When Friday came the boys were right on hand after school. Each boy was given a boy-size carpenter's apron with a supply of shingle nails in the pocket. Each apron was made of sturdy material and was about eighteen inches long and twelve inches wide. A crosspiece was stitched on the lower half of the apron and up through the center to form two pockets. Sturdy tape was sewed to the top for a halter and the same tape was used for the apron strings. Every boy has seen carpenters wear such aprons, and each was delighted to have one of his very own.

We showed the boys the feeding tray next door thinking they might like to follow its pattern. We told them they were to take home their finished trays. One practical lad immediately asked, "Where'll we get the lumber?" And we answered, "You'll find lumber and tools in the basement."

The boys tore through the house like a thundering herd and down into the basement. In no time at all each boy was choosing from the little lumberyard the boards with which he wanted to work. In a shorter time than it takes to tell, each boy was busy making a tray of his own design.

The saws hummed and the hammers pounded as the happy voices of the youngsters compared notes on their progress. Near the end of the afternoon we inquired if they were ready to eat. For the first time in our experience with boys at parties we were greeted with "Can't we have just a little more time? We aren't quite through."

At last all were ready to eat. To each one we handed a workman's box lunch. The boys were excited over this new version of a birthday party lunch. Each box contained peanut butter and lettuce sandwiches, a half pint bottle of milk and a straw, an apple, a piece of birthday cake and a sucker.

After lunch the trays were brought up for display. Not one of the young carpenters had copied the neighbor's tray but each had followed his own design. They were all very clever. One was simply a tray with an edge around it to prevent food from falling off. Another was a bird house with a tray porch while still another had a broad peaked roof. On leaving the party each guest was presented with a package of bird seed from the dime store. While the boys were collecting their trays, bird seed and carpenter's aprons to take home, one enthusiastic lad said, "This is the best party I've been to in three years." A little tousle-head replied, "What d'ya mean three years it's the most fun of them all." Then we knew that our carpenter workshop idea had made a hit.

If your noisy lad wants the gang in for a party don't hesitate to give the go-ahead signal. For a party that's fun, economical and easy to manage try the carpenter workshop idea it really works.

For an enthusiastic young boy the carpenter workshop party appears to be successful all time. In this party a child not only enjoys the company of his friends but also learning a lot too. It helps to develop in them a new sense of unity, enjoyment and important of friendship.