7**"**'** I** °v iUM w a*&s»* PS 635 N ° PLAYS EXCHANGED .29 — c!" i ugbee's Popular Plays Ei ei E! □ ei Ei m m m m m m a s ei m m m □ ei Patriotism at Boggsville By WILLIS N. BUQBEE PRICE 25 CENTS BEQQQQHQElEIEQHBEIEaElElEIEl The Willis N. Bugbee Co. SYRACUSE, N. Y. The Bugbee Entertainments ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE Some Class. Commencement Play in 4 acts by Edith F. A. U. Painton, 6m. 9f. Claimed to be the best commencement play on the market. Full of good healthy humor. Time 1 hour 40 min. 35 cents. Aunt Sophronia at College. College comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. One of the best short plays we have ever offered. Full of fun from start to finish. 5m., 7i. Time \% hurs. 25 cents. Billy's Aunt Jane. Comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. For school or community. Good darkey character. 8m., 7i. Time, \y 2 to 2 hours. 25 cents. Patriotism at Boggsville. Play for grammar grades. 8m., 5f. Good for indoors or out. A very up-to-date play. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Graduation at Gayville. A play for grammar grades. 6m., 6f. Includes a mock commencement, class poem, etc. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Uncle Peter's Proposal. A farce in 2 acts by W. T. Newton. 3m., 2f. A very clever little play. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Coonville 'Ristocrat Club. A darkey play for church or school or any occasion. Clean and wholesome. 6m., 6f. Time, 1 hour. 25 cents. Darktown Social Betterment S'ciety. A good whole- some darkey play. Very funny. For 9 male charac- ters. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. Uncle Eben's S'prise Party. Here is another splen- did negro play. It certainly is a surprise party. 6m., 6f. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Uncle Si and the Sunbeam Club. A delightful play for grammar grades. Opportunity for specialties. 7m., 7i. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. The Willis N. Bugbee Co., Syracuse, N. Y. Bugbee's Popular Plays Patriotism at Boggsville A Play for Young People ...By... Willis N. Bugbee Author of "Billy's Aunt Jane," "Aunt Sophronia at Col- lege," "Uncle Ephraim's Summer Boarders," "Coonville *Ristocrat Club," etc. Copyright 1918, by Willis N. Bugbee THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO. SYRACUSE, N. Y. *, 4?£ CHARACTERS Squire Benton Pat McGinnis Hi Bartlett Mr. Wigglesworth Aunt Polly Fletcher Anna Mason Henry Perkins George Green Percy Blake Tom Filkins Alice Brown Mary Sloan Minnie Howe Bystanders, any number. Time of Playing: Thirty minutes. COSTUMES Pat wears overalls and frock in Act I ; a cheap dress-up suit in Act II. Polly wears plain calico dress in Act I; a plain, black dress in Act II. Squire B. wears "stove-pipe" hat and long black coat. Hi and Mr. W. wear any odd or ill-fitting suits. Others wear ordinary clothing. TMP92-008731 SEP 23 laia ©Ci.D 50 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE Patriotism at Boggsville Scene: A sitting room. Boys and girls are discovered in conversation. George. I'll tell you right now this village ought to be ashamed of itself. It hasn't got a spark of patriotism in it. Henry. That's right. It hasn't got patriotism enough to shoot off a toy pistol on the Fourth of July. George. It hasn't one-quarter as much patriotism as Greenville. Percy. And Greenville's a great deal smaller place than this. Mary. We haven't even a Red Cross society here. Just think of it! Alice. It's just the same with everything else in this town. It's dead, that's what's the matter. Henry. Of course it's dead — deader'n a door nail. But what can we do about it? George. Do about it? We've got to do something to wake it up, that's all. Percy. I guess we're all willing to do our share if you'll only suggest something. Minnie. That's the main trouble — everybody's waiting for somebody else to do the suggesting. Now, I'll suggest that we girls start a Red Cross society, for one thing. What do you say, girls? Alice. Just the thing! Mary. I think it would be grand! 