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100 Years Ago
100 Years Ago is a weekly article produced for the local newspapers. The information is compiled, by Betty Smith, from the local newspapers 100 years from the current date. The titles of each article you will see, has the month, the date and then year it originally showed up in the newspaper and then the year it appeared in the paper as you see it currently. You can see a small preview of each article below. When you find the one you want to read simply click read more to bring up the whole article. You can also filter the articles using the dropdown menus below. You have the options to filter by year, month, and tag. What is a tag? In this case a tag is a location or topic that can be found within an article. Every article covers a variety of locations and topics and they have each been "tagged" with the appropriate tags for that article's locations and topics.
Ex 1: If there was an article that you are trying to find from 2010 that had something related to Montrose, but you cannot remember any other details, you can filter the year to 2010 and the tag filter to Montrose, to narrow your search down, and you will be presented with only the articles from 2010 that contain a section for Montrose.
Ex 2: Perhaps you are only interested in articles that talk about New Milford, you can also use the tag filter to find just the articles that mention New Milford.
June 01 1923/2023
New Milford – Landlord E. D. Bertholf, who lately died in New Milford and was a former Jessup Twp. resident, had conducted what was known for many years as the Eagle Hotel. A hotel or public house has been continuously in operation on this site for as far back as 1790, when Robert Corbett established a public house on this property. For many years it was known as the Phinney Hotel, “Bill” Phinney having been its proprietor, succeeding his father, the late Philander Phinney, who built the present structure in 1857. Mr. Bertholf had conducted the hotel the past three years. The Bertholf will, lately probated, left $3,000 to Mrs. Augusta Bogue, his housekeeper for the past twelve years; $1,000 to his brother, Samuel Bertholf. The remaining estate is divided between his surviving brother and three sisters.
Harford – We are reliably informed that the time is not far distant when there will be a state concrete road from Nicholson to Harford, via Glenwood. In the words of the old song, “Oh, let it be soon.” ALSO There are but three Civil War veterans in Harford. There are 116 soldiers’ graves in the township cemetery. ALSO Among our newly weds are Kenneth McConnell and Miss Leah Stone. They will reside on a farm near the groom’s parents. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stone, of Kingsley and a popular young lady.
Friendsville – George L. Buffum has purchased the Louise Whelan house and is remodeling it for a store.
Brooklyn – One of those pleasant gatherings took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Meade, of this place, when friends came to congratulate Mrs. George W. Brown, aunt of Mrs. Meade, on rounding out 100 years of earthly life, and still retaining to a great extent all of her faculties. Mrs. Brown was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Beers and was born in Providence, R. I., May 25, 1823 and came to Bradford County in 1830 with horses and wagon, later to Brooklyn, in about 1848, residing in the home of Stephen Breed on the old Breed homestead. Returning to Bradford County she married George W. Brown. At his death she returned to Brooklyn, living with her niece, Mrs. Meade, in her ideal country home, with electric lights, hot and cold water, bath, etc. ALSO Graduating members of the Brooklyn high school are: Virginia West, Norma Smith, Elizabeth Decker, Thelma Button, Frieda Johnson, Carlton Bedell, John Karveller and Alice Mead.
Herrick Twp. – Charles Walker, one of the oldest and best known residents of this township, died at his home, May 18, 1923, age 86. Mr. Walker was a respected citizen and a prosperous farmer and until recently was very active for his years. He leaves his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Emerson Bennett, of East Ararat and Mrs. Thomas Stark, of Lyon street, Herrick, and one son, Edward, who moved to one of the western states several years ago.
Great Bend – Mrs. Riley, who resides in the Kinney block, while burning papers on Saturday afternoon, had her clothing catch fire and was seriously burned. The apron she wore ignited and the flames quickly communicated to her clothing. Two small boys threw water on the burning garments and put out the blaze. She was taken to the Binghamton hospital.
Montrose – James Bunnell and a force of men have been moving a number of the smaller exhibition buildings on the county fair grounds here, and they will be more conveniently located. The grounds and buildings are also being improved and made ready for the forthcoming fair. Contractor Walton will soon commence an addition to the main exhibition hall, which will be ready for use at the annual exhibition in September.
Uniondale – Kenneth Cable worked in the plant of the Philadelphia Bulletinafternoons while attending Temple University, where he recently graduated with honors.
Alford - Wm. Smith has a new Pathe talking machine. [The Pathe Phonograph & Radio Corp, Brooklyn, NY, were the makers of the Pathe line.]
Dimock – The 1923 graduating class comprises Catherine Cronk, Myrtle Shelp, Alice Roberts, Mary Williams, Merl Green, Elsie Berry, Rose Williams, Irene Tanner, Sheldon Grow, Leslie Johnson and Fred Bunnell.
Hop Bottom – There will be a patriotic, dramatic and music entertainment entitled, “The Mother Speaks,” given by the pupils of the school, on the evening of June 2nd, in the Eastern Star room, Masonic Hall.
Lynn, Springville Twp. – We are informed that Chas. Sheldon has contracted with Allen Bros. to erect a modern bungalow on the site of the one destroyed by fire last winter. Everyone has missed the old landmark and will be glad to see it replaced.
Jackson – Students of the Herrick High school will give a three-act drama, entitled, “No Trespassing,” in the Odd Fellows Hall, Jackson, Friday evening, June 1st.
Forest City – At the commencement exercises of the high school, Alice Muchitz gave the Salutation, “Women and Her New Citizenship.” The Valedictory, given by Barbara Puchnik, was “Importance of Business Education.” ALSO We are informed that the firm of Smith & Newak will soon be dissolved. Mr. Smith is to continue in the old stand and Mr. Newak will open in the McCormick building. He will carry a line of musical instruments, sewing machines, etc.
News Briefs: The first film show ever witnessed by peasant children on the island of St. Kilda so terrified them that they stampeded from the schoolroom where the film was being exhibited and sought safety on the wild hillsides of the lonely islet that lies west of Scotland. St. Kilda, isolated for several months of the year by the stormy Atlantic, was visited by people thinking to give the natives a treat and arranged a motion picture. The audience sat unmoved through a picture of a football match, but when an express train rushed at them across the screen the youngsters screamed and fled. ALSO Gov. Smith, of New York, has signed a bill calling upon all secret societies in the state, with rosters of forty or more, to furnish the names and addresses of its members to the secretary of state. The bill is aimed at the Ku Klux Klan. Societies are given ten days to comply with the requirements.
May 11 1923/2023
Montrose – The paving of Public Avenue is the topic being discussed by the Borough Council. More will be reported when a decision is made. ALSO A walk through the Montrose Cemetery shows the need of immediate attention to the repair of a number of monuments and stones to prevent considerable damage. In some instances expensive monuments are ready to fall. Members of the Association noted some of the plots, eleven in all, which are in greatest need of attention. Finances are limited to do the repairs and if any reader knows of relatives who should be interested they can confer a real favor by calling their attention to this article. Lot owners can aid in the work by placing their lots under perpetual care.
New Milford – The soft drink bottling works, conducted for the past two years by Dean Brothers, was sold last week to Hollis E. Tiffany. Mr. Tiffany has moved the plant from the Dean mill property to a building near the Bertholf Hotel. “Orange Squeeze,” which has been a leader with the company, will be continued by the new management. For the past 6 months Mr. Tiffany has been employed in the place and has become thoroughly competent in the manufacture of all kinds of soft drinks.
Heart Lake – The fine residence of Mrs. Helen K. Brown caught fire from a defective flue and had not the afternoon train been standing at the station, nearby, it would have been impossible to save it from destruction. Sparks from the chimney had ignited the dry shingles and the flames were spreading rapidly when discovered by the trainmen. The locomotive whistle was blown, giving instant alarm. The train crew, creamery hands and men in charge of Fred Aldrich, from the icehouses, gave prompt and effective assistance and the fire was extinguished before much damage was done.
