SilentPhotoplay Blog
Motion Picture Story Magazine would mention again and again that, contrary to some naysayers, the photoplay was good for you and could help people make the right decision. It wasn’t merely entertainment; photoplay was there to make you think. Here’s a good example of this matter, from the January 1912 issue. A Moving Christmas SermonBy … Continue reading A Moving Christmas Sermon
A funny poem from January 1912, Motion Picture Store Magazine. Santa loves the photoshow! A Belated Santa ClausBy Lillian May ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all thru the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,But, alas! dear old Santa Claus never came there! Was … Continue reading A Belated Santa Claus
This is from Rhymes of Childhood (1924) by Edgar A. Guest. A Boy At Christmas is a rather wistful poem of times gone by. A Boy At ChristmasEdgar A. Guest If I could have my wish to-night it would not be for wealth or fame,It would not be for some delight that men who live … Continue reading A Boy At Christmas
This time The Magic of the Frost was written by E. Romney Wheeler. It’s a straightforward poem about elf people. Again, it was prompted by St. Nicholas Magazine in the November 1927 issue. The Magic of the FrostE. Romney Wheeler (Age 16)(Honor Member. Cash Award) Many fitting shadowsOf a chilly night,Tiny imps and brownies,Working till … Continue reading The Magic of the Frost – E. Romney Wheeler
This poem, about a santa-doubting little boy, is from Edgar A. Guest’s book Rhymes of Childhood. (1924) A Christmas StoryEdgar A. Guest Now, children, if you will gather about,I’ll tell you the story of little Tom Doubt.Just sit on the floor there and look up at me;Yes, yes, I’ll take two of you—one on each … Continue reading A Christmas Story
This is from Rhymes of Childhood (1924) by Edgar A. Guest. This is a really cute poem! The Approach of ChristmasEdgar A. Guest There’s a little chap at our house that is being mighty good—Keeps the front lawn looking tidy in the way we’ve said he should;Doesn’t leave his little wagon, when he’s finished with … Continue reading The Approach of Christmas
This short story, prompted by St. Nicholas Magazine and published in the December 1927 issue, is about Christmas at boarding school. It was written by Sallie Freeman, age 17. Christmas Adventure By Sallie Freeman (Age 17) (Silver Badge) Bee stirred restlessly in her bed. Why did her family choose Christmas to have the measles? How … Continue reading A Christmas Adventure – Sallie Freeman
I had another post planned for today, but that one will be pushed back, as I just discovered this gem. This very well may be the very best story I have ever read in one of my storybooks. I think I’ll always remember this Christmas story, and will share it every Christmas from now on. … Continue reading A Tale of a Tail
The Heart of the Year was a prompt from St. Nicholas Magazine, and was published in December 1927 issue. Howard Freedman was just 12 when he won this gold badge. The Heart of the YearBy Howard Freedman (Age 12)(Gold Badge. Silver Badge won August, 1926) When Winter’s host from coast to coastIs spread as an … Continue reading The Heart of the Year – Howard Freedman
This is a really charming story about a little homeless kitty on Christmas Eve. It is by Constance Rose Pultz. Born on December 4, 1913 in Yonkers, New York, Constance was an only child. She was a prolific author, writing much poetry and many stories and winning awards in writing competitions throughout her life. She … Continue reading Pussy’s Christmas Eve