PS 3507 .0745 »^»^ T5 No Plays Exchanged 1922 Copy 1 A Rural Comedy in One Act Price 25 Cents a Copy I I and the Radio + ♦ + * + * + #+ ^|^ + ^j^ + .-; + ^^^^)^^^^^ Pablished by HARRY M. DOTY, Chatham, New York. I No Plays Sent on Approval i "TiddviUe and the Radio" A Rural Comedy in One Act By Harry M- Doty Author of "In Old New England". "Sackett's Corner Folks", "The Jonesville Sewing Circle", "Sprdggings' Quiet (?) Afternoon", "The Jonesville Board of Assessors", "The Jonesville Grange Initiation", "The Jones- ville Experience Meeting". "Just Plain Jones". "Is There a Santa Claus?" AMATEUR PRODUCTION FREE KARIRY M. DOTY, Publisher, Chatham, N- Y- Copyright 1922 Harry M. Doty, Chatham. N- Y- V 3 3507' CAST OF CHARACTERS Mrs- Simpson, who entertains the choral club. Tommy Simpson, her son, a radio "fan", Mrs- Hohbs, who wants to hear by radio from her "latest lamented"- Miss Sophronia Jones, who resents having her curiosity aroused. Mrs. Susan Hicks, who don't approve of some modern things. Mrs. Ezekiel Tidditt, who proposes to know what's going on. Rev. 'Alonzo Tupper, pastor of the Tiddville church. Prof. Silas Jenkins, the choral club instructor. NOV 15 '22 ©CI.D 62804 "TIDDVILLE AND THE RADIO" Scene — Sitting room in Mrs- Simpson's home with radio apparatus on table- Author's Note— A radio outfit is not absolutely necessary for the presentation of this play although one may be used if it can be obtained- With one or two small boxes, wires, receivers, or horn, etc-, a representation of the radio appara- tus can be easily maK^. Any of the various talking machines on the market will pVVide an excellent imitation. Such a machine should be placed^ behind a curtain on the stage, preferably near the box representing the radio apparatus, in order that the sound will appear to come from the latter- Vocal or instrumental music may be produced by a musician standing behind the curtain and speeches or recitations may be delivered in the same manner. This arrangement pro- vides almost unlimited opportunity for local hits which are popular with all audiences- (As the curtain rises Mrs. Simpson is discovered, dusting the furniture and carefully arranging it on the stage.) Mrs. Simpson— What my boy. Tommy, will be up to next I don't know. He seems perfectly bewitched after every- thing that turns a wheel or has anything to do with elec- tricity. He's got our trout brook running a water wheel to make electric light and operate motors. I can't say I dislike that because it gives us a lot of conveniences we never had before. He's got telephones and electric bells In the house and barn, a telegraph line running down to the vil- lage and now he's bought one of those radio outfits. There's no such thing as getting any work out of him around th-e house or farm nowadays but Pa says to let him go it be- cause he seems to have a leanin' toward those things and. some day or other he may be a great electrician like Mr. Edison or Mr. Marconi who invented the wireless telephone. It's my turn to-night to entertain the choral club and they all asked that Tommy be here and show them how this new wireless apparatus works. That's one thing he didn't have to be urged to do. (Looks ^bout room). There! I guess everything is in as good shape as I can make it. (Knock heard) Mrs. S.— That must be one of the club- Come in- (Enter Mrs- Tidditt) Mrs- T. — Why, how do you do, Mrs. Simpson. Am I the 4 "TIDDVILDE ANiD THE RADIO" first one here? I see I am- (Remove wraps) That's all right, though, because I* always aim to be on time. I never could bear those folks who are always behind like an old cow's tail. Mrs- S — ^Neither could I but there are lots of folks who never do a thing until the eleventh hour. ]>Irs. T — Yes, and some of 'em wait until the fifty-ninth minute of that hour, too- IVfrs. S — That's right but I don't suppose we ought to find too much fault with 'em, th(jjigh. Perhaps they're built that way and can't help it- Mrs. T. — ^P'raps but, lettin' me be the judge, there's plenty of 'em as don't try to help it. (Knock heard) Mrs- S.— 4Come in. (Enter Miss Sophronia Jones) Miss J. — lOh, how do you do, Mrs- Simpson and you, too, Mrs- Tidditt. (Removes hat which iMrs. S- places on table) It is a long time since I have anticipated a meeting as much as I have this one- I have heard a great deal about these radios and always wanted to hear one- I even put off settin' my sponge for to-morrow's bread in order to be here on"^ time. Ain't these things (pointing to radio) wonderful if they'll do what they say they will? Mrs. S. — ilndeed they are and I know you will enjoy listening to this one. Mrs- T — ^When I heard what the things do, I said: "Will wonders never cease" and I meant it, too. We thought the telephone was a great thing when we first had a line run through Tiddville but, my sake alive, it isn't anything to be compared to this radio- All you can hear on a telephone is things going on around here and they've got so many instruments on the line that it keeps a body busy all the time takin' down the receiver whenever the bell rings to listen to all that's bein' said- Miss J — ^Well, I don't listen every time I hear a ring. Mrs. T.