The article above refers to the rabies outbreak of '34 in Alabama. Dogs were roaming the streets for weeks, all with a mysterious case of rabies. This artifact relates to the event involving the old dog Tim Johnson and his disturbing case of rabies. In Scout's quiet neighborhood, not all is quiet on the fateful day that Tim Johnson exposes himself the citizens of Maycomb. Scout does not quite understand the full effect of what is going on until her father, old "One-Shot Finch", fires at the poor dog to put it out of its misery.
Above sits another article which describes an important hardship from Alabama in the 1930's. Courts all over the state were having to deal with cases of a black prosecutor or defendant. Though, as described in the article, juries were usually made up of white citizens, leaving their case open to racial discrimination and, furthermore, a verdict which the person does not deserve. The case in To Kill A Mockingbird involving Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell is a perfect example of that. Scout was a witness to the case first-hand, as her father was the elected attorney for this case. The people selected to make a decision on this case were also 100% white people from another town. This will sadly cause hardship all through the story and for Scout as she sees how people really are.
In the early part of winter, Jem and Scout enjoyed the time they had together making a snowman. It would have been pitiful in the eyes of passerby, but it had a warm spot in their heart. By the end of the ordeal, Jem got to try out his construction ability and Scout got to witness her first ever snowflakes. But in the end, they both got to enjoy the construction of Mr. Avery, their neighbor. Even Atticus thought that it was a nice touch to the yard decorations.
This is a recipe for lane cake. This cake was the type of cake that Jem got from Ms. Maudie. It represented the fact that Jem is not a child anymore. Ms. Maudie understood how the case affected Jem in the negative and needed something to cheer him up. This helps Jem cope with the fact that Tom is gone. Jem is now a man, and he has the responsibility that comes with it.