Great Bend – A large portion of the business section was threatened by fire early Saturday morning, when frozen water hydrants handicapped the fire fighters. Brant Brothers feed storage house and the residence of Frank Mara, on Main street, were destroyed. The loss is estimated at $2000. When the local firemen realized the flames would get beyond their control, a high wind blowing at the time, calls were sent to the Binghamton, Susquehanna and Hallstead fire departments, all of which responded with engines. They arrived quickly over the paved roads, the earth roads also being in good condition from Susquehanna. Winds died down when it seemed the blaze would get beyond control, saving nearby business places and homes. The recently installed fire whistle did effective work when flames were first discovered in the home of Frank Mara, which was said to be one of the oldest dwellings in the borough, being a large, heavily-built frame house.

Lenoxville – Gerald and Dean Johnson bought the department store of Clarence G. Stephens, who is intending to retire. Mr. Stephens started his store in the little town of Lenoxville, in 1901, and has built up a large and prosperous business. The new proprietors are capable young businessmen and they are well fitted to carry on the well-established store.

New Milford – Hayden L. Tingley, a native of this place, died at his home in Albion, Neb. On Dec. 22nd. He was the son of Homer and Harriet (Tiffany) Tingley and was born 58 years ago on the homestead farm of his father, near Upper Lake, the present farm of Arthur Tingley. When Mr. Tingley settled in Albion, about 35 years ago, there were a number of families in and around New Milford who went to that place and made their homes, including the Peck, Keep and Moss families and two Hayden brothers.

Lynn – Jesse Wells is smiling very happily these days. It is said he has adopted a new heir, a bouncing boy, in the family circle. A merry Xmas to Jesse is no dream, if the report is true.

South Ararat – Mrs. Maryann Sartell just recently finished piecing a quilt that contains 11,045 pieces.

Auburn Four Corners – The Ladies’ Aid of the M. E. Church will serve an oyster dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Mitchell on New Year’s Day. Everybody invited.

Uniondale – W. I. Morgan, in his spare moments, turns his attention to cabinet making. Several articles of late have passed through his skillful hands. The latest is a pedestal made of cherry, sumac, yellow pine, cypress and birch. The top is composed of alternate sections of the woods mentioned. The trimmings are unique and well proportioned.

Jackson – The Union Christmas services of the Baptist and Methodist Sunday Schools were held Christmas Eve in the Methodist church. A special feature was the orchestra and young people’s choir, under direction of the Methodist pastor, Rev. Freeman. Presents were distributed to the members of both Sunday Schools.

Heart Lake – Andrew F. Curtis said that 49 years ago, the 30thof this month, there was mud a half foot deep. When asked how he remembered, he said that on that date in 1875 he and Mrs. Curtis launched their matrimonial voyage.

Susquehanna –Susquehanna, once a leading show town, feels the loss of troupes coming there owing to the lack of a suitable theatre. John J. Ryan, manager of the Hogan Opera House, has stated his willingness to erect a new theatre if stock can be subscribed to pay for half the cost, he furnishing the other half. From $80,000 to $100,000 is needed. The belief is that forty people can be interested in subscribing for $1,000 worth of stock.

Thompson – Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Gates are enjoying a radio, a Christmas present from their son, W. G. Gates. ALSO Mr. and Mrs. John Jones, of Herrick Center, received a radio set for Christmas from their children.

Forest City – Aaron Freedman, of Dickinson Law School; Michael Jannicelli, of Bucknell University; Louis Connelly, of College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia; and Margaret Walker, of Marywood College, spent Christmas at their homes here. ALSO A successful dance was held in the Borough Hall, Monday evening, under the auspices of the Jolly Four. The music was greatly enjoyed.

Montrose – The Exchange Hotel, on South Main street, a landmark in Montrose for over a century, was burned to the ground just at daybreak Tuesday morning. The fire was discovered by the owner, John J. Burke, who lived in an adjoining residence. The hotel, barely used to any extent, was occupied only by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Theodos, who had living quarters in the rear of the building. They were aroused by Mr. Burke and escaped by throwing a mattress on the frozen ground and leaping out of a window, a distance of eight or ten feet. Prior to the arrival of the fire companies, the fire had gained great headway and was sweeping through the huge wooden building. It is believed an oil stove had been left burning to thaw out frozen water pipes and probably started the fire. [Continued next week with the early history of the hotel and some of its interesting owners.]

200 Years Ago from the Susquehanna Republican, Dec. 31, 1824.

MARRIED, At New Milford, on Thursday the 23d, inst., By Asa Dimock, Esq., Mr. Elisha D. Miller, of Pike, Bradford Co., to Miss Julia Wade, of the former place.

PAY YOUR POOR TAX! Take Notice, that unless you settle your Poor Taxes for the year 1824, by the 15th of January next, you must expect cost will be made without another call. Taxes can be paid to Stephen Vaughn, of the store of Fordham & Gardner, who will receipt the same. MATTHEW BALDWIN, Overseer of the Poor, Bridgewater.

TANNING & CURRYING. The subscriber takes pleasure in informing the public that he has fitted up his Manufactory in the first style and will receive all kinds of HIDES from a Beef’s down to a Dog’s and manufacture them for one third.—All leather warranted not damaged in manufacturing. PETER WILSEY. Great Bend.

BELLMONT & OGHQUAGA TURNPIKE. Notice is hereby given that a general annual meeting of the stockholders of this road will be held at the house of Miner Mumford, in Belmont, on the first Monday of January next, at 10 o’clock, A.M for the purpose of electing officers.