  (As curtain rises, members of Ladies’ Aid Society are seen removing wraps, the President, Mrs. Jenkins, being in the chair.) President. (rapping upon table). Will the meeting please come to order? Miss Loomis. (wildly). Where is my other rubber? They were brand new last week, and— President. (rapping again). Ladies, will you please come to order? We will open with the minutes of the last meeting, and Miss Loomis, who acted as secretary pro-tem, will read them. Miss Loomis. (apologetically). I didn’t have time to copy them in the book, but I have them on a piece of paper. (rummages in bag). I’m sure I brought them. Here they are! (reads). Take one dozen eggs—Oh, mercy no, that’s the recipe for angel cake. Wait till I look again. (takes crochet pattern from bag). That’s the pattern for lace that Brother Tom’s wife gave me. (Holds it up.) It’s real pretty, isn’t it? Mrs. Hodges. (eagerly). Let me see it! Miss Loomis. (explaining). You make a double crochet, after you’ve chained twelve. Mrs. Hodges. Oh, that’s easy! I could pick that out myself. (Other members endeavor to examine the crochet pattern.) President. (with dignity). Miss Loomis, we are waiting for the minutes of the meeting. Miss Loomis. (holding up paper). O here they are! I’ll read them! Miss Loomis. The regular meeting of the Ladies’ Aid Society was held on November tenth at the residence of Mrs. Winter, seven members present, and the President, Mrs. Jenkins, being in the chair. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Report of supper committee Mrs. Winter. We charged too much for that supper, or we’d have made more money. Mrs. Hodges. (sharply). I don’t think we charged too much considering the terrible price of food. Mrs. Winter. (irritably). Well, I don’t like to work my feet off for a measly seven dollars. President. (rapping). Ladies, will you please come to order. Miss Loomis, continue with your report. Miss Loomis. (nervously). I lost my place. Let’s see— President. (to help her). You were reading about the harvest supper. Miss Loomis. O yes. It was voted to send a box to Mrs. David Brown, committee to meet at the home of Mrs. Banks, chairlady of the committee. Mrs. Banks. There were only two of the society there. Miss Loomis. I was too busy to come, but I sent a nice hat for the missionary’s wife. Mrs. Banks. (aside). That terrible hat! President. Ladies, I must insist that you come to order. Miss Loomis. (worried). Where’s that crochet pattern? I can’t lose that! Mrs. Hodges. (handing it to her). Here you are. I was just counting the stitches. President. Miss Loomis, if you have finished your report, we will hear a letter received by Mrs. Hodges, our secretary, from Mrs. Brown. Miss Loomis. Yes, I guess that was all. Mrs. Hodges. (nervously). Wait till I find my glasses. (rummaging in bag). Here they are. (Opens letter.) “My Dear Friends: Words fail me when I try to express my thanks for the beautiful box which you sent. Miss Loomis. Pleased, wasn’t she? “My heart is too full to write, as I think of the wonderful kindness which prompted you to send it.” Mrs. Winter. (puzzled). They ain’t usually so thankful. President. Ladies, please come to order, and let us listen to the letter. Mrs. Hodges. (continuing). The beautiful dress for my daughter. (aside). She meant that gingham of Clara’s—Where was I—“The clothing for myself which seems far too good for a missionary’s wife—” Miss Loomis. Somehow that don’t just fit our box. Mrs. Hodges. (continuing). “The gifts for my son and husband are most thankfully received. Believe me dear friends, I am more than grateful for your kindness. “Yours very sincerely, “RUTH M. BROWN.” Mrs. Winter. Somehow I can’t quite figure that out. Mrs. Hodges. Ours was a nice box, nice enough, but she didn’t have no call to say quite so much. Mrs. Banks. (rising). Ladies, I have here a letter from my husband’s sister, Mrs. Worthington, which may throw some light upon Mrs. Brown’s letter. Each Christmas we send a box to Mrs. Worthington, and I have received this acknowledgment for the gifts which we sent this year. (Opens letter.) “Louisa: I have just supervised the opening of a box, which while directed to me was evidently destined for the almshouse. In fact, I doubt whether the inmates of the almshouse would have found the donations acceptable. Beneath newspapers which formed the packing, I found an article, which at first appeared to be a abandoned birds’ nest, but which upon closer inspection was evidently intended for a hat.” Miss Loomis. (aghast). My hat! Why I paid five Mrs. Banks. (calmly). May I continue? “There were a motley collection of ghastly neckties, a tattered overcoat, a forlorn gingham—” Mrs. Hodges. (indignantly). That was a perfectly good dress, only Clara said she wouldn’t wear it any more! Mrs. Banks. (continuing). “And other disreputable apparel. I cannot understand the insult and assure you that I deem it unwarranted and unpardonable. I need hardly say that the garments were given to the rag man. “Your sister-in-law, “AMELIA WORTHINGTON.” Mrs. Winter. What an awful letter! Mrs. Hodges. (shocked). I’m glad I haven’t relations-in-law like that! Mrs. Banks. It is evidently clear to you ladies, that the labels upon the boxes were mixed, and the box for my sister-in-law reached Mrs. Brown, while the missionary box which we packed was sent by mistake to Mrs. Worthington. Miss Loomis. (indignantly). To say that my hat was a birds’ nest! Mrs. Winter. And disreputable apparel! President. Ladies, will you come to order! I regret of course that the mistake has been made, for doubtless it places Mrs. Banks in a very embarrassing position. Mrs. Banks. (nervously). Embarrassing is no word for it. She was so mad, it showed in her handwriting. (Passes letter round for inspection.) Mrs. Hodges. (gently). Well, there is one good side to it. The missionary was pleased with her box, and I guess Clara’s dress was pretty faded. Mrs. Winter. (apologetically). And I might have taken time to mend the overcoat. Miss Loomis. (firmly). I make no apologies for my hat! President. I suppose we could have fixed up the box meant for the missionary with pretty wrappings, like we do other peoples. Mrs. Hodges. (rising). Ladies, may I say a few words? President. Mrs. Hodges