Chapter I: Front Matter

Transcriber’s Notes

Text printed in italics and small capitals in the original work are
transcribed _between underscores_ and in ALL CAPITALS, respectively.

More Transcriber’s Notes may be found at the end of this text.

GOOD TIMES WITH THE JUNIORS

Good Times
With The Juniors

By
LILIAN M. HEATH

United Society of Christian Endeavor
Boston and Chicago

COPYRIGHT, 1904,
BY GEORGE B. GRAFF

Preface

“Good times” may be either work or play. But work and play--who shall define them truly?

Our block houses, toy engines, and dolls once seemed intensely real and important to us. They are not so now. In the same way, as we grow into the still larger consciousness, into the “life more abundant,” much that we now regard as of grave moment will take on a new aspect, and we shall see that it was only play. But play is blessed, and necessary to the very growth that discards it.

A dear enthusiast in certain lines of work, who is himself growing, I am sure, once publicly expressed the belief that too close (!) an adherence to the Christian Endeavor pledge results in a kind of “paperdolatry” tending toward idleness and pauperism. Dear, dear! Can this be true?

A look around the social and business world of to-day ought to settle the question. We take the look, and breathe more freely. Endeavorers here, Endeavorers there, in places of honor and responsibility--what could our good friend have been thinking about? We must be permitted to smile, and think that on consideration he will smile, too. In fact, the smile cure is the best one for this and all other kinds of pessimism.

Yet we are serious, too. In God’s great kindergarten, where we are all scholars, learning through our play-work how to live, who shall say which plays are most--or least--important?

One thing is certain. He who said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven,” was speaking of those whose only conscious motive was _play_--natural, graceful, happy, loving life-expression. The growth resulting was involuntary. With the growth came new impulses, new activities, and new growth. It is the plan, in God’s kindergarten. Brother, if we would _grow_, let us not be afraid of play!

To those whose loving ministry among the Juniors finds frequent occasion for new plans, this little companion volume to “Eighty Pleasant Evenings” is offered by one who has found both joy and growth in preparing it. The proportion of the articles original with the compiler is larger than in any of her previous collections; but ideas from other sources have been welcomed and utilized whenever they could be made to fit the Juniors’ needs.

Credit for specially contributed articles is due to Mr. Vincent Van Marter Beede, Miss Imogen A. Storey, Miss Mattie Marie Gamble, Miss Ida M. Parmelee, and Miss Alice Chadwick. The aim has been to make each evening or afternoon as complete as possible in itself. The games described are therefore included in the socials and parties, but in addition to the general table of contents a separate index of games alone is given, thus helping those who may frequently wish to try new combinations.

With a smile and a prayer the writer sends forth this beloved piece of her own life-expression, knowing that it will reach just the right hands.

Yours in Christian Endeavor,
LILIAN M. HEATH.

Contents

Advertising-Carnival 118
Barrel Brigade 91
Bells of Bonnydingle, The 155
Bird Social 101
Boys’ Book Party, A 113
Card-Pasting 115
Cinderella Reception 139
Climbing the Bean-stalk 116
Evening with “Ads,” An 42
Fairy Strawberry Festival, A 104
Flower-Show, A 41
For the First of April 75
Good Giant, The 23
Good-Luck Social, A 54
Handkerchief Gymnastics 97
Holly and Mistletoe Drill 146
House Book 67
Indian Festival, An 111
Jack Frost Reception 150
Jack-Knife and Scissors Party 62
“Jap” Social, A 44
Letter Social 78
Making Valentines 57
Mistress Mary’s Contrary Reception 152
Mysterious Basket-Ball 121
New Kind of Dinner Party, A 60
Orange Social 39
Pansy-Hunt, A 106
Parlor Athletic Meet, A 69
Parlor Golf Party 119
Parlor Mountain-Climb 93
Pastery Party, A 49
Pillow-Fight, A 52
“Polly Pitcher” Social 66
Puritan Thanksgiving Dinner, A 126
Rainbow Social 96
Rainy Fourth, A 108
Reception at Curlycue Castle 63
Red-Line Jubilee 16
Rope Social, A 20
Santa Claus Drill 11
Sky-Parlor Reception, No. 1 47
Sky-Parlor Reception, No. 2 48
Star Social 141
Teddy and the Goblin 130
Tropical Fair, A 71
Tuffet and the Web, The 81
Washington’s Birthday 72

Good Times With the Juniors.

