Knocking the Neighbours

George Ade (1866-1944) was an American playwright and humorist. Ade wrote for some newspapers before finding work at The Morning News. He began publishing his own work in 1896. Extract: Out in the Celery Belt of the Hinterland there is a stunted Flag-Station. Number Six, carrying one Day Coach and a Combination Baggage and Stock Car, would pause long enough to unload a Bucket of Oysters and take on a Crate of Eggs. In this Settlement the Leading Citizens still wear Gum Arctics with large Buckles, and Parched Corn is served at Social Functions. Two highly respected Money-Getters of pure American Stock held forth in this lonesome Kraal and did a General Merchandizing. One was called Milt, in honor of the Blind Poet, and the other claimed the following brief Monicker, to wit: Henry. These two Pillars of Society had marched at the head of the Women and School Children during the Dry Movement which banished King Alcohol from their Fair City. As a result of their Efforts, Liquor was not to be obtained in this Town except at the Drug Stores and Restaurants or in the Cellar underlying any well-conducted Home. For Eleven Months and Three Weeks out of every Calendar Year these two played Right and Left Tackle in the Stubborn Battle to Uplift the Community and better the Moral Tone. They walked the Straight and Narrow, wearing Blinders, Check-Reins, Hobbles and Interference Pads.