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Price, 25 cents



The Dolls on Dress Parade


    By
    Effa E. Preston


[Illustration]


    PAINE PUBLISHING CO.
    DAYTON, OHIO




_Song Specialties for Your Entertainments_


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. The songs must be real novelties. The words must be
interesting as well as decidedly clever. The music must be catchy and
abounding in rich melody. With these things in mind we have prepared
this list of superior song novelties for our patrons. All are in
regular sheet music form.

    =_Price, 35 cents each; 5 for $1.25_=


WELCOME SONGS

    We’ve Just Arrived from Bashful Town.
    We Hope You’ve Brought Your Smiles Along.
    Come and Partake of Our Welcome Cake.
    We’re Very Glad to See You Here.
    With Quaking Hearts We Welcome You.


CLOSING SONGS

    Mr. Sun and Mrs. Moon.
    Now, Aren’t You Glad You Came?
    We Do Not Like to Say Goodbye.
    We’ll Now Have to Say Goodbye.

    =_Paine Publishing Co., Dayton, Ohio_=




_The_ Dolls on Dress Parade

    _By_
    EFFA E. PRESTON

    ———————————————————————————————
    COPYRIGHT, 1922, BY L. M. PAINE
    ———————————————————————————————


    PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY
    DAYTON, OHIO




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.


CHARACTERS

  CHILD—Little girl in ordinary dress.
  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.
  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.

(_Child enters._)

CHILD:

    I’m looking for a dollie
      And so I’ve come to you.
    I’m told that you have in your store
      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.

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. There’s a child out here
      Who wants a doll I think.
    But do not wait another bit.
      You’ve all had time to prink.

[_Child shows delight as each doll enters._]

[_SOLDIER DOLL announces dolls as they enter._]

RAG DOLLS:

    We are such very useful dolls
      I’m sure you must agree
    That for the children everyday
      No dolls are good as we.

    We’re washable, we never break,
      We bend quite anyway.
    Just try us for a year or two,
      We are the best you’ll say.

FRENCH DOLL:

    I am an aristocrat,
      A doll of high degree.
    I came to you from far away
      In France across the sea.

    My name is ISABELLA,
      I’m a most expensive doll
    So you must treat me gently
      And never let me fall.
    I shut my eyes so nicely
      Just tilt me back and see.

[_SHOP WOMAN tilts her and her eyes close._]

    Now, isn’t that a clever trick?
      I’m sure you will like me.

FARMER DOLL:

    I’m a FARMER DOLL
      See my rake and hoe.
    I can plant your garden
      And all the seeds will grow.

    I’m so very useful
      I can rake the hay
    And mow the wheat when it gets ripe.
      I’m busy all the day.

PAPER DOLL:

    I’m only made of paper
      And cheap as cheap can be.
    I don’t belong in this parade,
      But still, you _might_ like me.

    My dresses, colored paper,
      You’d find it fun to make.
    In fact, unless you take _me_ home
      You’ll make a sad mistake.

BABY DOLL:

    Cunning baby doll am I
      Pinch me and I cry
    Loudly for my parents,
      Don’t you want to try?

[_SHOP WOMAN pinches her and she cries._]

SAILOR DOLL:

    I’m Jack Tar, a sailor doll
      Just off the salty sea.
    And every girl in every port
      Was very fond of me.

    I’ve traveled over all the world
      It’s made me very clever,
    A doll of my experience
      You’ll seldom find if ever.

[_Dances Sailor’s Hornpipe._]

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._]

JAPANESE DOLL:

    My name is Lotus Flower
      I came from far Japan.
    Just look at my kimono
      And my flirtatious fan.

    I’ll tell of cherry blossoms,
      Of feasts of long ago,
    Of temple bells a-ringing.
      Where paper lanterns glow.

    I’ll bow to you politely
      And drink a lot of tea.
    I’ll honorably serve you,
      So, please, I beg, take me.

DUTCH DOLL:

    I’m Huldah from Holland,
      With stout wooden shoes,
    Most any wise child
      Would a Dutch dolly choose.

    I never get dirty
      I smile as I play
    I know you’ll soon love me,
      So take me today.

INDIAN DOLL:

    My name is Laughing Water,
      And your papoose I’ll be
    Just hang my deerskin cradle
      To sway in any tree.

    Build me a little wigwam
      Where I may sleep at night,
    And sing me Indian lullabies
      When stars are shining bright.

    You never need be careful
      But leave me in the sun.
    My wax is very solid,
      My colors never run.

ESKIMO DOLL:

    I’m a hardy Eskimo
      From the land of ice and snow
    What a lovely doll I’d be
      In the winter, don’t you see?

    Cuddle me beneath your arm,
      And my fur will keep you warm.
    In the snow drifts we will play
      With rosy cheeks and voices gay.

_All dolls sing—Air: COMIN’ THRU THE RYE._


1.