— You don't! Then how in the world do you know what your neighbors are doin' and sayin'? Miss J. — Oh, I hear enough in other ways- Mrs, T — ^Well I don't and so long as I'm able, I'm goin' to know what's goin' on if I can find out- (Knock heard) Mrs. S.r-€oine in. "TIDDVILLE AND THE RADIO" . 5 (Enter Mrs- Hicks) Mrs. Hicks — ^Howde do, ladies. I ain't too late to hear the radio, am I? Mrs. S — You're in plenty of time. Tommy hasn't got back from the village yet 3Irs. Hic"ks — (Removing hat) I'm glad I'm early enough. I wouldn't miss hearln' this contraption for anything. (Knock heard) Mrs. S — Come in- (Enter Mrs. Hobbs) Mrs. Hobbs — Good evenin', everybody- (Removes hat) My land! You three here ahead of me! It ain't over with, is it? Mrs. S.— Wo, hasn't begun yet and won't until the minister and the others get here- Mrs- Hobbs — I'm glad of that because I've been hearin' so much about these radiCo things lately that I wouldn't want to miss a bit of it. I'm goin' to tell you right out and out. though, that I don't take much stock in all this talk about hearin' things through a box without any wires or anything for the sound to travel on. You've got to show me- I'm from Michigan. Miss J — You mean Missouri, don't you? 3trs. Hobbs— Well maybe that's it. It's one of them states way out west, anyway. I'll bet there's some catch abo^ut this somewheres. 3Irs. S.— No, Mrs. Hobbs it does everything that is claimed for it but I don't wonder you are skeptical- It really don't seem as if there could be such a wonderful thing. Mrs. Hicks^No, it don't and that's why we ain't goin' to believe it until we hear it. 3Irs. T. — Well, it's just about got to the point where nothin' can surprise me much- Folks said they_ couldn't run boss cars without bosses but they did. I remember the first time I ever saw one of 'em. A man standin' near me watched one for as Stiuch as a full minute and then he said: "Gosh! There ain't no such thing." And he didn't seem to care who heard him, nuther. Mrs. S. — ^Then they got them X-ray machines they use to look right into you to see where your bones are broke or to find out if you've swallered suthin'. Mrs- Hicks — That's so. I remember when Jimmy Green swallered that quarter he found on the counter down to 6 "TIDDVIlLLE and THE RiADIO" Peleg Saunders' store. Peleg wouldn't listen to nothin' 'ceptin' them X-rays be put onto that boy to find out where the quarter was- Mrs. Hobbs — I remember that, too. Folks said the rea- son Peleg was so anxious to have the boy looked into was so he might know what chance he stood of gittin' the quarter back. Mrs- S. — I take it from your remarks that you do not consider Mr. Saundef-s is what you might call a philanthrop- ist. Miss J,— Yes, you might call him that but if you did, you'd warp the truth all out of shape- Most folks call him several other things that fit better, (Knock heard) Mrs. S — ^Come in- (Enter Rev- Mr. Tupper) Rev, T — iGood evening, ladies- I see yo,u, as well as myself, have accepted Mrs- Simpson's kind invitation to come and hear this wonderful invention in connection with the choral club rehearsal this evening, Mrs- Hicks— *Yes and we're all almost dyin' to hear it- Rev- T. — A bit of exaggerated statement, my dear Mrs- Hicks, yes, a bit exaggerated because the radio isn't intend- ed to have just that effect on folks. However, you curiosity with regard to it prolbably isn't greater than that of the average person who never has heard one of these outfits. Miss J — "Mrs. Hobbs don't seem to believe it does what is claimed for it. Rev- T.-^ little doubtful, eh? 3Irs. Hobbs — Yes, considerably more than a little- Dlrs- T.— I'm kind o' skeptical myself. Rev- T — Most natural thing in the world that you should be- Many a thing in common use to-day was scoffed at when it was in its infancy. Because you ladies are doubtful is one reason why you're going to be agreeably surprised. Mrs. Hicks— Well, I'll be surprised if I hear someone way out west talkin" to us right here in this room- Mrs- Hobbs — ^Me, too- I don't believe anyone can get talk and music and such out of a box with a horn on it. (Points to radio) It ain't natural. Rev. T — ^I admit it don't sound reasonaJble but many things nowadays are surprising and this is one of them- Mrs- T. — It's goin' to surprise me if it works. Mrs- Hobbs— HMe, too- Rev- T.