Both—And Aaron8and Moses will stay as they be,And come9hand in hand, to this fine10Christmas tree.11
Both—And Aaron8and Moses will stay as they be,And come9hand in hand, to this fine10Christmas tree.11
Both—And Aaron8and Moses will stay as they be,
And come9hand in hand, to this fine10Christmas tree.11
(Motions—1, hit nose with forefinger, with downward stroke. 2, smooth nose, and down on cheeks with both forefingers, holding head up, rather haughtily. 3, cross forefingers, work them back and forth, like shears. 4, take tips of ears between thumbs and forefingers. 5, wipe first one eye, then the other, with corner of handkerchief. 6, clap hands together. 7, nod. 8, join hands. 9, walk to corner where tree is to stand. 10, spread hands apart, motioning toward corner, and looking up. 11, stand a moment in position. 10, then turn and bow, hands still apart. 11, join hands, march to front, bow, and take seats.)
Miss P.—Well, of all the poems I ever heard!
Miriam—Yes, warn’t it a nice one, teacher? Hanner Ann Jenkins is goin’ to hang ’em each a present for speakin’ it, ’n ma’s goin’ to hang one for Hanner Ann for writin’ it. She wouldn’t take a cent, ’n it took her three hours. It’s wuth ten cents an hour, ma says, ’n that there present’s goin’ to be wuth every bit of thutty cents.
Miss P.—But—
Aunt Hepsey—Least said soonest mended, child. Best keep still, and go on with the programmy.
Miss P.—Music by the orchestra. “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night.” (Peter, Jacob, Rhoda, Miriam, Betsey, and Sammy come out.) (Sammy has a drum, Peter “bones” or “clappers,” Jacob a jewsharp, or harmonica if he can play the tune on it, Rhoda has a triangle, and Miriam and Betsey have paper covered combs.)
Hiram—(from doorway) Shell I come, teacher? I’m all rigged out in these doodads.
Miss P.—Yes, come and take your part. Santa Claus has a right to whistle at a Christmas entertainment.
(Hiram takes place in line, and whistles the tune. Any other tune will do as well, providing it is old-fashioned. They should have some difficulty in getting started. Miss P. “beats time” with a ruler.)
Aunt Hepsey—(at close) Wal, wal! So that’s an orchestry! I’ve often read in the papers, “Music by sech and sech an orchestry,” but I never knowed what an orchestry was. They did real well I’m sure. They’d ought to hev a wong kore piece. The folks’ll be sure to clap ’em back.
Miss P.—They have, Aunt Hepsey. Play “Glory Hallelujah,” children.
(They do so.)
Hiram—Now shall we play “Ole Hundred”?
Miss P.—No, that is to conclude the programme. That will do.
(They take seats.)
Miss P.—Next is a song by Faith Toothacre, “A Christmas Fairy.”
(Faith runs from entry, dressed as a fairy, in short white skirts, with many ruffles, paper wings, flowing hair, with a paper crown, and a long slender stick in her hand. Bows lightly and waves wand.)
Faith—Ma, she ain’t got the star fastened to the end of my wand yet, and she said this’d have to do till to-night. It’s the peskiest thing she ever tried to make stay, she says, but it’s got to stay, somehow.
Miss P.—Very well. Now sing. (Faith starts it, first too low, then too high, then Miss P. starts it, and she sings.)
Faith—(sings) Tune: “Lightly Row.”
Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, comes the Christmas Fairy, oh.Brightly,1oh, sprightly, oh, tripping2o’er the snow.Coming3from a land of light, just to make your Christmas bright.Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, tripping2o’er the snow.Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, weaveth she a spell, just so.To4and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.Singeth she a carol sweet, as5she comes with dancing feet,To4and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.Clear6the way, clear the way, for the happy Christmas Fay.Joy7she brings on8her wings, as she softly sings.Spreading9cheer and joy and mirth, over all the snow clad earth,Light10and gay, light and gay, comes the Christmas Fay.
Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, comes the Christmas Fairy, oh.Brightly,1oh, sprightly, oh, tripping2o’er the snow.Coming3from a land of light, just to make your Christmas bright.Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, tripping2o’er the snow.Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, weaveth she a spell, just so.To4and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.Singeth she a carol sweet, as5she comes with dancing feet,To4and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.Clear6the way, clear the way, for the happy Christmas Fay.Joy7she brings on8her wings, as she softly sings.Spreading9cheer and joy and mirth, over all the snow clad earth,Light10and gay, light and gay, comes the Christmas Fay.
Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, comes the Christmas Fairy, oh.
Brightly,1oh, sprightly, oh, tripping2o’er the snow.
Coming3from a land of light, just to make your Christmas bright.
Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, tripping2o’er the snow.
Lightly,1oh, lightly, oh, weaveth she a spell, just so.
To4and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.
Singeth she a carol sweet, as5she comes with dancing feet,
To4and fro, to and fro, tripping o’er the snow.
Clear6the way, clear the way, for the happy Christmas Fay.
Joy7she brings on8her wings, as she softly sings.
Spreading9cheer and joy and mirth, over all the snow clad earth,
Light10and gay, light and gay, comes the Christmas Fay.
(Motions—1, sway wand lightly, to and fro. 2, trip lightly to one side, (at next 2, trip back.) 3, wand high, to right, bring down, obliquely. 4, trip back and forth, a few steps. 5, stand still in place, but dance lightly up and down. 6, wand to left, against body, bring to right, and out, with sweeping motion. 7, hands out, in front. 8, look around, over left shoulder, at wing. 9, wave wand low. 10, hold wand high, dance around in place. At close, bow airily, and dance to seat.)
Aunt Hepsey—Wal, ef that aint the purtiest thing I ever saw! And Fay makes a sweet fairy. Now you writ that, I’m sure, Miss Peppergrass. Oh, you needn’t acknowlidge it, ’nless you wanter, kaze I kin tell, by the way you blush, ’n simper. You needn’t be ’fraid ter own it, fer it’s as good as anythin’ Longfeller ever writ, I’m sure.
Miss P.—Next a recitation by Johnny Lowe—“Hang Up Your Stocking.”
Johnny—(he speaks very low and fast.)
Hang up your stockin’ on Christmas Eve;That is, if you’ve been good,And don’t disobey, nor try to deceive,But do as a little boy should.For if you’re good, there’ll be sugarplums,And toys in it, too, I know.But if you’re bad, there’ll be just a stickTo wallop you with. Oh, ho!
Hang up your stockin’ on Christmas Eve;That is, if you’ve been good,And don’t disobey, nor try to deceive,But do as a little boy should.For if you’re good, there’ll be sugarplums,And toys in it, too, I know.But if you’re bad, there’ll be just a stickTo wallop you with. Oh, ho!
Hang up your stockin’ on Christmas Eve;
That is, if you’ve been good,
And don’t disobey, nor try to deceive,
But do as a little boy should.
For if you’re good, there’ll be sugarplums,
And toys in it, too, I know.
But if you’re bad, there’ll be just a stick
To wallop you with. Oh, ho!
Aunt Hepsey—Massy me, Johnny! I couldn’t hear a word of it. What was it about?
Miss P.—Say it louder, Johnny.
Johnny—Yes’m. (says first line very loud and fast.)
Miss P.—No, no, Johnny. Say it slower. (Johnny says two lines, very slowly.)
Miss P.—A little faster, Johnny, and loud, too. (Johnny tries again, and does well, but speaks very loud.)
Aunt Hepsey—Wal, even deef old Joe kin hear that, I reckin.
Miss P.—Recitation by Sally Whittaker. (Sally comes out, and puts finger in mouth a minute, then bows, puts in finger again, takes it out, bows again. Does so two or three times.)
