a good time to others. — Amos R. Wells. members come with their famiHes and friends. The evening is devoted to bowling, volley ball and the various privileges of the Association, and there is usually a good musical program made up of local talent. These ladies' evenings have been successful in uniting the foreign colonies and establishing a patronage for the Association among those who would otherwise not find attractions there. — A. E. Turner,. Monterey, Mexico. 22. OPEN HOUSE (BOYS) E. G. Hungerford reports a successful social even- ing for older boys, both school and employed. Make the invitation dignified and attractive, inviting mem- ber and lady friend. Have reception committee of boys at door. Introduce them to receiving line con- sisting of chairman of boys' work committee and wife, general secretary and wife, boys' work director and wife, president of boys' cabinet, etc. Guests receive neat souvenir programs. Musical and reading num- bers by boys follow. Inspection of boys' department. Serve Y. M. C. A. punch. Close with debate between students and business boys. 23. MEMBERS' MONTHLY STAG This has usually been held in the gymnasium; the entertainers being similar to those used at the "Satur- day Nighters" — cartoonists, etc., only perhaps a little better. During the evening, heads of the various departments annouinced what they were doing and what their plans were. Occasionally apples were furnished, but care had to be taken lest the members became boisterous. — R. D. Tucker, Social Work Director, West Side, N. Y. RECEPTIONS AND SOCIALS 27 As we came up the hill there was difficulty, and here and there a hard pull, to be sure, but strength, and spirits, and all sorts of cheery incident and companionship on the road. — ^Thackeray. 24. COLLEGE RECEPTION Guests file past a receiving line of college and Association officials, to spend a social evening in the gymnasium, with interclass yells, songs and stunts. The entertainment is similar to the Fourth of July celebration of the Student Conference at Northfield, where the representatives of the various colleges march in (lock step). After all have assembled each college does its stunt. 25. RALLY OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES Meet in a suburban grove or park. The program is provided by representatives of the societies participat- ing. It should include one strong, inspirational address by some able Christian worker, out-of-door games and band concert. Announce a basket luncheon. 26. STORY TELLING CONTEST This may be either a fake affair, to see who can spin the funniest or most improbable yarn ; or it may be an entertainment of better tone, in which the teller of the best story wins out. These stories should have variety, including the humorous, the pathetic, the di- dactic, etc. It goes without saying that there should be nothing low or irreverent; there is sometimes a trend in these directions where an audience is made up wholly of men. — A^. 27. CAMP REUNION Let the boys who attended the summer camp arrange for a winter-evening reunion. Trim the room to make it look as woodsy as possible; put up a tent 28 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES It has been said by Mr. McCauley that one of the duties of the social committee is to prevent people from being too sociable. — Amos R. Wells. if practicable, with the various camp accessories — an open fire adds much to the effect. Arrange an appro- priate program, with stories, songs and camp stunts. Serve simple refreshments that can be eaten while sitting on the floor or on camp stools. — H. S. N. 28. NIGHTS OF ALL NATIONS This consists of a series of four or five evenings given up to foreign nations, such as Swedisih, Irish, French, etc., with national decorations, monologues, im:personiation's, etc. A preliminiary prospectus an- nouncing one a month for the winter may be made attractive. — Ward Adair, R. R, Dept., New York City. 29. MOVING PICTURES The moving pictures are very popular these days and are often made a drawing feature of social enter- tainments. A great deal of care should be used in selecting the films, the only safe way being to see all of the pictures before allowing them to be put on in the building. Some very disreputable views have been exhibited at Association entertainments. 30. A DIRECTORS' SOCIAL FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND THEIR FAMILIES Last year the entire program was given by the chil- dren of the directors, and was surprisingly successful. — B, W. Gillett, Haverhill, Mass. 31. GHOST MINSTRELS Bring the whole troupe on with sheets over their heads, the stage being darkened. The usual minstrel show follows, with ghost jokes and songs, for the first part. Turn on the lights and brighten up things, for the second part. RECEPTIONS AND SOCIALS 29 Yes, we're boys, — always playing with tongue or with pen. — And I sometimes have asked, — Shall we ever be men? — O. W. Holmes. Nine Suggested Social Evenings By Mrs. David R- Porter. 32. . POST CARD EVENING Cut pictures of well-known buildings into four or six pieces each, then shake all the pieces belonging to each picture together. Have as many envelopes as cards or pictures, each one containing as many pieces as each card is cut into. Pass these envelopes and then have the participant strive to find all the pieces which form a card. Be careful to have one piece in each envelope and a number on the back of it. For example : Capital of United States, 1 Congressional, 2 Abe Lincoln, 3 Thus each knows what to seek. After most have been found, have each one tell what his card represents and tell one interesting thing about it. 33. A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD Have several objects in the rooms from as many different countries as possible and have the people guess from what country each came. As each guest arrives hand him a slip of paper with the name of some country on it. All having the same name must represent that country in some way. Later in the evening have the capitals of the countries called and each group is supposed to do something characteristic of the country they represent. If refreshments are served, a novel way would be to have small tables and either by decorations or food designate a country. 34.' MEN WE KNOW Secure pictures of great men. Cut each picture in two in the center. Match the upper part of one to the 30 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Christ's words apply to socials: "If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?" — Amos R. Wells. lower part of another. Grant's chin and Garfield's forehead form a face such as one often sees. Lin- coln's chin and Brunson's forehead. The object is to guess to whom the chin and forehead of each belongs. To make it intensely interesting, use familiar faces, like Longfellow's, Whittier's, etc., and carefully match them, striving to make a good face in each case. Paste them on a piece of paper and cut oval, round or diamond shape. 35. WORD CONTEST Hand each person a letter of the alphabet printed on a card. Be careful to have many vowels. As two persons or groups of persons chat together they are to see if their letters together spell a word. Each time a person helps to form a word he places the word on his card. The winner is the one who has succeeded in helping form the most words. 36. GUM GAME Pass around cards, having at the top of each the name of some animal, cat, dog, man, etc. (Sometimes the name of a country.) Each boy is also handed a stick of gum and requested to chew and then mould on card a figure representing the animal designated to him. After this is done a rhyme about his object may be written underneath. 37. A MUSICAL EVENING First select some well-known songs, old and new, and have some one in the room or in another room play some phrase from each one. Have cards passed with as many numbers as there are songs selected, instructing all to try and guess what tune is being played. Also cut out musical instruments from a catalog and paste on a card. In this contest the in- struments are to be guessed. BANQUETS AND DINNERS 31 People will go on chattering, and after all what will their scandal matter a hundred years hence? — Thackeray. 38. TELEGRAMS Write ten letters on a slip of paper, or, if procur- able, on a telegram blank. The letters are to be chosen, one at a time, by ten guests, and telegrams written with words beginning with the letters chosen, in the order in which they are chosen, each guest of course participating in making out a telegram. This affords much merriment. 39. "GUESS" Write on small slips of paper Mother Goose rhymes, some proverbs or a conundrum. Pass these. On a card each is asked to draw an illustration of the verse on his slip. He signs his name. The cards are col- lected, numbered and placed where all may see them. All try to guess what each one has tried to represent. This may also be successfully carried out iwith adver- tisements, handing each the name of some well-known article and requesting him to write an advertisement. 40. HIDDEN FLO\yERS Have the letters, spelling the names of flowers, twisted. For example : Spany, Lovite, Satubur. Each one is requested to make each strange looking word form the name of a flower. If more appropriate to the occasion, states, capitals, cities, etc., may be used. From twenty to thirty well-chosen ones make an even- ing's entertainment. Banquets and Dinners - If an Arab eats salt with you he is afterwards your friend. Eating together has ever been the chief sym- bol of social life. The banquet, dinner, supper, or tea has always been a prominent feature in the Associa- tion, but it has of late years been put to a more prac- 32 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast. — Shakespeare. tical use than ever before and more generally; the modern building seldom lacks the kitchen and dining- room facilities. There is no better way to get together the board or a committee, or even a Bible class, than to gather the men first around the table. An elaborate feed is not needed — often a more simple meal is better calculated to introduce the ''feast of reason and the flow of soul." Only a few examples are given of the many that might be named. This whole matter is something of a science and a small handbook on the subject might be very useful. Boys' Banquet 41. A NEWSBOYS' BANQUET A newsboys' banquet was recently given in the Butler, Pa., Association and attended by one hundred and fifty newsboys, very few of whom were members. Among the speakers present were men connected with the press of the city. After the banquet, games were run off in the gymnasium. One Bible class of twenty- five boys has already been organized from this group and another is in the process. This is but another BANQUETS AND DINNERS 33 All people who have natural healthy appetites love sweets. — Thackeray. illustration of the spirit of extension which is gripping our Associations. Truly it is a good thing for the Association to show itself interested in this class of boys, although it is impracticable to deal with them in the same group with boys whose needs are entirely different. Other Associations have conducted Sunday afternoon meetings for this class of boys, either regu- larly or occasionally; still others have issued tickets to the newsboys' club each week. These tickets admitted the most deserving to a half-hour's fun in the gymnasium and fifteen minutes in the swimming pool between the hours of eight and nine on Saturday mornings ; still other departments have furnished the reading matter for street boys' clubs. A few Associa- tions are directly operating clubs of this character, but most find that better work can be done by cooperation with the clubs already organized under other auspices, and by sending to them such assistance as may be desired in the way of gymnasium leaders, manual train- ing teachers, talkers and entertainers. — Association Boys, Vol v., No. 2. 42. COLLEGE MEN'S DINNER Since we have at least 1000 college men in our mem- bership of 4500, notices are sent to all these men announcing a dinner to be held in a nearby hotel at 75 cents or $1 a plate. A strong speaker, possibly known to the members, is secured to give the address of the evening. The toastmaster — if possible the chairman of -the branch — is secured. In the after- dinner speeches, certain representative members of the Association are called upon, including the general sec- retary. Music during the meal is provided, usually a musical trio. — R, D. Tucker, West Side, N. Y, 43. CLIFF DWELLERS' DINNER The name ''Cliff" was applied to the men living in the Association dormitorv. Sometimes the dinner is 34 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES It is not the quantity of the meat, but the cheerfulness of the guest which makes the feast. — Clarendon. termed ''The Beefsteak Dinner in Reisenweber's Garret/' which means the dining room of a nearb}^ hotel. Music is provided and different men — ^chff dwellers — take part in the after-dinner speeches. Each man pays for his own dinner. — R. D. Tucker, West Side, N. Y, 44. BOARD AND COMMITTEE FEEDS Our Association found that a banquet or dinner was one of the best ways to get out a full board or general committee meeting. The ladies provided the meal — we had good kitchen facilities — and the men came, were in good temper^ and would transact business in a much more satisfactory manner than at the ordinary meeting. The time fixed was the usual evening dinner hour.—//. 5^. N. 45. HIGH SCHOOL BANQUETS W. H. Wones, state secretary for boys in Wiscon- sin, tells of several banquets given for high school boys. After-dinner speeches by prominent school and college athletes, with the football coach as toastmaster, and a sketch by a high school Bible class, are among the interesting features mentioned. 46. MEMBERS' ANNUAL BANQUET This has been held in our gymnasium. Music is furnished during the meal and an entertainment such as a male quartet provided. — R. D. Tucker, West Side, N, Y, 47. SUGGESTION FOR FINANCIAL DINNER Have pledge cards and printed matter under the tablecloth at each place, until the psychological moment arrives to call them out. FOR NON-MEMBERS 35 If we must be prepared for those battles with which we are threatened at least let us be well fed. — Cervantes. For Non-Members 48. ENTERTAINING BOYS FROM A DEPARTMENT STORE The following invitation sent personally to each boy from a list provided by the concern brought to the building one hundred and ten of the one hundred and twenty-seven boys employed : You are cordially invited to attend an ENTERTAINMENT to be given to the Boys employed at Woodward & Lothrop's Store, (seventeen years and under) in the BUILDING FOR BOYS of the YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 1732 G Street, N. W. Friday evening, January 12, at eight o'clock. Admission Free to Woodward & Lothrop's boys only. By Invitation Only. Present this Card. The boys ranged in age from fourteen to seventeen years. They were orderly and seemed to thoroughly enjoy what was provided for them. A committee of twenty-five boy members wearing a strip of red ribbon acted as hosts, under the direction of the boy chairman of the social committee. On presenting their invitation to the ticket taker at the entrance of the building, the boys were asked to go to the office and exchange it for a ticket to the run- ning track. This exchange was made by a committee of boys who had shipping tags with the boys' names thereon alphabetically arranged in a box. The tag having the boy's name was tied in his buttonhole and he was sent on his way rejoicing to the gymnasium running track. Here he was admitted because he wore 36 • SOCIAL ACTIVITIES No man takes a vacation who takes his work with him. — The Saturday Evening Post. the tag, while Association members waited outside until the guests from Woodward & Lothrop's had secured the best places to see a half-hour program of basket- ball and wrestling. The guests were shown the swimming pool and a little diving and swimming. They were then con- ducted to another room where a flashlight picture was taken and ice cream was served. Full information regarding Association privileges and prices was dis- pensed by the boys' committee, who distributed litera- ture at the door. A five-minute talk was given by the secretary while the boys were in the gymnasium. 49. TRADE RECEPTIONS Our Association was quite successful in conducting social receptions for different classes of men ; we had them for firemen, railroad shopmen, for commercial and for professional men, for members of the mechan- ical trades, etc. There were a numher of large manu- facturing concerns and we held a series of ''trade re- ceptions,'' inviting men from the locomotive works or from one of the iron mills, etc. An attractive invita- tion card was sent out for each reception, containing the names of the committee of arrangements and invitation committee, selected entirely from our mem- bers in the particular mill or factory. The entire building was thrown open, simple refreshments were served, and a good program put on in the assembly room. Sometimes there would be an address by an officer of the company. There was always present a large representation including all grades of employees, together with superintendents and foremen. Our reading room was well supplied with technical periodi- cals and these social affairs brought the men in touch with the privileges often for the first time. The recep- tions gave the Association a good name with working people generally and we always had a good percentage of this class in our membership. — H. S. N. FOR NON-MEMBERS 37 How easy, cosy, merry, comfortable those little dinners were. — Thackeray. 50. AN EVENING WITH THE PAPER CARRIERS An evening with paper carriers was given at the Painesville, Ohio, Association. It was discovered after carefully going over the field that they were reaching in membership only thirty-four per cent of the boys in town. They discovered that of the forty boys employed as carriers by the two daily papers only three were members of the Association. To these forty carriers were issued two tickets each and on a certain evening eighty boys gathered in the Associa- tion, the great bulk of whom were not members. For an, hour and a half contests were conducted in the gymnasium ; after this a supper was given for the boys at the expense of the publishing companies. The effect of this evening's entertainment has been very marked and the Association has added to its reputation, of being an organization which seeks primarily to help the community rather than one which primarily seeks to have the community help it. Painesville is only a city of 5000 people, and yet it has a boys' department which in two years has grown from fifteen to upwards of one hundred boys.' — Association Boys, Vol. V., No. 5. 51. RECEPTION TO SHOP MEN We conferred with representatives of different departments in a large mill as to the desirability from their viewpoint of giving a reception to their employees. They found that the men were interested, and we sug- gested that they appoint a representative committee, in whose hands were left the details of the evening. Our social committee and our executives cooperated, of course. Talent of. various kinds was found among the employees, who arranged a varied program, and another subcommittee from their number looked after advertising, invitations, reception and even the finances. 38 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES To deny me victuals, even though Signior Doctor should prescribe fasting, and say a thousand things in its praise, will deprive me of my life entirely. — Cervantes. as they wished to pay for their own refreshments. It was more successful than previous attempts, when we had furnished the program and the refreshments. This time we tried as far as possible to make them feel that it was their affair. — B. C. Pond, Paterson, N. J. 52. YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES We have found monthly receptions, put on by the Young People's Societies of various churches, a great . success. With the employees of some shop in the vicinity of the church invited as special guests of the evening, a large number of young people were brought together. Refreshments were served by the young people of the church, and an interesting program carried out. During the evening announcements were made to all present concerning the work of the church represented, and invitations given to all the young men to attend that Young People's Society. The young men of the church were also brought in closer contact with the good work of the Association. — T. F. Best, Hamilton, Ont. 53. FOR EMPLOYED BOYS IN SUMMER Employed boys usually have more time during the summer than any other season. Special efifort to inter- est them in physical department privileges will usually be successful. A special summer ticket might be issued, with some plan to induce them to become regu- lar members with the beginning of the fall work. wSpecial attention may be given employed boys during the summer since the men are not as numerous in the physical department as during the winter. 54. FACTORY RECEPTION These receptions are held at the Association. One of our men spends some time in the factory organizing FOR NON-MEMBERS 39 We are really to aim at results only as a dog aims at catching the stick his master has thrown for him. He does not care for the stick; what he likes is the running. — Rollins. committees of the men and women, who arrange for their own entertainment, for the gymnastic events and for refreshments. The events are composed of ordi- nary gymnastic work, to which the physical director may add one or two special features. Men guests participate, ladies occupying the gallery. — B. W. Gil- lett, Haverhill, Mass, 55. RECEPTION TO THE DEPARTMENT STORES Men and boys will welcome the freedom of the building for an evening. After being received by the president and directors, the guests are cared for by a special committee which sees that every privilege is granted — free bowling, swimming, etc. See Associa- tion Boys, Vol. 5, No. 1, Entertaining Boys from a Department Store. 56. FACTORY MEN West Side, N. Y., held a social reception for the men from an auto-piano factory, at which place a noon shop meeting was held weekly. Program : One address on a general theme, games, refreshments, and adjournment for regular members' Saturday nighter. 57. LABOR UNIONS AND LODGES These organizations will appreciate receptions with all building privileges, together with one or two short addresses by prominent leaders. The social spirit is the pervasive spirit of good fellowship, of brother- liness, of good will toward each other which characterizes the member- ship of an ideal Association. — Dr. George J. Fisher. Men have been astonished to find that they could have a good time, that is a pleasant social time, at a religious service. What a commen- tary on our customary religious gatherings! As if true religion and sociability could ever be separated! — W. B. Abbott. Nothing will supply the want of sunshine to peaches, and to make knowledge valuable, you must have the cheerfulness of wisdom. When- ever you are sincerely pleased you are nourished. The joy of the spirit indicates its strength. All healthy things are sweet tempered. Genius works in sport, and goodness smiles to the last. — Emerson. Men cannot labor always. They must have intervals of relaxation. They cannot sleep through these intervals. What are they to do? Why, if they do not work nor sleep they must have recreation. And if they have not recreation from healthful sources, they will be very likely to take it from the poisoned fountains of intemperance; or if they have pleasures which, though innocent, are forbidden by the maxims of public morality, their very pleasures are liable to become poisoned fountains. — Orville Dewey. The great duty of God's children is to love one another. This duty on earth taVes the name and form of the law of humanity. We are to recognize all men as brethren, no matter where born or under what sky or institution or religion they may live. Every /man belongs to the race and owes a duty to mankind. Every nation belongs to the family of nations, and is to desire the good of all. Nations are to love one another Men cannot vote this out of the universal acclama- tion. .... Men cannot, by combining themselves into narrower or larger societies, sever the sacred, blessed bond which joins them to their kind. The law of humanity must reign over the assertion of all human right. — Channing. INDOOR GAMES AND STUNTS 58. PEANUT PARTY Especially for younger hoys Peanut Hunt The peanuts have been hidden in various parts of the room before the boys arrive, preferably by a chosen committee of the boys themselves. The boys are allowed a certain time to hunt. When time is up, each boy comes and counts his peanuts out on the table or counter and leaves them there. The boy hav- ing found the most in the allotted time is declared the winner. (A prize may be awarded if it seems best.) The peanuts left on the table or counter are gathered up for use in the playing of the games or the running of races. Peanut Race Place a certain number of peanuts in each of as many piles as there are contestants. Measure off the length of the course to be run. Chairs may be placed at each end or circles of equal size drawn, into which the peanuts must be placed. All the contestants start at a given signal and carry the peanuts one at a time on a silver knife. It must be carried, not pushed or rolled. No helps of any kind may be used, such as hands, feet, chairs or other objects. The boy who first succeeds in getting all of his peanuts to the chair or circle at the other end of the course is declared the winner. Fish Pond A number of peanuts should be fixe.d before the party begins, with strings tied around them in such a way that a loop is left. Poles with hooks and lines made from bent pins and strings may be arranged by the boys' committee. The peanuts are put in the 42 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES I propose to you a stunt: that at your next social you try faithfully to leap over the barriers of reserve that keep you out of some one life. — Amos R. Wells. ''pond/' which may be merely a space on the table or may be more elaborately prepared, and a number of boys may fish at one time. Time may be kept and the best fisherman awarded a prize if thought best. After one group has spent some time in fishing, they may be invited to do something else and another group intro- duced to the fish pond. Peanut Scramble Peanut Scramble The title suggests the nature of this part of the pro- gram. It would be better to leave this event till the last as it makes considerable dirt on the floor and dis- turbs the order of the boys. The peanuts are thrown into the air and the boys see who can get the most in the rush when they light on the fioor. It produces great merriment. GAMES AND STUNTS 43 I don't believe that the way to make a man love heaven is to disgust him with the earth. Let us love all that is bright and beautiful and good in this world. — Beecher. Some of the boys may be induced to bring peanuts dressed up as dolls, especially any boys who have sisters at home to help them. A bag of peanuts may be hung up on a string and the boys may take turns at being blindfolded and striking at the bag with a stick. When the bag breaks, if any boy is successful in hitting it, the other boys see who can capture the most of the scattered peanuts. The number of attempts by each boy should be limited. 59. IDEA FOR USING BOYS' NAMES The Story of the Second Section Hash On the north shore of Lake Wawayanda in the Scott (ish) kingdom in Plainfield, lived a youth named Henry, son of a Piemann, who was also a Fowler, trapping Birds in the Ridgewoods around the lake. He raised Pease and other vegetables, which he sold for a good Price to the Monarque Alexis Allen 11. Henry spent his youth on the Hill. Early he arose, washed himself at the Fountain, Coombs (ed) his hair, Riley style, and went into the Kitchen, Peale (d) some pota- toes and got Birchenough for fire and then he opened the Wittpenn and drove the Kynor sheep to pasture upon the Summit of Montclair. This work caused him to become Manley, and every day his Powers grew. There was one Linke which bound him Moore than all to the kingdom. The Monarque Alexis had a fair daughter, Elizabeth, and it was for her his Hart was Aitken. His father warned him of his Low estate. But he replied, 'Tfaff , Howell I know I am a Dobson and cannot Hinrich her. I can Gano peace — the thought does Harris me.'' Now the Monarque was Gray and Horse, but very Clement, and had sense in his Headquarters. He had offers from many noblemen for Elizabeth's hand, but 44 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES I count a good game one of earth's chief blessings, sent from heaven. There are few ways in which consecrated ingenuity can be more blessedly used than in the contrivance of bright, jolly recreation. — Amos R. Wells. said: "I would as Leefe marry my daughter to the Butler, provided he were the Wright kind and Manley.'' rienry, hearing of this, and wishing to bring his name to royal notice, sent the Princess a Valentine. The Princess was very much (in) Satteled and the Monarque noticed this. "Weidn (you) wilt/' he inquired. She looked as though she suffered from a Tbmey (ache) and did not reply. But the Weiss old Monarque called ''Doc/' who diagnosed it as trouble of the heart and gave her a Toddy and told the Monarque to send for Henry. 60. MOCK TRIAL— COURT HISTORY Three times has the great tribunal of justice con- vened in the Halls of Justice, commonly called ''The Lodge.'' As in years gone by, A. Y. Allen, cook, presided on the reinforced judge's bench. The first case called was that of Brewster, charged with chewing the sleeves out of Mr. Scott's vest in 1900, The lawyers for defense were Watson and Birch- enough, and those for the prosecution. Grant and Weaver. The witnesses called by the defense turned traitors, and with the help of the lawyers of the prosecution the lawyers of the defense were routed. Brewster was proven guilty, and sentenced to chop wood for the dinner next day. The second case was the case that caused so much scandal in the society circles of our respectable town — the case of Miss Woobe ; defendant^ Frank F. Gray. It was a breach of promise suit and assailed the honor of one of Wawayanda's greatest men and struck right to the heart of our government. But with the assist- ance of Miss Gay Bingeman and Mr. Patrick O'Leary GAMES AND STUNTS 45 We need to learn the etiquette of heaven, which counts a want that we can fill the highest introduction; and we need to learn the politeness of paradise, that bows reverently before God's image in the human form, no matter how sadly sin has defaced it. — Amos R. Wells. Birchenough, Mr. Gray was cleared of this terrible charge, Judge Allen awarding judgment to the defend- ant. The third and last case was the most horrible ever given in court. It was the case of the Commonwealth against "Doc" Vincenzo Pascale. It seems that an overnight party was camping on Center Island. ''Doc/' under cover of darkness, took cotton and ink and daubed the faces of the unsuspect- ing, trusting, innocent boys. But the united work of the lawyers for the defense. Wolf and Todd, com- pletely overwhelmed the great lawyer Esher, and "Doc'' was adjudged not guilty. The great seat of judgment is now vacant until 1910. — Wazvayanda Whirhvind. 61. MIND READING (1) This game may be played by any number of persons. Have a slip of paper passed to each person, requesting each to write the name of any city, person or country, or any sentence he desires, upon the slip. The slips are then folded and collected and the one who acts as medium takes one slip of paper at a time, holds it to his forehead, and after a moment's thought calls out the name that is supposed to be written on the paper. The trick is to have an accomplice who, instead of folding his paper like the rest will fold it in a different shape. The medium and this person have agreed upon what word or sentence shall be written. The medium when reading his first paper will call off what was written by his confederate, and ask, "Who wrote this?'' The confederate will immediately say, "I did." He opens the paper and this gives him his cue for the next word or sentence. 46 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Games lubricate the mind and body. — Franklin. (2) Place three articles on a table in the center of a room and then announce to those present that they • may touch any of the three articles while you are out of the room, and when you return you can tell which article they touched. The trick is to have some one or two persons assist you by having a piece of a straw which they place in their mouth. The one who goes out of the room receives his signal from the one who has the straw in his mouth. If the center article has been touched, the straw will be in the center of his mouth. If the others, it will be either in the right or left side, according to the article that has been touched. The straw need only protrude one quarter of an inch to give the signal. If none of the articles have been touched the straw will not show at all. 62. PENNY WISE Each player is provided with a bright new penny (of design prior to 1909), a piece of paper and a pencil. On the paper are written beforehand, or to dictation, the following requirements, without the answers, of course. The player who has the largest number of correct answers wins. Find on the Penny The name of a song. America. A privilege. Liberty. A part of Indian corn. Ear. A part of a hill. Brow. Something denoting self. Eye (I). Part of a door. Lock (of hair). A weapon of war. Arrow. An act of protection. Shield. A gallant. Beau (bow). A punishment. Stripes. Part of a plant. Leaf. A piece of jewelry. Ring. GAMES AND STUNTS A7 A college joke to cure the dumps. — Swift. A nut. Acorn. A musical term. Bar. An occupation. Milling. A foreign fruit. Date. Trimming for a hat. Feather. What ships sail on. Sea (C). A perfume. Scent (cent). A religious edifice. Temple. A messenger. One sent (cent). A method of voting. Ayes and Noes (eyes and nose). A Chinese beverage. Tea (T). A gaudy flower. Tulips (two lips). Comfort. Ease (E.E). A small animal. Hare (hair). A term of marriage. United State. An ancient honor. Wreath. One of the first families. Indian. — From ''Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gyinnasimn/' Jessie H, Bancroft. 63. MOCK COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEET Divide the boys into four groups representing four popular colleges or schools, with ribbons, colors and pennants. Choose the best boys present as leaders of the four groups and give each group five minutes to prepare (in separate rooms) yells and songs appro- priate to the occasion. The result of the yells and songs will be judged by a corps of judges and marked on the score board on a basis of 4, 3, 2 and 1 points respectively. (3ther events such as fake potato race, tgg and spoon race, and parlor football may be used, or other races suited to the room. The potato race may be run as an ordinary potato race, using checkers as potatoes, and making the boys walk instead of run, putting a penalty on running. The parlor football game is a good event with which to end the games. You may use a regulation ping pong board and improvise goal posts, having the boys 48 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES I am a great friend to public amusements for they keep people from vice. — Samuel Johnson. in teams of ten kneel on the floor around the table and blow the ping pong ball through the goals. Have each event count a number of points and have scorer on big blackboard announce points after each event. Individual prizes may be given and team prizes as well. The above has been tried in a number of cases with excellent results, and is adaptable to any age. In one city the principals of the two high schools acted as judge and referee. — W . S. Reed, Nezvark, N. J. 64. INITIAL GAME For this game it will be necessary to prepare slips of paper, one for each player. At the bead of each paper are written the initials of some person who will be present; under this a series of questions which the player drawing the paper is to answer. The papers are put in a box or hat and drawn by the players, or held in the hand with the initials concealed and drawn in that wa}^ A certain time may be allowed, if de- sired, for the answering of the questions. The answers must be written in each case imme- diately below the question, must consist only of as many words as there are initials at the top of the sheet, and the words of the answer must begin with the initials in their proper order. Examples of Questions 1. To whom does this paper belong? (Henry B. Brown.) 2. What is his character? (Horrid, but bearable.) 3. What kind of hair has he? (Heavy, burnished brown.) 4. What kind of eyes has he? (Heavenly, bright blue.) 5. What books does he prefer? (Handsomely bound biog- raphies.) 6. What animals does he prefer? (Howling big bears.) 7. What is his chief occupation? (Hammering bulky boxes.) GAMES AND STUNTS 49 A poorer game, in which all can heartily join, is far better than a better game that appeals only to a few. — Amos R. Wells. 8. What do you surmise regarding his future? (He'd better beware.) 9. What does he think of the opposite sex? (Hebes! bright beauties.) 10. What does he think of the world in general? (He's becoming bewildered.) — From ''Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium/' Jessie H. Bancroft. 65. SKETCHES The game here desoribed for use with history may be used simply as a diversion in describing animals or any inanimate objects; or it may be used to correlate with English (authors), picture study, etc. Each player is provided with a sheet of paper and pencil and writes a description of some historical char- acter; the object being to give a description that shall be perfectly truthful and yet puzzling or misleading for the other players who are to guess the identity of the character in the writer's mind. One player is called on to read his description. The other players may have the privilege of asking ques- tions that may be answered by Yes or No only ; but it is considered much more of an honor to guess cor- rectly without this assistance. The one guessing the character correctly reads his description next. A description for instance might read : The person I would describe was a very tall man ; very vigorous ; used an ax on occasion ; had much to do with legis- lators ; was widely known outside of his native country, and has been the subject of many biographies. As this description would apply equally to Washing- ton, Lincoln, (Gladstone and several others who might be mentioned, there is opportunity for considerable guessing before the right character is found. — From ''Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gym- nasium,'' Jessie H. Bancroft. 50 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES By sports like these are all their cares beguiled. — Goldsmith. m. THE LONG REACH Chalk a line on the floor and then place the toes of both feet on it, being careful that they do not pass beyond. Then throw forward either the right or left hand, no matter which, so far and no farther than you can easily spring back from and readily regain your upright position, without either moving your feet from the line, touching the floor with the hands in throwing them forward, or scraping the floor with them in the spring back. When you have in this manner ascer- tained the utmost distance to which you can stretch and from which you can recover, without scraping the hands or altering the position of the feet, you must stretch as far forward as you possibly, can and, while supporting the body with one hand, chalk a line on the floor with the other. You may, in order to bring your body lower, move your feet backward from the line marked on the floor and by so doing you will be enabled to make a much greater stretch than you could other- wise have done. H you can manage to chalk two lines, your own length apart, it is a tolerably good stretch, but with a little practice you may chalk considerably further than that measure. Some persons, in per- forming this feat, rest upon their elbows instead of their hands. — Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games, A. G. Spalding & Bros., Nezv York. 67. RECOGNITION Each player is given a card or slip prepared with the following questions, or the list may be dictated at the time. What Famous Persons, Historical or Mythical, Do These Objects Suggest? 1. Hatchet? (George Washington.) 2. A rail fence? (Abraham Lincoln.) 3. A kite? (Benjamin Franklin.) 4. A muddy cloak? (Sir Walter Raleigh.) 5. A lonely island? (Robinson Crusoe.) GAMES AND STUNTS 51 Every one can master a grief but he that has it. — Shakespeare. 6. A burning bush? (Moses.) 7. A ruff? (Queen Elizabeth.) 8. A glass slipper? (Cinderella.) 9. An apple? (William Tell.) 10. A silver lamp. (Aladdin.) 11. A smooth, round stone? (David.) 12. Long hair? (Samson.) 13. A dove? (Noah.) 14. A pomegranate seed? (Persephone.) 15. A spider web? (Robert Bruce.) 16. A key? (Bluebeard.) 17. A wolf? (Red Riding Hood.) 18. A steamboat? (Robert Fulton.) — From ''Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium/' Jessie H. Bancroft. 68.. "JENKINS UP" Divide the players imto two parts, each occupying opposite sides of a table, with a leader for each. One side has a coin which is passed, under the table, from hand to hand. The leader of the opposite side sud- denly says : "Jenkins up ! " whereupon the side having the coin must all raise their hands at once, high above the table, and with fists closed. The leader of the opposite side, after the uplifted hands have been re- viewed, says, '^Jenkins down ! '' and every one on the side holding the coin must immediately slap both hands down flat upon the table, palms down. The leader of the guessing party (who may either give orders himself or appoint a captain on his side) calls for the lifting of one hand at a time, specifying which hand he desires raised, at which the player raises the hand designated. The object of the game is to guess which hand has the coin, and having caused every other hand to be raised from the table, to leave that until the last. Should the leader of the guessing side order the hand that holds the coin to be raised, the score is lost to the guessing side and gained to the side holding the coin, to the amount of one point for each hand left down 52 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES If you hear your choice of amusements criticised, go straight to the critics and ask them to suggest some amusements for the next social. — Amos R. Wells. after the one is raised which holds the coin. The side wins which first scores twenty-five, fifty, or any de- sired number of points. 69. A CAT PARTY Each player is provided with a sheet of paper on which are written the following questions. Each ques- tion is to be answered with a word, of which the first syllable is cat. The player wins who writes the largest number of correct answers, the list of answers being read by the host at the close of the time allowed for the game. Examples of Questions 1. What sort of cat is allowed in a library? (Catalog.) 2. What sort of cat makes you think of reflected sounds? (Catacoustics.) 3. What sort of cat unites well with a toilet article? (Catacomb.) 4. What sort of cat requires a physician's attention? (Catalepsy.) 5. What sort of cat is feared by soldiers? (Catapult.) 6. What sort of cat is bad for the eyes? (Cataract.) 7. What sort of cat is to be dreaded? (Catastrophe.) 8. What sort of cat is allowed on the table? (Catsup.) 9. What sort of cat goes to Sunday-school? (Catechism.) 10. What sort of cat do girls most detest? (Caterpillar.) 11. What sort of cat makes small boys weep? (Cat-o'-nine- tails.) — From ''Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium,^' Jessie H. Bancroft. 70. FOR THE SWIMMING POOL This list of events may be carried through in the swimming tanks : relay race ; scratch race ; handi- cap race ; hurdle race ; breast stroke ; side stroke ; back stroke ; candle race ; tgg and spoion race ; tub race ; egg-blowing ; inverted tub ; under water, for distance ; under water, for time; plunge for distance; racing GAMES AND STUNTS 53 We cannot educate our grandmother, we say; but there are grand- mothers whom we can educate. The children of today are the grand- mothers of the future; we can educate them. — Rollins. across tank; noveky race (variou'S kinds); steeple- chase; under and over water race; tiandem; tihree- legged; walking on bottom (with aid of weights); top and bottom; ducking, in deep water; tug-of-war, in deep water; wrestling, in shallow water; bobbing for corks ; turning and pushing acros'S tank under water; diving contest; hurdle diving, height or A Fine Pool distance; hoop diving, height or distance; diving for plates ; hands tied ; feet tied ; hands and feet tied ( for experts); tag; water polo; soccer polo (the English water polo). — Joseph Nill, Manager of West Side, New York, Swimming Team. 71. "BUZ" This is a very old and well-known game. The players sit in a circle and count, beginning at one and going to a hundred, which must, if possible, be reached. But the number seven, any number made up of a 54 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Honest labor bears a lovely face. — Dekker. seven, such as 17, 27, 37^ etc., and any number which is a product of seven, such as 14, 21, 28, etc., all must be substituted by the word ''Buz/' When the players reach seventy-one they must say ''Buz one'' and for seventy-two, "Buz two," etc. Rules of the game : 1. Buz is said for every seven or multiple of seven. 2. Any one breaking the first rule pays a forfeit and is out of the game, and must sit silent. 3. Immediately after a seven or multiple has been named, the counting may begin again ; the one sitting on the left of the expelled member beginning again with one. 4. If any player forgets his number while the counting is going on, or miscounts after a Buz, he pays a forfeit, but he is not out of the game. This game must be played quickly, and it will be found that Buz will so often be forgotten in its right place that the circle will continually diminish in size, until it ends sometimes in a pair, and, as after every blunder the count begins again at one, it is a matter of some difficulty to reach one hundred. We recommend this game as a very merry and pleasant one. 72. AUTHORS' INITIALS Each player is given a piece of paper on which are written various groups or series of words, each group descriptive of some author, and each word beginning with one of his initials in regular order. The player who guesses the largest number of authors wins. The following lare sugges'ted and others may be devised : 1. Juveniles firmly conquered (James Fenimore Cooper). 2. Name honored (Nathaniel Hawthorne). 3. Bright humor (Bret Harte). 4. One wholesome humorist (Oliver Wendell Holmes). 5. Really lasting stories (Robert Louis Stevenson). 6. Cheerful laborer (Charles Lamb). 7. Tender, brilliant author (Thomas Bailey Aldrich). 8. Heroism wisely lauded (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow). 9. Just, gentle writer (John Greenleaf Whittier). 10. Poetry bridged skyward (Percy Bysshe Shelley). 11. Clever delineator (Charles Dickens). 12. Rare brain (Robert Browning). 13. Weird imagination (Washington Irving). — From ''Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium,'' Jessie H. Bancroft, GAMES AND STUNTS 55 The noblest mind the best content has. — Spenser. 73. THINK OF A NUMBER Tell your friend to think of any number he pleases, but not to tell you what it is. Then tell him to double it. When he has done that let him add an even number to it, which you yourself must give him; after doing this, he must halve the whole, then from what is left, take away the number he first thought of. When he shall arrive thus far, if his calculations have been all made correctly, you will be able to tell him the exact remainder, which will simply be the half of the even number you told him to add to his own. Number thought of Doubled Even number added 15 30 8 2 )38 Halved Subtract 19 15 4 half of 74. SKIN THE SNAKE Players stand in line at front dress. Each player stoops over, putting his right hand between his legs and grasping the left hand of the player behind him. At a given signal, the last man in line lies down on his back, putting his feet first between the legs of the player in front of him. The line walks backward striding upon the bodies of those behind, and imme- diately lying down upon having no more to stride. Upon completing the transformation, all are lying on their backs. The last man who lies down now rises to his feet and strides forward up the line, the rest following as fast as their turns come. During all these manoeuvers the grasp of the hands has not been broken. Performing rapidly, this presents a peculiar spectacle, yet is very simple. 56 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES There is such a thing as too much kindness; as if one should toast the bread for a bird, or spread with mayonnaise the lettuce for a rabbit. — Rollins. 75. KNIGHTS OF THE SACRED WHISTLE This may be played by any number of persons. The object is to have one or two persons, according to the number in the crowd, informed that they are to be initiated into the Knights of the Sacred Whistle. Show them a small whistle and tell them that in order to become members they must find this whistle. You then pretend to hand the whistle to one of the members of the party. Place around the victim's shoulders an apron or some garment, and have attached to the back of it a small whistle on a piece of string. The trick is for some of the members to blow the whistle behind the person's back, immediately dropping it, and when he turns the person on the other side will blow, all standing in a circle, with the person who is being ''initiated'' in the center. He will be kept guessing for some time before he finds out where the whistle is located. 76. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS This game may be played with any number of per- sons. Pick out from one to twelve persons, according to the size of the crowd ; have them go out of the room. These are to act as musicians. Select four or five to act as judges. The judges are instructed to name every instrument excepting those that the musicians are trying to imitate. Call in two or three of the musicians at a time and instruct them that they are to play upon some imaginary musical instrument. Place them before the judges and tell them the judges will try to guess the name of the instrument. After they have played for some time, ask the crowd to tell the musicians what they are playing. They will respond very heartily, ''Fools for the crowd." — C, A, Mc- Laughlin, St. Louis, Mo. GAMES AND STUNTS 57 Think naught a trifle, though it small appears; Small sands the mountain, moments make the year, And trifles life. — Young. 77. WILD ANIMALS This game may be played with any number of per- sons. Have a room that can be darkened, and place in the room in an obscure corner a looking-glass. Have two persons in the room known as the keepers of wild animals. When a person enters the room you ask him what animal he desires to see. After he mentions the name of the animal, the keeper describes this animal to correspond as nearly as possible with the person. Then he imitates the animal, and leads his subject to a position in front of the looking-glass. He then tells the other keeper to bring forth the animal called for. This is a signal for some one to turn on the lights, and the victim beholds his own image in the mirror. 78. TO START SOMETHING After the men have gathered, give each an envelope containing a card bearing one of the following names : Knockers, Boosters, Joshers, Pawnees, Flub-Dubs, Leans, Fats, etc. Each name represents a gang. If you desire seven in each gang, give out seven Boosters, seven Fats, etc. The crowd will have to be estimated somewhat in advance. When the cards are distributed, explain that there are six others bearing the name on the card each holds, and that the groups will imme- diately convene. After the pandemonium is over and the gangs are organized give them five minutes to get up a yell, song, stunt or story. Award a prize to the gang that presents the best of these. Proceed with plans for membership increase, or whatever is desired. — L. A. Howe, Wilmerding, Pa. 79. ESKIMO RACE ON ALL FOURS The performers stand with hands and feet on the floor, the knees stiff, the hands clinched and resting on 58 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The saddest thing is to be endowed with liberty to do as we please, and then to please to do the wrong thing. — Rollins. the knuckles. The elbows should be stiff. In this position a race is run, or rather ''hitched/' over a course that will not easily be too short for the performers. This is a game of the Eskimos, reported by Lieutenant Schwatka. ESKIMO JUMPING RACE Fold the arms across the breast with the knees rigid and the feet close together. Jump forward in short jumps of an inch or two. This is the regular form of one of the games of the Eskimos, reported by Lieu- tenant Schwatka. — Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H. Bancroft. 80. THREE TRICKS Stand against the wall with the left side, the cheek, hip and foot touching it; then try lifting the right leg without moving the body away from the wall. Place a boy with his back against the wall, his heels firmly against it. Lay a half-dollar on the floor in front of him about a foot away from his toes, and tell him it is his if he can pick it up without moving his heels from against the wall. Another trick is to hold the hands across the breast, the elbows pointing straight to right and left, and press firmly together the tips of the index fingers. Invite any one present to pull the fingers apart by taking hold of the arms and pulling toward right and left. You will find that the strongest person cannot force your fingers apart. 81. PIANO PLAYERS' CONTEST Under the direction of the social committee, which is composed of twenty-five of our members, we invited all (the professional piano players in this city and vicin- ity to participate in la professional piano players' con- GAMES AND STUNTS 59 A man who is true to himself has neither time nor inclination to be false to others. — The Saturday Evening Post. test. There were eight emtries, and we charged an admission fee of twenty-five cents. The players paid $1 to guarantee their appearance, which was re- turned to them the night of the contest. The Associa- tion gave three medals as prizes, and the contest proved to be very successful. The playing was done behind a curtain, and the audience voted. One player- piano was introduced.