— 'I know these things do all that is claimed for them. I have never heard one myself but several of my "TIDDVIDLE AND THE RADIO" 7 friends have and they have told me about it- I have given the radio serious thought of late and I must confess I am rather sorry it was invented- 3Iiss J — OLand sakes. Why? Rev. T — ^I will state my views later in the evening after you have listened to the many things you are going to hear. 3Irs. T — ^Why not tell us now instead of gittin' our curi- osity all stirred up and then stoppin'? Rev. T — Because after you have heard the radio you will be better able to understand what I am going to say. Mrs. Hobbs— Tell it now. I for one can understand a thing as well one time as another. Rev. T — iNo. ladies, I must request that you wait. Mrs. Hicks — Well, I suppose we can if we must- (Knock heard) Mrs. S. — Come in. (Enter Prof. Silas Jenkins) Prof. J — Good evening, everyone- I am glad to see you here. It bespeaks a commendable interest on your part in the higher things of life, in music for instance. Music, music, what is more grand, more glorious and more uplifting than good music, produced by the sweet voices the Lord gave us or instrumentally rendered by means of the talents with which He endowed us? Mrs. Hobbs— (Aside to Mrs. T.) Listen to that. He's talk- in' shop. Don't he know there's lots of folks who can't sing any more than our old brindle cow? Mrs. T.— (Aside to Mrs. Hobbs) That's right. And as for playin' on some sort of an instrument, why I'd as lief hear a wagon axle squeakin' as some folks playin' on a violin. Mrs. Hobbs — (Aside) Me, too. Prof. J — ^Perhaps had it been for me to say, the radio would never have been invented but such was not the case. I therefore bow to the inevitable and shall make no effort to block the path of progress. Mrs- S. — I don't know, professor, as I understand exactly what you mean. Prof. J — If I may, Mrs. Simpson, I prefer to postpone a more detailed explanation of my meaning until later in the evening. Miss J. — Land o' Goshen. More waitin' on the part of folks to explain what they mean. I don't understand it Mrs. T — tNeitherIrs. T.— Well if I ain't clean beat. Mrs- Hobbs — 'Me, too. Mrs. Hicks— Well now don't that beat all? Who'd have thought we'd ever hear anything like this right here in Tiddville? Wliy if this sort o' thing keeps up, a body won't dare to do a thing because if they talk, them air waves or whatever they be, will take their voice and scatter it all over creation for folks to listen to. Just think of me givin' my Johnny a good scoldin' some day and havin' the presi- dent down to Washington or the Queen of France listenin' to every word I say- My Land! I'd be so mortified I wouldn't know what to do. Prof- J — ^France is a republic, Mrs. Hicks. They don't have queens in that country. 3Irs- Hicks — Well, whatever or whoever 'tis that's at the head of things over there. Mrs- T. — I don't care so much about spreadin' folks' talk through the universe but I do hope they won't invent any machines that will sprinkle our thoughts all over the world. I think a lot of things, sometimes, that I wouldn't want anyone to know about. Why Mercy Sakes, suppose some folks right here in Tiddville knew what I think about 'em and their goings on! It would probably wouldn't change their ways any but I'll bet there's plenty of 'em as wouldn't speak to me again. Rev. T. — You shouldn't have such thoughts, Mrs- Tiddlt- 10 "TIDDVIDLE AND THE RADIO" 3Irs. Hicks — ^I'd like to know how any woman who's a member of the meetin' house in good standin' is goin' to help havin' 'em when she recalls the way she was brought up and then thinks of what she sees and hears and reads about the things folks do nowadays and the way they live- Mrs. S, — ^You know these are modern and enlightened times. If you talk like that, folks will say you have not kept pace with the age. Mrs. Hicks — ^Is that so? Well, if I've got to git myself up as some of 'em do, I'll stay old-fashioned to the end of my days and be proud of it, too. Not so long as I've got my mind will I go 'round in such rigs as some of 'em wears- Scandalous dresses and paint plastered on so thick you'd think their faces had been kalsomined- I declare if it ain't got so you can't tell the grandmothers from the granddaugh- ters by the clothes they wear. Rev. T — (Ladies, don't let's take time to argue matters of dress when we have the opportunity to listen to this won- derful invention. Miss J. — I think so, too. Is the machine ready to work again. Tommy? Tommy — ^Yes, it's time for a concert