Miss P.—Speak your piece, Sally, like a nice girl.
Sally—I’th forgot it.
Miss P.—The oak—
Sally—Oh yes, the oak.
The oak an’ the apple, the pine and the peath,Are very fine treeth, you thee.But the betht tree I know, with the bethtetht fruitIth that tree—the Chrithmuth tree. (Points to tree.)
The oak an’ the apple, the pine and the peath,Are very fine treeth, you thee.But the betht tree I know, with the bethtetht fruitIth that tree—the Chrithmuth tree. (Points to tree.)
The oak an’ the apple, the pine and the peath,
Are very fine treeth, you thee.
But the betht tree I know, with the bethtetht fruit
Ith that tree—the Chrithmuth tree. (Points to tree.)
Aunt Hepsy—Good for you, Sally.
Miss P.—Next, a recitation by Patience Toothacre, “Watching for Santa.”
(Patty comes from entry, dressed in long nightie. She has bare feet and flowing hair, and carries a candle.)
Aunt Hepsy—For the land sakes, Patty Toothacre! Go dress yourself.
Patty—(indignantly) Iisdressed, underneath. This is my—my—
Reuben—Cuss tune.
Miss P.—Reuben!
Reuben—That’s what you called it.
Patty—
I’se watching for Santa. I hope he’ll come soon.’Cause every one’s ’sleep in this house except me.He hasn’t come yet, for my stocking’s not filled,I lit me a candle and crept down to see.I’ll sit1down and watch for him, here on the floor.And tell him I need a new dolly to-night.My eyes2are so sleepy I just have to shut ’em,3But4I’ll keep awake to catch Santa, all right.5
I’se watching for Santa. I hope he’ll come soon.’Cause every one’s ’sleep in this house except me.He hasn’t come yet, for my stocking’s not filled,I lit me a candle and crept down to see.I’ll sit1down and watch for him, here on the floor.And tell him I need a new dolly to-night.My eyes2are so sleepy I just have to shut ’em,3But4I’ll keep awake to catch Santa, all right.5
I’se watching for Santa. I hope he’ll come soon.’Cause every one’s ’sleep in this house except me.He hasn’t come yet, for my stocking’s not filled,I lit me a candle and crept down to see.
I’se watching for Santa. I hope he’ll come soon.
’Cause every one’s ’sleep in this house except me.
He hasn’t come yet, for my stocking’s not filled,
I lit me a candle and crept down to see.
I’ll sit1down and watch for him, here on the floor.And tell him I need a new dolly to-night.My eyes2are so sleepy I just have to shut ’em,3But4I’ll keep awake to catch Santa, all right.5
I’ll sit1down and watch for him, here on the floor.
And tell him I need a new dolly to-night.
My eyes2are so sleepy I just have to shut ’em,3
But4I’ll keep awake to catch Santa, all right.5
(Motions—1, sits down. 2, rubs eyes. 3, closes eyes. 4, lies down on floor. 5, sit up, open eyes, stretch sleepily, lie down and go to sleep. Hi tiptoes in, and carries her out.)
Miss P.—Now the orchestra will play the closing piece, (to Sammy, who is wildly waving hand) What is it, Sammy?
Sammy—Please kin I g’wout?
Miss P.—Yes. (Sammy tiptoes out. Orchestra begins “Old Hundred,” and Sammy bursts wildly in.)
Sammy—Teacher, oh teacher! Somebody’s been and gone and done it! I told you they would! I told you so! Oh dear! Oh dear!
Miss P.—Why, Sammy, what is the matter? What has happened?
Sammy—Somebody’s gone and stole that ere tree!
(School breaks up in wild confusion, every one running out to see.)