Alford – Much speculation has been made by autoists going down the Lackawanna Trail, towards Alford, as to the large wooden structure being put up about half-way between he Summit bridge and the old Alford station, the same progressing slowly and having been under construction for nearly the past year. The writer, passing by the other day and being of a curious nature, took the opportunity to stop and inquire and found that it is to be a dance hall. The building is 60x24 and is being put up by C. E. Woodward, of New Milford, who formerly conducted a garage in that place. Mr. Woodward has built the structure entirely alone, doing the excavating and all the woodwork, etc. He intends to sell ice cream, soft drinks, light lunches, etc., and will install an electric piano for dancing, the same to be open to the public at all times.
Harford – E. E. Jones, member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, was appointed by President Warren G. Harding as a member of the farm loan board authorized under the new agricultural credit legislation. Since 1907 Jones has been in the Pennsylvania Legislature, serving in the lower house in the sessions of that year, and the four subsequent terms, and in 1915 was made senator from the district, and in 1920 was re-elected for a second term. Senator Jones has well earned the sobriquet of “Good Roads” Jones in the state for his earnest and continued activity in the legislature for favorable road legislation, especially rural roads.
Susquehanna – On Thursday of last week, Richard Ranlett, age 48, a well-known Erie engineer, passed away. Friday morning, his mother, Mrs. Mary Ranlett, age 72, passed away at the family home. She had been ill from a complication of diseases for a number of weeks. The family had lived in Susquehanna for thirty years, and the double death has brought increased sorrow to many homes. Surviving are sons, George and Charles Ranlett, and a sister, Mrs. M. J Collins, all of Susquehanna.
Jackson – Jackson will have a base ball team this year. The players are already getting organized for the coming season. They will play Gelatt, May 19th. ALSO What the Odd Fellows hall needs is a lighting system. Few towns, the size of ours, have better halls. With a coat or two of paint and better lights the hall would be complete.
Lenoxville – Ridgeway & Stephens, the authorized Ford dealers of this place, are excavating for a large, modern garage, in which to house their rapidly expanding business. Lenoxville is the liveliest town, for its size, in the county having been kept prominently “on the map” by Clarence G. Stephens, who conducts a department store. The new garage building, to be erected on an imposing site, will add greatly to the appearance of the village.
Franklin Forks – The Sons of Veterans met at the Alliance Hall to reorganize. Sandwiches, cake and coffee were served to about fifty.
Brookdale – Miss Anna English, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. English, and William Sites, were married at the home of the bride, on May 1. The Rev. Mr. Evans, of Conklin, officiated. They went to Albany, NY and Massachusetts, to visit friends, before returning.
Hop Bottom – The Universalist Church is undergoing a complete renovation.
South Montrose – The South Montrose Mfg. Co., which has lately taken up the manufacture of suit hangers, has just received a large order from the Woolworth syndicate stores in New York, also the Charles Williams stores and several other big merchandising houses. The factory management hopes to increase its force in order to care for these big orders, but a housing problem is proving the chief drawback at present.
Fowler Hill, Auburn Twp. - Mrs. Calvin Woodruff took her son, Harold Devine, and little granddaughter to the Packer hospital, at Sayre, Friday. Harold has flu of the bowels, and the little granddaughter has pneumonia.
Thompson – Report is that Thompson is going to have a new central [telephone] lady, June 1st. Mrs. Myron Page will succeed Mrs. Ralph Stone, with Miss Leonard, of Jackson, as assistant.
Dimock – The four Dimock High School graduating honor students are: lst, Catherine Cronk, valedictorian; 2nd Myrtle Shelp; Alice Roberts and Mary Williams, tied for third; fourth Merle Sheen. The class is planning to take a trip to Washington directly after the high school has closed.
News Brief: The dirt road, between Harford village, South Gibson and Clifford village is in extraordinarily fine condition. The dirt road between Crystal Lake, to both Uniondale and Forest City, is also very smooth and pleasant for motorists.
April 20 1923/2023
Cochecton Turnpike – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down a decision, affirming the decree of the county court, on the maintenance of the Cochecton Turnpike in the townships of New Milford, Gibson and Herrick townships. The township supervisors refused to maintain it at township expense and the suit was entered into in order to determine the responsibility of its upkeep. This decision will mean that the road will be kept up on county funds. These old turnpike roads are causing contention in other counties as well as our own. The roads, when laid out for the old-time stagecoaches, were built with the idea of reaching the various relay stations by the most direct route, without regard to grade. As a result they are found in the hilliest, out of the way sections, many of which are very little used. And while this case applies only to the Cochecton turnpike in this locality, should it be taken up by other townships to determine whether the county is liable for their maintenance, it will result ion a surprising increase in county taxation.
Silver Lake – Vincent Carros, a former Scranton miner, was obliged to give up his occupation, owing to miner’s asthma, and since he came to the former Skinner farm, five years ago, has enjoyed greatly improved health. He is a native of Russian Poland, but a loyal American citizen in principle.
Oakland Borough – Undoubtedly the oldest resident of the county passed away April 11th, when Mrs. Sarah Burgess died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Robert Lee. Had she lived until the coming Memorial Day she would have attained her 101st birthday. She was born in England but came to this country as a young woman. Her daughter, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren survive. Interment being made in McKune cemetery.
Dimock – W. L. Evans has purchased the old vacant schoolhouse on Depot street and is making some repairs expecting to convert it into a dwelling for his family. He has worked most of the cold days during the winter, when the younger people were sitting by fires. ALSO A brass band is now being organized here.
Lawton – Base ball fans created a stir at Grange Hall last Thursday night when they served a chicken-pie supper. The evening was spent in visiting and some indulged in games and music. They cleared $40.00.
Gelatt – John B. Low writes the Democrat the following interesting item of news regarding the Treadwell murder case, the first [murder] trial in the county’s history. “After reading the account of the hanging of Treadwell in your paper, I got to talking with my father—who is 86 years old—and he said that his father and mother were married in 1839, and that they witnessed his hanging after they were married. According to his version, Treadwell did not intend to kill Harper, but did intend to kill one named Mumford. “Treadwell’s March” is very familiar, as he [Low] is an expert on the violin, and has played it many times. “My aunt, Betsy Sando (nee Low) spun the rope that hung him. My father may be wrong in the date, but nevertheless they were both there and saw him hanged.” (The court records show Treadwell was tried in May, 1824--Ed.)
Susquehanna – Seventy-five employees of the Erie shops and roundhouse were laid off on Saturday. It is believed the men will be returned soon, as the lay-off was made in order to have the expenses come within the monthly appropriation. ALSO The Tri-County silk mill, in this place, which employs about 50 people, has closed down. There is no demand for the silk and the ware rooms of the company are full, it is stated.
Montrose - Alice Rogers, aged 15, who ran away from her home in Binghamton, was found on the streets of Montrose, Saturday, and taken to jail. Later a representative of the Humane Society, in Binghamton, arrived and took her back to Binghamton. (Some of the early Humane Societies for the humane treatment of animals, also included the humane treatment of children.)
Hop Bottom – Edward Benjamin, while driving a team on the Lackawanna trail, was involved in an accident, which included two automobiles. As a small car was passing his wagon, a large automobile attempted to drive between the two vehicles, resulting in wrecking both cars, damaging the wagon and injuring the horses. The occupants of the vehicles came out without serious injury. It is reported the occupants of the big car were intoxicated.
Jackson – Members of the Ladies’ Aid who will have parts in the farce, entitled, “The Sewing Circle Meets at Mrs. Martin’s,” are practicing in the Odd Fellows Hall for the coming event.
Harford – Mrs. John Lewis and daughter, Marguerita, recently spent a day at the home of Mrs. Marantha Osmun, and they walked all the way from New Milford, a distance of five miles, returning home the same way in the afternoon. Who can beat these two ladies walking?
Rushville – H. S. Atwater had the misfortune to lose one of his best cows a couple of weeks ago.
Forest City – Dr. H. R. Bell, A. D. Kehren and Ray Bloxham, hied to classic Pike county to be on hand with the opening of the trout season. The doctor failed to “pull” them out, Art said they were too “light” and Ray said they were not “built” that way. At any rate they brought but few home.
Uniondale – Some one took John White’s overcoat from his barn on Monday night. Mr. White thinks it is a raw deal. ALSO Mrs. Jesse Rounds and daughter, Dorothy, left during the week for Detroit, Mich., to join Mr. Rounds who has secured employment in that city and where they will reside henceforth. Their departure is deeply regretted.
