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Monday - Thursday 9AM - 5PM
~~ New ~~
*Saturday 10AM - 2PM during 3rd Weekend in Montrose
(This is the Saturday immediately following the 3rd Friday of each month)
Reservations are highly recommended for any group wishing to take a tour through the museum.
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.
September 21 1923/2023
Elk Lake – An association, to be known as the Elk Lake Improvement Association, has been formed by the cottagers and property owners abutting the lake. Two meetings were held at the John V. Quackenbush cottage where tentative plans were laid. The Association will be incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania and stock is being sold to property owners only. The dam, store, grist mill, a small house and about 6 acres was recently purchased by F. D. Morris from W. H. Tanner, which property is to be deeded to the association as soon as a charter is obtained.
Springville Twp. – Robert A. Squires, an aged resident of this place, was killed in a runaway accident while on his way to the Nicholson creamery with a load of milk. Mr. Squires had in his team a colt which was quite wild, and it is presumed that in going over a rough piece of road on a hill the wagon pole struck the colt, causing it to rear and break into a run. Mr. Squires was jolted from the wagon seat and fell under the wheels, one of the wheels passing over his head, crushing the skull. A neighbor found him shortly after the accident, and he lived but a few minutes. He was about 75 years of age and had no immediate survivors, his wife died some years ago.
Friendsville – The Friendsville Millinery is opening on Saturday, Sept. 22. Miss M. Ryan has a full line of trimmed hats; remodeling also done.
Jackson - Plans are being made to give the Jackson graded school house a much needed coat of paint. The money for the paint is being collected by the principal, Ralph D. Felton. He would greatly appreciate any contribution. Mr. Felton has consented to give his own time to paint the building if the citizens will pay for the paint. The school house and the grounds all need improving. Let’s make our school what it should be.
Montrose – Prof. J. Wesley Gavitt is taking a master artists’ violin course under Prof. Caesar Thompson, noted European teacher of the violin, at the Ithaca Conservatory of Music.
Harford – Bert Loomis, of Washington D. C, a former resident of this place, was a caller in town. He was accompanied by his niece, Miss Nellie Loomis, of Kingsley, whom he is visiting. Mr. Loomis, since leaving the army at the close of the world war, has been acting as a lieutenant of police about the department buildings at the capital. On his northern journey Mr. Loomis visited his brother, F. R, Loomis, in Roanoke, Va. Besides coming to attend the Harford Fair, he anticipates spending a few days in Thompson at the home of his sister, Mrs. Rena Gage.
New Milford – A young man named Slater, hailing from Smoky Hollow while alleged to be under the influence of liquor, and driving an automobile, ran over Joseph Wellman near Summersville. The driver of the car, after running it a short distance from the point of the accident, stopped the machine and legged it for the woods, with witnesses of the affair in pursuit. He was captured and given a hearing before Justice C. M. Shelp. Mr. Wellman was not seriously injured and was able to be out the first of the week.
Uniondale – W. I. Morgan, our village blacksmith, was painfully injured when a large timber fell on his right foot. The great toe was badly mangled. He was not overcome, however, for he shod two horses after the accident. He retained his grit to the last.
Brooklyn – The contract for the new school building has been let to the Whipple Bros. of Laceyville. It is to be a brick and concrete structure, costing $29,000. Work was started and will be pushed as rapidly as weather conditions will permit.
Dimock – If anyone needs repairing done, remember the upper classmen of the vocational school are the “Johnny on the spot,” and always do the right job. The combination kitchen, sewing room, nursery, laboratory, etc. will be fitted out to perfection by Mrs. Etta Kellar. Mr.Reiter boasts, “what we can’t make is not worth making.”
Susquehanna – A large quantity of liquor of all kinds, taken in raids in Susquehanna and vicinity the past few months, went to feed the fish and put a kick into the turbines of the Light & Power company plant below the town. The dumping of the booze was in keeping with an order issued by Judge Smith. A good quantity of good alcohol was turned over to the Barnes Hospital for medicinal purposes. It was necessary to siphon (siphon) the barrel in order to make a division and considerable difficulty was experienced in finding some one to work the syphon on account of the danger of the alcohol touching the lips. The sheriff and district attorney refused the job and volunteers were called for. Chief Howard Lewis handled the siphon, proving to the other officers that there was no real danger, and the division of the alcohol was made.
Thompson – News has come that Ezra Leonard died at his home in North Thompson. Mr. Leonard was a veteran of the Civil War and has been in failing health for a long time. ALSO Monday afternoon nearly every eye in town was turned upward. The occasion of it was an airplane.
Forest City – Steve Shamro, the south paw of the Independent baseball team, has gone to Cleveland, Ohio, where he may remain. He was instrumental largely in winning the pennant in the County League two years ago and fans of this vicinity hope he may return to their midst.
The County Agricultural Fair. During the two days not less than 10,000 people attended the fair, held in Montrose, establishing a new record. The exhibits this year ran up into the thousands and all departments were especially well represented in the main exhibition hall and in the various buildings. There were cattle exhibits, sheep and swine, horses, school work, a fruit department, vegetables, automobiles and much more. The trick bicycle riding by “Reckless Recklaw,” and his wife, was one of the most appreciated. It is difficult to conceive of a more skilled and daring rider than the reckless one. The “Slide for Life” of 16-year old Mademoiselle Sylvester, who clung to a strap by her teeth and hurtled through space down a perilously inclined 300 ft. wire from a great height, gave the spectators a thrill. Unusually fine weather characterized the fair, with just enough autumn tang on the closing day to remind one of the frosty fall atmosphere.
August 31, 1923/2023
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – U. S. Weatherman, Silas Jagger, stated that the rainfall, for the past 24-hour period, amounted to 2.20 inches. Within twelve years he has known this excessive amount of water to fall but in two instances. When the rainfall exceeds two inches in 24 hours, he is required to telegraph the information to the “rainfall observer” in Harrisburg. ALSO The community picnic was well attended with 177 having dinner. Many came in the afternoon to witness the ball game between Fairdale and Birchardville on Cook’s flats. The game ended with the score of 10 to 18, in favor of Fairdale.
Dimock – Our new principal of the school has purchased a large watch dog. ALSO Miss Etta Kellar, the new home economics teacher, will arrive on Wednesday and reside at the teachers’ cottage. ALSO Miss Belle Titman, who has been seriously ill the past ten days, was moved to the Mackey hospital, Montrose, where a blood transfusion will be made in an effort to save her life. Her sister, Mrs. Wm. Whitley, of New Jersey, is with her.
Rush – Dr. A. L. Hickok, of the Farview Hospital for Criminally Insane, and his family, are spending a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mr. A. W. Hickok.
Brooklyn – J. W. Adams and grandson, Fernon Bell, hooked a fine string of bass at Jeffers Lake on Friday.
Franklin Forks – The Sunday school and neighborhood picnic was held at Ross Park, Tuesday. Ninety-five were present.
Jackson – Two new members have been added to the list of Jackson residents—a son, Leonard, to Donovan and Merle Aldrich, Aug. 15; and a daughter, Helen Gertrude, to Arland and Florence Pease, Aug. 21st. ALSO The Jackson school opened with Ralph Felton as principal and Miss Rachel Benson, of New Milford, as primary teacher.
Montrose – Band at the Veterans Encampment: No, not the band, but the Taylor Brothers, with a few other volunteer artists, will render the orchestral stunt. Come and hear them. Basket picnic. The Taylor boys enjoy a very unique American ancestry in that they have participated in every great war of the country, including the Revolution, and down to the World war. No wonder they are patriotic. ALSO The reunion of Co. H., 141st Regt. Penna. Volunteer Infantry is announced to occur on Sept. 5th at the home of Glenn Taylor. Only two members of this company are now living, W. A. Taylor, of Montrose and Henry Baker, of Meshoppen. During the past year three of the surviving members have passed on. The veterans in this company agreed, within the past few years, to continue their custom of holding an annual reunion so long as two survivors remained.
Susquehanna – The silk mill, at this place, that burned a few weeks ago, will not be rebuilt. This announcement has just been made by the owners of the plant. This will be a severe loss to Susquehanna, as it provided employment for about 75 persons.