^ — H. G. Williamson, Cincinnati, Ohio. 82. COTTON BALL BATTLE A simple game requiring little preparation but giving unlimited opportunity for letting off excess energy is '*'The Coitto-n Ball Batitle.'' The party is divided into two equal squads. At the beginning of the game the squads separate and line up against opposite walls. In front of each squad is placed a sufficient number of cotton balls, about three or four inches in diiameter. At the word ''go'' the fusillade begins. The players are -then permitted to enter ithe enemy's territory. After the squads intermingle so much that in the ex- citement of the game it becomes impossible to tell which side a man is on, put a lively finish to the game. — H. F. Bretthaner, Charleston, S, C. 83. HIGH JUMP— BLINDFOLDED Blindfold a person, then place an obstacle in front of him on the floor about two feet high; have some small object to put on top so as to raise it each time (small blocks or books will answer). Seat him in front of the obstacle, let him feel it with his hands, and then tell him to jump over it without knocking off any of the small objects. Just as he gets ready to jump, remove the obstacle from before him, as he makes a big effort to jump over the obstacle. The audience applauds his efforts and the obstacle is imme- diately placed in front of him again with one or two 60 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend. — Shakespeare. objects added, thus making it a little higher. Repeat this several times, then remove the blindfold and show him w^hat he has been jumping over. — C. A. McLaugh- lin, St. Louis, Mo. 84. 'THUMBS UP" This is the old game of ''Simon Says/' the leader and players sitting around a table, or in a circle about the room, with fists closed and thumbs upright. The leader says : ''Simon says, 'thumbs down,' '' at the same time turning his own hands over. The players do likewise. The leader says : "Wiggle waggle,'' or "Up," but if he fails to repeat the words "Simon says," and any one in the party obeys his order, that one making the error must pay la forfeit. Or should the leader say : "Simon says 'thumbs up' " or "Simon says 'thumbs down/ " and not do it himself, and any one of the players should do it, that player must pay a forfeit. 85. STRENGTH TEST WITH GLASS OF WATER Take a glass of water, giving it to a medium sized person. Have him hold it in his left hand. Select four or five good, strong persons and have each take hold of the left forearm. These persons are to be known as strong men, and the trick is to keep the person holding the glass from drinking the water. When they are all ready, the one who holds the glass of water makes one or two fake attempts to get his hand to his mouth, then quickly with his right hand he takes the glass of water, turns his head and drinks it. — C. A. McLaughlin, St. Louis, Mo. 86. MAGIC GIFT Take a little common white wax or beeswax, and stick it on your thumb. Then, speaking to a by- GAMES AND STUNTS 61 Good sense, which only is the gift of heaven, And though no science, fairly worth the seven. — Pope. stander, you show him sixpence, and tell him you will put it into his hand. Press it down on the palm of his hand with your waxed thumb, talking to him the while, and looking him in the face. Suddenly take away your thumb, and the coin will adhere to it. Close his hand, and he will be under the impression that he holds the sixpence, as the sensation caused by the pressing still remains. You may tell him he is at liberty to keep the sixpence, but on opening his hand to look at it he will find to his astonishment that it is gone. 87. DOG FIGHT Two players place themselves on their hands and knees, facing each other, about three feet apart. Place an endless strap or anything that will not cut into the flesh, over the heads (which must be kept up and back). At the word ''Go'' the players pull against each other until one of them is pulled off the mat, or his head pulled forward, thereby releasing the strap, thus showing the other to be the victor. — F. M. C, A, Young Men's Era, iSp^j p(^9^ 34^- Indoor and Out- door Gymnastic Games, A. G. Spalding & Bros., New York City, 88. WATER AND CRACKER RACE Take an ordinary glass filled with water and place it on a table. At the opposite side have an ordinary soda cracker. Select two persons and let them be seated, one in front of the glass and the other in front of the cracker. Give the one who is to drink the water an ordinary teaspoon. The trick is to eat the soda cracker before the one with the teaspoon drinks the glass of water by taking a teaspoonful at a time. The one who is eating the cracker is not allowed to have anything to drink. 62 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Industry and constant employment are great preservatives of the morals and the virtue of a nation. 89. NOTED 'orators Let three young men impersonate three prominent orators. State that, as the hour is late, they will save time by all speaking at once. Each of the three should have previously committed his speech, and when he has taken his place on the platform he will frantically endeavor to make himself heard above the others. To make the performance more amusing, they should commit speeches which require dramatic gestures, and not be afraid of putting in extra motions as the occa- sion may require. 90. "WHAT..AM I?",,,/ This game is played by having several pictures cut out of magazines or newspapers and pinned on a per- son's back. The person is then told that he is to guess what he represents by suggestions given by the audience, these suggestions relating in some definite way to the pictures pinned on his back. The one from whom he gets the suggestion must take his place for the next game. 91. CANE WALK Take a stick three or four feet in length, grasp one end with both hands and place the other end on the floor, a little distance from the feet. Bend over until the head rests upon the hands. Stay in this position and make four or five complete circles. Lift the head and try to walk straight across the floor. Watch out for falls. 92. COIN AND CARD SNAP Balance a visiting card on the tip of the middle or forefinger. On top of the card place a dime or nickel ; this should be exactly over the tip of the finger and in the middle of the card. Snap the edge of the card GAMES AND STUNTS 63 Saying the wrong thing is misfortune; but trying to explain it is disaster. — ^The Saturday Evening Post. with a finger of the other hand, so that the card will be shot from under the coin and leave the coin balanced on the finger. — Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H. Bancroft. 93. THE TRIUMPH The hands are placed palm to palm behind the back with the fingers pointing downward and thumbs next to the back. Keeping the tips of the fingers close to the back and the palms still together, the hands are turned inward and upward until the tips of the fingers are between the shoulders, pointing upward toward the head, and the thumbs outside. — Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H. Bancroft. 94. ANKLE THROW This feat consists in tossing some object over the head from behind with the feet. A bean bag, book, or basket ball, is held firmly between the ankles. With a sudden jump, the feet are kicked backward so as to jerk the object into an upward throw, which should end in its curving forward over the head. It should be caught as it comes down. 95. ROOSTER FIGHT This is an old Greek amusement. A ring six feet in diameter is drawn on the ground. Two players are placed in this, who stoop and grasp each his own ankles. . In this position they try to displace each other by shouldering. The player loses who is overthrown or who loosens his grasp on his ankles. — Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H. Bancroft, 64 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The pessimist stands beneath the tree of prosperity and growls when the fruit falls on his head. — The Saturday Evening Post. 96. INDIAN WRESTLE Two players lie on their backs side by side, with adjacent arms locked. The feet should be in opposite directions. At a signal the adjacent legs are brought to an upright position and interlocked at the knees. The wrestle consists in trying to force the opponent to roll over from his position. — Games for the Play- ground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H. Ban- croft. 97. CATCH PENNY Place on your elbow three or four penny pieces in a heap, then drop your elbow very suddenly so as to bring your hand rather below the place where your elbow was and try to catch the money before it falls to the ground. A few trials will enable you to per- form this trick with the greatest facility. — Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games, A. G. Spalding & Bros., New York City. 98. POLITICAL CONVENTION Delegations convene, each composed of the occu- pants of one tent and each bearing the name of a state, represented on a banner. The chairman opens the convention ; committees on credentials, rules and resolutions report. A suffragette is introduced; the rollcall of states with speeches for nomination of president follows. Local names triumph over famous statesmen suggested. A parade and fireworks follow the nomination. 99. STRENGTH TEST Take a piece of board about thirty inches in length and eight or ten inches wide, one half an inch thick. GAMES AND STUNTS 65 The taking of unfair advantage of a neighbor's necessities, though attended with temporary success, always breeds bad blood. — Franklin. Place it on a table with one end projecting half way. Take several newspapers and open them, and place them on the table over the top of the board, pressing them down firmly with both hands. Have some one hit the end that protrudes a quick blow, trying to raise the newspapers. 100. "OBSERVATION'' Place from one dozen to twenty small articles on a salver and pass around the room, giving each person about ten seconds in which to 'observe.'' Then let each one write on a slip of paper the names of the articles as far as remembered. A few simple prizes may be given to the ones able to name the largest number of articles, and also a ''booby" prize. — H. S. N. 101. BLINDFOLD BOXING MATCH A blindfold boxing match has often been introduced, resulting in considerable merriment. Two men are blindfolded; a book is laid on the mat, both men get on their knees, laying their left hands on the book. Each man has a coach and is permitted to strike when the coiach says "hit." — Monterey, Mexico. 102. FINGER JUMP The performer holds a stick horizontally between the forefingers of his hands, pressing with the fingers to keep it from falling. Keeping the stick in this position, he should jump over it forward and then back- ward. The same feat may be performed by pressing together the middle fingers of the two hands without a stick and jumping over them forward and backward, as a dog jumps through curved arms. 66 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Quit yourselves like men. — Old Testament. 103. STANDING TOE WRESTLE The arms are folded and, hopping on one foot, each wrestler tries to make his opponent put his other foot upon the floor, by a side movement of the leg. — Y. M. C. A, Young Men's Era, 1892, page 1592. Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games, A. G. Spalding & Bros., Nezv York City. 104. BOTTLE BALANCING Place a round bottle on its side on the floor, then have a person sit down on the bottle, extending legs full length. Put the right foot on top of the left toe, afterwards giving the person pencil and a piece of cardboard or heavy paper, and tell him to write his name on it without his hands touching the floor. It usually takes several efforts to accomplish this feat. 105. TRICK MATCHES This stunt may be used on various occasions. Have one or two candles in the room lighted. Have one that is not lighted, and when a new arrival comes, give him a trick match and ask him to light the candle. When he strikes the match it will explode like a small firecracker or toy pistol cap. It is harmless. The matches may be bought at any novelty store at five cents a box. 106. "JOHN BROWN'S BODY'' Have some one play ''John Brown's Body Lies a-mouldering in the Grave," then leave the last word out each time you sing the verse through until all the words have been left out but the first word of the line, ''John." When any one sings a word that should be left out he-should drop out of the game as a forfeit. FORFEITS 67 And learn the luxury of doing good. — Goldsmith. Forfeits ■% In the case of failure to accomplish these feats, any of the following forfeits may be imposed, affording much amusement: 107. CHEW THE STRING Two bonbons are wrapped in paper and tied each to a piece of string six yards in length. These are placed on the floor at a distance from each other, the free end of a string being given to each of the two players who are assigned to this penalty. At a signal, each player puts his piece of string in his mouth, and with hands behind back chews rapidly at the string, trying to get it all into the mouth. The one who first gets to his piece of candy is rewarded by having both pieces. — Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H. Bancroft. 108. CONSTANTINOPLE The player is required to "Spell Constantinople, one syllable at a time.'' As soon as he gets to the letter "i/' all the other players shout the syllable, '^no.'' The speller naturally thinks that he has made a mistake, and commences again. Each time that he gets to the letter ''i'' the same cry of ''no !'' is made, and the poor victim may become very much confused, and doubt his own memory as to spelling before he discovers the trick. — Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H, Bancroft. 109. SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR Two players are required to stand upon an open newspaper in such a manner that they cannot possibly touch one another. They will find the solution of the 68 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES When apple boughs are full of bloom, And Nature loves her fellow men, With all the witchery of spring. How can you hate a fellow then? — Rollins. problem in placing the newspaper over the sill of a door, and then closing the door between them. — Games for the Playgroundj Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H, Bancroft. 110. HAYSTACK. A player is required to make a pile of chairs as high as his head, and then take off his shoes and jump over them. (Jump over the shoes.) — Games for the Play- ground, Home, School and Gymnasium, Jessie H. Ban- croft. 111. "HOT AIR" Contestants placed on opposite sides of a sheet which is held on a level with their mouths. Each tries to blow a toy balloon over opponent's head. — /. C. Clark, Portland, Ore, 112. THE AFFIRMATIVE A player is required to ask a question that cannot be answered in the negative, The question is, "What does y-e-s spell ?'' — Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium.^ Jessie H, Bancroft. . 113. BLOWING OUT LIGHTED CANDLE Place a lighted candle on a table. Blindfold a per- son and let him walk to the table and extinguish the light by blowing it. It will be amusing to see how hard he will blow when not near the candle at all. AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 114. HOW TO PROMOTE AND CONDUCT AN AMATEUR CIRCUS A larger number of members oan be given some- thing ito do in a circus than in a gymnasium exhibition, by giving them stunts in the side show, dressing-room, or by employing them as supes, peanut boys, etc., etc. The oombination of legitimate gymnastics with bur- lesquie interests a larger number of members and spectators than the regular gymnaisium exhibition. More enthusiasm, more cooperation, more fellowship, more people^ — ^more money. Organisation. Call together the committee that should get up the circus, and after you have briefly sug- gested the idea (say as little as possible, but enough to secure enthusiasm) let them "go it." Keeping impor- tant things in mind, you can guide with an occasional word. Committees. Appoint a treasurer and chairmen of committees on advertising, music, ushers, side show, main show, refreshments, menagerie, clowns and cos- tumes. Let these chairmen appoint their own helpers so far las possible. All committees report to the execu- tive committee before ordering any work done or engaging any performers. In selecting the date, allow as much time as possible — two months, if you can. This is not true of a minstrel show, where one month is better. The Treasurer. This officer should have tickets, seats, ticket sellers and takers under his immediate supervision. You will need a young business man with executive ability and tact for this. Let him select his helpers. Advertising. This committee must find a member who will prepare striking posters (about 4x10 feet) 70 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A man that hath friends must show himself friendly. — Old Testament. to be hung in every possible plaice. A little judicious newspaper advertising is helpful. It may be necessary to pay for space, but in most cases it is easy to secure J Parade Snapshots notice in the news columns. Keep something in the way of reading matter in the papers all the time, in- creasing the amount as the show approaches. This AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 71 A hero whether he wins or loses, is a hero. — Thackeray. is work enough for one man — 2i gooA. man, too. Use ''big talk" in writing everything — stupendous — re- nowned — ^scientific — ^magnificent. The committee can secure over one hundred dollars in advertising for an eight-page stapled program (9x14 inches). Five thousand of these, together with ten thousand flyers (9x12 inches), will provide abundant matter to be distributed (if the city will permit). Begin a week before the event to distribute programs and flyers throiughout the city, giving ithe boys an opportunity to help. These bills should give the main features and facts, date and place of sale of reserved seats. The sale of seats should commence at least a week before the performance. Tickets. The tickets should have distinctive colors foir different nights and for location, side show, main show, gallery and floor. Return checks should be issued to those -who go out during the performance expecting to return. There should be a barker with each ticket seller. There should be plenty of ticket booithiS well raised away from the sneak thief. Have plenty of change. Be careful with complimentary tickets, but remember the newspapers early and well — it pays. Do not give tickets to performers who are members of the Association. Music. An energetic and sympathetic chairman of music can find a cornet with one or two additional instruments, to unite with a bass drum and some zoboes in producing a band ''guaranteed to render music of a nature never before listened to by any audience.'' A good pianist should alternate numbers with the band, for the relief of the band — ^and the audience ! Ushers. These are indispensable not only within the main "tent" but as guides in the passageways leading to the side show, etc. Tack up plenty of cards bearing directions and marking sections of seats. Each section of seats should have at least one usher. n SOCIAL ACTIVITIES I had rather have a fool to make me merry, than experience to make me sad. — Shakespeare. Refreshments, Peanuts, lemonade, popcorn and candy, secured at wholesale, with the right to return what is not sold or damaged, may be sold at good profit by members made up as street urchins. THE SIDE SHOW This should be in a room aside from the gymnasium. A great deal can be put into small space. The freaks are placed on platforms made of picnic tables draped with bunting. The crowd can file around the room and out if the room is small. Costumes. Make a job price with the best costumer within reach. If the distance from a big city like New York or Chicago is not too great, it will pay to make one trip, have a good talk with the costumer, pick out your things and arrange on a price, not forget- ting the express charges. You should be able to secure for your side show a skeleton, bearded lady, fat lady, fat man, strong man and weights, giant, midget, tattooed man, wild man, dog- faced boy, lions, monkeys, a stork, bears, etc. Gus Maries, 74 St. Mark's Place, New York City, carries an extensive line, and there are many others. The main show will want a few clown suits, character costumes, suits of pink tights and skirts, trained horses, an elephant and a mule. Other things will suggest themselves. If all these things are secured, your costume bill may run up to thirty or forty dollars for a two-nights' performance and rehearsal — with the express charges. Members should pay fifty cents toward their costumes, or provide them themselves. MAIN SHOW Seats. Reserve all seats. If there is a running track, have no standing room on the main floor ; general admission tickets admit only to the gallery, where AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 1Z The devil may have his faults, but procrastination is not one of them. — The Saturday Evening Post. spectaitors may stand behind the ichairs. On the floor the seats may be placed within twenty feet of the ring, with aisles three feet wide leading from the ring to the four corners of the gymnasium. This gives four sections lof seats, and if the gymnasium is long, the side sections may be subdivided. You will know your town, butt a fair price for seats is fifty cents for the front row running track, and the three rows nearest the ring on the floor; all other seats thirty-five cents, general admission twenty-five cents; ten cents for the side show. The Ring. Borrow oat bags from a grain man, fill them with old paper, and make your ring, using the gymnasium mats for a center. Cover it all over with old striped cloth, secured from an awning concern, or with green stage carpet, from a local theatre. Sawdust produces a great dust and is undesirable. The Night of the Performance. One or two men should be appointed to greet visiting talent and see that they are treated hospitably. If they are amateurs, coming simply for their expenses, this will be much appreciated. The barkers and ticket sellers are busy near the main entrance for fully half an hour before tihe doors to the side show are thrown open, prompitly at eight o'clock. An announcer in ithe side show should have plenty of talk on his tongue's end., like this : ''Allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to honor you with an introduction to one of the most bewitching, entranc- ing bits of feminine modesty in existence — Mme. Harie Mug, the bearded lady. While a child, sihe was cap- tured and scalped by fierce Indians. Surviving the awful torture, she attempted to recover her lost tresses by the use of a famous hair elixir. In applying the fluid it ran down on her face, with this astonishing result." Passing on to the next exhibit the barker turns on the stream of language again. Patrons visiting the side ishow are advised to begin 74 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A merrier man, within the limit of becoming mirth, I never spent an hour's talk withal. — Shakespeare. moving toiward the main show at 8.45 in order to 'hear the grand concert by Zu-Zu's hand. THE PROGRAM Something should be going on while the people are being seated. For example, at 8.45 an old farmer and his wife enter, looking for seats. They wander aim- lessly aboot ithe ring and aisles, pointing with a large cotton umbrella and getting into every one's way. Without noise, enter two camera fiends. They dis- cover the farmer land wife. Ten minutes of posing, as funny as the actors are capable of making iit. Attitudes and gestures are copious, but there is no talking. The band plays alternately with the pianist. The refreshment boys are calling their wares. Sharply at nine o'clock the ringmaster enters the ring He is attired in tall hat, dress coat, white vest and bright red ribbon sash, white trousers and top boots. In his hand is a whip with a long lash. Dropping his silk hat with a sweeping bow, he announces the great parade. ''Are you ready?" ''Sure," answers a voice from the door of the dressing room. "Well, come on," sings out the ringmaster, as he cracks his whip with great gusto — tthe band beginis to play and the show is on. Let everybody get into the parade. People don't mind seeing the side show freaks twice, and it makes the show look bigger. Mix up the acts well ; that is, don't put two gymnastic numbers close together. A good order is parade, gym- nasts, clown act, trained horses, clown act, gymnasts, clown act, trained elephant, etc., etc. Have a reliable person, with plenty of helpers in the dressing room, who get the numbers ready for their turn and have them on time. As one act goes off let the next pass it coming in. The clown acts, which should alternate with the other numbers, should be well rehearsed. It is hard to be truly funny. AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 75 Experience is a good teacher, but charges like a specialist. — The Saturday Evening Post. Each trained horse is animated by two boys or men standing in a shell which forms the head and body of the animal. A skirt hides the legs of the boys. A colored individual should have a trained donkey. The oonstituent parts of the baby elephiant (two boys in a skin) after performing numerous difficult (?) feats for the trainer, quarrel over ithe luncheon they have stolen from itheir keeper, emerge from under cover and flee in dismay. A good final act is "jumping the elephant/' which consists in leaping from the spring board over the parallel bars, over which have been thrown ^the mats. This stunt starts with the gymnastic team; the excitement grows intense; the bandmaster hesitates and finally joins the flying gymnasts, followed by policemen, ushers and clowns. All finally gather in the center of the ring. There is a sudden quiet. The ringmaster thanks the audience for their kind indulgence and the show is over. At the end of the evening's work and fun the boys, and all who have helped in any way, appreciate ice cream and cake, served to them in an unoccupied room. CLOWN STUNTS The Sail Boat. Make a light wood frame shaped like a boat, with no bottom. A man stands inside, with the boat supported at his hips by straps over the shoulders. A green cloth tacked to the frame hides the man's legs. He holds a sail in his hands. Another clo)wn goes ahead and with water can sprinkles the way, while a third clown follows behind the boat and blows the sail with bellows. Move around the ring and out. The Duck Hunt, Use the same kind of boat, with- out sail. A clown, dressed to burlesque a hunter in the boat, backs in, rowing. Another clown sits in the ring with a pasteboard duck fastened by a string to his ankle. The duck clown quacks and the man in the boat stops rowing at each quack, looks over his shoulder, rows to within twenty feet of the c < Pi < AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 77 It is wonderful how gallantly one bears the misfortunes of one's friends. — Thackeray. duck, lets boat down on floor and takes off his clothes, showing a ridiculous bathing suit. Taking a blunder- buss gun, he pretends to splash water on himself and steps gingerly out of the boiat into supposed water, shivering. He gets down on hands and knees and stalks the duck, stopping every two feet to aim his gun. Finally he puts the gun up against the duck, acts as though he would fire, then suddenly puts his hat over the duck. He starts to carry off the duck, when the other clown feels a tug at his ankle and ex- postulates in pantomime. Hunter makes an offer to pay for the duck, which is accepted (all in pantomime), and he marches off triumphant, fastens duck to the back of his boat, gets in and rows away. The Surgical Operation. A long table covered with a sheet is placed in the ring. Turn the lights down a little, if possible, or shade them. One clown comes in, yawns, stretches, sees the table and contentedly lies down. Enter clown made up as old doctoir, with tall hat and large spectacles, carrying carpetbag containing large saw, mallet, auger, chisel, and small megaphone. This clown must play well the part of a nearsighted old doctor. He puts down his carpetbag and inspects his patient, by putting his head down close to his feet and then moving up toward his head. This he repeats often throughout the act, never apparently knowing which is head or feet. He lays out his tools, one by one, on ithe floor, sharpens the saw noisily on the floor, looks at patient's lungs through megaphone, and listens to heart through it. Whenever he returns to get a new tool, a third clown, dressed in red tights to impersonate the devil, dances (around the clown on the table who shakes with fear and goes through motions of fright, but immediately reclines quietly when the doctor returns. The nearsighted doctor cannot see the devil. The doctor starts to drive the chisel into the clown's stomach with the mallet and piatient sits straight up with an expression of fear. The doctor pushes the 7^ SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Some men keep their word because no one will take it. — The Saturday Evening Post. patient's head back and his legs come up. The doctor has a hard time trying to get patient straightened out, looks around for weights to place on his feet, and when he turns away the devil prances up, the patient jumps up and runs out, and the devil gets on the table in the patient's place. The doctor returns, starts at the feet, nearsightedly, gets to the devil's face, both of them let out a yell and the doctor runs for his life pursued by the devil. — A. M. Chesley, Washington, D. C, in Physical Training, Vol. 5, No, 10. 115. AN ART GALLERY This form of amusement is very well known, and some of the common catches have become classic; yet it is always sure to create amusement, and if your social committee has not got up an art gallery, by all means do so. You should curtain off a small portion of your room, and arrange the different pictures upon tables stretched along the side. Each picture is to be labeled with its title, or, if you wish, you may have a catalog pasted in some prominent place. A small admission fee may be charged. It will add to the fun if some comical genius acts as exhibitor. Here is the best list of works I have ever seen for such an art gallery : Art Gallery exhibition of painting and sculpture,, with many curious works of art 1. The Holy See Leo XIII. 2. Rock of Ages Lull Abi 3. Old Ironsides Bach Acre 4. The Kids at Rest Alexandre 5. Voices of the Night Thos. Katt 6. Mustered In and Mustered Out Keene 7. A Young Man's Fear Disputed AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 79 Absence of occupation is not rest, A mind quite vacant is a mind distressed. — Cowper. 8. Time on the Wing McGrew 9, My Own, My Native Land. Anonymous 10. Something to Adore McHannick 11. Can't be Beat Annie Fool 12. Only a Poor Old Wood-Chopper Geo. Washington 13. A Perfect Foot N. E. Carpenter 14. Maid of Orleans S. Orghum 15. One Hundred Years Ago Al. Manac 16. Cause of the Revolution Ole Bull 17. Little Fishes (a study in oil) S. R. Dean 18. Wood Cuts (a group) F. K. Hackman 19. "We Part to Meet Again" C. Steel 20. Mementos of the Great Cole 21. The '*Star in the East'* F. Leischmann 22. A Spoony Couple Unknown 23. "Samson Was Great; Lo ! a Greater" N. Meig 24. A Marble Group Mike L. Angelo 25. "Murphy on a Bender" T. Wigg 26. Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine German Valley 27. View of the Red Sea and Plains Beyond Fairo 28. The Skeleton Behind the Door Unknown 29. Deer Slayers C. Orset 30. Horse Fair of '96 G. Rain 31. A Hard Case O. Shell 32. Heads (statuary) C. Abbage 2>2>. A Wayworn Traveler Shuman 34. Sweet Sixteen C. Andy 35. "A Perfect Match" M. Atch 36. Hogg's Tales (illustrated) C. Pork 2>7. The Light of Other Days T. Chandler 38. All Afloat S. Aylor 39. The Ruins in China S. M. Asher 40. Lone Beat (an army scene) Thtulow 41. The Skipper's Home O. Mite 42. The Four Seasons Bill 43. Not To Be Bored G. Imblet 44. Noted English Essayist Unknown 45. The American Commentators P. Patch 46. Whaling Implements Birch 47. Llamlet Alone H. Meat 48. Wax Figures Mrs. Jarley 49. Lay of the Last Minstrel B. Antem 50. Things That End in Smoke T. Bacco 51 . Crossing the Styx Sharp 52. The Lost Heir Shampooer 53. Bust of a Boy O. Close 54. The Best Thing Out M. D. 55. The Skillful Phrenologist M. Comb 80 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES I love my country better than my family — but I love human nature better than my country. — Fenelon. 56. A Tearful Subject G. Rocer 57. Manufacturer of New England Hoes K. Nitter 58. Tales of Ocean S. McArel 59. Bad Spell of Weather Unknown 60. A Friend That Sticketh Closer than a Brother, McCandy 61. An Old Man's Darling and a Young Man's Slave, J. Smoker 62. Bridal Scene Harness 63. The Sun That Never Sets Shanghai 64. The Old Snuff-Taker Unknown 65. Flats and Sharps Mozart 66. Sold Again .' Anonymous 67. The Devil in Disguise (statuary in glass) O. Toper 68. Ever of Thee I am Fondly Dreaming Ban. Kerr "The most admirable display of original specimens of art to be found in America." — The North American Review. "A collection of rare and beautiful gems in the school of art, at sight of which the unbidden tears will start." — Paris Gazette des Beaux Arts. "A few moments spent in its classic realms has a tendency to elevate one to higher motives." — Atlantic Monthly. 1. A large Letter C, full of holes. 2. A cradle. 3. Flatirons. 4. Several pairs of kid gloves. 5. Two cats in a cage. 6. Mustard in and mustard out (of a bottle). 7. A mitten. 8. Watch on a turkey's wing. 9. A pan of dirt. 10. A lock and key. 11. Turnip. 12. An axe. 13. A foot rule. 14. Molasses candy. 15. The date, 1796. 16. Tacks on tea (tax on tea). 17. A can of sardines. 18. Chips from the sawmill. 19. Scissors. 20. Coals from the grate. 21. A star in some yeast. 22. Two spoons. 23. A nutmeg grater. 24. A group of marbles. AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 81 Living costs more in these days — but it is worth more to live. — The Saturday Evening Post. 25. Potato on a twig that would bend. 26. Bones apart over a rind. 27. A red letter C, and carpenter's planes beyond. 28. A hoopskirt behind the door. 29. Corset. 30. Corn (horse fare). 31. Shells. 32. Cabbage. 2>Z, An old worn-out shoe. 34. Sixteen sticks of candy. 35. A match. 36. Hogs' tails (three or four). Z7. Candles. 2>S. An awl in a pan of water. 39. Broken dishes. 40. A beet. 41. Cheese. 42. Salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard. 43. Gimlet. 44. Bacon. 45. Potatoes. 46. A bundle of switches. 47. Ham let alone. 48. Figures of sealing wax. 49. Egg. 50. Cigars. 51. Several sticks crossed. 52. Several hairs in some butter. 53. A pair of pants stuffed, out at the knees. 54. A tooth. 55. A fine comb. 56. Onions. 57. Knitting needles. 58. Mackerel tails. 59. "Wethair." 60. Molasses. 61. Pipe. 62. Bridle. 63. Rooster. 64. Snuffers. 65. Needles and flatirons. 66. An old shoe half-soled. 61. Bottle of whiskey. 68. Money. — From ''Social to Save/' United Society of Christian Endeavor. "^^i. < G O Pi J O U o H £ w AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 83 A record is the only thing improved by breaking. — ^The Saturday Evening Post. 116. AN EVENING WITH THE YAPHANK (LONG ISLAND) WHITTLING CLUB An Amateur Entertainment — Shavings, Song and Story Railroad Men's Building, 361 Madison Avenue,, New York ladies' night Monday Evening, February 14, igio batting order Adam Druckmiller Storekeeper Deacon Satchel, A Mormon Missionary Cain Brake, An Inoffensive Coon Reed Journal, The Town Bureau of Information F. Hornpipe, A Rube Fiddler Louie Lutzmacher, The Flying Dutchman Mordecai Epstein, A Harlem Pack Peddler Rev. Ebenezer Fourthly, The Village Parson Denis Rafferty, A Section Hand Hezekiah Stillwithus, The Oldest Inhabitant Claudie Lamont, A Fresh Guy from the City The Village Band, on their way home from rehearsal. Hank Wilson and his little boy. Bill Hawkins, Pete Brown, Isaac Groat, Tom Summerville, 1^ Rubes Jake Hines, Bob Bascomb, Bill Spicer, J edifying features No. 1. Isaac Groat and Hornpipe pull off a horse trade. A fair swap — give and take. No. 2. Cain Brake, an inoffensive coon, is made to stop on his way home from work and give a ten-minute "buck and wing" on pain of lynching. Hornpipe saws the fiddle. No. 3. Rev. Ebenezer Fourthly and Tom Summerville lock horns over the Scriptural identity of Gog and Magog. No. 4. Reed Journal, the only man in town who takes a Mineola paper, enlightens his fellow citizens as to the week's news. 84 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES No pleasure is comparable to standing upon the vantage ground of truth. — Bacon. No. 5. The Ananias Club goes into executive session in a story-telling match. Hezekiah Stillwithus, the oldest inhabitant, gives them all a run for their money. No. 6. Deacon Satchel, a Mormon missionary and tract distributer, appears on the scene and escapes by the skin of his teeth. No. 7. Denis Rafferty, a Hibernian section hand, happens in, and provides the Whittling Club with a little amusement. No. 8. Louie Lutzmacher, a flying Dutchman, gets jealous of Rafferty, and upholds the dignity of the German Empire with some remarks and songs in his native tongue. No. 9. Claudie Lamont, a city boarder, butts in with some remarks on athletics. Bill Spicer takes the other side of the argument, and after they are carefully blindfolded, they put on the gloves for a boxing contest. No. 10. The Village Band happens along on its way home from rehearsal at the cheese factory. Upon urgent request they play No. 23 from the A. B. C. band book. No. 11. Some of the Rubes form an impromptu male quartet to run opposition to the band. Old Hezekiah Still- withus insisted upon being heard in a solo entitled "The Green Grass Grows All 'Round." No. 12. Mordecai Epstein, a Hebraistic Pack Peddler from Harlem, comes along, looking for a place to stay all night. He attempts to "conduction some auction- ings" on the store steps, and is violently attacked by Druckmiller, the village merchant. Bloodshed is averted, but Epstein goes away mad. SYNOPSIS The scene of this touching melodrama is laid in that charm- ing Athens of America, Yaphank, Long Island. Many leading citizens of that erudite community will cross the ferry for the first time in order to participate in this festival. The store steps of Yaphank's leading emporium will be vividly repro- duced at enormous expense. The Association Orchestra will be on hand to raise the curtain, and Clint Weston will be stage manager. —W. W, Adair, R. R. Y. M. C. A,, Nezv York City. AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 85 The less you want to know people the more people want to know you. — The Saturday Evening Post. 117. "JIMTOWN IMPOSITION" This was conducted with great success by George Sutherland while acting secretary of the Cleveland, Ohio, Central Association. It was known as the "Jimtown Imposition and Old Time County Fair Association.'' Stock was issued at par value of $5, and something over 100 shares were sold with the distinct understanding that two thirds of the amount should be returned within thirty days after the New Year's Day show. In passing I might say that every dollar was returned to the shareholders, although the putting on of such an elaborate affair involved the outlay of $1500, without a cent of cost to the Associa- tion. After the sale of stock was made^ all the share- holders were called together and a board of directors of twelve men was made responsible for the organiza- tion, promotion and successful conduct of the affairs of the ''Imposition Company." These directors held meetings as often as twice a week, beginning in November, and toward the culmination of plans some- times two meetings a day were necessary. The whole thing was planned on the basis of a County Fair with minstrel show (six performances daily), freaks, magicians, etc., indoor circus in the gymnasium, moving picture show, and many other features. Association Hall was fitted up with booths. We had a police court with two or three policemen who arrested the president of the Association, also the president of the Chamber of Commerce and certain popular ministers, charging them with all. kinds of ludicrous offenses against the law, and exacting the payment of fees anywhere from five cents to $1. There were tally-ho stands, barkers, candy butchers, peanut peddlers and stands for all kinds of merchan- dise. It was necessary to sell in advance certain privi- leges and concessions to such parties as, for example, the glee club, the educational department, physical de- 86 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES For the bow cannot possibly stand always bent — nor can human nature or human frailty subsist without some lawful recreation. — Cervantes. partment, and so on. Booths in Exhibition Hall netted something over $400. The lobby of the Central De- partment was turned into a village square, the scenery — ^painted especially for us — the decoration, etc., being in harmony with the nature of the entertainment. It was a tremendous task, because we started out to give close attention to the many details involved in impart- ing the County Fair flavor to the show, and this we were told we succeeded in doing. About 150 members of the Central Department participated. Of course, there was much of local color ; three or four fictitious characters had been created by local newspaper men during the five years previous ; for instance, Uncle Biff of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Josh Wise, Dina Dill-Pickle and Everett True of the Cleveland Press. These grotesque creatures of the newspaper men's imagination had a real place in the mind of the Cleveland public, and helped the adver- tising. Everett True, for instance, a Harvard man weighing 200 pounds, was a policeman. He proved to be a live wire. Josh Wise was the leading man in the minstrel show, and his make-up was a great hitc Uncle Bifif was ubiquitous and got ofif some wise say- ings. The show ran New Year's day and evening, and notwithstanding the opening of the Cleveland Hippo- drome, on the same day, we had present altogether about 500 people. It enabled us to discover latent talent in our membership and also gave valuable busi- ness experience as to handling the affairs of a corpora- tion. We started out to keep tabs on every department and upon every item of expense. This had not been done at previous entertainments. Mr. A. J. Prentice, care of the Cleveland Foundry Company, formerly assistant treasurer, and Mr. T. T. Long, formerly employment director of the Central Department, will be able to give expense items and additional data. AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 87 Call no one "mad" because he happens to have a new idea, for time may prove such "madness" a merely perfected method of reason. — Corelli. 118. PARLOR FIELD MEET An interesting parlor field meet was recently con- ducted in Chicago for new members. As a method of getting new members acquainted it is certainly worth attention. Doubtless some boys' departments may get a hint here for some parlor athletic meets. Event 1, 20-Yard Dash. Carrying a blown tgg with a tea- spoon from start to finish. The man finishing first with a whole ^gg receives first prize. He must carry the tgg in the spoon by one extended hand, with the other hand behind his back. Event 2, Running Broad Grin. Stand facing the audience, keeping a changeable but continuous pleasant smile. The one who does this best receives the first prize. Event 3, Long Under Swing. Stand on a two-inch strip of wood on the toes, reaching the hand back and up between the legs. The one whose hand reaches the highest point behind the back, without fouling, receives first prize. The foul is falling backward from off the stick. There is no foul in fall- ing forward, as the competitor faces a tub of water. Event 4, Continuous Glum. The man who can stand longest before the audience amid the jollying of the crowd without a faint smile, receives the prize. Event 5, Candle Walk. Carrying a lighted candle with one arm extended, the other behind the back, face forward. He who finishes first with a lighted candle receives the prize. Event 6, Changeable Horse Laugh. The one who can get in the most amusing and largest variety of laughs within a limited time receives a prize. Event 7, Shot Put. Throwing peanuts into the mouth of a jug from a distance of four feet. The one putting the most peanuts in in five trials receives the prize. Event 8, Balance Juggle. Sitting on the pointed end of a jug and threading a needle. The one doing so in the shortest length of time receives the prize. Event 9, Long Lean Whistle. The one who can keep up a whistle the longest time without using artificial aid receives the prize. Event 10, Standing Broad Grin. The one who can keep up a pleasant smile for the longest time receives first prize. Event 11, Flour Grasp. Upon signal from the starter the one who first secures a penny from a pan of flour with his teeth secures first prize ; second prize to the one securing the five cent piece. Event 12, Floating Exhibition. The competitors gather 88 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Measure yovir mind's height by the shadow it casts. — Browning. about a tub on their knees with their hands tied behind them. The one who first secures a floating apple with his teeth receives the prize. 119. A COUNTY FAIR Our entire building was turned over to the County Fiair. We tried to include as many of the funny features of a regular iagricultural fair as we could in a building of this kind. Many of the business men of the town built booths and exhibited or demonstrated in them. We had a good poukry, exhibit, also a dog show and a number of pets, such as monkeys, owls, pigeons, cats, a fox, guinea pigs, and a billy-goat labeled ''Country Butt-er'' that kept his corner free of intruders. Exhibits of paintings, burnt wood, manual training, needlework, curios, etc., filled up the space allotted to this feature of the show. A brass band played familiar airs ; fakirs and barkers tried to drown out the band; many people, dressed up as Rubes, ambled blunderingly about the building; a doll rack and a coon with his head through a canvas furnished constant fun. In fact, everything that could be worked up to interest the crowd was included. We erected one of our camp tents in a large room and held a side- show in it. This included the usual line of freaks, such as a fat woman, a snake charmer, a wild man, etc. A good barker makes this one of the funniest things in the show. In the gymnasium there was a circus performance, while the plunge room, dressing room, two diark stair- ways and a large hall were given over to the ''Trip Down the River Styx,'' with everything pO'Ssible con- trived to mtake people shudder. Guides with dim lamps led small parties through these regions. Every one was obliged to cross the plunge in a boat, meet Pluto, give an account of himself, and have a judgment of some sort passed upon him. This feature was given by the boys' department, and was well worked up. — M. C. Gibson, Youngstown, Ohio. AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 89 It lies in our power to attune the mind to cheerfulness. — Auerbach. 120. MASQUERADE PARTY Program 8.15 Grand Entry to Gymnasium Line forming in locker room. Fantastic Drill. 8.40 Grotesque Run. 9.00 Colored Wedding. Cake Walk. Virginia Reel. Presentation of Medals. Mats and Elephant. It is of course tin derst'ood by all that this will be a quiet session, and any one yelling above a whisper or smiling aloud will be severely punished. One year, with 166 men on the floor, one of the members brought in two big bags of peanuts to distribute, and he was immediately set upon and mobbed; there was a wild scramble for peanuts, and he was picked up and taken downstairs and thrown in the tank. The next year a barrel of apples was distributed, but this time the distributing wias done from the running track. The Fantastic Drill consisted of such violent exer- cises as ''Ear Wiggles,'' 'Tkey Shakes," ''Mule Kicks," ''Elephantine Gambols," etc. Games and contests in which the whole class took part were the most success- ful, such as feet foremost race, a line of men sitting down along each side of the gymnasium, faces up, trying to get lOver to the other side on hands and feet ; leap frog across the gymnasium; seesaw with men back to back, arms locked, each in turn bending forward and tilting the other man up. — Brooklyn •Central, 121. ALICE IN WONDERLAND In an attempt to make the annual "Open House" more attractive and to add entertainment to the privi- lege of seeing the building, the Washington Association on New Year's Day, 1910, presented "Alice in Wonder- land." AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 91 He who hesitates is — well, he is apt to get the better of the bargain. — The Saturday Evening Post. In the lobby, as the guests arrived, they were presented to the ''King and Queen of Hearts'' seated on an elaborate throne amid decorations that trans- formed the building into real Wonderland. White Rabbits acted as guides and directed the visitors to the second floor where the "March Hare" welcomed them to a ''Mad Tea Party." In four nearby rooms were exhibits of the Association work for the year, and these were presided over by the "Duchess," "The Baby," "The Cook" and "The Cheshire Cat." On the program in the gymnasium there were "Caucus Races" and "Lobster Quadrilles" (gymnastic exhibitions and relay races), and solos by "The Mock Turtle." A dual aquatic meet was pulled ofi^ in a "Pool of Tears," and match bowling games were played on the "Qneen's Croquet Grounds." Into this general plan were worked recitals by the Mandolin Club, the orchestra and a Victor Victrola ; an exhibit of flying machines and models ; a North Pole program in the Boys' Build- ing; a debate; receptions by the directors and trustees and the city pastors, and a fine concert at night, to which members and their guests were invited. The spectacular feature proved very attractive, and the costuming and various programs made use of nearly 200 men, most of them volunteer committeemen. — Gerald Karr Smith, Washington, D. C. 122. "TRIP TO THE MOON" This entertainment was in the nature of a panoramic representation. The entire building was used, a large number of men appearing in character costume. Spectators made a good part of the trip between stations in darkness, with demons and various nonde- script animals along the road. Some of the features were: gusts of wind (electric fans) ; lightning (electric lights, strong reflectors) ; thunder (tin sheet and bowl- ing balls). Among stations were the banks of the 92 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The real character of a man is found out by his amusements. — Sir Joshua Reynolds. River Styx (swimming pool, with small boat to ferry travelers over) ; Chamber of Groans (full of giants) ; Saturn's Den (caged animals) ; Moon Pathway (lane of good painting) ; Delmonico's (refreshments) ; Moon Station (gallery of pretty girls). At four points in the trip half hour entertainments were given. Similar trips, outside the building, may be made : for example, in Seeing New York Cars, the Hippodrome, Eden Musee, Chinatown, the Bowery, Columbia Uni- versity, the Metropolitan Museum of xA.rt, the Waldorf- Astoria, Dreamland, The Tombs, Broadway, News- paper Row, etc. — Springfield, Mass. 123. WELSH EISTEDDFOD This is conducted on 'the order of a regular Welsh festival, only that everything is burlesqued. The Board of Adjudicators occupy the platform, and the soloists, poets, elocutionists and quartets compete for prizes under the rules. Prizes range in value from ten to thirty cents. Tho'se members who cannot sing are all scheduled in the musical contest, while those who cannot recite or write original poetry are assigned to the literary section. One or two stars are intro- duced, according to the Welsh custom. For instance, in our burlesque, la big fellow was dressed up and advertised under the name of ''Madam Human-Chunk, contralto''; and we also had a bass drum soloist in Highland costume who played "The Campbells Are Coming'' on the bass drum. This thing, handled by some one familiar with the Welsh Eisteddfods, makes a great hit—W. W. Adair, R. R. Y. M. C. A., New York City. 124. LOAN EXHIBITS, ETC. Our Association held several full week affairs, more especially in the interest of the finances, but they also proved to be among the best social functions ever AMATEUR ENTERTAINMENTS 93 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have enter- tained angels unawares. — Bible. occurring in the community ; they brought together in pleasant intercourse the men and women of the vari- ous churches and classes of society, and acquaintances and friendships were formed that were lasting and helpful. We held several Art Loan Exhibitions, one at our own building and the others in a hired hall ; one in which antiques were a special feature was of peculiar interest. An Industrial Exhibit filled the body of the largest hall in the city with exhibits from all the leading manufacturing plants and was a revela- tion to hundreds of the citizens. Refreshments were served in connection with these exhibits and each evening an attractive program was put on ; these were of great variety and included the best talent of our own and nearby cities. — H. S. N. 125. AMATEUR NIGHT This is run on much the same basis as in vaudeville theatres. All amateur talent from the membership is urged to compete and to offer any stunt for the edi- fication of the iaudience. A prize of $5 is offered for the most popular entertainer, the audience to decide who is entitled to it. The hook is used to remove objectionable entertainers from the stage. If prop- erly worked up and conducted, this foirm of enter- tainment may be made very popular. — W. W. Adair , R. R. Y. M. C. A., Nezv York City. 126. STUNT CLUB The object of this was to give every department the Association a chance to take some part on the gram. The chemistry clasis put on a ten-minute bition ; the leaders' corps of the gymnasium pu^ Highland fling in costume; the junior departm an exhibition of tableaux; the glee club di 94 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones. — Bible. each different group contributing to the program and making altogether a very novel entertainment. — H. G, Williamson, Cincinnati, O. 127. HARVEST EXHIBITION Everybody dresses in funny costume. The men have been drilled to march so as to form the letters Y. M. C. A. As soon as all the letters are formed, the class will halt and go through a dumb-bell drill, using potatoes, turnips, carrots, cabbages, or corn on the ear in place of dumb-bells ; after which the class will form in columns and go through some fasit elephant work and close with a Hayseeds' March, the men using hoes, rakes, shovels, etc. — Frank S. Barthol- omezv, Woonsocket, R. I. 128. MOCK TRIAL Use some recent interesting camp occurrence, like stolen ice cream, or a slain chicken, for the case. Have a judge, clerk, two lawyers, witnesses, jury, court crier, and officers. The procedure is as follows : 1. Clerk swears in jury. 2. Lawyers for plaintiff and defense tell jury about the case (briefly). 