Santa Claus Drill.

BY IMOGEN A. STOREY.

What would “good times” amount to in any well-regulated Junior society
if they did not begin and end with the Christmas holidays? We begin,
then, with a particularly jolly little drill for Christmas; and, as
the girls so often have these matters all their own way, we will try
for a change letting the boys be foremost this time. They will enjoy
the fun of playing Santa. The Sunday-school primary class, too, must
be drawn upon.--L. M. H.

An equal number of tiny boys and girls are to be used for the first part of the drill. They should be dressed in their nightclothes, and each little one should carry a pillow under his or her arm, and a stocking hung across the shoulder.

The stage must be decorated with holly, mistletoe, and other Christmas greens. A large fireplace should occupy the centre rear, shown in Diagram B. A decorated motto, “A Merry Christmas” may be placed above the mantel. The fireplace can easily be constructed of brick-colored fireproof paper, which can be purchased at any hardware store for a trifle, and with a piece of chalk from the blackboard the bricks can be imitated.

On each side, as shown in Diagram A, should stand a small Christmas tree trimmed up in the conventional way, with the exception of candles, which it is better to omit unless great precaution is used to prevent an accident. On each tree the lower limbs should be supplied with hooks corresponding with a buttonhole in each stocking, which will enable the little ones to hang their stockings quickly and securely on the trees.

The floor should be laid off for the first part as shown in Diagram A. A different color used in laying off the diagrams for the two parts will be found a great help, especially to the smaller children.

The children enter from the rear, girls from the right and boys from the left, or vice versa, carrying pillows under their outside arms and stockings across the same shoulder, and follow lines R and L in A. When they reach the dots shown on these lines, all extend their inside arms diagonally up at the side, and grasp the partner’s hand.

When they reach the diagonal lines, they let go hands, and turn on these lines, as shown by arrows, turning again on the front line. When the leaders reach lines R and L, a signal from the piano is given to halt. In halting, each should keep a distance of fifteen inches from the one in front, the same as in marching. This distance should be kept throughout the drill. Another signal is now given to face front, all turning in the direction of the inside arm. They now recite with gestures:

“We are going to hang up our stockings” (holding stockings out toward the audience)

“On the Christmas tree” (turning the body just a little and pointing to the trees),

“And we know old Santa will fill them,

“For we’ve been good” (girls, pointing to themselves)

“And we’ve been good” (boys, pointing to themselves)

“As good as we could be” (all together).

“Then we are going up to bed” (pointing up),

“And go fa-a-a-st asle-e-e-p” (recited very slowly, dropping heads on the pillows).

“So, when old Santa comes” (heads raised),

“We won’t be awake to peep” (peep through fingers). The music is now resumed, the leaders turn to the rear, and follow lines R and L, turning on the rear line, and again on the side lines shown in A. From the side lines they turn on the dotted lines, which circle the trees. After circling the trees a few times, with the common skip step familiar to all children, a signal is given to halt. The stockings are now hung up, after which the signal is given to get back into line.

After circling the trees a few times more, they continue skipping, following the dotted lines to the side lines, then to the front line. When the leaders reach the front line, they turn on the diagonal lines, resuming the march very softly and slowly, marching on their toes. When the leaders reach lines R and L, all turn and throw a kiss to the audience, then make their exit on the same lines as on entering, still on their toes.

The same number of larger children, all boys dressed like old Santa Claus, now enter the fireplace from each side, as shown in B, running in double time on their toes. Each boy except the last in each line should wear a rein with sleigh-bells on its full length. All should be supplied with whips. On their backs old Santa’s knapsack should be strapped, filled with all sorts of things for the stockings. To increase the merriment, some of the articles should be grotesque and funny.

They enter, each driving the one in front, following lines R and L, turning right and left on reaching the front line, as shown by the arrows in B, then turning again at the next corner as indicated by the arrows. On reaching the rear they come down the diagonal lines curving around the trees, shown by arrows, and then to the front line again. They then run to the rear on lines R and L, and come down the diagonal lines, circling the trees on the dotted and curved lines, making a complete circle. After circling the trees a signal is given to halt and drop reins.