South Gibson – C. L. Moore informs us that South Gibson is showing considerable business activity for a town of its size, and especially now in view of the approach of the building of the state concrete highway through that place. This will give a fine route from Montrose, New Milford and Harford in the west, to Clifford, Carbondale, Honesdale, Scranton and other points in the east. Ralph Lewis is erecting a fine public garage and will be in position to care for the increasing trade. Many are already taking the route via South Gibson in preference to the much-traveled Lackawanna Trail.
Harford – The Agricultural Society will give $175 in prizes to the chorus of mixed voices, twenty or more, from any community in the county rendering the selection best at the Harford Fair. First prize is $100, second $50 and third $25. The same is offered to any chorus outside of the county, singing the same selection best at the Fair. Name of selection to be sung and other conditions of the contest, will be furnished by the Secretary, on request. O. F. Maynard, Secretary, Harford, Pa.
Forest City – Felix Zaverl arrived here from Portland, Oregon, having made the trip in a twin motorcycle. It took 23 days, leaving over the celebrated Oregon Trail then striking the Lincoln highway. In Colorado he took the River to River Highway to Chicago; from thence he came over the Lake Shore route and went to Toronto and back to Niagara Falls and then the last lap was made. When in Milwaukie he stopped at the Harley-Davison works, went to Detroit and visited the Ford plant and heard the late President Harding make a speech at Portland on July 4. Gas was obtained at different prices and it required 103 gallons to land him in Vandling without an accident or stoppage. He is spending his time with his mother, Mrs. A. Zaverl and friends, who are pleased to behold his smiling countenance once more. He will remain here some time before taking his direction toward the setting sun.
Thompson – High school entrance examinations will be given in the Thompson High school building, Saturday, September 1st.
New Milford – Frank H. Deuel had an unenviable experience several weeks ago while driving his car to Binghamton, when a small boy, John Holtzman, aged 11, jumped from a moving White Line Bus and ran into his car. The accident happened near an ice cream and soft drink stand between New Milford and Summersville. It appears the boy was anxious to get off the bus and buy an ice cream cone at the stand and having but little time to do it he jumped from the moving bus and ran directly into Mr. Deuel’s car, which was passing. The boy clutched the fender and hung on until one foot went under a wheel of the car and he fell to the pavement, the wheel passing over the ankle and breaking it. The car, not going over 25 miles an hour, went into a deep ditch. Mr. Deuel was quite painfully bruised and one of the children in the car was nearly thrown out. That the Deuel family did not sustain serious injuries is considered remarkable. Dr. A. E. Snyder took the boy to the Binghamton City Hospital, where the broken bone was set and he is recovering rapidly. No blame was placed on Mr. Deuel and he was commended for the chance he took, by turning his car into the ditch, to prevent running over the youth. The car was badly damaged.
August 10 1923/2023
NATION MOURNS FOR HARDING: The late President Warren G. Harding, whose unexpected death in the Palace Hotel, San Francisco, on Thursday evening, August 2, has plunged the entire nation in mourning. The President passed away while his wife read an article to him from the Saturday Evening Post. Death was attributed to “apoplexy,” a stroke. Thousands stood with bared heads as the cortege train passed on transcontinental trip from San Francisco to Washington. Gov Pinchot has called upon the people of Pennsylvania to observe August 10th, as a day of mourning in memory of the late President Harding. He also recommended that all activity cease on that day, at high noon, that “in silence and quietness our people may pause to remember, with gratitude, one who gave his life in the service of his country.”
Great Bend – The Parke chamois factory was burned to the ground last Thursday, the fire being discovered about 10 o’clock p.m. Despite the efforts of the fire companies o both Great Bend and Hallstead, handicapped by shortage of water in the reservoir, due to the drought, the entire structure was consumed with its contents. About three ears ago the factory was destroyed by fire and a number of buildings saved from the flames were later moved together and formed the factory in resent use. The factory was owned by Norman H Parke, son of W. G. Parke, of Montrose, and a brother of Mrs. Percy Ballantine, of South Montrose. Mr. Parke was in Binghamton at the time of the fire and it is not known whether he will rebuild. About 40 people were employed.
Ararat – Rev. Mr. Harrison is planning to start a Boy Scout Troop in the near future. All good citizens will be glad that this worldwide, uplifting work among boys, is to become a feature in Ararat.
Hallstead – Henry S. Symonds, in coming from his home in Orlando, Fla. to this place in his new Hudson, super-six sedan, drove the entire distance in 5½ days, driving 310 miles in one day and 365 in another, etc. The entire distance is 1610 miles, and he used 114 gallons of gas and 3 quarts of oil for the trip. His brother-in-law, Aaron VanWormer, made the trip with him and they also had 500 lbs of baggage.
St. Joseph – The saw mill operated by A. C. Crossley, of Binghamton, on a tract of timber three miles from this place, together with many thousand feet of lumber, in piles, was burned Tuesday night. The lumber caught fire from sparks from the engine smoke-stack and followed a wooden track between huge piles of lumber, proving a serious fire to fight with the limited means at hand. The loss will be heavy. Between fifty and sixty cars drove to the scene of the fire, many of the occupants aiding the men in their efforts to save the lumber from the advancing flames.
Fairdale – the Fairdale church has lately been wired for electric lights. A. D. Stark, who is associated with Hunsinger & Hunsinger, is installing a Western Electric plant.
Forest Lake – The Breese-Cole Electric Co. has just installed a fine Delco-Light plant in the home and barn on Fred L. Booth’s farm, at this place.
Susquehanna – Miss Ida M. Benson, of the City National Bank, has been elected teller of that institution. Miss Benson has rendered efficient service in the bank for some time and her promotion to the position is due to her ability and interest in the bank’s welfare.
Montrose – The practice of burning papers and boxes in the streets is one that should be discontinued. The residue not only flies about the streets to the annoyance of other business people and pedestrians on the street, but ashes left in the roadway, mixed with mud or dust, are especially obnoxious to ladies stepping from motor cars to the sidewalks, soiling as it does their footwear, particularly so if it is white or of light color. We have teamsters who haul this rubbish to the borough dump at a reasonable price and the small fee is well worth the saving in time of burning.
Dimock – Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Cope and daughter, Theodora, will start Thursday for South West Harbor, Me., where they will spend three weeks, as they usually do each summer. [116 years ago, through the effort of Francis R. Cope, the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association became a reality.]
Forest City – Rudyard Kipling, the noted English writer, in his history of the Irish Guards, published in the New York Times, makes mention of Lieut. Rhys Davis, son of Mr. and Mrs. David A. Davis, of this place, and after whom the Reese Davis Post of the American Legion, of Scranton, is named in his description of the battle of St. Leger, fought Aug. 26, 1918. The battle was one of gasses, machine-gun bullets sweeping the crests of sunken roads, enemy airplanes swooping down with machine gun fire, there seeming no way of getting our artillery to attend to them. The battalion headquarters came up in the midst of the firing and established themselves in a dugout and were at once vigorously shelled, together with the neighboring aid-post and some German prisoners there waiting to carry down the wounded. The aid-post was in charge of a young American doctor, Rhys Davis, by name, who had been attached to the battalion for some time. This was his first day of war and he was mortally wounded before the noon of it.
Thompson – G.A. Post and C. A. Lamont, made a trip to their cabin at Peck’s Pond, in Pike County. They captured a rattlesnake that measured 6 feet in length and had 4 rattles.
Election News: Burt L. Bailey, of Lawsville, announces that he has withdrawn as a Republican candidate for the nomination to the office of county commissioner. Mr. Bailey has many friends in the county and especially through the western part where he is particularly known, who would have liked to see him remain in the contest. The same could be said of merchant S. B. McCain, of Rush, who has withdrawn. This leaves but two candidates among the Republicans in the western part of the county for this office—Hugh Jones, of Middletown, and Homer L Smith, of Dimock. These withdrawals should add to their chances for success.
Marriage Licenses: Charles Vargison and Hattie M. Bickland, both of New Milford; Maud B. Felton and Alvah A. Allen, both of Harford.