    If a girlie needs a dollie
      Made for fun and play,
    If the dollie must be lovely
      Girlie, look this way.

_Chorus:_

    Every girlie needs a dollie,
      None you say have you,
    So smile on me, my pretty maid,
      Oh, don’t you think I’ll do?

2.

    I’ve a nature kind and loving,
      Very seldom cry,
    Never frowning, always smiling,
      Do not pass me by.


3.

    When a girlie needs a dollie
      Why the search delay?
    Here am I all ready, waiting,
      Choose me now, today.

_Enter OLD DOLL._

    My name is Mary Alice,
      And I’m old as old can be.
    My paint’s washed off, my head is cracked,
      No little girl wants me.

    My hair was once in golden curls
      And now it hangs forlorn,
    My eyes are dim from crying,
      My pretty dress is torn.

    I only came to see the rest.
      Of course I did not dream
    That any child could care for me,
      So shabby now I seem. [_Weeps._]

CHILD:

    Oh, Mary Alice, please don’t cry.
      I want you, I choose _you_.
    I’ll love you much, much better
      Than these dainty dolls so new.
    They’ll find a home at once, I’m sure,
      But you, my dear, need me.

    [_To audience_] I’ve made a wise selection

    I’m sure you all agree.
      For after all old friends are best,
    Friends that are tried and true.
      And so from all the Dolls Parade
    Dear Mary Alice, I choose you.

OLD DOLL:

    You make me very happy.
      I can scarce believe my ears—
    To think that you will take _me_ home
      And not those lovely dears.

    Their clothes are fresh and dainty,
      Their cheeks are painted red,
    Their locks are long and curling,
      While mine are straight instead.

    But, though I’m old and faded
      My heart beats warm and true—
    I’ll always, always, grateful be
      Dear little girl to you.

All the other dolls—in amazement—

    She’s going to take MARY ALICE?
      It really can’t be true—

[_To MARY ALICE._]

    With all of us so beautiful
      She wouldn’t look at you.

[_To CHILD._]

    Just look again at us we beg.
      You must have failed to see
    Our shining curls, our dresses new,
      Our pride and dignity.

    You surely don’t want that old doll!
      She’s been worn out for years.
    You’ll change your mind when you get home
      And hurry back in tears.

    And then you’ll find we all are gone
      With other little girls
    Who like our style, our pretty clothes,
      Our lovely flowing curls.

SAILOR DOLL (_stepping to front and motioning rest to be still_):

    She’s right. I know, for I am wise;
    Although it is to my surprise
    She shows such sense, for little girls
    Are always pleased by silly curls.

    They fail to see, ’neath raiment gay
    A spirit that is sweet and gay.
    This child is most as wise as I.
    She knows it’s best to pass _us_ by

    And choose, a doll for every day,
    A doll that’s had long years of play,
    Is beautiful in this child’s eyes.
    She’s right. _I_ know, and I am wise.

    And if the choice seems queer to you
    Because you’re all so fresh and new,
    I’ve traveled over sea and land,
    I’m wise, at least _I_ understand.
    You’d only be an honored guest.
    In dolls—or friends—the old are best.

ALL: Well, perhaps you are right. It’s nice for Mary Alice, any way,
isn’t it!

_All sing—Air: AULD LANG SYNE._

    Old dolls are like old friends the best
      Because they’re tried and true
    But we’ll be old dolls, too, some day,
      Instead of fine and new.

_Chorus:_

    And you will love us then
      When beauties fade,
    The dolls you’re passing by today,
      The dolls on dress parade.

Dolls parade off stage, followed by SOLDIER DOLL, and led by the SAILOR
DOLL. CHILD stands with arms around MARY ALICE as curtain goes down.
Guests leave.




Entertainments for All Occasions


_Special Day Entertainments_

    =BEST CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES=—Irish                $0.40
    =CHOICE CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES AND PLAYS=—Irish       .40
    =CHOICE CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS=—Irish            .40
    =CHRISTMAS AT McCARTHYS’=—Guptill                  .25
    =CHRISTMAS AT PUMPKIN HOLLER=—Guptill              .25
    =CHRISTMAS EVE AT MULLIGAN’S=—Irish                .25
    =CHRISTMAS SPEAKIN’ AT SKAGGS’ SKULE=—Irish        .25
    =IN A TOY SHOP=—Preston                            .25
    =THE PRIMARY CHRISTMAS BOOK=—Irish                 .40
    =PUMPKIN PIE PETER=—Irish                          .25
    =THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH=—Irish             .25
    =SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS=—Preston                  .25
    =A STRIKE IN SANTA LAND=—Preston                   .25
    =A THANKSGIVING CONSPIRACY=—Irish                  .25
    =A THANKSGIVING DREAM=—Preston                     .25
    =A TOPSY-TURVY CHRISTMAS=—Guptill                  .25