They now proceed to fill the stockings, first unstrapping their knapsacks and laying them on the floor. Signal. While the stockings are being filled, the soft, slow music should not cease, but continue the same as when the little ones are hanging them up. Each Santa should stick his whip in the top of a stocking.

A signal is now given, and the Santas all fall into line, and the running is resumed. They circle the trees, and follow the diagonal lines to the front line, then turn on lines R and L, and make their exit the same as on entering.

For a Sunday-school entertainment the small Santas can be used to distribute the presents to the children in the audience after the drill is over.

Red-Line Jubilee.

It is worth a great deal to have the right kind of memory. Although there are more bright spots than shadows in our lives, we are apt to forget this, and let the wrong kind of memory fasten itself upon us quite unawares. Many would be surprised, if they kept a record, to see how far the days with at least some gleams of gladness outnumbered the “days that are dark and cold and dreary.” Try it. For a “red-line jubilee” you need to begin a year beforehand. At New Year’s, or just before, each Junior is to be presented with a calendar, and the plan is as follows:

All that you need is your calendar, a clean pen, and a bottle of red ink. Every evening you take out your calendar, and, if the day has been a happy one, draw a red line all around the date; if it brought you only some gleams of gladness, make a red dot for every gleam; and, if it was a day of sorrow and trouble, unrelieved by any brightness, leave the date blank, with only its own black line surrounding it. Then, at the very end of the year, hold a “red-line jubilee,” and, see whose calendar makes the best showing. As every one learns by kindness to others to make his own happiness instead of being satisfied with any stale, second-hand variety, the red lines will grow more and more numerous. To the “red-line jubilee” bring all the calendars for inspection; let there be a little talk from the pastor and a short programme of songs and recitations by the Juniors, every one of the cheery kind. Here are four that will serve as samples if the recitations are to be short enough so that each Junior can have one:

I.

Smile once in a while;
’Twill make your heart seem lighter.
Smile once in a while;
’Twill make your pathway brighter.
Life’s a mirror; if we smile,
Smiles come back to greet us;
If we’re frowning all the while,
Frowns forever meet us.

II.

There’s help in seeming cheerful
When a body’s feeling blue,
In looking calm and pleasant
If there’s nothing else to do.
If other folks are wearing,
And things are all awry,
Don’t vex yourself with caring;
’Twill be better by and by.

III.

There’s never a rose in all the world
But makes some green spray sweeter;
There’s never a wind in all the sky
But makes some bird-wing fleeter;
There’s never a star but brings to heaven
Some silver radiance tender,
And never a rosy cloud but helps
To crown the sunset splendor;
No robin but may thrill some heart,
His dawn-like gladness voicing;
God gives us all some small, sweet way
To set the world rejoicing.

IV.

The little sharp vexations,
And the briers that catch and fret--
Why not take all to the Helper
Who has never failed us yet?
Tell him about the heartache,
And tell him the longings, too;
Tell him the baffled purpose
When we scarce know what to do;
Then, leaving all our weakness
With the One divinely strong,
Forget that we bore the burden,
And carry away the song.

If longer selections are wanted, “Cheer Up” and “The Bright Side” from “Junior Recitations” are both especially suitable. Such a meeting could be held the last Sunday in the year; or it could be made a sociable instead of a meeting, and held some evening during the week. In either case, don’t forget to invite outsiders and share with them the sunshine that is being made. If on a week-night, the programme should be very short; and games, with the refreshments, should fill the rest of the time. Decorate the rooms with red, including red shades over the lights if possible, and let a large frosted cake suitably marked with red lettering help to make the occasion memorable.

Among the games the variation of tag called “red line” could be included if the room is large. Stretch a red ribbon across the floor in a straight line, fastening the ends with weights or pins. This serves as a goal. One of the Juniors who has been chosen “it” cries, “Red line!” and starts to chase the other players. As soon as he touches one, both return to the line; then these two, clasping hands, start out again and touch some one else; then the three do the same; and so on. When there are four, or any even number, at the line, they may go two by two; but, whenever the number is odd, they must all run together in one long line. When all are caught, the game begins again, the first one caught in the previous game playing “it” as the new game is begun.