July 20 1923/2023
Hop Bottom – H. H. Williams, a prominent resident of Hop Bottom, died July 18, 1923. He was for many years a farmer in Lathrop Twp. where the greater part of his life was spent before moving to Hop Bottom where he lived for many years. One day last week he went berrying and the unaccustomed exertion and heat affected him, he being taken ill the following day, when he was stricken with paralysis. He was a veteran of the Civil War and was 78 years of age.
Montrose –The Davies Garage is winning many compliments for its enterprise. A few weeks ago it advertised that free oil would be given on a certain day and in the neighborhood of a hundred motorists called to have the crank case in their cars cleaned and filled with fresh oil. Shortly afterwards the garage sponsored a six-reel film at Ideal Theatre which showed the production of the Studebaker car in all its stages, this being free to the pubic, as well as one of the best two-reel comedy films ever shown here.
Forest City – Edward Yanchitis has thrown his hat into the ring as a candidate for the office of sheriff on the Democrat ticket. Mr. Yanchitis is a fine type of young manhood and has served his country in the navy. His ancestors names were not on the Mayflower passenger list, but he is a 100 per cent American and Democrats can take just pride in casting their ballots for him.
Clifford – Mr. and Mrs. Robert Simpson, of Columbus, Ohio, are visiting Mr. Simpson’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Simpson. Mr. Simpson is city engineer of Columbus, which position he has held for some years. His boyhood days were spent in this place, his birthplace.
North Jackson – The Epworth League will give a musical program in the M. E. church, Friday evening, July 27. As a very attractive feature, the Misses Ruth and Jeanette Washburn, of Florida, will play many delightful selections on violin and piano. Ice cream and cake will be served afterward.
Harford – S. F. Osmun and T. Glenn Sophia, of the National Pop Corn and Candy Co., of Binghamton, spent the weekend at their hones here. ALSO Chicken thieves are becoming too numerous. James Cameron had his coop visited and a number of hens and chickens stolen, and Harley Thacher also lost about forty, besides his auto tires, tools, cushions, etc.
Ararat – The children of Brooks school have been, for some time, selling perfume and cards to raise money for a victrola. It is now at the school and will be very entertaining and will give much pleasure to the children. They deserve much credit. If any one would like to donate a record it would be much appreciated.
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – Frank Welch is helping Walter Newton build his barn to take the place of the one burned last year.
East Rush – The young people of this place held an ice cream social in the basement of the church, Thursday evening, realizing about $8.00. ALSO Our pastor, Rev. O. B. Young, gave a very interesting sermon on “The 20thCentury Christian.”
Susquehanna – Harry Demander is selling monuments of every description. Pneumatic tools are used in lettering and carving. In fact, they are the only up-to-date monument works in Susquehanna County. Estimates cheerfully given.
Thompson – A surprise was tendered Mrs. E. E. Gelatt when friends, to the number of 24, entered unannounced and reminded her of the fact that it was a certain anniversary of her birthday and they were loaded with gifts. Mrs. W.W. McNamara was then duly chosen to make the presentation speech, which she was well qualified to do. Chief among the numerous gifts: a skull, pipes, nuts, empty cans for fish bait, some beautiful (?) silverware, and two broken pie plates Mrs. McNamara was very careful to name the giver of each gift as they were presented. Of course the house was in an uproar. After order was restored Mrs. McNamara produced a purse heavy laden with coin and bills of large denomination and with well-chosen remarks presented it to Mrs. Gelatt, who responded in a very feeling and appreciative manner. After a covered dish lunch the company disbursed, each feeling they seldom, if ever, had spent a more enjoyable evening.
Boy Prisoner Causes Dilemma at “Pen.” – Officials of the Eastern Penitentiary are in a quandary as to what to do with 14-year-old Elmer Washburn, of Brushville, Susquehanna county, who is the youngest criminal ever committed. It is admitted freely among persons in the penitentiary that the institution is not the proper place for the boy. It is feared that his contact with hardened criminals would make his rehabilitation impossible.
Susquehanna County Farm Bureau – The Bureau selected two carloads of choice Holstein cattle to represent the county at the National Dairy Show to be held in Syracuse, N. Y., early in October. The various counties of Pennsylvania are showing deep rivalry in the number and quality of dairy animals chosen for the biggest dairy event of the year. It is possible that the Pennsylvania State College will send an exhibit to this show. It would include the 2680-pound Holstein bull, recently given to the college by county agents and agricultural extension specialists.
Death of Jasper Jennings – In the death of Mr. Jennings, who died at his home in Lakeside on July 10, Susquehanna county loses one of its foremost citizens. He was a descendant of David E. Jennings, whose family has been identified with this section from pioneer times. Deceased was born February 8, 1846 on the farm on which he resided until he retired and took up his residence at Lakeside. He improved his educational opportunities and became qualified to teach, was a ready writer and acquired a reputation by his stories, essays and educational articles. He was for many years a contributor to the press and as a historian he acquired much celebrity. He is survived by his wife, one daughter and two sons. The funeral was held from the M. E. church at Lakeside.
St. Swithen’s Day – Sunday, July 15, was St. Swithen’s Day and it rained. We would be quite willing to have it rain forty days successively, but so far the legend has proved defective. Even that dry weather plant, corn, is beginning to feel the effect of the drough and in some fields the leaves are curling on lack of rain. [If it rains on St. Swithen’s Day (July 15), it will rain for 40 days, so the legend goes.]
September 14 1923/2023
Hop Bottom – Aleck T. Hortman, of Hop Bottom, was very badly injured in an automobile collision, on the Lackawanna Trail, when a car which he was driving was hit by an alleged “booze car” coming from the direction of Scranton. The car was followed by a second car which plowed into the two entangled machines, and this car also had beer of alleged illegal alcoholic content on board. The drivers were arrested and brought to Montrose, together with two other truck drivers who were passing through in the night with a truck load of alleged spirituous liquors, and all were admitted to bail to answer the charge. The accident occurred on a curve near the residence of Justice Myron Tiffany. Mr. Hortman was driving a Dodge touring car accompanied by George Janaushek, the Misses Yaglee and Doris Williams, all Hop Bottom young people. Mr. Hortman was the only one seriously injured, a piece of glass from the windshield cutting a deep gash to the neck which bled profusely, and but for the prompt service of Dr. A. J. Taylor, he would have bled to death. It is also feared he might have a concussion and fracture of the jaw. The young man was taken to the Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton and is improving. While a large percentage of the male population of the town--largely armed—were surrounding the wrecked cars a Reo Speedwagon, also heavily loaded with bottled goods, drove up. The driver appeared anxious to pass and his anxiety brought on an investigation. He and another were detained until the Sheriff arrived and all were handcuffed and taken to the county jail.
Ararat – The “Cheerful Workers” have each been earning a dollar, and are to bring this money to a meeting Saturday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Harris, each with a verse or poem telling how the dollar was earned. Many friends are helping this fund along and any one interested may bring a dollar to the meeting even without the poem. This money is to help defray the expenses of the two little boys, in India, who are being educated by this society.
Little Meadows – Wm. McCormick, wife and sons, Clifton and Harold, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, are spending some time with relatives and friends at this place.
Montrose – Football will play an important part in the school’s athletic program as ever. The practices already show a lot of pep and fine spirit. Mr. Leboff, the coach, is preparing his team for a winning season. Plans for the organization of an athletic association in the High School are already under way. The student body promises a fine support of the team. Already they have contributed $36.50 toward the beginning of a fund. ALSO Announcement has been made of the engagement of Miss Anna C. Warriner, daughter of Mrs. Edward A. Warriner, to Mr. Marshall Gutherz, of Allentown. Mr. Gutherz is a brother of Mrs. Ruel Warriner, of Essex Falls, N. J.
Harford – A feature of the upcoming Harford Fair is a 4,000 ft. parachute jump, from an airship, by Miss Clara LaBelle, on Wednesday.
Fair Hill – The descendants of Daniel and Phoebe Darrow Green held their reunion at the Ladies’ Aid Hall, here. Fifty persons were present—some from Campville, Vestal, Union, and Binghamton.
Forest City – The Clifford Coal company is removing the machinery from its Stillwater breaker and removing same to Avoca. The building will remain. It is the purpose of the company to continue mining but instead of converting the product at Stillwater all coal will be shipped to Avoca to be prepared. This step is made necessary on account of the water incidental to the preparation of coal. The water found its way to the river and complaint being made by the water company that the coal company was polluting the stream, it was necessary to discontinue the preparation of coal for market at the breaker. ALSO The Oldsmobile car is now on display at J. C. Murray garage and blacksmith shop. This car will make Dundaff street hill in high with five people in the car.
