The girls in white wear one red and one blue streamer, those in red wear a blue and a white streamer, while those in blue wear a red and a white one. A bow in the hair, of the same colors as the streamers, is also pretty.
The girls in white wear one red and one blue streamer, those in red wear a blue and a white streamer, while those in blue wear a red and a white one. A bow in the hair, of the same colors as the streamers, is also pretty.
March and Song
Music: A march.
GIRLS enter at back of stage, in single file, reds first, then those in white and lastly the blues, one streamer held in each hand, arms hanging at full length at sides. March once around stage in a circle, then on reaching center of back come down center of stage to front, where first girl goes to right, second to left, etc., pass to corners of front, up sides, across to center of back, form couples and march down center of stage in couples.
At front first couple turns to right, second to left, thirdto right, etc., go to corners of front, up sides, across to back, form fours and march down center to front. As they reach the front in lines of four each, the three girls nearest the right of stage—a red, a white and a blue—pass to the right. As the girl in blue comes to front before turning, the next three—a red, a white and a blue—follow her. At the same time the three nearest the left of stage pass to left corner and the next three follow them. This makes two files of Red, White and Blue, one from either side, which pass to corners of front, up sides, then those passing up left side on reaching corner of back march in a diagonal line to right corner of front, while the others pass from right corner of back to left corner of front. As the lines cross at center of stage first girl from right goes in front of first girl from the left, then second girl from right in front of second girl from left, and so on. Each line crosses front of stage to opposite corner, those from the right corner keeping to the right of the other line as the files pass. March up sides of stage, then across to center of back, where the first three on the line that marched up right side form the first row, the first three on the line from the left side form the second row, second three from the right form the third row and the others the fourth row, and they march down center of stage three abreast, in the following order : B, W, R, leading; R, W, B; B, W, R; R, W, B. On reaching front of stage the three of first row pass toward left corner, second row passes toward right corner, next three follow the first row toward left and last row follows second row to right. They stand in curved line at front, thus:
R W B R W B B W R B W R
Music now charges toCOLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEANand the girls sing the following verses. On opening line of each stanza girls bow low, and duringchorus they all join hands, extending them to the front and swinging streamers from side to side.
Oh, we are the Civil War Daughters,With hearts that are loving and true;From Maine to Pacific's blue waters,We honor the soldiers in blue.We sing of their danger and suff'ring,We sing of their courage and might,When to save their flag from destruction,These boys stood so firm for the right.
Chorus:Three cheers for the soldier in blue,Three cheers for his loyalty true;Let us honor his name with ovation,And give to the soldier his due.Oh, we are the Civil War Daughters,We sing of the March to the Sea;And we sing of Vicksburg's close quarters,Of Shiloh where blood flowed so free.Though years have gone by since that conflict,And the soldiers are passing away,We hold them in loving remembrance:True Blue—once partly loyal Gray.
Chorus:Three cheers for the soldier, etc.
March music is resumed, those nearest left of stage face left, the other six face the right of stage, lines march to right and left corners of front, up sides of stage, from corners of back in diagonal lines to center of front, where lines cross, first girl from the right going ahead of first girl from the left, second from the right goes ahead of second from left, etc. Pass to corners of front, up sides, stop in lines six abreast along sides of stage, those on left facing right of stage and vice versa. Mark time, then march six abreast to center, halt, couples facing each other.
Raise hands holding streamers high, fingers of each couple touching. Stand thus for several measures of music, then those of the right-hand line march to front, the other line standing until the last one of the right line reaches front of stage, when the first one of the left-hand line leads that line to front and they follow the first six, making a single file which passes to right corner of stage, up to center of right, whence the line marches thus:
Where they cross at center of stage No. 1 goes in front of No. 7, No. 2 in front of No. 8, etc. On returning to center of right side the file passes up to right corner of back, then across back of stage, forming in two lines of six each at center-back, march six abreast down to near-front and halt in lines for the drill.
Drill and Song
Grasp streamers where hands touch them when arms hang full length, raise hands holding streamers and place on center of breast.