3. Witnesses testify. 4. Prisoner testifies. 5. Lawyers address jury. 6. Judge charges jury. 7. Jury goes out and returns with verdict. Throw all possible fun into it. Plays -^ to be regretted that there are at present few simple moral plays for men amateurs. Here oportunity for the right man either (to write "•y or to dramatize for the boys ' something AMATEUR PLAYS 95 We should take as much interest in helping an individual as in plan- ning an entertainment. — Edmund McDonald^ Jr. like "For the Honor of the School/' by Ralph H. Bar- bour, or to write one for the men similar to ''The Man of the Hour." The best things written that we have seen are given herewith. (The publishers of these plays will send catalogs.) 129. COLONIAL PLAY On Washington's Birthday our Dramatic Club pre- sented a special Colonial Play. (Costumes and customs of that time may be studied from the books of Alice Morse Earle.) — Edw. V. Ambler, SpringfieU, Mass, 130. WHERE TO FIND PLAYS Plays: Samuel French, 26 West 22d Street, New York City. Minstrelsy and Vaudeville : Crest Trading Company, 144 West 37th Street, New York City. Minstrelsy : Sam Witmark, New York City. Horace G. Williamson, Y. M. C. A., Cincinnati, Ohio, knows of a number of plays that might be used. ''A Virginia Romance." Published by White-Smith Music Publishing Company, Boston, New York and Chicago. Tried by William H. Brown, Buxton, Iowa. ^Tedlar and Spy." Written by Edward V. Ambler, Y. M. C. A., Springfield, Mass. ''Big Smoke." Indian sketch. Three acts. F. O. Van Ness, Paterson, N. J. The physical department presents a most logical, and fundamental opportunity for developing the social life of boys and men. Yet it has not been sufficiently recognized as such by most secretaries, either general or departmental. — Dr. George J. Fisher. There is a book into which some of us are happily led to look and to look again and to never tire of looking. It is the Book of Man. You may open that book whenever and wherever you find another human voice to answer yours, and another human hand to take in your own. — Walter Besant. Give us, O give us, the man who sings at his work! Be his occupa- tion what it may, be it equal to any of those who follow the same pursuit in silent sullenness. He will do more in the same time, he will do it better, he will persevere longer. One is scarcely sensible of fatigue whilst he marches to music. The very stars are said to make harmony as they revolve in their spheres. Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness! — Carlyle. Love is the Rose of Life — Let it bloom out in joyous rout Till all the world is rife With sweets of loving kindness. Perfumes of noble deeds, And savors rare, beyond compare. Of succor for all needs. — Anon. HOLIDAYS 131. NEW YEAR'S Our Association for many years kept ''open house" each New Year's Day. The building was put in receiving order and the parts to be specially occupied made as attractive as possible. A reception committee was on duty by relays during the entire day and simple refreshments were served at small tables, scattered through one or two rooms, the ladies generally serving. ''Good" coffee, crullers, walnuts or popcorn, were the standard refreshments. In the evening we always had a musical and literary program in the auditorium. These occasions were very informal, very social, and very popular. — H, S. N. 132. OPEN HOUSE— 1 The entire building was open for inspection from 2.00 to 10.00 p.m. A trained group of ushers made guests, including the ladies, welcome. A department exhibition was held for the enlightenment of visitors. Program 2.00-7.30 p.m. Reception by Reception Committee. 3.30-5.30 p.m. Gymnastic exhibition, Basket Ball, Swimming events. 3.00-7.00 p.m. Music by orchestra and Mandolin Club. 3.30-7.00 p.m. Continuous entertainment by many artists. 5.30-7.30 p.m. Refreshments served. 8.15 p.m. Concert Company, in auditorium. — West Side, New York. 133. OPEN HOUSE— 2 The Cincinnati, Ohio, Association throws the buil' ing open all day, exhibiting all departments of wr Much is made of the Boat Club and summer c decorations. 98 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Learn to regard the souls around you as parts of some grand instru- ment. It is for each of us to know the keys and stops, that we may draw forth the harmonies that lie sleeping in the silent octaves. — Anon. 134. ST. PATRICK'S DINNER A St. Patrick's Dinner by the Bachelors' Ckib of the Washington Association was very successful. The place cards were shamrocks, and green candles lighted the tables. The menu cards were printed in green and contained the following bill of fare : "The Grub." Mulligatav/ny Soup Emerald Olives Ould Sod Celery Roast Pig Irish Potatoes Green Peas Spring Greens Rye Puffs with Dublin Sauce Killarney Salad Wafers "Brick" Ice Cream, Mortar Cake Roquefort Cheese Saltines Demi Tasse Grapes in Cork Irish Mereshams Under the caption of ^'The Blarney'' were listed such toasts as ''Me Country/' ''The Bachelors' Union" and "The Dinner Pail." The toast on the back of the card was appropriate : " Sure, here's a long dhrink to St. Patrick An wan to Jarge Washington too, For Jarge was the by who could not tell a lie, An' Patrick tould only a few. " For Jarge wor as thruthful as daylight An' hatin' all liars an' fakes; An' Pat shpoke as thru as Jarge Wash'n'ton, too — Till he started to talk about shnakes." lort one-act farces wiere given between toasts exposed various men at the table. A stage had HOLIDAYS 99 To yield reverence to another, to hold ourselves and our lives at his disposal, is not slavery; often, it is the noblest state in which a man can live in this world. — Ruskin. been erected at the end of the room, where these skits were given. They were clever and gready enjoyed. — Gerald Karr Smithy Washington, D. C. 135. APRIL FOOL SOCIAL Portland, Oregon, conducted a Masked Stag Social. One group was asked to represent the characters in the funny papers, another group the different nation- alities ; several groups^dormitory floors for instance — were asked to prepare special stunts to be given at the expense of certain other groups. — /. C. Clark. 136. AN EASTER SOCIAL An Easter social was held last year in the St. Louis boys' department. Any member under fifteen years of age was admitted by the doorkeeper upon the payment of two hard boiled eggs with his name written on each. Other boys and parents were cordially invited to come at the price of ten cents each. This carnival took place at ten o'clock Saturday morning and the events were as follows : 1. Crowing contest. 2. Rooster fight — bantam and shanghai. 3. Egg tug. 4. Egg turnover race. 5. Egg race. 6. Set the hen. 7. Chew the string. 8. Chase the feather. 9. Egg passing contest. 10. Relay race. Dr. H. S. Wingert, physical director, was in charge of the performance. If the reader desires more ir formation Dr. Wingert will be glad to give it. — As elation Boys, Vol. VL, No. 2. 100 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, altogether past calculation its powers of endurance. — Carlyle. 137. VALENTINE SOCIAL INVITATION AND PROGRAM VALENTINE SOCIAL St. Valentine's Eve, Saturday, February 13, 1909 8.15 p.m. TERMINAL R. R. Y. M. C. A. Union Station WASHINGTON, D. C. MUSIC- READINGS Vocal Solos Wm. A. Boyd, Baritone Humorous Songs Ross M. Bright Vocal Duets Messrs. Boyd and Bright Piano Solos Wm. T. Pierson T5^„^« „„ JEdwin Callow ^^^^^"^« IH.M.NISWANNER Orchestral Music under the direction of Rudolph Boehs ACQUAINTANCE HOUR 'en connected with Railroad and Affiliated Companies and Ladies Invited. No Charge HOLIDAYS 101 Those who are five minutes late do more to upset the order of the world than all the anarchists. — The Saturday Evening Post. SOUVENIR PROGRAM VALENTINE SOCIAL Saturday Evening, February 13, 1909 Terminal R. R. Y. M. C. A. WASHINGTON, D. C. Pages Edna McCauley Robert Ryon Selection Orchestra Under direction of Rudolph Boehs Baritone Solo W. A. Boyd "Love Me Lots and Love Me all the Time" Piano Solo— "On the Avenue" ..... W. T. Pierson Reading— "Kissing Cup's Race" .... Edwin Callow Selection Orchestra Baritone Solo R. M. Bright "Ephraim Johnson Don't Live Here no More" Reading H. M. Niswanner Baritone Solo . . . . . . . . W. A. Boyd "My Love for You is like the Stars that Shine" Reading Edwin Callow "Dot Little Cripple Boy" and other stories Baritone Solo — "Don't Take Me Home" . . . R. M. Bright Duet— "Who Do You Love ? " . . . Messrs. Boyd and Bright Selection Orchestra ACQUAINTANCE HOUR Introduce Your Friends Be Sociable 102 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES I am a part of all that I have met. — Tennyson. 138. A LINCOLN EVENING This should be made a good-citizenship social. Decorate with red, white and blue, and have a picture, statuette or bust of Lincoln in a conspicuous place, with a background of evergreen shaped like a shield. The following program may be rendered. Music. Paper, "Lincoln's Boyhood and Youth." Paper or address, ''Lincoln as a Citizen and Lawyer." Reading, "Incidents of Lincoln's Life as President." Music. Reading, Extract from Lincoln's Speech, No. 30 in "Platform Pearls" (published by the Funk & Wagnalls Co., New York City). Address, "Secrets of Lincoln's Success." By prominent man. Music. Small paper flags, colored with the stars and stripes on one side, and white on the other, may have written on the white side a good-citizenship conversation topic as, for instance, ''What would be Lincoln's attitude toward the liquor traffic of today?" ''The modern slave," "Is patriotic citizenship declining?" "The saloon, the church, and the ballot-box," "How to cultivate patriotism," "Analogy between war with Spain and war with the saloon," "Is America free?" etc. There should be four flags in each set, worded alike. Distribute the flags, and let each group of four find one another and discuss for ten minutes the topic fall- ing to them. During this time refreshments may be served. Close the evening with familiar patriotic songs, interspersed with a few selections from "Silver Tones," the "Clarion Call," or some similar selection of stir- ring temperance music. — From ''Eighty Pleasant Even- ings/^ United Society of Christian Endeavor. Other reference books : Abraham Lincoln, Man and oy — Morgan; Lincoln, Master of Men — Rothschild; ^eches (Introduction by Ambassador James Bryce) 'eryman's Library. HO LID A YS 103 V/ishing, of all employments, is the worst. — Young. 139. LINCOLN'S AND WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAYS Nearly every year we celebrate either Lincoln's or Washington's birthday. The plan is to invite various organizations, including lodges, as well as the patriotic bodies, to one of the largest halls in the city, having a noted speaker for the occasion. It has always been successful. — 5^. B. Groner, Syracuse, N. Y. 140. WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY A Washington dinner may be served on Washing- ton's birthday by the Debating Club, with the cherry tree in the middle of the table, adorned by real cherries, and the decorations otherwise appropriate. The menu is printed on small hatchets. Speeches on Washington should be made by guests specially selected for their ability to treat the subject. — B. C. Pond, Pater son, N, /. 141. MEMORIAL DAY Events may include an excursion to some accessible historic spot ; a good luncheon ; brief patriotic service, dwelling upon the place visited ; athletics and baseball. New York City Associations combine, going to Cran- berry Lake. Memorial Day is an anniversary the significance of which should not be forgotten whatever the general trend of the day's occupation; even if on a hike it could be arranged to have some of the old songs sung and some of the old stories told, and in any event the old flag can be taken along. We should not allow our love for sport to drown out the memories of the events the holiday we enjoy was created to commemorate. 142. FOURTH OF JULY ''Uncle Sam'' in appropriate costume may rec«" the guests. Flags and bunting should decorate 104 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES If all the year were playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work. — Shakespeare. walls, together with portraits of famous Americans, which may be made an occasion for a guessing contest. Conduct a ''post office," the letters consisting of ex- tracts from patriotic speeches, or the latest war news, enclosed in envelopes of red, white and blue, or with a flag in one corner; or, if convenient, enclose in the envelopes representations of the American flag. The following program has been rendered on one such occasion : Chorus, ''The Star-Spangled Banner." Recitation, "Independence Bell." Solo, ''The Dying Soldier," or "The Soldier's Farewell," an adaptation of "Ehren on the Rhine." Recitation, "Old Ironsides." Reading, "The Antiquity of Freedom" (Bryant). Chorus, "Red, White and Blue." Other choruses might be added or substituted, such as ''Fair Native Land,'' ''Flag of Our Country," or ''The Soldiers' Chorus." A list of historic battles, with the generals commanding them, should be pre- pared in advance. The name of each battle may be written on a slip of paper, or miniature flag, and the name of the commanding general, correspondingly numbered, on another slip or flag. These may be passed and matched to arrange partners for refresh- ments, which may consist of saltines, cheese, and phosphate of wild cherry. — From ''Eighty Pleasant Evenings'' United Society of Christian Endeavor. 143. LABOR DAY SOCLAL If your Association includes among its young men members a number of good singers, by all means have the "Anvil Chorus" from "II Trovatore." The rooms should be large. The singers, dressed to represent ^acksmiths, with red flannel shirts and leather aprons, nmer in hand, enter and sing the chorus to a piano mpaniment. Anvils should be provided, and dur- HOLIDAYS 105 He that is thy friend indeed, He will help thee at thy need. — Anon. ing the refrain the time is marked by regular blows on these with the hammers. Previous to the rendering of this chorus there may be other music and a short literary program, such as the following : 1. Reading, Sidney Lanier's poem, *'The Symphony." 2. Address, ''Our Comrade, the Laborer." 3. Reading from Chapter 8 or 9 of Henderson's ''Social Spirit in America." 4. Paper, "Manual Training in Schools" or "Sloyd." Then the ''Anvil Chorus" may be introduced, after which games may be played. There may be a sale of articles representing different handicrafts, the proceeds to start a fund in the Association's treasury for the special purpose of aiding an industrial school or similar institution. If desired, a debate may be added to the program, such as, /'Resolved, That the omission of church privileges from settlements like the Ruskin community is the fault of the church/' — L. M, H. From ''Eighty Pleasant Evenings'' United Society of Christian Endeavor, 144. HALLOWEEN MYSTERY RAMBLE Secure the use of a farmhouse and the services of the lady of the house, in the country within walking distance of the Association building, three or four miles away. Secure one leader for every six boys (sixty boys make up the right number to handle on such an occasion). Leave the building at six o'clock. On the way out have the leaders tell their respective groups ghost stories and Indian tales, suitable to the history or legends of the community. Witches, ghosts, and sprites appear at different stages of the journey. Have a mock trial in the woods and condemn the prisoner to some horrible fate. Repair to the farm- house for a feast of pumpkin pie, doughnuts, apple^ and coffee, and then proceed homeward. The cost ten cents each. — L. W. DeGast, Springfield, Mass 106 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES O ! it is excellent to have a giant's strength ; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant. — Shakespeare. 145. HALLOWEEN EXPLORATION OF MAMMOTH CAVE Conduct people through long passageways hned with black cloth, through large boxes, up inclines and down stairs to Chamber of Horrors (see Trip to the Moon, No. 122). Bring them finally to the River Styx, where the ghostly ferryman, in a real boat, ferries them across the swimming pool and presents them to the Deities of Mythology. Wind up with the Ghost Minstrels. — B. C. Pond, Paterson, N. J. 146. MASQUERADE Halloween night we gave up the old-fashioned things — ducking for apples, etc., and had a fancy dress affair. All who took part had to wear costumes. Prizes were given to the wearers of the funniest and the best. A grand march proceeded through the gymnasium with fancy steps, which had been practiced in ''gym" a week or so. Afterward there was a sketch given by the boys, followed by a few appropriate recitations and stories around the fireplace. Refreshments were cocoa, doughnuts and apples, the boys paying five cents each for them. Everything was run by the boys themselves. — Boys' Department, West Side, N, Y. 147. ELECTION NIGHT RETURNS Instrumental music, indoor ball game between two teams of business men, election returns bulletined, coffee and doughnuts, at Hoquiam, Wash., brought the largest crowd ever inside the building at one time. Competition — returns in new hotel lobby and at electric theatre. The Association had the largest crowd. The best ithing in years at Lexington, Ky., best ser- vice in town and a thousand men out. It was adver- ^.ing, too, that brought a lot of men to the Associa- HOLIDAYS 107 When an employee really knows more than the head of the firm he knows enough not to boast of it. — The Saturday Evening Post. The fullest and quickest returns of any in the city were given at the Spokane Association, 2000 men being present. Ann Arbor kept open the longest and furnished quick and accurate reports election night. Young men had a local option debate while waiting for the slowest township to report. A wire inside and a screen across the street at Wau- kesha, supper and refreshments, gained many new friends among the 1500 townspeople. Charleston, S. C, had 2500 men in the building election night — coming and going up to midnight. Stereopticon was used in the gymnasium. Another Association threw returns on a sheet hung across the street. Thousands watched outside. 148. THANKSGIVING PROGRAM 1. *'My Cup Runneth Over." 2. Song. 3. Make from the word "Thanksgiving" as many words as possible : proper names excepted. 4. Song. 5. Dinner Menu. (1) Soup. Imitation reptile. (2) Fish. ''Collect on Delivery." (3) Roasts. The country of the Crescent, and Adam's wife, served with a sauce of what undid her. (4) Vegetables. Two kinds of toes ne'er found on man or beast ; a mild term for stealing ; what your heart does. (5) Puddings. What we say to a nuisance, and exactly perpendicular. (6) Pies. An affected gait, and related to a well. (7) Fruit. A kind of shot. 6. Song or instrumental music. 7. Five grains of corn in memory of our forefathers (game). 8. Harlequin. a. Cat's Cradle. b. Bean Porridge Hot. c. Laughing. d. Whistling. e. Silence is Golden. 108 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES What can the Creator see with greater pleasure than a happy creature ? — Lessing. f. Refreshments. g. Conversation, "If not yourself, who would you rather be?" 9. Popping corn, etc. 10. Songs, etc. —Buffalo Central Y. M, C. A. 149. THANKSGIVING— 1 Last Thanksgiving Day we gave a dinner for those away from home. While the attendance was not large, the dinner met a need, and was very successful. Six nations were represented and several states. The pro- gram was most informal, each man being asked to do a stunt — he had been notified about this before the dinner. Everybody got acquainted, had a good time, and as a result some men were lined up for service in the Association. — Bradshaw, Kansas City, Mo, 150. THANKSGIVING— 2 Dinner was served, with music, at seventy-five cents, ''for those away from home.'' An afternoon enter- tainment in Reception Hall proved attractive. It was followed in the evening by an auditorium entertain- ment. 151. WITH THE Y. W. C. A. On the evenings of Thanksgiving and Washington's Birthday we always have a joint social with the Young Women's Christian Association of our city. Some- times it is in the form of a reception, but more often it consists of different stunts. A large committee com- posed of representatives of the two Associations work for a month or more on the program, and the stunts are all executed by members of the Associations. Some years ago, just following the St. Louis Exposi- n, one of these entertainments took the form of a HOLIDAYS 109 The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. — Gibbon. burlesque on the Pike. Another time it was an Old- Fashioned County Fair. On Thanksgiving of last year we had a Festival of Nations; groups of young people represented characteristic customs of different nations in several different rooms from specially im- provised booths. One of the features was the German Restaurant in the cafe, with the German band, and to some extent typical German dishes, the room, of course, being decorated as far as possible to resemble the typical German Rathskeller. On Washington's Birthday two years ago we had Washington's Birthday Magazine, in which various tableaux were worked out for the illustrations ; stories were recited and the adver- tising pages were variously represented in pantomime. On Lincoln's Birthday last year in a joint social, events in the life of Lincoln were put on in pantomime, tableau and recitation. We have found these joint socials with the Y. W. C. A. very delightful. They supply an element often lacking where the men undertake entertainments alone. — 5^. Wirt Wiley, Minneapolis, Minn. 152. A SNOWBALL PARTY FOR THE DORMITORY MAN This is for a Christmas social, and is based chiefly, as is the "Christmas Stocking Party," on the descrip- tions given by Caroline Harris Gallagher in The Household, A large pine tree in the center of the room is loaded with white packages of all sizes and shapes, which look like huge snowballs. Bright-colored decorations, but no candles, are added. On a table, close at hand, is a box filled with pieces of cardboard about two inches square, each bearing a number. The packages on the tree are marked with corresponding numbers. Each person draws a card from the box, and then looks for the package bearing the duplicate number. Usualh no SOCIAL AcriviriES The kindergarten child never forgets; because he is never told any- thing which he had not first wanted to know. — Rollins. the search will be longer than might be supposed, and many of the parcels are hung so high that a step- ladder standing near must be called into service. No assistance should be asked or given. When the mys- terious snov^balls are unwrapped, all sorts of pretty, quaint, and funny articles appear. Guests in the party described drew several cards apiece and, as the gifts are all inexpensive, this might answer in a small A Winter Setting gathering. Scarf pins and dolls, silver penholders and tin horns, dainty ornaments and shrill whistles, books and cow-bells were among the countless fruits growing on this remarkable tree. 153. CHRISTMAS PARCEL DELIVERY Secure as many automobiles as possible for that morning, December 25 ; advertise through the Woman's Auxiliary that the Santa Claus parcel delivery will be inducted by and for the benefit of the boys' depart- HOLIDAYS 111 Let not the emphasis o£ hospitality lie in bed and board; but let truth and love and honor and courtesy flow in all thy deeds. — Emerson. ment. Every woman is willing to call up on the telephone or to send pos.tal cards a few days before. Dress boys in regular Santa Claus costume. In so far as possible call for parcels and packages on the day before so that you can havie one central depot from which all can be sent out. Charge the regular parcel delivery rates and you will have no difficulty with the regular parcel delivery men. Last year wie were asked to help them out, as it is a busy season for most of them. Often the boys are given tips by the people to whom the article is delivered, in addition to the fee paid by the sender. There are no costs except those of advertising. — DeGast, Springfield, Mass. 154. CHRISTMAS OR THANKSGIVING BASKET A boy in Washington voluntarily posted this request on the bulletin : ''Place your name here if you would like to help a poor but worthy family receive a Christ- mas dinner. Leave ten cents at the office.'' The boy went to the Associated Charities and ob- tained the name of a family, then took three boys with him and delivered the basket. It was a pleasure to see the boys respond. It made them happy. 155. CHEER UP THE RAILROAD MEN Our Railroad Association has tried the scheme at Christmas and New Y'ear s Day of having a table set in the lobby or main room, spread with cakes, oranges, etc., and serving coffee to each railroad man who comes in, thus making the day seem like a little out of the ordinary. The men liked it and asked when it was to be done again. — F. L. Stacy, B. & O. Y. M. C. A., Baltimore, Md. n'l I 112 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES They are kind who give us not what they think we ought to want, but what they know we do want.— Rollins. 156. GETTING MONEY FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER Our plan for this Thanksgiving dinner is to get subscriptions from the ladies of the city. This has been done through a special ladies' committee, and all business is handled by this committee. Letters asking for the subscriptions are first sent to a selected list and then about a week afterward a gentle reminder follows the first letter. In this way we secured last year $700. A program consisting principally of toasts by promi- nent men of the city was given. A reception com- mittee composed of members of the board and their wives welcomed the guests. Afterwards cards were sent to the subscribers thanking them for their sub- scriptions. This was a great success, and we are trying the same thing this year. — George D. Beckwith, Chicago, 157. CHRISTMAS— 1 FOR THE MEN WHO LIVE IN THE BUILDING Two weeks before Christmas the social secretary wrote to the home folks of all the men living in the building, and intercepted the gifts to them. By Christmas Eve he had several hundred of these, and very few of the men knew why they had not ''heard from home.'' The following invitation secured the men; sixty of them came. They joined hands, did a run around the well-filled trees, and then sat down to sing "J^y to the World" and receive their gifts. Beside those from home, there were many from the other fellows, and lots of jokes that caused great fun. After the tree had been picked, a free buffet breakfast was served by the Association, and songs and speeches filled up two jolly hours. It was a great day to those men away from home and they love the Association HOLIDAYS 113 At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year. — Daily Diet. that made such a time possible. At their request it is to become an annual custom. Dear Bachelor: The club is to have a big time on Christmas Day, so get ready ! The plan is this : A real, live Christmas tree in the Assembly Hall on Christmas morning at eight o'clock. Come in pajamas and bathrobes, as you did when you were a kid at home. There will be gifts for everybody, but, to make it more interesting, see that your roommate or next door neigh- bor or chum gets something (any old thing). Turn these in to Gerry Smith by four o'clock the day before. Don't bother about breakfast. There will be something to eat after the tree is picked. Everybody get ready for one more good time. Sincerely, Gerald Karr Smith, Washington, D. C. MEET ME AT THE B. & O. Y. M. C. A. CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON FROM 2 TO 6 O'CLOCK P M J^i> Dear .,- -.-. .,,- SanlQ Claus invites you to come and meet him on Christmas T^ay December 25th, 1909 at the B. &0. Y M. C J. from 2 to 6 & clock P M. By presenting this invitation to me at that time, you mil receive a little gift off the Big Christmas Tree. Yours, for a J^erry Christmas and a Bright and Happ^ New Year. SANTA CLAUS. 158. CHRISTMAS— 2 A Christmas Day entertainment was given for the children and friends of the employees of the shops III ii \ijf. 114 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can. This is the service of a friend. — Emerson. and tin mills, and for the members of the Association. In fact, we invite all children who apply to us for invitations. Last year we gave them to 1200 children. We had our auditorium gaily decorated. It was a veritable toyland. The cards of invitation, which the children are asked to bring with them, lead to a meet- ing with Santa Claus, who gives them a toy from his Christmas tree. This tree is gayly decorated. Last year we had it illuminated with over 300 lights. We have done this now for three years, and it has been one of the best drawing features that we have ever hsid.—Wm. C. Montignani B, & O. Y. M. C. A., So. Cumberland. DEPARTMENTAL SPECIALTIES Physical 159. THE SOCIAL LIFE OF THE PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT^ The physical departmemt provides miany natural conditions for promoting the social life of men and boys. Men gather in the gymnasium in groups, work together in drills, wear a common. dress, associate with each other on teams in friendly yet earnest contest, and shout land cheer together. Good, hearty fellowship should prevail, as there is every natural stimulus for its creatiom. Musical accompaniment to the mass work and the additioin of folk dancing add much of zest to what has often hitherto been tedious work. The personality of the leader of the mass drill has much to do with creating la wholesome social spirit. By the enthusiastic abandon with which he throws himself into his work, by witty interpolations of speech, by a happy and musical method of counting, by getting the men to sing in rhythm with the muscular movements, he adds much to the pleasure with which the men engage in the work. During the few minutes of breathing intervals be- tween exercises, men who' are prominent in Associa- tion work or in physical training may be introduced for two minute speeches, and the members given a chance to cheer both the men and the Association, about which something friendly is sure to be said. Each class program should have some event which by its very nature stimulates the social spirit. After all, it is not the formal functions that develop the social * Watch Physical Training, 124 East 28th St., New York City, and "Physical Department" column of Association Men (same address) for physical department social successes. For games for the gymnasium and playground, see "Indoor and Out- door Gymnastic Games," and "Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium," by Jessie H. Bancroft. < < PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT 117 No man ought to tell an anecdote more than thrice. — Thackeray. Spirit, but rather the spirit in which the work is oon- ducted and the part which the men themselves have in it. As far as possible democracy should be devel- oped. Classes should be organized with the usual offi- cers; tournaments, carnivals, contests, all should be managed by the members. Suggestions and coopera- tion should be invited land the men should feel a sense of ownership and responsibility. Where the members, too, are enlisted in some form of community effort, it helps greatly to dignify the membership and band them all together in mutual friendship. The basis, therefore, of the social life in the physical department, in my judgment, is the selection of social types of work, such as group games and mass work; the use of mildly stimulating competition; a happy personality on the part of the physical director and his leaders ; brisk, orderly, yet informal direction of the activities; a spirit of democracy and initiative on the part of the members ; a constantly varying program ; and some serious unselfish work for each member to do for some one else. — George J. Fisher, M. D, 160. REPRODUCTION OF GREEK GAMES The Physical Department offers many more oppor- tunities for promoting refined and interesting types of entertainment than are usually taken advantage of. The editor invites suggestions for unique types of exhibitions which have been found not only entertain- ing but educational. The girls of the freshmian and sophomiore classes at Barnard College held recently what was termed their annual Hellenic contest. All the contestants were dressed in Greek costumes. The Greek events included the torch race and dances to Apollo and Bacchus. Laurel wreaths were awarded to the winners and there was a triumphal march of the con- testants. Here is a suggestion of a refined type of athletic meet that would prove imimensely entertaining 118 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The man who halted on third base to congratulate himself failed to make a home run. — The Saturday Evening Post. and exceedingly educatioinal, espeiciially if held out of doors, as the Greek games were. Many unique events could be introduced, such as discus throwing in the Greek style, hurling the javeHn, the various meter races, crowned by a modified form of the marathon race now so popular. The torch race with flaming fire would be thrilling. Some of our dancing experts could adapt the Greek dances for use by men or boys, and these, performed in Greek costume, wO'uld prove inspiring. Greek methods could be used in (the conduct of the meet, such as the introduction of the contesitants by the herald, the starting of events by trumpet blast, and the final crowning of the victors with laurel wreaths, and perhaps a statuette to the point winner. Even chariot races could be imitated by having teams of a iscore of boys in costume draw chariots of crude construction. Other national games ofifer suggestions for interest- ing exhibitions. An international meet might be held with games and folk dances portrayed, representing the athletic sports and recreations of the different nations. Take as illustratioins Irish events, such as Gaelic foot- ball and the Irish lilt dance ; English soccer and cricket matches; archery; demonstrations of the use of the boomerang; exhibitioins on stilts as used by so-me countries. Skeeing could likewise, under appropriate circumstances, be demonstrated. Bowling on the green and diabolo also have some possibilities. Some of these require little equipment, and would prove an innovation. — From ''Physical Training/' Vol. j, No. 5. 161. ATHLETIC OUTING Washington, D. C., has found the following success- ful : Announce a Saturday outing, stating time of leaving the building, car fare expense, and articles to carry, such as lunch, baseball gloves, etc. The Asso- ciation provides baseball apparatus, and something to PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT 119 It is strange that we do not realize the duty o£ being charming as well as virtuous. — Rollins. drink, if desireci. On arrival at destination, choose as many teams as will divide the party into teams of nine each. Estimate the time at your disposal and proceed to compete in baseball, dash, a jumping event, etc. In baseball, arrange so that every team meets every other, even though the games be very short. Score on a basis of fifteen points for the baseball team securing most games ; ten points for the second and five for the third. In athletic events score five, three and one. Have a cheap but neat wooden shield lettered as follows, and hang in the boys' rooms : APRIL OUTING 1910 WINNING ATHLETIC TEAM Capt. (Names of team to follow.) Plan to arrive home for swim or shower bath the latter part of the afternoon. 162. COCOA SPREE Saturday evening during the gymnasium class a committee is named by the director in charge to look out for the ''spree." All w^ho are going to stay for it are asked to hold up their hands. The committee notifies one of the secretaries, who buys the required articles and has the cocoa made. The class leaves the floor :at 9.30 or even 9.15, the members of the com- mittee hurry through the bath, get tables and cups and saucers ready, and serve the cocoa. Usually about thirty or thirty-five stay. Cocoa and saltines are served (invariably), all one can drink and eat, and each man chips in five cents. This more than covers expenses. After things get well started the first item of busi- ness is the election of a master of the feast, called the 120 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES That life is long which answers life's great end. — Young. ''Exalted Chief Swiller/' He mus,t be one who has not held the office on any previous night. Business relat- ing to the evening class is first disposed of and arrange- ments are made for a Halloween frolic, masquerade, outing, ladies' night, visit to nearby Association (tak- ing gymnasium suits and going on the floor with the class there), followed by discussion of plan to provide additional apparatus for the gymnasium by contribu- tions, etc. Over all this the Chief Swiller presides. Then come songs of the Association, stories and prac- ticing of yells. The uise of one long table helps in the ''getting together.'' The fellows look forward to- these weekly events. — W. W. Saunders, Schenectady, N, Y, 163. CHICAGO PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT Under the physical section we have social stunts in track iathletics, basket ball, etc. Once or twice a year we have a track meet of all the depiartments of the city. After this meet a dinner is served. The leaders' corps has a monthly dinner which always proves successful in getting the men to cooperate in the work with their different classes. The basket ball teams are having a series of games for the champion- ship, and will have a social affair after the final game. One night a month is given up to the ladies, at which time stunts peculiar to the gymnasium are given. During the year two socials are given on the gym- nasium floor for the men only. At these socials stunts are performed, speeches are made, and a musical pro- gram of some sort is rendered. — George D. Bcckwith. 164. ATHLETIC SUPPER This was a regular table d'hote supper, the novelty of which consisted in making the men do some athletic stunt in order to secure each course. The men went around the gymnasium to different pieces of apparatus to do their stunts. After each performance, the ath- f k/J \ a> :=■ P o 1 t- g: 5' w -J p d 3 S ?> td p c ?r p* CO B w r* ?> p • J-. o* 00 *x) 'P' te • cr 3 i 2. s± » 3' c, p- 1 P ■-i to- e i ET t-«r t;* ?T 5' S" o ? w • §' o ^ •-3 P^ p ts 2 t! 1 o cr S3 3 3 »-3 p o •^ td -9 to W. •^ p; D- 2- D- CO CO CO E O ■S' ^ P p P p o o 0' 3 p 3 t:: P 3 tJ t! 3 i •^ ei 1 h3 ^ *^ o p* m p- w' §• S- P* ^ o > 1 o O (-• s g o e 1 Q 1 o CO 1 3 JO 1 s w td ♦ i to t» p a ^ s CO ^/:i O O 2i § 00 o 9 C/3 w ti Q P B 2; 3 1 H CO bd .25 s) t^ y< 5 122 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES One man is as good as another — and a great dale betther. — Thackeray. lete secured his plate and took it to a nearby table. The object of the supper was to bring the men into closer relation to each other and to the Association as a whole. — Dr. Lyman G. Haskell, Jacksonville, Fla. 165. FAKE TRACK MEET Honolulu tried a take-off on an intercollegiate track meet, which made a hit. Instead of a standing broad jump, it was the ''standing broad smile.'' The hammer for the hammer throw consisted of a paper sack, with a football bladder. The men in the mile walk were hobbled so as to be able to step but a few inches, while the 220-yard dash consisted in adding up a column of figures, the sum of which proved to be 220. 166. VOLLEY BALL Marietta, Ohio, has a volley ball league of business and professional men. At the close of the season a banquet is held in honor of the winning team, when all are invited. The program consists oi toasts, music, inter-Association volley ball contests, etc., with the social element predominating. — /. R. Brubaker. 167. FIRE DEPARTMENT ATHLETICS Over 600 men of Wilmington, Del., representing twelve fire companies, headed by their chief and assist- ants, with five brass bands and drum corps, were the guests at a reception in the new building and partici- pated in an athletic program. 168. BOWLING CLUB A bowling club with sixty members has been organ- ized at Wilkesbarre, Pa., and uses the alleys every Thursday. Each member pays $1 for ten games and the club supper at the close of the series. EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT 123 Give every man thine ear but few thy voice. — Shakespeare. 169. LEADERS' CORPS Monthly suppers at twenty-five cents a plate, ending with la talk by the physical director, have proved help- M.—West Side, N, Y. Educational 170. OBSERVATION PARTIES AND EDUCA- TIONAL TOURS Observation parties and educational tours should not be confused with outings. Their object is to develop the observation habit in boys and to educate them through the eye and ear. This may be accomplished through a strong committee, one that will keep before boys on a tour their opportunities for learning, rather than for mere fun and frolic. The term observation party has been used when visiting a local factory or institution, and educational tour when spending one or more days on a longer trip, visiting a score or more of places. At first these privileges were planned for by the outing or social committees, but in recent years this work has been assigned to the educational work com- mittees, which have done faithful work in many of our Associations by arranging for tours of inspection and observation. New Jersey boys have made educational tours for several years. They have gone to Washington, Phila- delphia, Old Point Comfort, Hampton, Alexandria, Mt. Vernon, New York, Boston, Portland, the White Mountains, Lake Champlain, Lake George, and many other places of historic and modern interest. The tours have attracted the attention of all classes of boys. Superintendents and principals of schools have encour- aged the boys to go and later boys read essays about their trips to their classmates. While the trips have been instructive and the educa- 124 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. — Bacon. tional idea has been kept uppermost, the boys have had great fun. In a crowd boys manufacture entertain- ment just as naturally as they watch out for meal-time, so it is seldom a serious matter to provide amusement on the trips. They are quite too busy in ''seeing things" to be overcome with ennui. THe trips have been the main subject of excited conversation for days at a time and each one of them has gone down in each boy's life with special memories. In fact, the trouble is not so much in keeping the boys interested as in pre- venting them from becoming so interested that they allow their enthusiasm to get away with them; but even that is not to be condemned provided it does not carry them too far. The boys, however, have always seen that and have "caught on'' to the idea of always being gentlemen. That solves most of the problems. A definite policy has been followed which is given here briefly as suggestive for the organization of simi- lar trips elsewhere. The policy for the year, the number of places to be visited, and the number of parties to be conducted should be settled early, so the boys and their parents may know exactly what to expect. The boys can then choose the trip in which they are particularly interested and so get ready for it, if they wish, by reading on the subject or in any other way. As far as those who have the tours in charge are concerned, system solves many difficulties. The places which may be visited are almost inex- haustible. There are manufacturing plants and large stores with their complicated systems of handling their huge amount of business or their actual production of goods. There are the government offices from the city hall, the police stations and fire departments, to the court house and officials, and the state capitol. Then there are museums, neighboring colleges and universi- ties, newspaper offices and plants, telephone exchanges, parks, and so on indefinitely. EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT 125 In these days half of our diseases come from neglect of the body in overwork of the brain. — Locke. Permission to visit factories or other establishments should be secured at least one month in advance, and it is important to again notify the firm to be visited about twenty-four hours before the visit, so that there may be no misunderstanding or embarrassment to either party. Some firms will not grant permission because they think the boys are young and will interfere with the employees. As a precaution it is necessary in every interview or letter to state clearly the object of the visit, give some idea of the number in the party and just how it is to be conducted. The boys should be warned before every trip not to ask questions of employees or in any way hinder their work; all infor- mation desired should be asked of the guide. The boys should not touch any machinery or articles manu- factured unless told to do so. They should act as gentlemen, for their example will largely determine whether another party may have similar privileges. Usually not over fifteen boys should constitute a touring party, so that every member can see and hear what the guide has to explain. In case a larger number is taken, divide into two or more groups, arrange for a leader for each group and endeavor to have more than one guide. It is a good plan to arrange for compositions or essays on every visit. These can be read at a mem- bers' meeting, and besides being instructive will help show how profitably hours can be spent in this way. Each composition should be written on the same size paper and later bound in a loose-leaf binder. This will serve as a record for the committee of every party or tour. Several years' experience has shown that it is difficult to secure a composition from every member of a party. The best results have come when two boys have been appointed to do this work and then encour- aged to have it finished at an early date. A copy of the best one should be sent with the letter of thanks to the person in charge of the place visited. This will 126 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Education is not putting up a lattice for frail things to lean upon, but developing the inward strength that makes lovely things shoot up of themselves. — Rollins. reveal in a practical way what the Association is doing, possibly attract interest and prepare the way for a later visit by another party. Previous to the trip to Old Point Comfort in April last year the announcement of the essay competition with its rules was published. It produced good results. It is given here. Essay Competition The boys of the party are invited to participate in a friendly competition by writing a descriptive essay of the tour. A committee of three has been appointed, who will examine all papers. The boy writing the best will be presented with an autographed photograph of President Roosevelt, neatly framed, with the letter accompanying the picture. The terms and conditions of the contest are: (1) Open to boys between the ages of fourteen and nineteen years, inclusive. (2) Must be written by hand in black ink, on paper eight by eleven inches, leaving a margin of one inch at left. Use only one side of paper. (3) Not less than eight hundred or more than twelve hundred words. (4) To be written as if it were to be published in a magazine. (5) Spell- ing, punctuation and neatness will be considered. (6) Include statement of each place visited. (7) Draw simple outline map of the route and mark places visited (see map on announcement). (8) Each essay must have mark or nom-de-plume on same. Also in a sealed envelope your name and address, with your mark or nom-de-plume on the outside. (9) Essay must be in hands of the committee not later than May 1. (10) The committee reserves the right not to award the picture unless the majority of the boys take part in the competition. Study the history of Virginia and Washington so as to better enjoy the tour and be prepared to take part in the competition. Good books may be secured from EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT 127 One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, speak a few reason- able words. — Goethe. your public and school libraries. The following may be suggestive : Century Book for Young Americans, Eldridge Brooks. Among the Law Makers, Edmund Alton. History of Virginia, R. B. Smithey. Virginia, A History of the People, John E. Cooke. Washington, the Capital City, Rufus R. Wilson. The Standard Guide of Washington, Charles B. Reynolds. Pictorial Guide to Washington, published by Rand, McNally & Co. — Charles R. Scott, State Secretary Boys' Work for New Jersey, in Association Boys, Vol. VI., No. i. 171. SPELLING MATCHES ALSO RHYMING AND PRONOUNCING Many of our Associations may like to hold old- fashioned spelling matches, but these diversions are so very old-fashioned that there may be a few Associa- tions that do not understand how to conduct such a match. A good speller should be chosen to give out the words, for the reason that only a good speller will understand what words present the greatest and what the least difficulty. He should, of course, be one familiar with the dictionary, and he should provide himself beforehand with a list of especially puzzling words, to be used when he wishes to seal the fate of long-standing contestants. He calls the meeting to order, appoints two leaders, and these, standing up, take turns in calling to their sides, first one and then another, until all who desire to spell have been called out. H you try to carry on two spelling matches at once the audience will be con- fused. If more wish to spell than can be accom- modated at one game, they should be divided into two parts, one spelling first, the other division second, and 128 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man. — Bacon. the victorious in each contest spelHng against each other. The sides being ranged opposite each other, the leader gives out words, alternating between them. When one player misses the correct spelling he sits down, the player opposite him is given an opportunity to try the same word, and so the game proceeds until only one is left standing. Pronouncing matches are carried on in the same way, except that the leader spells the words, while the players pronounce them. Rhyming matches are carried on after the following fashion : the leader, who should be familiar with the nature of verse and apt at impromptu suggestions, invents and rattles off a line of verse. Within a certain length of time the first player must complete a couplet with a line of similar length, rhyming with the leader's. If he fails, the opposite side is given an opportunity; and so it goes, like a spelling match. — From ''Social to Save,' United Society of Christian Endeavor. 