Elmer Washburn Trial – The jury was of the fixed opinion that the defendant was not fourteen years of age and thus was not legally and wholly accountable for his acts. The first vote of the jury showed that they were unanimous in this belief and expressed it in their verdict of second degree in the murder of Cyrus Payne. Judge Smith and District Attorney Ferguson appeared satisfied with the verdict, based on his age and the grounds of insanity. However, several doctors testified that Washburn was sane, diagnosed as feeble-minded, but does know right from wrong. Neighbors and teachers said he showed no signs of insanity. Young Washburn, when the verdict was rendered, appeared unconcerned and showed no signs of nervousness. He faces from 12 to 20 years in a place of confinement.
March 30 1923/2023
Thompson – The most beautiful thing in the form of a quilt is on exhibition at Mrs. Rachel Cory’s, all the work of her own hands. It is the “stars and stripes,” and entitled the “Flag Quilt.” A large star in the center denotes America and twelve stars in each corner representing the states. In and around the rest of the space are the stripes. The work is beautifully done and with great precision. It would pay to go quite a distance to see this quilt.
Franklin Hill – On account of sickness and bad weather, the church has been closed for the past few weeks, but was opened again Sunday.
Brooklyn – The sap season has come once more. Hurrah! For your warm sugar parties. ALSO Misses Helen Gere and Rena Terry, of Mansfield Normal School, are spending their Easter vacation here.
Hallstead – Peter K. Osterhout, aged 69, died March 21, at his home in Mountain Valley. Mr. Osterhout was one of the best-known men in this section. He was a carpenter by trade and his work was always done on honor. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Harford – A variety shower was given for Mr. and Mrs. Donald Tiffany, at the home of the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Will Tiffany. Many useful and beautiful gifts were presented to them, including aluminum ware, glassware, china, linen, etc. Appetizing refreshments were served.
Dimock – Eleanor, the four-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Randall, who has been seriously ill with pneumonia, has developed appendicitis and was taken to the Sayre hospital, Saturday, on Dr. Preston’s advice, where it is expected she will undergo an operation as soon as her condition permits. Drs. Birchard, Lathrop and Preston have each attended the case since her illness. Mrs. Geo. Gesford, the child’s grandmother, has gone to be with the little one during this critical time, as the mother cannot go on account of the infant baby.
Forest City – Theodore Hird, who left Vandling a few months ago, is now employed by the Lasky Film company at Hollywood, California. He writes that he is pleased with his position.
Uniondale – Automobiles are seen on our streets once more. Shall we call them harbingers of spring?
Susquehanna – John W, DeWitt, one of the oldest Erie telegraphers and train dispatchers, died at his home March 23d. He was born in Lackawaxen in 1852 and in 1869 entered the employ of the Erie and was long located at Port Jervis, coming to Susquehanna in 1907. ALSO Horace Pooler’s poolroom and cigar store was broken into and robbed some time Thursday night. Considerable money, tobacco, cigars and cigarettes were taken Mr. Pooler will be recalled as the man who had a Ford car stolen a few month ago, and for which Burton Follett is in induranceville in the Huntington reformatory.
East Rush – The ladies of the church furnished dinner at the public sale of Mr. Everett, and also at Mr. Barnes’, which helped to finish up our pastor’s salary, and we are very glad to say that he goes to conference fully paid at this point.
Brookdale – Friday evening there was a box social at the schoolhouse. Although it was a dark and stormy night there was a nice crowd and the social was a success.
New Milford Summit – Joe Avery’s saw mill burned to the ground one night last week.
Hop Bottom – Book Club, No. 2, held its annual banquet at the specious and beautiful residence of Dr. and Mrs. Van de Sand. About 40 guests were present. At 8 o’clock the grand march was played by Miss Leiah Phillips and Miss Charlotte Pratt, and the guests were served a delicious menu. Misses Leiah Phillips, Charlotte Pratt, Leora Tanner, Alice Rose and Madeline Murray acted as Waitresses.
Lynn, Springville Twp. – Mrs. Jessie Christian is to have charge of the large boarding house at Louden Hill farm the coming year.
Montrose – Charles VanRensselaer, aged 85, died at his home in Binghamton, March 3rd, 1923. Deceased was for many years a resident of Montrose, but for several years had made his home in Jessup township and later in Binghamton. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in one of the colored regiments and had an honorable war record. His early life was spent in the vicinity of Hudson, N.Y., where he was employed by some of the leading Dutch families. He was an experienced caretaker of horses and for years followed that line of work in Montrose. Interment was made in the Glenwood cemetery in Binghamton. [His war record lists him as Chief Musician.] ALSO The G. A. R. Veterans and Sons are invited to meet with the Daughters of Veterans, April 3rd, to celebrate Appomattox Day.
Birth: A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Allan Rosendale (nee Miss Mollie Miller) at the Mackey Hospital, Montrose, Sunday, March 25, 1923. The momentous question of a name has not yet been decided, as we go to press, but the last poll of the family favored Allan Miller Rosendale.
News Brief: Radio As a Community Affair: Here’s a new one for the radio bugs. A whole street can listen in on one wireless set, according to Mr. Howard Hess, of Berwick, who recently ran a line from his set in his home across the lot to his father’s home, where he connected it to a headpiece on the horn of a phonograph. Now both families enjoy the concerts, each in its own living room, from one receiving set. Hess’s father and mother liked the radio, but the bad winter nights made them hug their own fireside, so young Hess and his wife decided to hook them up to their own receiving set. ALSO Governor Pinchot has signed the Jones Filled Milk Bill, which was fathered by Senator Edward E. Jones, of Harford. As a result of its enactment into a law, Sec. Frank P. Willits, of the State Department of Agriculture, has issued a warning that the manufacture, sale and exchange of all filled milks must cease before May 20. Retailers and wholesalers of filled milks are given 90 days in which to remove all such products from the market and to clean them from their shelves. [Filled milk is a term that classifies all varieties of milk that have been reconstituted with fats.]
May 25 1923/2023
The one thousand or more people that witnessed the first Susquehanna County Interscholastic Field and Track Meet were very much pleased with the manner in which the young athletes performed. At last we realize the real value of athletic competition in our schools. If our boys and girls are taught good, clean competition, in athletics, it will prepare them for straightforwardness in life and make them better citizens in the future. Susquehanna won with a total of 107 points in Class A with Harford second, with 91 points. Ralph Rinker, of Harford was the individual star point getter and Leonard Titus, of Susquehanna, ran a close second. In Class B, Hop Bottom came in the highest, with Louis Powers being the greatest point-getter of the day. Dr. Walter Tewksbury, former University of Pennsylvania star and member of the 1904 Olympic track team, rendered valuable service as starter.
Montrose – Tracy Jenner gave the Salutatory speech at graduation and Helen Corfield, the Valedictory. ALSO Atty. Edward P. Little (later Judge Little) is the champion fisherman of this locality. Ed went out on two occasions last week and on one returned with a catch weighing 75 lbs, and the other weighed 75½ lbs. The fish were suckers, which have lately been running in the Susquehanna, and Ed says the way he got ‘em was to don a pair of hip boots and a pair of woolen mittens (and a checkered shirt) and go right into the water after them. Even a sucker cannot slip out from between a pair of woolen mittens and when they get in a strong lawyer’s hands they are done for. Ed said he wore the blue plaid shirt, as he was afraid the red plaid might make him a little to conspicuous even for night fishing.
Auburn Twp. – Commencement exercises of the high school will be held on the evening of May 23. Miss Madge McMickens, one of South Auburn’s finest young ladies, is one of the graduates.
Jackson – Jackson township needs a centralized school. A better school building, than either the one at Jackson or Lakeview, should be built and equipped with every modern convenience. The logical place for it is in the village of Jackson. But whether Jackson has the school or not, the township should use the method of bringing the schools into one. Jackson has two grocery stores, a drug store, a hall, hotel, two churches, besides being the place where the voting is done and much of the township’s business transacted. It is the only village in the township. It is on the main road. To have a new centralized school at Jackson Lakeview or North Jackson, is much more desirable than the present school system. ALSO An invitation is extended to all soldiers of the Civil, Spanish-American and World Wars, to participate in Memorial Day activities.