A. Right hand out at side, arm's length, and back, four times.
B. Left hand out at side, and back, four times.
C. Both hands at sides, and back, four times.
D. Right hand upward and outward, arm's length, and back, four times.
E. Left hand, same movement, and back, four times.
F. Both hands up, forming V, and back, four times.
G. Right hand down at side, arm's length, and back, four times.
H. Left hand down at side, and back, four times.
I. Both hands down at sides, and back, four times.
J. Right hand straight out in front of body, and back, four times.
K. Left hand in front of body, and back, four times.
L. Both hands in front of body, and back, four times.
M. Both hands on hips, down at sides and back to hips, four times.
N. Raise right hand above right shoulder and hold left hand down and out from side till streamers are stretched tight, then lower the right hand and raise the left, reversing position of streamers, four times.
O. With hands at center of breast raise right hand straight up from shoulder and left down, arm's length at side, and back, four times, then left hand up above shoulder and right hand down, and back, four times.
P. Hands meet above head, arms curved, ends of streamers hanging back of head, and back, four times.
Q. All kneel on left knee, raise both hands up, arm's length, girls on first line touching hands together, back line the same, hold position for several measures, then rise and sing, to tune ofYANKEE DOODLE:
We are the Civil War Daughters,We're brave as all creation;And though we've never been to war,We stand up for our nation.
While singing the chorus those of each line join hands, holding them just a little higher than shoulders, then step out with right foot and bring it back to place, once for each measure of music.
Chorus:Honor to the soldier's name!Sing the wond'rous storyOf the splendid fight he madeWhen led on by Old Glory.Our grandsires fought in that great war,Fathers, and uncles, too, sir,And that's the very reason whyWe love Red, White and Blue, sir.Chorus: Honor to the soldier's name, etc.
At close of song the march music is resumed, those on front line pass to right corner, others follow, all pass up right side of stage, in single file. From right corner of back the leader takes file around stage in a large circle, then a smaller circle, etc., until smallest circle possible for girls to march around is reached, thus:
When all are in a circle at center of stage, they raise hands on inside of circle and point upward towards center, hands touching, holding streamers. March once around this way, then all turn and march in opposite direction, once around in circle, raising the outside hands, and holding streamers high. Then all turn and march in opposite direction once around circle, this time raising both hands up until fingers meet above head, lowering to side, raising again, etc. Then those in red march to left corner of front of stage, those in blue to right corner of front, while those in white come down center to front. Those in red pass across front to right corner as those in blue pass to left corner. Those in white wait at front of stage and as the reds and blues cross front two girls in white follow the reds, the other two follow the blues, the two lines pass up sides of stage and off at back.
THE BLUE AND THE GRAY ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK
Marie Irish
A DRILL AND MEDLEY FOR FROM TWENTY TO FORTY CHILDREN OF VARIOUS GRADES
Characters and Costumes: The part of Goddess of Liberty should be taken by a young lady with strong voice who recites well. She should dress in white, hair flowing, gilt crown, drapery of red-white-and-blue, and carry a flag. If desired this part may be taken by a boy dressed in patriotic costume to represent Uncle Sam. Or a good effect is obtained by having both take part, Liberty and Uncle Sam taking turns in reciting. If possible to obtain so many, have twelve little girls take part in the Call of the Flag march. These girls should be dressed in white with patriotic sashes or red-white-and-blue streamers on left shoulder, and all carry flags. The Response of the Soldier march is given by twelve boys of various sizes, wearing dark suits, one of whom carries a drum and the others carry guns. If desired some of the same boys may take part in this who take part in the Blue and Gray drill. The latter drill is given by at least sixteen boys, grammar grade, eight of whom dress in blue and eight in gray. One of the boys in blue carries a U. S. flag, and one of those in gray carries a Confederate flag; the rest carry guns.