172. PROBLEMS IN MATHEMATICS (1) Write the figures up to 9 upon a blackboard, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, omitting the figure 8. Select any figure desired, such as 3 ; multiply it by 9- Take this answer (27) and multiply the above figures by it, and your answer will be all in 3's. This can be worked on any other number. (2) Place on the board a row of five or six figures, such as 3, 5, 8, 9, 6, 7. Add these figures together and the answer will be 38 ; substract this number from the total amount, which leaves 3 5 8 9 2 9. Have some one cross out any one of these numbers and read off the balance, which will be 35929. Add these figures EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT 129 Every one is as God made him, and sometimes a great deal worse. — Cervantes. together, which will make a total of 28. Take the next multiple of 9 above 28, which would be 36, and the difference between 36 and 28 would give you the number crossed ofif, which was 8. This can be worked with any multiple of 9. (3) Have a board or piece of paper, large enough for all to see. Have any one come forward and put down a row of three or four figures, such as 6 7 8 9. Have, in the audience, one or two helpers. Ask for some one else to come and put down a row of figures, and be sure to select one of your helpers, who has been pre- viously instructed to place a row of figures underneath so that when they are added they will make 9's — as 6 7 8 9 and your helper's figures 3 2 10. Ask some one else to come forward and put down a third row of figures. Then have your second helper put down the fourth row of figures. He will also put down a row so as to make 9's out of the third and fourth rows. Now add the total figures together and it will amount to 19998. Before starting the game write this number on a slip of paper and give it to some one in the audience to hold. Tell them that the answer which is on the slip of paper will be the same as the one upon the board when the trick is concluded. Have some one come up and add the figures. Then call for the person who has the number on the paper previously given out to compare it with the answer on the board. The same can be worked with two, three, four, or five figures. It is on a series of nine. 173. CIVIC DEBATE A SOCIAL SERVICE EVENT The best thing we did last year in the way of a public social function, especially one that attracted a large audience, was a debate. It was arranged and carried 130 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES You are not necessarily educated because you have been to college. Each soul needs a different education. Many a man has been educated by his folly. — Rollins. out by the Association. The participants were three of the leading lawyers on one side against three of the leading ministers on the other side. They debated the question, ''Resolved : That higher standards of civic righteousness prevail now than a quarter of a century ago." z 1- i Q < FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH AUSPICES Y M. C. A. Thursday, Feb. 4, 8 P. M. JS JS DEBATE M JS "Higher Standards of Civic Righteousness Prevaif in American Citizenship than a Quarter ot a Century Ago," aFPIRMATIVE neqative Or. Scott F. nershey J. Norman Martin. Esq. Dr. Elmer E Migley Charles H. Akens, Esq. Or. H. J. Whalen Robert K. Aiken. Esq. -j .j OO Admission 2S Cents We held the debate in a downtown church for want of a better place, charged twenty-five cents admission, gave the people one of the best entertainments the town has ever had, and received $244.75 in admissions. The attendance was more than a thousand people. The debate started newspaper comment and caused the public mind generally to do some new thinking along civic lines. — B. A. Hoover, Newcastle, Pa. 174. EDUCATIONAL RECEPTION In the educational department the classes have an opening reception to the entire student body. Open receptions are given to the different groups ; dinners and banquets are given at the close of the term. Com- mencement banquets are also given. A very promi- nent club called the Senate Club gives a banquet for its members quarterly, and often has social nights to which ladies are invited. The school faculty, educa- BIBLE STUDY 131 Social intercourse is the touchstone that will try your gold, and without it your religion is likely to be just fool's gold, and you never know it. — Amos R. Wells. tional committees and the students often unite in giv- ing receptions and dinners. — George D. Beckzvith, Chicaao Central Y, M. C. A. 175. EDUCATIONAL SOCIAL One fairly successful educational social was ar- ranged by a committee made up of the representatives of various classes. Each class was made responsible for some stunt as a number of the program, and all joined in serving refreshments. A Virginia reel in costume put on by a class of mechanics and clerks was most effective. — B. C. Pond, Paterson, N. J. 176. EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT Through the energetic social committee exhibitions are being held in the building, showing examples of amateur photography, mechanical and architectural drawing, relics and curios. These are proving a great attraction to many outsiders land are bringing new people to the building every day. — Coatesville, Pa. Bible Study 177. HUSTLING CLUB Since 1887 there has been conducted by the Nash- ville Association for fifty-two Sundays in the year, with the exception of two or three summers, a Sunday afternoon boys' meeting. During this period the meeting has been up and down, but it has gone steadily on, and today is reaping the harvest. During the first few years boys of any age were admitted. The attendance frequently went up to 150 or 200. Later on a minimum age limit of ten years was enforced, and still later this was raised to twelve 132 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Religion is the basis of civil society, and the source of all good and of all comfort. — Burke. years. In March, 1900, a radical departure was made, and the meeting divided into two sections, one for boys from twelve to fourteen years of age, the other for •boys of fourteen and over. The reasons for the change were several. It was true that, although the meeting had been going on year after year, conducted in a live, practical manner, there was a dearth of older boys in the meeting. During the last year of the ''mixed'' meeting a special t&ovt was made to retain the older boys, and influences of every possible kind were brought to bear. But they con- tinued to disappear with a regularity which was very discouraging. Most of the boys, when interviewed, would give some flimsy excuse for their absence, but some were frank enough to say that there were too many small boys for them. All seemed to be pleased with the meeting, with the exception of the presence of the smaller boys. It seemed nothing short of a crime to have a boy in the meeting for three or four years, and then to have him disappear just at the time he needed the meeting most and could be of the most service to the meeting. The meeting for boys fourteen years old and over was a success from the very start. The response of the older boys to the opportunity given them in this ser- vice has always been satisfactory and encouraging. There has been a constant and continued growth in numbers and results. Different plans for keeping up interest, directing energies, encouraging Christian service and securing definite results have been used. A pleasing feature of the plans is that each succeeding one has seemed to evolve from the one preceding it. From the very beginning the emphasis has been laid on 'Vork for the other fellow," and as rapidly as boys were developed responsibility was laid upon them, until now the entire management is in the hands of a com- mittee of eight boys, selected by the boys in the meet- ing. The boys' work director enjoys a chair in the BIBLE STUDY 133 The finest type of the coming man will be a Christian gentleman. — O. S. Harden. audience with the boys. Perhaps if this poHcy had been adopted the first month of the meeting it would have Hved but a short time, although it is true that one of the boys who read a paper at a boys' conference said they always had a better meeting when the boys' work director was away on a trip. For two years no record was kept of the meeting except the number present. During the past two years, by a simple card index system, most interesting data have been secured, including the number of different boys attending and their respective ages, total attend- ance of different ages, average age, number of meet- ings each boy attends, percentage of members present, percentage present on time. It is interesting to note that the average age for the year just closed was 15.9 against 15.6 for the preceding year. The question how to keep the meeting from becoming a young men's meeting instead of an older boys' meeting is coming along in about another year. The name "Hustling Club" was adopted two years ago. The plan of work at present is that of dividing the boys into small groups representing certain locali- ties or sections of the city, under a ''leader," and hold- ing groups responsible for the attendance of boys in their respective territories. A record of group attend- ance is kept and posted, so as to encourage group pride. It is planned for each group to meet once a fortnight at the home of some member of the group. These meetings are opened with devotional exercises, busi- ness matters are discussed, Bible study held, and then a good time socially. Experimentally, groups were organized with an older boy or an adult as leader, and the results have proven very conclusively that the right person as leader, be he boy or man, will make the thing go. Some groups have failed utterly and ignomini- ously, with both boy and adult leaders. Others, with boy or adult leaders, have succeeded signally and en- thusiastically. The plan is all right ; the poor leaders u < < o o Q D CO O w BIBLE STUDY 135 The important thing is not so much to do the right thing, as to like doing the right thing. — Rollins. will be ''fired'' and the process kept up, until a full corps of efficient fellows is found. From the beginning the meetings have been ad- dressed by the very strongest speakers that could be secured. This fact, together with the wide-awake, healthy tone of the meeting, has been a very important factor in whatever success may have been attained. — A, Allan Jameson, Nashville, Tenn., in Association Boys, Vol. III., No. 4. 178. ORIENTAL RESEARCH CLUB A group of young men or older boys, having some taste for study and writing and with no aversion to the Bible as a text book, may find much pleasure as well as profit in a club having as its purpose the his- torical, biographical and geographical study of the Bible and Bible lands. Of course the word "research" is not used in its broader meaning. A club should number from five to fifteen, and the leader be one competent to direct and stimulate the members in , their work. The meetings may be either weekly or fortnightly, as desired. The leader and the class may cooperate in mapping out the course and deciding on methods, and each member should feel obHgated to do the work given him and do it well. All should take part ; there may be various questions and other matters to look up and report upon, but ordinarily some his- torical, biographical or geographical subject will be given out, the same to be read up and written upon ; the paper will be presented at a club meeting, and afterwards some time be given for discussion, ques- tions and criticism. It may be well to give out sub- jects to sections of the club alternately, in this way giving the members longer time for preparation, and having fewer papers presented on a given evening. The following suggestions are given as to subjects: Biographical : Select characters from both the Old Testament and the New, and not always those that are 136 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A wise merchant takes stock of himself as well as of his goods. — The Saturday Evening Post. best known. The reading should be thorough and careful; the writing will improve with practice. Let the paper give the person's parentage, the time and place of his birth, conditions under which he grew to manhood, a concise sketch of his career, any marked characteristics of mind and body, closing with a gen- eral appreciation of the man's life and character and of his place and influence in his nation and in the world. It will be of interest if prominent contem- porary persons and events in general history are also named. Geographical: Such topics may be taken as — the mountains and hills, valleys and plains, chief cities, streams and lakes, etc. ; these may each be divided into (1) Palestine; (2) other Bible lands. In describing a river, for instance, give its sources, its course, length, the width and depth in its diflferent sections, character of its current, rapids or cataracts, what sections, if any, are navigable, character of its banks, the country through which it flow^s, its tributary streams, and any interesting historical events connected with it. A twenty-minute paper might easily be written regard- ing the Jordan River alone. Sometimes there may be gathered from sources outside of the Bible various traditions or folk-lore connected with a subject, and something about explorations and happenings of more recent times. Historical topics may deal with a nation — its rise, progress, conquests, decline or extinction ; decisive battles or campaigns ; the architecture of a people, and their habits and occupations — the archaeology of Bible times. There will be an endless variety of themes, the investigating and writing up of which will be of fas- cinating interest; and a few seasons of such work would give the student a fund of biblical information, and besides create in him a habit of careful reading and writing, always a valuable asset to one who wishes to make his life worth while. — H. S. N. BIBLE STUDY 137 An idler is a watch that wants both hands; As useless if it goes as if it stands. — Cowper. 179. A BIBLE TEST Here is a well-known alphabet of Scripture proper names which m-ay be utilized ait a social by dividing the members into two sides and proceeding as in a spelling miatch. The leader reads the lines, one at a time. Failure to name the correct Scripture chanacter rules a contestant out. A was a monarch who reigned in the East; (Esth. i. 1) B was a Chaldee who made a great feast; (Dan. v. 1-4) C was veracious, when others told lies; (Num. xiii. 30-33) D was a woman heroic and wise ; ( Judg. iv. 4-14) E was a refuge, where David spared Saul; (1 Sam. xxiv. 1-7) F was a Roman, accuser of Paul ; (Acts xxvi. 24) G was a garden, a favorite resort ; (John xviii. 1, 2 ; Matt. xxvi. Z6) H was a city where David held court; (2 Sam. ii. 11) I was a mocker, a very bad boy; (Gen. xvi. 16) J was a city, preferred as a joy; (Ps. cxxxvii. 6) K was a father, whose son was quite tall; (1 Sam. ix. 1, 2) L was a proud one, who had a great fall; (Isa. xiv. 12) M was a nephew, whose uncle was good; (Col. iv. 10.; Acts xi. 24) N was a city, long hid where it stood; (Zeph. ii. 13) O was a servant, acknowledged a brother; (Phile. 1-26) P was a Christian, greeting another; (2 Tim. i. 1, 2) R was a damsel, who knew a man's voice; (Acts xii. 13, 14) S was a sovereign, who made a bad choice; (1 Kings xi. 4-11) T was a seaport, where preaching was long; (Acts xx. 6, 7) U was a teamster, struck dead for hiis wrong; (2 Sam. 6, 7) V was a cast-off, and never restored; (Esth. i. 19) Z was a ruin, with sorrow deplored. (Ps. cxxxvii. 1) For several of the descriptions more than one person will answer and if a good reply is made it sthould be accepted whether it is the one expected or not. — From ''Social to Save,'' United Society of Christian En- deavor. 180. BIBLE SALAD A pleasant and profitable feature of a Bible social will be a ''Bible Salad." Fill a dish with salad leaves. These consist of slips of paper on which are written 138 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it. — Samuel Johnson. verses of Scripture, each slip being numbered. Seat the members in a circle. Furnish each with a pencil and slip of paper and lask each one to write on his slip of paper the numbers from one up to the hig^hesit number in the salad dish. Pass thfe dish and ask each to help himself to a piece of salad. Each member will read the verse, and write, beside the corresponding number on his slip of paper, the book of the Bible from which he thinks that verse is taken. At a given signal each person passes his slip to his right-hand neighbor, receiving one from his left-hand neighbor, which he treaits in the same way, writing beside its number the book from which he believes it to have been taken. After all the pieces of salad have thus been exam- ined, the leader reads the correct list, the members counting their mistakes. The one who has the fewest mistakes is victor in the game. — From ''Social to Save'' United Society of Christian Endeavor. 181. TO ORGANIZE BOYS' BIBLE CLASSES In connection with the announcements of the Boys' Department Bible Class, two or three years ago, a picture of a chicken yard with ten hens was posted in the boys' department. Around each hen were ten chickens. Considerable mystery was thrown around this chicken yard, but it was afterward announced that there was to be a chicken feed, and the boys were asked to write their names beside one of the chickens. The groups were formed by process of natural selec- tion, and on the night of the chicken feed one hundred boys gathered in the supper room, each with a leader, who proved to be the leader of a boys' Bible class. After supper some college football men. Association leaders, and one or two others gave reasons why boys and young men should study the Bible, and most of the boys present enrolled for one of the classes. — D. L. Rogers, Lynn, Mass, 140 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES He that will make a good use of any part of his life must allow a large part of it to recreation. — Locke. 182. BICYCLE BIBLE CLASS ^'For all members of the Saturday afternoon class who ride bicycles'' was part of an announcement posted by a boys' department last summer. A bicycle ride was taken and a Bible clas^ session conducted in the woods. Can any one tell why a boys' Bible class should be discontinued during the summer months? Do the boys need a Bible class more in winter than they do in summer? Are the forces of evil which assail a boy less rampant in summer than in winter? A few bicycle Bible classes and outing Bible classes were conducted last summer. May their tribe increase. — E. M. R. in Association Boys, Vol, /., No. 2. 183. MORNING BIBLE CLASSES Meet under the trees in the park or in the woods early in the morning. A class in one department met at six o'clock a.m., on top O'f the highest hill in the suburbs; it was taught by a boy. In many depart- ments small group Bible classes meeting in the woods in the afternoon would be successful, taking the place of the regular boys' meeting. There is an attraction about the woods to all boys and they will usually be enthusiastic over almost any event which gives them the opportunity of being among the trees. They will go out for a Bible class almost as eagerly as for any other attraction. 184. A PAUL SOCIAL A young men's Bible class, which was studying Paul's travels, held a ''Ladies' Night" on Wiashing- ton's birthday, and much fun was produced when it came time for refreshments. The teacher distributed hatchets to the men and women, those of the former bearing statements that Paul had certain experiences, and those of the latter giving simply the names of cities ; thus — "Paul was stricken with blindness" found BIBLE STUDY 141 We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial. — Bailey. a partner in ^'Damascus/^ There were some interest- ing situations before PauFs life was straagbtened out, and some of the men were kept busy, after the social, reviewing the lessons they had not known. — Gerald Karr Smith, Washington, D. C. 185. A SCRIPTURE AUTOGRAPH SOCIAL Every one present receives a small blank book in which he is to get the other members of the company to write Scripture quotations. Each must sign his name to the quotation he gives. After the books are well filled, call for quiet and bid the members read in turn the quotations that have been given them, calling for the names of the books of the Bible from which the quotations are taken. Let the secretary keep account and announce, after all are through, who has been the first to name correctly the largest number of books. — From ''Social to Save/' United Society of Christian Endeavor. 186. BIBLE STUDY SUPPER— 1 We have been successful, in the Bible study work, in getting the men out by having a fellowship supper of baked beans, coffee, cake and some fruit, at a nomi- nal charge of ten cents, which hardly paid expenses. We had some real Boston bean-pots, with covers, made at a pottery nearby. The beans were prepared by the usual faithful ''guid wife'' and sent to a bakery, where they were baked all night and part of a day in the bakery oven. After this delicious supper the classes were called together. — H. E. Stacy, Baltimore R. R, Y. M. C. A. 187. BIBLE STUDY SUPPER— 2 A Friday might six o'clock supper for Bible study boys has increased the average weekly attendance in 142 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Saying it quick is no use : the Recording Angel is probably a ste- nographer. — The Saturday Evening Post. Washington from fifty to one hundred and fifty. The supper costs twenty cents apiece, of which amount each boy pays one half. A committee of ladies serves. Sample menu : creamed dried beef, French fried po'tatoes, rolls, bustter, cocoa and pie. No*tices for the week are given at an opportune time during the supper, also reports on attendance and collections. Very often some guest gives an inspirational talk. Bible Class Supper 188. HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE CLASS SOCIAL- LADIES' NIGHT The boys in four high school Bible classes enter- tained their girl friends in the boys'- rooms of the Y. M. C. A. The program included the regular Bible sessions, at which the boys had the best lesson on record. This was followed by basket-ball games in the gymnasium. There were light refreshments and BIBLE STUDY 143 The age of chivalry has gone; the age of humanity has come. — Charles Eminer. music and a social good time. — 0. M, Brunson, Rich- mond ^ Ind. 189. OUT-OF-DOOR BIBLE STUDY Some of our most successful affair's have been Indian dinners. A small group of fellows have gone out into the woods for a primitive outing. The meal, which they cooked themselves, was followed by Bible study around the campfire. — Sam N. Foster, Lincoln, Neb. 190. "BIBLICAL DRAMAS" For the religious work department, pubHshed by The Pilgrim Press, Boston and Chicago. These are splendid, but not light. They are devotional and educational. Egotism, the feeling that you are better than other people, either on account of a better filled purse, or because of a better filled head, or because of some other gift of fortune or industry, will destroy any social. — Amos R. Wells. Why do some socials lack interest? It is because they lack an adequate purpose. It is because they appeal only to the senses and not to the soul. Our socials must present a motive to which the card table and theater and ballroom and poolroom cannot attaiji, they must be all alive with the purpose to save. — Amos R. Wells. "Gospel" means *'good news.'' "Evangelism" means the same thing. Joy is at the foundation of religion. It is easy to be good when we are merry. Laughter is not only one of the best gymnastics of the body; it strengthens and invigorates character. The reason why some Chris- tians do not grow in grace is because they don't have fun enough. More hearty joking often means more hearty praying. — Amos R. Wells. Do you want to be social? Do you desire the charm of winsomeness, that will draw men and women to you, as bees to the sweetest of flowers, as eyes to the loveliest sunrise? The secret of it does not lie in small talk, or jokes, or animal spirits. You do not need beauty, nor wit, nor learning. A dancing master cannot give it to you, nor a pro- fessor of etiquette. The secret of loveliness is the love of Christ. The secret of winsomeness is the desire to win souls for the Master. You cannot be social until you are social — to save. — Amos R. Wells. SONGS AND YELLS* 191. THREE WASHINGTON SONGS Tune — "Harrigan/"' Y. M. C. A. That's the place to meet your friend. Come around and take a whack at bowling, Educate yourself and get some schooling. Y. M. C. A. That's the place to be, It's a name that a shame Never has been connected with — Y. M. C. A. Tune — "There Never Was A Girl Like You.'' You dear old Y. M. C. A. ! You are always wearing On our time and our money too ; But you have Won us And we're always swearing That there never was a place like you. Tune — "Lindy."' Y. M. C. A. Five thousand members strong; Y. M. C A. We all belong. It's the place for the young man, It's the place for the old man. In our plan there's none who can not Join us in our song. 192. "BOYS OF WASHINGTON" Tune — "Maryland^ My Maryland.'' What sounds are these that strike the ear? Hail, the Boys of Washington ! A mighty host is gathered here. Hail, the Boys of Washington ! ■ See also "Camp Hymns and Songs," by C. C. Robinson. 146. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Bought politeness always wears the price tag. — The Saturday Evening Post. We raise our voices to the blue. We'll ever to our cause be true. And ever strive the right to do. We're the Boys of Washington. The states have given up their best To the Boys of Washington. We're from the north, south, east and west — But we're the Boys of Washington. And so we're gathered here to-day In love for this Y. M. C. A., And if we're ever far away, We'll still be Boys of Washington. Yells Rickety-rax-quoax-quoax, Rickety-rax-quoax, Who-ra, Who-ra, Y. M. C A. Washington, Washington, Washington. S-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s Boom! ! ! ! ! Ah Cuckoo, Washington. (Slowly.) Y. M. C. A., Washington, Washington, (Faster.) Y. M. C. A., Washington, Washington, (Very fast.) Y. M. C. A., Washington, Washington. (Cheer.) Locomotive Yell. Spell Washington, beginning very slowly, increasing speed and ending with three "Washington's." 193. DIXIE SONG USED BY WASHINGTON BOYS AT SILVER BAY From the Nation's Capital we come — The city it's called Washington. Look away, look away, look away, look away. It's the place where great men congregate, From every city, town and state. Look away, look away, look away, look away. SONGS AND YELLS 147 Cheerfulness is health; the opposite, melancholy, is disease. — Haliburton. Chorus Then three times three for U. S. A., Y. M. C. A. and Silver Bay, Look away, look away. Look away down south in Dixie. Look away, look away. Look away down south in Dixie. (Repeat chorus.) 194. GYM SONG Tune — "Mister Dooley/"' From every corner of this town we've come up here each day, Perhaps at 'leven, three or five, to while the eve away. We got what we were looking for and felt sore all next day, But when the time came round again we eouldn't stay away. Chorus Oh, we're the gym boys, oh, we're the gym boys : Oh, we are the boys who have a lot of fun. Stiff exercises, contests for prizes, In G-Y-M-N-A-S-I-U-M. 195. ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE SONG Tune — "Dixie."' "I wish I had an education," Comes the cry from all creation. Come and join, come and join the Association ranks. There's work to do and we can do it ; And we know we'll never rue it; Come and join, come and join the Association ranks. Chorus I'm going to try to study, Hooray ! Hooray ! I've got the sand to take the stand To give spare hours to study; Y. M. C. A. Will aid me in my study. 148 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES He who sings frightens away his ills. — Cervantes. Then take up shorthand, mathematics, Languages or hydrostatics ; Come and join, come and join the Association ranks. Let aspiration in all weather And perspiration go together, Come and join, come and join the Association ranks. 196. NEW JERSEY STATE SONG Tune — Princeton's "The Orange and the Black."" Dear New Jersey, though we love thee, And we hold thy honor true. Other men must sing thy praises. We have nobler work to do. We will pledge our lives to serve thee, In the cause of Christ, the King. As we name that name triumphant. Hear our voices gladly ring. We will pledge our lives to serve thee In the cause of Christ, the King. As we name that name triumphant. Hear our voices gladly ring. While today we stand together And sing our song of cheer, All our hearts are warm and tender With our loyal comrades near; But tomorrow in life's battle Ere the light of life grows dim. We must fight with all our manhood There to win — ^or die for Him. We will pledge our lives to serve thee In the cause of Christ, the King. As we name that name triumphant. Hear our voices gladly ring. Show us where our lives are needed In this wondrous world of Thine. If at home, or in far countries On God's great firing line. But where'er it be, our Master, Give us hearts sincere and brave, May we spend our manly vigor In the quest for souls to save. But where'er it be, our Master, Give us hearts sincere and brave May we spend our manly vigor In the quest for souls to save. SONGS AND YELLS 149 Beware of false profits. — The Saturday Evening Post. Dear New Jersey, if we leave thee And to other states belong, May we still sing to our comrades Our Christian Service Song : We will pledge our lives to serve thee In the cause of Christ, the King, As we name that name triumphant, Hear our voices gladly ring. We will pledge our lives to serve thee In the cause of Christ, the King. As we name that name triumphant, Hear our voices gladly ring. 197. WE'VE BEEN UP TO WAWAYANDA Tune — 'Tve Been Working on the Railroad.^' We've been up to Wawayanda, All the livelong day; We've been up to Wawayanda, Just to pass the time away. Oh, what fun among the mountains On our camping site ! We're a jolly bunch of campers ; Yes, but we're all right ! 198. SKEDADDLE TO SCHENECTADY Tune — "John Brown's Body."" (1) Skedaddle to Schenectady: These words my head ran through ; All seemed to be skedaddling, so I skedaddled too ; And when I had skedaddled there, the "Y" hove in view, So I skedaddled in. Skedaddle, daddle to Schenectady, Skedaddle, daddle, daddle to Schenectady. Skedaddle, daddle to Schenectady, To our Y. M. C. A. (2) I up the stairs skedaddled, to ask about a place, To sleep and hang my coat and hat, and sit and feed my face ; And soon I found a happy home, without a weary chase, So I skedaddled on. 150 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Let cheerfulness on happy fortune wait. — Dryden. (3) So. I skedaddled back again and looked the building o'er, From rifle range down underground, to lodge on upper floor; I found more than enough of fun to pay five dollars for, So I skedaddled in. (4) Skedaddle through the locker room, skedaddle on the floor; And when you have skedaddled till you can't skedaddle more. Skedaddle to the shower bath and let the water pour, As you skedaddle on. (5) Skedaddle to the bowling alleys on the lower floor. And make those balls skedaddle till you've rolled the highest score. Skedaddle to the counter then, feast on that goodly store, And keep skedaddling on. (6) Skedaddle to the Bible class, a jolly crowd is there, Come in on Sunday afternoons and join in song and prayer. Good, live, skedaddling Christian men are needed every- where, As we skedaddle on. (7) Skedaddle to the members' meetings, meet the other men; Some one may need a helping hand extended now and then. And every time a supper's on, skedaddle back again. And so skedaddle on. (Adopted as the city's slogan.) 199. "E YIP I ADDY, I AY^^ (1) Now let us all sing with vigor and vim. Of the Y. M. C. A. we all love; How in good or bad weather we all get together. And raise the whole roof up above. We're jolly good fellows, and as each one bellows, He can think of good times to come. We're in for hard work, we want none who will shirk, And we'll make this old room fairly hum. Chorus E Yip I Addy, T Ay, I Ay, E Yip T Addy, I Ay. We're all very proud of the Y. M. C. A. We're working in earnest every day, every way. E Yip I Addy, I Ay, I Ay, E Yip I Addy, I Ay. Let a yell from you burst, for ye're bound to be first. E Yip I Addy, I Ay. SONGS AND YELLS 151 A good laugh is sunshine in a house. — Thackeray. (2) And now at this meeting let each one give greeting To his comrades who've all gathered here. Let each tell a story of effort and glory, And help spread around the good cheer. We want jokes and laughter and then will come after The good things we all love to eat. In the old Mohawk Valley, that's where we all rally, You find the '*Y" boys hard to beat. Chorus E Yip I Addy, I Ay, I Ay, E Yip I Addy, I Ay. We're certainly glad to see all the boys. Whether Albany's, Johnstown's or Troy's. E Yip I Addy, I Ay, I Ay, E Yip I Addy, I Ay. Where we'll meet, who can tell, but at least we can yell E Yip I Addy, I Ay. Yfxl What's the matter with "Father Cook"? He's all right! He's a lulu ! He's a Cook-oo ! He gets there every time ! We all rejoice with a hearty voice, To see him get there ! WHO? Father Cook. Who says so? Everybody. Who's everybody? US! 200. GYM MEN'S SONG Tune— "Yip, I Adee.'^ Flip and tumble and jump and run, skip and wrestle and swim, We're the boys that play basket ball, we run marathons and win them all ; Bucks and horses and rings and clubs, baths and liniment rubs ; Come along, join our song. We are two thousand strong. We're the men of the Gym. 152 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Possession is nine points of the law and self-possession is the other one. — The Saturday Evening Post. 201. "WILLIE'S BILLY GOAT" Tune — "Mary Had a Little Lamb/' Willie had a billy goat, billy goat, billy goat, • Willie had a billy goat, and it was black as ink. One day it ate an oyster can, oyster can, oyster can. One day it ate an oyster can and a flannel shirt. Chorus The can was filled with dynamite, dynamite, dynamite, The can was filled with dynamite, which Billy thought was cheese. Chorus Billy's soul to heaven went, heaven went, heaven went, Billy's soul to heaven went, which was the proper thing. Chorus Whoop to doodle, doodle do, doodle do, doodle do, Whoop to doodle, doodle do, the goat was black as ink. 202. "A MOTHER WAS CHASING HER BOY AROUND THE ROOM" A mother was chasing her boy around the room. Was chasing her boy around the room. And as she was chasing her boy around the room, She was chasing her boy around the room. Repeat same for chorus. Sing as many verses as desired. 203. "JUNE, JULY AND AUGUSTINE" Tune — "Hoch der Lteber Augustine.'' June, July and Augustine, Augustine, Augustine, June, July and Augustine, Augustine, June. Repeat, having the leader call out ''Second Verse/' "Chorus/' "Third Verse," "Chorus," "Fourth Verse/* "Chorus," ''As an encore," "By special request," etc. SONGS AND YELLS 153 Love, hope, fear, faith — these make humanity. These are its sign and note and character. — Robert Browning. 204. "TIN DOOLEY" Tin Dooley he thought that his father was dead, His father he thought that Tin Dooley was dead. Repeat over and over. 205. CLEVELAND SONGS AND YELLS Tune — "Dear Old Pals.'' (1) Dear old pal, jolly old pal, roaming together in all sorts of weather; Jolly old pal, Give me for friendship the jolly old pal. (2) 0-hi-O, Dear 0-hi-O ; firmly and boldly We'll always uphold thee. 0-hi-O, Dear 0-hi-O, We will be loyal to 0-hi-O. (1) With a vim, and a snap, and a sparkle, and a bubble. And a rubble, rubble, rubble, and a sis, sis, boom, And a boom, boom, bah, Cleveland, Cleveland, Rah, Rah, Rah ! (2) Oska wow-wow, wisky wee-wee. Olay muck-a-la Cleveland Y. M. C. A. - - - - WOW. (3) Slap jack — cracker jack — switch back — clear the track; Tub of mud, bucket of blood, ka thud, ka thud, Gvpsy WOW. (4) (Long) O-O-O and an H-H-H and an I-I-I and an 0-H-I. 0-0-0, 0-hi-O, 0-hi-O, 0-hi-O, 0-lii-O. (5) Ta ra ra ra boom de ay, What's the matter with the Y. M. C. A.? We're from Cleveland, what do you say? Ta ra ra ra boom de ay. — /. William Buttois. 154 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES There is such a choice of difficulties that I am myself at a loss how to determine. — Wolfe. 206. "IN THE GOOD OLD CAMPING TIME'' Tune — 'In the Good Old Summer Time.'' There's a time in each year That we boys all hold dear. Good old camping time ; When starched shirt and collar At last make us holler For the good old camping time I With baseball and bruises, And sunburn and cruises, Till ma wouldn't know her own boy; Some skeeters annoying, We can't help enjoying, The good old camping time ! Chorus In the good old camping time. In the good old camping time. Living 'mid the woods and streams. What a joy divine! Give a cheer for Wawayanda, boys ! Let its fame reach every clime, For that's the place we're happy, In the good old camping time. 207. "TAPS'" A CAMP MEMORIAL (A fine song for the last hour at night in camp.) Sleep and rest; Sweetly rest ; Dreamless, rest Through the dark hours of night ; And may God keep you safe Till the light. There is silence in the camp ; There is quiet in the tent. While the night wind, cool and damp, Whispers to unheeding ears Benedictions, Heaven sent. SONGS AND YELLS 155 When money talks it often merely remarks **Good-by." — The Saturday Evening Post. He Who guides the stars above Guards the slumberers below; And the same all-present love That shall raise the morning sun Will awaken them, we know. In the tent's a vacant place ; In the song a missing note; We have lost a friendly face, Well-known voice and step and hand From the fireside, sport and boat. He Who gave the worlds a course Made for every life a way. He of life and love the source Cares for those he separates : We shall meet again, some day. Sleep and rest; Peaceful rest; Safely rest Through the chill hours of night, 'Neath His care, Who will raise thee in light. — Frank F, Gray, Montclair, N. J. 208. THE LEADERS' SONG Here's to the Leaders, one and all. Some so short and some so tall ; They're ready for every fellow's call; Here's to the Leaders, one and all. Chorus Away, away with sword and gun. Rub-a-dub-dub, they come on the run. Looking as if they were out for fun, The Leaders of Wawayanda, O ! You hear that boy laughing? — You think he's all fun; But the angels laugh, too, at the good he has done. The children laugh loud as they troop to his call, And the poor man who knows him laughs loudest of all. — Oliver Wendell Holmes. 156 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Is there to your eyes any practical, decisive line of demarcation between Christian association and association that is not Christian? — Amos R. Wells. 209. SMILE SONG SMILE WHENEVER YOU CAN S. K EMURIAN Ijj^Hi jjHj> f^m ^m ^^^ wm to ^ d ' id ' f- — N4= ■f^ — .tyL=i=^ y?=M ^^•^- -<- P ' y^ ^P ^ l.When-e'er things don't go to suit you. And the world seems up - side down, — Don't 3. Why should you dread the mor row. And thus des-poil the day? For 3. And tho' you're strong and stur - dy. You may have an emp - ty purse. _ (And waste your time in fret - ting. But drive a - way that frown: Since when you bor - row trou • ble, You al - ways have to pay. It earth has man • y tri - als Which I con - sid - er worse.) _ But life is oft per • plex - ing "^Tis much the wis - est is a good old max - im. Which should be oft - en wheth - er joy or sor - row. Fill up your mor - tal plan, To preached. . Dont span Twill Copyright 1910 by S.&. Einar(M> BrtU.«tU:;«Bxr>KJIltJfi&«red SONGS AND YELLS 157 Learn a man's limitations. If you make him bite off more than he can chew, don't get mad at him if he has to spit it out. — George Horace Lorimer. bear all tri - als brave ly, And smile when- ev - er yo'i can. cross the bridge be fore you. Un - til the bridge is reached, make your path - way bright er. To smile when - ev - er you can. t—r 4= =^ F=i h h N >..i A fi ■ - h F^ rj ■» — i^ (3 bright - er, 1 To smile when-ev-er you can. Smile when- ev-er you can. * — ^ i\> i: J J N J) J J n -4-. — ^^PTTJ ^1 FJJJI W- ■« V. — -« ' ^^il ^ % s? ' -4 -• • F^ " • h '-» k #-= 1 bf 4 1 2 , ^ 1. p- ' ^ |.iL ; , » i» - -#- ^ ff ir , f; C^ rit -. h-k- Ilk ^:i= 1 1 1^ Smite when-ev-er youcan, 'Twill make your pathway bright-er.To smile whenev-er you can ^M jH # i;3^jj ■ 1 ' B il 3^^=*i TP=1 K- -r¥ tr J ^— 4K' J ^ ^ -- « - |-^ J -+^ f: 3— *- F=F= -• ^ rit. 5 \ -#-= i — i^ ■ ^^ <- fz::=d ^ , Lv. 1 ^ ts b=ii=d =f=^ U=^=M 158 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Every living soul responds to an expression of friendship. It holds men together, vitalizes and makes our organization alive. — Edmund McDonald, Jr. 310. SILVER BAY SONG Dedicated to the friends of Young Men's Christian Assoriations whose betieficence made Silver Bay possible SILVER BAY. Words and Music by FRANK P. SPEARE. stren - u - os - i - t'y, 'tis said of once we used to go a - way and scorch- ing rays of sum-mer ^rive us mod - ern ''i - ty life. Is board down on the farm, Wp al) in - to the hills. We sure - ly mak - ing us in-to a na-tion. a nation, of nervous, cranks and spindle shanks and left our hap - py homes with tears of sor-row. ofsorrow.We might be hot andtir-ed as we pack ourtrunkswithmer-ryshoutsof laughter, of laughterAnd hike it straight for Sll -ver Bay the Copyright 1908 by Frank P.Speare SONGS AND YELLS 159 Smith is sure by his downcast expression that Jones is in trouble, but he does not go to his aid because he fears he will offend him. — Amos R. Wells. oth - er sorts of freaks. The ve - ry worst there are in all ere • a • tion Ohl We turn -bled off the train. But feet were cold when we jvoke up to - mor- row Oh! Forlht, place thatcures our ills. And our af- fee -tioas deep will hold here - af - ter Oh! Oh the ^ P' " •'■ hus . tie m beds were full crowd is al our bus' of tur ways jo) ness nip's ly and MIlCl and ^^ — y- we the the ?^==> 1 hus pi) food tie in our fun. lows stuffed with hay. IS sure ■ ly prime. m •• i \ Wfc The Tht ^ m 1 & L / r ly.$ J f= J ^= ~1S — ^= ' ^ 1 ■^=^ 1 < , 1 ■-P— 1 ! % 1 -' 1 r= ^ ^ ^ ' i '==A nev - er stop to chew our food bread was black and sour and girls are sim - ply peach - es and but bolt it while we run the milk was blue ap clay of course the men are fine ^ J- ^ J- ] J A no A nd from You ^i m ^* J f J f 13= ev ry one is on five to twen - ty do I could - n't strike it rich m =«*= ^ and wait ing for the gun _ the stuff we had to pay_ And you owned a cop pei mint- _ And 160 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Cheerfulness is an offshoot of goodness and wisdom. — Bovee. birds are on the wing The lake so fair with its hills andbalm-y air, ' Will sure ly prove to you a rev - e - la . tion, OhI la - tion. 211. SONG— MONTREAL, CANADA Je te plumerai le cou, je te plumerai le cou, Et le cou, et le cou, et les pattes, et les pattes, Et le dos, et le dos, et le nez, et le nez, Et le bee, et le bee, et la tete, et la tete, O, etc. SONGS AND YELLS 161 Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. — Emerson. f' mf ModeraU>. Alouette. Old Trenoh-Canftdisn Song. J HU^n^ J ;.J.j.^ij , J. .> | J J^^i^i A - lou - et - te, je te pla • ^1, ^"^^ ^ ^-^ Chorus. -«=: -HB ttte. et Chobus. ^\\ U * ^ gij— -Lr — H— - u tet«. et u tete. o Chobub. A-Ioo- «t lat£to, Chobub. et U tete. O Chobub. A lou . — M ,^,-JLgr JZ 7-^ [,r,- 'g' SONGS AND YELLS 163 Character is the capital of every man, and the only capital a poor man has. — Anon. 212. FOR MORNING BIBLE STUDY Tune — "Praise Him.'' Jesus, Master, here in Thy name we are gathered. Come and teach us out of Thy holy Word, We will follow whithersoever Thou leadest, Tell us only what is the way preferred, By the lake of old Thou didst teach Thy children : Come and teach us here by the lakeside now. Chorus Hear us, hear us, Jesus, our blessed Companion. Hear us. Saviour, while in Thy name we bow. Jesus, Master, tell of the awful temptations Borne that Thou mightst set Thy people free. Show us how we too may be strong in our trials. Show us. Saviour, how we can be like Thee; Like a brother, speak to us now, we pray Thee, Let the Leader give us Thy message now. Chorus. Hear us, hear us, etc. 213. THE WAWAYANDA GRACE ac\ou9 GiWev o^ o\\ flood . TV\ee we tUavik^oy resT NouU speak t\\e proivae \ie ?eei , Thom Viast kep^ us well iWis dcvNj , tJ, i M^^: n itt | t.|t : m ^W m m Grant ^V\a^ aWvNie door feo.'^ j Iv^ Th^ service be i:K\s »A ^ rest . h'jti f'ljl^ijjtj i jf 164 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Gossip may sometimes tell the truth, but it seldom gets caught at it. — The Saturday Evening Post. 314. FOR EVENING SERVICE Tune — "Saviour^ Breathe an Evening Blessing." Now the sun is slowly sinking O'er the waters dark and deep ; And our hearts are heavenward turning To our Master ere we sleep. While the hush of summer twilight Steals upon our spirits here, Wilt Thou, Lord, descend among us, Let us feel Thy presence near. For the day and all its pleasures Grateful thanks we render now ; May our lives pass on the blessing None could give to us but Thou. May each camper come to know Thee As his strong, abiding Friend: May we in our hearts determme We will serve Thee to the end. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 215. RULES FOR GROUPING CLUBS 1. Mass Work and Group Work. There are Associations in which only mass work is done for boys. The entire boy membership is massed, and all come to the same religious meeting. It does not matter whether this mass numbers twenty or two hundred boys, the idea is the same. Every boy is treated as though he were exactly like every other boy. There is but one hopper into which all are poured, and but one set of rollers through which all are ground. Of course some effort is made to adapt the work to the needs of the largest number, but the result is always the same; there are either boys receiving work which is not adapted to them, or the Association is reaching only those to whom the work is adapted. Sometimes the membership becomes so large that the mass has to be divided. This, however, is not grouping, as the method followed with each division is identical. When a division becomes necessary, two courses lie open; to divide the mass, or to group the mass. Sometimes when the former is done every alternate name is selected from the membership roll. Sometimes boys who have taken out tickets in November go in one divi- sion, and those who have taken out tickets in December go in the other division. This is not grouping. It is merely dividing the mass. When, however, the membership is sorted out with relation to natural cleavage, into such groups as older and younger boys, or school and employed boys, then grouping begins. It is certainly a source of gratification to know that the method of drawing lots to see where a boy shoiild be placed has given way to at least an elementary system of grouping. Associations which have gone to the extreme where they have only group work, have discovered that they have lost much. Althoiigh mass work at its best 166 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A verse may find him who a sermon flies, And turn delight into a sacrifice. — George Herbert. cannot be other than superficial, still it is necessary. The smaller and more natural the grouping, as a rule, the greater the possibility for thorough and adapted work. There are times when boys want to be with their own ''bunch" or ''gang,'' but there are other times when their sole reason for going somewhere is because the "whole push" is going. There is an enthusiasm which comes from numbers, an enthusiasm which grips a boy more strongly than it grips a man. It is possible to make the mass of such absorbing interest that the boys of a community will feel that the mass is "it" and that they will be very much "left" if they are not in it. Without doubt, thorough work can be done in a group Bible class, but there are hundreds of boys who can be reached by a large enthusiastic meeting, who cannot be persuaded to attend a class. There is a big differ- ence, too, between the little social spread of the group, and the annual banquet, especially if a fellow feels that he is about the only boy in town who is not there. We certainly must not turn our backs altogether upon large and enthusiastic mass work, for the band wagon, the procession and the "whole push" have compelling power with many boys. 2. Grouping by Age. One of the most simple methods of grouping, and, if unsupplemented, one of the most unsatisfactory^ is grouping by age. Of course grouping by age is far in advance of no group- ing at all, but unless it has some elasticity it is fatal to the best interests of the most mature boys. The stan- dard of work for the group is naturally adapted to the average boy in the group, and those who are above the average, those who are in fact the most valuable members, are held back or allowed to drop out. This is true, no matter how narrow the limits of the group may be, for even every fourteen-year-old boy is not like every other fourteen-year-old boy, physically, intellectually, or spiritually. Although the calendar may help in the grouping, it certainly should not be ASSOCIATION CLUBS 167 Who will not mercy unto others show, How can he mercy ever hope to have? — Spenser. considered final auithority. Out of fifty Associations recently investigated, forty-four show a 'Valley" or falling-off in membership at the ages of fourteen, fifteen or sixteen, the most critically important years as far as a man's life's direction is concerned. The reason for this falling-off seems clearly to be that these boys had outgrown the group in which they were placed, or were compelled by the necessity of earning a livelihood to leave it. This condition is deplorable. That is a poor bridge which has three or four arches missing where the river is deepest and the current runs strongest. It is bad business management, to say the least, to let many of the best members drop out because of failure to adapt the work tO' their needs. Although absolute uniformity has not yet been reached on the question of age grouping, the variety of age limits is rapidly decreasing, and a few clearly defined groups are taking the place of the great variety of ill-defined groups which used to exist. As far as can be discovered, the best Association sentiment of today favors approximately the following grouping: boys under twelve are placed in a preparatory group and are for convenience spoken of as little boys or children; boys of about twelve to fourteen years of age are referred to as younger boys or juniors; boys of about fifteen to seventeen and sometimes even older are referred tO' as older boys or intermediates. The work for the older boy group, although different from that of adults, is more like it than it is like that of the younger boys. One thing is certain, the Association which attempts to treat the older boy group as it would a group of ''kids," makes a fatal mistake. A number of Associations, because of limited facilities, are unable to do work for children without neglecting their legiti- mate and more important work for older boys. In order to effectively prosecute this work for older boys, they have been obliged to cut out the work for children. When an Association can accommodate only 200 boys. 168 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Punctuality meets an engagement. Promptness meets a situation. Proficiency meets both. — The Saturday Evening Post. it is poor policy to fill the building with children, and in consequence be unable to accommodate older boys. It is far better to let the children wait a couple of 3^ears, and then pass into continuous Association membership, than to take them in now and let them slip through your fingers three or four years from now. Some Associations^ because of the conviction that "'work for men should begin when manhood begins'' believe that work for children, although exceedingly important, is not the legitimate field of an Association which works for men. Still other Associations regard work for children as an outside business enterprise, and just as they might conduct gymnasium classes for girls at five dollars a head, sO' they conduct a work for little boys, primarily for the revenue. Children are under the influence of the home and Sunday school as older boys are not. Sunday school workers freely admit that out of every hundred boys enrolled in the Sunday school, seventy-five will desert the school shortly after entering their teens. Others give figures which show that there are more boys of twelve years of age in Sunday school than of any other one age. that there are fewer at thirteen, still fewer at fourteen and hardly any at fifteen and sixteen. In other words, high water mark for the attendance of boys at Sunday schools is at twelve, and low water mark is at fifteen or sixteen. Where Association work is weak and poorly organized, this same condition prevails. There are towns where the Association and the Sunday school both reach and both lose the same boys. There are other Associations where the work for boys is strong and well-organized, where low water mark in the membership is at twelve, and high water mark at fifteen or sixteen, where the Association reaches the boys which the Sunday school loses. A good illustration of the change of emphasis from younger to older boy work is that of Worcester, Massa- chusetts, the figures of which are given below : ASSOCIATION CLUBS 169 They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts. — Sir Philip Sidney. Children Younger Boys Older Boys Ages 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total May 1901.... 1 6 16 36 38 41 33 7 168 Sept. 1902... 3 34 45 50 76 57 58 28 351 One cannot but notice that while this Association is doing no less for young'er boys than formerly, it has reached, in addition, nearly 200 older boys. Our Asso- ciations are well adapted to reach the older boys, and generally succeed when they set out to do it, but in order to dO' it, many are obliged to utterly abandon the work for children and to change the emphasis from work for younger boys to work for older boys. The age limit twelve to sixteen which was sO' much used a few years ago, and which still is used in many places, has not been found satisfactory. Still more unsatisfactory has been the massing of boys from ten to sixteen. There is too great a difference between a twelve- and a sixteen-year-old boy to make possible the treating of them together with equal satisfaction. This difficulty is only aggravated when the limits are ten to sixteen. Because in so many Associations, six- teen- and seventeen-year-old seniors with their livelier ways and quicker pace were unintentionally and un- consciously driving out young men, the demand for a higher age limit in the senior group has been keenly felt. A number of leading Associations are now beginning their senior group at approximately eighteen instead of sixteen as formerly. Wherever this has been faithfully tried, the results have been uniformly gratifying. It seems clear, judging from the expe- rience of some progressive Associations and from the best Association sentiment generally, that a graded work is inevitable, and as far as can be seen at present, the lines of cleavage for age groups seem to fall more nearly between seventeen and eighteen, between four- teen and fifteen, and between eleven and twelve than at any other definite places. It is well here to repeat that these lines are approximate and not absolute, and also to intimate that in a work for young men, the 170 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES No man is a hypocrite in his pleasures. — Samuel Johnson. emphasis should be placed first on work for young men, second on work for older boys and third on work for younger boys. 3. Grouping by Height and Weight. Fre- quently the practice of grouping boys by height and weight is followed for gymnasium work. The larger boys go into one class, the smaller boys into another, regardless of their age and sometimes regardless of their gymnastic ability. Frequently a boy's height and weight decide whether he will be taken into the Asso- ciation when he is under age. In some Associations, if a boy measures 56^2 inches and weighs 81 pounds, he is admitted to the younger boy group regardless of his age, and likewise if he measures 63^ inches, and weighs 114 pounds, he is admitted to the older boy group. The figures given are a trifle in excess of the height and weight of the average twelve- and fifteen- year-old boys. This should never be used as a final test for Association membership, but only as a supple- mentary test with special relation to gymnasium work. 4. Grouping by Competition or Merit. Places on the gymnasium leaders' corps are generally com- peted for by boys. Both gymnastic ability and deport- ment are taken into consideration. The leaders' corps is a group of leaders. Special privileges and respon- sibilities are generally given them. It seems but right that boys should qualify for this position, rather than simply acquire it through seniority or appointment. The idea oi merit is generally involved in grouping for educational classes, and boys find their way into the classes where they naturally belong. In one Asso- ciation, graduation from one Bible class to another depends on merit, and sufficient incentive is always given so that boys wish to go from class to class at least once a year. 5. Grouping by Price. One Association, to meet the case of boys who were unable to pay the full membership price, arranged for a group which could have one gymnasium class a week at a lower price than ASSOCIATION CLUBS 171 A clear fire — a clean hearth and the rigor of the game. — Lamb. the other group of boys which received two. This is not a general practice, but it seems to work satisfac- torily where it has been tried. Another Association conducts five boys' departments ; one in its building, and four at outlying points. This is done primarily in order that boys who are unable to pay the full mem- bership fee at central, can be reached through a sim- pler form of work outside the building. Other Asso- ciations are conducting two boys' departments ; one in the building for its regular merrtbers, the other out- side the building for boys who cannot afford to pay the full membership fees. Although there is not much experience yet on this line of work, what there is seems to be satisfactory. 6. Grouping by School Grade. This is generally an internal grouping. Frequently a students' club is organized within the older boy grade, and only high school boys are eligible. Sometimes the personnel of Bible classes is regulated largely by the school grade of the members. It certainly seems more natural that membership in a literary club, for instance, should be regulated more with relation to the school grade than with relation to the age or height or weight of the individual or his ability tO' pay the price. 