Harford – There will be a public meeting in the Odd Fellows Hall, at 1 p.m., on Memorial Day. From that meeting all will march to the cemetery and decorate the graves of our departed soldiers. The people and children are urged to bring flowers to the hall, before noon. There are 77 graves to be decorated and many flowers are required.
Gelatt – LeRoy Gelatt underwent an operation on his eyes at his home here. Dr. A. L. Craft, of Herrick Center, performed the operation.
Kingsley – Another automobile accident occurred near the Oakley crossing on Monday afternoon, when a car skidded and landed in the ditch, demolishing the car and the four occupants were inured. Dr. Taylor was called to fix up their injuries
Herrick Center – The auditorium of the new high school was filled with a capacity audience, Wednesday evening, when the dedicatory services were held. Dr. Shaw, of the Dept. of Education, Harrisburg, delivered the main address, which was excellent. “Brief addresses were given by County Supt. F. H. Taylor and Asst. Supt. Sampson. Dr. A. L. Craft and C. J. Baker, who gave the land over 23 years ago, were given seats of honor. President of the school board, A. E. Flynn, presided in a very pleasing and creditable manner.
Lenox Twp. – Walter C. Adams graduated from the Andrew C. Still College of Osteopathy and Surgery, Kirksville, Mo., on Monday evening. He has made a record as a successful student and his friends are confident he will be eminently successful as a practitioner.
Birchardville – This is a great poultry-raising center, which may account for the fact that it is also noted for its numerous foxes and fox-hunters. A short time ago Marshall and Clayton Ball secured a fox and a litter of young ones by digging them out of their den and placed them in captivity. The mother escaped. What to do with the young cubs was a problem. A mother cat, with some kittens, was among the livestock on the place, and the old cat became a “wet nurse” to the fox cubs. The cubs are thriving on the old cat’s kindly ministrations and the outlook is that they will grow and possibly yet prosper—on some of Birchardville’s poultry, should they chance to escape from durance vile.
Liberty Twp. – Ralph Luce had the misfortune to lose a good cow. E. M. Bailey also has lost one.
Clifford – Harry Price, one of our best-known and most highly regarded residents, died at the home of Mrs. Robert Jones, of Forest City, May 19th.
Thompson – Mrs. Emogene Mulvey, of Carbondale, was engaged at dressmaking last week, at Mrs. A. E. Foster’s, Main Street.
Forest City – Pat O’Malley, a Forest City boy who has gained fame in moving pictures, will be seen this evening, at the Family Theatre, in “My Wild Irish Rose.” ALSO The senior class returned from their trip to Washington, D.C. They visited the Capitol building and White House. They also visited Mount Vernon, Fort Meyer, the Navy Yard and Philadelphia. The trip was an educational one and will long be remembered by the seniors and chaperones.
Uniondale – Douglas & Yale are rushing the automobile business. They received a car load of cars this week and still are not able to meet the demand. John Kagler, John Paye, Everett Lloyd and Burton Avery are the latest purchasers.
News Briefs: There was a lively discussion on why does Memorial Day have to take a back seat in these times and let base ball games and public dancing crowd out so honorable a cause. Something’s wrong. ALSO The “Automobilist” magazine reports that information received from a number of court magistrates indicates that women are more careful as automobile drivers than men. Out of thousands of cases coming before the courts, daily, only about one percent are women.
May 04 1923/2023
East Rush – A very few farmers in this vicinity leave their oats sowed in April, on account of the cold weather, but when we compare this spring with some of former years, things are as forward as in most years. We remember 22 years ago today there was very little farming done. On the 25thit snowed and rained all day and there had only been a few warm days up until the 5th of May, when it came off very warm. ALSO The Forest City News reported only nine clear days in April, with snow, frost and a thunderstorm.
Hallstead – Franklin F, Barnes, aged 80 years, died suddenly on April 26, 1923. Mr. Barnes was a Civil War veteran. He enlisted in the 151stVolunteers. He was shot during the war and was captured in the battle of Gettysburg. Besides his widow, he is survived by two sons, Wellington, of San Bernardino, Cal. and Reuben Barnes, of Saskatchewan, formerly of Binghamton. ALSO A cablegram was received announcing the death of William J. Pike, United States consul at Strasburg, Alsace-Lorraine. Mr. Pike was a native of Hallstead and his younger years were spent largely as private secretary of the late Congressman Galusha A. Grow. He entered the diplomatic service about twenty years ago and was a close, personal friend of the late Hon. James T. DuBois.
Montrose – Earl Wootton, who has been employed by A. W. Lyons for a couple of years, has accepted a position in The Montrose Democrat office and will learn the printers’ trade. His former position, in the Lyons store, will be filled by Delbert Corwin.
Brooklyn – C. F. Richards is one of three remaining Civil War veterans in our town, Hon J. W. Adams and E. E. Rozelle being the other two. Mr. Richards said he enlisted in Co. K., 56th Regiment when 18 years of age, served about a year and was discharged on account of disability. He had a younger brother who enlisted when not yet 16 years of age and his father enlisted at 48 years. Both served an enlistment of three years and each re-enlisted for a six months’ period.
Forest City – Peter Mancuso, Martin Omahen, Joseph Ursic, and Bartle Laurich, were granted citizenship papers by Judge Witmer, at Scranton, last week. The judge granted about three hundred naturalization papers and turned down a number for claiming exemption from drafts during the World War. ALSO John McGranaghan has purchased a Hudson Super Six, seven-passenger car. He will use it in connection with his undertaking business and is also prepared to attend weddings and parties of al kinds. The car is a beauty and would be credit to a much larger town than ours.
Elkdale – J. A. McAlla has opened a store on the corner above the Elkdale creamery.
Jackson – With the disbandment of the Myron French Post, G. A. R., an organization has been formed with the purpose of perpetuating the memory of the heroes of 1861-65, who have answered the last roll call. Many lie sleeping in the cemeteries of the township and their memories will be sacred for all time to come This Memorial will see but few of the Old guard in line, but the spirit that prompted them to offer themselves to their country’s altar predominates.
Kingsley – The Kingsley Garage, of which Fred H. Tyler is the hustling and progressive proprietor, has added a wrecking service car, equipped with a hoist, bars and all appliances necessary for towing purposes. The equipment is so complete that the Lackawanna Motor Club has designed this garage as its official towing service station for that locality.
Welsh Hill, Clifford Twp. – A large crowd attended the sale of the personal property of the late Wm. G. Richards. Jack Richards, his brother and Sarah Daniels, a sister, leave this week for Harvey, Ill, being called here by the death of William.
Uniondale – H. T. Williams moved the post office from the Reynolds building to his newly modeled store, the office is now located on the grocery side of the old store room and takes the whole length of the building. Mrs. Leon Reynolds, the retiring postmaster, has been a faithful, conscientious official.
Stevens Point – Richard and Warren Bailey met death when their car went down a 40-foot embankment near Lanesboro. Two girls in the car miraculously escaped.
Dimock – The annual Field Day will be held at the community house and grounds, on May 10, with all sorts of stunts, beautiful drills and the usual good things that have been a joy each year. Be sure and note the fine things made and exhibited by the girls in the domestic science room. This day will end the school year for the grades; the high school will not close until the fore part of June.
South Gibson – Prof. Robert Sampson was in town, Friday and Saturday, holding the examinations admitting students to the high school department. Thirty-six were present to be examined from Elkdale, Welsh Hill, Clifford and other surrounding towns.
Herrick Center – The teachers and pupils took possession of the new school building on April 23. Brief exercises were held in the morning. Speeches were made by A. E. Flynn, President of the Board of Education, and Dr. A. L. Craft. In the afternoon, Arbor Day exercises were held, after which the school, with the exception of the primary room, went on a hike and nature study of birds and trees.
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp – The ladies of Fair Hill and Taylor Hollow met at the home of E. H. Taylor and made two quilts for Homer Coy’s people [their home was destroyed by fire].
Thompson – The mothers of this locality and especially all the young mothers, are cordially invited to meet on May 4th, at the home of Mrs. Fred Ammon, for the purpose of organizing a “Mothers’ Club.”
