St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, October 1878, No. 12

In Short

St. Nicholas Magazine was a premier monthly publication for American children, blending moral instruction with adventure, scientific curiosity, and lighthearted puzzles. This volume offers a mosaic of serialized stories, practical experiments, and letters from readers across the globe. It has endured as a historical artifact because it mirrors the aspirations of its time: a world where children were encouraged to be both industrious and imaginative, and where the act of reading was considered a foundational pillar of character development.

The Story

The volume opens in the Bavarian village of Mittenwald, where a young goatherd named Stephan dreams of more than merely tending flocks. After crafting a miniature violin and proving his steady, hardworking nature to a local warehouse owner, Stephan earns an apprenticeship. His journey is one of quiet upward mobility; he eventually leaves his village for a position on a Baron’s estate, where his diligence earns him the mentorship of an aging forester. By the end, Stephan has secured a stable, prosperous future, complete with the promise of marriage to his sweetheart, Gretchen.

Contrasting this pastoral European tale is the American domesticity of Under the Lilacs. In this narrative, a boy named Ben Brown, who has wandered from the world of a traveling circus, finds a home with the hospitable Mrs. Moss. The story follows Ben as he integrates into his new life, navigating the simple joys of school, nutting, and neighborhood pranks. The climax of the provided excerpts involves a sudden, terrifying chimney fire at the house, which Ben and his father—who has arrived to visit—bravely extinguish. The arc of Ben’s story is one of finding belonging and stability, as he transforms from a homeless wanderer into a cherished member of a community, eventually reconciling with his past while looking toward a bright, settled future.

The collection then shifts to the adventures of Dab Kinzer and his friends, who deal with the aftermath of a shipwreck on the Long Island shore. Dab, a resourceful and spirited boy, navigates the social and physical trials of a coastal summer. His story is punctuated by the playful chaos of boys’ pranks, the challenges of hosting parties, and the inevitable growth that comes with adolescence. Interwoven throughout these narratives are instructional segments, such as how to build a "magic aperture" or grow "hoar-frost" in a glass, and a stream of letters from readers who share their own experiences and seek answers to riddles, effectively creating a global community of curious, letter-writing children.

How It Unfolds

The call to industry Stephan of Mittenwald transitions from a solitary goatherd to a disciplined apprentice, demonstrating that talent and punctuality lead to professional advancement. His story establishes a theme of self-improvement through craft and steady labor.

The arrival of home Ben Brown’s story moves from his nomadic circus life to a place of domestic peace under the care of Mrs. Moss. The narrative highlights the importance of gratitude and the relief found in a secure, loving environment.

The test of character The fire at the Moss residence forces characters to act with courage and instinct, proving their worth in a moment of crisis. This event binds the characters together, reinforcing their loyalty to one another.

The social dance Dab Kinzer’s summer is defined by social interactions, from managing skittish ponies to hosting gatherings that test his maturity. These events emphasize the complexities of adolescent friendship and the occasional failure of clever, but ill-conceived, pranks.

The global exchange Letters from far-flung readers connect the stories to the real world, inviting children to participate in a dialogue of puzzles, history, and scientific discovery. This section grounds the fictional adventures in the shared experiences of young readers everywhere.

The People

Stephan is a thoughtful, blue-eyed youth whose quiet competence makes him a hero in his village. He values duty and his mother’s pride, ultimately finding success through his dedication to his craft. Ben Brown, the circus lad, carries the weight of a transient, rootless childhood but possesses a resilient spirit and a deep sense of loyalty to those who offer him kindness. Mrs. Moss acts as the moral center of his story; her hospitality provides the bedrock upon which Ben builds his new life. Dab Kinzer is a spirited, sometimes mischievous boy whose social life is marked by both triumphs and errors in judgment. He is flanked by his family and friends, who serve as the audience for his growth from a carefree boy into a responsible young man. Finally, the magazine’s editorial voice—personified by "Jack-in-the-Pulpit"—acts as the grandfatherly narrator who guides the reader through the monthly mix of sermons, puzzles, and letters.

In Its Own Voice

"The gardens seem to have blossomed out in the most eccentric manner; for there, dangling from lines like clothes, hang zithers, guitars, and violins, by hundreds, from the big bass to the little 'kit,' and the child's toy."

This vivid description sets the scene in the "Violin Village" of Mittenwald.

"The boy or girl who every evening arranges the proceedings of the day in systematic order, and regularly writes them out, is not likely to be careless in other matters."

The magazine offers this advice on the moral and practical benefits of keeping a daily journal.

"I shouldn't wonder a mite if you could right here, for Mr. Towne has a great boarding-stable over yonder, and he's always wanting men."

Mrs. Moss provides this hopeful encouragement to Ben’s father regarding his prospects for work.

What It's Really About

The central theme is the cultivation of character, arguing that children are best served by a blend of practical education and moral guidance. The text explores the tension between the wild, imaginative impulses of childhood—often represented by games and pranks—and the adult necessity of order, industry, and responsibility. It suggests that growth is not just about physical maturity, but about learning to be a reliable, observant, and useful member of a family and a broader society.

Why Read It Today

Readers today will find a unique window into the late Victorian mind, where the romanticism of the European countryside meets the rugged, communal optimism of American life. The writing is precise, earnest, and deeply invested in the intellectual development of its audience. One might find the period-specific attitudes and the occasional heavy-handed moralizing to be relics of a different era, but the warmth of the tone remains infectious. It feels like a long, slow conversation by a hearth, filled with the quiet excitement of a child learning to observe the world. Those who enjoy historical fiction or are curious about the origins of children’s media will find it a fascinating, if sometimes quaint, journey. It reminds us that even in 1878, children were eager to write, solve, and build, and that the desire for connection across distances is a timeless human impulse. The puzzles, the experiments, and the earnest letters provide a tangible sense of the past that is rarely captured in modern literature, leaving the reader with a sense of nostalgic, grounded charm.