has the floor. Mrs. Hodges. I think this has been a lesson to us, although it has probably made a peck of trouble for Mrs. Banks. Mrs. Banks. That’s so! Mrs. Hodges. I think it shows us that our missionary likes pretty things the same as we do. Miss Loomis. (interrupting). That’s why I sent my hat! Mrs. Hodges. (continuing). And while I am sorry that it has made trouble for Mrs. Banks, I can’t help being glad that the missionary got the nice box, so I would move that hereafter we make our missionary Christmas boxes as nice as those we send our husband’s relations. All. Second the motion! President. It is moved and seconded that hereafter we make the boxes we send to our missionaries as good as those which are intended for our husband’s relations. All in favor say “Aye.” All. (heartily). Aye! President. Opposed? It is unanimously carried. CURTAIN. By HARRY C. ELDRIDGE. Midsummer Eve Libretto by Guptill. A musical fairy play, introducing pretty drills and music. Has been given in hundreds of places and always pleases. Price 40 cents. Under the Sugar Plum Tree Libretto by Bugbee. Introducing in a novel way the characters of Field, Riley and Stevenson. Bright music and easy to learn. Contains a May-pole dance. Price 40 cents. In Little Folks Town Libretto by Bugbee. Is a delightful musical play for small children, introducing a clever pageant. Price 40 cents. ——HERE ARE—— SOME OF OUR VERY NEW TITLES ———————— It is always a satisfaction to be the first to get hold of new and novel entertainments, and here is YOUR chance:
———————————————————————— SEND ORDERS TO ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE Franklin, Ohio RELEASED FOR AMATEUR PRODUCTION. “The Little Politician” By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS ————————————— A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS SEVEN MALES AND THREE FEMALES ————————————— T THIS play was produced professionally for several seasons under another title, and is now released for amateur production without royalty and without restrictions of any kind. The scenery and costumes are simple. Time, about two hours. A young society girl plays an important part in overthrowing a corrupt political boss and brings about the election of her fiance. The race for the hand of a wealthy widow by rival suitors furnishes the comedy. A pretty story is unfolded, but without actual love-making or any scenes objectionable to the amateur. Recommended for high schools and dramatic clubs. right indexThe garden party in the second act affords opportunity for the introduction of any number of characters. PRICE, 25 CENTS ———————————————————————— Sent Postpaid on Receipt of Price by the ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE Franklin, Ohio “THE HOUSE THAT HELPS” WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN Amateur Entertainments It is not a side line with us, but we devote our entire time to that business decorative lines Realizing that many people have grown weary of searching through catalogs and reading entertainments only to discard them as unavailable we appreciate the fact that our customers have often spoken of us as “the house that helps.” We have had practical experience in selecting and producing amateur entertainments and we feel that we know what will please the public, and what can be produced under certain conditions. Our experience is at your disposal. Write us, giving full particulars of your special need in the way of an entertainment, and we will select a play, an operetta, a drill or even an entire program for you. But always enclose a stamp for reply. Remember, that in addition to our entertainments we carry a large line of publications of other dealers. If in doubt as to the entertainment you desire, send particulars and we will suggest something to fit. We are at your service. ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE Franklin, Ohio A HIT OH YOUR NEXT PROGRAM! Something Out of The Ordinary In High-Class Humorous Songs. decorative lines MUSICAL SKETCHES FOR YOUNG LADIES By Harry C. Eldridge These fill an urgent need in supplying musical numbers with action, for any secular program, for girls or ladies of any age. Clever words and singable music combined to make novel numbers for your entertainment. THE HAT OF OTHER DAYS. Everyone knows how ridiculous the changing styles make out-of-date hats appear. The song is based on this fact, and the appearance of these “hats of other days” will cause loads of merriment. “I CAN’T DO A THING WITH MY HAIR SINCE IT’S WASHED.” Did you ever hear the above expression? They all say it. This song is for a merry group of girls who have trouble in keeping their hair in bounds. A jolly song. REDUCED TO $1.99. The figures in a dry goods show window are indignant at having to participate in so many “reduction sales,” and, revolting, walk off the stage after telling their troubles in song. The eccentric motions of these figures make a very laughable number. THE WINNING WAYS OF GRANDMA’S DAYS. Sung in costume, this portrays the many welcome and pleasing costumes of “ye olden times.” Directions for minuet included. Very enjoyable. Any one of the above sent postpaid on receipt of 25 cents. ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE Franklin, Ohio Transcriber’s Notes: Page 5, “but” changed to “put” (I’ll put it beside) Page 13, stage direction changed to match rest of directions. Original read: “Mrs. W. (seats herself and takes up bottle of smelling salts).” Page 15, (Original page) printing issues led to some errors. Original text is below: Gladys. Well, mother, brother and I are some tar- My dear brother is not forgotten I am glad to see! These ties will cultivate a love of beauty. The top line is repeated almost exactly at the bottom of the page: (Enter Marie.) Gladys. Well, mother, brother and I are some tag- That is the first part of “target” which is finished on the next page. Additionally, that “Enter” should be an “Exit.” The text has been edited to reflect these changes. Page 16, “(aside)” changed to “(aside)” to match rest of usage. (Yes madam. (aside). Madam) Page 20, “Mrs. Hodges” made italic to match rest of play. (Mrs. Hodges. (nervously). Wait till I find my) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
