Montrose - The former State armory property on Church and Spruce Streets has a corps of painters and carpenters at work transforming the huge structure into an attractive hall. The interior of the building, which is 45 x 100 ft, is being painted throughout, the stage removed, the fine hardwood floors repaired and alterations made ready for dancing or roller skating, and it is intended to provide pleasant waiting rooms for both ladies and gentlemen. A large modern military band organ will be installed, not of the hurdy-gurdy pattern, but a modern instrument that sounds so much like a band that the difference is hard to detect. Arrangements are being made to erect a stage so that vaudeville shows and dramatic plays may be booked, furnishing a play house that will seat 750 people.

Forest City - The county commissioners of Susquehanna and Wayne counties and the officials of the Erie and Ontario & Western railroads, together with County Solicitor F. I. Lott, met at Forest City on Tuesday and conferred on the matter of a bridge over the Lackawaxen between Forest City and Clinton township, Wayne county. An agreement was entered into which appears acceptable to all and the bridge will doubtless be built by their joint efforts, costing about $50,000. This will do away with the present tortuous route between the two places and work will probably be started as soon as a few changes can be made in the plans, which were submitted tentatively at the conference on Tuesday.

Shannon Hill, Auburn Twp. - A telephone message from Meshoppen states that Mrs. Sarah Cole, a widow, received a Black Hand letter threatening her with dire vengeance if she did not deposit $3000 in a specified place near the Shannon Hill creamery. The letter was received on Wednesday of last week and was mailed at Auburn Center. It has been turned over to the Postoffice Department, and thorough efforts will doubtless be made to discover the writer. Mrs. Cole is about 74 years of age and is in comfortable circumstances financially. A son and daughter both live with her. The family is much disturbed over the matter and that may have been the sole object of the letter, or it may have been for the purpose of extorting money. The letter was signed "Black Hand," with the picture of a hand crudely drawn on the back of the sheet.

Hallstead - The Hallstead-Susquehanna Marathon race is scheduled to take place tomorrow and there are a goodly number of entries for the prizes, which will aggregate in value over $100. The first prize is a diamond ring worth $50; second, gold watch; third, leather suit case; fourth, gold-headed umbrella. ALSO The Clover club and the Cornhuskers crossed bats in a game of baseball. The Cornhuskers beat their opponents by a score of 17 to 18. A feature of the game were the home runs by Brown, Tower and Bolles. The game was umpired by "Rabbit" Aiken, who during a heated discussion over a decision, was obliged to bench several players for interference.

Elk Lake - H. W. Lyons found a den of foxes on his farm, but the number is getting less, as Harry has no use for foxes.

Susquehanna - The Barnes Memorial Hospital received a state appropriation of $5000, a $2500 cut from the bill as amended in the senate, and $500 less than the committee recommended. But it's pretty good.

Flynn, Middletown Twp. - The farmers of this vicinity are discouraged with such a cold, late spring. Some are hustling to get their plowing done before it snows again.

Dimock - The wagon shop and tools of the late A. C. Mills are for rent to a good wagon maker. ALSO O. W. Chase drove to the county seat recently with his fast trotting horse, leaving the dust far behind.

East Ararat - The Burnwood school opened with 20 pupils on the roll. The school has a fair chance to succeed, the new teacher being an experienced as well as a thoroughly trained and practical man.

Springville - A. L. Greatsinger has had his delivery rig fixed up and started the first of the week to serve his patrons. Paint and varnish make his meat wagon shine like a new dollar.

Clifford - H. G. Wells has taken unto himself a helpmate [wife] and Tuesday night the boys thought to remind him of their existence by the old time method [a horning]. By the racket they made, we think he was reminded.

Herrick Centre - Mr. Stevens, the new track foreman, has moved his family from Hancock, N.Y.; they are living over P. H. Flynn's store.

Uniondale - Milkmen have a new order from headquarters. Morning milk must be cooled to 60 degrees before it is delivered. Some of the patrons think it is tough to do as required.

Franklin Twp. - Al. Conklin has a new three-seated wagon which he used first to the glory of God by taking a load of people from the M. E. Church to the Sunday School convention at Lake Side. ALSO Lee Turrell came very near being drowned a few days ago. He and a friend were out rowing on the river at Binghamton when the boat was capsized, his friend could not swim, all they could do was cling to the boat and float down stream and they were very near the falls before they were rescued. If they had gone over the falls both would have been lost.

Bridgewater Twp. - Wm. H. Baldwin died May 2, 1909, at his home in Wyalusing after a long illness of rheumatism, in his 79th year. Deceased was a native of Bridgewater, where he was born Aug. 5, 1830. During the Civil War he served as a member of Co. I, 50th P.V., from Dec. 1861 to Feb. 1863. For 14 years following the war he had charge of the government lighthouse on the James river in Virginia. He returned north and for some time engaged in the mercantile business. Seven years ago he moved to Wyalusing.

News Briefs - The Barnum and Bailey greatest show on earth is announced for two performances in Scranton on Monday, June 7th. Oh, that at least the elephant and steam-piano might strike Montrose. ALSO The public will be pleased to learn that the patent on aluminum will shortly expire and that this very valuable metal will enter into the manufactory of hundreds of articles of common use, and what in 1857 sold for $32 a pound now can be had for about 20 cents.