Springville – Mrs. Nina Mitchell and son, Floyd, left Monday for State College for another year. [It was not uncommon for a mother to rent a room or apartment to be with their child during their college stay.]
Brooklyn – Miss Luella Gere has gone to Forty Fort where she has a position as a teacher in the school and Miss Helen Gere is teaching the intermediate grades in the Dimock vocational school.
Lawton, Rush Twp. – The following teachers opened the fall term of school on Sept, 4th: Miss Helen Grey, at Logan Hill; Miss Ruth Haney at the Shadduck school and Ward Owen at East Rush.
Susquehanna – Grace Shanley, aged 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shanley, Susquehanna, was fatally injured in an automobile accident at a D. & H. railroad crossing in Windsor, NY, Sunday evening. She died shortly after being admitted to the Barnes Hospital, Susquehanna, where she was rushed by means of a locomotive attached to a caboose. Seven young people were in the car which was wrecked: Clarence Gaul, Mary and Lena Orapello, Helen ?, Benj. Lavinsky, Marvin Foley and Miss Shanley. Clarence Gaul, the driver, saw the train when it was too late to avoid crashing into it, being unable to turn the car aside. Miss Shanley’s chest and one limb were badly crushed. Miss Burns received a broke nose. It is believed Miss Shanley would have escaped death, but she jumped from her seat beside the driver to the running board of the car and was crushed against the moving train.
St. Josephs – Miss Kate Carney and Mr. and Mrs. John Winters, of Binghamton, are spending their vacation at their camp here. Camp Carney has become quite famous during the past season, having had about 85 guests from various parts of the United States.
Franklin Forks – The Webster reunion will be held at the home of W. L. Bailey, Saturday, Sept. 15.
Dundaff – Mr. and Mrs. O. Burnside had a public sale of their household goods. They will move to Buffalo, NY, where he has obtained employment.
Thompson – Miss Beva Hubbard left for Nyack, NY, to be enrolled as a student in the Missionary Training Institute. ALSO Mrs. S. R. Wall has accepted a position as clerk in the Ready-Pay store.
Elk Lake – The fourth annual reunion of the Arnold family was held in the Grange hall, Sept 2nd, and was attended by members and friends from New York City, Brooklyn, Mt. Vernon, Binghamton, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Montrose, Meshoppen, Williamsport and Pittsburgh.
August 24 1923/2023
Silver Lake – A high-powered army automobile hugged around a sharp curve of a dusty road in Northern Pennsylvania, carrying an American general and his aide. Suddenly they looked down upon the sad scene of a funeral party assembled at a humble farmhouse. “He was a soldier sir,” replied an old man at the gate on response to an inquiry from the general who had stopped his car. And he added, “Killed in France, sir. My son and he were privates in the 78th division.” The general stepped from his car, followed by the aide. They had just come from a boys’ camp in the mountains where the general’s own son was spending the summer, and the plaintive tone in the old man’s voice gripped the general’s heartstrings. Entering the parlor of this house, the general was met by a little woman. The shades were drawn and the casket rested upon two wooden horses. It was a metal casket, such as are provided for the shipment home of the soldier dead from France. A small cushion was upon the floor and its condition told of its use by a succession of kneeling relatives and friends. Holding his hat in one hand, the general knelt beside the little woman on the cushion in silent prayer. “He was my boy,” whispered the woman, who then asked: “I wonder if he served under you?” “He did Madame,” said the general, wiping away a tear from his cheek. “I am General Pershing, and I am so glad I was able to come to your son’s funeral.” Shortly after, resuming his journey, General Pershing remarked to his aide, Colonel George Marshall, “I now understand what it means to our American parents to have even the bodies of their sons sent home from France.” The foregoing is taken from the Philadelphia Public Ledger. The incident related occurred in this county last summer. The general’s son has been a member of Camp Red Cloud, Silver Lake, the past two summers.
Forest City – The Forest City Fire department took in about $7000 in the street carnival that closed on Saturday evening. It was certainly a gala week, and financially a success. Among the fire companies that visited Forest City during last week and participated in the Fire Department’s Street Carnival were the following: Hawley Hose Company, Vandling Hose Company, Grattan Singer Hose Co., No. 1, Witmore Hose Co., Jermyn Artisan Hose Co., Jermyn Crystal Hose Co., Peckville Hose Co., Jessup Hose Co., Blakely Hose Co., Olyphant Hose Co. #1, 2, 3, and 4, and Andrew Mitchell Hose Co. Kline’s Orchestra furnished the music for dancing for the week.
Springville – Dr. W. L. Diller, of Nicholson, is contemplating spending two days a week here for the accommodation of the large number of people needing the services of a doctor at home.
Hallstead – Frederick D. Lamb, son of the late Dr. F. D. Lamb, has just received the Democratic nomination for Mayor of the city of Rochester.
Brooklyn – The Girl Scout camp at Ely Lake will close on Saturday. The young ladies at the camp will give a pageant on the closing day, “The Spirit of Girlhood” being represented. Athletic events and aquatic sports will be included in the program, which will be held both in the morning and afternoon. These competitive events are open to all Girl Scouts, whether or not attendants at the camp.
Susquehanna – It is reported that two timber wolves have been seen in the woods in the vicinity of this place. Such tales revive memories of the thrilling stories written by “Whit,” a Susquehanna correspondent of a generation or less ago, whose snake, eagle, bear, fish and other thrilling tales furnished “merriment for the nation.” ALSO Susquehanna, in common with thousands of other cities and towns, paid loving tribute to the memory of the dead president, last Friday. All business places were closed; the big shops were quiet and the bells on every church in the three boroughs tolled from 4 to 5.
Harford – James Adams has given up farm life and gone to “fire” on the D. L. & W. Railroad.
Ararat – Alfred Bowell, of Herrick, called on Mrs. Lucetta Baldwin last week. He went to her school forty years ago and they had not met since, until last week. Mrs. Baldwin is quite ill.
Dimock – One of the largest crowds in recent years attended the Dimock camp meeting on Sunday. A continual stream of automobiles were passing to the grounds, commencing at 9 a.m. Service commenced at 2 p.m. when the sudden shower dispersed the crowd. All were requested to go to the chapel to hear Mr. Kilpatrick, but hundreds were disappointed, as the building would not hold half of the people. 1740 tickets were sold, plus more as the gate receipts have not been turned in yet. Come and bring your friends, as an interesting program is arranged for the whole week.
Uniondale – Samuel Stark is in the Emergency Hospital, Carbondale, suffering from injuries sustained when he fell under a Delaware & Hudson train. He missed his step and fell. The journal boxes struck him and rolled him quite a distance. He suffered lacerations of the head, contusions and abrasions of the body. He is employed as foreman of a coal company at Peckville and was on his way home when injured.
Soldiers’ Monument: At a meeting of Dr. Ellen E. Mitchell Tent, Daughters of Veterans, the matter of assisting the other patriotic organizations in a memorial to the World War soldiers was favorably decided. The president, Miss Frances Stephens, appointed a committee to see what could be done about the thirty-one marble tablets with the names of the county soldiers of the Civil War on them, marked by townships. These stones were put around the soldiers’ monument with a terrace at a great expense, borne by patriotic people of the county. Then at the suggestion of someone, several years ago, the county commissioners allowed these memorials to be taken down and they are now in the cellar of the courthouse. The question now is what can be done with these memorial tablets? [The tablets in question were made of stone, not marble. The tablets were returned to the monument, but only 16 exist: Auburn (2), Clifford (1), Dimock (1), Gibson (1), Harford (1), Herrick (1), Jackson (1), Jessup (2), Lenox (2), Montrose (2), Springville (1), Thompson (1). The Monument was restored several years ago and a booklet was written giving the history of the Monument, with photographs of the original terrace placement, photos of soldiers and the names of soldiers honored on the stones, with regiment, date and place of death and where interred, if known. Also included are the names and additional information of soldiers whose names are not recorded on a tablet. It is not known where or if the 15 remaining tablets exist. You can purchase a copy of the Monument booklet at the Susquehanna County Historical Society, Monument Street, Montrose, for $5.00 plus tax.]
