July 25, 1902

The people of Milton are looking forward to a grand time at Lavinia’s camp meeting. All of the necessary preparations are being made for the coming event. Carriages are being repaired, old hacks remodeled and trimmed anew, and other things are being made ready. There are several things that will militate this meeting, but the general management have only themselves to blame for it. The confectionery and ice cream departments will be run by the camp ground commission,-the remaining privileges by Prof. W. H. Welch. The camp will begin on August 2nd.

Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, of our town, with her father and Minos Lynch, who lived at the Three Bridges 58 years ago, found a vine growing in a vacant hog pen near his home, and no farmer nor other pomologist could tell to what genus it belonged; but it grew to a great height; so much that the fowls of the air lodged and built their nests in the branches thereof. The gentleman would not allow it to be touched nor handled. It blossomed, grew, and produced an apple tomato; or something No. 1, he knew; he was very anxious to save it, and did so. He matured the seeds, and planted them, and the result was several “love apples,” or, as they are known today, “tomatoes,” No one, however, at that day, seemed to like them and they fell into disuse. The lady thinks the seeds were dropped by a bird. Mr. Editor, I am indebted to one of my numerous correspondents for this item; and the point he wishes to make, as represented to me, is what a wonderful result has this matter of tomato growing become from so small a beginning—a small seed deposited by an unknown bird in a “hog pen.” What a multitudinous food the tomato has become. What a fortune was there in prospectus for that man, had he only known? “He might have saved the seeds, monopolized them exclusively, and made a fortune.”

While S. M. Lofland, (Pike Neck) was catching clams and oysters at the mouth of Broadkiln River last week, he was stricken with something peculiar. As represented to the writer, a peculiar pain or sensation struck him in the veins of the right neck, proceeding down the right breast, and according to Mr. Lofland’s representation, partially paralyzed the cordiac nerves. The right forearm was in a state of paralysis for about a half hour. Mr. Lofland succeeded in driving from the beach to Milton with difficulty; as he was obliged to drive his team in a walk, because his misery could not stand the jolt of the wagon. He is now much improved. “Pike Neck” is 72 years of age, and a man who has been hearty and healthy, never had any sickness to complain of, and as it is generally known, to a man who has never had any illness, a little sickness “goes a great way with him.”

Dog catching is now in earnest; the Town Bailiff makes his rounds at about 4 a. m , and the unlucky canine who is caught on the street is netted and thrown into the Mayor’s office, where he is given twenty-four hours for redeption[i], and if not, is summarily shot. One dies today (Wednesday) under the general order. Were I the Mayor, I would prefer the dogs being put into some other locality than into my office. The laughable incident is in the case of F. H. Douglass’ dog, reported as having the rabies, and was condemned to be shot. When carried on the ill-fated field, Mr. Douglass opened on him and did not hit him; another person followed; and yet another, and it was the unanimous verdict the dog was scared to death, as no marks were found.

Events threw our fortune, a part of the time last week, in Lewes. Everything is hustle and business there. Plenty to do at fair wages. There have been many improvements made during the past few years in this ancient town, and they still continue. The railroads, the bank, the electric lights, and the water works, all have modernized the town and given it a fine appearance. In point of health, in our opinion, it exceeds Rehoboth; but, of course, this is merely an opinion. There is one nuisance, however, but presumably this cannot be well avoided—near the outskirts people who have cattle are compelled to drive them a part of the way through the town, and this often is the means of creating a nuisance; in going to and coming from the marsh.

Lt is stated on the street that Prof. W. H. Welch and Prof. E. Wise Warren, are candidates for Senatorial honors from the Fifth Senatorial District, on the Democratic side of the coming campaign; and Mr. Isaac W. Nailor on the Union Republican ticket from the same district. All are good men.

Mr. Geo. B. Atkins is decorating the interior of the Milton Safe, Title and Deposit Company, fitting screens to windows and doors and jobbing generally.

Rev. L. P. Corkran has returned from his outing, much improved thereby.

Quite an excitement was made in town on Monday when a menagerie passed through. Said menageries consisted of a man, a diminutive woman, two small children, a bear and an ape. The small woman was the most interesting of the group. They were followed by a crowd of men, small boys and dogs.

The Milton dogs have their new costume; and no doubt they feel delighted in it, as they may be seen saluting one another and possibly inquiring how they feel in their muzzles.

Dr. Roland Jones, of New York, arrived on Monday evening and is now in attendance on his mother who was stricken with paralysis on Sunday.

A severe wind storm, accompanied by lightning and thunder, passed over Milton Monday night about 11 o’clock. The streets were badly washed, and a favorite willow tree that stood in front of W. Maull’s blacksmith shop was blown down. With much difficulty, it has been raised and guyed up in its former position. It is expected to live.

The M. P. Sunday School excursion to Rehoboth last week was largely patronized.

G. W. Atkins is in Wilmington this week attending to business.

The oldest daughter of P. Frank Atkins, a former resident of this town, died in Philadelphia on Sunday, and was buried on Wednesday in that city. Mrs. Atkins, the mother of Frank, attended the funeral.

Lloyd T. Veasey, infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Veasey, of near Coolsprlng, died on Monday of cholera infantum, aged 5 months and 24 days. Funeral services were held at Beaver Dam M. P. Church on Wednesday, by the Rev. Frank Holland, and interment made in the adjacent cemetery. S. J. Wilson funeral director.

During the storm of last Friday afternoon, lightning struck the barn of John Coulter near Harbeson, knocking out one end and thereby badly damaging the building.

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[i] Possibly the intended word was redemption