The Press., 1885-12-31
UOvENTR Y.

COVENTRY.
 SOUTH COVENTRY.
 The Christmas tree drew a fill house at the M. E. church Thursday evening last, and many gifts were then distributed to children whose hearts were made happy there but with some the giving of gifts is not reserved for Christmas only, but the forgotten ones are afterward remem- bered, and their happiness is all the great CT on account of their surprise at the re- membrance.
 Dennis Flaherty has recently pur- chased 16O acres of land of Joseph Col man.
 A magic lantern exhibition, 50 views, is to be given at the Congregational church this (Thursday) evening, at 7 o'clock. The public are cordially invited, the children especially.
 We heard man, who has a large fam- fly of children, say, few days since, that he had about as lief take care of the small pox as of vaccination as 1t was working Tn his family.
 The coves of Wangumbaug are frozen so that boys skate on them, but the body of the lake is still open:
 NORTH COVENTRY.
 The Sunday school had an entertain ment and Christmas tree on Christmas eve.
 --Old folks sociable this week Wednes- day afternoon and evening.
 There have been IA deaths in this parish during the year just closing. Two were over 90 years of age, three between 80 and 90. one "A, three between 50 and 70, three between 40 and 50, and two be- tween l and 2.
 A number of farmers are preparing to lay in supply of ice this winter, getting ready for the creamery. K. ASHFORD.
 (Hartford Courant correspondence.)
 In Eastford, just over the llne from Ashford, the barn of Abel Howard was burned about l o'clock p. m. Sunday. It was but few rods from the house, and when discovered MT. Howard rushed into the burning building to save his COW and horse. The COW was got out somewhat burned, but the horse, although released, perished in the flames. NIr. Howard wa badly burned in the face and hands, and the outside of his cap was burned off He was blinded by the smoke and he would have lost his life if his housekeeper had not dragged him out. The. house was one half mile from the road and from the near est neighbors. The fire must have. been an ihcendiary. Dr. Simmons was called to dress the burns.
 On Christmas day, at Clark's hotel, Emeline Nichols (coloredD died quite sud denly. She had been faithful, trusty and hard working servant for more than sixty years. Hundreds of patrons of the hotel will remember her as table waiter. She had good burial, such as her long services and faithfulness deserved.
 wEsTFoRD.
 The Christmas eve exercises, Ill con- nection with the present bearing tree, were of unusual interest, and the whole affair decided success. The leading ex- ercise was responsive one, the boys glv- ing prophecies from the Old Testament relating to the coming Messiah, and the girls responding with passages of fulfil ment from the New Testament.
 SONlEEs>.
 (CoRREsPONDENCE.)
 MT. Enos Arnold has purchased the farm owned by William H. Burdick. Rev. c. H. Gleason preached Christ mas sermon last Sabbath. The music, both by the choir and the children of the infant class, was appropriate for the occa- sion.
 Some of the horses about here seem to have been inspired by the cold weather of last Saturday. So much so that one of them ran very fast, causing ''a sudden fall of pork" Now is your time to buy.
 Among recent arrivals in town we are pleased to notice that of Dr. r. R. Perci- val. We think the study of medicine must agree with him, for he seems to be looking quite well.
 The first sociable given by the Y. w. O. T. U., at the home of Miss Maud Pom eroy, Tuesday evening, was decided suc- cess, both socially and financially. The rough wheeling did not prevent large gathering of young people, who passed 8 very delightful evening with music, games, etc. As it was so near the close of the year perhaps it is not to be wondered at that they stayed later than their older friends might approve, but they have agreed that hereafter the honrs shall be from to 10.
 There is very faint rumor of 0 watch meeting Thursday evening. The Piedmont henery IS just con- pleted.'
 From another correspondent.)
 A inguist. speaking five foreign tongues, and suffering from temporary alteration of the mind, created no little ex- citement in our quiet town Saturday fore- noon. He professed the democratic faith, and to relate the many startling episodes of his visit would, we. fear, weary the read CTS and take up valuable time.
 HI. o. Simpson had a runaway dam- age slight; no one injured.
 Henry Wardwell had his dog shot the other day. Thus far there have been no patients for M. Pasteur.
 Rev. c. H. Gleason had an elegant Christmas present--a black bear-fur over coat trimmed with ermine.
 --Chas. Stephenson has gone to Pough- keepsie to attend Eastman's.
 The forthcoming serio-comic drama, to be presented by the Somers Social Guild, is entitled "The Stolen Bonds" It is adapted for the stage from J. T. Trow- bridges tale of that name. It promises to be of more than ordinary interest.
 The high school, under MT. Peases principalship, has certainly period of prosperity unexcelled in former times. MT. Pease is ripe scholar and man of rare executive ability as teachor.
 -Somers has "gynephobist." A what Why person who has a horror of gynes. What'd you spose?
 {For The Press.)