Characters and Costumes: The part of Goddess of Liberty should be taken by a young lady with strong voice who recites well. She should dress in white, hair flowing, gilt crown, drapery of red-white-and-blue, and carry a flag. If desired this part may be taken by a boy dressed in patriotic costume to represent Uncle Sam. Or a good effect is obtained by having both take part, Liberty and Uncle Sam taking turns in reciting. If possible to obtain so many, have twelve little girls take part in the Call of the Flag march. These girls should be dressed in white with patriotic sashes or red-white-and-blue streamers on left shoulder, and all carry flags. The Response of the Soldier march is given by twelve boys of various sizes, wearing dark suits, one of whom carries a drum and the others carry guns. If desired some of the same boys may take part in this who take part in the Blue and Gray drill. The latter drill is given by at least sixteen boys, grammar grade, eight of whom dress in blue and eight in gray. One of the boys in blue carries a U. S. flag, and one of those in gray carries a Confederate flag; the rest carry guns.
TO THE strains ofYANKEE DOODLEthe Goddess of Liberty comes onto stage, marches down left side, from left corner front in a diagonal line to center of back, down to right corner front, up right side, across to center of back and halts. Music ceases and the little "flag girls" march in, half from each side of stage, half way between Liberty and front of stage. The files pass across stage and off at opposite sides, turn and march on again, meet at center of stage, form couples, first couple turns and passes off at right side, second couple at left side, etc., thus:
The flag is carried in right hand, arm hanging at side, flag resting against right shoulder. While this march is being given as silently as possible, Liberty recites in strong, clear voice and a great deal of feeling the following medley:
THE CALL OF THE FLAG
"Speed our Republic, O Father on high!Lead us in pathways of justice and right;Hail! three times hail to our country and flag!Girdle with virtue the armor of might.""No refuge could save the hireling and slave,From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth waveO'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.""'A song for our banner?' The watchword recallWhich gave the Republic her station:'United we stand—divided we fall';It made and preserves us a nation.""Up with our banner bright,Sprinkled with starry light,Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,While through the sounding skyLoud rings the Nation's cry—UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!"
The girls' march should be arranged to close about the time Liberty finishes speaking. One verse and chorus ofMARCHING THROUGH GEORGIAis then played and as music ceases the small boys come on and march in thesame way as the girls did, the drummer boy beating time softly, occasionally. While the boys march Liberty speaks:
THE RESPONSE OF THE SOLDIER
"War!war!war!Heaven aid the right!God move the hero's arm in the fearful fight!God send the women sleep in the long, long night.""Never or now! cries the blood of a nation,Poured on the turf where the red rose should bloom.Now is the day and the hour of salvation;Never or now! peals the trumpet of doom!""Lay down the axe, fling by the spade,Leave in its track the toiling plough;The rifle and the bayonet-bladeFor arms like yours are fitter now:"And let the hands that ply the penQuit the light task and learn to wieldThe horseman's crooked brand, and reinThe charger on the battle-field.""And how can a man die betterThan facing fearful oddsFor the ashes of his fathersAnd the temple of his gods?"