August 03 1923/2023
Montrose – The Bible Conference is now in session. This is the largest attendance of ministers and laymen in the history of the Conference and the most renowned clergymen in America have a part in the program. ALSO The First National Bank and Farmers National Bank will consolidate under the charter of the First National Bank, which has been in existence for nearly 50 years, and will be known as the First and Farmers National Bank of Montrose.
Silver Lake – General John J. Pershing has been a visitor at Camp Red Cloud for a few days recently, where his son is spending the summer.
Great Bend – Charles Meagley, 73 years old and L. Scott, 72 years, while hauling old railroad ties along the track one day last week, were victims of a peculiar accident. A passing train frightened the horse they were using and the animal backed into the train. The train’s momentum threw the horse on the two men, knocking them down and pinning them to the ground, Mr. Meagley had a leg broken and his companion was badly cut and bruised. The horse’s back was broken and it was shot.
Lakeside – The Lakeside Outing Club has been incorporated and lots for the erection of cottages are being rapidly taken up. The state authorities notified parties controlling Page’s Pond that the dam would have to be removed or rebuilt. As a result, the association was formed and a concrete dam, 16 ft. high was built, having a spillway of over 40 ft. The pond, which covers nearly 100 acres, is in the hands of the association and some of the best fishing in the county is found here. This pond was originally known as Beaver Meadows.
Springville – Little Marie Emorick, a fresh air child staying at the M. E. parsonage for two weeks, returned to New York city with the other children last week. She fell desperately in love with the pastor and his wife and informed them that of course she would have to return with the others, but she would be back the following week to stay “for good.”
Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – Frank Strong helped H. C. Cruise drive some cows to Montrose, which he sold to B. L. Bailey. ALSO The long wished for rain came at last with .89 of an inch of rainfall, which did much good.
Brooklyn – Miss Helen Gere has returned from Mansfield, where she has spent a part of the summer in the home of the principal of the normal school. She will teach at Dimock the coming year.
Ararat – Mrs. Oscar Hugaboom excels in taxidermy, and has a large collection of birds and animals to prove her art. Nearly every known bird of this vicinity is to be found in the collection, and many that are strange to this locality.
Clifford – Thomas Derken and daughter, Mrs. Lila Selgrath, of this place, are accompanying Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sparks and Merrit Derken, of Susquehanna, on a touring trip to Sioux City, Iowa. They left home Thursday, July 19th and reached Sioux City, Monday, July 23 covering a distance of 1380 miles. The trip was made in a Reo touring car, with the report of no trouble, except a broken fan belt.
Mathewson Tells of His First Great Game: Christy Mathewson tells of his first game, which was played at Mill City, not far from his home at Factoryville. He relates that pitchers were scarce in those days and it wasn’t very hard to get a game as long as you pitched. The manager of the Mill City team heard that I pitched and sent for me. “Will you pitch for us?” he asked. “Sure, I replied.” And when he added that I would receive a dollar a game I was so happy I wanted to turn a handspring. I was willing to play for nothing. Most of the games were played at Mill city and that meant walking six miles there and back. The first game I played with Mill City was one of the proudest of my life. I earned the dollar, for I shut out the LaGrange team 5-0, the first shut out of my career. That evening I strolled down to the local club—the barbershop. The barber, a great checker and baseball fan, was shaving a man and talking about baseball. A number of men sat around playing a game of checkers. The checker players kept on playing and the barber kept on shaving. No one knew that I had shut out the LaGrange team! The barber was raving about the hitting ability of Colvin, the Mill City catcher, as a feller who can smack the ball. He looked up at me and asked if I saw the game. I replied yes. He then asked who won? I replied that Mill City won. He then asked if Colvin got any hits? I replied that I didn’t remember, but did know that LaGrange didn’t get any runs. The barber then asked who pitched. I answered, “I did.” It was a bombshell. The barber stopped shaving and the checker players stopped playing. For a moment they didn’t know whether to believe me or not. But facts are facts and when they learned that I was right my stock went up a little. [Christy Mathewson, born in 1880, in Factoryville, went on to play for the New York Giants and was considered one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game. He was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. Mathewson died of tuberculosis in 1926.]
News Brief: Pennsylvania will soon have policemen patrolling the state roads. They will be mounted on motorcycles and wear distinctive uniforms. Every state road will be patrolled and it is woe to law violators. ALSO Official announcement that the state highway dept. will include two stretches of hard-surfaced road in its 275-mile building program for 1923-24 will be received with satisfaction in this county. It announces that a concrete pave between Montrose and Fairdale will be built on route 14. This will eventually connect with the pave on the extreme western end of the route from Towanda to Wyalusing. This project will be five miles long. The other paving will be in Clifford twp, on route 174, beginning at the Susquehanna-Lackawanna county line and running to Royal, a distance of about two miles. ALSO This year will probably see the last of the chestnut trees in Pennsylvania. A few can be seen blossoming along the mountainsides, but they are partly blighted.
July 13 1923/2023
Forest City – S. L. Rothafel, of New York city, was here Tuesday. He motored up in the morning and on his return took Mrs. Rothafel with him, who had been visiting her parents here, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Freedman. Mr. Rothafel is probably one of he most prominent men in the motion picture industry in this country, being manager of the Capitol theatre in New York. He started his career here several years ago when he was manager of the Family theatre. Later he went to the metropolis and became manager of both the Rivoli and Rialto theatres. He entered the world of the “silver screen” when it was in its infancy and has grown with it. [“Roxy” Rothafel discovered the “Missouri Rocketts” when they traveled to New York, in 1928, to perform in the Broadway show, Rain or Shine. They were such an instant hit that he persuaded them to stay in New York—and the rest is history.]
Montrose – On Sunday, June 3rd, 1923, at St. Paul’s Church, founded by her great, great grandfather, Joshua W. Raynsford, Anne Seymour Raynsford, infant daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Robert P. Raynsford, was baptized. ALSO The books of Marie VanVorst in the library are: “Big Tremaine,” “Fairfax and His pride,” and “Tradition.” This talented author, who is spending the summer in the Woodin house on Monument Square, has written 41 books. Four of her books have been adapted to the screen.
Lynn, Springville Twp. – A lady of this place made a rather unusual find recently. It was a set of false teeth lying in the grass by the side of the driveway. The strange part of it is that although she has inquired of everyone who has been in the vicinity, no one seems to claim them. Any one having lost such property will be able to recover it by inquiring at the Lynn store.
Ararat – The Cheerful Workers Missionary Society will meet every Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Harris. They will be glad of orders for quilts, which they make and sell; also for quilts to tie, doing the work reasonably and well. ALSO The South Ararat school picnic, after a fine dinner, served lemonade and bananas to the kiddies.
Forest Lake – The school directors request sealed bids for transportation of pupils on the following school routes: Taylor Hollow to Forest lake; Stone Street to Birchardville; Turrell to Warner by Forest Lake Center. Bids needed by August 4th.
Herrick Center – Russell Craft and Carl Baker, young men of this place, have just been awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts by Cornell University.
South Auburn – Eldred Tewksbury, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Tewksbury, of Retta, and Miss Elsie Love, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Love, were united in marriage on June 20, at the home of the bride’s parents.
Susquehanna – The Tri-Boro Silk Throwing Mill was gutted by flames on Saturday afternoon. The loss is estimated at $150,000 and was partially insured. It is believed that the factory will be rebuilt. Four lines of hose were laid and the firemen did good work, although handicapped by weak water pressure at the start. A steamer pumped water from Drinker creek and aided materially in quelling the flames. ALSO The funeral of Miss Frances Kelly, victim of the cyclone of June 26, took place at St. John’s Catholic church on Friday. A large crowd expressed the sympathy felt by the entire community for the family and friends of Miss Kelly. Burial was made on Laurel Hill cemetery.
Hop Bottom – Practically all the male citizens turned out Friday afternoon to help in the capture of three young men who entered Dr. Taylor’s store, during the noon hour, and robbed the till of about $38. The trio was captured and they are now in the county jail. The three young men, whose ages range from 15 to 17, all of Scranton, were catching rides on trucks along the Lackawanna Trail. Arriving in Hop Bottom they conceived the idea of entering the Taylor drug store through a window that had been left open.
