Diagram 2.
“Priscilla made fruit-baskets, and bowls for the nuts and candy, out of pumpkins. John sawed three large bright yellow ones for her as shown in the [diagrams]. After these had been scooped out, using the contents for pies, and dried thoroughly, we placed them on the table on mats of green tissue-paper cut in the shape of pumpkin leaves. The effect against the white cloth was quite pretty. For each of our poorer guests we made an old-fashioned reticule of yellow cloth tied with green braid. In these we placed a pair of woollen gloves, two pairs of woollen stockings or socks, a handkerchief, a cake of soap, and an order for a stout pair of shoes. In the way of gifts for the other guests there were little keepsakes such as pumpkin pincushions made of yellow silk and tied with green ribbons, Plymouth Rock paper-weights, and little models of Governor Carver’s chair in which we tied yellow pincushions with green ribbons. There were napkin-rings, needle-books, stamp-boxes, paper-cutters, and pin-trays, all with engravings of the Mayflower or some Pilgrim emblem. We had plenty of dinner for all. There was everything required for a Thanksgiving feast, from the turkey and cranberry sauce to plum pudding, into which Bridget had put plenty of plums. All who helped in receiving dressed in Puritan costumes.
“After the dinner had been eaten and the presents distributed, Miss Katherine Anderson, one of the teachers in the public school, gave a little talk, for fear the significance of the occasion might escape some of the most ignorant; but I am glad to say that there were none except the very smallest who did not know the history of our Pilgrim Fathers. The ladies of our old town have decided to give a dinner of this kind every Thanksgiving.”
When the Endeavorers are to give such a dinner, the little address would naturally be by the pastor, and the Juniors’ part of the preparations might well begin with the “mysterious basket-ball” described elsewhere in the book. In this case the small articles to be made or decorated would of course consist wholly of such as would be adapted for gifts at the dinner, and the Juniors should be told of the plan at the beginning of their work. They could also help in dressing the Puritan dolls and in receiving the guests; and, if they wish to do more, they might give a “Mayflower drill” in Puritan costume.
An entertainment of this kind could also be given to raise money for the church or society. In such cases, of course, the philanthropic features would be omitted, an admission fee charged, and the articles from the Mayflower sold.
Teddy and the Goblin.
(Teddy’s Dream on Christmas Morn.)
By Mattie-Marie Gamble.
The necessary requirements are a cot, a chair, a candle and candlestick, a large stocking, a small camera, and a large wooden frame with an opening about five feet square. The frame might be gilded or covered with yellow Canton flannel, and should have a support at the back of each side to hold it firmly in an upright position. There should be a box or platform high enough to be on a level with the lower edge of the opening of the frame, back of it.
The stage should represent a scene in the woods, with an abundance of green foliage; and leaves or green cloth should cover the floor. Near the back of the stage should be a curtain that could be drawn to each side, on which are painted trees, etc., to carry out the woods effect.
Back of this curtain arrange a small sleeping-room, in which are placed the cot and the chair with the candle on it; and in some prominent place is hung the stocking, well stuffed, with the small camera peeping out at the top.