Christmas Entertainments
CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER.A new Christmas play by Elizabeth F. Guptill that abounds in clean, wholesome fun from beginning to end. It depicts the trials of the teacher of an old-fashioned “deestric school” in conducting the last rehearsal for the Christmas Entertainment. Some of the pupils are in “custom,” as big Jake puts it, and “Sandy Claus” is there. The children go through their parts with gusto and more or less success. May be given in any schoolroom by any number. Easy to produce. Costumes simple. Children and grown-ups will be delighted with CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER. Price, 15 cents.
A TOPSY TURVY CHRISTMAS.Another new Christmas play by Elizabeth F. Guptill. It is decidedly humorous from start to finish. The characters are strong and at every turn of the play there is a happy surprise for the audience. The children are tired of “minding,” and the everything being “just so,” so they start to find a place where they will find things different. They find it in Topsy Turvy Land, where they have strange experiences. When at last they have a Topsy Turvy Christmas, they are ready to go home and be satisfied with things just as they are. May be given in any schoolroom by any number of children not less than fifteen. In two short scenes. This clever play will prove a sure winner wherever produced. Price, 15 cents.
CHRISTMAS AT McCARTHY’S.Elizabeth P. Guptill. Here is a new Christmas play for the older children and as many young children as are available. It combines in a marked degree the gentlest pathos and the most sparkling humor. Several nationalities are represented in the tenement and there is opportunity for the introduction of specialties if desired. Circumstances cause Elsie, the tenement orphan, to believe Jimmy, the newsboy, will buy her a Christmas present, and it seems it is up to Jimmy to do it. Christmas is an unknown quantity at the tenement, but all agree that Elsie must not be disappointed, and plan to have one somehow. The entertainment is given by the “inhabitints thimsilves,” at McCarthy’s. In the midst of the fun, Elsie’s lost father walks in, and the finale is a general rejoicing. Price, 25c.
CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES.By Cecil J. Richmond. A book full of the choicest new and original dialogues for Christmas, parts for both boys and girls being well provided for. Some are for the little folks, in rhyme, some are for intermediate grades, and others for older children. Every dialogue in this book is decidedly to the point and easy to prepare. They will delight young and old alike. Contents: Is There a Santa Claus? 2 small children, Santa Claus and chorus; Herbert’s Discovery, 2 boys; The Christmas Dinner, 2 little girls, 1 larger girl and 2 boys; Playing Santa Claus, 1 small and 2 larger boys; A Double Christmas Gift, 2 small girls, 2 larger girls, and 3 boys. Price, 15 cents.
EVERGREEN AND HOLLY—SONG AND DRILL.By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A drill for any even number of boys and girls, or all girls. The girls carry garlands of evergreen while the boys carry wreaths of the same. After a spectacular drill and fancy march they all sing a beautiful Christmas song, which accompanies the drill. Following the song they wind a spiral to the center of the stage, unwind same and march off. Complete instructions are given. It is the best Christmas drill ever published; easy to produce and decidedly novel. Price, 15 cents.
PEARL’S CHRISTMAS.Original, pleasing and interesting Christmas dialogue with an excellent moral, for 3 boys and 4 girls. Price, 5 cents; seven copies, 25 cents.
SITTING UP FOR SANTA CLAUS.A humorous dialogue for 6 girls, 5 boys, and Santa Claus. If you expect to have a Christmas entertainment, you surely want this. Single copy, 10 cents; or 10 copies, 60 cents.
