Bedtime Stories During a War: A Tiny Snapshot of Prince William County in April 1944

By: Lisa Timmerman, Executive Director

In April 1944, The Manassas Journal ran a series of “Bedtime Stories” in their newspapers, all featuring the beloved Peter Rabbit. In a newspaper filled with devasting news of WWII with recipes urging people to use more eggs and less meats, these stories provided a chance for parents to impart societal and moral lessons without having to discuss the war.

The April paper featured the following: More Old Friends Wake Up and Greet Peter, Welcome Robin Tells of His Adventures, and Peter Rabbit is Scared and then Glad. Besides for featuring a curious and naive Peter Rabbit, these stories acknowledged the hard realities of American life in 1944 while reminding children of the promise of the future. 

Excerpt: More Old Friends Wake Up and Greet Peter:

“A stomach is a funny thing,” thought Peter. “Yes, sir, a stomach is a funny thing. People say that this one or that is good hearted or bad hearted, when half the time I don’t believe the heart has anything to do with it. It’s the stomach. That’s what it is – the stomach. If a fellow’s stomach is just comfortably full he is good-natured, and if it is uncomfortably empty he is cross. It’s surely funny how differently things look when you’ve got something in your stomach. Now this is certainly a beautiful spring morning, but Unc’ Billy Possum couldn’t see it until he got that beetle in his stomach. Then he was his old, good natured self all in a wink. Why, if it wasn’t for stomachs we wouldn’t have much of anything to worry about.” Peter stopped running for to think this new idea over. He can always think better sitting still. “It’s a fact,” continued Peter, talking out loud to himself. “If it wasn’t for our stomachs we never would have to worry about food and we wouldn’t have to worry about enemies because we wouldn’t have any!” At this amazing thought Peter’s eyes opened wide. He felt that he had made a discovery.

“I don’t know about that,” said a voice. “You seem to forget about men with their terrible guns and traps. They hunt us for fun more than they do for food, though I must say I can’t see where the fun comes in.”

Here we see the importance of food and a recognition that being hungry was normal, the stomach’s “task” was to inform us of our needs. While Peter Rabbit wanted to apply this logic to everything, Jimmy Skunk reminded him of the realities of “enemies.”

Excerpt: Welcome Robin Tells of his Adventures:

Do you ever think of Welcome Robin as having strange adventures and narrow escapes? Peter Rabbit never did. Welcome Robin is such a cheery fellow, always singing “Cheer Up! Cheer Up! Cheer Up! Cheer!” and making everybody glad by the sound of his voice, that someone, Peter never once had thought that Welcome possibly could have much to worry him. A great many people are just that way. They are so much taken up with their own troubles that they never think that their cheerful neighbors may have just as great troubles, and perhaps, worse.

When Welcome Robin told Peter what a long journey he had made to get back there to the Old Orchard it was hard work for Peter to believe that anyone could possibly travel so far, and it was still harder for him to believe that anyone who had been so far away could find his way back again. And yet he never had known Welcome Robin to tell an untruth, so he just HAD to believe.

This lesson focuses on recognizing the needs of your neighbor and your community. Supporting a wartime economy was a communal necessity, along with listening and acknowledging the importance of the family and community unit.

Excerpt: Peter Rabbit is Scared and then Glad:

Peter Rabbit had been so interested in Welcome Robin’s story of his long journey from the sunny Southland that he quite forget everything else. He just sat with his eyes fixed on Welcome Robin in the tree over his head and never once thought about watching out for danger.

The place where Peter was sitting was down in the far corner of the Old Orchard, very near the doorstep of an old friend. He was back of it and so, of course, he couldn’t see it. Now the owner of that doorstep had been asleep ever since the first cold day of last fall. Curled up in his snug, warm, little bedroom deep down in the ground, he had known nothing about what had been going on all those months. He had known nothing of snow and ice, of Jack Frost and Rough Brother North Wind. He had slept through it all. But that morning Mistress Spring had stopped at his doorway long enough to call gently down his long hallway until she had wakened him. When she heard him stretching and yawning and grumbling to himself, she went on to waken other sleepers.

For a long time after she had gone he lay there trying to make up his mind whether to go to sleep again or to get up and have a peep outside. “I don’t believe it is time to get up yet,” he grumbled. “I don’t believe I’ve been asleep any time at all.”

