Home About Us Rescue Shop Projects News Supporters/Volunteers Contact Us 732 Gaines Street Davenport IA 52802 |
|
|
The Story of Stone SoupOnce
upon a time, somewhere in post-war "There's not a bite to eat in the whole province," he was told. "Better keep moving on." "Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his wagon, filled it with water, and built a fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a velvet bag and dropped it into the water. By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come to the square or watched from their windows. As the soldier sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their skepticism. "Ahh," the soldier said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat." Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot. "Capital!" cried the soldier. "You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king." The
village butcher managed to find some salt beef . . . and so it went,
through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was
indeed a delicious meal for all. The
villagers offered the soldier a great deal of money for the magic stone,
but he refused to sell and traveled on the next day. The moral is that by working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good is achieved.
|
|
|
|
Gateway Redevelopment Group, Davenport, Iowa |
|