As Liberty concludes the lines and the boys march off, one verse and chorus ofCOLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN, is played, then music changed to a patriotic march and the boys in Blue and Gray march on in two companies. Grays come on at front corner of right and Blues at front corner of left, march up sides of stage, across to near-center of back, down to front of stage,to corners, up sides and at corners of back second boy in each line steps up by first, fourth by third, etc., and form double files. March to near-center of stage, down center to front, up sides, and at corners of back each company forms fours, march half way down stage and halt in lines of four each, thus:
Liberty
G G G G B B B BG G G G B B B B
Music stops and Liberty recites:
THE CONTEST
The above lines are recited rather rapidly until number 17 is reached, the last four being given slowly and sadly. When marching in the boys hold guns in right hand, arm full length at side, gun resting against right shoulder. While Liberty recites the boys go through following movements, corresponding to the numbers of the lines of the medley: 1. Salute, by raising left hand until the forefinger touches forehead above left eye, thumb and fingers extended, palm to right. Drop arm at side. 2. Lines of Grays face left of stage, and Blues face the right. 3 and 4. All mark time as if marching rapidly. 5. Rest butt of gun on floor, arms hanging naturally at sides, right hand holding the barrel between thumb and fingers. 6. Raise gun and move to position in front of body, barrel in front of face, hold with both hands, left above the right. 7. Hold gun diagonally across chest, barrel resting on left shoulder and butt against right thigh. 8. Blues take steady aim at Grays, and vice versa. 9. Arrange for some noise at side of stage to represent firing. 10 and 11. Blues kneel and aim at Grays, and vice versa. 12. More "booming" behind scenes. 13. Rise and each company retreats backward a step, holding guns at right sides. 14. Come forward toward center, quickly, and aim. 15. Rest guns. 16. Bring guns to position and mark time as if marching rapidly. 17. Each company faces front of stage, stack guns in lots of four each and then sit on floor in lines of four, facing front of stage. Music is resumed andJOHN BROWN'S BODYis played through once, then Liberty steps forward to front of stage and recites:
"The sun had sunk into the distant west;The cannon ceased to roar, which tell of rest—Rest from the shedding of a nation's blood,Rest to lay their comrades 'neath the sod."'Twas early spring, and calm and still the night;The moon had risen casting silvery light;On either side of stream the armies layWaiting for morn to renew the fray."The Rappahannock silently flowed on,Between the hills so fair to look upon;Whose dancing waters tingled with silvery light,Vied in their beauty with the starry night."But list! from northern hills there steal alongThe softest strains of music and of song——"
A good effect is obtained by turning off lights during the music ofJOHN BROWN'S BODYso stage is dim during the speaking and the singing. As Liberty pauses the Boys in Blue sing a stanza ofTHE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. When they finish, the Boys in Gray sing a stanza ofDIXIE LAND. It is a good plan to have a chorus of voices behind the scenes help with the singing of both songs, to give more force to them. As last song is finished lights are turned on, Liberty resumes her place at back of stage, boys rise, leave guns, Boy in Gray leaves his Confederate flag, all march to near-front of stage and form across in two lines of eight each, thus:
G B G B G B G BB G B G B G B G
The little girls in white who carried flags now march in and stand in a row back of the boys, Liberty stands just back of the line of girls.
Liberty recites:
"The fiercest agonies have the shortest reign,And after dreams of horror comes againThe welcome morning with its rays of peace."
The little girls recite in concert:
"Peace! and no longer from its brazen portalsThe blast of War's great organ shakes the skies!But beautiful as songs of the immortalsThe holy melodies of love arise."
All the boys recite together:
"The union of lakes, the union of lands,The union of States none can sever;The union of hearts, the union of hands,And the flag of our Union forever."
Liberty waves her flag, the girls with flags wave them above the heads of the Boys in Blue and Gray, each boy in blue joins right hand with a boy in gray, and everyone sings the first stanza ofMY COUNTRY, 'TIS OF THEE. Colored light may be thrown upon the scene for a tableau and then the curtain dropped, or Liberty may come to front of stage, lead the boys (who follow in single file), and then the little girls last, once around the stage and then off.
PATRIOTIC SONG PANTOMIMES
Marie Irish
The Star-Spangled Banner
HANG back of stage with dark cloth, cover a box with dark material and to back or center of it fasten a large flag. Let the box stand four feet from wall so as to leave room to pass behind it.
If possible have ten girls of good size, ten small girls and ten boys take part, though this number may be reduced if necessary. All the girls dress in white with trimmings of red, white and blue and each carries a flag.As the music ofSTAR-SPANGLED BANNERbegins the large girls march on in two lines, half coming from right and half from left. After them come the small girls, half from each side, all march and take places thus:
They stand motionless, with flags at right side until music reaches words, "Oh! say, does the star-spangled banner still wave," then all raise flags and wave them. As music of second stanza begins, the girls hold flags again at sides, and the boys march in, each one carrying an air-gun or rifle. They come on stage, half from right and half from left, marching slowly and carefully. As the boys get nearly to center of stage each girl quickly raises her flag, takes aim with it as though it were a gun, pointing it at line of boys. The boys stop as if in fear, then pass quickly from stage, those from the right going off at left, and those from left going off at right. Then as the music reaches the refrain, sing the words of third stanza instead of second, the boys helping behind scenes and all singing with spirit, "And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave," the girls waving their flags. A fine effect may be obtained by burning colored light[K]during the singing.