4 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE Anna. So do I! Tom. May we boys join it? Minnie. Certainly, if you like — the more the merrier — that is, I mean the better it will be for the cause. Henry. Well, I've got another suggestion to offer, but I don't know whether you'll all agree with me or not. Percy. Out with it. Henry. I was just thinking it would be nice if we could get up a sort of drill corps and learn military tictacs and such things. Anna. I guess you mean tactics, don't you? Henry. Like enough. I don't know whether you'd call it a "brigade" or a "corps" or a "squad." Tom. Squad's all right — it'll be the awkward squad. Percy. We'll choose Henry for captain of the "Boggs- ville Awkward Squad!" Henry. You needn't laugh. We'd get a lot of fun out of it, and we could do a lot of good, too. Tom. No doubt we'd get fun enough. George. Now, I've got another suggestion to make. Anna. My! Suggestions are coming thick and fast now. George. I suggest we raise money to get a flag for the village and then have a flag raising and invite everybody to come to it. Tom. With a grand celebration — that's a capital idea. Hip, hooray! Percy. You can count me in on that. Girls. And us, too. George. We'll get 'Squire Benton or somebody else to make a speech, and we'll have some singing and — Alice. But where — oh, where — will you get the money? PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE 5 George. Take up a subscription. Here's some paper. I'll get it ready now. (Takes paper from table and writes.) Tom. Good scheme! The "Awkward Squad" can help raise the flag. George. Here it is. (Reads.) "We, the undersigned citizens of Boggsville, agree to con- tribute the amount subscribed below toward the purchase of a flag for our village ,and to do all we can to arouse some patriotism in this town." Tom. That's bully! Let me sign it first. Henry. I guess not! I'm going to be the first one eh, George? The captain of the "Awkward Squad?" Mary. You ought to give ladies the first chance. George. Now hold on! None of you people are going to sign it first. Here comes old Peter Wigglesworth and Hi Bartlett. They're the stingiest men in town and they're going to be the first ones to sign it. Percy. I'm afraid you'll miss your calculations this time. Henry. Tell you what — if you get either one of them to contribute one cent I'll make the speech at the raising, and you know how I hate to speak in public. George. Everybody hear that? Henry Perkins agrees to make the speech. It's a bargain. Alice. Better get a megaphone if you expect to make old Peter hear you. George. Sh! here they are. (Knock. Enter Mr Wig- glesworth and Mr. BartlettJ Mr. W. Mornin', young man; is your pa to home? George (loud). Yes, sir, he's out in the back yard. Mr. W. What's that? Playin' cards? Oughter be in better business. 6 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE George (very loud). He isn't playing cards. He's saw- ing wood in the back yard. Mr. W. Oh, that's different. Why didn't you say so first? Hi. We w-w-want to s-s-see him about b-b-buyin' his horse. George. Well, I'm sure you'll find him 'round back of the house. Hi. Th-th-thank you. We'll g-g-go 'round an* s-s-see. George (loud). Say, wait a minute, Mr. Wigglesworth (lower) and you, too, Mr. Bartlett. Mr. W. Hey? George, (loud). I say, wait a minute! (Mr. W. turns and holds ear toward George.) We're trying to get money to buy a flag, Mr. Wigglesworth. Mr. W. What's that? Who's chewin' the rag? George (loud). Nobody! We're going to buy a flag. Mr. W. A flag? Well, I ain't hinderin' ye, am I? George (yelling). No, but we want you to help us. Sign it right here, please. (Hands paper. Mr. W. adjusts spec- tacles and reads.) Mr. W. Well, well, so that's what ye want, hey? Why didn't ye say so? Ho, ho! I declare! Say, you're the first one that's asked me for anything of that kind in over twenty years. They say I'm stingy, but I'll fool 'em this time, see if I don't. (Signs paper.) There, I guess that'll help ye some. Call for the money when ye get ready for it. (Hands paper to George ). George (loud). Oh, thank you, Mr. Wigglesworth. (Lower) And how about you, Mr. Bartlett? PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLB 7 Hi (takes paper). I g-g-guess if Mr. W-W-Wigglesworth signs it I'd b-b-better sign it too. (Signs). George. Thank you ever so