Paine Publishing Company, Dayton, Ohio
READINGS AND RECITATIONSCOMIC ENTERTAINER, THE.An up-to-date collection of the choicest humor. Such a variety in prose and poetry as to suit almost any occasion. The book also contains four monologues, two for male and two for female characters; also four short dialogues. Price, thirty cents.HUMOROUS MONOLOGUES.By Mayme R. Bitney. A fine collection of twenty-nine original monologues designed for the use of the amateur and the professional monologist. Practically suitable for ladies. The author has brought out with skill the humorous incidents that help make up the life of the country girl and woman, while the fashionable woman of the city, who is interested in parties, teas and golf, is just as truthfully depicted. Price, thirty cents.THE EXCELLENT SCHOOL SPEAKER.The “Excellent”—is true to name. A book of over one hundred pages, especially compiled for us by C. S. Bradford, containing selections of poetry and prose, new and fresh. Full of good things. You can make no mistake in securing this speaker. Price, fifteen cents.HOWE’S COMIC SCHOOL SPEAKER.Full of short, pithy, comic, and humorous recitations. This book should be in every school. Price, fifteen cents.HOWE’S EXHIBITION SCHOOL SPEAKER.Contains about one hundred pages of selections of great range from the choicest literature of our country, suitable for schools, homes and exhibitions. It is the best thing out. Send for it. Price, fifteen cents.THE JUVENILE SPEAKER.Every piece in this little book can be used and is worthy of its place in this useful work. It is undoubtedly the best book of the kind, for the money, published; and is highly recommended by teachers everywhere. Price, twenty cents.LITTLE PIECES FOR LITTLE PEOPLE.Each set has twenty cards containing twenty-nine bright, pretty recitations for boys and girls, from five to ten years of age. Teachers like the pieces because of their convenient form. Being printed on cards, all wearisome copying is avoided. Price, fifteen cents.MONOLOGUES FOR YOUNG FOLKS.By Mayme Riddle Bitney. Fifty-four original, clever, humorous monologues for young people from six to sixteen, or for monologists who impersonate children. A recitation may be a recounting of incidents, but a monologue has action; it becomes alive, and you are carried along with intense interest. A great variety of subjects. Also twenty-eight selections as follows: For Washington’s Birthday (4). For Labor Day (4). For Memorial Day, Flag Day, and other Patriotic Occasions (3). For Thanksgiving Day (8). For Christmas (9). Price, thirty cents.RECITATIONS FOR PRIMARY GRADES, ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE.By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A collection of an unusual sort. Every one is as interesting as a story, and every one has a very decided point. Not a recitation in the collection that is dull or impractical. Price, fifteen cents.THE NORMAL SPEAKER.A book suited to the wants of all, from the smallest school-child to the oldest reader. Do you want the most eloquent passages ever delivered by our greatest orators? Do you want the most soul-stirring patriotism? Do you want the purest, tenderest and most ennobling pathos? Do you want the most droll, eccentric and ludicrous descriptions and characterizations? Do you want the richest, rarest and most side-splitting humor? Do you want to arouse a new interest in literature and elocution among your pupils? Do you want the selections recited by the most eminent elocutionists? Do you want the cream, the quintessence of all that is suitable for reading or declaiming in schools, exhibitions, literary societies, picnics, or in the family or private reading room? Buy the Normal Speaker and you will be sure to find in it something that will supply your wants. Price, thirty cents.Our large Entertainment Catalogue sent on request.PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY, DAYTON, OHIO.
READINGS AND RECITATIONS
COMIC ENTERTAINER, THE.An up-to-date collection of the choicest humor. Such a variety in prose and poetry as to suit almost any occasion. The book also contains four monologues, two for male and two for female characters; also four short dialogues. Price, thirty cents.
HUMOROUS MONOLOGUES.By Mayme R. Bitney. A fine collection of twenty-nine original monologues designed for the use of the amateur and the professional monologist. Practically suitable for ladies. The author has brought out with skill the humorous incidents that help make up the life of the country girl and woman, while the fashionable woman of the city, who is interested in parties, teas and golf, is just as truthfully depicted. Price, thirty cents.
THE EXCELLENT SCHOOL SPEAKER.The “Excellent”—is true to name. A book of over one hundred pages, especially compiled for us by C. S. Bradford, containing selections of poetry and prose, new and fresh. Full of good things. You can make no mistake in securing this speaker. Price, fifteen cents.
