Forest City - Many homes were gladdened in Forest City and vicinity by the arrival of the soldier boys to spend the joyous yuletide at home. The Camp Mead contingent arrived on a late car Sunday evening. They returned yesterday morning.  It is needless to say that their reception was as happy as it was unexpected, for it was announced in the daily press that the boys of Camp Mead would not be allowed to spend Christmas at home owing to congested conditions of the railroads. The boys presented a soldierly appearance and aroused words of praise. The boys were: Arthur Brown, Charles Skubic, John Tomason, Frank Oven, Ludwick Korce, Joseph Laurie, Frank Gerstell, Eugene J. Slick, Stanley Stankovitz, Frank Solman, Edward Stanislowtas, Theodore Koneshevski, Frank Kelleher, James P. Walsh, Joseph Lipka and Theodore Ralka. The Navy was represented by James McGrath and James O’Malley, whose natty blue uniforms were in striking contrast to the olive drab of the soldier boys. Lieut. D. R. Maxey was unable to reach here until Christmas night. Lieut. Bolus Matowski was here the first of the week.

Susquehanna River – With the exception of a few riffles or air holes, the river is covered with ice for a distance of more than one hundred miles, as reported by the Tunkhannock Republican.

New Milford – New Milford borough council has passed an ordinance approving the contract between the State Highway Dept., the county commissioners, and the borough, for the paving of the streets of the borough. Work starting, weather permitting, in the spring. ALSO About a year ago Thomas J. Carr, one of the oldest residents of this place, suffered a slight stroke and on Wednesday of last week he had another which resulted in his death. Mr. Carr ran a grocery store and harness shop in Harford for 30 years and later removed to New Milford township.  He was 85 years of age.

Uniondale and Neighborhood – Santa Claus made his appearance at the Bethel church Monday evening where Christmas exercises were being held. No one knew from whence he came or whither he went, but his majesty distributed flags to the boys and candies to the girls, made a speech in which he regretted not being able to furnish O. C. Jones with a bottle of hair tonic and left as abruptly as he came.

Rush – Uzal Kinney is about to begin his new duties as justice of the peace and Rush is thus assured of a careful and painstaking official. This honor comes as one of “greatness thrust upon him,” as the justice-elect did not know that his name was upon the ticket until he went to the polls. ALSO A community dinner for the benefit of the Red Cross will be served in the church basement on New Year’s day. Everyone is invited to attend and help raise money for wool and supplies. Please bring biscuits, pies, cakes and other things for dinner. Price of dinner, 35 cents.  If the day is stormy, come next day, Jan. 2.  We are in need of more money.

Montrose – Financial difficulties have been encountered by William H. Lorimer, proprietor of the C-Nic Theatre, Montrose’s motion picture house and it has been closed. It is hoped that Mr. Lorimer will find a way out of his present state of affairs which will permit the resumption of the business. ALSO Leonard Stone has purchased an interest in the jewelry store of Earl J. Smith and after Jan. 1st the firm will be known as Smith & Stone. Mr. Smith has built up a fine jewelry and optical business in his nine years residence and Mr. Stone, who learned his trade with him, will be a strong addition. He is a graduate of the Philadelphia Horological College and was for some time in business in New Milford.

Harford – Rev. and Mrs. Wesley A. Miller expect to sail for South Africa shortly. They are spending the interval of waiting at the home of Mrs. Miller’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Barlow in Tunkhannock. Susquehanna county friends recognize Rev. Mr. Miller as Rev. Mueller, formerly of this place.  Owing to the suspicion which is attached to German names in Africa, it was necessary for him to adopt the change in name to be acceptable by the mission board which he is to work under.

Jackson Valley - Early in the morning of Friday, Dec. 7, 1917, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of this place passed out of this world in the person of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Williams, the relict of Samuel F. Williams, who preceded her on Aug. 16, 1915. She passed away at the home of her son, D. S. Williams.  Elizabeth A. Watkins was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 30, 1834, and was the fourth of seven children, all of whom she survived. At the age of seven she was taken to the home of her uncle, David Thomas, of Neath, where she received the best of care. When a young woman of 25, she was united in marriage to Samuel F. Williams and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Sept. 8, 1909. Three sons were born to them: John A., Frank and David S., all of whom survive and are prosperous farmers. Mrs. Williams enjoyed life and drew the best out of it. In her departure the community has lost one of its best members.

Brooklyn – The Community Christmas exercises on Monday evening were fine, much credit being due to the committee in charge. About 300 people were in attendance, and that the true Christmas spirit was in their hearts was shown by the offering, which was taken for the benefit of the suffering Armenians, amounting to over $26.  The school teachers and pupils had already contributed $16 for this fund.

Gelatt - Dimmock Walker, of North Dakota, is home to spend the holidays. ALSO Preparations are being made to build a new ice house at the creamery.

Fairdale – Rev. C. E. Cook, pastor of the Fairdale charge, has accepted an offer to act as a religious work director in the army. It offers a rare opportunity for a clergyman of Mr. Cook’s natural inclination for work among young people along spiritual lines, and after consulting with the bishop of the Wyoming Conference he was permitted to take up the work.

200 Years Ago from the Montrose Centinel, December 27, 1817.

*It is said that Don Onis has instructions from his king, to tender the Florida’s to the United States, for six millions of dollars; out of which sum Spain agrees to deduct the amount of spoliations made by her on the property of American citizens. Such is the confidence placed in this report that the stock of the different insurance offices that have suffered by the depredations of Spain, rose in one day 25 per cent in value.

*MARRIED – On the 25th instant by J. W. Raynsford Esq., Mr. Jonathan Taft to Miss Nancy Fox both of the township of Springville.

*ALMANACKS…for the year of our Lord, 1818, just received and for sale at this office.  Also a variety of Blank & Writing Books.

*PAY THE PRINTER. The Editor of this paper for five weeks past has been unable to attend punctually to his establishment on account of Sickness—he sees no prospect of being able to labor again very soon. He earnestly entreats ALL persons indebted to him to make payment without delay as WANT stares him full in the face. His expenses are great, in ordinary times, & Sickness helps but to enlarge them. All kinds of produce that can be eaten by man or beast will be taken in payment; and a few pounds of tallow would not come amiss.  Montrose, Dec. 20, 1817.