much, Mr. Bartlett. Hi. Th-tth-that's all right. You'll be w-w-wantin' a flag p— p-pole, too, won't ye? Several. Sure, we'll have to have a flag pole. Hi. W-w-well, I was jist goin' to s-s-say I'll f-f-furnish the p-p-pole if you want me to. All. Thank you, thank you, Mr. Bartlett. You're very kind. Mr. W. Wal, don't be standin' there gossipin' all day. Come along. (Exeunt.) Henry. Well, gee whiz! I'm booked for a speech, all right. Alice. A miracle has certainly happened! Minnie. How much did they sign it for, George? George. You'd never guess in the wide world. Anna. I'll say ten cents. Mary. And I'll say two cents. George. Here it is. See for yourselves. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. (All look at paper and give exclamation of surprise.) Tom. Jiminy Crickets! Five dollars apiece! Percy. Think of it, will you? Mr. Wigglesworth separates himself from five dollars. Minnie. There's no doubt he's fooled us this time. Alice. How much will the flag cost, George? George. Can't say. We ought to get a good one while we're about it. Tom. That's what I say — get a whopper. Anna. Here's somebody else coming. 8 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE Mary. It's Aunt Polly Fletcher coming to see mother. (Enter Mrs. FletcherJ Mrs. F. Good morning, boys and girls. Enjoying your- selves, I see. Several. Yes, ma'am. Mrs. F. That's right. Wish I was young again my- self. Is your ma to home, Mary? I want to borrow her cookbook. Mary. Yes, ma'am, she's out in the kitchen. ^Mrs. F. starts to leave room.) George. I say, Mrs. Fletcher, wait a minute. We're trying to raise money for a flag for the village. Mrs. F. A flag for the village! Well isn't that splen- did! George. Yes, ma'am, and Mr. Wigglesworth and Mr. Bartlett have each promised us five dollars and — Tom. And Mr. Bartlettt's going to give us the flag- pole and — Mrs. F. Well, did you ever! Mr. Wigglesworth going to give five dollars? George. Yes, and we'd like to have you give us a little — ■ anything you want. (Hands paper.) Here's the paper, and pencil to write your name. Mrs. F. Well, now, I'll be real glad to help you, though it won't be very much. I'd give you more if I could, for didn't my only boy lose his life fighting for "Old Glory." Excuse me, please. (Puts handkerchief to eyes.) I haven't the money with me now, but I'll hand it to you tomorrow. (Exit R.) Alice. Poor Aunt Polly! The quarter that she gives is really a greater contribution for her than the five dol- PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE 9 lars is for the rich Mr. Wigglesworth. (A knock at the door L.) Minnie. Here's somebody else at the door, Mary. Percy. It's Pat McGinnis. I just saw him with his wheel- barrow. ^Mary goes to door. Pat steps inside, hat in hand.) Mary. Good morning, Mr. McGinnis. Pat. Top iv the morning to yez, Miss. I jist shtepped in to tell your father that I can't work for him this afthernoon. I've jist heard iv the death iv me woive's third cousin an' we have to go to the funeral soon as iver I can get mesilf ready. Mary. Really that's too bad, Mr. McGinnis. Pat. Faix, it's not so bad afther all. He lift us forty-five dollars in his will. Not a bad sum for Maggie an' mesilf. Wull, I'll hurry along an' get ready. (Starts to go.) Geo. Hold on a minute, Pat. Are you a patriot? Pat. Ach, worry ! Can't yez tell by me brogue that I was born in Ireland in the county of Kilarney? Henry. He means have you any patriotism about you — that is — Pat. Begorra, I lift ivery bit I had in me other clothes. Tom. He means do you have any love for the country in which you live — any love for the stars and stripes? Pat. Well, now you're talkin'. Iv course I do or I wouldn't be livin' here at all. Geo. The idea is this, Mr. McGinnis, we're raising money to buy a big flag to put up in the village. Don't you want to subscribe something toward it? Pat. Shure an' I do. Jist as soon as I get me forty-foive dollars, I'll give yez a half a dollar, so I will. George. Well, just sign your name here then. 10 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE (Pat takes pencil and writes laboriously.) Pat. I'll jist write "Pat" an' you'll know the rist. I niver could write McGinnis at all. Several. Thank