West Harford – Work is still continuing at a rapid rate on the Harford trail. The road between Harford and Kingsley is now closed. People traveling from Harford to Kingsley are going by the way of Tyler Lake. Much excavating is being done by the steam shovel. At present the shovel is at work between the Wilmarth farm and J. A. Williams’ farm. Mail boxes, sign boards, small trees and large stones are easily lifted out by the huge shovel, which seems almost life like as it lifts large loads of dirt out of the ground. Over 50 men are employed in the construction of the road and the road will doubtless be fully completed by fair time.
April 13 1923/2023
Jackson – One of Jackson township’s grand old men is Hosea M. Benson. In spite of the fact that Mr. Benson is in his middle eighties, he still goes to his work each morning and waits on the many customers that come to his store. His general health is good and throughout his life he has followed a few simple rules of health. He never uses strong drink or tobacco. He is always cheerful and never has a “grouch.” He was a soldier during the Rebellion and can tell very accurately many things that took place during those stirring times. He was a great admirer of Abe Lincoln and Horace Greeley. Mr. Benson knows a whole lot of interesting history of Jackson township and Susquehanna county. Any young man who is anxious to win a good standing in the community and looks forward to happiness and old age can learn a whole lot from the life of Mr. Benson. Regular habits, temperance, honesty, sincerity, soberness, hard work and straight thinking always pay.
Montrose – Prof. W. McGrain, of Binghamton, was in town last week making arrangements to open a dancing class here about the first of May, or sooner, if Colonial Hall is in readiness. Prof McGrain has conducted classes in Binghamton, Endicott, Owego and many other places where he has met with great success and his methods have been heartily endorsed.
Lawsville Center – A Farmers Party is being advertised for a spring showing of farm machinery, supplies, seed, feeds, fertilizer, and speeches on topics of interest, at the Lawsville Center store of Stone Brothers, April 20 and 21st. There will be door prizes: Spring-tooth harrow to the lucky man and sack of flour to the lucky woman. Lunch served in Grange Hall both days. ALSO Bruce Bailey had the misfortune to have his home damaged by fire, and the roof blown off his barn by high winds.
Hop Bottom – The Hop Bottom high school and grades will hold a cafeteria supper in Loomis Hall, Friday evening, April 13, from 5:30 until all are served A portion of the proceeds is to be used for a library fund.
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – The women on the Hill are helping with a quilt for Homer Coy’s family who lost nearly all their household goods by fire.
Forest City – Victor “Hobbs” Marcinkus, one of the best-known baseball catchers of this vicinity, has been offered a tryout with the Wilkes-Barre team of the State league. Owing to injuries he received, some time ago, while working in the mines, he feels that it would be useless for him to accept the proposition. It is hoped that he will be in condition to take his old post in the Inter-County team of this place.
Dimock – The road supervisors are endeavoring to obtain the assistance of a lot of men and teams to help draw stone from Mr. Farley’s quarry and place in the roadbed, from the quarry to W. J. Cronk’s store, this week. This strip of road is badly in need of such a foundation. The road from here to Montrose is almost impassable for autos. Most of them go by the James Greenwood road.
Springville – Saturday morning Mrs. Alvin Mayo discovered that her house was on fire, and as she was alone, she shut both of her small children in the barn and ran to the nearest neighbor and spread the alarm on the telephone. In a very short time there were about fifty men on the scene and the Montrose train crew also stopped and assisted, as the house was in sight of the train, and the fire was soon put out. The origin of the fire was a spark from the chimney falling on the roof.
Herrick Center – Chester Oakley and Miss Daisybelle Entrot, of this place, were united in marriage, April 2, 1923, by Rev. W. F. Jones. The ceremony was performed at the M. E. parsonage, Uniondale. Tuesday the young people tendered them a serenade and informal reception at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bennett. They will reside in this place, Mr. Oakley being an employee of John Jones.
Susquehanna – Harold Brock, 16 year old stepson of Frank Brock, of Oakland, was instantly killed while showing his boy companions how much nerve he had in walking on top of the Susquehanna-Oakland river bridge when he fell from a girder and struck across several highly charged electric wires. The incident happened while going home from his job in the Erie terminal, at Susquehanna, accompanied by two companions, Donald Agier and George Graham. In a spirit of fun, he dared his companions to walk the ironwork over the bridge. They refused and continued to walk across the bridge. Brock told them he would show them what nerve he had and climbed up into the iron work and ran along the girder. When his companions looked back and saw Brock lying on the electric wires, his clothes smoking, they immediately notified the light company employees and the electricity was turned off. Linemen, with tackle, lowered the body to the ground in the presence of hundreds of spectators who had gathered.
Uniondale – Bronson & Spencer are building a reservoir to secure a supply of water for use in their slaughter house. Water will be piped from the reservoir to the slaughter house.
Elmer Washburn Trial: Presentation of evidence was commenced Tuesday afternoon by the commonwealth in the case against Elmer Washburn, aged 14, who is charged with the murder of Cyrus Payne, of Brushville, on October 21 last, after a jury composed entirely of men had been selected. Following are the names of the jurors: Thos. J. Buckley, farmer, Franklin twp.; Coe H. Stearns, feed dealer, Kingsley; Lynn Jerauld, farmer, Lenox; Fred Wilmarth, farmer, Harford; Edwin Keller, farmer, Rush; Bart Nevill, farmer, Little Meadows; Clarence E. Shay, farmer, New Milford twp.; Frank Perry, painter, Great Bend; D. L. Robinove, merchant, Montrose; John T. O’Neill, insurance agent, Montrose; Fred B. Miller, veterinarian, Brooklyn; John Hefferan, dealer, Montrose. The drawing of the jury proved to be a slow task and the panel was exhausted after 62 jurors had been questioned by noon, and only eight men accepted. The jurors had, in many instances, formed fixed opinions, were opposed to capital punishment, or felt they could not render a verdict of first-degree murder in the case of a youth. The afternoon session proved more successful and the remaining four were selected. Many women were on the panel but none showed a willingness to serve.
March 23 1923/2023
Clifford Twp. – Hon. John Greenleaf Jenkins, who died recently in London, England, had a most interesting career. He attained fame in two continents. He was born in Clifford township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Jenkins, pioneer settlers of the Welsh settlement of Clifford township. His education was obtained in Jenkins school and at Wyoming Seminary. In 1874 he, with a number of young men from Herrick and Clifford, went to Canada to work for the J. W. Lyon Publishing company. After a stay of a year he went to Ohio and from thence to Australia, where he became prominent in political circles where he was a councilman and mayor of Adelaide, S. Australia. His election was almost unanimous. He was later elected to parliament and in course of time was chosen premier of the Australian parliament, a position he held for several years. At the close of his legislative career he was chosen Fiscal Agent of Australia with headquarters in London. Shortly after the World War he was a representative of Great Britain in the industrial congress held in Washington, D. C. He was past the seventy mark at his death. He was a brother of the late Z. D. Jenkins, former sheriff of this county, and a brother of Hon. Thomas Jenkins of Dawn, Mo., and, David, of Bellingham Bay, Washington.
Bridgewater Twp. – Perry Mooney, a veteran of the Civil War, passed away March 18, 1923. Deceased was born in Attica, NY, Nov. 9 1840, the youngest son of Sylvester Mooney. He worked in the timber sections and was a type of the old-time woodsman who is passing. Also held a government land claim in Washington and came to the county 45 years ago. He was a member of Co. F, 94th NY Infantry and was honorably discharged at Fredericksburg in 1865. His health was impaired by the rigors of war and for some years felt the ill effects of his service. A gifted horticulturist, specializing in apples, especially grafting, he successfully handled furs and was a skilled trapper and hunter. His wife, Portia Isbell, died a number of years ago.
Howard Hill, Liberty Twp. – Many thanks extended B. J. Luce for his kindness in assisting his neighbors during their illness.
Harford – Among those who have radio outfits in their homes are Burr Wilder, Geo. Pritchard, Harry Shannon, O F. Maynard, E. E. Lewis, W. R. Merritt, Ray Tingley, Thomas Gillespie and Wilmarth Brothers. O. F. Maynard has heard from Havana, Cuba, Davenport, Iowa, and many other places.
