top of page

September 21 1917/2017

Hallstead – One day last week Mrs. J.M. Simpson, of Main Street, was driving on the Steam Hollow road when she observed a large, black rattlesnake. With her were James R. Millard, of Buffalo, and his daughter, Mrs. V.D. Shaw, of Main Street. Not knowing how her horse might act when she saw the snake, Mrs. Simpson requested Mr. Millard to take the horse whip and kill the snake, while she held the horse. The snake was a large one and had 7 rattles and a button. The next morning Mrs. Simpson said that she was going after the mate to that snake, so about the same time of the day she drove to the spot where the first snake was killed and found the mate within about three ft. of where the first snake had been killed. She took the horse whip and struck the snake across the back, killing it. The second snake, which was a large yellow one, had 8 rattles and a button. Mr. Millard intends to take the two large skins to Buffalo and have them tanned. Mrs. Simpson brought the snake to town, tied behind her buggy, and from each one she secured one ounce of rattlesnake oil, which is quite valuable.


W. Clifford – School began here Sept 3rd, with Miss Marian Taylor, of Clifford, as teacher.


West Lenox – The new teachers from around here are: Walter Shamp, at the Howard; Frances Phillips, at the Acre; Gertrude Powers, at the Wright; Gertrude Squires, at the Titus; Lena Tingley, at the Lake; Wendell Phillips, at Rush; Eldridge Shoup*, at Hop “Bottom and Verna Tingley, in the primary room at Kingsley. *Was later called to report for Uncle Sam.


Harford – School is progressing nicely. The building is well filled and in one room the pupils have to sit three in a seat. There are seven teachers in the field this year. Some high school for Harford, eh? ALSO George Richardson has a large load in the “kid” wagon”—13 jolly boys and girls. ALSO Mr. and Mrs. Ren Whitman were greeting friends at the Harford fair, having made the entire trip of 625 miles from their home at Detroit, Mich., in their automobile with an accident.


Montrose – Not in many years has this town witnessed such an outpouring of people. It is estimated that between 4,000 and 5,000 citizens, coming from all parts of the country, gathered here to cheer the boys who have been called to fight for their country, and for us. Seventy-nine young men are in this first contingent, and as they lined up in the parade yesterday, in civilian clothes, untrained, fresh from farm, mine, store, office and factory, it was a thrilling spectacle. Tears dimmed the eyes of many a strong man and woman as the boys swung along with manly stride to the patriotic air of a band. They were all “our boys,” and though strangers to us, the little white ribbon pinned to each breast, on which was printed “My country has called me. I go to make the world safe for democracy,” brought an echo of sympathy from every heart. Every town and hamlet in the county had its representatives. ALSO  “The long hours of waiting that frequently fall to the lot of a unit in the trenches are not nearly so trying if the men have a good supply of books,” is the testimonial of an officer. Contribute to the Library War Fund and help furnish the books.


Brooklyn – The importance of even one single word was emphatically illustrated the other day, when Mrs. C.A. Corson received a cablegram containing the single word, “Safe,” from her son, Lt. Dr. John Corson, who was recently shipped out to some English or French port. This was the first word received from him since he left the U.S. about three weeks ago.


Hop Bottom – Mrs. Ida M. Tiffany and Mrs. E.M. Loomis entertained at their summer home in honor of Mr. and Mrs. G. Ellwood Tiffany, who were recently married. The affair was a surprise. The house was beautifully decorated with golden rod and Queen Ann’s lace, while the lawn was illuminated with Japanese lanterns. The Hop Bottom band furnished music. At a late hour refreshments were served to the 75 guests present, who were from Montrose, Binghamton, Hornell, Indiana, Hallstead and Foster.


Lake View – Newell Washburn, one of Uncle Sam’s fighting men, is home on a furlough.


New Milford – Wm. H. VanCott, B.M. Moore and N.B. Burdick, were mixed up in an automobile accident near Kirkwood. They had been to Binghamton in the afternoon and were returning in the evening. While rounding a curve, a short distance the other side of Kirkwood, one wheel of the car struck a post of the guard rail. The wheel was torn from the car and the car tipped over on its side, spilling the occupants out and all were more or less injured. Burdick had his left shoulder badly sprained and his head bruised. Moore had one rib cracked and VanCott, who was driving, escaped with only slight bruises. A passing auto took the men back to Binghamton and after having their wounds dressed, they returned home by train.


Susquehanna – The local basket ball team defeated the fast Starrucca team at the L.A.C. It is estimated more than 200 persons witnessed the interesting game, proceeds of which are for the local members of the draft army. An old-time favorite, Clarence Wright, was present and acted as referee in his faultless style.


Gelatt – One day last week Mrs. Harry Potter, who lives on the Ebenezer Witter farm, did a stunt that few women in this section can boast of. While returning from the field with her boys, they saw a gray fox around the poultry house. Mrs. Potter picked up a stick of wood and threw it, killing the fox.


Forest City – Ludwig Conrad went to Newport News, VA, Monday, in response to a recent letter received from his son, Allie, who left Fort Oglethorpe, GA, where he has been in training for several months, bound for Newport News, where it was expected his regiment would sail for France. Mr. Conrad, who is a veteran of the Civil War, will bid his son farewell and then go to the Soldiers’ Home at Hampton, VA, where he will be for the fall and winter. ALSO Nate Markovich, Cyrl Grum, Lukas Zagger and John Ostanak were in Scranton, Friday, to secure their nationalization papers. Their witnesses were John Dutchman, Wm. Gliha and Frank Teban.


200 Years Ago from the Montrose Centinel, Sept. 20, 1817.

*Although the Election is at hand, we believe no man in Susquehanna county has yet publicly avowed an intention to vote for Joseph Heister. It is more than probable that Heister may have some few votes in this county, but those who may vote for him, for reasons best known to themselves” do not choose to express an opinion.” From present appearances we think that Mr. Heister ought not to calculate on more than 50 votes in this county. The Federalists here are too “high minded” to be led by discarded Democrats, they are not fond of dictation; hence they are silent, waiting for the nomination of a “federal candidate.” The Republicans do not consider the result of the election doubtful. They look upon Wm. Findlay already as Governor, wanting only the ceremonies of inauguration, they take no part in the electioneering struggles in the south, they do not consider themselves interested in the contest. Such Federalists as express opinions are decidedly in favor of Wm. Findlay, those who do not are invited to an attentive perusal of the first page of this paper, where will be found a subject quite interesting too most of the inhabitants of the Northern counties.  [Findlay was the 4th governor of PA to be elected in 1817, but was defeated by Hiester (correct spelling) in 1820. In 1821, he was elected as a Democratic Republican (later Jacksonian Democrat) to the United States Senate.] Wikipedia

Compiled By: Betty Smith

bottom of page