[K]The colored light referred to is what is known as Tableaux Light. It is put up in quarter-pound cans, each of one color, in Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and White. It may be had from the publishers of this book for per can, 30 cents; two for 55 cents; or four for $1.00; pre-paid.
[K]The colored light referred to is what is known as Tableaux Light. It is put up in quarter-pound cans, each of one color, in Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and White. It may be had from the publishers of this book for per can, 30 cents; two for 55 cents; or four for $1.00; pre-paid.
America
Hangback of stage with dark cloth, also cover with dark material a box that stands at center of back of stage. On this box, as curtain is drawn, stands a young lady dressed as Columbia, wearing white gown, drapery of red, white and blue bunting, and gilt crown on head. She holds in one hand a large flag and in the other six streamers made of cambric: two white, two red, and two blue, three or four inches wide and nearly two yards long. On either side of Columbia stand three girls, dressed in white and wearing sashes of red, white and blue, tied in a bow at side. Columbia holds streamers by one end and each girl holds the end of one. They stand thus:
As music of second stanza is begun they kneel, taking position as marked by crosses in the diagram. As music of third stanza is begun the girls rise, raise hands holding streamers, point upward, and gaze reverently heavenward. All sing very softly the words of stanza, "Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty," etc.
Swanee Ribber
Havethe words of the song sung by someone behind the scenes, the verse by one person and the chorus by a number of voices. Across the stage hang a curtain, leaving room in front for a person to walk. A young man, or tall boy, comes on stage with face blackened and wig of curled hair (made by sewing curled hair onto a circular piece of black cloth, then running a rubber cord around edge and drawing up to fit head[L]), wearing stiff hat, common dark suit and a large bright necktie. He stands in front of curtain at right of stage as the words are sung:
[L]These wigs may also be purchased, ready for use, from the publishers of this book.
[L]These wigs may also be purchased, ready for use, from the publishers of this book.
"'Way down upon de Swanee ribber,Far, far away,Dere's wha' my heart is turning ebber,Dere's wha' de old folks stay."
With head bent, hands in pockets and a dejected manner he walks slowly across stage to left and back to center during the words:
"All up and down de whole creationSadly I roam,Still longing for de old plantationAnd for de old folks at home."
He stands at center of front during singing of chorus:
"All de world am sad and dreary (hands extended at sides, arm's length)Eb'rywhere I roam; (hands brought together in front of body)Oh! darkies, how my heart grows weary (right hand over heart)Far from de old folks at home!" (left hand in pocket, head bowed on right hand, sad, dejected attitude)
At close of chorus the impersonator goes to right corner of front of stage and stands there during the second stanza. The curtain is now drawn, revealing two little darkey boys, scantily clothed, feet bare, and old hats on heads. They chase each other across back of stage during the words:
"All round de little farm I wanderedWhen I was young,Den many happy days I squander'd,Many de songs I sung;When I was playing with my brudderHappy was I;"
A girl with face blackened, bright cap on head, calico dress, large apron, and bright kerchief around neck comes on stage and one little darkey boy stands on either side of her as the words are sung:
"Oh! take me to my kind old mudder,Dere let me live and die."
The mother and little boys stand at back of stage during chorus, the young man comes out to near-center and acts chorus as before, except at the words, "Far from de old folks at home!" he turns and extends both arms toward the group at back of stage.
As third stanza is begun the mother and boys pass off and a young colored lady, gaily and gaudily dressed in bright colors, with a large, "much-trimmed" hat, comes on and stands at back of stage. She gazes off to side of stage and a young man, dressed about like one who does the acting, comes on carrying a banjo. She goes to meet him, they walk back to center of back, she sits on a stump of wood (or something to give an outdoor effect), and he sits at her feet and pretends to play the banjo. During the singing of this stanza the impersonator stands as before, at side of stage, but as chorus begins he comes toward center of front and acts as during second singingof chorus. The mother and two boys come back on and stand, tableau effect, beside the girl and boy with the banjo.