Susquehanna – “Pussyfoot” Johnson will deliver an address in the Presbyterian church, Wednesday evening, April 11th. The Rev. Mr. Johnson is known the world over for his successful attacks on John Barleycorn. He won his name years ago in the west for his quiet and persistent trailing of law breakers.
Montrose – George Cruser, a well-known colored man, was found dead in bed on March 20th. He had been employed by W. G. Parke for some years and prior to that time was employed by the late A. R. Anthony. He was an exceptional gardener and caretaker and was known to many people here for his unwavering genial nature and courteous manner. He was 67 years old and was born in Binghamton, a son of George and Evaline (Thompson) Cruser. The funeral will be held in the A. M. E. Zion church, Friday afternoon. Interment in the Montrose Cemetery. ALSO Jack Holt, in “Call of the North” takes place in the wilds of Canada, and concerns the tyranny of the factors of the Hudson Bay Co., who were invested with supreme authority in their territory. Young “Free Trader” dares to compete with the company and avenge the murder of his father and found—LOVE. Superb scenery, real Indians, locations never heretofore photographed; these make Jack Holt’s first Paramount a stellar vehicle. Don’t miss it. At the Ideal Theatre, Saturday, March 24th.
Jackson – Mrs. Albert Weeks has moved into the central office of the Northeastern Telephone Co., to assist the present operator, M. Curtis. Mrs. Manzer Benson has been our central operator for the past few days during the illness of Mrs. Curtis.
Little Meadows –Edwin Charles Fox, son of the late James H. Fox, died at his home last Friday. He was 47 years of age and leaves a wife and three children, his mother and one brother, Fred G. Fox, all of this place.
West Brooklyn – Mrs. A. A. Maynard, a lady nearly 89 years old, went to the home of her daughter, Mrs. John S. Read, at Factoryville, Sunday. Her son, George Gardner, took her in a sleigh as far as Brooklyn and Mrs. Read met her there and the remainder of the trip was made by auto. Mrs. Maynard also presented her great grandson, George Gardner, with a quilt, made for his third birthday.
New Milford Twp. – C. M. Bullard has completed a course with the Berry School of Horsemanship and is prepared to handle horses and colts. He can be reached by the Bell phone.
Thompson – Chicken thieves are making their annual appearance again this winter. Michael Garvey’s hen roost was robbed one night last week and several fine fowls were taken. The thieves also routed Dwight Craft’s hen house, but fortunately were scared away The identity of the thieves is quite well known and perhaps if they try to make any more nightly visits they will not be so fortunate in getting away. A word to the wise is sufficient.
Susquehanna - The Birdsall block on Erie Ave., owned by Mrs. Carrie Birdsall, has been sold to Jack Canale, who conducts a grocery store on East Martin street. The block was built in 1880 by the late Dr. Birdsall. ALSO The library drive gets under way this week. It is hoped to secure at least one member in every family.
Forest City – The Lithuanian Independent club will hold a special meeting in St Anthony’s church hall on the second Sunday of April, after mass. The 162 members are urged to attend. Four men of the club have received their first citizen papers and are expecting to receive their final papers soon. These men will choose witnesses from members of the club. It is the intention of the club to pay the witnesses their daily wage while so engaged. ALSO Roads were opened Monday. Huge banks of snow are still seen and it is neither good wheeling or sleighing. ALSO - Albert Leek, for many years a resident of Clifford township, called on old time friends in this vicinity. He is now a resident of Idaho.
News Brief: There is a preacher in Kansas who should have his salary raised for making the following announcement from his pulpit: “Brethren, the janitor and I will hold our regular prayer meeting next Wednesday evening as usual.”
May 18 1923/2023
Franklin Twp. – During the past week teamsters have been engaged in moving the lighter equipment of the Jones drilling rig to the new location, south of Silver Creek, where another well is to be put down by the Montrose Gas Company. Within a few days it is expected that D. E. Passmore will be sent down, with his magnificent lumber teams, to move the rig which weighs, stripped, between six and seven tons. ALSO B. L. Lindsey says that his blacksmith shop will be open three days each week, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, until further notice.
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – We sure had a young winter last week with two inches of snow. Thirty–eight years ago the ground was white with snow, the 30th of May, and a great deal of fruit was damaged. ALSO The following students, of the Warner school, took high school examinations in Friendsville, Saturday: Thomas and Andrew MacFarlane and Walter Foster. Ethel Booth, Wesley Foust, Donald Frazier and Helen Dora, of the Forest Lake school, took the high school examinations in Montrose.
Hallstead – Warren Simrell, son of W. F. Simrell, will graduate from Annapolis in June. He will be commissioned as ensign and will serve on a destroyer as his first assignment.
Forest City – Michael Jannicelli, a student at Bloomsburg Normal school, spent the weekend with his parents here. ALSO St. Joseph’s choir was entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Volk, of Railroad street, on Sunday afternoon and evening. A program of songs featured. Refreshments were served and the occasion was a fitting observance of Mothers’ Day.
Great Bend – The Great Bend borough taxpayers met and decided to erect a new school building. The present building has become unsuited for a schoolhouse and it was found it would cost more to repair the old one than it is worth, it being greater economy to erect a new one. Cost projected is $30,000.
Uniondale – John Tinklepaugh drove his speeder to Nicholson one day last week. He did not go quite as fast as some of the autoists but enjoyed the scenery much better and could say “How do you do?” to his old friends along the way instead of cursing the roads and supervisors when his flyer, going 40 miles an hour, skidded and went over the top or up a tree.
Hop Bottom – The class of ’23 is the largest that ever graduated from this school and comprises of twenty-two members.
Montrose - The county commissioners have decided to pave the street along the county grounds which abut on Lake avenue and will go up as far as the jail property. The work will be done at the same time Public avenue is paved, which will lessen the expense to the county. It is probable that brick will be used for paving on the steepest part of the grade, at least, as the State Highway Department requires the use of brick on inclines above a certain percent. An effort is being made to have property owners on Lake avenue, up as far as Locust street, continue the pave to that point A number have agreed to stand their share of the expense to continue the paving.
Heart Lake – The resort here is preparing for its formal opening of the season on Memorial Day, May 30th.
Transue, Auburn Twp. – The hard wind and rainstorm, last week, blew two silos down for F. L. Peet, one for James Hallstead, and overturned a large henhouse for F. E. Ming.
Dimock – Leslie Johnson had the misfortune to fall on the school grounds while doing a pole vault, breaking both bones in his wrist. Dr. Preston set the injured member. This is not only painful and incapacitates him for work, but it is a great handicap to the school base ball team, as Leslie was their catcher.
New Milford – The Personal Workers Class of the M. E. church will present a musical farce entitled, “The Singing School,” in the Opera House, May 18, at 8:15 p.m.
Thompson – Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the hall was packed Saturday night to witness the play: “Miss Somebody Else.” ALSO Keystone Hall will be open Saturday night, June 2nd, for roller skating and will continue every Saturday night following.
Clifford – The Browndale Sluggers defeated the Clifford Giants in an exciting game Sunday afternoon, by a score of 8 to 6.
Lanesboro – Our schools have closed and the teachers have departed for their respective homes except Miss Edyth Smith, of Uniondale, who remains for a time in the home of Mrs. Arthur Brower. Principal J. R Rude has gone to Honesdale; Miss Luella Gere, assistant principal, to Brooklyn, Pa; Miss Grace Jones to Carbondale and Mrs. Minnie Conrad to Bushellville, Pa.
South Montrose – The pouring of cement on the new concrete State road was commenced near Ballantine’s Crossing, below South Montrose, Tuesday.
Marriage Licenses have been issued to the following: James L. Hull, Kingsley and Sarah A. Gay, Heart Lake; John L. Kilts and Theda Johnson, both of Springville; Ralph W. Clark and Velma L. Birtch, both of New Milford; Forest B. Estabrook and Pheba E. Tiffany, both of New Milford.
