September 18, 1903

The very difficult job of Mr. Nailor’s in moving a newly completed house, has been accomplished. Mr. Nailor has made a good job of the work. Truly, when a thing is taken hold of right, it loses half of its formidableness. Mr. Nailor got his “modus operandi” in order and when he said to the boys “go” it goed.

The little go cart of Mr. Palmer, the baker, has painted on its sides “rolls.” While looking at it the “other day,” I remarked: “Anybody would know it rolls, seeing it’s on wheels.” “Yes,” exclaimed a bystander, “but he means rolls of bread inside.” “Oh!”

The Philadelphia papers are speaking in no uncertain language regarding Judge Tore’s weak defense of himself in having precipitated mob violence in Delaware[i]; and the inference is drawn that they attribute his actions to enility. It must be admitted that, until a few years ago, the proficiency of our judiciary in that respect was very marked.

Dr. J. C. Wiltbank[ii] has built a launch that was introduced to her future element last week. “Cornelius M. Wiltbank” is her name—and my language, in this respect, appears paradoxical, i.e. to apply a feminine gender to a masculine name, but the reader will understand that the feminine gender is always applied to vessels. The reason for which will not be mentioned here. The yacht will be run with gasoline. She made her maiden trip on the afternoon she was launched, and proved to be a “daisey.” Dr. Wiltbank has built the boat himself, yet, he does not profess mechanism in that line; his forte being the filling or extraction of canines, molars, and bicuspids; and inserting artificial ones in their places. The work, however, reflects credit on the builder, and might have been worse, by a professed mechanic.

William B. Wharton, of Philadelphia, having spent a few days in town, returned home on Friday.

Isaac W. Nailor, with a squad of men, left Milton on Monday morning to commence work on the Red Men’s building at Ellendale.

Miss Maggie Reynolds was joined in matrimony with Willard Walls on Sunday evening. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. H. S. Johnson at the M. P. Parsonage.

On Sunday there were sold at the Milton station ninety-nine tickets for the Cape May excursion.

J. M. Lank, trust office of the S. T. T. & S. D. Co., received a telegram last week announcing the serious illness of his brother, Edgar M. Lank, Esq., attorney-at-law, Philadelphia. Mr. Lank went to the city and returned Friday evening. Mr. Edgar has been quite ill with typhoid fever. We are pleased to note he is now convalescing, and should no fortuitous circumstances arise will be out in a short time.

John H. Davison is building an annex to the property of Captain G. E. Megee on Mill Street.

Many persons who were in the habit of attending the Dover Conventions of years ago can doubtless recall the familiar visage of “Sam” Townsend, who was always a figure on these occasions, and invariably carried in his hand a palm leaf fan, with which he fought the hot weather. This item is suggested from the fact of our having a man around town who sells various article; carries a palm leaf fan, and on general appearance, and contour, reminds us much of the man from Townsend.

The tomato market for the past week has not been at all satisfactory to the sellers. The “glut: has been on and prices have been low, compared with the first of the season. No one, perhaps, is to blame for this, it is simply the result of over-production for the time. Many of the patches are about done but here are some where produce is only beginning to ripen. These parties will, doubtless, be fortunate and get a good price for their sales.

Dr. W. J. Hearn and family are occupying their cottage at Broadkiln Beach.

Miss Mary Mason, of near town, gave a moonlight party to her young friends a few evenings since, All were delighted and made happy; as these little episodes are apt to make them. [The above item was received too late for publication last week].

Mrs. Margaret Warren, widow of the late Robert Warren, died near Ellendale on Saturday, aged 70 years, 11 months and 10 days. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon by the Rev. Mr. Buckson, and interment made in the Clendaniel Cemetery. S. J. Wilson & Son conducted the funeral.

The cheapest way for a person from Milton to get to Milford is by the way of Cape May and Philadelphia, or walk. Admitting that the early morning train makes a connection at Ellendale, this is all; and a person coming to Milton from Philadelphia can, by taking the early morning train, make connection at Greenwood. And this is all the connection there is made coming to Milton. None is made at Ellendale. This matter of Milton’s has been represented to the authorities of Queen Anne Company, but it is useless to “cart pearls before swine.”

Theodore Fullmer, a former Miltonian, is visiting in town.

Farmers of Broadkiln are now in the fodder business.

Charlie Gin, the Chinese laundryman, came to W. Maull’s blacksmith shop and said: “Pumpee broke down! Me can’t washee, washee!” Mr. Maull said: “I’m not a pump man. I don’t know anything about it, Charley.” “Dammee, me can’t make washee, washee! Melican man make it washee, washee! Umph?” and Mr. Mall sent Charley to the pump man, who made it washee, washee.[iii]

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[i] The reference to Judge Tore is obscure and will require more research; the incident of mob violence can only be the horrific lynching of George White in New Castle County, in June.

[ii] Dr. John C. Wiltbank (1868 – 1934) received his D.D.S. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1891

[iii] The racism directed at Asian (mostly Chinese) immigrants throughout the 19th and into the mid-20th century tends to be overlooked because of the virulence of racism directed toward African-Americans, but as this little story demonstrates, it was very much a part of white people’s consciousness.