How Peter Rabbit would have shouted if he could have heard that. But no one heard it because, you know, that little grumbler was way down in his snug bedroom underground. So he kept on grumbling all to himself until right into the midst of his grumbling there broke a sound which caused him to sit very still and listen with all his might. In a minute he heard it again. It was the voice of Welcome Robin singing: “Cheer up! Cheer up! Cheer up! Cheer! Mistress Spring is surely here.” That settled the matter. There was no doubt now about it being time to get up.

While Peter Rabbit is slightly wiser here, we meet those animals emerging from their winter hibernations. While certainly grumbling, the sleepy animal does eventually awaken and recognize he cannot remain idle at the start of spring.

Helen Beatrix first developed the idea of a loveable and mischievous anamorphic rabbit in her correspondence to her former governess’ son Noel in 1893. Wild and domesticated animals populated her idealized English countryside, and appeared in print in 1901 as “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” with a commercial publication in 1902. She inspired other writers, such as American naturalist and conservationist Thornton W. Burgess, to create more characters and even write stories about Peter Rabbit. Potter wrote and illustrated 24 original books.  However, it should be noted that not all Peter Rabbit stories imparted fair and inclusive moral lessons. Reinforced racism and sexism appeared heavily in folklore and folktales in the early 20th century.

Did Prince William County children hear these bedtime stories at night? While we cannot provide data and statistics at this point without conducting proper research, these stories provide a sharp contrast to the rest of the paper which focused on war. The reminder of hope and renewal along with the importance of community certainly offered parents a chance to indulge and escape with a beloved literary character during such a hard and often depressing time.

Note: It’s the beginning of March meaning we have a new newsletter available! Click here to read the March 2023 edition of HDVI’s The Town Crier.

(Sources: The Manassas Journal, 04/06/1944, Vol. LXXIV, No. 49; The Manassas Journal, 04/13/1944, Vol. LXXIV, No. 50; The Manassas Journal, 04/20/1944, Vol. LXXIV, No. 51; The World of Peter Rabbit: A Short History of a Timeless Adventure, https://peterrabbit.com/about; Winick, Stephen. Library of Congress Blogs: Folklife Today: Here Comes Peter Cottontail: Some Cultural History, https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2016/03/peter-cottontail)

I bought a copy of the #edinburghcourant from May 1875 and found an advert for @caferoyaledn with prices. #edinburgh #history #oldnewspapers #shillingsandpence (at Edinburgh, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce5b49CIs0P/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The right mood for working on some new collages is slowly accumulating. 👀 Here is one from back in the days: »Quarantänezone Zeitabschnitt [3-8]« (Quarantine zone time period) Collage 1838/1977/2018, partly acrylic, partly watercolour, object frame, 17 x 17 cm Photo: @daniel.schvarcz.photography #collageart #fluctibus #watercolor #aquarelle #collage #artwork #munich #snakes #snakesofinstagram #snakeart #fluctibusart #falkvonschönfels #creative #oldnewspaper #artistsofinstagram #artsy #artholic (at Munich, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChH9UZpsuC2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Just a few eye catching headlines from yesteryear. 👀 I will cease to be impressed by a newspapers ability to creatively say “they died”. I think “SUMMONED BY DEATH” ! Is my favorite. . . . #oldnewspapers #oldheadlines #ephemera #obituaries #oldbooks #bookstagram #antiques #antiquebooksforsale #antiqueprintstore

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“All your weekend viewing, brought to you by ATV”. (Bit of a coup for them to get Sidney James to star in The Sid James Show - apparently Laurence Olivier was unavailable). . . #tv #atv #associatedtelevision #britishtv #60stv #sidjames #laurenceolivier #patrickmagoohan #dangerman #theprisoner #culttv #newspaper #newspaperads #print #printmaking #vintage #typography #oldnewspapers #archive #tvlistings (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcuqxOkI9lV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

When we took up a layer of linoleum in one of the bedroom closets at the Bennington House, we found a layer of old newspapers. The funny thing about it was that a gas pipe had been put into the closet, and the pipe went right through the papers. The Bennington Banner was dated June 13, 1955. The price was 5 cents. * * #StaySewCreative #BenningtonVT #fixerupper #sweatequity  #elbowgrease #renovation  #restoration #thisoldhouse  #realestate #oldhouselove  #homeimprovement #house  #realestateinvestment  #benningtonbanner #oldnewspapers #ifthesewallscouldtalk (at Bennington, Vermont) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAXtKInntB9/?igshid=pwrixw0r3y7h

We have four copies of #kyneton Guardian from February 1956. Only four pages in total for each day, in pretty good nick as well! #wheniwasakidvintage #cohuna #oldnewspapers #vintagenewspaper (at When I Was A Kid Vintage) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9fmPOSAPZo/?igshid=wfafgnwpcjmx