News Briefs: Among the other kinds of war now we have what is called the gasoline war. Some one has cut the rate and all along at different garages and pump stations it is posted 25 cents. A number of wholesalers have refused to reduce the rates and consequently several local stations are without supplies and proprietors informed their customers that they did not care to handle gas at a loss. No one seems to know the cause of the struggle but everyone who buys seems to be perfectly well satisfied to get his tank filled for 21 cents. Probably this struggle will soon be over and possibly the price may soar once more. ALSO Every man who drives a car should have a suit of coveralls stowed in the car for any possible emergency. A few dollars spent for a suit often prevents the ruination of a forty or fifty-dollar suit of clothes.
April 27 1923/2023
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. - It is not such an uncommon thing to find snowdrifts in spots sheltered from the sun on the first of May. Those who walk through the woods these days may still run across an occasional drift. Talking with Silas Jagger, U. S. weatherman, he recalled that on May 3, 1876, while plowing, he was unable to plow within fifteen or eighteen feet of a stone wall, surrounding a field on his farm, on account of the deep snow. He recalls the snow of the latter part of April 1867, when it was four feet deep. In 1887, on April 17, there was a foot and a half of snow on the ground and sleighing was the accepted mode of travel.
Friendsville – Wm. Flynn’s son, John, a graduate of Montrose high school and Penn State College, is now learning botany in the University of Maryland.
Susquehanna – Fred M. Pierce, a former Erie railroad engineer, died Saturday, after a long illness of diabetes. Mr. Pierce, who until recently had been a mail carrier on Route 3, out of Susquehanna, was said to be the largest mail carrier in the government service. He weighed 358 pounds.
Montrose – The work of relaying a water main on Public Avenue was started yesterday when workmen commenced digging the trenches. W. E. Bennett, of Lanesboro, has taken the contract and is being assisted by W. S. Goodman of that place.
South Auburn – The Ladies’ Grange Auxiliary was entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Overfield. A very enjoyable day was spent and dinner was served to about 50 members and guests. Mr. Overfield has recently returned from an extended visit with relatives in the far west.
Jackson – Very few of the old soldiers who are members of the Myron French Post of the G. A. R. are living. In order that the graves of old soldiers buried in the Lamb, North Jackson, Jackson and Lake View cemeteries may be decorated each Memorial Day, a new organization was started in the township for the purpose of carrying on the work of the G. A. R. This organization includes the Sons of Veterans.
New Milford – Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Hardy and son, Dr. J. M. Hardy, Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Blair and Ogden Moss, were in Binghamton, Sunday, to attend the lecture given by William Jennings Bryan at Kalurah Temple. [Read more online about Mr. Bryan and the Scopes Monkey Trial.]
Hop Bottom – The play, “At the End of the Rainbow,” given by the young people last Friday evening, was enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience. They expect to give the play at New Milford, Saturday evening.
Birchardville – We are losing one of our good neighbors, as T. S. Curley has sold his farm and is moving to Binghamton to live.
Brooklyn – Arbor Day was observed with appropriate exercises by the high school, Friday afternoon. Each of the twelve grades planted a tree a tree on the new school grounds. ALSO On May 2nd the first six grades will give an entertainment under the direction of Miss Morris, the musical supervisor. It is entitled “A Toy Pageant,” and promises to be one of the best entertainments given by the children of our town.
Dimock – A chicken and poultry talk will be given on April 27, at 10 a.m., at B. V. Crisman’s, by Donald Gray, an expert from Harrisburg, assisted by C. P. Fague, our farm bureau agent. This talk will prove very beneficial to all who hear it and especially so to the young project workers in our school who have gone into the poultry business.
Auburn Corners – Born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bunnell, April 13, 1923, a son--Gershom Worthy Bunnell.
Thompson – Mr. McKaig, of the Pittston [PA] Stove Company, will demonstrate the “Happy Thought.” [According to the Pittston Stove Company’s history, “during the 1920’s as many as 250,000 Pittston Kitchen Stoves and Happy Thought Parlor Stoves, were in use around the country.”]
Forest City – Paul Ranorean and Francis Shamro underwent slight operations at Emergency Hospital, Tuesday. ALSO Mrs. Lula Slick has returned from Orlando Florida, where she spent the winter. She was delighted with life in the Sunny South, but prefers her Pennsylvania home. She has one regret, that she did not go to Cuba before returning home.
Uniondale – Mr. and Mrs. F. F. Sheffel motored to New York city and returned the next day. It required about 8 hours to make the run each way. Mr. Sheffel is well acquainted with the Metropolis, having attended Columbia University in days gone by. They visited the Hippodrome, soon to be razed, and other places of interest. From Forest City they drove all the way over stone or concrete roads. They point out that Forest City is connected with the metropolis by a stone road and two railroads.
Editorial Troubles: The troubles of an editor in a small town are many. Besides the difficulties inherent in making up his paper satisfactorily, he often has to live up to a reputation for limitless knowledge. For many persons he is an oracle, and the column headed “Notes and Queries,” or something similar, is his mouthpiece. A western paper received a communication bearing pertinently on this matter. It ran as follows: “Dear Editor—Will you kindly inform me by return mail what number of seeds are contained in a 73 too 75 pound pumpkin, as I wish to settle an argument.” A parallel to this request lies in an unhappy experience to an editor who one morning received two letters from subscribers. The first, an anxious father wrote to find out the best way to bring up his twin babies, while the other, a farmer, wanted to know the quickest method of getting rid of grasshoppers. The editor hesitated: then out of the fullness of his knowledge, he wrote two letters in reply. But on the haste of business he put the letters into the wrong envelopes. The next morning the father of the twins received this interesting answer: “Cover them carefully with straw and set fire to it. After jumping in the flames a few moments, the little pests will be speedily done for.” And the man who was troubled with grasshoppers was bidden to “Give caster oil regularly in moderate doses and rub their gums with a bone.”
April 06 1923/2023
Dimock – The terrific wind of Wednesday blew down Leslie Barnes’ silo, tipped over one of the covered school wagons and caused a tree to fall on the roof of Fred Thomas’ house, breaking a portion of the corner.
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – March sure went out like a lion as we had some high winds and the thermometer at zero the last week of the month.
Heart Lake – People skated on the lake April 1st, rather unusual. Also harvested ice April 3. Ice 14 inches thick.
Jackson – Chas. C. Bookstaver, aged 77 years, a lifelong resident, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. M. Pease, March 23, 1923. For years he was a blacksmith in New Milford and Jackson. He was an old soldier, a member Co. H, 141st Regiment and the Brooklyn G. A. R.
Susquehanna – Chief of Police H. L Stockholm and Erie Detective Robert S. Inglis, of this place, brought W. H. Stewart to Montrose and placed him in jail. Stewart is charged with breaking and entering the home of Edward L. Button, at Oakland, and stealing goods to the value of $200. Mrs. Button, who was also here yesterday, alleges she had directed Stewart to break into the home and remove the goods, which belonged to her, she having left her husband. ALSO While here recently, according to reliable information, County Commissioner Harmon Stone made it quite plain that the Commissioners are expecting state aid on several roads planned for this county, and that some of the roads may be built this year, says the Transcript. Two of the roads, which come first on the program, are the Oakland-Great Bend and the Lanesboro roads. Those who talked with Commissioner Stone believe that he had these two roads in mind when he stated that “some state aid roads are to be built in the county this summer.”
Franklin Forks – Don’t forget the chicken pie dinner at the Alliance Hall, April 11. A free-will offering will be taken, proceeds to apply on pastor’s salary.
Forest City – A button strike was on Tuesday at the Coalbrook Colliery. It will continue until all employees have become members of the union, it is claimed.
Montrose – “The Call of Wohelo” will be given by the local Camp Fire Girls, at Ideal Theatre, next Wednesday evening, commencing at 8 o’clock. This is a benefit play for the camp and local people are invited to assist the young ladies in furthering their plans by purchasing tickets. ALSO W. C. Cruser has purchased the large building on Mill street, formerly known as the Catlin boarding house, and will thoroughly renovate and remodel it into an apartment house, The change will include new entrances, new floors, a shifting of some partitions, new plumbing, electric fixtures. There will be four apartments.