7. Grouping by Occupation. It needs no argu- ment nor data to convince any obsierving man that the Associations must give attention to employed boys as well as to schoolboys. In nearly every city there are at least two boys at work for every boy in school, between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Much of the schoolboy work can be done before six o'clock in the afternoon, but the employed boy work must be done in the evenings and holidays. Each of these two main groupings, schoolboys and employed boys, is subdivided on the basis of younger and older boys. Some Associations find it necessary to conduct only the older grade of work for the employed boys. When Associations find that they are able to conduct work for only three groups of boys, the groups chosen are 172 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A man never catches up with his good intentions for tomorrow. — The Saturday Evening Post. generally the younger and the older schoolboys and the older employed boys. The work for the student and employed classes is not only conducted at different times, but the character of the work is different, in order tO' meet their different needs. There seems also^ to be a natural line of cleavage between the commercial and the industrial boys. Some Associations reach only commercial boys, messenger boys, boys from offices and department stores, while other Associations reach almost exclusively industrial boys from the mills^ shops and factories. Sometimes these two classes have been referred to as the ''collar and necktie" working boy, and the ''overall'' working boy. It is evident that their needs are different, that the Association may reach whichever class it sets out to reach, and that it can only reach both classes effec- tually by grouping them separately and adapting the work to the needs O'f each. 8. Grouping About a Pe,rson. In some Associa- tions the only adults who are centers of groups are the employed officers. This is unfortunate. There is no reason, for instance, why the secretary should teach all the Bible classes and be the moving spirit in the literary groups and the collecting groups and the social groups and the musical groups and so on. Some sec- retaries have discovered that it is better policy to spend an hour in teaching a teacher than in teaching a class ; and in leading a leader than in leading a group. The writer has one in mind who has enlisted thirty volun- teer men, each of whoim has gathered about him a group of from ten to thirty boys. In the thirty small groups, there are over 700 boys. Frequently eight or ten of these groups are in session in different rooms at the same time. This secretary has multiplied his in- fluence. It is certainly desirable to group boys about virile men of noble thought and contagious Chris- tianity. It matters not sO' much whether the man is a sign-painter, a poet, a student of nature, a plumber ASSOCIATION CLUBS 173 Of which, if there be a severe, sour-complexioned man, then I have disallowed him to be a competent judge. — Isaac Walton. or a Bible teacher, so long as his influence over his group helps them to higher things. 9. Grouping Because of Common Experience. This seems to be the spirit of alumni groups, of camp clubs and the like. The camp Bible class at Winchester is an illustration of this kind of grouping. These boys openly confessed their determination to begin the Christian life at camp last summer, and because of common experience in camp have been grouped in a Bible class in the Association at home. Bible classes for young converts would come under this head. 10. Grouping by Appointment or Selection.. Committees which are appointed become groups of this order. The cohesiveness of such groups depends much on the wisdom of their selection. Frequently the one whO' appoints committees selects first his chairmen, and calling them together consults with them regard- ing the boys who are to be appointed on their various committees. The man who- appoints committees of boys haphazard is not likely to succeed. 11. Grouping by Location. One Association opened several athletic fields in different quarters of the city, and grouped the boys of each neighborhood in each field. Each field played off against the others. The winners were presented with medals and their names were engrossed on a shield in the city hall. All of these fields were controlled from the central head- quarters of the Association. One Association has organized in the twelve grammar and high schools in its neighborhood chapters of an order with headquar- ters in the Association building, f ro^m which the activi- ties of all the chapters are controlled. This is an organization for clean speech and clean living, and is managed directly by a cabinet of three boys from each chapter, which meets in the central headquarters. In other cities affiliated clubs are located in different churches. In other places branches are conducted in the remote districts of the city. 174 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES He who follows another is always behind. — ^The Saturday Evening Post. Another form of grouping by location is illustrated by a canoe-building class which meets in a boat shop remote from the Association, building. 12. Grouping in Small Self-G?overning Clubs. This is at the same time one of the most effective and most dangerous forms of grouping; effective if con- trolled, dangerous and possibly disastrous when not controlled. There are stamp clubs, literary clubs, athletic teams, social clubs and even religious clubs of this kind which have their own president, secretary and treasurer. They are inclusive rather than exclu- sive. The idea is to include all fellows who are in- terested in the purpose of the club. So-me necessary safeguards for these small clubs are: (1) Have no club without an altruistic motive. Clubs that are purely selfish in spirit can result in nothing but dis- aster in the lives of the members and to the clubs as well. (2) Every club should have an adult adviser. If the club turns down his advice, as a rule he needs the looking after and not the club. Clubs will regard the advice of the man they respect. (3) There should be a clear understanding that whatever property the club accumulates is tO' be the property of the Associa- tion. It would be unfortunate^ for instance, if a lit- erary club should accumulate a library and then be- come disgruntled and sell the library and divide the proceeds. Literary clubs should be encouraged to accumulate a library for the benefit of the entire mem- bership, chemistry clubs tO' arrange a series of practi- cal talks for all the boys, musical clubs to contribute to the general enjoyment, and so on. Some Associa- tions have practically changed their committees into small self-governing clubs; instead of having a musi- cal committee they have a musical club with its own officers. 13. Grouping in Secret Fraternities. This form of grouping is opposed by many^ under the im- pression that it is damaging to a boy to have secrets. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 175 Good temper is like a sunny day; it sheds its brightness on every- thing. — Anon. It should be understood that in every fraternity con- nected with the Association, the president of the Asso- ciation and some one of the paid officers are ex officio members. At one boys' camp a group of fellows got together in a fraternity which they called ''The Eagles.'' The leader of the camp was the moving spirit. The purpose of the fraternity was altruistic and ennobling. There was a simple initiation, a pass- word and a sign. The leader thoroughly believes in the good results of such a fraternity. Fraternity Bible classes have been conducted with good results. The writer knows of a ''Band of Indians" which was organ- ized on this basis with its own chief, medicine man and keeper of the wampum. The chief was supposed to round up his tribe at the Sunday meeting, and he did this successfully. The Indians decorated their council chamber with appropriate decorations. Their leader read Hiawatha to them. No' evil results have been discovered because of this fraternity, but rather the contrary. A wise adult adviser on the inside of each fraternity can head off any dangerous tendencies. 14. Grouping About a Dominating Interest. This simply means to gather in a group the boys whose dominating interest is in nature study, for instance; the boys who are interested in stamp or coin or curio collecting; those whose interest seems to lie in games of skill ; those interested in industrial occupations ; those interested in athletics or literary pursuits or music. Sometimes the dominating interest of the group will be a religious or moral purpose. — Edgar M. Robmson in Association Boys. 216. PHILADELPHIA'S SCHEME OF CLUB GROUPING At Philadelphia Central the secretary for boys is not a boys' work director in the usual sense of the term. He is the specialist tO' whom the Association looks for advice in everything that pertains to boy- 176 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Be true to your word, your work, your friend, and your God. — Anon. hood. With him the initiation of boys' work plans begins, but under the plan of administration, as it has been wrought out by Mr. Walter M. Wood, the gen- eral secretary of the branch, the responsibility for its execution lies with the heads of the three departments of House Privileges, Instruction and Service. This does away with the office of boys' work director, since these men are answerable for work with both men and boys, thus securing unity in Association membership and activities, with logical and consecutive groupings from the younger boys to the older men. The secre- tary for boys^ because of this form of administration, becomes the associate of the general secretary, initiat- ing activities for boys in the same manner as the gen- eral secretary supervises the w^ork for men. The field of the secretary for boys thus becomes : first, close per- sonal contact with the boys (boys over twelve years in the building or out of it), and with their parents, teach- ers, or employers ; second, a study of the needs and possibilities which become apparent at this close range ; and, third, suggesting to the department heads activi- ties to meet these conditions, besides exercising gen- eral supervision in their operation and conduct. Under conditions like the above an opportunity was afforded for an effort looking to a balanced scheme of work along physical, mental, social, and spiritual lines for boys. It also afforded a splendid chance to experiment, with a view to combining adult leadership in Association activity with the free play of the idea of self-government among the boys. The civic effort, until the initiation of the Philadelphia scheme, had been a kind of a superimposed activity instead of an integral part of boys' work, and because of this had a fleeting and questionable value. The situation at the Central Branch made possible a new adaptation of the civic idea, and bound with it an opportunity for a closely supervised, well-balanced work with boys look- ing to self-development and altruistic service that had previously been somewhat of a wished-for dream. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 177 The best way to get even is to forget, — The Saturday Evening Post. The plan itself is characterized by its simplicity, for it is merely the grouping of twelve boys under the capable supervision of a carefully chosen adult. This is the initial step and the success or failure of every- thing connected with the scheme lies in this grouping. The group meets once a week for one hour, and the entire Association activity of each boy centers in his group. Thus his Bible study (which claims one half of the hour), his mental work (which lies in debate, reading courses, etc.), his physical activity (which by a system of intergroup contests gets point and pur- pose), and his social relationships (which grow nat- urally among his immediate chums with an extension tendency), all are combined in one homogeneous whole under the sympathetic eye of an adult friend and teacher. The group is self-governing, with its own elective officers, and the decisions O'f the group are sub- ject only to the veto of its adult adviser. The group receives a charter from the Governor of the Federated Central States, the secretary for boys, and here is the beginning of the civic feature, which may naturally be spoken of at this point. The Federated Central States is an imaginary com- monwealth composed of the three groups of member- ship in the Boys' Division of the Central Branch ; the Grammar School, High School, and Employed Boys. The Governor is the secretary for boys and his cabi- net is composed of the Lieutenant-Governor, the assistant secretary for boys, and the three Solicitors, or Legal Advisers, of the three groups of membership. By special charter and 'proclamation each of the groups of membership becomes a ward in the Central City, each ward having its own Common Council for the purpose of effective administration. The membership of the Common Council is then determined by the small groups of twelve boys, from wdiich the larger group or ward has grown ; each group of twelve elect- ing two councilors to sit in the Common Council of the ward. Each of the Common Councils is therefore 178 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Could we forbear dispute, and practice love, We should agree as angels do above. — Edmund Waller. charged with the government and activities of its own group of membership, the High School Common Coun- cil, for example^ being responsible for both discipline and Association activity for the entire High School group. The Councils have enough committees for the handling and discharge of their business, two of them dealing with discipline. The ordinances of Councils are approved or vetoed by the Solicitors of the Coun- cils. The Central City is the combination of the three wards, Grammar School, High School and Employed Boys. The legislative branch of its government is the Select Council, made up of seven Councilors from each ward, or twenty-one in all. The executive branch com- prises the Mayor and the Directors and Assistant Directors of Public Safety, Public Works, Public Sup- plies and Public Health and Charities. These offices afford a direct channel for every phase of direct and indirect Association work. The judicial branch is represented by a Court of Common Pleas, a body of three judges, one from each group, and the Supreme Court, which serves as a Court of Appeals, and whose personnel is the Committee of Management. All the bills or ordinances of the Select Council are approved or vetoed by the Mayor. The Governor of the Fed- erated Central States has the privilege of a reviewing veto. Here, then^ is the machinery for the welding of civic and Association- activities; first, the small group of twelve boys with the adult adviser ; second, the larger group Common Council, with its legal adviser, and finally the divisional Select Council with its municipal officials. And in it all there is to be noticed that the small group of twelve is the center of the scheme, membership in the group being a registration of citi- zenship in the ward and city. The work of the Boys' Division of Central Branch is thus taken care of and supervised by the representatives of these small groups ASSOCIATION CLUBS 179 Count that day lost whose low dfescending sun Views from thy hand no worthy action done. — Staniford. and the civic activity is so conceived as to place each member of the twelve in some responsible place for service. This arrangement gives proper prestige to the small groups and assures the accomplishment of work leading to a well-balanced development that is worth while. Here a further word may be added on these groups, their work and aim. All the groups in the Grammar School section of membership are known as Chapters of the U and I Club, and the High School and Employed Boys' Chap- ters as the Topper Club. This insures the unity of work among the younger and older boys without in- sisting on any uniformity of method. The purpose of the U and I Club is to teach the boy that he can only find his fullest expression in Christian service with the other boy ; that of the Topper Club is tO' train him for such Christian service. To accomplish this end both a selfish and an altruistic ideal is put before the boy. The selfish comprises the winning of de- grees, which lift him into an advanced rating among his fellows. To attain to these honors the lad must, by personal application, do' a certain amount of isolated endeavor, which begets initiative in his character-stufif. The purpose of the degrees in the U and I Chapters is to acquaint the boy with the reality of himself, the relationship and worth of the other fellow, and the effectiveness of the combination (''U and V) when in working harmony for an altruistic end. The de- grees of the Topper Club, through a test system, aim to build the boy physically, mentally, spiritually and socially at the points where he evidences weakness, and so to round him out into a symmetrical manhood whose motto is service. The requirements and tests leading to the degrees must be suggested by the study of the boy, and it is here that the wisdom of the adult adviser displays itself. The workableness of the plan can also be measured by the ability of the leader to develop sane requirements and tests^ hence no specific instances 180 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The blind man's dog despises the frivolity of other dogs. — The Satur- day Evening Post. are cited here, although the speaker has a list of several hundreds. The value of the entire scheme is simply that it affords a normal means of holding a boy long enough to see and help his character gvom, and an opportunity to help him become a master workman where moral leadership is needed among his fellows. It bridges over also the yawning chasm that stretches geographic- ally between boyhood and manhood, and trains the dawning man to adaptation to his community life, and a high moral desire to better it through his personal effort. The altruistic aim of the chapters points the way to this everlastingly; for the boy, through his communal club life, and activity in his group, ward and city, is continuously confronted with the slogan, ''For the honor of the Club.'' With such an aim and the counsel of an adult of virile. Christian personality as his companion, the boy advances from a limited to an ever increasing sphere, until he finds himself a force that commands respect by that egoism that generally is embraced under the term man. The logic of the plan appeals. There is awakened a loyalty to the gang, the group, the ward, the city, the state, and God, for the effort of the scheme is but another spelling for moral and religious education. — John L. Alexander, Managing Secretary, Boy Scouts of America; for- merly of Philadelphia F. M. C. A. Central Branch. 217. CAMERA CLUB— 1 The following article, written by one of the charter members of our Camera Club, illustrates what can be done when a man of strong character is zvilling to de- vote himself and part of his leisure time to a group of boys. Mr. Irving G. McColl, the leader of this club, is a young business man of college training, zvho for four years has been like an older brother to these boys and has led and trained them, not only in all the ins 182 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Don't put too fine a point upon your wit for fear it should get blunted. — Cervantes. and outs of photographic art, but in those qualities of character that make strong and useful lives. One sultry night in June, 1903, four fellows and a leader gathered to form a camera club. A club run by the boys themselves, which for four long years has withstood the heat of summer and the cold of winter, must have had something more behind it than a mere passive interest in the subject in hand. Let us see. At West Side, as is the case in nearly every Associa- tion, there had always been some fellows more or less interested in photography, who occasionally ''took pictures" for their own amusement, but it was not until our leader and organizer conceived the idea of a camera club that any attempt was made at the organi- zation of camera work. The early days of summer, when every fellow's thoughts turn to things out-of- doors, perhaps may not be the best time for the form- ing of a club which necessarily means the holding of some indoor sessions, but in spite of this the club's membership, which after the first few weeks had grown to seven, had back of it the enthusiasm that is so indispensable to the success of any project. During the summer a number of the members and the leader went to Camp Dudley where the practical side of the club's ability was brought into play. Camp pictures were made and sold to the other campers, and such success attended these efforts that about $25 profit was netted for the treasury. The fellows who did not go to camp employed their energies in connec- tion with the shorter Association outings and made many good pictures. With the coming of autumn, the business meetings of the club, which had in a measure been dispensed with during the summer, were resumed. The fellows now gave some attention to adopting a constitution and by-laws. Various subcommittees had to be appointed for this important work, and many points had to be discussed numberless times before the constitution was ASSOCIATION CLUBS 183 A penny saved is an example to the other ninety-nine cents. — The Saturday Evening Post. an established fact. To show how well this work was accomplished it might be mentioned that in all the club's existence practically no change has been made in either the constitution or by-laws. By the constitution, the membership was limited to ten fellows and a waiting list of five, and the three members necessary to complete the full number were admitted in September, 1903. The active member- ship was limited to ten because the very nature of the project precluded the idea of a large group which it would be impossible to accommodate, and this would mean that the interest taken by some of the fellows would not be active. What was wanted was a band of workers who could be depended upon. During the first year the waiting list was trans- formed into a beginner's class, in which, on a separate night from the regular club meeting, the leader gave careful instruction preparing the candidates for active membership when it came their turn to be admitted as full-fledged members. This instruction was necessary, for before a candidate was admitted to the club proper he had to pass a rigid examination prepared by the members themselves, and one may be sure that when the fellows themselves prepare questions these are not chosen for their simplicity. In September of this year the club held its first exhi- bition in conjunction with a camera work exhibition of the men's department, and our display evoked much favorable comment. About this time, also, further attention was given to business organization. The year was divided into two periods. May to October, and November to April, in- clusive. The election of officers was fixed at the begin- ning of each of these periods. The first Monday of each month was selected for a business meeting, the other Monday nights being given to practical work. It was decided that no meetings would be held between June 15 and September 15. This ruling, however, was 184 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Attempt the end, and never stand to doubt; Nothing so hard but search will find it out. — Herrick. never interpreted to mean that activities in the photo- graphic Hne were to be suspended for this period. Christmas week of 1903 was the occasion for the first exhibition by the club of work accompHshed along a special line. Portrait study was the subject chosen, and prizes of photographic apparatus ranging in value from $10 for the first to $1.50 for the seventh went to the fortunate contestants. Toward the close of the first year changes in mem- bership made it possible to admit two fellows from the full waiting list to active membership. The entrance examination was then and has always been a very serious and practical afifair, but now a new feature was introduced. The examination has always meant a lot of hard work on the part of all concerned; for the examiners, that they may fully fathom the candidate's knowledge of the subject in hand, and on the part of candidate, to demonstrate his ability; so the passing of the test is always just cause for mutual rejoicing. This led to the adoption of an initiation ceremony to follow the examination. Not only does this relieve the tension of the candidate's feelings but it furnishes amusement for all, and it also tests the candidate's self- control, adaptability to new conditions and his good fellowship. Refreshments always follow initiations, to top ofif the evening's fun. It would be difficult to find a club of standing that has not adopted for itself some particular insignia, so it is not surprising that our members can be distin- guished from the four hundred other members of the department, by the pin worn on the coat lapel. They also provided neat club stationery for the use of mem- bers in their personal club correspondence. All this time most of the fellows had been steadily engaged in filling orders for pictures taken around the Association building, or for work done for friends out- side the branch, so that at the end of the year the club's finances were in a good condition. During the first ASSOCIATION CLUBS 185 Errors like straws upon the surface flow; He who would search for pearls must dive below. — Dryden. year about $65 was earned for the treasury, part of which was given to the systematic-giving committee. Now a banquet was given to which were invited wait- ing Hst members, possible recruits and adult friends. This method of closing the season's work has since be- come the established custom. Other dinners are given on special occasions, the most recent one in honor of the club's president on his departure for a new home in California. About this time, the second year in the history of the club, the executive committee of the branch, being con- vinced that the Camera Club really could be depended upon to 'make good,'' turned over to it the work of decorating the walls of the boys' social room. To fur- ther encourage our work, the branch donated a power- ful arc electric lamp for an enlarging camera, and also partitioned off the end of a dark hallway to be used as a dark room. The enlarging camera was constructed by the fellows themselves, demonstrating that mechani- cal genius was not lacking among us. That the club ''made good" is shown by the pictures now hanging in a corner of the boys' social room, known as the "green room." Not only were all these twenty-five or thirty photographs and enlargements made by the fellows, but also all the labor incidental to the framing, from the buying of the rough moulding to the cutting of the glass, was done without outside aid. Not only this, but the hanging, too, was done to test artistic ability in interior decorating. Once or twice every year exhibitions have been held, for honors. For instance, in May, 1905, there was a landscape exhibition, the pictures receiving the awards being deemed worthy of being enlarged and' placed permanently on the walls of the boys' rooms. Of course by this time the older members were quite beyond the elementary stages of photography, and in- tensifying, reducing and retouching negatives, brush development of platinum, coloring photos, making 186 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES We may not win the baton or epaulettes; but God gives us strength to guard the honour of the flag. — ^Thackeray. ^'gum" prints and lantern slides were not unfamiliar features of the work. During 1906, our boys' department secured a spa- cious billiard and pool room adjoining the ''green room/' and here another opportunity was presented for the club to manifest its ability in the line of deco- rating. The views of this room, which is called the ''red room," will show that the fellows here eclipsed all their previous efforts. The fact that care is taken never to omit showing this room to visitors, is sufficient evidence of how the club's work is appreciated. This room contains over 160 photos, being the club's fourth annual mid-year exhibition, yet by their ar- rangement they do not give the impression of being crowded. Besides following the universal custom of hanging the framed enlargements from the picture moulding of the room, a special screen, two feet wide, covered with green cartridge paper, was nailed perma- nently to the red kalsomined wall all around the room above the wainscot moulding, furnishing a background suitable for the smaller pictures. These small photos are mostly unmounted prints under loose glass which is held in place by upholsterer's nails. Although the purpose of the club primarily is the stimulation and furtherance of interest in the photo- graphic art, we have not confined ourselves exclusively to this one object. "Over Sunday" camps, to which other members of the branch have been invited, have been run by the members of the Camera Club. When the athletic committee of the Association holds its spring meet each year, the Camera Club fellows come to the front loyally. The systematic giving committee of the department has been greatly aided by the contri- butions from the treasury of the Camera Club. No one at West Side has forgotten the part taken by the club in the annual minstrel show of the branch. At this show, the club was transformed for the time being into a dramatic society, producing a sketch of ASSOCIATION CLUBS 187 The trouble with an elastic conscience is that it is apt to fly back and sting you. — The Saturday Evening Post. its own making, called ''Teddius Caesar XXIII." This production was a modernized version of Shakes- peare's masterpiece, and made quite a hit. It would not be amiss to term the club a fraternity. That 'Tt's always fair weather when good fellows get together,'' is not inappropriate here, and the friend- ships formed by the fellows while working together in the interests of the club will last much longer than their Camera Club days. Every fellow who at any time has had the honor to be a member of the now famous West Side Boys' Camera Club, may justly feel proud of the part he had in the accomplishment of the club's purpose, which has in no small measure added to the glory and fame of old West Side- — William A. Weher, in Association Boys, Vol VL, No. 4. Flag Raising at Camp Dudley 218. CAMERA CLUB— 2 Popular and fascinating as amateur photography is, it is not easy to hold the interest of older fellows in a Camera Club, and at the same time make the work educative. A group of boys who use their cameras 188 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES He had no place for bitterness in his heart, and no scheme but kindness. — ^Thackeray. occasionally, and other so-called ''friends/' who have come together just to have a good time and once in a while ''snap'' something, will never make a successful camera club. Photography has become an art, and there is much to learn in connection with it. The club must be educative as well as recreative. That these two phases may run hand in hand the membership of the club should not exceed twenty (less is better), and there should not be a great disparity in ages, fif- teen to eighteen years is desirable. Let the few en- thusiastic ones talk and work the matter up, and then organize, starting with only those felloiws as members who are really using a camera, and are interested in photography as an art, and not as a pastime. Adopt a policy which aims high and includes some work that will benefit the whole department. Secure an adult adviser who will map out a course of study and experiment, and take the fellows, preferably a half dozen at a time, on short trips not only to enjoy and photograph nature, but to make a study of light, temperature, etc., and their effect upon picture taking. Room should be secured in the Association building where developing and printing can be done ; and here lectures and demonstrations concerning the various cameras, papers and chemicals should be carried on. There will be some drudgery, and this should be more than offset by enthusiasm. The exposures gotten by the fellows should be developed and printed before the club and the spirit of contest stimulated. A concrete example: In Springfield, Mass., last fall fifteen boys between fourteen and seventeen years of age organized the Snap Shot Club. Their object was the study of elementary photography, and they agreed, after paying an initiation fee of twenty-five cents to cover some expenses, to meet every other Friday even- ing in a club room which they fixed up for their own use — a spare room in the building. A member of the senior Camera Club who knew his business was secured ASSOCIATION CLUBS 189 An ounce of tomorrow is worth a pound of yesterday. — The Saturday Evening Post. as adviser, and the developing rooms of that club were used upon that evening. During the winter a study was made of the camera, the enlarging machine and the making of stereopticon slides, besides demonstra- tions of different papers and chemicals. At the next indoor meeting the exposures gotten upon a trip were developed and results compared. A scrapbook was used to contain the best results. Some of these results were enlarged to show the process. When camp re- union time came on, in the late spring, the club made seventy-five lantern slides of camp scenes, aided by the instructor, and these were shown at the camp re- union. Some of the club attended the summer camp and secured nearly a hundred views. A complete set with negatives was turned over to the boys' depart- ment. One set has helped to decorate the club room; another set, the club will put in a book, which will be used to advertise next summer's camp, along with new lantern slides. Thus they have helped the whole de- partment, gained a working knowledge of photography and had jolly times together. — Association Boys, Vol. IIL, No. 6. 219. CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION In Coatesville, Pa., much is made of an exhibition by the Camera Club and a calendar exhibit on New Year's Day. 220. AGRICULTURAL CLUB When the fine spring days roll around, the average lively boy who has enough life in him to do things, finds it hard to stay indoors. All nature seems to draw him out and away from the Association rooms. There is a noticeable dropping off in the number of boys who frequent headquarters, and almost every boys' secre- 190 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES It is well to put off until tomorrow what you ought not to do at all. — The Saturday Evening Post. tary begins to rack his brains to find something to in- terest them. Have you thought of a garden or agricultural club for the boys ? Why not meet their desires by respond- ing to the attractive and stimulating beckonings of nature? Why should not the boys be interested and at w^ork in something that is serious and which, in ad- dition, has a very large element of pleasure in it? It would be a great boon to the boys, especially the city A Group of Grangers ''chaps," to raise garden truck and see how it is done. Why not give the garden club or agricultural club a good trial? It may be found so successful that you will decide to make it a permanent feature of educa- tional work for boys. The Value Estimate. An enthusiast has said, "Gardens do more than train the hands and head ; they touch and awaken the soul ; — and this is the first mis- sion of gardening." Intellectually, the garden gives the benefits of man- ual training and ofifers opportunities for putting into practice many of the abstract lessons of the class- room. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 191 An ounce of cheerfulness is worth a pound of sadness to serve God with. — Fuller. Among other things, the work of agricultural clubs disposes boys favorably toward manual labor; they offer a certain kind of work which is supplementary to a good deal of the training they obtain in school ; they give the boys something definite to do in their leisure time and keep them ofif the streets; and most impor- tant of all, they give youth an insight into agricultural knowledge, leading them to consider farming and the cultivation of the soil more seriously. The garden idea is by no means a new one. Twenty centuries ago Persian boys received practical and theo- retical instruction in horticulture. Through the Middle Ages the garden for educational purposes was conducted throughout Central Europe, and at the pres- ent day gardens are numerous in France, Germany, Sweden and in England, Switzerland^, Austria and Italy. The idea iwas introduced into this country about 1890 and has been so carefully developed since then that such work is now in successful operation under various conditions and auspices in both large and small cities. The question as to whether boys can be interested in the project has been answered in many instances. One authority says, ''The pupils take great interest in their gardens, standing ofif and admiring their own plants and comparing them with others.'' The conductor of the garden at Yonkers, N. Y., reports, ''The interest, far from diminishing, has increased and 500 applica- tions were made for the 250 plots in 1905.'' Here is another real opportunity to help boys which the Association has thus far not cultivated, but in which it has unlimited scope and usefulness. This is a psychological moment for the promotion of this work. It is the year and the time of the year. The preliminary work has been well done in various places. Professional and public attention is receptive. Some Things to Consider. Here are some' general principles on which people agree in conducting such a 192 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing a laugh within, hurried away. — The Saturday Evening Post. piece of work. In the first place, it is quite necessary to adapt means to help boys in developing their char- acteristics. Boys are interested in some things rather than other things because of definite reasons peculiarly related to the boy. Boys like to do definite things ; they like to make things which they can see developing under their hands; they enjoy exhibiting what they do or make, and above all things they like competition ; notoriety and public attention give them a considerable amount of satisfaction ; because they are boys, they prefer be- ing out of doors rather than being housed up under cover; finally, a combination of work and play is always welcome in whatever they are interested. These are some of the principles upon which to pro- ceed in handling boys. As to the application of these principles to the agri- cultural club and to the garden, experience shows that in the larger cities the grammar school boys will be interested, while in the smaller places older boys will take hold of the idea. In the Middle West, where the corn-raising campaigns have become very popular, the older boys have taken it up enthusiastically. Expe- rience also proves that the boys prefer to work in groups. The ''gang'' spirit carries them a long way in both work and play. The sympathy of the public will be enlisted in behalf of the boys as soon as it is seen that they are trying to do something worth while. There is no more certain way to interest the parents than through the boys. They are fountains of un- bounded enthusiasm and lasting interest. In turn the parents become greatly interested and consequently the result is wholesome and helpful to everybody. This is where the Association can tie up closely with the parents- A Plan of Operating. The following are some suggestions for organizing such work based on the experience of those who have been successful : ASSOCIATION CLUBS 193 Humanity and social sympathy are the glory of our age. — Newell Dwight Hillis. 1. With the help of the boys themselves, secure a lot or piece of vacant ground sufficiently large. The interest of members of the city improvement society, if there is one, may be aroused. The use of a lot may be obtained from an owner v^ho wishes^to see the value of his property increased. 2. Decide upon a definite day, appropriate with the climate and conditions, for cleaning up, fertilizing and plowing time. This should be made a special occasion. 3. Divide the space into small ''farms" or plots large enough to meet conditions and allot these to the boys, leaving them to put the plots in shape. 4. Lay out paths and provide for fencing. 5. An organization can possibly be formed with the government idea introduced — 'with a mayor, chief of police, overseer of highways, and any other neces- sary officials. There may be a change of officials two or three times during the season. 6. ''Planting day'' should be observed in a busi- ness-like way under the supervision of a capable man. 7. Each boy should keep a record of his work in which he notes his observations. 8. Raise one, or possibly two, crops during the season, changing the same. 9. The small garden truck may be marketed by the boys individually or by an appointed "selling agent." 10. Introduce competition for good prizes prefer- ably offered by some civic organization for the appear- ance of the "farms" and the quality and quantity of the products. Additional Suggestions. In putting this new work into operation it will be wise to secure the in- telligent interest, consent and cooperation of the board of directors and educational committee. A great deal will depend upon this. The general secretary, educa- tional director and the special leader or teacher of the club, group or class, should cooperate in developing 194 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Few men are as lucky as they seem, or as unlucky as they think they are. — The Saturday Evening Post. the idea, the educational director or committee being primarily responsible for its initiation. In this the local Association has a large opportunity for broadening its work for the ultimate good of the community. One of the things to be done then is en- listing the interest of members of the local city im- provement society or civic club, of business houses, various firms, and leading citizens of the community. Whatever expense may be attached may be covered in various ways. Boys working in relays would not need many tools. The sale of ''truck" should meet some, if not all, of the outlay. Aside from this, ex- penses should be provided for, part from the Associa- tion treasury, part from tuition fees, and some from, admission fees to the final exhibition of the products. By all means secure the very best quality of seeds. It would be very unfortunate to sacrifice the possi- bility of success by using old, poorly mixed, or other- wise worthless seeds. A course of simple, interesting talks on seeds, soil, tools, garden products, etc., should run twice a week for a month previous to the actual garden work- At the same time there would be an opportunity for using a hotbed in which the principles of sunlight and heat could be shown in a most interesting manner. At the completion of the summer work and for a good 'Svindup" the county fair idea might be carried out in a display of products, pet animals, and various things made or built by the boys during their vacation. Each locality has its own peculiarities, so the above suggestions may be adapted to meet varying condi- tions. The following are some publications which suggest ideas: Periodicals — Junior Naturalist, Gardening, Country Life in America, Journal of Education, Asso- ciation Boys (especially April and December num- bers, 1906). Books — Hemenway, How to Make School Gardens, Doubleday, Page & Co. ; Agriculture ASSOCIATION CLUBS 195 It doesn't cost anything to say "Good morning," even if it's raining. — Anon. for Beginners, Burkett, Ginn & Co. ; Practical Agricul- ture, James, Appleton; Gardenmaking, Principles of Vegetable Gardening, Bailey, Macmillan ; Methods of Instruction in Agriculture, U. S. Bureau of Education ; Hints and Helps for Young Gardeners, Hemenway, Hartford. — Robert T. Hill, Secretary of International Committee, in Association Boys, Vol. VI., No. i. 221. CANOE CLUB A class in canoe building for boys is not only practi- cable, but is easily within the reach of almost every Association. The knowledge that any boy of average intelligence, old enough to be in the Association, can himself build a well-modeled and thoroughly reliable canoe at a cost under $5 is incentive enough for some boys' departments to try the experiment this article suggests. Such a class has been in operation in the Associa- tion at Summit, N. J., for over a year, during which time several canoes have been built. The illustration shows one of these canoes receiving the finishing touches, and gives a good general idea of those con- structed. For a workshop almost any room will do. We use a part of the cellar. For equipment little is needed but a few tools of such kind as are usually found in the janitor's quarters. A carpenter's bench is a good thing if you can get one. Our boys made their own as well as the horses upon which the frame was set up. We have found it best to have the boys work in pairs, sharing the expense and labor. K you can get some one with a knowledge of the use of tools to give the boys a little instruction so much the better, but many boys will turn out a very creditable piece of work without such help. The dimensions of the canoes our boys have made are : length, 14 feet ; beam, 30 inches ; depth amidships, 12 inches ; depth at ends, 20 inches. 196 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standing behind a counter is all right, but staying there a lifetime is another matter. — The Saturday Evening Post. ' Now to work : first lay your keelson, which is a piece of board % inch by 1J4 inches by 13 feet 4 inches. To each end fit stem and stern posts, screwing and bracing them as shown in figure I. Now take a one-inch board 12 inches wide and 30 inches long and cut to the shape given in figure II. This board is to be fitted over the center of the keelson at X. It should be well braced, but so adjusted that it can easily be removed when the canoe is finished. Canoe Building We are now ready for the longitudinal strips or rib-bands. These should be ^ inch by 1 inch by 16 feet long and of cedar or spruce with clean straight grain. Sixteen of these will be required, eight on each side. Begin with the upper strips, tacking lightly to side of cross piece and drawing in to stem and stern posts, to which they must be fastened. Take care to get the bend or curve equal on both sides, con- ASSOCIATION CLUBS 197 Laughing cheerfulness throws sunlight on all the paths of life. — Richter. tinue this all the way round, spacing each equally. Now take four pieces of hard wood ^ inch by ^ inch (a child^s hoop is just the thing) and bend from upper end of stern and stem posts to top of upper rib-band. -rll i- pjmT\n\ji\u\uiuu g nMuuuu'iuum.n^uuuuuim'.Mi.my i ^ ^- l(— °."-^ Canoe Models This will give the graceful curve to the end of the canoe as shown in figure III. We are now ready for the ribs, which are ordinary barrel hoops. They should be nicely cleaned with a spokeshave and worked to a uniform width. They should be well soaked in 198 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Formerly it was, Be good! Now it is, Make good! — The Saturday Evening Post. water, and to make them still more pliable boiling water should be poured over them just before they are bent to the rib-bands. Begin putting in the ribs near the center and work toward each end alternately ; pass them under the keelson and commence to fasten first to the lowest strip, nailing with copper tacks, which should be driven from the outside and long enough to clinch on the inside ; put the ribs about five inches apart. Next comes the canvas, which requires considerable care in putting on. Stitch together lengthways two pieces of thirty-inch heavy duck, each five yards long. Turn the canoe bottom up and place the canvas upon it with seam over keelson. If the rib-bands do not come together over the keelson fit in a piece of wood to make it solid. Tack well along the seam to the full length of the canoe until you reach the curve, now begin in the middle again and stretch tightly and nail the outer edge along the gunwale, keeping out all wrinkles. Take up the slack at each end by working in and overlapping on the rounded stem and stern posts. The seam will be covered with an outer keel of wood y^ inch square, screwed firmly in place. This will continue round the ends, where it will be tapered to conform to the shape of the canoe. Separate pieces of hard wood will be used for ends and bent to shape. Finish ofif the gunwale with strips of wood on outer, inner and upper edge, the inner strip joining the piece that forms the decked-in place at each end. You will need a removable lattice floor for the bottom of the canoe to protect the canvas. This can be in two pieces and of height of keelson fitting along either side of it. Two braces or thwarts will be needed to give the required stiffness and to keep the shape. These will be fitted across the inside from gunwale to gunwale about four feet from each end. Now for the paint : Give two good coats of oil and lead of whatever color you choose, but only to the ASSOCIATION CLUBS ' 199 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb; sweet to the soul and health to the bones. — Bible. outside of the canvas; finish all woodwork with varnish. If you have been careful, you will have a craft that is a thing of beauty and capable of giving an unbounded amount of pleasure, and not the least joy to the possessor will come from having built it himself. — William Jessup, in Association Boys, Vol. IL, No, I. 222. BACHELORS' CLUB The ''Bachelors' Club" of the Washington Associa- tion is the social organization of the men who live in the building. It is assembled under the following constitution : Article I. Name Section 1. The name of the club shall be the Bachelors' Club of the Washington Young Men's Christian Association. Article II. Object Section 1. The object oif the organization shall be to foster good will and fellowship among the men living in the house, and to facilitate the cooperation of the house men in the various activities of the Association. Article III. Membership Section 1. All men living in the house shall be eligible to membership in the club. Section 2. Secretaries of the Washington Association shall be ex officio members. Article IV. Dues Section 1. There shall be regular dues of ten cents a month. Section 2. Assessments may be made at any time to cover expenses that have been authorized by a vote of the club. Section 3. Members -whose dues are three months in arrears shall forfeit membership until such back dues are paid. 200 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The man who does things makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake of all — doing nothing. — The Saturday Evening Post. Article V. Officers Section 1. The officers of the club shall be a president, a vice-president, and a secretary, who shall also act as treas- urer. Section 2. The officers shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting in September. Section 3. One of the three officers shall be elected from each of the three floors. Section 4. The officers shall perform the duties usually pertaining to such positions. Article VI. Committees Section 1. The following shall be the standing committees : The House Committee, of six members, two from each floor, whose duty it shall be to assist in enforcing house rules, to report any necessary changes in rooms or occupants, and to consult with the social secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association regarding prospective tenants. The Committee on New Men, of six members, two from each floor, whose duty it shall be to make the acquaintance of all new men, endeavor to make them feel at home, and invite them to become members of the club. The Entertainment Committee, of three members, one from, each floor, whose duty it shall he to arrange all meetings of the club. The Executive Committee, composed of the officers and heads of committees, whose duty it shall be to attend to the general management of the club. Article VII. Meetings Section 1. The regular meeting of the club shall be held on the last Thursday of each month. Section 2. Special meetings can be called at any time by the executive committee. Article VIII. Amendments Section 1. This constitution may be amended by a two- thirds vote of the members present at a regular meeting, providing the amendment has been read at a previous meeting. The house committee has done especially good v^ork in the way of self-governing features. Through its efforts the personnel of the house has been decidedly changed and greatly improved; the miscellaneous ASSOCIATION CLUBS 201 The happiest life is that which constantly exercises and educates what is best in us. — Hamerton. protests and requests have been handled and greatly reduced in number; and the house men have really taken the position of active members of the Associa- tion instead of tenants. The monthly socials have been varied and unique, and have been the means of bringing the men into close personal relationship. Additional committees on Bible study, social service, etc., have been appointed at various times to carry on new features of the club's activity. The publication of a biweekly paper has done much to develop and retain interest in the organization. ''The Old Maid'' has met great favor from the Bachelors. Neat covers are printed in large quantities, and the inside sheets are done on the Association mimeograph at little expense. In this way the size of the paper varies according to the news and gossip obtainable. A board of editors does all the work — even the stencil and mimeograph part. — Gerald Karr Smith, Washing- ton, B.C. 223. BOYS' GLEE CLUB The Boys' Glee Club "never was born, it growed." One March day two boys came to me and said: "We want a baseball team. We've got the material but we haven't any suits. Can you get up some sort of an en- tertainment and get us the money?" I thought over various ways in which "men take one's money from his purse" — minstrel shows, shadow pantomimes — and none seemed to suit. From past experience, I knew that the boys loved to sing — that they would come at any time and stay around the piano and sing, so I de- termined to try my luck along that line. In March, 1903, I held trials for the Glee Club. Nineteen boys came out to try and a very scared, giggly lot they were. Two evenings later came the first rehearsal, when it was found that there were about seven sopranos and eight tenors and only one lone alto. Gradually, however, the ranks filled up. 202 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The test of a student is not how much he knows but how much he wants to know. — Rollins. Some sopranos were turned into altos and numerous tenors were dropped, till the club was fairly well bal- anced. Then began the rehearsals proper. For two months it was a struggle for mastery. At last the club or rather chorus was drilled and on June 11 the con- cert given. All this time no one dreamed the club was for anything but one concert and the purpose anything except to pay for baseball suits. When fall came there were many requests that we repeat the concert. With very little rehearsing and almost no change of program this was done. It went well and the audience was very kind. There was a minister present from an adjoining town. After the concert he asked if we could not arrange to come to his church and repeat the concert ; and before we real- ized it the Boys' Glee Club was formed and its career as a concert company begun. Since that time the club has given concerts in and about Newton. In February, 1904, the club had the honor of singing at Somerville before the Massachu- setts and Rhode Island Boys' Conference. This year the club has twenty voices and is carry- ing on its concert program with various assisting per- formers, on the violin, mandolin, cornet, etc., from the boys in the Association. The cluh has also a reader as a regular member. The program is further diversified by solos by different boys and double quartet. The music sung is that which the college clubs use. Since the first argument on the subject there has never been any trouble about discipline either at re- hearsals or on concert trips. The boys manage them- selves and are proud of it. Misconduct would be re- proved and very likely punished by them before the leader had a chance to interfere. The boys love to sing, are eager to give concerts and never balk if given a chance to sing alone. The control of the club is given to its board of direc- tors, consisting of the leader, the accompanist — /both ASSOCIATION CLUBS 203 A good time is attractive enough to take everybody out of himself, and cheery enough to make every one feel happy. — Amos R. Wells. men — two directors chosen by the boys from their own number and the secretary, also a boy. This board has full power except that of dropping members from the roll, which power resides exclusively in the full club membership. This form of government has worked perfectly. Although the club has regular charges for its con- certs, the boys never receive the slightest pecuniary remuneration. The money received is used to pay for the music and some is given away. Last year the club gave forty dollars to the Association. The Glee Club dinner is the closing event of every season. In the first part of June, when strawberries are ripe, the club — former members and present members — meets at the Association, sitting down to a first-class dinner. After dinner different boys are called on to respond to toasts, and mirth and wit and song flow free and unrestrained. A Glee Club dinner once enjoyed is something never to be forgotten. New members are usually elected in the fall. Ac- cording to the constitution, they are not eligible for the club until they have sung at one concert, but the wish of the boys requires one full season of singing with the club before they are elected full members and have the right to vote and wear the glee club pin. When the leader desires a particular boy or some particular part or even the whole club for a rehearsal, he merely writes postal cards and the boys are present at, or oftener before, the time to rehearse. At a full club rehearsal, where twenty boys are expected, there may be one ab- sent, possibly two, never three, and oftenest all the twenty are there. — H, W. Bascom, Nezvton, Mass., Association Boys, Vol. IV., No. 6. 