Effa E. Preston

“ Collapsible Dolls:
Push down our heads,—
When we arise
We’ll loudly squawk
To your surprise.
We all collapse
And squawk, each one.
The children think us
Lots of fun. [Shop Woman pushes down head of each one and it squawks as it rises.] ”

“ Teachers are discovering that no matter how much novelty there is in their entertainment, how well it is arranged, how thoroughly drilled, if they want to hold the active interest of the audience they must use the best of songs. ”

“ Some lovely dolls quite new.
I hope they all are home today
And every one I’ll see.
I’ll choose the very nicest
And take her home with me. Shop Woman:
My dear, I’ll show you many dolls
All in their best arrayed,
Because today, you lucky girl,
They have a dress parade.
[4]
Child:
A dress parade—how lovely!
Shop Woman:
I hear their tiny shoes.
This soldier doll announces them.
You’ll find it hard to choose. [Soldier Doll sticks head in door off stage.]
Soldier Doll:
All ready. ”

“ Dutch Doll—Girl in blue dress, white apron and cap, wooden shoes. Indian Doll—Dark child in Indian suit. Eskimo Doll—Plump child—one-piece pajama suit covered with cotton to represent fur, hood attached. Old Doll—Child with uncombed hair, torn, soiled dress. ”

“ The Dolls on Dress Parade
Stage shows interior of doll shop. Shop Woman, Guests and Soldier Doll are on stage when curtain rises. Dolls enter as announced; all except Rag Dolls walk stiffly across stage. After they speak they stand at rear of stage. ”

“ Shop Woman—Taller girl, dark dress, white apron. Guests—Any number girls. Soldier Doll—Boy in scout or soldier suit. Rag Dolls—Girls in blue gingham dresses and bonnets—very limp. French Doll—Girl with curls, big hat, ruffled dress. Farmer Doll—Boy in overalls, big straw hat. Paper Doll—Child in crepe paper costume. Baby Doll—Very small girl—long white dress and cap. Sailor Doll—Boy in sailor suit. Collapsible Dolls—Children in red rompers and caps. Japanese Doll—Dark girl in bright kimono, slippers, fan. ”