Thompson – Miss Gertrude Butler, of Keuka College, Selden Butler, of Bucknell University, Miss Helen Craft, of South River, NJ, Miss Susie Hubbard, of Hallstead, Miss Susie Hathaway, of Binghamton and Willard Callender, of Bucknell University, were all home for Easter vacation.
South Montrose – The South Montrose Mfg. Co. is making from eighteen to twenty thousand coat and pant hangers per day, right along, and are finding ready sale.
Upper Lake, New Milford Twp. – Little Jack Carpenter was seriously ill last Thursday, having taken some kerosene by mistake.
Brooklyn – Born to Mr. and Mrs. Herman Otto, of this place, Saturday, March 31, 1923, an eleven-pound daughter. ALSO Mr. and Mrs. Andrew L. Kent celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, March 19, 1923. They were married in New Milford, March 19, 1873. Mr. Kent’s grandparents were among the early settlers of Brooklyn township.
Springville – Douglas Lathrop has been elected cashier of the First National Bank of Springville. Mr. Lathrop has been employed in the bank for the past ten and one-half years. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. H. B. Lathrop.
South Gibson – Our community was saddened by the death of Mrs. Mary J. Fackler on March 14, following a brief illness of ”flu.” Mrs. Fackler leaves one son, Homer and wife, and two grandchildren, all of Long Beach, Cal.; also two sisters, Dora and Ruby Follett, of South Gibson, and a host of friends who mourn her loss in the home, in the church and community at large. She was a ray of sunshine wherever she went.
Incidents related to the first hanging in Susquehanna County were reported in the Tunkhannock Democrat, by Atty. Joseph Wood: (Oliver Harper, of Harpersville, [Harpursville] NY was murdered by Jason Treadwell, about a mile from Lanesboro, in May of 1824—Stocker ’s History, pg 573.) “The hanging was news all about the country, and evidently the hanging took place out in the open, for men traveled many miles to be present, and among them was one John Mott, from over in Lemon township, who took it over the hills to Montrose, on foot, to see Treadwell tread the air on account of killing Harper. Mrs. Charles Farrell of Warren St., Tunkhannock, is the granddaughter of Sheriff Samuel Gregory, of Montrose, who kicked Treadwell off. The mother of Mrs. Farrell recalled the day that the hanging of Treadwell took place up there in Susquehanna county, and the great crowds drawn thither by the unusual event. Then an old lady, on third street, formerly a resident of Susquehanna county, recalled the legend that Treadwell played the fiddle immediately preceding his swinging off, and it was a selection of his own composition, so that it came to be known as “Treadwell’s March.” You can well imagine the stir that was occasioned by the murder, the capture, the trial and the hanging of this man Treadwell. A full, accurate and detailed account of the event appears, I am told, in the history of Susquehanna County, published some years since. It was this jaunt of John Mott’s over the hills and far away that brought the thing up and caused this rattling of the dry bones of the man who killed Harper over in the County of Susquehanna.”arpr over in the County of Susquehanna
News Brief: Not a great deal of maple syrup is being made this spring, but what has been sold, locally, is of excellent quality and the prevailing price is $2 a gallon.
March 16 1923/2023
Montrose – The interest which has developed in radio, considering that hardly a year ago it was almost unknown, is one of the marvels of the present generation. The success of amateurs in this field is equally a marvel and there are hundreds of boys in school who have taken such an interest in developing radio sets in their homes that they are, in reality, experts. Some of our Montrose boys have shown much skill in making their own equipment, which they have bought, piece by piece, in the local stores and experimented with in their spare time. Max Knoll is credited with having caught the furthermost long-distance program, getting the Los Angeles broadcasting station very clearly at about 1:30 in the morning the past week. The churches are using the radio as a means of broadcasting sermons and congregations are multiplied by the hundreds of thousands in this way. Some of the local radio owners are Clifton Melhuish, Max Knoll, Rev. L. B. Bryden, C. F. Pross, Thomas Robinson, H. E. Cooley, H. T. Hinds, DeWitt Andre, Benjamin Beach and Billy Searle, to name a few. Tracy Jenner, in Fairdale is also included.
Hallstead – A. W. DuBois was in Wilkes-Barre last week attending a meeting of land owners of Northeastern Pa who are interested in forestry matters, especially fire protection and increasing timber growth. Railroad and mining interests were largely represented. Mr. DuBois has made a study of forestry and horticulture for many years and is one of the best informed men in the county along this line of study, which is yearly growing in importance as our timber supply decreases. Our timber consumption in Pennsylvania, today, is thrice its production.
Forest City – Stephen Pribula has purchased John Franko’s barber shop and has taken possession. Mr. Franko has become proprietor of the Hotel Ferguson shop at Shenandoah and is in full control. Mr. Pribula is a well-known young man and his friends are legion. Mr. Franko has conducted a tonsorial business in this place the greater part of the time for the last quarter century and is known as a master hand at the business. He has taken an active part in the civic affairs of the town and served a term as burgess. ALSO The Inter-State Soccer League is ready for the opening gun. Old Forge, Endicott, Vandling, Sons of St. George Peckville, Scranton Cettics and Scranton Rangers are the teams included in the wheel. It looks like a big year for the soccer in this section.
Hop Bottom – Mrs. L. S. Tiffany is visiting relatives in Philadelphia. While in the city she will study the new spring millinery styles and upon her return will re-open the Hat Shop.
Harford – Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Chamberlain and family are to move down near Philadelphia, where Mr. Chamberlain is to be manager of a large dairy farm. He is to begin his new duties April 1st. Their many friends regret to see them leave Harford, but wish them success.
Dimock – E. G. Benninger celebrated his 21stbirthday, January 31st. Mr. Benninger is the leading carpenter in Dimock. ALSO Our mail carrier and his faithful horse, Tom, seems to make all the trips daily to the depot and return, in spite of the large snow drifts and cold weather.
Auburn Twp. – Chauncy C. Benninger, Civil War veteran, aged 83 years, died of dropsy at his home in Transue, March 4, 1923. Funeral services were held at his late home and interment in South Auburn Cemetery. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Penderson and George.
Springville – G. O. Davis, R. D. carrier, No. 2, while going across a Lehigh Valley Railroad crossing, caught the cutter runner in the rail, flipping the cutter over, the horse running away and throwing Mr. Davis out. He received slight injuries. The cutter was practically ruined.
Stevens Point – This forenoon a dog chased a deer near this place until the animal, in an effort to escape, leaped into a creek. When rescued by Isaac Stephens, it was found that the deer had sustained a broken leg and to prevent suffering, the animal was killed. The dog, frightened from the chase, immediately started after another deer, according to reports. The deer meat has been given to the Barnes Hospital. The animal dressed 150 pounds. [Unlike today, deer were very scarce and hardly seen in the early 1900’s.]
Thompson - Friday evening, March 16, the Senior class of Thompson high school will give a “Lolly Pop” social in Keystone hall, at which time the basketball teams plan to have two games with the teams from Pleasant Mount. The Seniors will serve light refreshments. A candy booth will supply and satisfy your taste for sweets. Money earned will help with commencement expenses. Heart Lake – The Mountain Ice Company finished filling their large ice house on Friday. ALSO A number of our people are sick with grippe colds.
Herrick Center – Lovers Lane is badly drifted. The recent storm put finishing touches to it.
Uniondale – Henry Corey, the champion fox exterminator, has killed over 40 foxes this season. When Henry gets his snow shoes on and sights Mr. Reynard [his gun] the jig is up. No more chicks for foxy.
Proclamation – Gov. Pinchot’s first proclamation has been issued designating the spring Arbor and Bird days to take pace on April 13 and 20. The proclamation is an appeal for planting of trees. The governor puts into his official utterance the cause to which he has given the greater part of his life and points out the wonderful opportunity awaiting Pennsylvania. In the proclamation is a strong appeal to the boys and girls. In closing the governor states, “I am anxious that no school in the State shall let Arbor Day pass without the planting of a tree. I commend to every citizen of the State and especially to the pupils and teachers of our schools, the planting of shade and ornamental trees near schools and dwellings, along the highways and streams, and also the planting of young trees upon our mountainsides. And what we plant let us protect so that Pennsylvania, the only state in the Union that embodies the word forest in her name, may become Penn’s Woods again in every truth.”