224. POSTER CLUB It is always desirable to have as many boys as pos- sible attend the events of the department. Posters are excellent for advertising. It has been noticed at West 204 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A day, an hour, of victorious liberty Is worth a whole eternity of bondage. — Addison. Side, New York, that events have had largest attend- ance when advertised by good posters. Boys are at- tracted by pictures and will stop and read good posters. In this way they may be led to a meeting in which they might begin the Christian life. There are boys in every department who are just longing for something tO' do, and in forming a poster club at least a small group of fellows with some taste for drawing could make excellent use of their time. Let this group of fellows choose a president and secretary whose duty shall be to map out the work for each member for a month, and help him to do it if he has difficulties. Let them also' arrange for at least one meeting a month when some artist shall speak tO' the club and show^ them how some things are done. For material, cartridge paper is used. It can be pro- cured at any art or paint store. It is well to get three or four different colors, such as yellow, blue, red and green. The colors used are powdered water colors. The following are about all that are necessary for making an ordinary poster: red, yellow, blue^ brown, white, black, yellow ochre, and a good shade of green. Many useful combinations can be made with colors, such as red and yellow for orange, blue and red for purple, a little red, white and yellow ochre for a good flesh tint, etc. Grind the colors on ground glass with a palette knife until fine and free from lumps. Mix the colors with mucilage and water, about one third mucilage to two thirds water. (The mucilage is used so that the colors will not rub.) These should be mixed thoroughly and should be neither too thick nor too thin. After a little experience you will know just what proportions to use. Use only those colors which are necessary to tell the story, and see that they harmonize. Red, blue and green; orange and black; red and blue; blue and yel- low ; white, red and blue ; brown, red and white all ASSOCIATION CLUBS 205 Not what we give but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare.- -Lowell. harmonize. The part of your design to be emphasized should be worked out the strongest, using Hghter color for other parts. Broad, flat washes of color with no attempt at shading are the most effective. The best posters have ver}^ few if any details. A design will be brought out stronger when outlined in black. The lighter colors should be put on first so that mistakes can be covered when putting on the darker colors. Camel's hair and bristle brushes are used. A broad brush and a fine one are necessary. The bristle 206 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Christianity is social. — Anon, brushes will be found to be most useful and serviceable. Charcoal is used to draw the design. This is easily erased with a cloth or bread crumbs. After you get your subject, design something that will be appropriate and will appeal to boys. You would not want to illustrate an Easter poster with a holly wreath ; nor an outing with a boy reading by a fireside. Try to be original. If you design a poster that takes, find out what was in the poster that was liked and decide why it is good. Never design first to please, then to tell the story. If you cannot make an original design for a subject try to find one in a maga- zine and enlarge it or build upon it. One way to enlarge is to divide your small picture into squares. Now if you wish to make the picture on the poster ten times as large, draw the squares ten times as large on your poster. Then draw your design, using the same proportion all the way through. It is a good plan to keep an indexed scrapbook for designs. Look through old magazines and if you find any pictures which you think you could use to advantage cut them out and put them in your scrapbook. After your design has been made then make your letters. At the beginning you should be very careful. Good plain letters are best. At first it may be difficult to make them well without measuring them. Of course, ^'practice makes perfect," and the more letter- ing you do the easier it becomes. Why should not every department keep a group of boys happily engaged in this sort of work? An annual exhibition with prizes for best work done would add to the interest. — John B. Strohhacker, West Side, N. Y., Y. M, C. A., in Association Boys, Vol L, No. 6, 225. FENCING CLUB It is usually not difficult to find in any boys' depart- ment a number of older boys who are anxious to know fencing, and who are eager to join a fencing club if ASSOCIATION CLUBS Blessed are the joy-makers. — Willis. 207 organized. Fencing is a ''kingly" sport, the best of exercises, a splendid training for the judgment and the eye, and gives ease and grace to the body. It requires strain, patience, endurance, and real hard work, but to the earnest and active boy there is a fascination about the sport which increases with knowledge and skill. Fencing Exercise. In the organization of a successful fencing club the first essential is the securing of an enthusiastic and qualified instructor. A lover of the sport is needed to carry the members through the tiresome, straining, and uninteresting first movements, such as the position, the guard, the lunge, and parries. These must be learned perfectly if skill is to be obtained. The organization of the club should be similar to that of any other club, with president, secretary, treasurer, a constitution, by- laws, and meetings once or twice a month. Classes should be held once, if not twice, a week. Our club is 208 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES When I'm not thanked at all, I'm thanked enough; I've done my duty, and I've done no more. — Fielding. self-supporting, owns its outfit and pays the instructor. The dues of the club are one dollar a year, paid semi- annually, and with this money foils, masks, etc., are purchased. Besides the annual dues a weekly charge of ten or fifteen cents is made to pay the instructor. The membership is limited to twenty in order that each member may receive individual attention. A larger number than this, and even this number is large, makes it impossible for the instructor to give each member the attention he should have. If more apply for mem- bership than can be handled conveniently at one time, there may either be a waiting list or two classes a week, half of the members attending each class. A full attendance at each lesson should be sought for. An irregular member learns little, soon becomes dis- couraged, and is detrimental to the progress of the class. For encouragement to obtain proficiency, monthly tournaments may be held, at which a small prize or badge may be given the winner, to be worn during the following month or until he loses posses- sion of it by reason of defeat at a succeeding tourna- ment. The outfit of the club should consist of foils, masks, gloves, and several jackets or plastrons if possible. With the annual dues several pairs of foils and masks can be purchased. There are always some members who desire to possess their own outfits. If the supply of foils is limited, sticks can be used in learning the first movements, and in actual combat turns can be taken. The gymnasium suit with long trousers makes a very suitable fencing suit. Rubber soled shoes should be worn. In purchasing the outfit care should be taken to get the best, for the cheap foils and masks are often dangerous. The bell guard foils, number 2 or 3, with Coulaux or Solingeu blades costing from $2.50 to $3 a pair are the best. Number 2 or 3 masks, costing $3 to $4 a pair, should be secured. Gauntlets can be obtained from 75 cents to $1.50. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 209 A man's best things are nearest him, Lie close about his feet. — Milnes. Jackets cost from $5 to $10, and plastrons from $1.50 up. The illustration shows our own club at work. — Richard L. Flynn, in Association Boys, Vol. II., No. i. 226. A SUCCESSFUL STAMP CLUB The Trenton, N. J., club was originally known as the ''Stamp Club,'' but is now called the 'Thilatelic Society," the boys considering the new name more scientific and dignified. Any boy wishing to join the society must apply for membership through its officers, and if he is accept- able to the members, a vote is passed to put his name upon the eligible list, but in order to become a regular member he must fulfill certain requirements. First, he must be a member of the Young Men's Christian Association and own a hundred different stamps. United States and foreign, arranged in an album in order that the collection may be neat and systematic. Second, he must take an examination to show that he knows the countries from which so^me fifty different stamps come and answer eighty per cent of the ques- tions correctly. If the candidate successfully passes these tests he is taken in charge by the committee on initiation and admitted into the secrets and activities of the Philatelic Society. Regular meetings are held every second and fourth Monday of each month. The business consists of re- ports from the examining committee, a talk on stamps by the president or one of the members, initiation, exhi- bition and comparison of stamps and generally some announcements about the Exchange. The latter is a stock company of members of the society where stamps are exchanged. The company has a capital stock of 200 shares^ valued at 20 cents per share par value. If a boy puts 20 cents' worth of stamps into the Exchange he gets a certificate. He can buy other stamps from the Exchange with his shares, and twice 210 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Some people have to have their sunshine warm; others are satisfied just vv^ith its being sunshine. — ^Rollins. a year he gets a dividend. Three fourths of the profits of the Exchange go to make up a surplus which, in time, becomes a collection for the Association, and the remaining fourth is divided into dividends semi- annually for the stockholders. The accounts of the Exchange are audited by the boys' secretary when each dividend is declared to assure correct bookkeeping. Surplus, dividends and all are stamps — no money is handled. Stamps are wealth in this stock exchange. The Exchange holds auction sales^ where boys sell their duplicates. These sales are managed like any auction: stamps, albums, etc., selling for cash to the highest bidder. These sales are very exciting and no end of fun. The Exchange gets ten per cent on all sales, and this makes a very nice little sum to defray current expenses. Every year we have a banquet for the members of the society and a few invited guests. There are speeches on such subjects as "The History of the Club,'' "Things New and Old About Stamps," "The Society Itself." Then we have an address by some famous collector. And SO' the club goes on with meetings and banquets, auction sales and exchange matters, buying- and selling, adding value to the collections and having a lot of fun along the way. — C. C. Robinson^ Association Boys, Vol L, No, I, 227. BENT IRON WORK CLUB A feature that can be introduced readily into most boys' departments is a club in bent iron work. The club members make useful and ornamental articles out of thin, narrow strips of iron. The finished pro- duct is sometimes known as Venetian iron work. The experience of the Washington Heights Branch is that the club appeals most to boys from fourteen to six- teen years of age. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 211 Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. — Poor Richard. The cost of an equipment for from twelve to twenty- four boys would be $20. This would include one dozen five-inch flat nose plyers, one dozen five-inch round nose plyers, one dozen riveting hammers (four to six ounces), one dozen small bench vices (the kind that can be screwed to the table with a handscrew), one dozen rules (two foot, four fold), one No. 10 metal snips (P. S. & W.'s). The material used is called strap-iron. It is one thirty-second of an inch thick and varies in width, by sixteenths, from one eighth of an inch up. The sizes generally used are one eighth inch and one quarter inch. The one eighth inch iron is used on the very small articles, such as match-holders, stamp receptacles or bonbon dishes. The one quarter inch iron is used for such articles as penracks, inkstands, brackets or candelabras. The iron costs, in bulk, seven cents a pound, and comes in fifty-pound coils. It can also be purchased in fifty-foot coils, at an average of twenty- one cents a coil. The binders cost ten cents a hundred, but are cheaper in bulk. Ivory black paint (one-pound cans, thirty-five cents) is used for finishing. A set of plans can be purchased of most school supply houses, and valuable hints can be secured from a booklet, ''Venetian Iron Work,'' issued by the But- terick Publishing Company, 23d Street, New York. Hammacher, Schlemmer & Company, Bowery, New York, have made a special feature of blue prints and other supplies. They have given this Association a discount of twenty-five per cent on their list prices. The equipment of the Washington Heights Branch was given by the Witness Circle of King's Daughters of the Presbyterian Church. Two clubs are main- tained, with an enrollment of fifteen boys in each. The teacher of the clubs had no previous experience. All that is required is an ability to use tools and to draw simple plans. An interesting fact is that the things that have 212 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The test of simplicity is not what it lacks, but what it chooses to do without. — Rollins. appealed to our boys have been articles that can be used in their homes. — Alfred O. Booth, Washington Heights Branch, Nezv York City, in Association Boys, Vol. III., No. 2. 228. SMALL CLUBS There is nothing more natural than for birds of a feather to flock together. Boys of kindred tastes and like interests are bound to get together, if not in the Association, then outside. It seems as though every conceivable kind of a club is nov^ in operation in some boys' department. The following list is made up from reports which have come in since the first of January, this year (1902). Sometimes various names are given for the same thing or for clubs which are very similar in their make-up. In some of these the club idea is well developed, in others very little organization is evident. The following list is not recommended for any Association^ but is given in order to be suggestive. If further information is desired regarding any of these clubs Association Boys will be glad to present whatever information is available. Bicycle Ckib, Wheel Club, Roug-h Riders, Football Team, Baseball Club, Indoor Baseball Club, Basket-Ball League, Volley Ball, Hockey Club, Cricket Club, Polo Club, Bom- bardment Club, Golf Club, La Crosse Club, Athletic Society Tennis Club, Bowling League, Skating Club, Running Club, Single Stick Club, Stamp Club, Coin Club, Sketch Club, Camera Club, Debating Club, Literary Society, Junior Bota- nists, Mineralogy Club, Natural Science Club, Junior Naturalists, Nature Study Club, Audubon Society, Weather Bureau, Agassiz Association, Lyceum, Mystic Midgets, Imagi- nation Club, Shakespeare Club. Reading Club, Personal Purity League, Personal Workers' Club, Junior Volunteer League, Jubilee Band, Bible Study League, Band of Mercy, Missionary Club, Orchestra, Mandolin Club, Boys* Choir, Guitar Club, Zobo Band, Congress, City Government, Senate, Sloyd Club, Electricity Club, Poster Club, Scroll Saw Club, Cadet Com- pany, Gun Drill, Boys' Brigade, Military Drill, Hare and Hounds, Cross Country Club. Jaunting Club, Fishing Club. Canoe Club, Boating Club, Croquet Club, Gypsy Tramping ASSOCIATION CLUES 213 The hour is not wasted that brings with it tranquillity of mind and an uplifting of the heart. — Bradford Torrey. Club, Kite Contests, Outing Club, Trampers, Camp Club, Hobo Club, Houseboat Club, Swimming Club, Hikers' Club, Success Club, "Do the Best You Can" Club, "Help the Other Fellow" Club, "Skeeters," "Work and Win" Club, "Pan" Club, Fun and Earnest Club, Relief Corps, Shooting Club, Anti- Cigarette League, Temperance Society, McKinley Memorial Club, Knights of King Arthur, Working Boys' Club, Social Club, Boys' Industrial Club, Game Club, Chess and Checker Club, Carom Club, Membership Club, Toastmasters' Club. Here is an interesting assortment. ''You pays your money and you takes your choice/' — E. M. R. m Asso- ciation Boys, Vol. I., No. 2. \^: Boys' Orchestra 229. MANDOLIN AND GUITAR CLUB The club was organized in the fall of 1902, with about a dozen members who played mandolins and violins. The year before a few members and the secretary had found it very enjoyable to get together with their mandolins and play popular music on social evenings. This naturally led to the organization of the club, with the addition of several others who were 214 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul! Sweet'ner of life! and solder of society. — Blair. interested. They then looked around for an instruct- or, and decided upon a widely known teacher of the mandolin, banjo and guitar, not only the best in the city, but one of the best in the profession. The first thought was that he was too expensive, but it has proven, as is usually the case, that the best is the cheapest. The fellows decided upon Monday even- ings, from 7.30 to 9.00, for the regular rehearsals. From that time to the following May they met regu- larly, with almost perfect attendance. After two or three months' work they began to have outside engage- ments, principally at church " suppers, entertainments, fairs and receptions. At the end of the season the club numbered about twenty pieces, and on the last of April a successful concert was given from which it realized a fairly good sum of money. Early the next fall they were eager to commence work again and before their first rehearsal, the latter part of September, had three engagements waiting for them. The present membership is twenty-five; the average attendance at rehearsals is over twenty, and Monday night always finds them promptly on time, ready for work. Their average age is sixteen, most of them being high school fellows. The club has proven the best kind of an advertisement for the de- partment. They have played in nearly all the leading churches, as well as for some of the best clubs in the city. Their work has been loudly applauded on every occasion, and the Association has received only compli- ments and congratulations regarding it. — O. E. Bourne, Worcester, Mass., in Association Boys, Vol. III., No. 2. 230. LOBBY CLUB TO MEET STRANGERS AND BE GENERALLY USEFUL Dear Lobby Clubber: The Lobby Club had an interesting and profitable meeting last night, at which considerable important ASSOCIATION CLUBS 215 On bravely through the sunshine and the showers ! Time hath his work to do and we have ours. — Emerson. business was transacted. The New Year's plans were thoroughly discussed, and practically every man agreed to be on hand from 2.30 to 10.30 o'clock. The men who have no particular parts assigned will assist in general reception work in the lobby. The newest venture of the club will be the assump- tion of work connected with the rooming-house regis- ter. Members of the club have agreed to investigate all rooms listed, and do what they can to improve the present system. Please hold yourself in readiness for it. The assignment of nights in the lobby as I now have them is as follows : Monday, Taggart and Lavins. Tuesday, Corey, Frost and H. S. Smith. Wednesday, Chadbourn and Grinnell. Thursday, Ersfeld and Siedam. Friday, Curtis and Hanford. Saturday, Schnare. This leaves unassigned: Bassford, Burklin, Disque, Stebbins, Truman and Neibel. If you cover the time between 4.30 and 6.00 o'clock, your services will be as useful as though given for the period after dinner. I know this period is not always yours to give. A new register book will be placed in my desk on January 1. The Lobby Committee is to report here- after on the men who have signed up during the week. The next meeting will be held January 3 ; the place to be announced later. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, I am Sincerely, Gerald Karr Smith, Social Secretary. 216 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Be noble ! and the nobleness that lies In other men, sleeping, but never dead. Will rise in majesty to meet thine own. — Lowell. 231. DIARY CLUB* Let a group of boys or young men get together in an informal club to make the most out of their vaca- tion or other outing by keeping an observation diary. There should be entered daily such items as the weather: temperature, direction of the wind and whether light or high, variable, etc. ; the sky, whether clear or cloudy and what kinds of clouds; if wet, the character of the rain — steady downpour, drizzle, showers, thunder-storms, foggy, etc. If on the water, describe the stream or lake, the color and clearness, the surface, whether smooth or rough, and how rough ; tell about the shores, whether high and rocky or low and sandy or marshy, if wooded, or cultivated, farm lands. If tramping through the country, describe the roads, the general landscape at different points; if in the woods tell of the kinds of trees seen, their trunks, size, bark, limbs, foliage, fruit or nuts. A scene should be so described that when read later the person him- self would be able to perfectly recall it and — if an artist — ^^be able to paint it; and also, that another, lis- tening to the description, would see the picture. To make a description of this kind there must be not only the general view but careful attention to details. If six, eight or ten fellows will really attempt such a diary they will find it immensely interesting and very helpful, and a number of evenings may be spent dur- ing the following winter in comparing notes — the read- ing and discussing and criticising of the several diaries. The practical benefits will come in an increased interest in observing and describing the scenes and events of everyday life, and in improving one's facility and style in writing. — H. S. N. * Attention is called to a splendid vest-pocket vacation diary edited by Charles R. Scott, State Y. M. C. A., Newark, N. J. As a means of encouraging boys to make memoranda of helps received in camp, and as a suggestion to them of the possible helpful influences about them, it is invaluable. 10 cents each. $3.50 a hundred. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 217 He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, Acts the best. — Bailey. 232. LUNCH CLUB FOR DINING ROOMS THAT DON't PAY We had a completely furnished lunch room, but were going through the trial, financial and otherwise, common to all Associations that conduct eating places, especially when regular meals are served. We evolved the following plan, which is a success, after fifteen ^months' trial. We called a meeting of the members rooming in the building and proposed to turn over to them the whole equipment, and furnish the room, light, heat and water, all free to them ; they were to organize and conduct their own cafe, paying cost for meals. Ofificers were elected and the club plan started with seventeen members. The number increased to about sixty regulars, besides meal-ticket men. We made a few conditions, for instance — anything in the meal line purchased and paid for by the Association, was to be served at cost. Meal tickets were to be sold at a reasonable rate, and single meals for twenty-five cents. On this basis a $3 ticket is sold for $2.50, the profit on these and the single meals going to the club^ to help keep their board low. Each club member paid $10 in advance, with an assessment of $2 at end of the first month. Thereafter the monthly rate was $12 in advance, and this paid expenses for the first year. Owing to a change of cooks, the expense ran up then, and they raised the price to $13, where it is now. It will probably be lowered again soon. Ordinary boarding-house prices here are $17.50 to $20 monthly, and the meals at the Association are better. The advantages to the Association are : no financial loss, no troubles for the office force in secur- ing help, etc. Sixty fellows eat every meal here, and thereby get well acquainted, making the best social feeling in the building I have ever seen anywhere. The plan also helps to keep rooms filled. — L. E, JoneSj Fort Worthy Texas. 218 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES This shining moment is an edifice which the Omnipotent cannot rebuild. — Emerson. 233. BUSY BUILDERS' CLUB The Busy Builders of Holyoke is a club of boys which meets in the attic of the Association building and builds things. This is not manual training, as some understand it at least. These boys are no more fond of making sloyd models than are others, but they do like to build things. There is no need of contrast- ing the value of this kind of work with any of those Sloyd systems of manual training which a boy has to be al- most clubbed or else hypnotized into taking. These boys like to build things and they do it under compe- tent direction, and it does them good in many obvious ways. A workshop (not exclusively for wood work- ing) under wise direction is a great thing for any boys' department, and there are hosts of boys who ''like to build things/' who have a suspicious dread of aught that resembles a course in anything, and it is well worth ASSOCIATION CLUBS 219 Fortunately what God expects o£ us is not the best, but only our best. — Rollins. while for the Association to get hold of such latch- strings. It is quite possible that such a shop might create a desire for a scientific course in manual training or mechanical drawing or any one of a dozen other things, in boys who would otherwise never have aspired to them. A busy builders' workshop is a good thing any- way; let us have more of them. — Association Boys, Vol. IV., No. 6. Surveying Club, Field Work 234. SURVEYING CLUB One of these clubs is being arranged at Providence, R. I. The plan is to organize under the leadership of the educational director and to construct some simple surveyor's apparatus with which many interest- ing problems may be solved. This kind of a club seems particularly well adapted to ''the good old summer 220 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES We cannot argue men into the Kingdom, but we can sympathize them in, we can love them in. Are you a hermit Christian? — Amos R. Wells. time.'' There is probably no better place to ''survey the landscape o'er" than at boys' camps, and some such interesting educational features might well be intro- duced there. It is a mistake to believe that boys do not get as much fun and satisfaction out of profitable employment as they do from simply lolling around or everlastingly playing the same old games. Of course, surveying at camp could be made a regular grind, but this need not be. We are a long way behind some other kinds of boys' camps in making such educational features not only of absorbing interest, but in getting the boys to regard them as rare privileges for which they are willing to pay fully as much as were the boys who secured the privilege of whitewashing Tom Sawyer's fence. — Association Boys, Vol. III., No. j. 235. AUDUBON SOCIETY The Audubon Society in connection with the boys' department at Lancaster, Pa., is formed for the pur- pose of nature study. Its motto is ''A bird in the bush is worth two in the hand." Its meetings are held every other Saturday afternoon. Lectures by promi- nent naturalists are arranged and a systematic study of birds and bird life engaged in. In the spring, the club takes what they call ''bird walks." Observation is made of the manner in which birds build their homes, how they mate, etc. A fire is built ; cofifee and fried egg sandwiches are made, and an appetizing feast is indulged in. Boys have found this to be more enjoyable than taking the life of song birds simply for sport. This club is connected with the Pennsylvania Audubon Society and each member receives a certificate of membership. The following bas^gage is taken on their walks : field glasses, cameras, reference books, notebooks, cooking utensils and eatables. — Association Boys, Vol. 11. , No. 2. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 221 Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small; Though with patience he stands waiting, with exactness he grinds all. — Von Logau. 236. MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS There are few boy instincts that may be turned to better account than his love of music, and the Asso- ciation should surely take advantage of it. There is a great variety of vocal and instrumental combination and one may be selected for almost any possible group of boys or young men who are musically inclined. While there may be many who fail to make a success Association Drum Corps with music as a profession, it is a wonderfully pleasing avocation for the individual himself, and there are constantly occurring opportunities for the amateur to render pleasing and helpful service for others — in the home, the Association, the church, and elsewhere. No Association should be without its glee club and its orchestra, and there are few cities where, with tactful effort, this may not be brought about. Such organi- zations will prove a great aid in the social work, and every such club is a social affair of itself. — N. 222 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Fearlessness burns its bridges behind; fear, the bridges before. — The Saturday Evening Post. 237. PYROGRAPHY CLUBS A class in pyrography or wood-burning is advertised by a Pennsylvania Railroad boys' department. This class included freehand drawing, color work, wood- burning, etc. Another Association advertises a class in pyrography in connection with their instruction in sloyd or wood-working. The boys manufacture their own taborets, picture frames, panels, etc., afterwards MM Basket Weaving decorating them. A very successful class in pyrog- raphy is found at St. George's Trade School, New York. Here the boys make original designs for their wood-burning. The equipment for such classes is simple and comparatively inexpensive, and many of our departments might do well in organizing such classes. ASSOCIATION CLUBS 223 A cobweb spun across an open doorway is a surer sign that nobody has entered lately than an iron bolted gate. — Rollins. 238. "LEND A HAND" The better instincts of a group of boys may often be taken advantage of by turning their activities into some simple and practical form of altruistic service. Get the boys to do helpful acts for some poor woman or elderly couple, persons who need and would appre- ciate the service; doing necessary errands, preparing fuel, making paths in the winter, etc. With tactful suggestion almost any boys will take up such service and make real fun out of it — a fun that leaves no bad taste in the mouth but is conducive to pleasant dreams. And such service will grow with the growth of the boy and bring forth fruit in later life. — A^. 239. BOYS' BOOK CLUB The Boys' Book Club in Everett, Washington, was organized in 1903. The boys spend one evening each week together reading some good book. The member- ship in the club is limited to ten boys and is under the personal supervision of the physical director. They have read such books as Snow Shoes and Sledges, The Call of the Wild, Two Little Savages, and The Fur Seal's Tooth. Social features are introduced and fre- quently light refreshments served. The club is now promoting a series of practical talks for the members of the boys' department. — Association Boys, Vol. IV., No. 4. 240. JUNIOR COMMERCIAL CLUB This club is composed of employed boys and meets once a month. It is planned after the local Commer- cial Club, and provides for active, associate, and honor- ary membership. At each meeting there is a formal program, including a short address by some representa- tive business man, and an open discussion upon some 224 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Within hearing distance, within touching distance- — that is easy; how many live all their lives in the same house and never get v/ithin helping distance. — Amos R. Wells. civic question. The club is vocational in its character, and has, as its objective, to guide boys into congenial employment. During the social hour refreshments are served and fun provided. — E. Fagenstrom, St. Paul, Minn. 241. A SMILE CLUB A Smile Club is making a hit at Childress, Texas. The members wear a cheerful red badge on which is the one word "Smile.'' The motto is, ''Quit knocking and smile.'' Life membership is ten cents. At a popular series of Saturday night illustrated talks members are caricatured, announcements made on canvas, hymns illustrated and sung, and for closing there is a twenty-minute talk on 'The Life of Christ." The talks will be given out of doors later. 242. THE JUNIOR CATHOLIC KNIGHTS ''The Junior Catholic Knights" is a social organiza- tion within the boys' department at West Side, Cleve- land. Quite a large proportion of the members in the department are Roman Catholic boys. The request for this club came from the boys themselves. CAMPS AND OUTINGS* Contrary to the opinion of some Association lead- ers, the summer furnishes a splendid oppOirtunity for work along social lines. The opportunity is not limited to the large city centers, nor to Associations with a large membership. Frequently, Associations located in the smaller fields are able to dO' a more telling work socially, during the summer season, than is found possible by the larger Associations. The following are a few of the things that may be successfully undertaken by the average city Associa- tion. They do not include the ordinary social work conducted in the buildings : 243. OVERNIGHT CAMPING PARTY ON THE EVENING OF MEMORIAL DAY, 1906 Most of the party were green as the spring grass by the brookside as far as camping out was concerned. Not more than half a dozen had ever had the chance to become reconciled to the uncertain comfort of a springless bed on the ground, or to be initiated into the mysterious pleasure of sleeping under the open sky. But they had been clamoring for a place on the list, days before; boys just entering the department, enthusiastic, ready-for-anything, whose mothers were not quite at rest about ''these strange night affairs" until they had interviewed the secretary ; as well as youths dignified and eighteen, looking with good- natured tolerance upon the lively smaller animal. The invitation had read something like this : Dear Long-legged Dick: The Overnight Campers' party, limited to thirty, will leave town on Tuesday afternoon, May 29, at four o'clock, to camp and sleep on mountain. The first thirty who register and pay the twenty-five-cent fee will make up the party. The * Write Association Boys, 124 East 28th Street, New York City, for other articles on camps and camping. < o PQ CAMPS AND OUTINGS 227 Wholesome exercise in the free air, under the wide sky, is the best medicine for body and spirit. — Sarah Louise Arnold. quarter will entitle you to supper, breakfast and dinner cooked in the woods. Each campologist musit carry his own spoon and tin cup. In addition bring a heavy double blanket or quilt, a sweater, if you like, and something of rubber for spreading over (the ground to sleep on. We insist on the rubber. A night in the open will make you sizzle with new life, put a cake-walk in your step, drive dull care from your system and raise you to the top notch of good nature and bouncing health. Away to the mountains ! and hurrah for freedom and a huge appetite ! Let the weak hug their firesides, but ye, O Mollusks of Muscle and Brawn, emerge from your confining shells to learn the ways and songs of nature. Assemble, then, at the rendezvous known as the Association at four o'clock sharp, on Tuesday, the 29th day of May. The corner grocery supplied the larder with an ample store of eatables and cookables, taking almost to the last penny the fund from the twenty-five-cent fees. The floor of the boys' room is now covered with woolen and rubber blankets, and many other things. The boys have been particular about the rubber. Some havfe brought a sister's waterproof, a piece of a carriage cover, or several yards of common oilcloth. Veteran campers are giving instructions in the way of rolling blankets and ponchos into the loop for carry- ing. Each shoulders his pack and then endeavors to add thereto a goodly share of the provisions, but, try as we will, we cannot find hands and backs enough to hold the forty loaves of bread, cans of soup, beans, corn, cocoa, and condensed milk, butter, sugar, flour, jam, chipped beef and a large bunch of bananas. Jimmie suggests that he can rent a horse and wagon from the Park stables for $2.50', and offers tO' carry our lug'gage over the three miles to its destination. This solves the problem, and leaving the food, loops, jackets, hats, and everything else superfluous in the conveyance with the doughty James, the wild tribe streams up the main street and all the boys are soon climbing the long hill, free from the restraint of the town and feelincr that the world is theirs. 228 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Ever charming, ever new, When will the landscape tire the view? — Dyer. Only a few of the leaders notice that the sky is not too promising in the north, but the boys' spirits run high as they toss a ball to each other and pry into brooks along the road. The frequent cry of ''lobster" means nothing but that one of the common brook cray- fish has been found. We look over from the bridges and watch the fish in the deep pools. Numbers of small spiders settle down on us from the air as we ''shortcut'' it through a green field. They alight on our hats and shoulders, and we can feel the webs brush across our faces. No one thinks it very strange till a "bugalist" in the crowd informs us that they are "ballooning spiders" and fly or float on the breeze through the buoyancy of several long thread streamers drawn out from their wonderful spinnerets. Then we are all interested at once and look to find that it is indeed so. Taking the luggage from the wagon and following the rail fence up the slope, we cross a marshy place and reach the tall timber and the high, open ground, still brown with quantities of last year's leaves. Although the sun will not set for two hours yet, these restless children of the town, with natural instinct, rush to prepare for night and make their beds. Each stakes out his claim of six by three and plunks his bedding thereon. They bunch up in pairs and groups and for the next fifteen minutes, from out blanket-tents and leafy bowers, are heard words of wonderful plans and excited discussions of weighty household matters. Cans of beans with punctured lids are heating by the fire and a creamy mess of something or other is ready, There is no cloth to spread and no dishes to arrange; and at the sound of the whistle they scuttle from the woods, pounce out of their lairs or drop like fruit from the nearby trees. The absence of plates does not inconvenience things. A slice of bread makes a good receptacle for a great spoonful of beans or corned beef, CAMPS AND OUTINGS 229 She paints with white and red the moors To draw the nations out of doors. — Emerson. and, with jam, is a good substitute for cake. All are loud in their explosions of delight. Only the night is calm — ^and the leaders, anxiously counting the dimin- ishing loaves, suggest that dessert be interposed. An interesting souvenir or two has been collected, a bit of birch bark, a walking stick, or perhaps a red salamander. Some one brings forward a curious, hairy, ball-shaped something like a cocoon. We cautiously pry into it and find delicate bits of bone, then two leg bones with the ball joint, a skull with tiny yellow teeth and the fine hair enveloping all. It must be, yes, it is the remains of a mouse. Our naturalist comes to our rescue and calls it an ''owl-pellet.'' ''All birds of prey,'' says he, "swallow their food without chewing. Of course the bones and hair cannot be digested although everything else is, and after a day or so, the remains of the poor creature are coughed up in the form you see before you." Darkness draws us close together around the fire, and the dancing flames and bubbling kettle of molasses are certainly pleasant things to watch. We are intent upon the ghost story. The poisoned needle is just about to drop, when, "Boom!" comes a heavy peal of thunder and from the black cloud above large drops splash on our uncovered heads. We scramble madly for our belongings and rush to a nearby barn. No banquet hall was ever so quickly deserted, and, pretty well soaked, we pick our way carefully through the pasture road and cow-yard and under the hospitable roof. It takes fully ten minutes for the restless ones to try all parts of the barn floor before they are composed for the night, and, even then, we discover that the shingles leak and it is only a question of whether we prefer the drip in our faces or somewhere else. The candle is blown out and the climax of the ghost story is very realistic amid the crashing thunder and black darkness. However, the clouds soon pass and 'Aiii il'i ii«^'. -i-ii-^iM^hji iSiiiii lliliSi '■mmmsmmKmm vmxBiammvi ■v = i-,-yA -qiUniiit It U4; n-n? "fiM CAMPS AND OUTINGS 231 Blessed in all tongues and dear to every blood, The beautiful, the strong, and, best of all, the good. — Lowell. the moon peeps out. Some one has risen to his feet and leads in the devotional service. We cannot see him, but his words are true and comforting. Prayers over, we cuddle down and seek rest in oblivion^ for tomorrow we shall meet another party of thirty or more brother trampers, and, with coming dreams, we picture to ourselves the morning baseball game and the long afternoon swim in the cool river, five miles away. — Arthur Wilson, Boys' Secretary^ Orange, N. J. 244. THE "BOYS' OWN TOUR" A TEN days' vacation TRIP OF VALUE TO FORTY BOYS CONDUCTED BY THE COUNTY COMMITTEE OF YOUNG men's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF ONEIDA COUNTY, JULY 27-AUGUST 5, 1909 With almost the precision of the great ocean liners, thfe good ship City of Rome with her jolly cargo of sunburned boys and leaders steamed to the John Street dock in Utica at one o'clock on Thursday, August 5. Not an accident to mar the pleasure or to cause regrets for having taken the trip, made it possible for the boys to shout with great enthusiasm the familiar cry: Rip-it-ty Rah Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Rip-it-ty Ray Y. M. C A. We're all right, we're out of sight. Oneida County Y. M. C A. The last real gathering for the final ''talk over" of the trip was at chapel during the morning. Each day soon after breakfast the chaplain. Rev. D. L. Roberts, would direct the thoughts of the boys to higher things, not with a sermon, but by drawing splendid and timely illustrations from some portion of Scripture which was read together. At times this gathering was on shore, but at other times the main deck was used for that purpose. At the time of this last gathering the boys responded to a suggestion and told what had appealed 232 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Tact is not the quality by which you often please, but by which you seldom offend. — Rollins. to them most on the tour. ''Going to bed" so-called, was a unique part of the program. Not once were we confined to the deck ; usually part were bunked in the lower part of the boat, but more could be seen selecting good places to put their bunks. Good weather made it possible to sleep outdoors every night. At Albany this party of forty-five, including leaders and boys, abandoned the City of Rome for a whole day to sail one hundred and twenty miles on the beauti- ful Hudson. The trip from Albany to Kingston on the Robert Fulton was the ''best ever,'' and remained so until the return on the larger boat, Hendrick Hud- son. Kingston was the turning point. That city was seen by trolley. Brief stops were made at Catskill and Hudson. A special permit was given by the captain of the night line steamer, C. W. Morse, to inspect the boat, which was done properly by our party, forty- five strong, going in a single column from bow to stern, top to bottom. Among the most interesting places visited were the great American Locomotive Works, Union College, the General Electric Plant in Schenectady; the Capitol Building, Governor's mansion in Albany; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy; and Beachnut Bacon Factory at Canajoharie. Fine souvenirs were given to each one in the party, in several places, and besides these many pictures were taken by the half dozen or more boys who had their cameras. Prizes were awarded for the first and second best pictures taken by the boys. While in camp in a grove at Vischers' Ferry, six miles from Schenectady, a field meet was arranged with events suitable for the boys of different ages; these included dashes, runs, ball throwing and tug-of- war. The mess which had the greatest number of points to their credit ate a large watermelon, more to their enjoyment than to that of the other three messes which had worked hard but had been fairly beaten. CAMPS AND OUTINGS 233 So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Bible. The camp at Vischers' Ferry will never be for- gotten, for it was there that one of the leaders noticed half a flint spearhead protruding from the roots of a medium-sized oak tree. Upon searching in the ground a remarkable bed of spearheads was un- earthed, and about fifteen perfect ones were found, besides more than fifty broken pieces. One old man of eighty-three years, a resident of the neighborhood, recalled some wandering Mohawk Indians in that section when he was a boy, but the supposition is that this store had lain undisturbed for a hundred years or more. The young oak had con- cealed the point of one of the finest specimens, and had so grown that the flint was raised, else perhaps this workmanship would never have come to light. The trip was carefully planned a long time ahead. Arrangements were made with the Boards of Trade in the cities visited, by which some splendid sight-seeing trips were possible. A hearty cooperation was also given by the Young Men's Christian Associations visited. The city of Troy, including the Watervliet Arsenal, was visited in company with one of the Troy secretaries, while Albany was seen under the direction of the general secretary. It was a new idea, but it worked well and was popular. The idea caught, as was proven by the articles which appeared in various parts of the country; even a month after the trip it was still being favorably mentioned. 245. MOTORING CARNIVAL The general committee was organized under the name of The International Touring Company. We had all the officers of a full-fledged company, such as president, vice-presidents (people of influence in the town, but not expected to do much work), secretary, treasurer, general superintendent, general passenger agent, etc. Each officer did the work ordinarily per- formed by such officers in large railroad companies. 234 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Winter abroad, summer in the barn, Autumn in the cellar, and spring in the heart. They had, of course, a great many helpers with various titles, such as station-master, yard-master, master- mechanic, etc. The company advertised a trip around the world in sixty minutes by special automobile service. We had six stations. These stations were homes with spacious lawns, and were decorated to represent various Fishing Hike countries, such as Spain, China, Turkey, etc., or, rather, a city of those countries. We were particular to lay out our route so that cars would not be going back and forth on the same road. We also had the route very carefully marked with large red arrows, and had it patrolled at all dangerous or semi-dan- gerous places. One committee visited the friends of the Associa- tion and secured the loan of automobiles for the day, CAMPS AND OUTINGS 235 How far that little candle throws his beams. So shines a good deed in a naughty world. — Shakespeare. or as much of the day as the people were wilHng to loan their machines with their own drivers. When the cars reported at the central station, a large number and a flag was given tO' each so that it could be easily picked out from among the visiting cars that were not in the company. The numbers made it possible to identify any car quickly if an owner wished to know about where his car was, or in case of difficulty. We had a repair car at the terminal station ready to go out at a moment's notice. Each station was connected by special telephone wire with the terminal station, and all afifairs were controlled from that station by the general officers placed there. The ladies took charge of the stations; that is, they dressed in the costumes of the country and had booths with articles peculiar to each country for sale. No article was offered for sale that cost over twenty-five cents. The homes were used only by the committees in charge of the different countries. There was a committee of men at each station to see to the loading and unloading of the cars, and to see that no one mis- used the cars or grounds. We had an elaborate guidebook, well edited to make it a book that all would want. The tickets were the regulation tourist tickets, and were furnished free by the railroad company, printed on their special ticket paper. This made them a good ad for the company and helped us. The general plan was to make the ads in the guidebook and the station profits pay all expenses, thus having the money from the sale of tickets clear. This was very nearly accomiplished. We advertised in all the surrounding towns, and the city papers gave us fine ''write ups" ; hence, we had such crowds that we were almost mobbed, and had to stop the sale of tickets three hours after the carnival started, even though the carnival continued another six hours. Supper was furnished to the drivers at a central 236 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES It is easy to give a confidence, but it is impossible to buy it back. — The Saturday Evening Post. place (the terminal station). The cars were taken off two or three at a time in order that the transportation of passengers might not cease. There are many other important details which will be furnished to any one communicating with the General Secretary, Y. M. C. A., Madison, Wis. 246. A SUMMER RECREATION RALLY I shall relate an experience rather than present a philosophy, though the experience contains an impor- tant principle — ^namely, that the best way to create interest is through democracy. Members enjoy what they initiate. We decided, in the Association with which I was identified, to create unusual interest in summer recrea- tion. To this end we announced a ''Summer Recrea- tion Rally.'' An interesting speaker on ''How to Enjoy a Vacation,'' was secured for a short address. His name was sufficient to create interest. The meet- ing was held in the large auditorium. This was a suggestion that we expected a crowd. Another man of prominence was asked to preside. The stage was decorated to indicate summer vacation. A tent was pitched; a make-believe campfire was produced; ath- letic paraphernalia, such as fishing nets and poles, a canoe, tennis rackets, ball bats, golf, etc., were used for decoration. * Before the time of the program we issued cards to the members asking them to check the particular sports in which they were interested and return them at least two weeks before the night of the rally. On these cards we named all of the conceivable sports which the community might afford. This list included track and field sports, tennis, baseball^ rambling, camera club, horseback riding, surf bathing, boating, tug boat trips, trolley rides, golf. We hadn't the least idea how we would provide many of these, but we were willing to make an inventory of the members' desires. CAMPS AND OUTINGS 237 As love will often make a wise man act like a fool, so will interest often make a fool act like a wise man. — Greville. When the cards were collected we classified the lists. Then we called meetings of the different groups. For illustration, a dozen men wanted golf- We called them together to discuss how golf might be provided. The Association had no golf grounds and could not afford them. A committee was appointed from the group to investigate the city and to find what the city had to offer in grounds and to report at the 1 .