The Blue and the Gray
Hangback of stage with black cloth and fasten on wall, staffs crossed, two good-sized flags. A few feet from the back, with about four feet aisle between them, arrange two graves by using small boxes covered with dark cloth for the mounds and nailing at the head of each a white board for a stone. If it is not desired to have the words sung they may be recited by someone at side of stage. A girl dressed as a woman, all in black, comes on slowly, passes across back of stage from left to right, down right side, up to aisle between two mounds and kneels beside one of them as the stanza is read:
"By the flow of the inland river,Whence the fleets of iron have fled,Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver,Asleep are the ranks of the dead;Under the sod and the dew,Waiting the judgment day;Under the one, the Blue,Under the other, the Gray."
She rises and from a small basket which she carries she places a bouquet on the mound by which she knelt, then turns and places one on the other mound as the words are read:
"From the silence of sorrowful hours,The desolate mourners go,Lovingly laden with flowers,Alike for the friend and the foe;Under the sod and the dew,Waiting the judgment day;Under the roses, the Blue,Under the lilies, the Gray."
As stanza is finished she passes to back and stands by flags. Six girls in white, each carrying a small basket of flowers, march on at left back, pass to center, then down aisle between mounds to front; three turn to each side, pass around and stand in two lines of three each, one line on outside of each mound, both lines facing center, while stanza is read:
"So, with an equal splendor,The morning sun-rays fall,With a touch impartially tender,On the blossoms blooming for all;Under the sod and the dew,Waiting the judgment day;Broidered with gold, the Blue,Mellowed with gold, the Gray."
As the next stanza is begun the girls cover the mounds with flowers, then march back up the aisle between mounds and stand three on each side of girl in black by flags, finally all marching off stage when stanza is finished:
"No more shall the war cry sever,Or the winding rivers be red;They banish our anger for everWhen they laurel the graves of our dead.Under the sod and the dew,Waiting the judgment day;Love and tears for the Blue,Tears and love for the Gray."
—Francis Miles Finch
Auld Lang Syne
Thisshould be given by two as small children as can act it nicely: a little girl with hair powdered, long dark dress, white kerchief and apron, small black lace cap and spectacles,and a boy with glasses, powdered hair, long trousers, coat fixed by sewing black "swallow tails" onto a short dark coat, a white cravat and a stiff hat. As song begins they sit at a small table on which are cups and saucers and a tea-pot of tea. The girl pours out a cup of tea for each during the words:
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And never brought to mind?Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And days of auld lang syne?"
Then as the chorus is sung the boy rises and bows low, then sits and they raise cups, clink them and each takes a drink:
"For auld lang syne, my dear,For auld lang syne;We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,For auld lang syne."
They lean forward and appear to be talking during the words of second verse:
"We twa ha'e run aboot the braes,And pu'd the gowans fine;But we've wandered mony a weary footSin' auld lang syne."
During singing of chorus second time the girl rises, makes a courtesy to boy, then sits and they drink as before.
They stand and shake hands during the stanza:
"And here's a hand, my trusty frien',And gi'e's a hand o' thine;We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,For auld lang syne."
During the chorus each turns to table, takes up cup, both bow, clink cups and drink.
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean
Wordsare sung by a chorus of voices off stage. At center of stage have a pedestal—box covered with dark cloth will do—on which a girl dressed as Goddess of Liberty stands, holding a large flag. A number of girls in white, each with a small flag, come in and march in circle around Liberty as the words are sung:
"Oh, Columbia, the gem of the ocean,The home of the brave and the free,The shrine of each patriot's devotion,A world offers homage to thee."
Six boys march in and stand three on each side of Liberty, the line of girls standing back of the boys and waving flags during words:
"Thy mandates make heroes assemble,When Liberty's form stands in view;Thy banners make tyranny tremble,When borne by the red, white and blue."