A “red-line hunt” would be fun, and could be arranged by hiding various small gifts or souvenirs, each tied to one end of a red cord, this wound and interlaced for some length around furniture, doors, etc., each child to be given a free end with the task of following the “red line” to its happy conclusion. Have each parcel wrapped in white tissue-paper and tied with a red ribbon or a bit of red embroidery silk, to carry out still further the plan of the evening. The gifts themselves should be very simple, and should be something equally suitable for boys and girls.

A Rope Social.

This is best fun when held in a barn, or a large attic, if stairways, etc., are safe; and it will prove a good opportunity to “rope in” new members, or at least to make those who are not members wish that they were. There is no programme, though Christian Endeavor songs at the beginning and close are in order at every Junior social. Girls may bring their skipping-ropes; and, if the place admits of swings, by all means put up several stout ones. Introduce the game of “rope ring-toss,” or “grommet-pitching,” as it is called by sailors. The rings are made of rope, with the strands first separated so as the better to weave them into smooth, firm rings about six to ten inches across. They are made all of the same size, or of graduated sizes, as preferred. If desired, they may be wound with ribbon. The game consists in throwing these “grommets” over an upright stake, or over pegs driven in the wall or in a board, each peg being numbered. The players have each a certain number of throws, and the score is kept to see who is most skilful.

When tired of this, they may play the game of “pink violets,” composed of a little delightful nonsense and a good deal of running. The song which accompanies it may be sung to the tune of “Sing a song of sixpence,” or to any other that it will fit, or to not much of any tune at all. The words are as follows:

“Pink, pink violets, and roses bright and blue!
A Junior in a prison--whatever shall we do?
We’ll open the window east, and we’ll open the window west,
And never, never tell if the prisoner does the rest!”

The children range themselves in a circle, holding a rope to help keep the circle of a uniform size. One of them, the prisoner, goes inside the ring; another, the jailer, stands outside. They begin to sing, and at the words, “We’ll open the window east, and we’ll open the window west,” the players on first one side, then the opposite, lift the rope high enough for the prisoner to pass under; but the jailer outside is watching. The prisoner may take his choice, but must run out at one side or the other before the song stops, and must try to run once entirely around the ring before being overtaken by the jailer. Those holding the rope must neither help nor hinder the runners after the start is made, and the openings must be at about equal distances from the jailer. If the prisoner can run clear around the outside of the ring without being overtaken, he takes his place with the rest, between the two whose “open window” set him free; the former jailer becomes prisoner, the former prisoner’s right-hand neighbor becomes jailer, and the game proceeds as at first. But, if the prisoner is touched ever so lightly by the one in chase, he is sent back to the centre, where he must remain; the jailer joins the ring anywhere he chooses; his right-hand neighbor becomes the new jailer and his left-hand one a new prisoner with privilege of escape; and so the game continues. Each time only the _new_ prisoner may run out. Whenever a third of the players are in the centre at one time, it ends the game.

After the enjoyment of the games and swings an old-fashioned molasses candy-pull may complete the festivities, and, as the Juniors vie with one another in pulling and deftly handling these most fascinating “ropes” of all as they gradually assume a light golden color, the social is sure to be voted a success.

The Good Giant

A Fantasy in Two Acts and Two Scenes

BY VINCENT VAN MARTER BEEDE

People of the Play

KIT LORING, _a boy of twelve_.
JOSCELIN STACEY, _a boy of ten_.
MAYSIE LORING, _a girl of eleven_.
GILLIAN STACEY, _a girl of twelve_.
THE GOOD GIANT GREATBIG.
THE THREE HAPPY LITTLE GIANTS.
THE GIANT’S BABY.
JACK THE GIANT-LOVER.
THE SAND MAN.
THE KIND BEAR.
THE OBLIGING OGRE.
THE DEAR DRAGON.
THE HONEST ROBBER.
THE MOTHERLY GIANTESS.
THE FRIENDLY WITCH.

Time: This Very Minute.

SCENE: Act I.--The Wood.