The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1859-06-11
THINGS In TOuiCA.

We have the happiness OF being able
to introduce to our readers u new cores
pondent in Tonica, who promises hence
forth to keep u. regularly posted in refer
ence to matters transporting in that quarter.
We should be much pleased to have
similar correspondent at every other i'm.
portant point in the county. We believe
such localities could be rs much benefited
by a communication Of this sort with the
outer world as we would be. Who is there
in Earlville Freedom Lowell, Farm Ridge,
Utica, &c, &C. that will take hold of this
matter?
TONGA, June s, 1859
On the nights of June 3rd and 4th we
had heavy frosts in this region, cutting
everything down before them. The corn,
of which our farmers We're SO proud and
hopeful, is killed to the ground. There
is difference of opinion as to whether it
will grow again or not Some have COM
menced to replant, while others think such
q course useless as it would be caught
again by frost in the fall, and have conclu-
ded to let it alone, believing there will be
fair yield yet. l think the last the bet
ter course, and that if let alone, the corn
will do well enough. A few days, howev-
er, will decide the question. If the corn
is killed, it will bear heavily upon our
farmers, as many them are in debt and
depend upon their corn to bring them out
But corn is not the only thing that is in
jjured. Winter wheat, it is feared, is COM
pletely ruined, and potatoes will have a
tight rub OF it, as they arc killed to the
ground Yet we hope things may turn
out better than they now look. If this
weather continues, our people have been
the Illinois river on the 4th of July.
Last Saturday the young people of Ton
ca turned out e., masse for n ride to Starved
Rock Vehicles of every description We're
seen at an early hour driving through the
streets trying to form into line, but with
Indifferent success The weather was so
cold, that waiting was uncomfortable, and
most OF them went on as they got ready
As one Of the last carriages drove through
town at brisk pace, III turning a corner IL
partially upset, throwing several persons
out No further injury was done, however,
than Miss Williams had her,,wrist sprained
so as to pain her considerably during the
day On reaching the Rock, after prone
nading about short time, looking at and
almiring its wonders and beauties, the
cloth was spread, ard the company par
took of one of the Grandest picnic dinners
that ever was discussed on the summit of
that majestic rock After the repast, the
party adjourned TO the Hall and danced
some if not more Besides ToGicans, there
were persons there also Cedar Point Farm
! Ridge, and, ] believe Il few from Ottawa
all of whom INDUCED heartily in the dance
and general hilarity After enioTing a
good time generally upon the Rock we
turned our faces homeward, and then there
was more fun by the wholesale--so that
some declared that they enjoyed that part
of the day proceedings best
Our town still grows steadily and surely
| challenge any town in La Sale or adj
joining counties, of its size and population.
to compare notes and show that II does a
better cash business.
The members Of the VI E Church are
erecting a new house OF worship. 1t is 10
be 90 feet deep, and 40 feet wide. two sto-
ries high. 1t is to have a stceI.lc, and ar
engagements are making to procure 200 10.
bell
The Congrcgationalists are also making
arrangements To erect :. new church build
ing. They contemplate one abut the size
Of that being erected by the Methodist,
Our spkad6t1oas public scholl house still
excites the astonishment and admiration
of all strangers Ii is one story structure.
; of the staggering dimensions of - by 20
{ f.. with : foot ceiling 1t was once neat
! " plastered and had rice coat of paint
outside, but of these there are now but
traditional remains. You must not mag
inc, however, that this i the only school
house i'll Tonica There IS another, quite
n neat structure, "a by 40 f., II Fl. ceiling.
| However. ! must close, reserying a gener-
al description of our hourishing villape for
! another epistl".