April 26, 1907

Until a few days passed, the beautiful spring has been “lingering in the lap of winter.” In consequence thereof the atmosphere of this latitude has been surcharges with hyperborean blasts and the truckers and farmers are behind with their work. Not all of the gardens of town have yet been planted, and these persons, who are not so early as yourself, are itching to get this work done. The prospects are better, this week; and activity is witnessed on every hand.

Goodwin Bros. & Conwell have purchased the branch on each side of the causeway—or more properly Front Street, leading to their works. It is understood the firm will wharf that part of the purchase being on the river front, and fill in the intermediate space to the road. If this be done it will make a long river front for Milton.

Lysle McGlinn Hunter[i], infant child of Dr. and Mrs. Walter Hunter, died at their home in Greenwood, on Thursday. Interment was made in the Milton M. E. Cemetery on Friday, by S. J. Wilson & Son.

Theodore E. Primrose died at his home on Broad Street, after several weeks illness, of diabetes and kindred diseases, on Saturday afternoon, aged 81 years, 10 months, 24 days. The funeral services, which were private, were held on Tuesday, by Rev. R. T. Coursey and the remains deposited in the M. E. Cemetery along with those of his wife, who died February 19th, 1906. Deceased leaves to survive him one son, Mr. Julius Primrose, of Philadelphia, and two daughters, Mrs. Lillie Conwell, wife of Dr. Joseph Conwell, ex-Mayor of Vineland, N. J., and Miss Maggie, of Milton[ii]. Many years ago, when the writer was a small boy, he was a pupil of the now deceased man, in the public schools of Frederica. We remember him then as a man of noble physique; strong and powerful, with whiskers dark and glossy, extending well down on his breast as black as the raven, and eye as keen as an eagle; with a stature of over six feet, and a corporality approximating three hundred avoirdupois. This magnificent specimen of manhood he carried until a short time before his death, when nature began to fail, and even this robust constitution was compelled to succumb to the inevitable.

Mrs. [….], and a former resident of this town, is being entertained by her many Milton friends.

James Martin has removed from Federal Street into the property lately occupied by Burton M. Robinson on Atlantic Street.

Saturday was a busy day in town; the country people appeared to have turned out en masse.

Mrs. Lettie Collins disposed of a part of her household goods on Saturday at public sale.

Mr. John Johnson, of Philadelphia, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Purnell Johnson; and also recuperating from an accident that befell him recently. He is accompanied by his wife, and three month old baby.

It’s a girl! is the little stranger that came to make its home with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Lank, on Saturday. She’s been a long while getting here, but we believe she’s welcome.

At the home of the bride in Slaughter Neck on Saturday evening Mrs. Morgan was united in wedlock, with Mr. Nathaniel Jefferson, of Broadkiln. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. F. J. Cochran, of Lincoln.

Miss Essie J. Watson and Mr. Walter Wright, both of Milton, were joined in matrimony at the A. M. E. Parsonage, by the Rev. M. P. Jackson on Sunday evening the 21st.

At the A. M. E. Parsonage on the 18th inst., by the Rev. M. P. Jackson, Miss Eleanora Draper, of Slaughter Neck, was wedded to Mr. James Prettyman, of Lincoln.

Last week the road beyond the depot and extending to the junction of another road at the residence of William Mason was ploughed, and has been nicely guttered; reflecting much credit on those having the work in charge.

On Thursday morning the 18th, there was frost and ice galore, and on Saturday morning.

J. B. Atkins has built an annex to the north of his handsome residence.

William Warren is adding a bakery to his already extensive business. Mr. Warren proposes in addition to baking the bread to deliver it from a wagon to town patrons. Heretofore, and at present, Mr. Warren has been getting his bread from Baltimore, and many times, particularly on Saturdays, the loaves do not come, and those of our citizens who depend on this kind of bread are often disappointed. Hence, the innovation.

It is not unusual in the spring for blackbirds to flock near and in town, but it is remarkable why they stay so long as they do this season.

On the road from Milton to Harbeson wheat is looking remarkably well, and the present status indicates a good crop.

[…..]Last week a lady visiting in town was compelled to run into a house to get out of the way of [a stray dog], and on Monday evening a lady in town was frightened by one belonging to a family on Mill Street. If the law is to be effective more drastic measures must be used.

On the corner of Chestnut and Front Streets, a most disgraceful affair is said to have occurred on Sunday evening; brought about by Milton young men and others from Lewes, who had, probably, come over to see some Milton females. It is said, music on the gramophone and revelry in the house, and around the house continued until a late hour. In the meantime some panes of glass were broken in Anton Neibert’s shoe shop, and pandemonium reigned generally, and this on Sunday night! What is the town going to do about such occurrences? There is a cause for this. Remove the cause and the vultures will leave.

Southern tomatoes are in town, and offered at 8 cents apiece.

The U. S. Lighthouse Board has awarded the contract to deliver 10,000 bushels of shells at Mispillion Light Station, to port master John Black, of Milton. Mr. Black will get the shells from the Chesapeake.

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[i] Cause of death was listed as “weakness” on the death certificate.

[ii] Sometime after her father Theodore’s death, Margaret Primrose would take up residence with her sister and brother-in-law, Lillie and Dr. Joseph Conwell, in Vineland, N. J.