Susquehanna County Sheep and Wool Growers’ Association – At a meeting of the Association, it was announced that about 9,000 pounds of wool had been pledged, with more in sight. It was the opinion of the directors that a wait of several weeks will see an improvement in the wool market and it was decided not to sell the wool at this time.
Washburn Trial – Elmer Washburn, sentenced last week in the county court to serve from 17 to 19 years in the Eastern penitentiary, for the murder of Cyrus Payne, was taken to the penitentiary in Philadelphia. A number of ladies were at the station to see the boy depart, giving him a box lunch for his journey, for which kindness he showed appreciation.
Tunkhannock – For 71 years bowling alleys and billiard parlors have not been permitted to exist in Wyoming County. Under a law, signed by Gov. Pinchot, this county will be permitted to have them. It appears that something over 70 years ago a fire started in a saloon and ten-pin alley, in Tunkhannock, which wiped out a large section of the town. It was stated at the time that the bowlers and card players were responsible for the blaze starting.
Elk Lake – The Elk Lake Mills property, including mill, house and about 7 acres of land, together will all water rights to the Great Elk Lakes, will go on public sale Friday, July 27th. The mill building is one of the best buckwheat grinding outfits in Pennsylvania and is driven by a Norris Burnham water wheel. Terms made known on day of sale by W. H. Tanner.
South Gibson – The base ball nine was defeated by Uniondale nine, at that place, Saturday. Perhaps we’d better withhold the score.
Jackson – In a lengthy article on the history of the Civil War, written by veteran H. M. Benson, at age 86, he tells of Jackson’s part in the war, including how the men from Jackson volunteered: six volunteered from the family of Emory Larrabee; four from the family of Dow Larrabee; three from the family of Enos Bryant; Ormel Brown, three, Belcher, three; Horace Aldrich, two; Merrick Whitney, two. Four were sent from my father’s family. My brother was taken prisoner and died in a prison pen in North Carolina.
Thompson – Mrs. S. V. Clark, dressmaker of Herrick Center, is professionally engaged in town.
Uniondale – This is the home of two veterans of the Civil War and they are brothers, Richard and Morris Davis. They are descended from the pioneer settlers of Clifford township. Mrs. Andrew Lyon, of Jewell county, Kansas, also survives.
September 07 1923/2023
Annual Veterans Encampment: The Susquehanna Co. Veterans Assoc. was held on the fair grounds in Montrose. Thirty-one members of the G. A. R. registered. About 200 enjoyed an excellent dinner served by the Ellen Mitchell Tent, Daughters of Veterans. Judge A. B. Smith opened the “camp fire” in an able and pleasing address of welcome. Army songs were sung and a patriotic address given. The veterans registered were: T. W. Hunter, William Pauer, B. B. Taylor, John Wilber, George Nichols, J. H. Corwin, P. T. Lindsey, T. F. Mack, R. P. Lindley, H. C. Spafford, W. A. Taylor, Geo. W. Martin, E. E. Roselle, Isaac Melhuish, C. M. Read, B. I. Robinson, A. W. Hickok, George Simpson, O. B. Darrow, T. L. Ainey, D. S. Michael, H. L. Beach, F. I. Lott, Peter B. Walker, J. A. Decker, J. I. Chapman, Peter Hartman, Josiah Fuller, Urbane Sloat, F. G. Warner, Marian Butts.
Dimock – The little eight month’s old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert Button, of Lindaville, who were guests at James Greenwood’s, fell out of a chair striking her head on the floor. At the time it was not thought that she was badly injured but as she grew worse throughout the morning she was taken to Dr. Gardner, at Montrose, where it was found that the injury had caused concussion of the brain, and the child was in serious condition. Mr. Greenwood took the mother and child at once to their home in Lindaville, by automobile.
Montrose – The country club purchased the sixty-acre farm, owned by E. Bert Sprout, adjoining the club grounds on the east. Expert, F. B. Warner, of Philadelphia, will lay out one of the finest golf courses in America. About 22 acres lies below the trolley tracks and by a rearrangement of the holes it an be made a standard nine-hole course, and so laid out that it will not be necessary to cross the public road. This will make the course longer than at present and add greatly to the pleasure of the golfers. ALSO D. J. Donovan is renovating the old Tarbell House barn and will convert it into automobile show rooms, with a full glass front. The interior to be of steel ceiling and side walls, concrete floor, electric lights and will be modern in every appointment. We understand it will be leased to U. W. Larue, of Lawton, who will conduct an automobile agency here. [Now the site of C. & F. Motors.]
Springville – Miss Lila Burdick will leave for Mansfield Normal School, on Monday, where she will take up study.
Franklin Forks – While at Salt Springs, on Labor Day, Bruce B. Lott found what is apparently an Indian implement of some kind. He brought the relic home with him and many have ventured guesses on its previous use, it being on exhibition in the post office. His guess is that it was a crude stone plow. It shows evidence of having been hewn by a primitive people. Its size precludes the idea that it was used for grinding corn or grain.
Kingsley – Buzz saw outfits are becoming a necessary part of farm equipment, with coal selling at high prices, and almost impossible to obtain, at that. This item was prompted by an advertisement of Clyde Tiffany, Kingsley’s hardware dealer. A wood pile affords insurance against a cold house and saves a lot of money too. A “buzzing” outfit enables one to quickly and easily cut dying trees for firewood, where they would, otherwise, decay and be lost. Mr. Tiffany calls attention to several items in seasonable hardware in his advertisement.
Clifford – The double wedding anniversaries of Mr. and Mrs. Romeyn Rivenburg (25th) and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer E. Finn (40th) were celebrated at the pleasant home of E. E. Finn. The house was beautifully decorated with flowers and crepe paper. The steady down-pour of rain in the afternoon prevented many of their friends attending, but in the evening the house was filled. Refreshments consisting of ice cream, cake, fruit punch, peanuts and candy were served.
South Auburn – The descendants of Fred and Mary Swackhammer, including children, grandchildren and two great grandchildren, twenty-three in all, met at White’s Pond on Aug. 21, and spent a very pleasant day.
Susquehanna – A son, Harold Stuart Walker, was born to Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Walker, of 318 Grand St., August 24, 1923.
Forest City – The Sunshine Club went into camp Saturday. They pitched their tents on the East Mountain and are having a splendid time. They served a chicken dinner to some of their friends, which was greatly enjoyed. Pictures were taken of the campers and guests.
Uniondale – Local sports [men] were down at Altoona Monday. They went to see the auto races scheduled for Monday. The races had to be postponed on account of a heavy rainfall. Our sports traveled 500 miles to see a thunder shower.
Ararat – Mr. Harrison has organized a Boy Scout Troop with seven members. They meet Wednesday evenings at the hall over Mr. Potter’s barn.
Inspiration for Battle Hymn: During the dark days of the Civil War, Julia Ward Howe visited the national capital with friends. They stopped at the Willard Hotel and it was here that Mrs. Howe wrote her famous song, The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Many years ago she related as follows: “One day we drove out to a review of the troops some distance from the city. The day was fine and everything passed off well, but a sudden surprise on the part of the enemy interrupted the proceedings. A small body of our men had been surrounded and cut off from their company and reinforcements were sent to their assistance. We turned our horse’s heads homeward. For a long distance soldiers filled the road and presently we began to sing some of the songs of the war, and among them, John Brown’s Body Lies a-Moldering in the Grave. This seemed to please the soldiers and it was suggested to me that I ought to write some new words to that tune. I slept as usual but woke next morning and to my astonishment found that the wished-for lines were arranging themselves in my brain. Immediately I searched for a sheet of paper and began to scrawl the lines almost without looking. Having completed that I lay down again and fell asleep, but not without feeling that something of importance had happened to me.
News Brief: If thin cornhusks are a criterion as to weather, we will have a mild winter this year. This sign is favorable.
