Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-02
RallOWell 1oraI NeMs.

l The Portland Daily Advertiser claims that since
the death of Mr.. Edes, Mr.. Ira Berry of Portland
is the Oldest printer in the State ard states the
case as follows:
The death of the late George V. Edes OF Dover,
leaves Mr.. Ira Berry Of Portland. the Oldest prin-
ter in the State. lie was born Sept. %, 1901, at
New Durham, N. H., and learned his trade in
Dover, where he began to set type in the office OF
John Mann, in the fall of 1873 Mr.. Berry started
the Augusta Age in 1881, and in 1885 went to
Portland and became partner in the publication
of the Eastern Argus.
| Notwithstanding we have corrected similar mis-
takes several times, we feel constrained to do SO
once more, and place the honor of priority where
it justly belongs. In "Griffn's History of the
Press Of Maine" on page co. we stated that Mr..
Masters came to Ilallowcll in the year 1915, and
Is the oldest printer and book publisher in the
State" Mr.. Griffin, in a note Al the bottom of
the page referred to. claimed priority Of about
one gear as book publisher; having established
himself in business in 1879; but tie statement
otherwise remained unchallenSed. We will now
state more definitely that Col Masters was born
in Newmarket, N. IT,, on the liih Of May, l793 !;
commenced learning his trade in May, 1907 :;
came to IIallowcll in April, 1885, and has contin-
ued steadily in the printing and publishing bust
ness unto the present writing, and may now be
found at the case almost any working day OF the
year. setting type rapidly and correctly as ever.
Whenever a more definite and valid claim may
be made and substantiated by "facts and figures
we will submit with becoming grace and yield
honor to whom honor" is due; but not before
the record is produced and verified by document
ary evidence.
The girls and boys enjoyed perfect skating
carnival on Wednesday; the river furnishing
skating rink Of extensive and magnificent proper
lions.
A huge block Of granite designed and prepared
for the base Of the soldiers monument at Gardi-
ner, was transported On sleds adapted to the pur-
pose, from this city to the place Of destination on
Tuesday last. The stone probably weighed some
twelve or fifteen TONS and required eight horses
and Six mules to do the hauling.
Mr.. Jonas Childs of this city, is probably the
oldest book-binder in this state; having worked
continuously at the business during the last fifty
eight years; most of the time in the employ of
Messrs. Masters Smith s. Co., at whose establish
ment he learned his trade more than half a cent
ury ago. Mr.. Childs is about y years of ageand
is still active and diligent in the line of his pro-
fession.
thermometers in this city on Tuesday morning,
ranged from ten to eighteen degrees below zero,
according to locaton-that of Mr.. Church, OF
Louden Hill, indicating the highest figure men
toned. Wednesday morning some six
eight degrees warmer, with prospect of further
decline. SO severe an "arctc wave" SO early in
the season. is almost unprecedented in the history
Of New England.
The winter term Of our city schools will COM
mence on Monday next, under the instruction of
the same teachers as last term. The Classical and
Scientific Academy will commence on Wednesday,
Dec. s.
Sleighing continues passably good excepting
completely monopolized the snow, and carried it
to parts unknown.