THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS
by David Cory · from The Magic Soap Bubble
Adapted Version
George and Martha love to play. They play big games each day. They pretend to be brave heroes. They like George, the hero. They play his stories. They make the past fun.
Their games are very big. They make a little mess at times. Mrs. Parke reads a book. It is about George, the hero. This is their special story time. She tells them old tales.
The stories make them happy. They want to play more. They get new ideas. They think of fun games. They love to pretend.
Their friends come to visit. Jim and his sisters come. They all play as one. They are very happy. They make a big noise.
One day, Jim plays very fast. He runs and runs. He falls down. He gets a little bump. But he is okay! It is part of the game.
They go to a big city. It is New York. They play on a big roof. They pretend to be heroes. It is a fun game.
They visit Jim's home. It is in a big town. They play in a big empty space. They play a hero game. They run and jump. They are very brave.
They play a game at school. It is a fun game. Then they see bright wagons. Friendly people are nearby. They camp near the road.
Their farmer friend lost his horse. The children help find it. They look all around. The horse is safe now. All are happy. They are good helpers.
In summer, they go to Vermont. They play a big boat game. They pretend to sail a big ship. It is a fun adventure. They love the water.
Jim gets a little too loud. The Captain sees him. The Captain gives Jim a serious look. Jim feels a little shy. He stops his noise.
George and Martha come quickly. They stand with Jim. The Captain smiles. Jim is safe. They all play again. They are good friends.
The children always play. They learn and have fun. What a good day! They are good friends.
Original Story
THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS
SERIES
By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.
For Children 6 to 12 Years
This series presents early American history in a manner that impresses the young readers. Because of George and Martha Washington Parke, two young descendants of the famous General Washington, these stories follow exactly the life of the great American, by means of playing they act the life of the Washingtons, both in battles and in society.
THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS
Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in "punishment" lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the "Life of Washington." The culprits listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for further games of Indian warfare and Colonists' battles.
THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS RELATIVES
The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games of playing General Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim almost loses his scalp.
THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic Washingtons vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot back of the Davis property.
THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL
After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of gypsies camping near the back road to their homes and incidentally they secure the stolen horse which the gypsies had taken from the "butter and egg farmer" of the Parkes.
THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' HOLIDAYS
They spend a pleasant summer on two adjoining farms in Vermont. During the voyage they try to capture a "frigate" but little Jim is caught and about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates hasten in and save him.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
"Give me the bag," the Steward said,
A frown upon his face.
"I'll lock you in a dungeon deep
That you may know your place."
"Help, help! The Polar Bears are left
Upon the Iceberg chill.
Turn back the Ark; we cannot leave
Them on that icy hill!"
"Your Highness," cried the Polar Bear,
"The fast Iceberg Express
Has broken into smithereens;
Too bad, I must confess."
When Little Hero met the Goose
He asked her what to do.
So, children, read the Wind Wagon
And learn how it came true.
Transcriber's Notes:
Page 70, an opening quotation mark was added. ("As they rolled along)
Page 157, "Ed." changed to "Ned" (and taking Ned with him)
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE ***
Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed.
Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
The Little Washingtons series follows George and Martha Washington Parke, young descendants of General Washington, who reenact scenes from his life through imaginative play. Their thrilling 'battles and expeditions' often lead to minor mischief, prompting Mrs. Parke to read lessons from the 'Life of Washington', which paradoxically inspires further games. Joined by the Davis children, their adventures escalate from almost losing a 'scalp' to staging battles on a hotel roof and in an empty lot, and even recovering a stolen horse from gypsies. During a summer holiday, little Jim is nearly punished by a Captain during a 'frigate' capture, only to be saved by his friends, continuing their cycle of adventurous play and incidental learning.
Themes
Emotional Arc
joy to excitement
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story uses the historical figure of George Washington as inspiration for children's games, reflecting a common practice in early American children's literature to instill patriotism and historical knowledge.
Plot Beats (12)
- George and Martha Washington Parke, descendants of General Washington, regularly play games reenacting his life.
- Their games, often involving 'battles and expeditions', frequently result in 'punishment' lessons from Mrs. Parke, who reads from the 'Life of Washington'.
- These readings, rather than deterring them, inspire new ideas for further games of Indian warfare and Colonists' battles.
- The Davis children visit the Parke home and enthusiastically join in the games.
- During one such game, little Jim Davis almost loses his 'scalp' due to their zealous play.
- The children travel to New York City and wage a fierce battle on a hotel roof.
- Visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, they vanquish the Hessians on a battlefield in an empty lot.
- After a 'school-house battle', the children discover a band of gypsies camping near their homes.