August 17 1923/2023
Montrose – The Presbyterian church was crowded on Friday afternoon when a memorial service to the late President Harding was held. Rev. A. C. Gaebelein, of New York, delivered the address, and the ministers of the town were present and participated in the service. Seldom has there been so large a gathering inside this church, the seating capacity of which was taxed to care for the crowd, many of whom autoed from neighboring towns. An inspiring service was also held in the Chautauqua tent where the speaker, Henry A. Adrian, told of his personal acquaintance with the late president and paid him a glowing tribute. ALSO The White Bus Line, operating between Binghamton and Montrose, has been granted a two-year license by the Public Service Commission. Previously a license was granted for but one year. This will permit the proprietor, E. J. Dorsey, to run his line until June 1, 1925, before renewing. The Lackawanna railroad company opposed the granting of a license, claiming it injured their passenger traffic.
Bridgewater Twp – The home of John J. Manning, near Brewster’s Pond, about two miles southeast of Montrose, was burned Monday evening The fire was discovered by Homer L. Smith, of Dimock township, a candidate for county commissioner, as he was passing the house. He discovered there was no one at home and forced a door, attempting to put out the blaze, which had a vigorous start, Other neighbors soon arrived and they devoted their attention to saving what house hold goods as possible and succeeded in removing practically all on the ground floor, but not the second. The house was a large frame wooden building, built some years ago, and in good condition. Mr. and Mrs. Manning had been away from home only a short time. The loss is estimated at upwards of $4,000. Insurance for $1,000 was carried.
Franklin Forks – An ice cream social will be held Saturday evening at Alliance Hall.
Dimock – An unidentified autoist ran into a car driven by Smith LaRue, of Dimock, Saturday afternoon, as he was returning from Springville. Mr. LaRue turned out for the oncoming stranger, according to witnesses, but the unidentified party showed no disposition to do likewise. Mr. LaRue’s car had a wheel broken and the steering gear was damaged. He got the license number of the receding car as the driver put on the gas and disappeared without stopping or offering assistance.
Forest Lake – Mr. and Mrs. Leon Raynor and two children, Charles Sivers and son, Emerald, and Herman Seiber, visited the gas wells at Salt Springs, Sunday.
Fowler Hill, Rush Twp. – Mrs. H. S. Hickok attended the reunion of the Harford Soldiers’ Orphan School on Saturday. Mrs. Hickok was there six years. She said there was a very large crowd and all enjoyed themselves renewing old friendships, but admits that twenty-five years makes some changes. The Harford news reported that over 400 people were there.
Herrick Center – Thomas Hugaboom, of this place, was struck by a Delaware & Hudson locomotive on August 4, and fatally injured. His body was discovered lying near the tracks by a train crew and hurried to the Emergency Hospital, Carbondale, where his death occurred that evening. ALSO Was it not our late, lamented president, Warren G Harding, who emphasized the value of good neighbors? Lyon Street can boast of good neighbors--Aug. 3 one of the finest and most up to date barns belonging to Walter S. Lyon, in Harrick twp was struck by lightning and rapidly burned down destroying not only the barn but about 30 tons of Mr. Lyon’s best hay, a fine silo and some machinery. As soon as the fire was discovered a call on the phone was sent out and the good neighbors responded and succeeded in preventing other buildings from catching fire. Some young men remained all night, faithfully watching the dying fire and ready to prevent further damage. Aug. 14, owing to a call sent out by Friendship Grange, eighteen good neighbors turned out with teams and hay-makers’ implements and helped Mr. Lyon with his haying. The men worked well and the result at leaving time was a large stack of new-made hay. Mrs. Lyon set out the eatables in abundance at dinner, mid-afternoon lunch and supper to such as remained to partake of that meal. Other neighbors, unable to attend, signified their intention of coming later to help.
Susquehanna – Bishop Hoban laid the cornerstone for the new Catholic parochial school, corner of Broad avenue and Grand street, Susquehanna, Sunday afternoon. This is the finest parochial school in the Scranton Diocese and will cost about $200,000. Father Bustin, rector of St. John’s church, Susquehanna, was Master of Ceremonies. The principal speaker was Dr. Moran, of Philadelphia, a graduate of Laurel Hill Academy, which was the parent school of this new structure. Priests from Friendsville, Little Meadows and Great Bend were present.
Friendsville – The Grange will hold a picnic Saturday afternoon, Aug. 25th, at the hall in Friendsville. There will be a ball game and horse races, foot races, sack races and a tug of war, and other amusements on the spacious grounds adjoining the hall. There will be a speaker for the occasion, and also good music. All come and make the afternoon a pleasant one and please bring a well-filled basket. Ice cream will be served.
Fair Hill – M. J. Green, R. H. Raub and Claude Seeley went to the Pocono mountains after huckleberries the first of the week.
Hop Bottom – The M. E. Sunday school will hold its annual picnic at Heart Lake, Aug. 22. The Universalist Sunday school is invited to join and make this a community picnic.
Uniondale – Richard Davis, the oldest Civil War veteran in this vicinity, 84 years young, worked in the hay field last week and pitched with the best of them. The loader could not call for more while our old friends wielded the tines.
Forest City – Anthony Fario received a kick in the right side from a mule while working at No. 2 mine this morning. Fortunately he was not badly injured.
News Brief: A gasoline war has given to ten middle-western states, gas, at 16 cents a gallon. In Texas the prevailing price is now ten cents. Pennsylvania has come in for a reduction, the Atlantic & Pacific announcing a price of 24 cents, including the state tax of two cents per gallon.
July 27 1923/2023
Clifford – Our little village was thrown into commotion on the morning of June 22, when it was learned that A. Andrew Chamberlin had failed to return at the usual hour with his cows, which were pastured on the farm known as the John Hallstead place, now owned and occupied by Emory Green. Mr. Green started in search and found Mr. Chamberlin sitting on a bank lifeless. Mr. Chamberlin had suffered with spells of exhaustion and apparently one had come on this morning, when the heart failed to respond when he sat down to regain strength. Mr. Chamberlin was the son of Pulaska and Louisa (Miller) Chamberlin and was born on the homestead, at West Clifford, Sept. 7, 1859. He worked as clerk for the sheriff, Z.D. Jenkins; worked for his brother-in-law, Geo. E. Resseguie, editor and publisher of the Susquehanna Transcript and Ledger; he taught at Clifford Corners School, Elkdale, Royal, Collar Road and the Jenkins school, all in Clifford township. He also served as town clerk of Clifford.
South Ararat – Walter Denney raised his big barn on Saturday. There was a good crowd and a bountiful dinner was furnished by the ladies.
Susquehanna – The Strider-Teskey Post will soon have a brass band. At a meeting last Friday evening eleven musicians were at once enrolled and others will join. It was also voted that the Post have an encampment this summer, and early in August tents will be pitched for Legion members to enjoy a week’s outing.
Montrose – Prof. Durfey, of Elmira, is the new instructor of the Montrose Boys’ Band. Col. Herrick, of Binghamton, who had been the instructor since the band’s organization, died at his home in Binghamton on July 14. The band will give an open-air concert on Monument Square, Monday evening at 8 o’clock.
Harford – Leon Hull owns the farm on which the original Nine Partners, famous in the history of Harford township, first located. On his farm is a monument to their memory, erected in 1890, one hundred years after the settlement. He has named his farm the “Nine Partners Dairy Farm.” ALSO In West Harford a serious accident was averted when Harry Smith was returning home from Harford. Mr. Smith does not drive a car, but a fine team of horses and buggy. He was driving up a steep hill when one horse, which is nearly blind, went too near the edge of the road, going over the high embankment, with Mr. Smith, buggy and the other horse. Nothing but the buggy was injured.
Hallstead – C. H. Young, of Hallstead, formerly of Springville, who lately opened a garage in the former place, has purchased the site of the Clune hotel, which was burned, together with the Clune residence, hotel annex buildings, opera house and the large garage and gas station. The deal involved in the neighborhood of $20,000 and is one of the biggest real estate transactions in that place for some time. Mr. Young sells the Lexington and Oldsmobile cars and his increasing business demanded more room in which to expand.
Stevens Point – Ralph Sampson killed a rattlesnake near this place. He was driving along the road towards Susquehanna when he saw the snake and gave battle, killing the reptile with a club. The snake carried six rattles and measured six feet in length, which is considered unusually large for the species.
