The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-04-08
OUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR.
OXFoRD, Pa. March 30 1871

Since my last, the work of digging the
artesian well has been completed, and what
is thought to be an abundant supply OF
water was reached at the depth Of 24Sft.
The water rose to within 26ft of the ser
face, and test applied satisfied the con-
tractors that it could be depended on to
supply 80 gallons per minute. The water
is elevated by gigantic wind mil of a
new style that is self regulating and auto
matte in it's movements, so that it will run
with a light breeze and not run apay with
a storm. In this elevated position it seems
to be sufficiently regular in it's movements
for the work it has to do. The apparatus
used in the boring of this well was an old
set of drills, driven by steam engine that
had done service in the oil regions.
The Oxford Library and Reading Room
is one of the institutions of the place that
has firm hold on the sympathies of the
people. The shelves contain about 1000
volumes that embraced the works of many
standard authors of the day. l notice a
row of lrving's works, one of Sir Walter
Scott's, one of J, Fenemore Cooper's and
several large collections from other writings.
There have recently been presented to the
Library from their book store in Philadel-
phia by the proceeds of fund left by will
for that purpose a large number of books
written by members of the Society of
Friends, including biographies and doc
trinal works that will be of value to theo-
logical students or others, as defining what
the real doctrines of that sect are, as laid
down by its founders. The center table of
the room contains copies of many of the
L.
larly subscribed for. The room is well
furnished and heated, and is open every
evening for those who choose to avail
themselves of it's benefits, and from all
appearances is well used.
The Gear Shops are to Oxford what
the L" Match Stick Factory" was to Elkton,
a monument of a great enterprise that
failed. In this case, large part of the
responsibility must rest upon Wilmington
man, who was too much trusted by them
and misappropriated the money. AS it was
cooperative company the actual loss is
divided among large number who endors
ed their bonds. The buildings are there
idle, too large for any other present purpose.
Prominent in view from the Railroad is
the mansion and grounds of Rev. Sam'l.
Dickey, the Chief Burgess of the town,
and one who is prominently connected with
all her business enterprises. The lawn is
enbelished in front by handsome green
house, and some beds of ornamental plants
and flowers in Summer, and in the rear are
three longer glass-houses, largely used for
vegetable plants and head lettuce, which
latter is chiefly sold in Philadelphia. Those
attending the floral exhibitions at the Fair
Grounds in the Spring, have become famil
lar with his stock Of rare and valuable
iS
stocked Another man named Cowan has
also recently started some houses for grow
ing plants and vegetables for sale, short
distance out on the New London road.
Neither of these parties grow outdoor
nursery stock; but there are several agents
about town always ready to sell.
Several former citizens of Cecil are to
be found about Oxford, Lewis Coale. a
former mail carrier and stage driver be-
tween Oxford & Parksburg, came from
near Rowlandsville. Ellis B. Kirk, of
the firm of Kirk & Niblock, present owners
of this line from near Brick Meeting House.
s. Frank Conway who now keeps Livery
Stable there, and is of the Emerald Isle,
resided for while in Hartford County and
received his first lessons at school after he
was nearly grown to manhood in the upper
end of Cecil. Jonathan McCardle, form
erly of Rising Sun, is now here with his
family, and Goe. B. Passmore, of the same
place, has also moved here, and is in the
coal, lumber & fertilizer business in part
nership with Henry Cope. If other Cecil
countians are not mentioned they need not
feel sighted, and it would not be proper to
bring out the ladies without their consent
This town is blessed with full quota
of ministers; there being five retired
ones here in addition to those in active
service. Among the latter, the Rev. Orr
Lawson has made himself friends among
county folks generally by his active interest
in their affairs. He is quite successful
amateur fruit grower and a skilled hand
in the management of bees and has on
more than one occasion read valuable
papers before the Experimental Farm
Club" of which he is member. Rev. E.
II. Bingham has beautiful residence in
the suburbs. He is widely known as one
who has taken an active part in the recent
Local Option struggle in Pennsylvania and
has frequently spoken in Cecil on the same
subject. He assured the writer that the
repeal of that law was bought by the
Whisky Ring" of Pennsylvania.
We have learned of new feature pro-
posed to be added to the interests of this
Springs Fair that we are sure will be of
of "Toul naments." 1t is nothing less
than handsome prize to the best lady
equestrians. Competition free to all anna
teurs. We fully expect to hear of some
Cecil county lass carrying off these laurels.
The use of side saddles is not near so com
mon about here as it was some years ago.
Perhaps it is because wheeled vehicles are
more plenty. 1t is however, quite fashion
able in Philadelphia and Baltimore, and we
presume it will not soon die out as a healthy
recreation even in the country.
The farms north of Oxford on the Octo-
raro have long been noted for their butter
diaries. Before the opening through Of
the p. & b. G. r. r. this butter was nearly
all hauled to North East, whence it was
shipped to Baltimore. Some of it now
comes to Oxford by the Narrow Guage,
and some to Nottingham, whence it goes
by rail to Baltimore. Butter generally
averages higher in price there than in Phil
adelphia. A cooperative cheese factory
at Ilopewell, making butter in Winter and
cheese and ice cream in Summer, is in
su cessful operation, and is practically an
Oxford enterprise, being run by Oxford
men. SCRIBE.