- They secure a stolen horse that the gypsies had taken from the Parkes' 'butter and egg farmer'.
- During summer holidays in Vermont, they attempt to capture a 'frigate' during a voyage.
- Little Jim is caught by the Captain and is about to be punished.
- His confederates hasten in and save him from punishment.
Characters
George Parke
A sturdy American boy of elementary school age, with an energetic build suitable for active play. His height would be typical for a child between 6 and 12 years old, with a healthy, active complexion.
Attire: Practical and durable clothing suitable for active play, such as knickerbockers or short trousers, a collared shirt (perhaps plaid or solid-colored), sturdy stockings, and laced leather boots or shoes. His attire would be typical of an American boy in the early 1900s.
Wants: To emulate the heroic deeds of his ancestor, General Washington, and to experience exciting adventures through imaginative play.
Flaw: Overzealousness, which sometimes leads him into trouble or dangerous situations, requiring intervention from adults.
The stories suggest a continuous cycle of adventure, mischief, and learning from historical lessons, implying a gradual maturation of his understanding of history and consequences.
Adventurous, imaginative, patriotic, energetic, and a natural leader among his peers. He is enthusiastic about reenacting history.
Martha Washington Parke
A lively American girl of elementary school age, likely similar in age to George, with an active and agile build. Her height would be typical for a child between 6 and 12 years old.
Attire: A practical but feminine dress, perhaps a simple cotton or gingham frock with a pinafore or apron, suitable for active play. Her attire would be typical of an American girl in the early 1900s, allowing for movement.
Wants: To share in the excitement and adventure of her brother's historical reenactments and to contribute to their shared imaginative world.
Flaw: Can be drawn into George's more daring schemes, sometimes leading to shared consequences.
Participates in the adventures and lessons alongside George, growing in her understanding of history and the consequences of their actions.
Imaginative, spirited, supportive of her brother's games, and equally patriotic. She is an active participant in their adventures.
Mrs. Parke
A refined American woman of the early 20th century, likely in her 30s or 40s, with a dignified but kind presence. Her build would be moderate, reflecting her role as a homemaker and mother.
Attire: A modest but well-kept day dress, typical of an American woman in the early 1900s, made of practical fabrics like cotton or wool, possibly in muted colors such as grey, navy, or brown, with a high collar and long sleeves.
Wants: To instill patriotism, good character, and a deep understanding of history in her children, using their play as a teaching opportunity.
Flaw: Her children's constant mischief can be a source of frustration, though she handles it with grace.
Serves as a consistent moral compass and educator throughout the children's adventures, her role remaining largely stable as she guides their growth.
Patient, wise, firm but loving, and dedicated to educating her children about American history and moral lessons.
Jim Davis
A slightly younger or perhaps more impetuous American boy than George, with a lean build, prone to getting into scrapes. His height would be typical for a child between 6 and 12 years old.
Attire: Similar to George, practical and sturdy clothing for play, such as knickerbockers, a simple shirt, and sturdy shoes, typical of an American boy in the early 1900s.
Wants: To participate fully in the thrilling games of General Washington and to be part of the adventure with his cousins/friends.
Flaw: His overzealousness and lack of caution, which frequently lead him into danger or trouble, such as almost losing his 'scalp' or being 'punished' by the Captain.
Consistently gets into predicaments due to his zeal, serving as a catalyst for the Parke children to rescue him or for Mrs. Parke to deliver a lesson.
Zealous, enthusiastic, somewhat reckless, and easily caught up in the excitement of the games. He is a loyal follower.
Locations
Parke Home
The residence of George and Martha Washington Parke, where Mrs. Parke reads lessons from the 'Life of Washington'.
Mood: Educational, imaginative, slightly mischievous
The children receive 'punishment' lessons which inspire new games of Indian warfare and Colonists' battles.
Hotel Roof in New York City
The rooftop of a hotel in New York City, serving as a battlefield for the children's games.
Mood: Exhilarating, adventurous, urban
The children wage a fierce battle, playing out historical conflicts.
Empty Lot behind Davis Property in Philadelphia
A vacant plot of land behind the Davis home in Philadelphia, transformed into a battlefield for historical reenactments.
Mood: Gritty, imaginative, historical
The children, playing as patriotic Washingtons, vanquish the Hessians.
Back Road near Parke Homes
A rural road behind the Parke homes, where a band of gypsies camps.
Mood: Mysterious, rustic, adventurous
The Washingtons discover gypsies and secure a stolen horse.
Adjoining Farms in Vermont
Two neighboring farms in Vermont where the children spend their summer holidays.
Mood: Idyllic, pastoral, adventurous
The children enjoy a pleasant summer, engaging in games and adventures.