In Chicago. I'll tune in and get it. (Business of tuning in after which music is heard* either by means of the concealed phonograph or by someone singing or playing behind curtain.) Mrs. Hobbs — ^ (After two or more selections have been rendered) Say, Tommy, I never was so glad of anything as I am that I came over here to-night. That radical thing there (pointing to radio) has give me an idee. Tommy — It isn't a radical, it's a radio. Mrs- Hobbs — ^AU right, all right, whatever 'tis you call it- They tell me that with one of these things you can hear from folks away off in Africa or Egypt or some other place thousands of miles away- JSIow if it will carry mes- sages as far over the land and water as that of course it will carry 'em straight up and that will give me the chance to get some information I've wanted for a couple of years. My third husband, Abijah, (sobs) used to make the best liniment for rheumatism that I ever used. He never had the receipt writ out but carried it around in his head- Wihen he knew he wasn't much longer for this world, (sob) he told me to ask him anything I wanted to know that would be of use to me after he was gone (sobs and wipes eyes). There was a lot of things I did ask him but, of course, I forgot some because I couldn't think of everything. (Sob) Mrs. Hicks — (Aside). No wonder he died. He was just simply talked to death. "TIDDVIULE AND THE RADIO" 11 ]»Iiss Jones— (Aside) I thought he petered out kind o' sudden like after he begun to go down hill. Now I know why. , Mrs. Hobbs— (Resuming) As I say, I couldn't think of everything and one of the things I forgot was to ask him how to make that liniment. I know skunk's oil was one thing he put in it but what the others were I don't know. I've . tried almost everything since then for my rheumatism but nothin' does as much good as that did. One of the things he said to me (sob) was that if he couldn't be with me in human form, he would be with me spiritually and that he would ever be lookin' down upon me from the battlements of the New Jerusalem (sob). He was a great man for puttin' words together so they sounded nice, just like that (sobs). Mss J. — (Aside) My land, I don't see how he ever got a chance to git a word in edgewise, nice or any other kind, when she was around. Mrs. Hicks — (Aside) Neither do I. Mrs. Hobbs — ^Wihat I was goin' to say is that if he is really lookin' down upon me, (sob) he probably remembers he forgot to tell me about that liniment and I'll bet it's an awful worry to him when he knows I'm sufferin' with rheu- matiz, particularly when there's a storm comin'. (Sob) Now Tommy, what I want you to do is to fix that radium ma- chine — Tommy — Radio, not radium. Mrs- Hobbs — Yes. radio, that's what I m«ant_ As I was sayin' I wish you would tilt it or tune it or time it, or what- ever 'tis you do to it, so it will send sound straight up. Mebbe he will hear it. If he does, let me ask him about that lini- ment.' I also want to ask him where my best pair of lookin'- off specs is. I ain't been abl,e to find 'em since he — since he (sob) — ^went away. Miss J. — (Aside) Mebbe he took 'em along to do his lookin' down with. Mrs. S. — ^(Aside) She seems to take a lot for granted. Suppose it wasn't up that he went. Mrs- Hicks — (Aside) I'll bet he didn't care which way he went so long as it was where he wouldn't be talked to a frazzle. Tommy — I never heard of one of these machines getting messages from above excepting from an airship. Anyhow if it could, it wouldn't help you any. The government allows only a few of the larger stations to send messages. All I can do is to receive 'em. 12 "TIDDVILLE AND THE RADIO" Mrs* Hobbs — 'My land- Is that so? Do you mean to tell me that when you're usin' that thing, all you can do is to listen to what somebody else is sayin^ and never have a chance to say a word back? Tommy — Yes, that's exactly it. Some day we'll probably be allowed to send messages but not now. 3Irs- Hobbs — ^Well, I don't want one of 'em in my house. I don't believe in these one-sided conversations. Mrs. S* — (Aside) You bet she don't unless the one side is hers. ^ Prof. J. — ^Pardon me, ladies, but permit me to suggest that you postpone your discussion until some more opportune time in order that we may make the most of the opportunity we have here to listen to the classics. iSuppose, Thomas, that you ascertain what the air waves are saying at the present time- Tommy — jAll right professor. (Adjusts machine) Here comes something else. (Two or three selections are ren- dered). Rev- T — ^Now, ladies, I think perhaps it is time for the explanation I promised you earlier in the evening when I said I am rather sorry the radio was