Ran across this 1901 news story just now. This sounds like a movie plot! . . A NEIGHBOR SPOILED IT. . Fourteen-Year-Od Girl's Father Would Permit Her Marriage. . Special to the Indianapolis Journal. (10/2/1901 Edition) . ELWOOD, Ind., Oct. 1. A telephone message spoiled a match in this city yesterday. Frank Spencer, who came recently from Ohio, and Miss Alice Van Winkle, the fourteen-year-old daughter of a prominent farmer north of the city, came to Elwood and boarded a car for Anderson to obtain a marriage license. Scarcely had they left the city when George Gains, a farmer, living adjoining the Van Winkles, rode breathlessly into town and telephoned to the county clerk, instructing him not to issue a license to the couple, as the girl was not of age and the man had a wife in Ohio. When Spencer presented himself for the license it was refused. It happened that George Van Winkle, the father of the bride-to-be, was In the courthouse at the time, and the lovers appealed to him. He admitted that the girl was but fourteen years of age, but that she might as well marry if she wanted to. The other objection, however, could not be overcome, and the wedding was postponed. Spencer does not deny that he has a wife in Ohio. . . #bigamy #indianapolisjournal #elwoodindiana #oldnewspapers #newsclipping #marriage #history #historicnewspapers #journalism #stories https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3XUr4hmXx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9sjm17tmw2fi

From Cards to Chicken & Waffles: A Slice of Dumfries Social Calendar from 1928-1930

By: Lisa Timmerman, Executive Director

What was Dumfries like in the late 1920s? Join us as we visit the social scene of Dumfries in February from 1928-1930. From hosting parties to making hot soup, the activities of our Dumfries residents provide a small glimpse of how communities remained united during tumultuous times.

02/16/1928:

Mrs. Eastman Keys entertained at a delightful Five Hundred party last Thursday afternoon at her home near Dumfries. A beautiful vase was filled with flowers the favor for the highest score, was presented by the hostess to Mrs. John Rainey. Mrs. Grover Abel, who made the lowest score, received a bud vase.

A delightful luncheon, consisting of chicken salad, crackers, pickles and coffee, was served. The Dumfries reporter sees that this game is destined to become a very popular amusement here. Those playing were: Mrs. John Rainey, Mrs. T.J. Young and Mrs. Buchanan, of Quantico, Mrs. Mamie Sisson, Mrs. Bell Rison, Mrs. Grover Abel, Mrs. Maye Crawford, Mrs. Eastman Keys, Miss Isobel Rison and Miss Delma Harris, of Dumfries.

Never heard of a Five Hundred party? The United States Playing Card Company invented this trick-taking card game in 1904, based on the popular Euchre. While auction and contract bridge eventually dominated the trick taking games in America, Dumfries hosted Five Hundred parties into the 1930s. The Manassas Journal continued to print the participants and results within their social news updates. (Sidenote: You can find more info, helpful tips, and instructions with Board Game Geek here!)

02/21/1929:

The Dumfries Community League held its regular meeting last week, with Mrs. Annie G. Cline, president presiding. Rev. Shumate gave the invocation.

Following the reading of the minutes, the roll call and the receipt of dues, new business was taken up and in this connection the bill for the meat used in making soup for the school during January was presented and ordered paid. Elmer Williams, secretary of the 4-H Club, repaid a loan of $4.60 which had been made for the purchase of shrubbery, at the same time expressing the thanks of his club to the League for the loan.

Among the activities of club members during January and February reported was the making of hot soup two days a week for the school, the members furnishing all of the ingredients except the meat. By saving nickels and dimes, members were able to contribute a good sum to the teachers of the school to apply on the purchase of cooking utensils.

The final payment of shades, of which the school is so proud, was made the purchase and installation of shades, having amounted to $56. It was also ordered that the League purchase 50 song books for the school.

The program at the school for April will be put on by the League and all are looking forward to a delightful entertainment with many surprises. The attendance at the meeting was exceptionally large, and many parents were present for the first time, indicating a growing interest in the activities of the League.