you, Pat. Every little helps. Pat. Now I'll have to hustle me pegs an' get ready. Good-bye. (Exit h.) Tom. There's another half dollar soon as Pat gets his legacy. There isn't any doubt but what we'll get enough. Henry. Let me sign it now. (Signs.) Tom. My turn next. (Signs.) Alice. Don't forget the ladies, please. (The girls take turns signing.) All (recite or sing while signing) — "There are many flags in many lands, There are flags of every hue; But there is no flag, however grand, Like our own red, white and blue." Percy. It comes to me next. (Signs.) George. And I am last of the bunch, but not least I hope. Alice. How much is there in all? George (counting). Let me see — five and five are ten, and nine times twenty-five are two twenty-five — that's twelve dol- lars and twenty-five cents in all. Gee! Henry. And all done in less than fifteen minutes. Percy. There's no danger about our raising enough for the flag — George. And for the rope and pulleys and all. Mary. And there's no danger about our stirring up some patriotism in this sleepy old town. Alice. I think we'd better find out first how much every- PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILL© 11 thing's going to cost. Minnie. That's right, Alice. Then we can finish the sub- scriptions in a hurry. Tom. And we'll have a glorious celebration in honor of the occasion. Percy. With a speech by Mr. Henry Perkins. Mary. The flag raising by the "Awkward Squad." Anna. And some songs by the school quartet. George. Let's have one now, then we'll be off. (All join in singing any flag song.) Curtain ACT II Scene: The village green. All of the characters of the preceding act are present except Percy, George, Mr. W. and Hi Bartlett. Besides these are Judge Benton and various other bystanders. They stand in groups busily engaged in con- versation. (Enter George, excitedly.) George. I say what are we going to do? The flag hasn't come yet. All. What's that? The flag hasn't come? George. No, sir, it hasn't and what's more there isn't any signs of it's coming either. Tom. Well, what do you know about that? George. Know about it? We know we haven't any flag to raise. Mary. A flag raising without a flag — that certainly is the limit. Alice. And here are all the people waiting to see it. Minnie. And we were going to ask Squire Benton to make a speech. 12 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE Anna. And the village quartet to sing for us. Henry. Oh, you needn't poke fun at my speech. I may surprise you. (Enter Mr. W. and Hi BartlettJ Hi. W-w-what's the m-m-matter, boys? W-w-why don't you s-s-start the p-p-perf ormance ? George. We haven't got the flag yet, Mr. Bartlett. Hi. Hain't got the flag? W-w-what's the reason? Didn't you get m-m-money enough? Girls. Yes sir, we had money enough. We got Mr. Brown to send to the city for it and the folks agreed to have it here today sure, but it hasn't come yet. Tom. And the last train came half an hour ago. Hi. W-w-well, that's a p-p-pretty howdy do, I swan. Pat. Begorra, I'd jist be afther shtartin' the show an' niver moindin' the flag at all at all. Yez can have the spakin' an' singin' an' the loike iv that an' raise the flag some ither day, so yez can. Tom. That's what I say. Let's begin it right away. Several. Yes, do! Start it off, George. Alice. We want to hear that wonderful speech of Henry's. George. All right — just as you folks say. (Uses mega- phone.) Hi! Everybody get ready! The exercises are about to begin. (The people group in semi-circle on stage.) Our flag hasn't come yet but we're going on with the exercises just the same and raise it when it does come. The first thing on the program, of course, will be America. (All sing.) The next will be a speech by Mr. Henry Emerson Perkins. Tom. Give 'em a good one, Henry. (Henry stands on box.) Henry. Ladies and Gentlemen: As most of you know, this village of Boggsville is the sleepiest place in the whole county, if not in the state. It has Rip Van Winkle beat "seven ways for Sunday," as my grand- PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLB 13 father used to say, and if it doesn't wake up before long there's danger that it never will wake up. So we boys and girls have decided to try