During the chorus the boys stand in line in front of Liberty and the girls march around them, waving flags. Liberty waves flag also.
Half of the boys and half of the girls stand in lines on either side of Liberty and give salute to flag during the words[M]:
"'Old Glory,' to greet now come hither,With eyes full of love to the brim;May the wreaths of our heroes ne'er wither,Nor a star of their banner grow dim."
[M]The words in these four lines have been somewhat changed to fit the occasion.
[M]The words in these four lines have been somewhat changed to fit the occasion.
Then during the rest of the third stanza and the chorus the boys stand at back of Liberty, three on either side, and the girls kneel in tableau effect in front of her.
Home, Sweet Home
At backof stage arrange a family group around a small table on which are some flowers and a lamp. The mother is sewing, father reading, a little girl playing with a dolly, and a boy working examples. All look happy and cosy. As curtain is drawn revealing the scene, the first stanza ofHOME, SWEET HOMEis sung, and a young man in soldier uniform, carrying a gun over shoulder, marches back and forth across front of stage as if on duty, looking sad and lonely.
(If desired, instead of a family group the scene may disclose an elderly lady with bible on her knee.)
TABLEAUX
Marie Irish
When I'm a Man
ALITTLE boy wearing a soldier cap, a blue coat much too large for him, a sword buckled at his side, a gun in one hand and a flag in the other, stands in center of stage. As colored light[N]is thrown on the stage he speaks:
"When I'm a man, a big, tall man,I'll be a soldier, brave and true,I will fight my country's battles,Led on by the Red, White and Blue."
[N]See footnote, p. 124.
[N]See footnote, p. 124.
The Soldier's Farewell
Littleboy dressed as in preceding scene stands with a little girl who has on a long dress and hair done on top of head. She stands half turned away from the boy, who has a hand on her shoulder as if trying to comfort her. Her face is buried in her hands and she seems to weep as he recites:
"How can I bear to leave thee?It breaks my heart to grieve thee,But now, whate'er befalls me,I go where duty calls me."
The March of Civilization
A curtainis drawn, revealing at the back of a dimly-lighted stage an Indian tepee with several Indians standing near. A march is played and after several measures the others come onto stage. The line is led by boy dressed as Uncle Sam, who takes position at center of stage in front of tepee. On either side of him stands a soldier, and next to the soldiers stand sailors. The others arrange themselves in line, some on one side and some on other, some sitting on floor in front of line. One, with bible, dresses as minister, one as farmer with large straw hat and rake over shoulder. One as doctor, one as baker, one with tools as carpenter, etc. A girl dresses as nurse; another with gown and mortar-bored cap as a student; one has pen and scroll for writing; and another carries a typewriter, sits on floor with it in front of her and pretends to write on it. When all are in places colored light is thrown on scene and Uncle Sam recites:
"Onward, forward, with steady pace,Progress leads the American race;And 'neath her penetrating rayNew wonders come to light each day."
Liberty
A coloredboy, barefoot and scantily dressed in short trousers and colored shirt, with a white cloth around head for turban, stands fastened to a box with a chain. The box is covered with dark cloth and on it stands girl dressed as Liberty—long white robe, crown, a drapery of red, white and blue, and in her hand a flag. As light is turned on she looks sadly at boy, then waves her flag above him, and the chain which was lightly fastened drops to floor as boy gives it a pull. He looks at fallen chain, then sinks on knees and, raising hands, clasps them and gazes at Liberty as if asking help. Liberty waves flag above him.
