Fig.184 - Begin to make the pioneer in this way.
Fig.185 - Fold the husks across the centre.
Mistress Brewster, on her way to cut pumpkin pie, must needs stay her steps a moment to give ear to Governor Bradford's remarks, and Desire Minter is hurrying forward, ahead of the other young women, to serve the men at the feast.
All this would be told you by one of the little corn-husk pioneers shown in the photograph if only they could speak.
At all events, they can stand alone. They can be made to sit down, too, and their arms can be bent in any position. You may lift and place them in various parts of the grounds at pleasure. You might even imagine them to be the real characters they represent, and so live over again that Thanksgiving of 1621.
The making of these little people is most interesting. Use the rather soft between-layers of corn-husks; about two husks for each pioneer. If the husks seem brittle, soak them in water and make them pliable. Lay one husk partially over the top of the other ([Fig. 184]), bend them across the centre ([Fig. 185]), and let the smoothest side be the front of the doll. Fold each side of the front to the back until the front somewhat resembles [Fig. 186]; then wind slender, soft string around to form the neck and head of the doll. Wind another soft string around lower down for the belt-line ([Fig. 187]).