Ararat - Many Susquehanna county people are probably not familiar with the fact that in their county is one of the most remarkable feats of railroad engineering skill that was ever consummated. It is in Ararat township on the Jefferson branch of the Erie railroad. There are veteran engineers and contractors who recall the great fill that was necessitated on the Jefferson branch when it was under construction. The road was constructed in 1872-73. One night during the course of building a stretch of track, a quarter of a mile or so sank out of sight, An apparently bottomless bog appeared where the roadbed had been. Into this hole 10,000 car loads of gravel and more than 500 trees, branches and all, were dumped without visible effect toward forming a solid bottom. It was then decided to resort to pile-driving. A pile 40 ft. long was driven its entire length into the sink. Upon it another of the same length was placed and driven all the way down, and still no sign of solid bottom. One on top of the other, four of these timbers were forced down before a solid foundation was found. This showed that the depth of the mysteriously formed bog was 160 ft. The existence of this curious formation, at this spot, was the more remarkable because it was on the summit of a ridge. When the depth was found, a row of piles was driven after the manner of the test piles on both sides of the space intended for the roadbed. They were set close together and formed subterranean booms, which held in place any material dumped into this enclosure. A hill of four acres was leveled to obtain material for the fill. Months of time and hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on the work. Unquestionably, it was the most remarkable thing of its kind ever known in the history of railroad building in Pennsylvania. (From the Philadelphia Public Ledger and reprinted in the Democrat.)

Susquehanna - The most disastrous fires to visit this place in some years occurred when the C. W. Deakin & Son lumber yard, mill and two garages, owned by John T. McMahon and John C. Birdsall, were burned. The loss is estimated at from $75,000 to $100,000, partially insured. When all of the local fire companies responded and as the flames were so widespread it was feared they would leap all bounds, a call for help was sent to Windsor. The flames rose high in the air and attracted hundreds of people to the conflagration.

East Rush - E. A. Crisman has traded his team of horses to Thomas O’Brien, of South Montrose, for a road horse.

Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. - Sixty-nine years ago, the 21st of this month, we had nearly four feet of snow on the level. A picture of it, as it was that morning, can be seen on the county map, taken by W. B. Deans, from one of the upper windows the brick block in Montrose. (That would be the 1858 wall map of Susquehanna County.)

Hallstead - The Hallstead ferry is now being operated from 5 in the morning until midnight. After May 25th the ferry will run continuously.

Franklin Forks - O. P. DePue reports the Snake Creek road in very good condition, except for a short distance near the pump station at Lake Montrose.

New Milford - The New Milford water company has been directed by the Pennsylvania Public Service Commission to install a complete new water supply system. The old water pipes must be taken up and new ones installed and the reservoirs cleaned and sterilized. The health department contends that only by so doing will the typhoid fever germs be completely eliminated.

Thompson - A temperance sermon will be delivered by Rev. MacBaine, next Sunday morning. Subject “If Prohibition Does Not Prohibit, What Must We do?”

Montrose - In response to the county violinists’ convention, Henry Birchard wrote: “Hope you will have Theodore F. Mack in the contest. Over 50 years ago, when I was tooting cornet, I accompanied him at many dances. Mr. Mack is one of the oldest fiddlers of this section and it is hoped he may be seen and heard.” Interest continues to grow and I. W. Oakley says violinists are enrolling each week.

Hop Bottom - G. A. Roberts, of Hop Bottom, and Mrs. Fay Robinson, of Lenoxville, were married on April 17. They will reside in Hop Bottom where Mr. Roberts has established a wholesale candy store.

Forest City - The Lincoln Construction company began work on the paving of the road north of the borough. The section between Forest City and Stillwater will be built first. ALSO The road from Forest City to Crystal Lake has been blocked practically all winter and the Lincoln Construction Co., in bringing its road machinery across from Clifford, was compelled to shovel through five big drifts. A drift nearly four feet high, at the top of Dundaff street, was removed by the use of the big traveling crane. It has been many years since the snow remained so late into the spring. ALSO The Slovenian Market House is selling Peters Shoes, at their store on Main Street. Advertised as the finest shoes for all.

News Briefs: The famous Emperor Charlemagne was placed, after his death, in 1814, in a great tomb, where he was seated on a marble throne and clothed in imperial robes. His body was found, well preserved, in 1001. ALSO Montrose Newspapers to Merge: Corporation to be formed to take over The Republican and The Democrat. Plans contemplate a $10,000 Webb Printing Press, other improved equipment, and changing to a paper issued either semi-weekly, thrice-a-week or daily.  

“200 Years Ago” from The Register, Montrose, Pa., April 21, 1826.

THE Bridgewater Yeoman Guards are hereby commanded to meet at the house of D. Curtis, in Montrose, on Monday the 8th day of May next, at 9 o’clock in the forenoon, armed and equipped for military duty. ASA C. LUCE, Capt. April 19, 1826. ALSO THE Montrose Artillery will parade for duty, completely equipped, at the house of D. Curtis, in Montrose, on Monday the 8th day of May next, at 9 o’clock, A. M. B. J. DIMOCK, Capt. April 19, 1826.

WHEREAS my wife, Rhoda, has left my bed and board, without just cause or provocation, I hereby forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account. PHILIP CRATAR. Brooklyn, April 18, 1826.

WHEREAS my wife, Phebe, has left me, I do hereby forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I am determined not to pay any debts of her contracting, after this date. DANIEL HARRIS, March 15, 1826.

COOPERING. THE subscribers keep constantly on hand most kinds of COOPER WARE, and will attend to all calls in all its branches—Both wood and iron bound, on the shortest notice. GIDEON AND RUSSEL SOUTHWORTH. April 13, 1826.