August 19, 1904

Mr. Edward Douglas of Chestertown, Md., nephew of Mr. Thomas Douglass of the firm of Douglass & White, shirt and overall manufacturers, while visiting his uncle, was telegraphed on Thursday to return home on account of the death of his uncle. While visiting here last summer, he was telegraphed to return home on account of the death of his mother, and last winter a similar occurrence took place on account of the death of his father. These are remarkable coincidences.

S. J. Wilson is having a sail boat builder for his grandson, Mr. William H. Fox, which will be used on the lake.

Mrs. Peter Parker has been quite a lot of the pad the site is at her home on Federal Street. Her daughter Mrs. Montell, of Baltimore, was notified and arrived on Thursday. It was thought on Friday that the patient would have to be sent to Baltimore to undergo a surgical operation, but with the skill of Drs. Jas. A. and Robert B. Hopkins, the attending physicians, this was averted, and Mrs. Parker is now at the fear way of convalescence.

James A. Green, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. William Green, died near Whitesville on Wednesday, of cholera infantum, aged eight months. Funeral services and interment at White’s Chapel Friday afternoon. The funeral was preached by the Rev. L. P. Corkran, the body inhumed by S. J. Wilson & Son.

Another dastardly act has been completed against the property of S. J. Wilson & Son. It will be recalled that a few weeks ago that a spoke in the carriage in front of his firm’s bazaar was whittled; a few nights ago two carriage curtains were cut; the side curtains of one, the back curtain of another. The firm are almost certain they know the parties, and they think the deed was done by two men, and furthermore they believe there are but two men in Milton would be guilty of such a heinous offense. The firm will give $100 for information that will lead to the conviction of the parties. If another act of this crime is committed, the public will find out whom Mr. Wilson thinks are the parties. We think if Mr. Wilson & Son have the least knowledge that would lead to the conviction of the parties they should take action, for miscreants who would do such a diabolical trick as this, would not scruple to burn his property; and in doing this would endanger the safety of the town. Mr. Wilson owes it not only to himself to ferret out these rascals, but also to the public of which he and his son are honored members.

Amongst the many visitors of note when arrived in town this week we note the following: Capt. George Kimmey of Philadelphia, a former Milton man; Dr. Joseph Conwell, also a former Miltonian and now mayor of Vineland, N. J.; and Dr. McFerrin, of Philadelphia, was the guest of his sister, Mrs. Emma Prettyman.

On Saturday Erasmus Carey’s wife, daughter and son were arraigned before Squire Collins on an affidavit sworn out by Florence Davis, colored, charging them with assault and battery, at Prime Hook Neck schoolhouse, while on their way home from Draper’s factory. The case was non-suited. Immediately Miss Maggie Carey, daughter of Erasmus Carey, had Florence Davis, Sarah E. Cirwithen, and Estella Cirwithen arrested on a similar charge, which was proven. The defendants were held in $300 each for their appearance at court, in default of which they were committed in jail.

Mr. Thaddeus Welch, one of our old school teachers, now of Passaic, New Jersey, is visiting his native town.

Ex Sheriff P.J. Hart has purchased back from Mrs. Louisa Russell the Hart House, and leased it to D. C. Armstrong. Mrs. Russell shipped her household goods on Monday, per steamer to Philadelphia. She, with the Italian Benero, has also left Milton. No tears were shed at the twain’s departure. It is hoped a respectable house may now be kept at the upper hostelry. Benero, the Italian, was arrested on Monday for kicking up a rumpus on Saturday night, and fined $1.00 and costs.

There were nine persons registered at drawbridge on Saturday.

Rufus Conner, a former inmate of Farnhurst, who has been liberated for about 10 years was again adjudged non compes mentus[i], by Drs. J. A. Hopkins and R. F. Wilson on Sunday, and sent to Farnhurst on Tuesday.

E. N. Lofland went to Philadelphia last week and purchased a three-horsepower gasoline engine for his yacht. The engine is expected to arrive per steamer on Wednesday.

The canneries are expected to begin work the latter part of the present week.

Lavinia’s camp closed on Sunday night. From accounts is been a financial success. One feature of the rules was: No minister was boarded free, nor had his expenses paid, unless sent by the Conference, neither should any minister’s wife’s expenses be paid by the camp meeting. This good rule kept many deadheads away, and indirectly increased the revenue. It was interesting on Monday morning when came the aftermath. As the loaded vehicles wended their way into town, some of the parties looked sick, some sicker, and others not quite so sick. The influx of visitors who were brought here by the camp alone, have returned to their homes. Many others yet linger, who are here enjoying social life, and for other purposes.

It is always advisable to keep cool in a decent manner, but the practice some young men of town have of walking the streets in a state of semi-nudity, is vulgar, to say the least. They are young men of the town who may be seen on the streets, not only on weekdays but on Sunday, with the upper part of their bodies clad only in a gauze undershirt with no sleeves, and the breast but half protected. Now is this decent? If a drunken man should be caught on the street in such a garb running amuck, he would be arrested, and rightly. What say town council in regard to the sober men? What do the young ladies think of this mode of dress? It is true, they too go bare-armed and bare-headed, but there’s some excuse for them, as many ladies think a tanned countenance looks beautiful, and try to get one for cupid’s sake. However, everyone to his own liking, provided he does not shock the modesty of the general community. But does Town Council think this state of semi-barbarism right? If not, it has the power to legislate for the betterment of the society.[ii]

Peaches are worth only from 20 to 40 cents per basket but few are being shipped.

——————————-

[i] The correct Latin spelling is non compos mentis (not sane or in one’s right mind)

[ii] Standards of public decency were still rigidly Victorian in the early 20th century; they would begin to loosen after WWI and during the Roaring 20’s, at least in urban centers, but perhaps not as much in small town America.