Peace
On a daisat back of stage sits boy costumed as Uncle Sam, with a large flag. On one side of him stands Liberty, in white with drapery of red, white and blue, and gilt crown. On other side is Wisdom, wearing white dress with purple mantle fastened on right shoulder, bronze cap with plumes, sandals, and shield and spear by her side. To a side and a little in advance of Liberty stands Truth, all in white and carrying banner with "Truth" printed on it. By Wisdom stands Justice, in blue with scarlet mantle fastened on right shoulder and thrown back over left arm. In her right hand she holds a pair of scales and her left rests on a sword. Kneeling at right corner of dais is Ceres, the goddess of corn and harvests, dressed in yellow trimmed with grain, her left hand on sheaf of wheat, her right holding a horn of grain extended to Uncle Sam. Kneeling at left of dais is Pomona, the goddess of fruits, dressed in red trimmed with vines and clusters of grapes. She holds up to Uncle Sam a basket of fruit. As light is turned on a stanza ofAMERICAis played.
Scenes from the Life of Lincoln
I. THE STUDENT
Arrangea fireplace by nailing up boards covered with dark cloth in this shape |——|, piling some wood under it, pouring on some wood alcohol, which is set on fire as curtain is drawn. Lying on the floor studying by light of fire is a tall, dark boy.
II. THE LABORER
A tall, dark boy in common work clothes, trousers rather short, stands with axe upraised ready to strike.
III. THE EMANCIPATOR
A tall, dark boy dressed in long black coat and rather ill-fitting clothes, dark hair rumpled and pushed back from forehead, sits writing as a rough-looking fellow with whip in one hand tries to pull a little boy, face blackened and poorly clothed, from his negro mother, who clings to child and weeps. A boy marches on stage, carrying large flag and recites:
"No slave beneath that starry flag,The emblem of the free!No fettered hand shall wield the brandThat smites for liberty:No tramp of servile armiesShall shame Columbia's shore,For he who fights for freedom's rightsIs free for evermore!"
—George L. Taylor.
IV. THE PARDONER
Boydressed as Lincoln stands in center of stage. By his side kneels a young lady, looking imploringly at him, hands raised and clasped. Lincoln shakes head sadly for "no." Girl bows head on hands and weeps. Lincolngoes hurriedly to desk, writes, gives her the paper. She kisses his hand, waves farewell and hurries from stage.
V. THE MARTYR
On an easelat center of stage have a picture of Lincoln, two large flags draped above it and smaller ones around it. On either side of picture stand girls dressed in white trimmed with red, white and blue bunting, each holding a flag. They repeat:
"He went about his work—such work as fewEver had laid on head and heart and hand—As one who knows, where there's a task to do,Man's honest will must Heaven's good grace command."So he went forth to battle, on the sideThat he felt clear was Liberty's and Right's,As in his peasant boyhood he had pliedHis warfare with rude Nature's thwarting mights."So he grew up, a destined work to do,And lived to do it: four long-suffering years.Ill-fate, ill-feeling, ill-report lived through,And then he heard the hisses changed to cheers."
—Tom Taylor.
SONGS, STORIES, FACTS
WHEN LINCOLN WAS A LITTLE BOY
Clara J. Denton
Tune:YANKEE DOODLE
When Lincoln was a little boy,So fond was he of reading,His book was with him at the ploughOr in the garden weeding.His home was in the woods and soHe couldn't have much schooling.He had to work the live-long day,And had no time for fooling.He understood the plough and hoeAnd with the ax was handy.He didn't care for dressing up,And never was a dandy.For all the while his head was filledWith plans for gaining knowledge.A first-class lawyer he became,Yet never went to college.He borrowed books from far and near,From every kindly neighbor,And studied them most faithfullyWhen resting from his labor.Chorus: Keep on working, working on,Daily knowledge claiming,And you at last will reach the heightsAt which you are aiming.
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE
Clara J. Denton
Tune:WORK, FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING[O]
THE DAY that gave us LincolnIs one we all love well;The day which now we honorMore than we can tell.O little old log cabin,Afar in forest wild,We love your roof that shelteredThis most wondrous child.And while we sing his praisesWe'll try like him to be:All upright, true and noble,From self-seeking free.And we will yet remember,However poor our state,There still is a chance, like Lincoln,To grow good and great.This day we will rememberIn loyal love and joy;For time or change can neverFaith in him destroy.Yes, wreathe this day with flowersForever in our thought;It gave the world a heroAnd sweet freedom brought.