^^^^msmmammm ■ ^ '" '^:^;;' : : .:: 'f^-^'^' v' ^ft:|^»^/ ^^^M M 1^^ ii\ A House Boat Party rally. Similarly other groups were called together and sent out tO' find places and to report definite methods. And they succeeded admirably. The golfers found splendid golf links furnished free by the city and organized the group to play on them. The boating group found they could secure special rates at the park if tickets were bought in quantities. The athletic group found an athletic park which could be secured for $100 and they secured the money by issuing ath- letic park tickets at $1 to 100 interested members. 238 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A man of one idea spells it with a big I. — The Saturday Evening Post. All these groups reported on rally night. First, the orchestra played, the address was given, and stereopti- con views of Silver Bay, Lake George^ of the local and state camps for boys and pictures of local athletes were shown. Then came the reports, after which the groups got together, organized and made plans. These were launched enthusiastically, because the members made the enterprise possible and we had a splendid season of many activities. — George /. Fisher^ M, D. 247. AN ELECTION DAY OUTING An election day outing on a mammoth scale was con- ducted by the combined boys' departments of Greater New York. Over five hundred boys were taken in a special train of cars to Boonton, N. J., where they had a royal good time. The careful management of the outing reflects great credit on those who had it in charge. Every precaution was taken to prevent con- fusion or accident. A neat folder giving in detail all the plans was placed in the hands of every boy, so he knew before starting just what to expect. The trans- portation company had every car in the train labeled when the boys arrived, and the members of each branch went immediately to the car assigned to them. Boys were not allowed on the car platforms when the train was in motion, and there was consequently no passing from one car to another en route. On arriving at the Boonton station, each department under leader- ship formed five abreast in the road and marched a mile and a half to the tall timber. Here they found that the advance party had twelve wash boilers al- ready on the fire and the cocoa making was in progress. No human voice was ever made that could be heard above the noise of five hundred of New York's noisiest, but the admirable forethought of the com- mittee was again in evidence. High on eleven trees were nailed the names of the eleven boys' departments and the boys of each clustered about their respective CAMPS AND OUTINGS 239 Take the world as you eat fish — spit out the bones. — Anon. trees and began a vigorous attack on their lunch boxes. Cocoa checks had been sold for three cents each or two for five, and to the leader of each group a large boiler of cocoa was delivered. The boys of these groups formed in line, passed in their checks, and re- ceived their stint of the hot drink. After lunch a varied program was in order and each boy was at liberty to go with any bunch he wished. A red flag was placed in a certain spot and all who wanted base- ball flocked to it. The white flag meant football ; the yellow flag, carnival of sports ; the green flag, hare and hounds; the red and white flag, tramps for birds; the red and yellow flag, tramps for trees; the blue flag, tramps for rocks; the black flag, photographers; the American flag, explorers ; and the red cross flag, the ambulance and hospital corps. One boy cut his finger on a tin can and was hustled off to the ambulance. The four volunteer doctors had their first and only case that day. Every boy wore a tag bearing his name and the name of his department. These served the pur- poses of an introduction and added much to the enjoy- ment of the party. There were whistles and mega- phones and signals to be used in case of any kind of emergency, and, in a word, everything seemed to have been thought out beforehand, thus there was no hitch, no confusion, no dissatisfaction. It is quite an achieve- ment to take five hundred or more New York boys into the woods on election day and bring them all back safe and sound, clothed and in their right minds. 248. CLEVELAND ROUGH RIDERS The club was organized for the purpose of making an annual educational tour. In the four years of its existence it has traveled about 3,000 miles and visited Chautauqua, Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Thousand Islands, Montreal, Detroit and Mackinac Island. The trips have been in parties numbering from thirteen to thirty-three. 240 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES There will be glorious sociability in heaven. — Amos R. Wells. A trip usually takes from one week to ten days and costs from ten to twenty dollars. We secure reason- able rates of transportation. Thus far we have trav- eled by boat and wheel and find this a good combina- tion. While the boat is loading and unloading we are able, with the use of our wheels, to ''do'' the town. When traveling by wheels we carry small pup tents and blankets, and camp wherever night overtakes us. Our officers are : captain, first and second lieutenant, aide-de-camp, chaplain, and bugler. Applications to join the party are voted upon, but applicants are not considered members of the club until they have made one of the annual trips and have been initiated. The evenings on deck and in camp are long to be remembered. Evening devotion is conducted at nine o'clock, usually by one or more of the boys. We have an annual reunion and banquet, at which the boys make speeches, recalling many of the interest- ing incidents of the various campaigns. Some of the members are away at college. These write letters to be read at the annual gathering. It has been interest- ing to watch the growth of some of the friendships formed during these outings. If I were to offer any suggestions to those interested in a like enterprise, they would be these : Don't get the idea that the leaders are going to have a lark ; it will mean work with a capital ''W." Arrange details before starting. Know where you will be each day and night, what the accommodations will be, and the cost. Then expect emergencies and be ready to meet them. Have a congenial party, do not allow too great a difference in ages, and leave the ''baby" at home. Have plenty of adult help, at least one man for every ten boys. Let the boys know they are going to rough it and don't be bothered with "store clothes" or super- fluous baggage. Limit the amount of spending money. Don't make the party too large. Don't start with a "tough" in the party. Don't tolerate firearms, tobacco or profanity. CAMPS AND OUTINGS 241 Not doing wrong is not doing right. — The Saturday Evening Post. Games, entertainments, athletics and impromptu social functions may be worked with the program to good advantage. Boys of any stateroom or tent may be ''at home," receive callers, entertain and serve light refreshments. The arrangement for Sunday services should be given special attention. — M. D. Crack el, Cleveland {West), Ohio, Association Boys, Vol. L, No. 2. Ready for a Sail, Yacht Amazon 249. A SEA TRIP The beautiful schooner Amazon, which belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association of New York City, and which measures one hundred and eight feet over all, ninety feet on water line, and twenty-one feet beam, was at the disposal of a party of Harlem boys for a cruise of two weeks last summer. She is a 242 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A boy's will is the wind's will, And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts. — Longfellow. Splendidly built, staunch craft, and exceptionally sea- worthy; has a flush deck, mahogany cabin houses, bright spars, new sails, and is every inch a yacht. She is fitted with a large lounging room with piano, a large dining saloon, four staterooms, a commodious galley, a roomy forecastle and toilet. All rooms below deck are finished in hard wood and are well ventilated and comfortable. The builder said, ''She is well able to travel around the world.'' The party met at New Rochelle in the morning, full of expectation, and started an hour later on their trip, going to Bridgeport, Conn., and thence to New London. Leaving New London the next day the party went ashore at Pleasure Beach, and the day was spent in tramping, playing baseball, and bathing, going back to the yacht for lunch and dinner. The next day they set sail for New Rochelle and made the entire distance, in a stiff breeze, in twelve hours. The fast sailing was exhilarating and was voted to be the best day of the trip. The party anchored off New Rochelle that night, but most of them remained aboard and went home the next morn- ing. On the trip the boys picked up some knowledge of nautical terms, and became somewhat familiar with the handling of a boat. The experiment thoroughly justified itself and is worthy of repetition. — Associa- tion Boys, Vol. VL, No. S- 250. MAROONING PARTIES Marooning parties were conducted last year by the boys' department of Lynn, Mass. Their announce- ment read as follows : ''Every boy must take a tin cup, a big lunch and a heavy blanket. Scouts will carry coffee, sugar and a large coffee pot. We prepare our own supper and stay all night, camping among the pines, Indian fashion, sleeping by a campfire, with our boots on. Every boy should dress warmly. Two CAMPS AND OUTINGS 243 For blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, And though a late, a sure reward succeeds. — William Congreve. blankets can be carried on the wheel easily. These marooning parties will be held weekly. If you believe in ghosts, don't go.'' Concerning these parties the one in charge writes : ''We had sonie difficulty with mosquitoes, but, barring that, they were interesting and met the desires of the boys. We had about a dozen (boys, not mosquitoes) on these trips." Are there not secretaries and com- mitteemen who, though they do not care to undertake a boys' camp, would like to spend a series of Friday nights in the woods with the boys about the campfire? Is not this a rare opportunity to get down where the boy really lives and establish a comradeship with him in the experiences which so appeal to him, and open the way for a comradeship in experiences which you enjoy and deem so important? May not a marooning party in the hands of a wise man result in untold good for the boys who attend, while, on the other hand, could there be a greater opportunity for evil if this marooning party were in the hands of either an in- competent or an unworthy man? — E. M. R. in Asso- ciation Boys, Vol. L, No, 2. 251. EVENING FUN The evenings in camp are made attractive by con- ducting entertainments^ mock trials, practical talks and games. In every group of campers is talent that should be made use of^ and the boys are ever ready to take part in a ''show," whether it be a minstrel, circus, graduation of the district school, or election of the Mayor of W'awayanda. On several occasions the campers have had great excitement over the reports of the International Yacht Races. Two small yachts were tied by cord and run across a wire, high enough for all to see. One boy would serve as operator of the wireless telegraph by making the sound of the instru- ment with a knife on a dinner plate. Another boy 244 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Every right action and true thought sets the seal of its beauty on the person and the face. — Ruskin. would act as messeng-er and a third camper would manipulate the yacht as the reports were announced by one of the company through a megaphone. The campers would be divided into two countries, and songs of the nations represented would be sung, yells and cheers given, and then at the close of the event all would march up and down the campus shouting, burn- ing red and green fire, and sending up balloons. Camp Fun The camp paper, known as The Wawayanda Whirl- 'windj is read once or twice a week, and contains all of the up-to-date camp news^ including fashion notes, personals, hygienic notes, sporting news, advertise- ments, etc. This paper has been issued every year since the opening of the camp, and the files give a complete history. — Charles R. Scott^ State Secretary of Boys' Work, New Jersey. CAMPS AND OUTINGS 245 The artisan hurries through his work to get to his dinner; the artist hurries through his dinner to get to his work. — Rollins. 252. HAPPYLAND FESTIVAL This was an outdoor affair, and was conducted upon our athletic grounds. Attractive booths were built in which the ladies sold soft drinks, flowers, ice cream, sandwiches, ''dogs," etc. All the booths surrounded a very good circus, made up of talent from our Asso- ciation and from some of the nearby Associations. We conducted the festival two afternoons and even- ings. The grounds and booths were beautifully deco- rated with bunting and festoons of electric lights. In addition to the booths mentioned, we had side shows of freaks, and several games such as ''Hit the Nigger,'' "Soap Bubbles/' "Punch and Judy," palm readings, etc. A number of the young men and boys were dressed in wild animal costumes, and they, with other freaks, kept things lively about the grounds. An excellent band furnished music and alsO' acted as a drawing card in the parade at the beginning of the four performances of the circus. An admission, which in- cluded the circus, was charged to enter the grounds. This festival was very popular and a success in every way. Two hundred took active part. — Madison, Wis. 253. GYPSY TRIPS A gypsy trip which covered a distance of over 200 miles was conducted by a boys' department last sum- mer. Plans are being made in another boys' depart- ment for a gypsy trip during the coming months. They will build a framework on a large wagon and cover it with canvas after the fashion of a "prairie schooner." In this wagon they will take a general camping outfit and travel around the country, camping wherever night overtakes them. For a week or two they expect to live a regular gypsy life, roughing it in earnest. Twenty boys will make up the party. There are boys' departments which have difficulty in finding a suitable location for camp. Perhaps some of these CAMPS AND OUTINGS 247 He whom love rules, where'er his path may be Walks safe and sacred. — Tibulus. may like the idea of taking their location along with them this summer. — E, M, R. in Association Boys, Vol /., No. 2. 254. A BOYS' CITY There were forty-five boys in this city, living in ten tents arranged in a semicircle, with a city hall at the head. The city was divided into wards, and held primary elections of the land and water parties ; then a regular city ticket was arranged, and an election held, the Australian ballot system being followed. Each morning court was held, and all disturbers of the peace or violators of the law were brought to trial and speedily punished. Every morning also the Co'mmon Council met to make laws and ordinances. This city was under the auspices of the Richmond Chautauqua, and located inside the Chautauqua grounds. It was under the direction of the physical director and boys' work director of the Y. M. C. A. Beside the usual camp activities, such as cross country runs, swimming, campfires, athletics, all members of the city were invited to attend the regular Chautauqua sessions, many of which were especially interesting to the boys. — O. M, Brunson, Richmond, Ind. 255. THE OHIO GYPSIES There will be three orders of honor among the Ohio ''Gypsies'' on their long tramp this summer. The boy who has walked five miles each day while en route will, upon arrival at the camp, have the order of the ''yellow rag" conferred upon him. This will be a plain yellow handkerchief, which he will wear about his neck. Upon the boy who has walked ten miles each day will be conferred the order of the "red bandanna" — a red bandanna handkerchief. Those who have walked the entire distance to the camp will be honored with the order of the "kettle" — a kettle-shaped device in red^ 248 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A laugh is worth a hundred groans in any market.— Lamb. which will be pinned on the bib of the uniform. The uniform will consist of blue overalls, a cotton shirt, a farmer's straw hat and a blue handkerchief around the neck. The flag colors will be a yellow background with a red kettle in the center. Ohio Gypsies. ^ See also "Gypsy Trips," No. 253. For full descrip- tion of Ohio Gypsies see Association Boys, Vol. II., No. 4. An evening tramp into the country, with a supper cooked over a campfire, is the popular thing with Burlington, Vt., boys. 256. OVER-NIGHT TRAMPS Limit party to half dozen; each boy carry blanket, two towels, extra pair socks. Leader should also have CAMPS AND OUTINGS 249 The world often thinks a man cold when he is only sad. — Longfellow. small bottle of vaseline for blistered toes. Wear heavy-soled shoes and work out an easy schedule, so that boys will have a chance to ''take in'' things of interest in the country. Three miles an hour or less should be limit of speed; any attempt to cover dis- tances in fast time will result disastrously. Bathing the feet at the springs and pumps along the road will be most refreshing; wade a half hour in the streams. Ready for a Start Sleep on the ground under an isolated tree, avoiding spots in the woods which would probably be damp. Get meals at farmhouses. These trips may be varied from a short tramp of ten miles — starting at four or five o'clock in the afternoon returning early next morning — to covering two or three days out. The one thing to be avoided is rushing along at a breakneck speed ; the pace should accommodate the slowest walker. CAMPS AND OUTINGS 251 The most manifest sign of wisdom is continued cheerfulness. — Montaigne. 257. HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS OUT- OF-DOORS The best thing of a social nature that we have ever put on was a wiener roast at ''Robbers' Cave/' an old abandoned cave about two and a half miles south of the town, said to have been a ''still'' at some time in the past. The boys invited the girls of the high school Y. W. C. A. to be their guests. All walked out to the cave, where an advance guard had taken the bread, butter, wieners, coffee, cream and sugar. The differ- ent committees soon had things ready, and all had a fine and very informal time. The trip back to town was made on the cars. — Sam N. Foster, Lincoln, Neb. 258. WATER CARNIVAL The carnival is most effective after dark. Pictur- esque floats compete for a prize. Some of the sub- jects represented are given here: (1) Discovery of Lake Champlain; French com- mander in prow of boat. (2) Illuminated canoe, rollicking song with mandolin accompaniment. (3) Japanese scene ; pagoda, lanterns, Japanese nobleman cross-legged on dais, fanning himself. Firecrackers used. (4) Gondola with lover in Neapolitan dress sings to sweetheart up on bank; she responds, and finally joins him in gondola. (5) Fire flickers; Indians on bank ; death sentence pronounced ; boy tied to tree ; torches lighted ; death song chanted ; cowboys suddenly appear; (cap) pistols crack and tomahawks gleam ; cowboys triumph ; pipe of peace smoked. 259. HIKING CLUBS There should be a number of clubs, of ten members each, for the purpose of conducting hikes during the summer season. As incentives the following may be offered : 252 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Come forth into the light of things, Let nature be your teacher. — Wordsworth. Prizes of pins to be given to the boys walking a distance of 150 miles before August 31. Prizes to be given to those successfully passing examinations on certain lines of study. Prize (Honor Pin) to be given to one walking the greatest number of miles. Prize to be given for the best collection of minerals. Prize tO' be given for the best collection of flowers (pressed). Prize tO' be given for the best collection of photo- graphs. Prize to be given for the best essay on summer experiences. Banner to be given to the club most successful in the number of contestants (all-round men). — L. W. DeGast, Springfield, Mass. 260. NATURE STUDY In every Association are to be found boys or young men who are interested in certain features of nature study, and these may be readily gathered into a group or groups for more or less systematic study. There are few things more interesting or helpful than an intelligent study of nature's ''three kingdoms/' espe- cially the things that one meets constantly in every- day life — birds, trees and rocks. The boys learn to observe things, and find subjects to talk, think and write about. The average boy cares for a stone only to throw, delights to pull a shrub to pieces, to kill a bird or squirrel; a nature student will rather learn to call the rocks and the trees by name, and study the habits of birds and animals. It is a fine thing if a boy learns to say yes to Emerson's questions, " Hast thou named all the birds, without a gun ? Loved the wood-rose, and left it on its stalk?" There is getting to be no end of nature books, and many of them are intensely interesting as well as in- CAMPS AND OUTINGS ^ 253 He soweth here with toil and care, But the harvest-time of love is there. — Southey. structive; but a first-hand outdoor study, with con- genial companions and a good guide, will furnish a splendid stimulus to the more quiet and serious read- ing of books. — H. S. N. 261. "SIGHT SEEING" PARTIES For fellows who have never visited the larger cities in the vicinity of their home, trips of one or of two or three days may be made not only very enjoyable but very instructive. There must be safe and wise leadership, and the leaders should study their field in advance so as to know how to make the best possible use of the opportunity — arranging their itinerary so as to see the most and the best in the time given. It will generally be possible to visit an Association build- ing for a rest, an inspection and perhaps a lunch. 262. BOTANIZING When a youngster at school I had a teacher who was quite a student of botany. Often of a summer Saturday afternoon he would take a group of us with him into the fields or woods to study the flowers ; he would name the blossoms, explain their structure and describe their plant habits. After sixty years those little tramps are a pleasing memory, and not a little of the technical instruction received is still retained. — H, S. N. 263. SWIMMING PARTIES A swimming party would be a boon to many a boy whose mother will not allow him to enter the water until after he has learned to swim. The man in charge should be a past master in handling a party of boys. Next in importance should be his ability as a swimmer. A party could be taken to the ''old swimmin' hole'' as many times a week as a leader could be secured. 'Jl p o Pi Pi CAMPS AND OUTINGS 255 Social — to save from sin. — Amos R. Wells. 264. SUMMER CAMP JOLLIFICATION One of our most successful evenings around the campfire was an imitation of high school commence- ment exercises. The boys had their orations, camp history, camp prophecy, presentation of gifts to each camper and class song. It was all very humorous and every one found it amusing. It enabled us also to dis- cover some latent talent of which we were in entire ignorance. — R. /. Hamilton^ Oak Park, III. 265. RAMBLES Start each time with a fresh objective: first for wild flowers, next for birds, then trees, rocks and historical places. Two leaders at least should go with the party, one being expert to tell stories and identify the flowers or birds and another to manage the affair. This is a good plan for boys of twelve to sixteen. Later on a hike with a corn roast gives a great chance to get acquainted. — F. W. Pearsall, State Secretary, New York. 266. WIGWAG Boys will greatly enjoy this signal corps work and may become quite expert if properly instructed. It takes them into the open country, and teaches them accurate observation, which is a valuable asset in many occupations. It goes without saying that it has a strong social side. 267. INTERVISITATION SOCIALS Ride by bicycle, carryall, trolley or steam cars to neighboring Associations. The program for the en- tertainment may be provided by the Association visited or by representatives from visiting Association. The 256 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Brothers, the work of a social committee is not done till all the Association are social. Brotherliness cannot be delegated. — Amos R. Wells. function provides a jolly time for all the members and the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strength- ened. Watching the Wigwags. 268. CORN ROASTS These may be held anywhere in the woods or open country. Barn lanterns will furnish illumination well suited to a country school program. After a tin horn call for dinner, there will be no formality in serving eatables. Make the trip in trolley cars decorated with Association colors and streamer signs. Music is usually furnished by a brass band. CAMPS AND OUTINGS 2S7 Life is a sheet of paper white Whereon each one of us may write A word or two, and then comes night. — Lowell. 269. TRAMPING PARTIES Groups of congenial men who like to travel afoot for several days may enjoy together the beauties of nature, study bird life, etc. Individual tents may be carried or shelter at night may be found at farm- houses or country hotels. 270. ROOF GARDEN, SUMMER GARDEN OR LAWN SOCIALS Arrange for a carnival of games. Add plenty of lively music. Illuminate with lanterns. Liquid re- freshments may be served in steins. Allow ample time for promenading and social chat. Avoid a formal program. A Small Hike 271. MOONLIGHT EXCURSIONS Secure a boat or boats on river, lake or ocean. In addition to the usual band concert, plan to start college songs and speeches, to hold a mock trial, etc. Refresh- ments consist of fruits, sandwiches, soda water. 258 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Do not trouble yourself about finding your career; if you are destined to have one, it will find you. — Rollins. 272. PIAZZA OR PAVILION SOCIALS These are for committees, clubs or other small groups of men or boys. The program may be a com- bination conference and social. Hold the affair on moonlight nights. No' other illumination is necessary. Refreshments : ice cream, cakes and lemonade. 273. CAMP FIRES These may be built in nearby woods, on a river bank, lake shore or ocean beach. Patriotic speeches, war stories^ war songs are in order. Refreshments may be hard-tack and coffee. 274. STRAW RIDES Drive to places of historic interest, concluding with supper at some ''wayside inn.'' Carry out a program of toasts, songs, yarn-spinning, etc. 275. CAMERA AND SKETCH CLUB RAMBLES Conclude with dinner. Speeches by naturalists, botanists, geologists, bird lovers, etc., should be in- cluded in a social, educational program. 276. CLAM BAKES Ride or tramp to the ocean beach. Arrange for outdoor sports — ^quoits, duck-on-the-rock, obstacle races, etc. — winding up with dinner enlivened by fish stories, etc. 277. SUMMER AT THE BUILDING At the building. Ice cream and soft drinks may be sold on certain afternoons or evenings. Have the boys form a company, and run the business, selling at a CAMPS AND OUTINGS 259 Be charitable before wealth makes thee covetous. — Sir Thomas Browne. very small profit. Boys would prefer to come to the building if they could secure refreshments at a less price than elsewhere, especially if a social atmosphere existed in the rooms. This plan could be varied by having lawn parties occasionally at the home of some member. Let the boys work out the details, attending to the illumination, etc. INDIANS AND SCOUTS 278. LAWS OF THE SETON INDIANS The Seton Indians have been organized to give young people the advantages of camp life without its dangers. The Indian form was adopted because its picturesqueness gives such a hold on boys; it makes them self-governing; it'is appropriate to outdoor life; it gives definite things to do in the woods, and it is so plastic that it may be engrafted on any other organized mode of camping, to any desired extent, in whole or in part. Of course there are many bad Indians, and many bad things are done by nearly all Indians, but we wish to imitate the good things of good Indians. Our watchword then is : ''The best things of the best Indians,'' and our object: ''The study and pleasures of woodcraft.'' Our tribes are trained in woodcraft and in self- government. By woodcraft we mean outdoor ath- letics, nature study and camping as a fine art. Photography is recognized as a branch of nature study, and camper-craft is made to include the simplest methods of triangulation, starcraft, finding one's way, telling direction, sign-language, as well as many branches of Indian craft. About one hundred deeds or exploits are recognized in these departments and the braves are given decora- tions that show what they have achieved. The plan aims to give the young people "something to do, something to think about and something to enjoy in the woods," with a view always to character build- ing. Get the boys together, any number from ten up- wards, and by popular vote elect the following officers : Head War Chief elected by the Tribe. He should be strong as well as popular, because his duties are to 262 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES A man he seems of cheerful yesterdays And confident to-morrows. — Wordsworth. lead and to enforce the laws. He is head of the Coun- cil. Second War Chief , to take the head chief's place when he is absent, otherwise he is merely a councilor. Third War Chief, for leader when the other two are away. Wampum Chief. He has charge of the money and public property of the Tribe, except the records. He obeys the head chief and Council. He ought to have . a lock box or small trunk to keep valuables in. Chief of the Painted Robe, or Feather-tally. He keeps the tribal records, including the law book, the roster or roll, the winter count, or record of camps and seasons and the feather-tally or record of honors and exploits. He enters nothing except on instructions from the Council. He should be an artist. Chief of the Council Fire, It is his exclusive privi- lege to make fire. He must do it without matches. He must also see that the camp and woods are kept clean. Sometimes one brave or chief holds more than one of these last three offices. Medicine Man (a grown up). His duty is to advise the head chief. Add to these all the sachems and sagamores with elected councilors enough to raise the total number to not more than twelve. All are under the chief. All disputes, etc., are set- tled by the chief and Council. The Council makes the laws and fixes the dues. The chief enforces the laws. All officers are elected for one year or until their successors are chosen. The election to take place as soon as possible after spring day, the first of March. (Whenever in doubt we try to follow the National Constitution.) Vow OF THE Head Chief I solemnly promise to maintain the laws and to see fair play in all the doings of the Tribe. INDIANS AND SCOUTS 263 Naught cared this body for wind or weather When youth and I lived in't together. — Coleridge. Vow OF Each Brave I solemnly promise that I will obey the chief and Council of my Tribe, and if I fail in my duty I will appear before the Council and submit without mur- muring to their decision. Laws 1. Don't rebel. Rebellion by any one against any decision of the Council is punishable by expulsion. Absolute obedience is always enforced. 2. Don't kindle a wild fire. To start a wild fire — that is, to set the woods or prairies afire — is a crime against the state, as well as the Tribe. Never leave a fire in camp without some one to watch it. 3. Don't harm song birds. It is forbidden to kill or injure or frighten song birds, or to disturb their nests or eggs, or to molest squirrels. 4. Don't break the game laws. 5. Don't cheat. Cheating in the games or records or wearing honors not conferred by the Council is a crime. 6. Don't bring firearms of any kind into camp. Bows and arrows are enough for our purpose. Never point a weapon at any one. 7. Don't make a dirty camp. Keep the woods and streams clean by burying all garbage. 8. No smoking till you are eighteen years old. 9. No fire-water in camp. 10. Word of honor is sacred. Punishments are meted out by the chief and Coun- cil after a hearing of the case. They consist of: Exclusion from the games for a time. Tasks of drudgery and camp service. Reduction in rank. The extreme penalty is banishment from the Tribe. Totem The totem of the whole nation of Seton Indians (as. 264 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Better shed light than cast a shadow. Better be a lens than a shutter. — ^Anon. they have called themselves) is the White or Silver Buffalo. Each band needs a totem of its own in addition. This is selected by the Council, and should be some- thing easy to draw. Each brave adds a private totem of his own, usually a drawing of his name. A List of the Exploits or Coups That Entitle THE Brave to a Decoration These exploits are intended to distinguish those warriors who are first class or remarkable in each department. They may be called Honors and High Honors, but the Plains Indians speak of their exploits as Coup (pronounced coo) and Grand Coup. The Sioux, I am informed, use the French word coup, but call them ''Jus-pee-na Coo'" and ''Tonka Coo/' the "Little Deed" and the "Big Deed." The decoration for a coup or honor is an eagle feather for the war-bonnet or a wampum medal for the coat, or both. For the high honor or grand coup the eagle feather has a red tuft of horsehair on the top. No one can count both coup and grand coup or repeat the honor in the same department except for Heroism in which each honor is added to that pre- viously worn. No honors are conferred unless the exploit has been properly witnessed or proven, as though for the century bar of the L. A. W. The exploits in the first group of Class 1, Athletics, are meant for boys under sixteen, but all the others apply to all ages. Those with twenty-five coups are sachems. Those with twenty-five grand coups are grand sachems. Those with fifty coups are sagamores and those with fifty grand coups are grand sagamores. Sachems and sagamores sit in Council without election. INDIANS AND SCOUTS 265 Cultivate forbearance till your heart yields a fine crop of it.. Pray for a short memory as to all unkindness. — Spurgeon. Class I. — Red Honors HEROISM 1. Honors are allowed for saving human life at risk of one's own; it is a coup or grand coup at the discretion of the Council. ATHLETICS (For boys under sixteen.) 2. Walk three and one half measured miles in one hour (heel and tee) to count coup or honor; or four miles to count grand coup or high honor. 3. Walk one quarter of a mile in two and one half minutes for coup ; in two minutes for grand coup. 4. Walk one mile in eleven minutes for coup ; in ten minutes for grand coup. 5. Run one hundred yards in twelve seconds for coup; in eleven seconds for grand coup. 6. Run two hundred and twenty yards in twenty- eight seconds for coup; in twenty-six seconds for grand coup. 7. Run a mile in five and one half minutes for coup; in five minutes for grand coup. 8. High standing jump, three feet four inches for coup ; three feet nine inches for grand coup. 9. High running jump, four feet six inches for couip; five feet for grand coup. 10. Standing broad jump, eight feet for coup; nine feet for grand coup. 11. Running broad jump, sixteen feet for coup; eighteen feet for grand coup. 12. Hammer throw (twelve pounds), eighty feet for coup ; ninety for grand coup. 13. Shot put (twelve pounds), thirty feet for coup; thirty-five for grand coup. 14. Throwing the regular four and one half ounce baseball fifty yards for coup; sixty-five for grand coup. 266 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES He was willing to forgive them himself, but he hoped the Lord wouldn't. — Rollins. 15. One mile on bicycle, three and one half for coup ; three minutes for grand coup. 16. Skate one hundred yards in twelve seconds for coup; eleven seconds for grand coup. 17. Rov^ (single sculls) one mile in fifteen minutes for coup; in twelve minutes for grand coup. 18. Paddle (single) one mile in twenty minutes for coup ; in fifteen minutes for grand coup. 19. Swim one hundred yards in any time at all, to count coup; or two hundred in three and one half minutes, to count grand coup. 20. Go four hundred yards in six minutes, running one hundred, rowing one hundred, walking one hun- dred, and swimming one hundred (in any order), for coup ; do it in five minutes for grand coup. 21. To catch ten horses in corral, with ten throws of the lasso, counts coup; to catch ten on the range in ten throws, counts a grand coup. 22. To ride a horse one mile in three minutes, clearing a four foot hurdle and a ten foot ditch, counts coup ; to do it in two minutes, clearing a six foot hurdle and a fifteen foot ditch, grand coup. (The standards for men are not yet complete.) EYESIGHT 23. To spot the Rabbit at sixty yards, to distinguish six Pleiades and see clearly the 'Tappoose on the Squaw's back," counts a coup ; to spot the Rabbit at seventy-five yards and see seven Pleiades, counts a far-sight grand coup. (Those who habitually wear glasses may use them in this test.) 24. To make a seventy-five score in ten tries in the game of Quicksight with ten counters, counts coup; a ninety-five score counts a grand coup.* *See T7i'o Little Savages. INDIANS AND SCOUTS 267 Happy is the man who has that in his soul which acts on others as the April sun on violets.— Anon. Class II. — White Honors CAMPER-CRAFT 25. Come to camp through strange woods from a point one mile off in twenty minutes, for coup; in fifteen for grand coup. 26. Light ten campfires in succession with ten matches, all at dift'erent places, all with stuff found in the woods by the boy himself, one at least to be on a wet day, for coup. If all ten are done on wet days, or if he does twenty, of which two are on wet days, it counts grand coup. 27. Light a fire with fire-drill or rubbing sticks, with material of one's own gathering, counts a coup ; to do it in one minute, counts a grand coup. 28. To chop down a six-inch tree in sixty seconds, throwing it to drive a given stake for coup ; in forty- five seconds, grand coup. 29. Know and name ten star groups, for coup; know ten star groups and tell the names and something about at least one star in each, for grand coup. 30. Take the latitude from the stars at night with a cartwheel, or some home-made instrument, within two degrees of error, for coup ; one degree, for grand coup. 31. To guess one inch, one foot, one yard, one rod, one acre, one hundred yards, two hundred yards, one quarter mile, one half mile, and a mile, within twenty per cent of average error, for coup; ten per cent, for grand coup. 32. To measure the height of a tree without climb- ing, or distance across a river, etc., without crossing, within ten per cent of average error in ten tries, for coup ; five per cent for grand coup. 33. In sign-talking, to know and use correctly fifty signs for coup ; one hundred signs for grand coup. 34. To make twenty different standard knots in a rope for coup ; thirty for grand coup. 268 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Win hearts and you will have hands and purses. — Lord Burleigh. 35. To catch a two-pound trout on a five-ounce rod with fly, and without assistance, coup; a three-pound trout, a grand coup. 36. To cast a fly on five-ounce nine-foot rod, fifty feet for coup; seventy-five for grand coup. 37. To catch a five-pound fish on a five-ounce rod, grand coup. ARCHERY 38. Make a total score of three hundred with sixty shots (in one or two meets) four- foot target at forty yards for coup ; make four hundred for grand coup. 39. Shoot so fast as to have six arrows in the air at once, for coup ; seven for grand coup. 40. Send an arrow one hundred and fifty yards for coup; two hundred for grand coup (for those under sixteen). 41. To hit the Burlap Deer in the heart at sixty yards first shot, counts a coup; at seventy-five yards counts a grand coup.* Class III. — Blue Honors NATURE STUDY 42. Know and name correctly, i.e. with the accepted English names, according to any standard authority, twenty-five trees, and tell something inter- esting about them, counts coup ; fifty for grand coup. 43. Know and name correctly fifty of our wild flowers for coup ; one hundred for grand coup. 44. Know and name- correctly fifty of our native birds as seen mounted in a museum, the female and young to count separately when they are wholly differ- ent from the male ; this counts coup ; one hundred birds for grand coup. 45. Know and name correctly fifty wild birds in the field, this counts coup ; one hundred, grand coup. *See Two Little Savages. INDIANS AND SCOUTS 269 Who falls for the love of God, shall rise as a star. — Ben Jonson. 46. Recognize fifty wild birds by note for coup; one hundred for grand coup. 47. Know and name correctly twenty-five wild quadrupeds for coup; know and name correctly fifty and tell something interesting about each for grand coup. 48. Know and draw unmistakable pictures of twenty-five tracks of our four-footed animals for coup ; of fifty for grand coup. 49. Know and name twenty-five fish for coup; fifty fish for grand coup. 50. Know and name ten snakes of different varieties, telling which are poisonous, for coup ; twenty snakes for grand coup. 51. Know and name fifty common toadstools or mushrooms for coup ; one hundred for grand coup. 52. Know and name fifty moths for coup ; one hundred for grand coup. 53. Know and name twenty-five butterflies for coup; fifty butterflies for grand coup. 54. Know and name fifty other insects for coup ; one hundred for grand coup. 55. Know and name ten native turtles for coup; twenty, with something interesting about them, for grand coup. PHOTOGRAPHY 56. Make a good recognizable photograph of any wild bird larger than a robin, while on its nest, for coup. 57. Make a good photograph of a partridge, drum- ming, for grand coup. 58. Make a good recognizable photograph of a wild animal or fish in the air, for coup, or grand coup, according to merit. Coups for mountain climbing, camping, baseball, football, etc., are being provided for. — Ernest Thomp- son Seton, in Association Boys, Vol. IV. , No. j. (Copyrighted by Ernest Thompson Seton. All rights reserved). 270 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel. — Shakespeare. 279. THE SNAPPING TURTLE INDIANS Ernest Thompson Seton's ''Red Book or How to Play Indian/' and an article entitled ''Wild Indians at Buffalo" (Association Boys, February, 1904), sug- gested the possibilities of further developments in Bible study. With these suggestions, the head chief called to his aid two picked boys, to whom he gave titles of medicine man and wampum chief. Together we formed what was later adopted and known by the entire tribe as the "Laws of the Wat-Nong Nation,'' which are as follows: ARTICLE I. Physically: (a) To become strong, nimble and enduring in all war and festive dances, tramps and scouting parties; (b) Never to use fire-water in any form; (c) Never to burn the weed. Mentally: (a) To learn the habits and customs of our forefathers and to try to copy all their good traits of character; (b) To enlighten the paleface by example; (c) Never to think or speak impure thoughts or practice impure habits. Spiritually: (a) To deal fairly and squarely with Indian and paleface; (b) To seek to know and please the Great Spirit; (c) To attend the regular reading of His letter; (d) To never talk idly of the Great Spirit; (e) Never to chance wampum. article II. The Braves : Must be between the ages of twelve and fourteen years and 'must receive a two-thirds vote from the members of the Tribe to become a member of the same. After the initiation of a new member (which shall be arranged and conducted by the Coun- cil) he shall stand before the Tribe and receive his Indian title. The brave voting against a candidate must give his reasons to the chief of the Tribe privately. INDIANS AND SCOUTS 271 Do justice to your brother (you can do that whether you love him or not), and you will come to love him. — Ruskin. ARTICLE III. Each Tribe of the Wat-Nong Nation shall have a totem and special name. The name of this Tribe shall be the Snapping Turtle : and their totem shall be the snapping turtle. ARTICLE IV. The Council: Shall consist of the following named Chiefs, The Great Chief, Medicine Man, Wam- pum Chief, Chief of the Painted Robe. All other members of the Tribe shall be known by their Indian names. This Council shall settle all matters of war and peace. article v. Coups and Decorations: Will be awarded at the monthly powwows. Coups for perfect attendance and decorations for Bible study. ARTICLE VI. The Vow of the Snapping Turtle: I solemnly promise to obey the laws of the Snapping Turtles and to attend the councils for study of the Word of the Great Spirit. article VII. If at any time additional laws shall seem to be nec- essary for the governing of the Tribe, the same must receive a two-thirds vote from all the members of the Tribe. Witness the seal and signature of the members of the Snapping Turtles. (Signed by each member of the Tribe.) amendment I. Other groups of boys who form themselves into a Tribe and adopt the laws of the Wat-Nong Nation may become a Tribe of the same. 272 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES He is great who confers the most benefits. — Emerson. The Council referred to in the government of the Nation is made up of the chief and the councilmen. The head chief is reader and interpreter of the Word of the Great Spirit at the meeting each week for study. The medicine man, a true Indian in every sense of the word, helps the great chief by his advice and cooperation. The wampum chief has the care of the wampum and sees that it is dealt out to the best advantage and welfare of the Tribe. This wampum is given at the weekly meetings of the Tribe ; one half of it is given to the volunteer league of the department, and the other half is spent by the Snapping Turtles for powwows and other expenses. The chief of the painted robe is the master of ceremonies at powwows and council fires. He holds the key to the secret wait- ings of the Tribe. The powwows referred to in the laws are held once a month, at -which games and a general jollification are the main features. Preceding these powwows the council of peace or war is held, at which the Tribe gathers around the council table to listen to the reports of the medicine man and wampum chief, and trans- act any other business which may come before the Tribe. Coups and decorations are awarded at this time, palefaces initiated into the Tribe, and papers and stories of Indian life read. The initiation of pale- faces is similar to that of the Phi Alpha Pi, except that several features characteristic of the Indian are introduced. The councilmen and members attend the powwows in war paint and decorate their heads with their war bonnets. The Snapping Turtles this winter have studied the great chiefs of the Bible in connection with history of the Old and New Testament, using the shorter course of ''Men of the Bible'' by Davis. We expect to com- plete the course in time for the international examina- tions on ''Men of the Bible" ; to prove that we are true Indians ; that we are familiar with the best traits of INDIANS AND SCOUTS 273 Cheerful looks make every dish a feast. — Messinger. characters of the great chiefs we have studied, and hope to imitate the best and most worthy traits of their character in our own Hves. The attendance at the meetings for study of the Great Spirit's Word this winter, has been eighty per cent of enrollment. — /. O. Van Ness, Twenty-third Street Branch, New York City, in Association Boys, Vol, V,, No, 2, 280. THE WILD INDIANS OF ROANOKE About a year ago we realized the need of some kind of an organization in our junior department to tie the boys up to the Association for the spring and summer months. We decided on ''Wild Indians.'' The fol- lowing plan was worked out : (1) Every boy wishing to become an Indian should be initiated. (2) A defi- nite promise should be taken with each degree. (3) The object of this organization not to be ''to do something for the boys" but "to get the boys to do something for other boys and for themselves." (4) The Indians to be divided into two tribes for an all- around contest. The initiation idea arose from the fact that boys always want to initiate new gymnasium members. If initiation is to be done it had better be done under supervision. Initiations in the gymnasium are a thing of the past. "Wait until he joins the Indians" takes the place of it. Not a boy so far has failed to join. Sometimes he holds off for a few weeks but finally summons up courage enough. No boy has yet been hurt. The promises they are required to make aim at high ideals, spiritually, mentally and physically. The Tribe contest idea is as follows: (1) The Tribe having the largest gymnasium attendance each day gets three points, while the other Tribe gets one point. (2) An athletic or gymnastic contest once a week counts three and one points. (3) The Tribe having the 274 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES What is a gentleman? I'll tell you; a gentleman is one who keeps his promises made to those who cannot enforce them. — Hubbard. largest attendance (members and non-members) at the boys' Sunday meeting gets five points and the other two points. (4) A new member to the Association counts five points and becomes a member of the Tribe securing him. (5) For misconduct we give demerits, two demerits taking off one point from the team. Only two demerits have been given during the whole year. The boys keep each other straight. As a result of this contest the past year, our mem- bership has doubled. Our boys' meetings have mxore than doubled, and we have a most gentlemanly set of boys. For our Sunday meetings we have eight tickets printed on one card and give them to the boys; they do the advertising. We adopted the Indian writing as given in Asso- ciation Boys, February, 1904. Each Indian selects a picture, as his Indian portrait, for which he pays. This picture is put up in our Indian room with the boy's name on it. We have every seven by nine Indian picture that we can find published and have had to resort to postal card Indians. The Indians made a teepee for their outings, in which twenty Indians can sleep. The boys did the cutting out, sewing, painting and everything them- selves. Several outings were taken last summer, all Indians being in full war paint and costume. Entertainments are also given occasionally. The last one was on March 2, fifty Indians taking part. The seating capa- city of our auditorium is two hundred and eighty-seven, but we had over four hundred in it this time and turned others away. War paint and costumes were in abun- dance. The stage was decorated with their teepee, Indian rugs, Indian pictures drawn by the boys, etc. Ticket sellers, doorkeepers, ushers and refreshment committee were all Indians. The program consisted of piano solos and duets, violin solo, choruses, recita- INDIANS AND SCOUTS 27 S Call to mind the heavier sufferings of others that thou mayest the more easily bear the very little thou sufferest. — Thomas a Kempis. tions, initiation of a paleface, campfire tableaux, Indian yells, electric Indian club swinging and refresh- ments. The refreshments did not go around but the war paint did. Everybody had an enjoyable time and pronounced it a success. The officers of our organization are as follows : Sachem (physical director), Wampum Man (treas- urer), Medicine Man (secretary), two Sagamores (heads or captains of tribes). There is no limit to the degrees. We have reached the sixth and will add about six more this summer. Of course these are secret, but we will be glad to fur- nish them to any director who deserves them. We will have contests in making arrowheads, tomahawks, etc., the best of which will be put among our collection of Indian relics. In connection with this read "The Wild Indians of Buffalo," in Association Boys of February, 1904, and the little red book, ''How to Play Indian,'' by Ernest Thompson Seton. — C. R. Warthew, Roanoke, Va., in Association Boys, Vol. V ., No. 2. 281. BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA* The scout movement being essentially social in its character has naturally a place in this book. Also, as having in it great potentiality for boy betterment, we are glad to give it recognition by printing the follow- ing outline. Further particulars may be had by ad- dressing headquarters. Boy Scouts of America, 124 East 28th Street, New York. The Boy Scouts is an organization, the purpose of which is character building for boys between the ages of twelve and eighteen. It is an effort to get boys to appreciate the things about them, and to train them in self-reliance, manhood and good citizenship. It is *See Official Handbook, Boy Scouts of America ; a Imndred and one things will be found in it about outdoor life and play that will interest boys. 276 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The grand essentials of life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for. — Thomas Chalmers. peace-scouting these boys engage in, living as much as possible out of doors ; camping, hiking and learning the secret of the woods and fields. The movement is not essentially military, but the military virtues of dis- cipline, obedience, neatness and order are scout vir- tues. Endurance, self-reliance, self-control and an efifort to help some one else are scout ^objectives. Every activity that lends itself to these aims is good scout-craft. The Aim of the Boy Scouts. The aim of the Boy Scouts is to supplement the various existing educa- tional agencies, and to promote the ability in boys to do things for themselves and others. The method is summed up in the term scout-craft, and is a combina- tion of observation, deduction and handiness — or the ability to do. Scout-craft consists of first aid, life sav- ing, tracking, signaling, cycling, nature study, seaman- ship and other instruction. This is accomplished in games and team play, and is pleasure, not work, for the boy. The only equipment it needs is the out of doors, a group of boys and a leader. The Scoufs Oath. ''Before he becomes a scout a boy must take the scout's oath, thus : ''On my honor I promise that I will do my best "1. To do my duty to God and my country. "2. To help other people at all times. "3. To obey the scout law.'' The Scoufs Salute and Sign. "When taking this oath the scout will stand, holding his right hand raised level with his shoulder, palm to the front, thumb rest- ing on the nail of the little finger, and the other three fingers upright, pointing upwards. "This is the scout's salute and secret sign. "When the hand is raised shoulder high it is called The Half Salute.' "When raised to the forehead it is the 'Full Salute.' " INDIANS AND SCOUTS 277 When God has found a man, that man constantly looks around for his neighbor. — George Macdonald. The Three Classes of Scouts Tenderfoot. ''A boy on joining the Boy Scouts must pass a test in the following points before taking the oath : ''Know the scout's laws and signs, and salute. ''Know the composition of the national flag and the right way to fly it. "Tie four out of the following knots : Reef, sheet bend, clove hitch, bowline, middleman's, fisherman's, sheepshank. "He then takes the scout's oath, and is enrolled as a tenderfoot, and is entitled to wear the buttonhole badge." Second-class Scout. "Before being awarded the second-class scout's badge a tenderfoot must pass the following tests : "1. Have at least one month's service as a tender- foot. "2. Elementary first aid and bandaging. "3. Signaling, elementary knowledge of semaphore or Morse alphabet. "4. Track half a mile in twenty-five minutes ; or, if in a town, describe satisfactorily the contents of one store window out of four, observed for one minute each. "5. Go a mile in twelve minutes at 'scout's pace.' "6. Lay and light a fire, using not more than two matches. "7. Cook a quarter of a pound of meat and two potatoes without cooking utensils other than the regu- lation billy. "8. Have at least twenty-five cents in a savings bank. "9. Know the sixteen principal points of the com- pass." First-class Scout. "Before being awarded a first- class scout's badge a scout must pass the following 278 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Every noble activity makes room for itself. — Emerson. tests, in addition to the tests laid down for second-class scouts : ''1. Swim fifty yards. (N. B. — This may be omitted where the doctor certifies that bathing is dan- gerous to the boy's health, in which case he must run a mile in eight minutes, or perform some equivalent selected by the scout master.) ''2. Must have fifty cents at least in the savings bank. ''3. Signaling. Send and receive a message either in semaphore or Morse, sixteen letters per minute. ''4. Go on foot, or row a boat, alone, to a point seven miles away and return again ; or if conveyed by any vehicle or animal, go to a distance of fifteen miles and back, and write a short report on it. It is prefer- able that he should take two days over it. ''5. Describe or show the proper means for saving Hfe in case of two of the following accidents (allotted by the examiners) : Fire, drowning, runaway carriage, sewer gas, ice breaking, or bandage an injured patient, or revive apparently drowned person. ''6. Cook satisfactorily two out of the following dishes, as may be directed : Porridge, bacon, hunter's stew; or skin and cook a rabbit, or pluck and cook a bird.'' Also ''Make a 'damper' of half a pound of flour, or a 'twist' baked on a thick stick. "7. Read a map correctly, and draw an intelligent rough sketch map. Point out a compass direction without the help of a compass. "8. Use an axe for felling or trimming light tim- ber ; or as an alternative, produce an article of car- pentry or joinery or metal work, made by himself sat- isfactorily. "9. Judge distance, size, numbers and height within twenty-five per cent error. *'10. Bring a tenderfoot trained by himself in the points required for a tenderfoot/^ The Scout Lazv. "1. A scout's honor is to be trusted. INDIANS AND SCOUTS 279 Blessed are the missionaries of cheerfulness. — Lydia Maria Childs. ''If a scout were to break his honor by telling a lie, or by not carrying out an order exactly when trusted on his honor to do so, he may be directed to hand over his scout badge, and never to wear it again. He may also be directed to cease to be a scout. "2. A scout is loyal to his country, his officers, his parents, and his employers. He must stick to them through thick and thin against any one who is their enemy or who even talks badly of them. "3. A scout's duty is to be useful and to help others. He must be prepared at any time to save life or to help injured persons. And he must try his best to do a good turn to somebody every day. "4. A scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other scout, no matter to what social class the other belongs. ''A scout must never be a snob. A snob is one who looks down upon another because he is poorer, or who is poor and resents another because he is rich. A scout accepts the other man as he finds him, and makes the best of him. ''5. A scout is courteous. That is, he is polite to all, but especially to women and children, and old peo- ple and invalids, cripples, etc. And he must not take any reward for being helpful or courteous. ''6. A scout is a friend to animals. He should save them as far as possible from pain, and should not kill any animal unnecessarily. Killing an animal for food is allowable. "7. A scout obeys orders of his parents, patrol leader, or scout master without question. ''Even if he gets an order he does not like he must do as soldiers and sailors do; he must carry it out all the same because it is his duty; after he has done it he can come and state any reasons against it ; but he must carry out the order at once. That is discipline. "8. A scout smiles and whistles under all circum- stances. When he gets an order he should obey it cheerily and readily, not in a slow, hangdog sort of 280 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES I am yours for the smiles that are finding a vent From a heart overflowing with Life's sweet content. — Anon. way. Scouts never grumble at hardships, nor whine at each other, nor swear when put out. The punish- ment for swearing or using bad language is for each offense a mug of cold water to be poured down the offender's sleeve by the other scouts. It was the pun- ishment invented by the old scout, Capt. John Smith, three hundred years ago. *'9. A scout is thrifty, that is, he saves every penny he can and puts it into the bank, so that he may have money to keep himself when out of work, and thus not make himself a burden to others; or that he may have money to give away to others when they need it." The Scout Master. The scout master is the adult leader of a troop. A troop consists of three or more patrols. The scout master may begin with one patrol. He must have a deep interest in boys, be genuine in his own life, have the ability to lead, and command the boys' respect and obedience, and possess some knowl- edge of a boy's ways. He need not be an expert on scout-craft. The good scout master will discover ex- perts for the various activities. Applications for scout masters' certificates may be made to the headquarters. — From ''Bulletin No. //" Boy Scouts of America. 282. WAR GAME For a boys' outing with thirty to two hundred boys present. A fine scout game. Divide into two armies. Appoint a general for each side, and break up into several patrols or companies. Call one side the In- dians, giving them a red flag, each boy to wear a red bandanna handkerchief about the neck. Call the other side the Soldiers, giving them a blue flag, each boy to wear a blue bandanna. Give the Soldiers ten minutes to go into the woods and establish a base. They must not go more than one quarter mile from headquarters and must fasten their flag at least ten feet above ground. Then the Indians go after them. Every boy INDIANS AND SCOUTS 281 Nearness is a divine trust. It is for high and lasting ends that God brings human lives into contact with their own. — Amos R. Wells. on both sides has a small piece of white chalk. If a boy sees one of the enemy he must go after him. Every boy chalked must return immediately to head- quarters as dead. Play for a definite time — say one or two hours. Then call them all in, and see which side has the larger number chalked. That side loses. Great opportunity for scouting, skirmishing and plan- ning campaigns. It is best to explain before playing that it is a game of honor; easy to cheat, etc., but of course no boy will. It would spoil the game. They will all play fair. A boy cannot turn about and chalk the boy who chalked him. In case of doubt, both return to headquarters. Count for ones chalked : Gen- eral, ten points; captain or patrol leader, five; soldier, one point. .^-^^^'^'"~^- ' ■ H Q o o p^ o p^ >^ o PQ MISCELLANEOUS 283. ADVANTAGES OF A LARGE SOCIAL ROOM The advantages of a large social room for boys is well demonstrated in the boys' building at Duluth, Minnesota. The building occupied by the boys was originally built and used by the German Turners, but has been leased for a term of years by the Association, The chief room on the second floor is the auditorium, and beneath this are the gymnasium, baths, locker rooms and bowling alleys. There is a large stage at one end of the auditorium, and a gallery at the other end. This gallery has been enclosed with a glass and wood partition, and the space is used for manual train- ing. A large room under the stage is used for general social purposes, while various anterooms are used for committee and club purposes. The Association thought it wise to experiment with the large social room before going to the expense of dividing it up into the regulation reading room, game room, parlor, etc. The floor space of the auditorium is about thirty- five by fifty or forty by sixty; one corner has been separated by a counter from the rest of the room and is used as an office. The reading tables and the game boards are placed about the room in a carefully arranged disorder, and this, with the decorations, helps to give the room a cozy appearance. There has been something really funny about the tenacity with which Associations have clung to the idea that boys wanted ^'a quiet room in which to read.'' As a matter of fact, if there is one thing above all others which the boy does not seem to want, it is a quiet room. Secretaries have found that boys would go into the quiet reading room, pick up a magazine or book, and go out into the noisy game room, sitting down to read where there was something going on. When a boy is interested in a 284 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Do not mistake sparkle for sociability. The iceberg sparkles. — Amos R. Wells. book, any amount of legitimate noise will not disturb him a particle. One of the wisest and most successful men in North America in handling boys calls attention to the differ- ence between noise and disorder, and shows how legiti- mate noise in a social room of this kind is better order than absolute quietness- He likens the noise of his game room to the steady hum of machinery, and says, with a twinkle in his eye, that the regular rhythm of the various sounds does not disturb him, but the minute the machinery begins to speed up or slow down he is immediately on the alert, for something is likely to happen. The Duluth experiment has been satisfactory, and if they were to erect a new building for their boys, they would certainly have one large social room in which the reading matter and games would be placed. This is in accord with the idea of the large reception lobby for men which is so marked a feature in the newer Association buildings. It should not be for- gotten, however, that in addition to the large social room, a number of small class, club and committee rooms should be provided. A few years ago, very few boys' departments had more than two or three boys' Bible classes, but today it is not uncommon to find ten or fifteen such classes, and in some cases, already, certain boys' departments have upwards of twenty Bible classes, and it is found convenient for a number of these classes to meet simultaneously. The growth of the small club in the boys' department also calls for the simultaneous use of several small rooms. — Association Boys, Vol. VL, No. 2. 284. CHING LEE'S UNWORTHY COMPLI- MENTS A FOREIGN WORK SOCIAL The invitation must be read as the Chinese read. MISCELLANEOUS 285 Our business is to spread Christ's joy among men. Our business is to be social — to save. — Amos R. Wells. beginning at the upper right-hand corner and reading downward. J T A C U U N H L E D I Y S F N E 4th & E S & A E 5th w S E T P D R O C E E V S E s I o N ' o' eve the al nifi Ching clock ning chap pro cance Lee amid Ju el ces with pre an ly door sion your sents ex Fourth led of es his plo and by the teem un sion will the Maj ed worthy of reach band es pres com fire the torch tic ence pli works White bear Or and ments Fee Tem ers der shed pray op pie and of your ing tion which sol the light you al faces diers Sun on to with on at The the hon each the " eight pro oc or guest pub o' ces ca our No lie clock sion sion dis charge road on will of agree made at Tues start the able at 9 day from roy in the sig door Decorate the lawn and entrance wath Chinese lan- terns and the chapel or church parlors with yellotw 286 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. — Bible. draperies, Chinese panasols, fans, e'tc. The reception committee may wear Chinese costume, not forgetting the queue. Each guest is given a piece of a card, bear- ing either a question or an answer on subjects pertain- ing to C^hina and Chinese missions. When the ques- tions and answers are successfully combined, by the aid of numbers if the questions are difficult, the pianist strikes up a march and the procession starts. After marching several times around the rooms, hall and porch, giving opportunit}^ tO' admire the decorations, the procession is brought to a halt at a convenient place from which to view the fireworks. Two or three short speeches, patriotic in character, but especially compar- ing America and China, may be introduced, and the evening closes with the ''feast" of cake or wafers with ice cream, followed by a collection of voluntary con- tributions for the benefit of Chinese missions. 285. BOYS' WORK DAY One of the methods used by the boys of the Williamsport, Pa., Association for the raising of a fund for their Manual Training Department was the "Work Day." The Cadets, Juniors and Intermediates (the last comprising the students and employed boys' divisions) were divided into twelve teams, averaging thirteen boys each. All kinds of jobs were secured. About one hundred boys canvassed the city with various household articles ; twenty members of the classes working in brass sold articles which they had made themselves, others had jobs about home, in stores or offices, or in any place open for boys. The ''Work Day" was planned for one day only, but after the teams were chosen the boys of each team were so anxious to^ make their particular team the winner that many of them were hard at it ten days before the day set. MISCELLANEOUS 287 The two noblest things are sweetness and light. — Jonathan Swift. The boys were not out soliciting subscriptions ; every cent brought in was earned one way or another. Some of them received good pay ; one of the youngest cadets, who brought in $2.50, earned $1.50 of it by putting in three hours as an office boy, and others were equally fortunate. The spirit of self-sacrifice was manifested in a number of cases — boys out the day following special ''Work Day'' looking for odd jobs in order to increase the earnings of their teams, even though the competi- tive feature of the team work was decided at the close of "Work Day." In all, the 156 boys earned a little over $225, no part of which was solicited. All the articles sold in the house-to-house canvass were staple goods, the prices charged being no greater than the same article was sold for in the stores. The boys are earning for themselves a manual train- ing equipment that will cost them over $1000 ; they are learning the value of money, and many of them later w^ere able to earn something for themselves as a result of the ''Work Day'' experience. — G. W. Williams. 286. THE SOCIAL USE OF EMBLEMS The emblem is doubtless older than letters if not as old as organized society itself. Its use socially is chiefly as a recognition si^n. Its use by the mem- bers of any organization indicates a certain esprit de corps, and the more there is of this spirit the greater the significance of the badge. Where there is a strong feeling of comradery one is proud to wear the emblem of the society. When away from home and among strano-ers it is especially pleasing to meet persons wear- ing the common badge. While the best taste would not choose a too conspicuous form or size of badge, one should never be ashamed to put on the emblem of his organization and to wear it where it may be 288 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Great men had good mothers, but if all good mothers had great sons there would be a surplus. — The Saturday Evening Post. seen. Not every one, perhaps, wearing the Associa- tion emblem may be worthy of fullest trust or desir- able as a close companion, yet it would be only broth- erly to recognize the badge wherever seen and to accord the wearer a manly courtesy. In doing this a fellow runs no serious risk while he may be doing a helpful service and at a time when it is greatly needed. Surely the members of a professedly Christian organi- zation should not be less brotherly than those of the many secular societies that abound on every hand. The Associations have a general official design, and there would be a great advantage if it were uniformly worn by our members. Description of Official Badge. — The circle signifies unity; the triangle, the threefold man — spirit, mind and body ; the Bible is open at John xvii. 21 — '^That they all may be one'' ; the Greek letters, the first two in the Greek name of Christ, an ancient and favorite monogram of the Church. — H. S. N. 287. MOTHER'S DAY A few years ago there was imported into this country from old England a beautiful custom — the observance of Mother's Day. Should you chance to notice on some spring Sunday many men wearing white carna- tions just consult your calendar and see if it be not the second Sunday in May. We have days set apart to all sorts of men and memories, and to saints galore; why not consecrate one day in the year to St. Mother ? You ask, is there anything social in this? Why not? The social unit of the universe is the home, and the queen of the home is Mother. All men meet here — it is common ground. He who does not love the name Mother is less than human. That fellow is to be pitied whose mother was not the best woman in the world. Perhaps it was Fred Smith who put some such ques- tion to a great meeting of men — and a forest of arms MISCELLANEO US 289 We need the ingenious boldness of Paul, ready to be all things to all men, if by all means he might save one man. — Amos R. Wells. went Up. Every Association is full of young men away from home. A special service on a Mother's Day Sunday, with a tactful speaker, would be a bless- ing to many a lonely boy. Have a tea for such and get the fellows to telling stories of the old days ; or gather about the piano and sing some of the old home songs. You might be surprised to find how many knew them — in how many homes the same songs were sung. Give each away-f rom-home fellow a carnation and a postage stamp ; he will take the hint. Let's keep Mother's Day.—//. 5^. A^. 288. RECEPTION COMMITTEE We have discovered a scheme to solve the difficulty Association men have found for years in retaining the interest of the members of the Reception Committee, so often called the ''Deception Committee." We organized our committee into a literary society, with a weekly meeting and an interesting program. The first forty-five minutes are spent in discussing the social and reception work of the Association; the last hour is spent in literary work, stump speeches, debates, mock trials, lectures, etc. We have no difficulty now in securing the cooperation of this committee in every- thing of a social nature about the building. If there is any laxity, it is discovered and corrected at the next meeting. The membership of the committee increased last season from fourteen to twenty-five. I think we should have a copyright on the scheme, but at present it is open for the advantage of the other fellow. — T. F, Best, Hamilton, Ont. 289. MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGNS These are best promoted by choosing the most popu- lar national contest, such as an aeroplane race. If a political election divides the favorite candidates about 290 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Of all virtues, cheerfulness is the most profitable. — O. S. Marden. equally in favor with the boys, use the names of the candidates — local or national. A fair way to choose two sides is to go over the membership roll alphabetically. Get local dealers to offer two or three good prizes, such as a bicycle, sweaters, etc. A banquet may be given with a place for every boy on the winning side bringing in a new member. Hold occasional rallies and keep the stand- ing posted in some novel way in the main office. Familiar methods of posting the record are the ther- mometer, two paths (one for each side) stretching to some distant point, the clock, and flags on the building, denoting the side ahead. 290. BOOSTER CLUB The club meets once a week (around the dinner table, usually) where we boost for anything that will build up the town or the Association. We boosted for the new building campaign for six months until the demand became so general that a campaign was launched by the business men, and we are now moving into the building. We boosted for Sunday closing of the saloons and succeeded in that. We occasionally boost for an increase of members, and always have reached the goal we set. Sometimes we just boost by having meetings, when members make addresses, and we have a general good time. New members are received, introduced, and started off on the right foot. Visiting basket ball teams are banqueted. It has become a general rallying place for everything that is good. — R. A. Lang, Stockton, Cal. 291. THE FRATERNITY OF A FRATERNITY It was a bitter cold day. One of the poorly clad little fellows down in the primary department of a Massachusetts school was crying from the pain of MISCELLANEOUS 291 Temperance in everything is requisite for happiness. — B. R. Haydon. frost-bitten fingers and cold all over. One of the Phi Alpha Pi saw it. A number of other members chipped in, raised one dollar, bought a sweater, secured a second-hand pair of gloves, took the little fellow into the dressing room, pulled the sweater over his head, gave him the gloves, made his heart glad, made the lines of his face horizontal instead of perpendicular, and left him to find his way back to his class room. The Phi Alpha Pi boys who started and did this trick were happier than the little fellow, because they helped the other fellow. That Chapiter is prospering, too. 292. POPULAR COURSE In place of the regular Siaturday night entertain- ments we are conducting this year a course of mem- bers' entertainments, ten in number, for the members and their friends, ladies included. Tickets will be sold at fifty cents for the ten programs, and the list of talent is as g^ood as the average winter lecture course. — H. G. Williamson, Cincinnati, O, 293. A FEW HELPFUL BOOKS Suggested by the principal of the Central High School of Buffalo, N. Y., containing outlines of talks and suggestions for talks to high school students: Old Tales and Modern Tales, John Herbert Phillip; The College Year, Miss Hazard; On Life's Threshold, Wagner; Not in the Curriculum, Henry Van Dyke; The Young Man's Afifairs, Chas. Reynolds Brown; Love and Loyalty, Jenkins Lloyd Jones; Afternoons in the College Chapel, Peabody ; The Silver Cup, Chas. Cuthbert Hall; Personal Power, Tucker. x\ll publications mentioned in this book may be secured through the Y. M. C. A. Press, 124 East 28th Street, New York. 292 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES May God grant wit to the brains of His servants, tact to their hearts, and warmth to their hands! — Amos R. Wells. 294. NEW MEMBERS' MEETING Detroit invites monthly the new members to meet the membership committee at a dinner, when a plan of securing 100 new applications in the next four days is proposed, with a supper on the closing evening, to which rally all the new members are invited. In five months these rallies have netted 700 men. By this plan every new member is led immediately to do his best to enlist his friends and to learn that success depends on him. Fine committee material is devel- oped, men get acquainted and are assimilated. 295. INTERESTING NON-MEMBERS Boys usually have much idle time during vacation days. It seems a good thing to interest non-members in the department. They may be invited to attend some of the summer features. Boys who might become leaders could be invited on the short camping trips or tramps. Some plan should be devised to secure the name, address and age of any non-members taking advantage of any invitation extended them, so they may be followed up. — A. A. Jameson. Alphabetical Index References in italics refer to Contents, page vi. theses refer to Classified or Special Index. references in paren- A Advantages of a Large Social Room 283 "Affirmative," The 112 Agricultural Club 220 Alice in Wonderland 121 All Nations, Nights of 28 "Alouette" 211 Amateur Night 125 Amateur Plays 129, 130 Animal Social 8 Animals, Wild 11 Ankle Throw 94 Annual Members' Banquet ....46 Apple Social 11 April Fool Social 135 Art Gallery 115 Association Institute Song ..195 Association Intervisitation Socials 267 Athletic Outing 161 Athletic Supper 164 Audubon Society 235 Authors' Initials 72 Autograph Scripture Social. . . . 185 Automobile Carnival 245 B Bachelors' Club 222 Bakes, Clam 276 Battle, Cottonball 82 Ball, Volley 166 Basket, Thanksgiving or Christmas 154 Bent Iron-work Club 227 Bible Class, Bicycle 182 Bible Class Socials 188 Bible Classes, To Organize. . . . 181 Bible Salad 180 Bible Study Outing 189 Bible Study Supper 186, 187 Bible Test 179 Biblical Dramas 190 Bicycle Bible Class 182 "Big Smoke," Indian Sketch 130 Bird Studv 235 Birthday, Lincoln's 138, 139 Birthdav, Washington's. . 139, 140 Blindfold Boxing Match 101 Blowing Candle 113 Board and Committee Feeds... 44 Book Club for Boys 239 Booster Club 290 Bottle Balancing 104 Botanizing Rambles 2(i2 Boys (See special index) Boys' City, A 254 Boy Scouts of America 281 "Boys of Washington" 192 Boys' Own Tour 244 Bowling Club 168 Busy Builders' Club 233 "Buz" 71 C Calendar Exhibit 219 Camera Clubs 217, 218 Camera Rambles 275 Camp Dudley Stunts. See footnote on page 181. Camp Fires .273 Camp Jollification 264 Camp Reunion 27 Camp Songs and Yells. . . . 191, 214 Campaign, Financial 290 Campaign, Membership 289 Camping, Overnight 243 Camps and Camping. See Camps and Outings. Cane Walk ^ 91 Canoe Building Club 221 Carnival, Motoring 245 Carnival, Water 258 Cat Party 69 Catch Penny 97 Catholic Knights, Junior 242 Cheer up the Railroad Men ..155 Chew the String 107 Chicago Physical Department 163 Ching Lee's Unworthy Com- pliments 284 Christmas 157, 158 Circus, How to Conduct a ...114 City for Boys, A 254 Civic Debate 173 Clam Bakes ...276 Class Socials, Bible 186, 187, 188 Classes, Boys' Bible 181, 182, 183 Classes, Morning Bible 183 Cleveland Rough Riders 248 Cleveland Songs and Yells . .205 Clif¥ Dwellers' Dinner 43 Club, Lunch 232 Club, Stunt 126 Club, Yaphank Whittling 116 Clubs, Camera 217,218 Clubs for Boys (See special index). Cocoa Spree 1 62 294 INDEX Coin and Card Snap 92 College Preparatory Reception 20 College Reception 24 College Men's Dinner 42 Colonial Play ....129 Commencement, Mock High School 264 Committees (See special index). Constantinople 108 Contest, Piano Players' 81 Contest, Story-telling 26 Contest, Word 35 Convention, Political 98 Corn Roasts • 268 Corps, Wigwag Signal 266 Cottonball Battle 82 County Fair 119 Course, Popular 292 D ''Dear Old Pals" 205 Debate Civic 173 Delivery, Christmas Parcel... 153 Department Store Boys 48 Department Store Reception 55 Department Work, Religious. See Department Special- ties (also special index). Diary Club 231 Diary, Vacation 231 Dime Social 5 Dinner, Indian 189 Dinners — See Banquets and Dinners (also special index). Directors' Social 30 "Dixie" 193 Dog Fight 87 Dormitory Club 43 Dramas, Biblical 190 Dudley Stunts, Camp. See footnote on page 181. E Easter Social 136 Educational Department Song 195 Educational Exhibit . 176 Educational Reception 174 Educational Social 175 Educational Tours 170 Eisteddfod, Welsh 123 Election Day Outing 247 Election Night 147 Emblems, Social Use of 286 Employed Boys' Club 240 Employed Boys in Summer ...53 Entertaining Men and Boys from a Department Store. . 55 Eskimo Race 79 Evening Camp Song 214 Evening, Musical Z7 Evening, Postcard 32 Evenings in Camp 251 Excursion, Moonlight 271 Exhibit, Camera Club 219 Exhibit, Educational 176 Exhibits, Loan, etc 124 Exhibition, Harvest 127 "E Yip I Addy I Ay" 199 F Factory Men 56 Factory Reception 54 Fair, County 119 Fake Track Meet 165 Fall RalHes 12 Fathers' and Sons' Social 7 Fencing Club 225 Festival, Happyland 252 Fight, Dog 87 Fight, Rooster 95 Financial Campaign 290 Financial Dinners, Sugges- tions for 47 Finger Jump 102 Fire Department Reception ..167 Fires, Camp 273 Flowers, Hidden 40 Fool Social, April 135 Foreign Work Social 284 Forfeits 107-113 Fourth of July 142 Fraternity Social Service ....291 G Games (See special index — General Social Events). Games, Greek 160 Garden, Roof or Summer ....270 Ghost Minstrels 31 Girls, Y. W. C. A 151 Glee Club, Boys' 223 Greek Games 160 (Grouping Clubs, Rules for... 21 5 "Guess" 2)9 Guitar and Mandolin Club 229 Gum Game 36 Gym Men's Song 200 Gym Song 194 Gypsy Trips 253,255 H Halloween 145 Happyland Festival 252 "Harrigan" 191 Harvest Exhibition 127 "Hash, Story of the Second Section" 59 Haystack 110 Helpful Books 293 Hidden Flowers 40 High Jump ^ 83 High School (See special index). Hiking Club 259 "Hoch der Lieber" Song.... 203 Holidays (See special index). Home Receptions 4 "Hot Air" Ill House, Open 22,132,133 How to Run a Camp. See ■footnote to Camps and Outings. Hustling Club 177 INDEX 295 I • Idea for using Boys' Names . . 59 ''Imposition, Jimtown" 117 Indian Dinner 189 Indian Sketch, "Big Smoke".. 130 Indian Wrestle 96 Indians, Seton 278 Industrial (See special index). Initials 64 Institute Song, Association . . 195 Interesting Non-members 295 International Social 3 Intervisitation Socials, Asso- ciation "^-dJ "In the Good Old Camping Time" 206 "I've been Working on the Railroad" 197 J "Jenkins Up" 68 "Jimtown Imposition" 117 "John Brown's Body" 106 Jollification, Camp 264 Jump, Finger 102 Jump, High 83 * Jumping Race, Eskimo 79 Junior Catholic Knights 242 Junior Commercial Club 240 "June, July and Augustine" ..203 K Knights, Junior Catholic 242 Knights of the Sacred Whistle 75 Know, Men We 34 L Labor Day Social 143 Labor Unions 57 Ladies' Nights (See special index — Socials for Ladies). Large Social Room, Advan- tages of 283 Lawn Social 270 Laws of the Seton Indians. .. .278 Leaders' Camp Song 208 Leaders' Corps 169 Left-handed Social 15 Lend a Hand 238 Lincoln's Birthday 138, 139 Lincoln Evening 138 Loan Exhibits, etc 124 Lobby Club 230 Lodges 57 Long Reach, The 66 Lunch Club 232 M Magic Gift 86 Mandolin and (Guitar Club ... 229 Marooning Parties 250 "Mary Had a Little Lamb" ..201 Masquerade, Halloween 146 Masquerade Party 120 Match, Blindfold Boxing 101 Matches, Trick 105 Mathematics, Problems in ...172 Meetings, New Members' ....294 Members (See special index). Membership Campaigns 289 Memorial Day 141 Men's Dinners, College 42 Men, Railroad (See special index). "Men We Know" 34 Mind-Reading 61 Minstrels (See special index — Dramatic). Mock College Athletic Meet . . 63 Mock High School Com- mencement 264 Mock Trial 60, 128 Monthly Stag, Members' 2Z Moon, Trip to the 122 Moonlight Excursions 271 Morning Bible Classes 183 Morning Bible Study Song ..212 "Mother Was Chasing Her Boy, A," etc 202 Mother's Day 287 Motoring Carnival 245 Moving Pictures 29 Musical Evening 37 Musical Instruments 76 Musical Organizations 236 Mystery Ramble, Halloween . . 144 N Names of Boys, Idea for Using 59 Nations, Nights of All 28 Nature Study 260 New Jersey State Song 196 New Members 294 Newsboys' Banquet 41 New Year's Day 131 Night, Amateur 125 Night, Election 147 Night, Ladies (See special index — Socials for Ladies). "Nighters, Saturday" 13 Nights of All Nations 28 Non-Members, To Interest ...295 Noted Orators 89 Novelty Socials 19 O "Observation" (Game) 100 Observation Parties 170 Ohio Gypsies 255 Open House 22, 132, 133 Orators, Noted 89 Organizing Boys' Bible Classes 181 Oriental Research Club 178. Outings (See special index) Out-of-door Bible Study 189 Overnight Camping . 243 Overnight Tramps 256 296 INDEX Palm Social 9 Paper Carriers, Evening With.. 50 Parcel Delivery, Christmas ..153 Parents' Reception 7 Parlor Field Meet 118 Parlor Tricks (See special index). Parties, Observation 170 Parties, Sight-seeing 261 Parties, Swimming 263 Parties, Tramping 269 Patriotic (See special index). Paul Social _ 184 Pavilion Socials 272 Peanut Party 58. "Peddler and Spy" 130 Penny Wise 62 People's Societies, Young 25, 52 Philadelphia Scheme of Club- Grouping 216 Physical Department Socials (See special index — Phy- sical Department). Physical Department, Social Life in 159 Piano Players' Contest 81 Piazza Socials 272 Plays (See special index — Dramatic). Plays, Where to Find 130 Political Convention 98 Pool, Swimming 70 Popular Course 292 Postcard Evening 32 Poster Club 224 ''Praise Him" 212 Preparatory Social, College ...20 President's Reception 1 Press Social .^ 6 Problems in Mathematics ....172 Pyrography Club 237 R Race, Eskimo 79 Race, Water and Cracker ..... .88 Railroad Men (See special index). Railway Social 17 Rallies, Fall 12 Rally, Young People's So- cieties^ 25 Rambles 265 Ramble, Halloween Mystery.. 144 Rambles, Camera and Sketch Club ^ 275 Reception Committee 288 Receptions (See special index). Recognition 67 Religious Work Department (See special index — Reli- gious). Representative Committee 51 Reproduction of Greek Games 160 Reunion, Camp 27 Reunion, Members' 14 Rides, Straw 274 Roanoke, Wild Indians of 280 Roasts, Corn 268 "Romance, A Virginia" 130 Roof Garden 270 Room, Advantages of a Large Social 283 Rooming House Investigation 230 Rooster Fight 95 Rough Riders, Cleveland 248 Rules for Grouping Boys' Clubs 215 St. Patrick's Day Dinner ....134 Salad, Bible 180 Salmagundi Party 18 "Saturday Nighters" 13 "Saviour, Breathe an Evening Blessing," song 214 Schools, High (See special index). Scouts of America, Boy 281 Scripture Autograph Social... 185 Sea Trip 249 Seton Indians 278 Shop Men (See special index — Industrial). Sight-seeing Parties 261 Signal Corps, Wigwag 266 "Silver Bay," song 210 "Skedaddle to Schenectady," song 198 Sketch Club '. 275 Sketch, Indian, "Big Smoke" 130 Sketches (game) 65 Skin the Snake 74 Small Clubs for Boys 228 Smile Club 241 "Smile Whene'er You Can" ..209 Snapping Turtles 279 Snowball Party 152 Social Room, Advantages of _ a Large 283 Socials (See special index — General Socials). Social Use of Emblems 286 Societies, Young People's 25, 52 "So Near and Yet So Far" ..109 Songs and Yells 191-214 Special Attractions for Em- ployed Boys 53 Spelling Matches 171 Stag, Members' Monthly 23 Stamp Club 226 Standing Toe Wrestle 103 Start Something, To 78 Store Boys, Department 48 "Storv of Second Section Hash" 59 Story-Telling Contest 26 Straw Rides 274 Strength Test . . 99 Strength Test with Glass of Water 85 INDEX 297 String, Chew the 107 Study, Bible (See special index — Religious) . Study, Nature 260 Stunt Club 126 Supper, Bible Study 186,187 Supper, Leaders' Corps 169 Summer at the Building 277 Summer Garden 270 Summer Recreation Rally ...246 Surprise Social 8 Surveying Club 234 Swimming Parties 263 Swimming Pool, For the 70 T "Taps" 207 Telegrams ^^ Test, Bible 179 Thanksgiving 149, 150 Thanksgiving Program 148 Thanksgiving Dinner, Money for 156 Think of a Number 7Z Throw, Ankle 94 Thumbs Up 84 *'Tin> Dooley" 204 To Interest Non-members_ ...295 To Organize Boys' Bible Classes 181 To Start Something 78 Tours for Boys 244 Tours, Observation 170 Trade Receptions 49 Tramping Parties 269 Tramps, Overnight 256 Trial, Mock 60, 128 Trick Matches 105 Tricks for Boys, Three 80 Tricks. Parlor (See special index). Trip Around the World 33 Trip, Sea 249 Trip to the Moon 122 Triumph, The 93 Turtle Indians, The Snapping 279 U Uncle Sam Evening, Fourth of July 142 University Reception 16 V Vacation Diary 231 Valentine Day 137 Virginia Romance, A 130 Volley Ball 166 W Walk, Cane 91 War Game 282 Washington's Birthday 140 Washington Songs and Yells 191-193 Water and Cracker Race 88 Water Carnival 258 Wawayanda Grace 213 Wawayanda Song 197 Welsh Eisteddfod 123 "We've Been Up to Wawa- yanda" 197 What Am I? 90 Where to Find Plays 130 Whistle, Knights of the Sacred 75 Whittling Club, Yaphank 116 Wigwag Signal Corps 266 Wild Animals 77 Wild Indians of Roanoke 280 "Willie's Billy Goat " 201 With the Y. W. C. A 151 Wood-burning Club 237 Word Contest 35 Work Day, Boys' 285 Work Department, Religious- (See special index — Reli- gious). World, Trip Around the ZZ Wrestle, Indian 96 Wrestle, Standing Toe 103 Y Yaphank Whittling Club 116 Young People's Societies ..25,52 Y. W. C. A 151 Classified Index BANQUETS AND DINNERS. Athletic 164 Bible Study 186, 187 Board and Committee 44 Bowling Club 168 Cliff Dwellers' (Dormitory Club) 43 College Men's 42 Educational Department 174 Financial Campaign 290 High School 45 Leaders' Corps 169 Lunch Club 232 Members' Annual 46 Membership Campaign 289 New Members 294 Newsboys' 50 Railroad Men's Christmas .... 155 St. Patrick's Day 134 Thanksgiving 149, 150 Volley Ball League 166 Washington's Birthday 140 BOYS. Advantages of a Large Social Room 283 Amateur Concert 125 Amateur Night 125 Amateur Plays 129, 130 Animal Social 8 Ankle Throw 94 April Fool Social 135 Athletic Feats (See Physical Department). Athletic Outing 161 Authors' Initials 72 Bible Class Organizations ....181 Bible Study Outing 189 Bible Study Supper 186, 187 Bicycle Bible Class 182 Blowing Candle 113 Bottle Balancing 104 Boy Scouts of America 281 Boys' City, A 254 "Boys of Washington" 192 Boys' Own Tour 244 "Buz" 71 Camp Fires 273 Camp and Camping (See special index). Cane Walk 91 Cat Party 69 Catch Penny 97 Chew the String 107 Christmas or Thanksgiving Basket 154 Christmas Parcel Delivery ..153 Clam Bakes 276 Coin and Card Snap 92 College Preparatory Social 20 Constantinople 108 Corn Roasts 268 Department Store Boys' Re- ception 55 Diary Club 231 Dog Fight 87 Easter Social 136 J2.aucational Tours 170 Election Day Outing 247 Eskimo Race 79 Evening Fun in Camp 251 Fall Rallies 12 Finger Jump 102 Forfeits 107-113 Fraternity Service 291 Gum Game 36 "Guess" 39 Gypsy Trips 253,255 Halloween 145 Halloween Mystery Ramble ..144 Haystack no Hidden Flowers 40 High Jump 83 High School Banquet 45 High School Bible Social 188 High School Reception 2 High School Athletic Social . . 10 "Hot Air" Ill How to Run a Camp. Foot- note to Camps and Outings. Idea for Using Boys' Names . . 59 Indian Wrestle 96 Initials 64 Interesting Non-members ....295 "Jenkins Up" 68 Junior Catholic Knights 242 Knights of the Sacred Whistle 75 Ladies' Night 188 Long Reach, The 66 Magic Gift 86 Marooning Parties 250 Membership Campaign 289 Memorial Day 141 Men We Know 34 Mind Reading 61 Mock College Athletic Meet . . .6Z Morning Bible Class 183 Musical Evening 27 Musical Instruments 76 Nature Study 260 Newsboys' Banquet 41 Noted Orators 89 Observation Parties 170 Ohio Gypsies 255 Open House 22, 132, 133 Outings and Hikes (See Out- ings). INDEX 299 Overnight Camping 243 Paper Carriers, Evening with 50 Parlor Field Meet 118 Peanut Party 58 Penny Wise 62 Postcard Evening ■ ■ ■ 32 Problems in Mathematics .... 172 Recognition 67 Rooster Fight 95 Rough Riders 248 Rules for Grouping Clubs ...215 Salmagundi Party 18 Scouts of America, Boy 281 Sea Trip 249 Seton Indians 278 Sight-seeing Parties 261 Sketches 65 Skin the Snake 74 Small Clubs for Boys 228 "So Near and Yet So Far"... 109 Special Summer Attractions for Employed Boys 53 Stamp Club 226 Standing Toe Wrestle 103 Straw Rides 274 Strength Tests 99 Summer at the Building 277 Summer Camp Jollification ..264 Swimming Parties 263 Telegrams 38 The "Aflfirmative" 112 The Triumph 93 Think of a Number 7Z Three Tricks for Boys 80 "Thumbs Up" 84 Trick Matches 105 Trip Around the World 33 Vacation Diaries 231 Water and Cracker Race .....88 What Am I? 90 Wigwag Signal Corps 266 Wild Animals 77 Word Contest 35 Work Day 285 CAMPS AND CAMPING. A Boys' City 254 Camp Dudley Social Events. Footnote, page 181. Diar}^ Club 231 Evening Fun at Camp 251 Gypsy Trips 253, 255 How to Run a Camp. Foot- note, Camps and Outings. Marooning Parties 250 Overnight Tramps 256 Reunion 27 Seton Indians 278 Songs and Yells for Camp. See Songs and Yells. Vacation Camp Diaries 231 Wigwag Signal Corps 266 CLUBS FOR BOYS Agricultural 220 Audubon Society 235 Bent Iron Work 227 Bicycle Bible Class 182 Book 239 Busy Builders' 233 Camera 217, 218 Canoe Building 221 Cleveland Rough Riders 248 Diary 231 Fencing 225 Glee 223 Hiking 259 Hustling 177 Junior Catholic Knights 242 Junior Commercial 240 Mandolin and Guitar 229 Musical 236 Nature Study 260 Poster 224 Pyrography 237 Scouts of America 281 Seton Indians 278 Small 228 Smile 241 Stamp 226 Surveying 234 Wood-burning Club 237 COMMITTEES. Bachelor Club 222 Board and Committee Feeds... 44 Booster Club 290 Dormitory Club 43 Lobby Club 230 Piazza Meetings 272 Reception 288 Representative Committees 51 DRAMATIC. Amateur Night 125 Amateur Plays 129, 130 Biblical Dramas 190 "Big Smoke," Indian Sketch.. 130 Colonial Play 129 Ghost Minstrels 31 Play, "Peddler and Spy" 130 Play, "A Virginia Romance" 130 Where to Find Plays 130 Welsh Eisteddford (Bur- lesque) 123 Yaphank Whittling Club 116 EDUCATIONAL. Agricultural Club 220 Audubon Society 235 Bent Iron Work Club 227 Book Club 239 Botanizing Rambles 262 Boys' Own Tour 244 Busy Builders' Club 233 Camera Club 217,218 Canoe Building Club 221 Ching Lee's Compliments .... 284 Civic Debate 173 Diary Club 231 300 INDEX Educational Banquet 174 Educational Exhibit 176 Educational Reception 174 Educational Social 175 Glee Club 223 Junior Commercial Club 240 Loan Exhibits, etc 124 Mandolin and Guitar Club ...229 Men We Know 34 Nature Study 260 Nights of All Nations 28 Observation Parties 170 Oriental Research Club 178 Postcard Evening 32 Poster Club 224 Press Social 6 Pyrography Club 237 Reception Committee 288 Recognition 67 Reproduction of Greek Games. 160 Sketches 65 Stamp Club 226 Surveying Club 234 Trip Around the World 2>Z Washington's Birthday Dinner 140 Wigwag Signal Corps 266 Wood-burning Club . . .22>7 ENTERTAINMENTS. Amateur Night 125 Amateur Plays 129, 130 Biblical Dramas 190 "Big Smoke," Indian Sketch .130 Christmas 157, 158 Civic Debate 173 Colonial Play 129 County Fair 119 Holiday Evenings (See Holi- days). International Social 3 "Jimtown Imposition" 117 Labor Day Social 143 Lincoln Evening . 138 .Masquerade Party 120 Members' Annual Banquet ....46 Mock Trial 60, 128 Moving Pictures 29 New Year's 131 Nights of All Nations 2S Palm Social 9 "Peddler and Spy" 130 Piano Plavers' Contest 81 Popular Course 292 Story Telling Contest 26 Stunt Club 126 The New Member 294 Valentine Social 137 "Virerinia Romance" 130 Welsh Eisteddfod 123 Where to Find Plays 130 Yaphank Whittling Club 116 GENERAL SOCIAL EVENTS. Animal Social 8 Ankle Throw 94 Apple Social 11 April Fool Social 135 Art Gallery 115 Association Intervisitation Socials 267 Authors' Initials 72 Bible Salad 180 Bible Test 179 Blindfold Boxing Match . 101 Blowing Candle 113 Bottle Balancing 104 Bowling Club 168 "Buz" 71 Camera Clubs 217,218 Camera and Sketch Club Rambles 275 Camp Fires 273 Cane Walk 91 Cat Party 69 Catch Penny 97 Chew the String 107 Clam Bakes 276 Coin and Card Snap 92 College Preparatory Social ....20 "Constantinople" 108 Corn Roasts 268 Cottonball Battle 82 County Fair 119 Dime Social 5 Directors' Social 30 Dog Fight 87 Easter Social 136 Educational Social 175 Eskimo Race 79 Evening Fun at Camp 251 Fake Track Meet 165 Fall Rallies 12 Fathers' and Sons' Social 7 Finger Jump 102 Fire Department Socials ..,.167 Forfeits 107-113 "Guess" 39 Gum Game 36 Happyland Festival 252 Haystack 110 Hidden Flowers 40 High Jump 83 High School Bible Class Socials 188 High School Socials (See High School). Home Receptions 4 "Hot Air" Ill Indian Wrestle 96 Initials _ ^ 64 International Social 3 "Jenkins Up" 68 Knights of the Sacred Whistle 75 Labor Day Social 143 Lawn Socials 270 Left-handed Social "• 5 Lend a Hand 238 Loan Exhibits, etc 124 Long Reach, The 66 Magic Gift «6 Masquerade Parties 120 Members' Reunion 14 Men We Know 34 INDEX 301 Mind Reading 61 Mock Trial 60, 128 Monthly Stag 23 Moonlight Excursion 271 Mother's Day 287 Motoring Carnival . 245 Moving Pictures 29 Musical Evening 2>7 Musical Instruments 76 Nature Study 260 Nights of All Nations 28 Noted Orators 89 Novelty Socials 19 Open House 22,132,133 Overnight Camping 243 Palm Social 9 Paul Social 184 Penny Wise 62 Piazza Social 272 Political Convention 98 Postcard Evening 32 Press Social 6 Problems in Mathematics ....172 Railway Social 17 Recognition 67 Rooster Fight 95 Salmagundi Party 18 "Saturday Nighters" 13 Scripture Social 185 Sight-seeing Parties 261 Sketches 65 Skin the Snake 74 Smile Club 241 "So Near and Yet So Far"... 109 Spelling Matches 171 Standing Toe Wrestle 103 Straw Rides 274 Strength Tests 99 Summer at the Building 277 Summer Camp Jollification ..264 Telegrams 38 The Triumph 93 Think of a Number 7Z Three Tricks for Boys 80 "Thumbs Up" 84 To Start Something 78 Trade Receptions 49 Tramping Parties 269 Trick Matches 105 Trip Around the World 33 Water and Cracker Race 88 Water Carnival 258 What Am I? 90 Wild Animals 77 Word Contest 35 Young People's Society Outing 25, 52 HIGH SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. College Men's Dinner 42 College Preparatory Social ....20 Fraternity of a Fraternity ....291 High School Banquet 45 High School Boys and Girls Out-of-Doors 257 High School Reception 2 Ladies' Night 188 Mock College Athletic Meet ..63 Reception to Local College .... 24 University Reception lb Washington High School Social 10 HOLIDAYS. April Fool Day 135 Christmas 157, 158 Easter 135 Election Day 247 Fourth of July 142 Halloween 145 Labor Day 143 Lincoln's Birthday 138 Memorial Day 141 New Year's Day 131 St. Patrick's Day 134 Thanksgiving 149, 150 Valentine Day 137 Washington's Birthday 140 INDUSTRIAL— MEN AND BOYS. Department Store Boys 48 Factory Men 56 Junior Commercial Club ....240 Loan Exhibit, etc 124 Newsboys' Banquet 41 Paper Carriers' Banquet 50 Shop Men's Social 51 Trade Receptions 49 Young People's Societies ..25, 52' MEMBERS AND NON- MEMBERS. Booster Club 290 Interesting Non-members ....295 Members' Annual Banquet ....46 Members' Monthly Stag 2Z Members' Reunion 14 Membership Campaign 289 New Members' Meeting 294 Newsbovs' Banquet 41 Paper Carriers' Banquet 50 Parlor Field Meet 118 Reception Committee 288 The New Member 294 MUSICAL. Glee Club 223 Lincoln Evening 138 Mandolin and Guitar Club ...229 Musical Evening 37 Musical Instruments 76 New Year's 131 Piano Players' Contest 81 Songs and Yells 191-214 The New Member 294 Uncle Sam Evening 142 Valentine Social 137 302 INDEX OUTINGS. Agricultural Club 220 Association Intervisitation Socials 267 Athletic 161 Audubon Society 235 Bicycle Bible Class 182 Boys' Own Tour 244 Camera Clubs 217,218 Camera and Sketch Club Rambles 275 Camps (See special index). Camp Fires 27 Z Canoe Building Club 221 Clam Bakes 276 Cleveland Rough Riders 248 Corn Roasts 268 Diary Club 231 Election Day 247 Evening Fun at Camp 251 Fencing Club 225 Gypsy Trips 253, 255 Halloween Mystery Rambles.. 144 High School 10 Hiking Clubs 259 Hustling Club 177 Marooning Parties 250 Memorial Day 141 Morning Bible Classes 183 Nature Study 260 Ohio Gypsies 255 Out-of-Door Bible Study 189 Overnight Camping Parties . . 243 Overnight Tramps 256 Rally of Young People's So- cieties 25 Rambles ., 265 Scouts of America, Boy 281 Sea Trip 249 Seton Indians 278 Sight-seeing Parties 261 Small Clubs 228 Straw Rides 274 Surveying Club 234 Swimming Parties 262> Tramping Parties 269 Wigwag Signal Corps 266 PARLOR TRICKS. A Collection of Good Things 32-40 Animal Social 8 Apple Social 11 April Fool Social 135 Blindfold Boxing Match 101 Cottonball Battle 82 Easter Social 136 Fake Track Meet 165 Fathers' and Sons' Social 7 Home Receptions 4 "Jenkins Up" 68 Left-handed Social 15 Masquerade 146 Mock College Athletic Meet . . 63 Novelty Socials 19 Parlor Field Meet 118 Salmagundi Party 18 Spelling Matches 171 Stunt Club 126 ''Thumbs Up" 84 To Start Something 78 PATRIOTIC. Election Day 247 Fourth of July 142 Labor Day 143 Lincoln's Birthday 139 Lincoln Evening 138 Memorial Day 141 Washington's Birthday 140 PHYSICAL. Ankle Throw 94 Athletic Outing 161 Athletic Supper 164 Bicycle Bible Class 182 Blindfold Boxing Match 101 Bowling Club 168 Busy Builders' Club 233 Catch Penny 97 Canoe Building Club 221 Chicago Social 163 Cocoa Spree 162 Cottonball Battle 82 Dog Fight 87 Eskimo Race 79 Fake Track Meet 165 Fathers' and Sons' Social 7 Fencing Club 225 Finger Jump 102 Fire Department Athletics ...167 Forfeits 107-113 Greek Games 160 Harvest Exhibition 127 High Jump 83 High Schools 10 How to Conduct an Amateur Circus 114 Indian Wrestle 96 Leaders' Corps 169 Left-handed Social 15 Life of the Physical Depart- ment 159 Long Reach, The 66 Marooning Parties 250 Masquerade Party 120 Mock College Athletic Meet ..63 Novelty Socials 19 Overnight Tramps 256 Parlor Field Meet 118 Rooster Fight 95 Skin the Snake 74 SmaH Clubs 228 Special Summer Attractions for Employed Boys 53 Standing Toe Wrestle 103 Strength Test 99 Swimming Parties 262) The Triumph 93 Three Tricks for Boys 80 Tramping Parties 269 Volley Ball 166 INDEX 303 RAILROAD MEN. Christmas 155 Reunion 17 Valentine Social 137 Yaphank Whittling Club 116 RECEPTIONS. College 24 Committee Organization 288 Department Store Boys' 48 Educational 174 Factory 54 Fathers' 7 Fire Department 167 High School 2 Home (To Boys) 4 Labor Unions 57 Ladies 21 Lincoln^s and Washington's Birthday 139 Lodges 57 New Members' 294 New Year's 131 Paper Carriers' 50 President's 1 University 16 Young People's Societies 52 RELIGIOUS. Animal Social 8 Bible Salad 180 Bible Study. See Bible Study. Bible Test 179 Biblical Dramas 190 Bicycle Bible Class 182 Foreign Work, "Ching Lee's Compliments" 284 High School Bible Class Social 188 Junior Catholic Knights 242 Morning Bible Class 183 Mother's Day 287 Oriental Research Club 178 Out-of-Door Bible Study 189 Paul^ Social 184 President's Reception 1 Scripture Autograph Social... 185 Smile Club 241 Songs 212, 213, 214 Thanksgiving 249, 250 To Organize Boys' Bible Classes 181 SOCIALS FOR LESS THAN TWENTY. ^'Affirmative," The 112 Ankle Throw 94 Art Gallery 115 Authors' Initials 72 Bible Salad 180 Bible Test 179 Blindfold Boxing Match 101 Blowing Candle 113 Bottle Balancing 104 "Buz" 71 Cane Walk 91 Cat Party 69 Catch Penny 97 Chew the String 107 Coin and Card Snap 92 Constantinople 108 Dime Social 5 Dog Fight 87 Eskimo Race 79 Finger Jump 102 "Guess" 39 Gum Game 36 Haystack 110 Hidden Flowers 40 High Jump 83 "Hot Air" Ill Indian Wrestle 96 Initials 64 "Jenkins Up" 68 Knights of the Sacred Whistle . 75 Long Reach, The 66 Magic Gift 86 Men We Know 34 Mind Reading 61 Musical Evening 37 Musical Instruments 76 Nights of All Nations 28 Noted Orators 89 Novelty Socials 19 "Observation" 100 Paul Social 184 Penny Wise 62 Postcard Evening 32 Problems in Mathematics ....172 Recognition 67 Rooster Fight 95 Scripture Autograph Social . . 185 Sketches 65 Skin the Snake 74 "So Near and Yet So Far"... 109 Standing Toe Wrestle 103 Strength Test 99 Strength Test with Glass of Water 85 Telegrams 38 Think of a Number 72, Three Tricks for Boys 80 "Thumbs Up" 84 Trick Matches 105 Trip Around the World 33 Triumph, The 93 Water and Cracker Race 88 What Am T? 90 Wild Animals 77 Word Contest 35 SOCIALS FOR MORE THAN TWENTY. Alice in Wonderland 121 Apple Social 11 April Fool Social 135 Art Gallery 115 304 INDEX Authors' Initials 72 Bible Salad 180 Bible Test 179 Cat Party 69 Christmas 157, 158 Cottonball Battle 82 County Fair 119 Dime Social • • • • 5 Educational Social 175 Election Night 147 Fake Track Meet 165 Halloween 145 Initials 64 International Social 3 "Jenkins Up" • • ; •_ 68 "Jimtown Imposition" 117 "John Brown's Body" 106 Labor Day Social 143 Left-handed Social 15 Lincoln Evening 138 Loan Exhibits, etc . 124 Masquerade Party 120 Memorial Day 141 Moving Pictures 29 Novelty Socials 19 "Observation" 100 Palm Social 9 Paul Social 184 Penny Wise 62 Press Social 6 Railway Social 17 Recognition 67 Salmagundi Party 18 "Saturday Nighters" . . 13 Scripture Autograph Social . . 185 Sketches 65 Snowball Party 152 Spelling Match 171 Thanksgiving 149, 150 "Thumbs Up" 84 To Start Something 78 Trade Receptions 49 Trip to the Moon 122 Uncle Sam Evening 142 Valentine Social 137 With the Y. W. C. A 151 SOCIALS INCLUDING LADIES. High School Bible Class Socials 188 High School Boys and Girls .257 New Year's 131 Palm Social 9 Reception 21 Salmagundi Party 18 Trip to the Moon 122 Valentine Social 137 With the Y. W. C. A 151 Young People's Societies 25, 52 SONGS AND YELLS. "Alouette" 211 "A Mother Was Chasing Her Boy" 202 "Boys of Washington" 192 Cleveland Songs and Yells.... 205 "Dixie" 193 Educational Department Song 195 Evening Service .214 "E Yip I Addy I Ay" .. 199 Gym Songs 194, 200 "Harrigan" 191 "In the Good Old Camping Time" 206 "John Brown's Body" 106 "June, July and Augustine". .203 Leaders' Camp Song 208 Morning Bible Study Song ..212 N. J. Songs and Yells 197, 206, 208 New Jersey State Song 196 Silver Bay, Association Song 210 "Skedaddle to Schenectady" 198 "Smile Whene'er You Can".. 209 "Taps" 207 "Tin Dooley" 204 Washington Songs and Yells 191-193 Wawayanda Grace 213 "We've Been Up to Wawa- yanda" 197 Willie's Billy Goat 201 SUMMER AND OUTDOOR AFFAIRS. Agricultural Club 220 Athletic Outing 161 Audubon Society 235 Bicycle Bible Class 182 Book Club 239 Boys' Own Tour 244 Busy Builders' Club 233 Camera Clubs 217,218 Canoeing 221 "Ching Lee's Compliments". .284 Cleveland Rough Riders 248 Election Day Outing 247 Fake Track Meet 165 Fencing Club 225 Gypsy Trips 253, 255 Halloween Mvstery Ramble.. 144 High School Boys and Girls Out-of-Doors 257 Hustling Club 177 Y. P. S. & Y. W. C. A. Rally of Y. P. S ..25 Y . P. S. Reception 52 With Y. W. C. A 151 959 'SB ^^ ''-^\<^ „v,. ^^ v^' : ^°... .,^^'^' _*"^V/V^ ■ "^^