_Dialogues and Children’s Plays_

    ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR=—Wilbur                     $0.25
    DOLLS ON DRESS PARADE=—Preston                     .25
    A PARTY IN MOTHER GOOSE LAND=—Preston              .25
    =SNAPPY HUMOROUS DIALOGUES=—Irish                  .40


_Recitations and Pantomimes_

    =CATCHY PRIMARY RECITATIONS=—Irish               $0.30
    =OLD TIME SONGS PANTOMIMED=—Irish                  .40


_Plays_

    =THE DEAREST THING IN BOOTS=—MacKenzie           $0.25
    =THE GREAT CHICKEN STEALING CASE OF EBENEZER
        COUNTY=—Richardson                             .25
    =THE GREAT WHISKEY STEALING CASE=—Richardson       .25
    =MISS JANIE; OR, THE CURTAILED COURTSHIP=—Bonham   .25
    =THAT AWFUL LETTER=—MacKenzie                      .25
    =THE UNEXPECTED GUEST=—MacKenzie                   .25


_Monologues_

    =AS OUR WASHWOMAN SEES IT=—MacKenzie             $0.25
    =ASK OUIJA=—MacKenzie                              .25
    =THE COUNTRY COUSIN SPEAKS HER MIND=—MacKenzie     .25
    =GLADYS REVIEWS THE DANCE=—MacKenzie               .25
    =I’M ENGAGED=—MacKenzie                            .25
    =SHE SAYS SHE STUDIES=—MacKenzie                   .25
    =SUSAN GETS READY FOR CHURCH=—MacKenzie            .25


    =PAINE PUBLISHING CO.       Dayton, Ohio=




Entertainments for Christmas


=CHOICE CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS By Marie Irish=

For children of all grades. Contents: 50 recitations, 8 monologues, 11
plays and dialogues, 5 drills and marches, 8 tableaux, 4 pantomimes, 8
pantomimed carols, 8 songs, etc. =Price, 40 cents.=


=THE PRIMARY CHRISTMAS BOOK By Marie Irish=

For children under ten years of age. Contents: 68 recitations, 12
exercises, 7 songs, 6 drills, 12 dialogues and plays, 9 pantomimes.
=Price, 40 cents.=


=BEST CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES By Marie Irish=

Twelve pantomimes, each accompanied by complete words, directions and
music. Some are serious and some are in a lighter vein. =Price, 40
cents.=


=CHOICE CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES AND PLAYS By Marie Irish=

Ten dialogues for Primary Grades, 10 dialogues for Intermediate Grades
and 8 plays for Grammar Grades. =Price, 40 cents.=


=CHRISTMAS AT McCARTHYS’ By Elizabeth F. Guptill=

Brimful of fun and Christmas spirit. For any number of young folks and
children. Time, 30 minutes. =Price, 25 cents.=


=CHRISTMAS AT PUMPKIN’ HOLLER By Elizabeth F. Guptill=

The old-fashioned school is rehearsing for the Christmas entertainment.
Funny from beginning to end. Time, 30 minutes. For any number of
children. =Price, 25 cents.=


=CHRISTMAS EVE AT MULLIGAN’S By Marie Irish=

For all grades. 4 males, 5 females. Time, 30 minutes. A most unusual
play. Plenty of wit and humor as well as more serious episodes. Sure to
be a success. =Price, 25 cents.=


=CHRISTMAS SPEAKIN’ AT SKAGGS’ SKULE By Marie Irish=

A back woods school entertainment is featured. Easy to prepare and
plenty of fun. For 6 boys and 8 girls. Time, 30 minutes. =Price, 25
cents.=


=IN A TOY SHOP By Effa E. Preston=

In rhyme. For 12 or more small children. A clever little play that will
please. Time, 20 minutes. =Price, 25 cents.=


=THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH By Marie Irish=

For upper grades. 5 males and 6 females. Time, 30 minutes. Plenty of
fun and a great surprise. =Price, 25 cents.=


=SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS By Marie Irish=

For 4 boys and 4 girls. For mixed grades. Time, 25 minutes. The older
children play Santa Claus for the younger ones. =Price, 25 cents.=


=A STRIKE IN SANTA LAND By Effa E. Preston=

In rhyme. 8 boys, 7 girls. Time, 20 minutes. Very easy but effective.
=Price, 25 cents.=


=A TOPSY-TURVY CHRISTMAS By Elizabeth F. Guptill=

Humorous. For any number of children under fourteen years of age. Time,
30 minutes. =Price, 25 cents.=


=PAINE PUBLISHING CO.=

       *       *       *       *       *

Transcriber’s Note:

Page 8, verse beginning “Cuddle me beneath” had indents added to match
rest of poem in text.





End of Project Gutenberg's The Dolls on Dress Parade, by Effa E. Preston