The Portland daily press., 1883-06-07
Fiftv Yaars in Business.

Fifty years ago yesterday DR.. Edward Mason
began the business of an apothecary ON Middle
street, a few doors below where his present
store Is located. For half century without
skip or break, and with only one removal and
that only for short distance the doctor has
carried on his chosen business, and today not
withstanding he has nearly reached the age OF
three score years and ten Is able to give II his
personal supervision. OF the men who occu-
pied the stores on Middle street fifty years ago
not one but DIR. Mason remains in active busi-
ness today. 1t falls 70 the lot Of few men to be
able 10 look back over career Of fifty years OF
active and successful mercantile life, and the
day which marks the comrletion of such pc
riod rightly calls for recognition. II was emf.
nently fitting therefore that the gentlemen
who yesterday celebrated the eightieth anniver-
sary OF the oldest military company OF the city
should close the days festivities by a recogni-
tion Of the fact that the day marked the close
OF half "a century Of the successful business
career, OF one OF its most prominent
members. The thought which prompted
the recognition awas a happy one and the
manner OF its execution no less fortunate. At
the close Of the banquet at the Preble House
about twenty-five OF the honorary members of
the Infantry with Chandler's band marched to
DIR. Mason's residence on the corner of Cum
berland and Elm streets and rendered the Doc
tor a serenade Among the selections was one
which had always been great favorite with
the Doctor. The serenade ended the gentle
men were invited into the house and there en-
tertained royalty. Appropriate reference was
made 10 the event commemorated by the visi-
tors TO which DIR. Mason feelingly replied. A
pleasant hour was spent In social converse, af-
ter which the company departed wishing the
Doctor long continued health and prosperity.
An Earthquake Panic.
a correspondent of the Transcript says:
About the year 1928, ON the morning Of clear,
warm, beautiful Sabbath day, the worshippers
were assembled in the Baptist church, ON Fed
eral street, between (now caliedl Exchange
and Pearl streets. The pastor, Rev. Mr.. Rip
ley, had delivered about half his sermon when
heavy shaking Of the large wooden structure
occurred. Someone cried out IAN earthquake
The audience rushed in great panic for the
doors and street. Your correspondent well re-
members going over the tops Of the pews, re-
gardless of ladies' bonnets. or the sanctity of
the day. Father Ripley and Deacons Peck
and Richardson went down over the two flights
OF steps into the street. like young athletes.
All ran over to the sidewalk on the opposite
side. The worshippers in the Quaker meeting
house on the opposite corner, hearing and see
ing the tumult, were suddenly moved by the
spirit to vacate their church. The occupants
of the houses around there casle out-alto-
gether some two or three hundred persons-a
motley looking group; some without bonnets,
hats or coats, gazing up at the chufch, expect
ing another shock would come and level the
structure with the earth. DIR. Briggs, at that
time one of the popular physicians of Portland,
resided opposite the church. He offered his
services TO any who were faint or injured. At
ter a time it was, with consultation, concluded
to return to the church, when brief acknowl-
menr of thankfulness was given for their pres
ervation, and the pastor finished his sermon.
The news OF an earthquake quickly spread
through the town. Very many in the remotest
parts said they felt the terrible shock, with the
rAttling of crockery on the shelves.
Some two or three years after there was
trouble with the sexton, aud he was discharg-
ed. He then explained about the earthquake,
stating that before servieesthere was trouble in
into the belfry and found the axles on which
remedied the matter with bar, and as it fell
jar as If an earthquake had occurred. The in
word and source Of amusement.