The focus on nourishment and supplying necessities is apparent in this club article. While historians give the start date of the Great Depression as 08/1929, it came after a series of economic and financial crises that led to the Stock Market Crash of 1929. As you can tell from the above 02/1929 article, Dumfries was already concerned about the cost of meat. The idea of having meatless meals as a way to show patriotism and deal with the economic realities in America came from WWI. Meatless Tuesdays and Wheatless Wednesdays even impacted Valentine cards with a shoutout to Hebert Hoover: “To My Valentine / I can Hooverize on dinners / And on lights and fuel too / But I’ll never learn to Hooverize / When it comes to loving you!” While not ideal, the Dumfries Community League focused on the importance of hot, nourishing, and comforting food in the best ways they could afford.

(”You’re Children is Their Food Safe?” Ad for General Electric All-Steel Refrigerator,  The Manassas Journal, 02/06/1930, Vol. XXXV, No. 38)

02/06/1930:

“The ladies of the Dumfries Methodist Church will give a Valentine Party on Friday, February 14, in the School House, beginning at 7 p.m. to which all people of the county are cordially invited. The supper will consist of hot waffles, made as only the Dumfries ladies can make them, maple syrup and coffee.

It is especially urged that those who come appear in costume for prizes will be given for the funniest costume, the prettiest costume, and for numerous other things. For the children there will be a grab bag, and for both the young and old a fortune telling booth will be installed.

The committee in charge of the Valentine Party is headed by Mrs. Magruder Keys, as chairman; Mrs. Nellie Brawner and Mrs. Myrtle Keys.”

Have you ever visited Dumfries? If you have walked the streets with us or looked at a pretty map, you will see the close proximity of Dumfries United Methodist Church to Dumfries Elementary School. While Valentine parties are not uncommon in 2023, Valentine costume contests and fortune-booths might not be part of your typical agenda. However, with a country entering the Great Depression, these thoughtful gestures probably provided levity and a sense of united community spirit as the town, state, and country navigated and responded to a new reality.

Note: Need more history & romance in your life? Join The Weems-Botts Bibliophiles as we discuss the genre of medieval romance, chivalric romance, on Saturday, 02/25 at 10:00am! This virtual program features tasty Ginger Jazz tea, classic medieval prose, and a discussion on the life & times of the people from a literary & historic perspective. More info here!

(Sources: The Manassas Journal, 02/16/1928, Vol. XXXIII, No. 40; The Manassas Journal, 02/21/1928, Vol. XXXIV, No. 40; The Manassas Journal, 02/06/1930, Vol. XXXV, No. 38; Newt’s Games & Playing Cards: How to Play Five Hundred; Avey, Tori. Discover the History of Meatless Mondays, PBS: Food: The History Kitchen, https://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/history-meatless-mondays/)

1912 before @edgarallanpoets' first show on the Carphatian. One day later we received an offer also from the Titanic but we passed since we had already booked the show. Listen to us because we are the luckiest band in the world. #edgarallanpoets #carphatian #titanic #noirfamily #historyphotographed #historic #rockthis #old #oldnewspaper #vintagestyle #noir https://www.instagram.com/p/CDEF6IBn7Qo/?igshid=tgrafz66k364

Some new artworks In progress / Available soon at: ottodambra.com . . . . . #inkonpaper #surrealismart #inkonnewspaper #newspaper #vintagenewspaper #oldnewspaper #drawingonpaper #ink #skullart #africa #ottodambra (at London Borough of Hackney) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZvwSkB7zC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bj0jrudel1ba

One of my favorite things to do when finding newspaper clippings, is to flip them over and see what little stowaway historical context made it all this way. This little clip of classifieds shows some pretty alarming rent rates for the 1920s . . #rarebookstagram #books #newspaperclippings #oldnewspaper #antiques #

Old Czech newspapers are a great background for my doodles! Notebook by @deafmessanger . . . #notebook #oldnewspaper #czech https://www.instagram.com/p/CbKP-S4jSiX/?utm_medium=tumblr

#Repost @newspaperscom @download.ins --- A massive hurricane unexpectedly slammed ashore in the northeastern United States on the afternoon of September 21, 1938. No hurricane warnings had been issued in the region, meaning New Englanders were caught by surprise, especially since they hadn’t experienced a major hurricane in over 100 years. The death toll would ultimately reach more than 680 people. This coverage of the storm comes from an Ohio newspaper. (Chillicothe Scioto Gazette, 09.22.1938). . . . . . @chillicothegazette #weatherhistory #historybuff #historylover #historygeek #historynerd #americanhistory #ushistory #historygram #oldnewspaper #newspaper #newspapers #newspaperhistory #newspaperclipping #newspaperarticle #historicalnewspapers #otd #onthisday #thisdayinhistory #todayinhistory https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFVauLgP4Q/?utm_medium=tumblr