November 4, 1904

“You hadn’t ought to put that in the paper,” said an illiterate man to me about an item recently published. “You should not have given a chance for it’s been done,” was our reply. We don’t want to do anyone an injury, but there are, and of necessity must be grumblers. They have been since the time of Adam and Eve, and will be until the end of time. The most disgusting class of grumblers, are those who have the least interest. For instance, five weeks ago some of this class almost lost their heads because the fire engine was used to put down piling at the wharf; talking loudly of “the audacity of the deed,” and nothing pleased them about the job. It has been said, that they had nothing to do with it; true, but it is the case in everything, a set is bound to the disgruntled.

Ellen Atkins, widow of the late David Atkins, is visiting G. W. Atkins and other friends here in Milton.

William G. Sipple and son, of Milford, have placed in the Methodist cemetery here’s some fine tombs for from Milton and Broadkiln friends.

We were much interested in the article recently published in the Chronicle about “The Harrington Coon Exterminating Club,” which was written by an old friend of mine, who now lives near Pratt’s Branch in Kent County.[i]

By means of an excavation made under the Hart House eight little puppies were brought out into the open light of day. How they got there no man knows.

The Milton Trotting Association’s tract was formally opened on Thursday of last week. There was some fine trotting and representatives from the surrounding towns were on hand. The steamboat brought two horses and their drivers from Philadelphia that were entered in the races. Being unacquainted with the language of the racetrack, I refrain from comment. The secretary informs me that 500 tickets were sold.

Town Council has made a good job of widening the causeway east towards Sculltown. Besides widening, a new culvert has been put in where the bridge once was, and the work is a credit to that town. Honor where honor is due.

The yacht Nalda III, purchased by W. H. Welch from Philadelphia parties, arrived on the steamer last week. She is a trim-looking craft, and will make things lively on the Broadkill next summer.

The flour mills owned by the Wagamon Brothers are being painted.

Henry Roach is completing a residence for S. Burris near town. The building for William Richards, corner Lavinia and Mulberry Streets, is ready for its interior work.

Town Council has braced up the bursted well-curb set to drain a part of Chestnut Street. Truly “Wisdom is exemplified in her Children.”

Miss Letitia black, was burned by hot grease two weeks ago, is able to resume her duties as assistant in the post office.

Six oystermen were arraigned before Esquire Collins on Saturday. They were from Lewes, but the charges could not be sustained, so they were discharged.

Joe Neibert, a Bohemian, fixed up an old gun barrel by plugging up one end and loading it with powder, and attempted to look down it when another boy touched it off; it went and now Joe is minus an eye. Dr. Hopkins gave medical attention, and made the little fellow as comfortable as possible. When asked how it happened, the boy said “It was all foolishness” and we suppose that was a good answer.

Bank examiner at the S. T. F. & S. D. Co. made the annual visit to Milton branch last Thursday, and we understand that they found the business in fine shape and the books called right.

A. M. Thomas, of Canterbury, Del., state councilor for the Jr. O. U. A. M., made his annual visit to the Milton folks on Thursday last. A fine time was enjoyed. The Daughters of America were represented. J. M. Lank acted as toastmaster, and was at his best, making the occasion lively by his wit and humor.

The kickers are now objecting to burning leaves, etc.. It is always best to destroy rubbish by fire, or at the ends for which a roundtrip ride and scatter microbes; do you care again setting anything else on fire must be taken of course.

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[i] This was a tongue-in-cheek account of a raccoon hunt gone wrong, published in the October 21 edition of the Milford Chronicle