and wake it up before it gets too far gone. The first thing we thought of was to get a flag for the village. We hope it may arouse some patriotism in your hearts every time you look at it. Some people call our flag, "Old Glory." I think it was Gen. Sherman who first called it so. Betsy Ross, as you all know, made the first flag for Gen. Washington. It had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes to represent the number of colonies. Now, it has forty-eight stars, — one for each state — and thirteen stripes. There have been six great wars since Betsy Ross made the flag. The Revolution won our independence; the War of 1812 won our freedom on the sea; the Mexican War settled our southern boundary line; the Civil War freed the slaves and preserved the nation. Then came the Spanish War and last of all the great European War. So far "Old Glory" has always come out ahead and we hope it always will. Its colors stand for courage and purity and loyalty. "Red, white and blue — brave, pure and true — Each color tells its story: In all the world — where'er unfurled, No flag can beat "Old Glory." (Applause as Henry steps from box. Enter Percy, with flag.) Percy. Here it is — the flag has come! George. Good! How'd it come? Percy. They sent someone over with an automobile. George. Hold it up so we can all see it. ^Henry and Percy hold it up.) Isn't that a beautiful flag — the best flag in all the world. Pat. Yez're right, me bye, 'tis a foine flag an' 'tis a foine counthry over which it floats. George. Somebody start the song and we'll have the rais- ing right now. 14 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE (Boys raise flag while others sing "Star Spangled Banner." Boys and men remove hats during the raising.) George. Doesn't that look fine! Let's salute it. (Boys and girls give salute. One of the girls may recite "Your Flag and My Flag" or any good flag selection.) Alice. Don't forget about the Red Cross, George. George. Gee! I had 'most forgotten it. Say! Hadn't you girls bettter tell about it? Anna. You do it, Alice. Alice. All right. (To audience.) All there is about it is this — that we young folks have organized a Junior Red Cross Society and we are planning to do a whole lot of things to help our army and all those who suffer on account of war or accidents or disasters. But, of course, we need money to go on with it. We thought that if you would each contribute a little toward it that you would hardly notice it and it would start us off in fine shape. We think the cause is a worthy one. First Bystander. That's what I say. Let's help the young folks. Pat. Begorra, 'tis Pat McGinnis wull be afther givin' a quarter if a dollar, an' if yez want any more there's anitther wan where that come from. Several. Here's a quarter for the Junior Red Cross! Same here ! etc. Alice. Thank you. You're doing splendidly. Mr. W. What's the rumpus now? Hi (shouting in Mr. W's ear). N-n-n-nothin' only they're t-t-t-t — Mr. W. Wal, jumpin' polliwogs! Tell it if you're goin' to an' stop spittin' in my ear. Pat. Jist let me take that wind jammer an' I'll shoot it into his ear. (Takes megaphone from George and proceeds to shout in Mr. W's ear.) They do be shtartin' a Red Cross, bedad. Mr. W. Hey? Where be startin' to ? They hadn't oughter do it — they're too young. PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE 15 Pat. Begorra, he's as deaf as an Egyptian mummy. (Yells.) I said they wuz shtartin' a Red Cross society. Minnie. A Junior Red Cross, Mr. McGinnis. Pat. A Junior Red Cross it is, an' they want some money. Mr. W. Funny? What's funny? Pat. Hivins! I didn't say Funny. I said they wanted some money to shtart it off wid. (Louder.) They want some money. Mr. W. Oh, that's it, eh? Why didn't ye say so at first? So they're getttin' up a Red Cross society, be they? Wal, I'll give 'em some money. I'd a given it before but I ain't been asked. How much do they want? Pat (yelling). Begorra, I don't know mesilf — a couple iv quarters mebbe. Mr. W. Wal, I'll give ye five dollars. I can't hear what ye say — you talk so low. Must have a cold, ain't ye? Or do ye have a weak voice? Pat. I'm thinkin' I'd have a busted throat if I talked ony louder, bedad. Hi. You can p-p-put