November 27, 1903

The unevenness of the pavements in Milton is a subject for comment by the citizens and more so by the transient visitor. The inferior quality of many of the bricks with which many of the pavements were laid is the cause of a part of the trouble. The bricks are not uniform in quality and consistency. That is, a part of them are hard and a part of them are soft. As a logical fact the soft ones wear out first thereby is a hole; while the hard ones are like adamant and stand up to catch the feet of all passers. Again, the roots of the trees growing along the sidewalks are bulging up the pavements in some places, and on many sidewalks nearly half the entire width. We cannot suggest but one remedy, and that is to take up the present bricks, cut the protruding roots from the trees—where they are in the way—and relay the pavements. The bricks may be turned for this purpose, where they are not worn out; and where they’re worn out the workmen will certainly know what to do with them. The present condition of our sidewalks is simply deplorable, and perhaps no one in particular is to blame. Everyone recognizes this but no one wishers to take the initiative for the betterment of the situation. As it is a private affair, if one or more citizens were to set the example by relaying theirs, the “form” would become infectious and others might follow; for, we suppose, Town Council has the power to force the work if need be. It is, however, always better for one to do a thing by one’s own free will than to be compelled to do so by town ordinance or Town Council. This is a work that is badly needed and should be attended to at once.

George B. Atkins, the painter, has four grown Belgian hares. About seven weeks ago here of them gave birth to sixteen young ones. Subsequently one of them died. He now has fifteen young ones about half grown. They are of one color—brown—and are very pretty. They are kept in a hutch, and are remarkably tame and active.

We have seen stated somewhere that the school girls, somewhere, are using onion sandwiches, not only as an article of diet, but as a beautifier of complexion. We would suggest that a little asafetida judicially used might benefit the aroma.

Ike Bailey, the cobbler, is now getting most of the patronage in the shoe mending line.

“The steamer will be built!”

Stephen Palmer has about completed the dwelling of Mr. Martin, near Coolspring; and is building a one and one-half story building for Emile Pepper near the same town.

Dr. W. J. Hearn and wife and daughter, Miss Mamie, of Philadelphia, have been visiting Mrs. Margaret Prettyman, mother of Mrs. Hearn.

During the week cooler weather has prevailed and ice has formed in many places, notably on the lake.

There are many people in and near town complaining of the troublesome boils. The eruption appears to afflict many.

The canneries have been again shipping canned tomatoes during the past week.

“The 29th Annual Institute Teachers of Sussex County” is numbered with its predecessors. The good time is over, and on Monday morning the teachers went back to their work with light hearts and happy smiles and—instructed minds. Did they!

George B. Atkins is graining the interior of Mrs. Lydia Ellingsworth’s new dwelling.

“The trolley will come.”

At a meeting of the citizens, held in Firemen’s hall, on Tuesday evening of last week, State Senator Thomas Jefferson and Postmaster John R. Black were elected R committee to go to Washington and try to interest Senators Ball and Allee and finally the post office officials, to such an extent as to grant us a mail route to from Ellendale, twice a day, if possible, but a noon mail anyhow or anyway.

Wesley Coverdale addressed the M. E. Sunday School on Sunday afternoon, on the subject of “Temperance.” Mr. Coverdale has had experience enough in the subject’s antithesis to qualify him for a temperance orator. For it is said: “No man is properly qualified to speak on any subject unless he, himself, has passed through the fire of experience.”

Samuel Burris is building a barn on the tract of land recently purchased from S. Martin, situated on the right of the railroad tracks going east from town.

R[…] Robinson died at the residence of her father, Henry Virden, near Coolspring, on Friday of consumption. Aged 21 years, 6 months and 23 days. Funeral services were held on Monday by the Rev. Williams, at Springfield X Roads, and interment was made in the cemetery adjoining. S. J. Wilson & Son funeral directors. The deceased was a bride, a widow and a corpse within eleven months.

Messrs. Jefferson and Black, the committee appointed as above stated to Washington in the interest of our mail muddle, left for Capital on Monday.

George W. Atkins, agent for C. H. Atkins’ shirt and overall emporium, has been on a two weeks cruise in the upper part of the State and in parts of New Jersey. He is expected home this week, but at the present writing has not arrived.

Dr. James A. Hopkins, adverts that he has lost, or someone has purloined, or surreptitiously taken a hand saw of his, and he wishes it returned. “No questions will be asked, as the pleasure of having the saw back will amply compensate for the trouble of advertising. During the absence of the saw the Dr.’s morning exercises at the wood pile has been necessarily ignored and his appetite for breakfast correspondingly diminished. Please return the saw.

Captain George Baily is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Baily.

Captain Whilden, of Delmont, N. J., is in town, having purchased the schooner Annie L. Russell of Captain Dutton.