invented. My reason for taking this position is that eventually everyone will have these m'achines in their homes where they can listen to ser- mons and the result will be that one minister of each de- nomination will do all the preaching, away, off in Chicago, San Francisco, London Paris or other places and then what will become of we poor country ministers? There will be no need of our services and all churches will be closed. I think you will now realize why I cannot see my way clear to becoming an enthusiastic advocate of the radio. Mrs. S. — ^Close the churches? I guess not much. We've got to have our strawberry festivals and oyster suppers and dee cream sales and our Children's Day exercises and Christ- mas exercises with the youngsters speakin' pieces and old Santa Claus distributin' the presents and where are we goin' to do this if not in the churches? It's likely to be some time before these radio machines git to handin' out sassers of ice cream, dishes of strawberries and plates of oysters not to mention Christmas presents. I guess, Mr. Tupper, you needn't worry about havin' to hunt up another job right away. Rev. T — ^Perhaps you are right, Mrs. Simpson. At any rate I hop^ so inasmuch as I have reached the time of life where no occupation other than preaching would seem na- tural. "TIDDVILL/E ANiD THE RADIO" 13 Miss J. — Of course she's right- Folks stand for a lot of things bein' taken away from them and for a lot of changes but folks as is real folks wouldn't listen to their churches bein' done away with, radio or no radio. Eey. T — It would seem somewhat strange for a com- munity to be without its church, wouldn't it? Mrs. Hicks — ^It certainly would and no such thing is goin' to happen. Mrs. Hobbs— You bet it ain't. Radios takin' the place of preachers! Huh! Can you picture one of 'em marryin' a couple if they couldn't answer it back when the ceremony gits to the point where they've got to say she's his and he's hers fer better or wuss? Mrs- Hicks — And when we lay our dear ones away we want the sermons preached by a minister we can see and one who can speak to us face to face and give us a few words of sympathy- Miss J. — And what sort of a job would it make of sprink- lin' water on the children when their folks want 'em bap- tized? Tommy — ^Hark! Just got a message that some famous singer in Indianapolis is goin' to sing a song. Here it comes. Listen- (Song by singer or on phonograph) Prof. J — (At conclusion of song) Isn't this wonderful? We heard that singer as plainly as if the song was sung right here In this room. What would our forefathers think could they come back and listen to this wonderful invention? 3Irs. Hobbs— They'd probably be so surprised they couldn't say anything. Prof. J.— This, perhaps, is the time for me to state why I am not enthusiastically in favor of the radio although I must admit, as does Mr- Tupper, that it is a wonderful invention. People in this day and generation are becoming more and more inclined to follow the line of least resistance therefore it would not be surprising, in the comparatively near future, to find them confining themselves exclusively to the music produced by means of the radio rather than to prepare and rendeo-s concerts of their own, and making use of the talents with which they are endowed. % Mrs. T. — (Aside) I see what he's thinkiu'. Afraid he'« goin' to lose his choral club job. Prof. J — ^People would restrict themselves to listening to radio concerts in Chicago, New York or some other place- All the entertainments would be broadcasted from the large cities and the production of music elsewhere would soon become a lo&t art which, to my mind, would be a catastrophe- 14 "TIDDVILLE AND THE RADIO" 3Irs. T. — (Aside) It ain't so much lost art he's worryin' about as lost salary. Prof- J. — It would mean the end of such enjoyable gath- erings as we have in connection with our choral club rehears- als, the lack of community association such as exists when we hold concerts and the absence of the local contact we all need in order to realize the full and complete enjoyment of life. Mrs- T. — (Professor, you are on the wrong track if you mean these here radicals (pointing to radio) are goin* to keep folks to home all the time, particularly seein' as how it's a machine you can't use, as yet, to talk to anybody with. Folks always has met together in the churches and other places and I guess they always will. My land, how do you suppose we'd know what's happenin' right here to home if we had to wait for one of them things to tell us? I, for one, propose to know what's goin' on in Tiddville as long as I'm able to navigate. Mrs. Hobbs — ^Me, too. Miss J — ^You can count me in