The party may conclude with an impromptu “freak show,” using the hay-loft as a pedestal from which to display the “freaks.” This is where your pointer comes in. The amount of fun to be had from a “freak show” can be best understood if I give you the description of Vincent Van M. Beede’s, in his own words, only remarking that the barn adds to the general hilarity, and that one of the Indian clubs would do very well instead of the suggested andiron.
“One rainy morning last summer the children and I had great fun getting up a freak show. As we had not thought out beforehand what we were going to do, things were all the funnier. Little Marvyn, seven years old, stood on a table and chose to be Pullaway, the Boy with the Rubber Skin.
“I was asked to be lecturer, so with a pointer in my hand I explained as glibly as I could how marvellous a boy this was. Why, he could stretch out the skin of his cheeks two feet, and then let it snap back again! (Pullaway now showed his power.) Martin, a handsome fellow of twelve, was Stickeminus, the Human Pincushion. I showed the (imaginary) audience that pins had no effect on the feelings of this wonder. ‘I will stick a pin into his arm this very minute,’ I said. Strange to say, the Human Pincushion squealed! Fritz, thirteen years old, who has a beautiful physique, was Lomposo Musculario, the Strong Man. ‘See him lift that mighty andiron,’ I remarked. ‘It weighs 5551⁄5 pounds.’ Lomposo puffed and groaned under his heavy burden. Essie wanted to be the Fat Lady; I suppose because as a matter of fact she is very slender. It was surprising how much she succeeded in blowing out her cheeks. Madeleine, Champion Pie-Eater of the World, gobbled up anywhere from fifty to seventy-five (imaginary) mince pies, and Jolliby, as Burroo, the One Armed Wild Man of Borneo, seized my arm in his teeth while I was telling what a dangerous creature he was. The other freaks set up a chorus of alarm, and I do not know what would have become of me if Winkles, who was the Very Wildest Man, had not grappled in deadly combat with Burroo; and, if Madeleine had not offered them her best (imaginary) pies, they would, I fear, have devoured each other on the spot.”
Advertising-Carnival.
Having made out a list, for your own convenience, of well-known business firms, local or otherwise, whose names could be represented by costumes, let each Junior come dressed to represent one of the firms. For instance, Marshall Field’s might be portrayed by a boy in a soldier’s uniform, with dried grasses and other field treasures extending from pockets and buttonholes; Macy’s, by a girl named May, or dressed as queen of the May, with a placard attached bearing the letter “C.” The same letter, worn by a boy carrying a gallon can, a hammer, and a barrel-hoop, would answer for “Siegel and Cooper.” “Tiffany” might be portrayed by a picture of two people having a slight quarrel, the picture being fastened to the costume of a girl named Fannie or Annie, or to that of a boy carrying a large palm-leaf fan and limping as if one knee were affected.
Local firms, however, should predominate, and the utmost secrecy should prevail in all the preparations. When the evening of the carnival has arrived in all its glory, give each guest a pencil and paper, and reward with some gift the one who can without assistance make out the longest correct list of firms represented. Such an occasion would be interesting to others besides the Juniors; and a charge for admission might be made, in which case a light repast should be served, and a fancy march of the various “walking advertisements” should add to the attractions.
This occasion might be combined, if desired, with the “evening with ads” described elsewhere in the book.
Parlor Golf Party.
Most boys and girls are somewhat familiar with golf, and the Juniors will probably prove no exception. Any kind of “parlor golf” may be introduced, as simple or as elaborate as you please. Here is one kind that must be interesting, called “Quiet Go-lol-uf,” and explained by Vincent Van M. Beede as follows:
“This game is meant especially for boys and girls who know something about the royal and ancient game of ‘golf’ sometimes called ‘go-lol-uf’ just for fun. Seat your friends about a table, pass around pencils and paper, and then say: