December 5, 1902

Thanksgiving “the autumnal queen of American festivals,” was observed in Milton as Holidays usually are; not with any gush of thanksgiving for mercies past, nor comforts present, but rather with a spirit of listlessness and lassitude, characteristic of a people on good terms with themselves and with everyone else. Stores and banks were closed, and business was suspended generally; the exception being the hotels, which were kept open to provide a stopping place for the wayfarer, and to supply stimulants to the inward man whose despondency might require a revivification of spirit. A few persons went gunning, some roamed the streets, but the many found comfort in the pleasure of their own domiciles, away from the alluring temptations of the street. The Epworth League gave a dinner and a supper at the M. E. Church which was largely attended, and in the evening the Christian Endeavor Society, of the M. P. Church, held an entertainment in School Hall which was well patronized. The day passed pleasantly, and is now numbered with its many predecessors that have followed the first one ever held in the Plymouth Colony, under the verbal proclamation of Governor Bradford 281 years ego.

Mrs. Susie B. Davidson spent Thanksgiving in Philadelphia, returning to Milton on Monday.

Mr. G. W. Atkins returned on Thursday from a two week’s tour through the upper part of the State. He also visited Camden, N. J., and other points, in a business capacity. He left again on Monday for points south.

Mrs. G. W. Atkins, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Estella Darby, at Camden, N. J., for ten days, returned to her home on Thursday.

Elisa Lofland, engaged in the manufacture of oil in Virginia, is home for a season.

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Milton Library will be held on the evening of December 12th, in the parlor of the Librarian, J. B. Welch. All members are requested to be present, as business of importance will be considered.

On next Sunday afternoon, the regular monthly meeting of the Junior Missionary Society, will be held at the M. E. Sunday School.

Cases are being labelled at the station cannery of Ward and Merritt this week.

It may appear strange, but yet it is true, that roses are in full bloom in one parterre in town.

Miss Mary Raughley, who sprained one of the metatarsal bones of her foot last week, and went to her home at Denton, has returned.

Mr. S. J. Wilson received a telegram on Monday evening, informing him that his daughter, Mrs. Maggie Carey, was quite ill in Camden, N.J. Mrs. Wilson, the mother of Mrs. Carey, left on Tuesday to go to the assistance of her daughter.

Anderson & Bro., proprietors of the River cannery, are loading cars this week with canned tomatoes for Baltimore.

Prof W. G. Fearing commenced on Tuesday to paint the dwelling of S. M. Lofland.

Isaac W. Nailor has laid the foundation for a dwelling for George Atkins on Chestnut Street, adjoining the school house.

J. Coard Clendanlel is building a dwelling for Fred Brinkley, at the south end of Federal Street along the railroad track.

The windows of many residences of our town are beautified by pretty exotics. These are doubtless a pleasure to the inmates of the houses, who have the care of them. They are also a pleasure to the passers-by who look at them, and have no trouble with them. Did you ever think of this?

John Simpler, a colored veteran of the Civil War, died last week and was burled with becoming ceremonies at the A. M. E. Cemetery, near town.

Hannah R. Warren, wife of Geo. Warren, died at her home near Reynolds Church on Saturday, aged 76 years, 1 month and 3 days. Funeral services were held at Reynolds Church on Monday afternoon, by the Rev. Frank Holland, and the body inhumed in the cemetery nearby. S. J. Wilson, director.

The road on each side of Lavinia’s Bridge has again caved and is dangerous to passing teams. The overseer should attend to this before any damage is done. There is, doubtless, a leak below which the workmen have failed to stop and this may account for the frequent caving. It is useless to throw a little dirt in the cave-in, and say the work is done. The first heavy rain will settle this dirt, and the leak or underdrain below, will carry it off. Stop the leak below; save work, save dirt, and quit filling up the lake.

Last Sunday was one of those rainy, damp, dreary days that one reads about. Not fit to go on the street, and therefore compelled to stay at home in all the abandon of negligee and unrest. Just such a day as brings no congregation to the church, and forces the minister to face an audience of empty benches. But this had an end; the heavy rain of Sunday night ceased, and Monday and Tuesday mornings were cool and crisp, with heavy frosts and ice crystals formed along the margin-of the lake.

“Billy” Robinson is cutting the dead trees from Lavinia’s woods, and converting them into cord wood. Many of the trees in this woods are dying, and around and near the camp ground they are getting thinned out, yet with all this, we hope old Lavinia’s will be a camp meeting resort for many years to come.

The railroad arrangements have always been bad at Milton as regards passenger traffic. They are even worse now. A person who wishes to go north now cannot make any connection on the afternoon train with the D. M. & V. at Ellendale and is compelled to drive to Ellendale or Georgetown. Such was the fact on Tuesday, when a lady was obliged to leave home to see a sick daughter[i]; and this is not an exceptional case.

A flue has been put in Fireman’s Hall this week.

On Tuesday Mr. Harry Robinson moved into his new residence on Federal Street.

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[i] Mrs. S. J. Wilson, in all likelihood