
Martha Slawson is a whirlwind of energy, her fingers flying over a humming sewing machine while the house fills with rolls of white cotton that seem to drift like snowfall. Determined to give Mr. and Mrs. Ronald a homecoming they’ll never forget, she’s stitching a bold “HAIL TO THE CHIEF” banner to drape across the driveway, complete with lanterns and a laurel arch. Her practical humor shines through as she debates the wording with her husband Sam, who prefers a softer “HAIL TO THE BRIDE,” but Martha insists on a salute that celebrates both partners equally.
At the same time, Martha’s four children swarm around her, each demanding attention and new dresses, while a nosy neighbor’s daughter adds another layer of comic chaos. The story follows Martha as she juggles family duties, community expectations, and her own inventive ideas for the celebration. Listeners will be drawn into her lively world, where wit, affection, and a touch of rebellion combine to turn an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (385K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2016-07-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1864–1952
A versatile early 20th-century writer, she moved easily between novels, plays, poetry, criticism, and political writing. Her best-known story, Martha By-the-Day, reached the stage, and another novel later became the 1919 film The Hoodlum.
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