me down for f-f-five dollars too. I g-g-generally do 'bout as B-B-Bill does. Minnie. My! Isn't that glorious! Henry. It certainly does give one a "grand and glorious feeling." George. Now we would like to have Squire Benton speak for us. Several. The Squire! The Squire! Squire. Ladies and Gentlemen: This is a great occasion. When boys and girls become en- thused with patriotism like this and try to impart it to others as they have been doing I think they deserve our hearty sup- port. So I'm going to do my share by giving them another five dollars. (Hands bill to girls. Applause by bystanders. Cries of "Three Cheers for Squire Benton!") Now as to the flag — this young man is right when he says that ours is the grandest flag in all the world. It is the emblem of free- 16 PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE dom and democracy. It has gathered beneath its folds the people of every nation and clime. I trust that you will always be ready to protect and defend it at all times. That's all I've got to say except that I'm mighty glad you're getting the people woke up. You're doing a good job and I congratulate you. Several. That's right, Squire. We're glad of it too. Pat. Begorra, we're all iv the same opinion. Hi. Includin' M-M-Mister W-W-Wigglesworth an' my- self. George. The next will be a song by the village quartet (or choir). Mr. W. (to Hi J. What's he say? Hi. N-n-nothin' only they're goin' to s-s-sing. Mr. W. Hey? Got who on a string? Pat (in megaphone). Nobody, bedad! They're jist a goin' to sing. Mr. W. Hey? Goin' to sing? Humph! Is that all? (Vat, Hi and others join in singing patriotic songs. All may join in chorus.) George. That will be all of the program for this time. We thank you all for getting roused up and for helping to inject some patriotism into Boggsville. All unite in singing stanza of any flag song as the Curtain Falls The Mercantile Press 345 W. Fayette St. Syracuse, N. Y. The Bugbee Entertainments ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE Hiram and the Peddlers. A farce in 1 act. The climax is a great surprise. 5m., 2f. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Closing Day at Beanville School. The most popular play for intermediate grades we have ever offered. 7m., 7i. (more or less). Time, 30 min., or more. 25 cents. Seven Little Soldiers and Seven Little Maids. For primary or intermediate grades. A splendid patriotic number. Book contains also "The Little Patriots' Loyalty Drill. 25 cents. Midgets' Grand Parade. A delightful pageant for little tots. Very easy to produce. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Funny Little Food Folks. A novelty entertainment for children. This is something different. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. Jolly Christmas Book. By Willis N. Bugbee. The only patriotic Christmas book on the market. Full of good things for a Red Cross or patriotic Christmas program. 30 cents. America's Flag. A beautiful patriotic march and drill with tableaux. For 8 or 12 girls. 25 cents. Following the Stars and Stripes. A splendid new patriotic pageant. This should be on every program. For any number of children. Time, 15 to 45 min. 25 cents. The Spirit of Christmas Time. A delightful pageant introducing pretty little drills, dances, songs, tableaux, etc. For any number. 25 cents. The Willis N. Bugbee Co., Syracuse, N. Y. «-»i- OUNGRESS II II III 016 102 497 "l 9 Two Patriotic Numbers FOLLOWING THE STARS AND STRIPES A Patriotic Pageant by Willis N. Bugbee Introduces Betsy Ross, Minutemen, Daughters of Liberty, Volunteers, Barbara Frietchie, Soldiers and Sailors, Red Cross Nurses, College Boys, School Girls, Tradespeople, etc. Suggests songs, drills, dances, tableaux, etc. Should be included in every patriotic or Red Cross program. Price 25 cents. PATRIOTISM AT BOGGSVILLE A Play For Grammar Grades A lively little play full of fun and patriotism. Mr. Wigglesworth, a deaf old miser; Hi Bartlett, who al- ways does as Bill does; and Pat McGinnis furnish the comedy. A flag raising in the second act. A splendid number. 25 cents. Mercantile Press. 345 W. Fayette St.. Syracuse, N. Y. fdn'rt''** & V'- LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 102 497 1 4