on that- Mrs- S — I guess, Mrs. Tiddit, we all feel the same way about mingMn' with our neighbors. Mrs. Hicks — iWhat! Stay to home all the time and hear nobody talk except someone away off in the other end of these United States! I guess not! Professor, if you've been layin' awake nights, worryin' about this thing (pointing to radio) puttin' a stop to neighborhood gatherings, you might as well begin sleepin' sound and plenty again. Prof- J- — Glad to hear you state your views so lucidly, ladies, and for reasons personal and otherwise, it is my sin- cere hope that you are correct. It would be a source of very keen regret to me if — Tommy — (Interrupting) Hark, folks, Hark! Here comes a dandy, a regular lollypalooser. Listen, quick. (All give attention to radio) Voice behind curtain — ^When the gong sounded both men were on their feet, ready for the fray. Battling Jackson led to the jaw and Young Oomesky countered with a right to the left ear. The men clinched. The referee separated them. The fighters mixed it furiously for two minutes and the round ended with honors even- (During the preceding speech, the Rev. Mr Tupper has raised his hands in horror. Some of the ladies hold their hands to their ears. Prof. J. indicates displeasure. All are horrified) Mrs- Tiddit — Stop that machine, Tommy! Stop it, stop it quick! What awful thing was it sayin' anyway? "TIDDVILLE A'ND THE RADIO" 15 Tommy— Awful ! Say, that was great. They're broad- casting the report of the fight for lightweight championship. Rev. T — ^Horrors! A beastly prize fight! Tommy — ^Sure! Why not? ]>Irs. S.— Wlhy Tommy! I'm ashamed to hear you talk like that. Mrs. Hobbs — Me, too. Prof. J — Well, I suppose they have to broadcast all sorts of things to please all sorts of people- Miss J. — Well, if I ever get one of those machine, they'll never get me to listen to any such stuff as that. Mrs. Hicks — ^Nor me either. ]>Irs. T — Them's my sentiments exactly. Prize fights! Ugh! (Knock heard. Mrs. S. goes to door and admits mem- bers of choral club. After greeting Mrs. S. and the other players, they remove their wraps and are seated) Member of tlie CInb — Oh dear, I suppost we have missed all of the wireless concert. Tommy — ^No, there's plenty more to be heard- Mrs. S. — Remember, Tommy, no more of what we just had. Tommy— All right- I'll tune in with Pittsburg this time. (After business of tuning, two or three selections may be given by singer or on the phonograph- Then Prof. Jen- kins tells the members of the choral club it is time to pro- ceed with the rehearsal which begins with the professor in charge, the club members as well as those who have speaking parts in the play participating. There is great opportunity for comedy in conducting this rehearsal although the pro- gram should end with some well-rendered numbers. ('Regarding comedy possibilities in the rehearsal it is suggested that it be made to appear more or less difficult for the members to get started on the proper key, that the instructor become exasperated by discords, that one or two members be a measure or two behind the others at the con- clusion of the selection, that one or more members have ■difficulty in singing solos in a manner pleasing to the in- structor- Burlesque may be introduced here but care should be taken not to carry it to extremes or the effect will be spoiled. It should be made as nearly as possible like the rehearsal of an old-time singing school.) (Curtain) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 018 602 848 A In Old New England Four-act niral comedy. A clean, pure and wholesome play Now in its third edition. 35 cents acopy. Sacketts' Corner Folks Four-act rural comedy. Similar to "In Old New England' Adapted to small stages. Simple scenery 35 cents a copy —j;^^^^ HUMOROUS PLAYS^ Spriggins' ''Qiiiet'' Afternoon it turned out to be anything but quiet. 25 cents a copy ^he^onesville Sewing Circle They did some sewing but not much. 25 cents a copy. The Jonesville Grange Initiation A burlesque. No horse play. Buy this, sure. 25 cen ts a copy - Ihe Jonesville Board of Assessors It teils some things you've suspected. 25 cent s a copy. The^Jonesvriie^ Experience Meeting How the ladies earned their dollars. 25 cents a copy Just Plain Jones A brand new one, full of comedy. 2 5c. a copy Humorous Readings and Recitations Compiled by H. M. Doty. A book of carefully selected hu- morous readings and recitations. ^Vhis book will be found very valuable by those who wish to provide entertainment in connection with regular meetmgs of granges or other organi- zations. The selectioiiS are new, appropriate and up-to-date Price 35 cents a copy. Send all orders to HARRY M. DOTY, Chatham, N. Y.