Dimock – Several fires were put out here last week, which were caused by the trains along the line. Two loads of hay were burned on the Norris farm, where three acres of meadow were burned over. Several fires were put out on the Ballantine place, the mansion barely escaping when the fire came within 50 ft. of the building, which was saved by the timely aid of three chemical wagons. A number of lesser fires have caused some damage on other farms along the railroad track. Thomas Noble had quite a meadow fire thrown down. A call was put in Thursday night for help to go to Hop Bottom to fight a forest fire. The Dimock men went at once.
Springville – Wilmot Fisk, proprietor of Hotel Fisk, passed away after a long illness at his home on July 15. He was born in Niven, 73 years ago and at an early age went to Morrison, Ill, to live. He later returned to Springville, purchased the hotel and conducted it until his death. Three daughters and two sons survive. The funeral was held in Springville and the body was taken to Morrison, Ill for interment.
Hop Bottom – Funeral services were held for B.F. Williams who was one of the few G. A. R. veterans left in this vicinity. Among the representatives of the G. A. R. present were: Jas. W. Adams, E. C. Rozelle, of Brooklyn; Rufus Lindley, of Factoryville; Henry Lindsey, of Lathrop, and Pardon Lindsey of Hop Bottom.
Forest City – Misses Alice Muchitz and Charlotte Nebzydowski and Michael O’Brien, class of ’23, of the Forest City high school will enter West Chester Normal school, and Adolph Sredenschek and Miss Madeline LaTourette of the class of ’22, will enter State College. ALSO “Ye shall stand before kings,” may be applied to James P. Walker, son of Mr. and Mrs. James J. Walker, who is with the Naval Academy training ship in European waters. Sunday’s New York Times gives his picture under royal eyes. King Christian, of Denmark, visited the U. S. S. Arkansas, of which James is a crew member. The ship was in Copenhagen harbor as was the Royal yacht.
Uniondale – The sweetest music heard here since the 4thof June, was that of the patter of the rain on the roof Tuesday. It has been the driest season since 1908 and the rain was gladly welcomed. ALSO It is expected that about 150 children from St. Mary’s Orphanage, Scranton, will spend an outing at Lewis Lake. Cottages for their occupancy have been rented from Jerome Tonkin and John Dobesh.
Prohibition Agents – Officers from Luzerne county have been busy in our county during the week. The arrests occurred along the Lackawanna Trail at New Milford and Hallstead. Four gallons of alleged wine and “good beer” and thirty gallons of mash were taken from a house near Hallstead known as the “White Onion.” “The New Eagle Hotel” at New Milford was also visited and beer, which was alleged to be above one-half of one per cent and a barrel of cider were confiscated. The proprietress of the New Eagle, Mrs. Gussie Bogue and the bartender, John Jefferson, were arrested. Charles Griswold, who conducts a “hot dog” stand on the trail near New Milford, was visited by the authorities but he escaped with a load of alleged “white mule” after becoming suspicious.
July 06 1923/2023
Washburn Murder Trial – In the case of Elmer Washburn, age 14, found guilty of murder in the second degree of aged Cyrus Payne, of Jackson township, Judge A. B. Smith overruled the 18 reasons offered by his counsel for a new trial and refused same. Elmer was sentenced to a term of separate and solitary imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary, at Philadelphia, for a period of not more than 19 years and not less than 17 years. The judge stated in his opinion: “We are conscious that the youth of the defendant convicted and other pathetic features of this unfortunate case tending to arouse a natural sympathy for the defendant in the mind of the court and jury which, in view of the very strong evidence of his actual guilt, undoubtedly moved the jurymen to accompany their verdict with an oral recommendation of mercy, cannot be permitted to sway us from that discharge of our duty which requires us to hold firm and steady the scales of justice and abide by rules which have been promulgated by higher authority and those of superior legal knowledge to ours. Feeling that the defendant has had a fair and impartial trial, was defended by able and conscientious attorneys, we can no more than allow the law to take its course.” When the judge pronounced sentence on the boy, he showed no signs of emotion, returning to his chair beside his counsel and sitting quietly. But for a slightly nervous tapping of his fingers, he showed unconcern.
Fairdale – A petition was filed to vacate a road in Jessup township from a point in the public road leading from Fairdale to East Rush near the intersection of state or Wyalusing creek road to road leading from East Rush to Montrose, near intersection of road leading to Elk Lake, 5,130 feet long. Road is seldom used for travel and expensive to maintain.
Montrose – Wm. J. Ryan is making arrangements to go out of the plumbing business here and will locate with his family in Friendsville, where he has accepted a position in a creamery. ALSO A special show on July 11th, Jackie Coogan in “MY BOY.” Jackie Coogan again knocking spots off his big laugh record in “Peck’s Bad Boy,” making a sensation with the smiles and sobs of “My Boy.” The kid is indescribable. To see him is to love him. He has a hundred new smiles for you and a hundred lovable pranks.
Forest Lake – A freak of nature in the shape of a duck with four perfectly formed feet and legs was hatched on the farm of Earl C. Stone. ALSO L. T. Brown and family are planning to go to California this autumn, making their home a few miles from Los Angeles. Mr. Brown’s brother, Ralph Pritchard, of Montrose, is preparing to purchase Mr. Brown’s store here and will conduct the business in the near future.
Rush – Miss Katherine Fry, a nurse at the Sayre hospital, has been spending a two weeks’ vacation with her parents, Dr. and Mrs. H. M. Fry. ALSO The Auburn and Rush Poor Asylum is rapidly nearing completion.
Heart Lake – Commencing Saturday, the White Bus Line will operate a bus between Montrose and Heart Lake each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening, to accommodate dancers at the resort.
Dimock – Quite a number from here attended the ball game at Foster, Saturday, where the Dimock team won the game 11-5. The game was intensely interesting from start to finish, both teams doing excellent work. The Dimock people appreciated the kindness and sportsmanship of the Harford-Foster team, as they were good losers, courteous to everyone, even when the game was going contrary to their wishes. This proved to be one of the most quiet games of the season, with no arguments or controversies to mar its pleasure during the entire nine innings.
Lynn, Springville Twp. – E. L. Brown was taken to the Hahnemann hospital, Scranton, for an operation. It was found that he was suffering from cancer of the large intestine. Therefore, it was necessary to remove about 12 inches of the bowels. Although in a reduced condition, he stood the operation well and the doctors report him as doing as well as can be expected.
Gibson – Frank W. Pickering died at his home June 28, 1923. He was 74 years old, a veteran of the Civil War and a man highly esteemed by all. He had spent his entire life in Gibson. In early life he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Conrad, of Glenwood, who with the following children survive him: Berton F. and Miss Lottie Oakley, of Gibson; Ralph S., of Lenox, and Charles W., of Avoca. The funeral was held from his home and interment in the family plot in the Gibson cemetery.
Forest City – State Police made an extensive raid visiting several places here and confiscated a large amount of alleged “moonshine” whiskey. Those who were caught in the net were Jake Mahovic and wife, F. Lambert, Jack Karpinski, Joseph Dzikas and Joseph Petokas. They entered bail in the sum of $1,000. Lambert, it was said, had two stills in operation and had just finished using one of the stills and was about to place the other in operation when visited by the troopers. The stills, “moonshine” and mash, were loaded into cars and were objects of interest to many who viewed for the first time the implements used in the manufacture of “hooch.” Lambert and the Mahovic couple reside in the same house, known as the Jackhammer place. There is much speculation as to whether or not the police have finished their work here.
Uniondale – Saturday evening Robert Jones and family were the victims of an automobile accident, when near the Stillwater crossing. Mr. Jones saw two autos racing side by side. In order to save himself he turned his machine to the outside of the road and was crowded over the bank. Fortunately, the occupants of the car were not seriously injured. Their escape was a miracle. Their little son was hurt the worst and is suffering much pain. The car was practically new, but is now a wreck. It is said the racers were under the influence of liquor. If so their cases should be taken care of.
News Brief: When the oil boom hit the town of Smackover, Arkansas, the postmaster general, at Washington, received the following message from the postmaster who had grown wealthy in oil lands: “Office is out of my control; letters arriving 5,000 to 7,000 daily; parcel post by the ton; can’t open mail any longer; no place to put it; accept resignation.