HOWE’S COMIC SCHOOL SPEAKER.Full of short, pithy, comic, and humorous recitations. This book should be in every school. Price, fifteen cents.
HOWE’S EXHIBITION SCHOOL SPEAKER.Contains about one hundred pages of selections of great range from the choicest literature of our country, suitable for schools, homes and exhibitions. It is the best thing out. Send for it. Price, fifteen cents.
THE JUVENILE SPEAKER.Every piece in this little book can be used and is worthy of its place in this useful work. It is undoubtedly the best book of the kind, for the money, published; and is highly recommended by teachers everywhere. Price, twenty cents.
LITTLE PIECES FOR LITTLE PEOPLE.Each set has twenty cards containing twenty-nine bright, pretty recitations for boys and girls, from five to ten years of age. Teachers like the pieces because of their convenient form. Being printed on cards, all wearisome copying is avoided. Price, fifteen cents.
MONOLOGUES FOR YOUNG FOLKS.By Mayme Riddle Bitney. Fifty-four original, clever, humorous monologues for young people from six to sixteen, or for monologists who impersonate children. A recitation may be a recounting of incidents, but a monologue has action; it becomes alive, and you are carried along with intense interest. A great variety of subjects. Also twenty-eight selections as follows: For Washington’s Birthday (4). For Labor Day (4). For Memorial Day, Flag Day, and other Patriotic Occasions (3). For Thanksgiving Day (8). For Christmas (9). Price, thirty cents.
RECITATIONS FOR PRIMARY GRADES, ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE.By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A collection of an unusual sort. Every one is as interesting as a story, and every one has a very decided point. Not a recitation in the collection that is dull or impractical. Price, fifteen cents.
THE NORMAL SPEAKER.A book suited to the wants of all, from the smallest school-child to the oldest reader. Do you want the most eloquent passages ever delivered by our greatest orators? Do you want the most soul-stirring patriotism? Do you want the purest, tenderest and most ennobling pathos? Do you want the most droll, eccentric and ludicrous descriptions and characterizations? Do you want the richest, rarest and most side-splitting humor? Do you want to arouse a new interest in literature and elocution among your pupils? Do you want the selections recited by the most eminent elocutionists? Do you want the cream, the quintessence of all that is suitable for reading or declaiming in schools, exhibitions, literary societies, picnics, or in the family or private reading room? Buy the Normal Speaker and you will be sure to find in it something that will supply your wants. Price, thirty cents.
Our large Entertainment Catalogue sent on request.
PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY, DAYTON, OHIO.
Transcriber’s Notes:Play changes characters names to nicknames and back again at times. Dialect is inconsistent in spelling. For example “haint” and “hain’t.” Obvious punctuation errors repaired.Page 4, “rehease” changed to “rehearse” (rehearse your parts)Page 5, “On” changed to “Oh” (Oh no, Reuben)Page 11, “fashinoned” changed to “fashioned” (in the old-fashioned)Page 15, superscript 24 changed to 21. (No, by hemlock!21)Page 19, “going’” changed to “goin’” (goin’ to hang one for)Page 22, “Hallelulah” changed to “Hallelujah” (Glory Hallelujah)Back cover: “Chistmas” changed to “Christmas” (sing a beautiful Christmas)
Transcriber’s Notes:
Play changes characters names to nicknames and back again at times. Dialect is inconsistent in spelling. For example “haint” and “hain’t.” Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
Page 4, “rehease” changed to “rehearse” (rehearse your parts)
Page 5, “On” changed to “Oh” (Oh no, Reuben)
Page 11, “fashinoned” changed to “fashioned” (in the old-fashioned)
Page 15, superscript 24 changed to 21. (No, by hemlock!21)
Page 19, “going’” changed to “goin’” (goin’ to hang one for)
Page 22, “Hallelulah” changed to “Hallelujah” (Glory Hallelujah)
Back cover: “Chistmas” changed to “Christmas” (sing a beautiful Christmas)