April 7, 1911

March, true to its proverbial reputation, “came in like a lamb and went but like a lion.” Its last day was not its best day, but one of its worse ones. However, the dreaded month is passed, and we hail the advent of April as we would the blushing goddess of a mythological age. All fool’s day: was the day of many jokes; innocent in their nature and funny in their application, It was a pretty day and everyone appeared to be happy and in good humor. Was that appearance real, or was it because we were happy our self and thought everyone else so. No difference, we enjoyed it; and if others did not, ‘twas their own fault.

C. E. Thackery, who is arranging and introducing the new water power at the farm of Wh. H. Chandler in town had the misfortune to have the pump burst by the water therein freezing and this has militated the advancement of his work. It will be completed as soon as the necessary work can be obtained from the city.

Shad and herring are somewhat scarce, and prices are high. W. H. Workman is repairing the mansion residence on his farm, near Jefferson’s X-Roads.

H. C. Clendaniel after abandoning the work for the winter on the H. R. Wagamon property near town, and in tenure of Elias Bailey, has resumed operation with a sufficient number of men to make business move; and the work is done.

The W. C. T. U. observed Union Signal Day at the M. E. Church on Tuesday evening.

C. G. Waples was compelled to shut down his mill for two days last week on account of some broken machinery, which it was necessary to replace by whole ones from Baltimore.

The Lofland Brick Manufacturing Company is getting ready for its year’s work in the brick line.

Captain David Dutton, after spending a part of the winter at home, retuned to Wilmington last week.

Dr. Irvin C. Yokum has rented the seven acre farm of Wilbur Hunter, near Hunter’s Mill. There is twenty acres of cleared land on the farm and a part of this Dr. Yokum intends to utilize as a chicken farm. He will combine his practice of medicine with that of raising poultry and when he cannot sell pills he will sell eggs; and when he cannot sell eggs, he will raise chickens—or try.

“The John Robinson Fishing Company,” limited, now has the monopoly of Broadkiln River. It is a consolidated organization, doing business strictly on a cash basis. The fish are, however, scarce, as though aware of the pool formed against them, and are fighting shy of the nets of the company.

Miss Florence Houseman, of Milford, was the guest of Mrs. Joseph H. Carey on Sunday.

Rev. W. O. Hurst, the newly appointed M. E. minister, brought his family, consisting of wife and one son, nine years old, to his future residence the parsonage on Federal Street last Wednesday, and is now nicely ensconced in his pretty home.

The machinery gas arrived for the plant of the Milton Light, Power, and Water Company, and is being put in position at the Infgram Mill property, three miles from town, lately purchased by this company. But what is the company going to light?

On last Wednesday Captain Burbage, of Lewes, towed the yacht of J. P. Davidson of this town had sold,, to Milford Light House from whence the Milford streamer has, or will, tow her to Chester Pa. In the early part of last winter Mr. Davidson sold this boar to a Mr. George Boslen, of Media, Pa.; but there has been no opportunity embraced since that time to get the boat away. Mr. Davidson built this boat for sale and left the inside in an unfinished condition, that the purchaser might fix her up to suit himself. The boat is a daisy.

Ex-State Treasurer, C. H. Atkins, although an invalid, has not lost his sense of fun and humor. Meeting the writer on the afternoon of the first of April, he remarked: “If you want a good item of news go around to the store and see that big rock.” “How much will it weigh?” said I. “O, thirty or forty pounds.” Although I was going in another direction I switched off and went to the store. I looked around in front of the building, but failed to locate any rock fish. I went inside and sought Mr. Davidson, the manager. “Where’s that big rock fish,” I asked? Just then the two lads, employees of the store, giggled. I saw that I was sold. “O, never mind,” said I, and started out. The manager followed me outside. “I see I am sold,” I reiterated “it’s the first time today and I caught two.” “But he did not say ‘rock fish’, did he?” “Well, I don’t know that he did say ‘fish,’ but I naturally thought ‘fish.” Well, there’s the rock,“ said he, pointing to a big stone that would weigh over one hundred pounds.

Mrs. Alena Richardson, of Dover, has been the guest of her parents during the past week.

We really didn’t know when “arbor and Bird Day” came until it was all over. For such occasions the Governor will have to make his proclamation “special” for we dumb heads down this way, and print then in the form of ”Posters.”

The freight house at the railroad station has been enlarged to twice its former length; it is now 64 feet, very commodious, and will no doubt be sufficient for Milton’s needs for the present.

The outside stairway that formerly graced the west end of the Curtis C. Reed building on Front Street occupied by H. L. Robinson as a restaurant and pool room, has been torn away and the appearance of the building is enhanced thereby.

Mrs. J. M. Lank left on Friday for a visit to Philadelphia.

After five weeks of enforced confinement with rheumatism the Rev. Frank P. Holland was able to conduct services at his church on Sunday morning and administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

It would have been highly edifying had the author of “that piece” published in the Milton Times of last week subscribed his name thereto, instead of “The First of April.” He has written many effusions of the kind but never has he been so bashful heretofore but that his initials accompanied the production. The Editor of the Times in a footnote comments thusly: The only comment the Editor desires to make is that the author of the article is a church member.

Rev. Otis Reed of Ellendale preached at the M. P. church on Sunday evening.

At a meeting of the Official Board of the M. E. Church on Monday evening, J. B. Welch was elected to assist the pastor in the administration of the communion service.

The Congregational Meeting that was to have been geld on Monday evening at the M. P. Church to elect stewards and trustees of the church did not materialize. On account of the paucity of numbers the meeting adjourned to a future date, not mentioned.

The Maryland Annual Conference of the M. P. Church convened at Federalsburg. Md. Of Tuesday evening. Joseph Morris, delegate from the church of this town was present. Rev. Frank Holland, on account of his weakened condition, result of his recent illness, will not attend.

Wesley Coverdale, after spending seven months with his children in Philadelphia, returned to Milton on Monday. He was accompanied by his daughter, Miss Eve.

Within the last four months four pensioners have died in Milton and suburbs. How are the mighty fallen!

Comfort Palmer, relict of the late Captain John Palmer, died at the residence of her son, J. C. Palmer, on North Union Street, on Friday morning, aged 63 years and 20 days. Funeral at her late home on Sunday afternoon, by the Rev. W. O. Hurst, and sepulture in M. E. Cemetery by S. J. Wilson & Son. Deceased leaves to survive her three sons, Benjamin N., J. C., and Robert Palmer, all of this town.

Mary A. Craige, widow of the late William Craige, died on Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Stephens, of senility, aged 81 years, 11 months and 18 days. Funeral at Zion M. E. Church on Monday afternoon, by the Rev. W. O. Hurst, and interment in cemetery nearby. S. J. Wilson & Son undertakers.