Smyrna times., 1904-07-06

noted, and thus we know that hall
century has passed since the first edi.
tion of THE TIMES was issued.
Fifty years Recount the changes
No; the writer will not attempt the
task, but, reverting to the early years
OF that period, present few thoughts
and "reminiscences of local character
that may be of interest to the reader.
Smyrna was busy town fifty years
ago, and its people were prosperous
and happy. The stores were supplied
with dry goods, groceries, hardware,
ana other necessities in variety and
quantity to meet fully the demand of
customers; all kinds of farm products
were bought for cash or exchange for
goods-farmers, il 1854, reaping
good harvest, occasioned by the Cri-
mean War. wheat selling at 81. 80 per
.bushel and corn correspondingly high.
Boats at Smyrna Landing, laden with
grain, were constantly plying between
that point and the principle EXPORT
markets. There were carriage fac
tories, iron fOundries, machine and
wheelwright shops, merchant tailors.
cabinet makers, large tannerv. a
chandlery, harness makers, boot and
shoe manufacturers, a marble cutter.
basket and barrel and broom makers.
a locksmlth, and a goodly number of
brlcklayers, carpenters, and timers,
all IN the town, with a full complement
OF good old people, men and women
(to0 numerous to name) whom il was
pleasant to see and an honor to know.
The old folks possessed a vast deal of
information, and in their talks were
engaging and instructive Thev had
witnessed the Introduction of stoves.
sewing and washing machines.
matches, steel pens, envelopes, post
age stamps, and scores of other con-
venlences, which are now common and
indispensable, although but slightly
appreciated for the reason that the
present generation never knew what
1t was to be deprived of them.
No Town Commissioners and No Taxes.
The town, SO far as improvements
were concerned. was dependent upon
individual enterprise. There were no
town commissioners, no town taxes.
no local assessments. Property with
Ia It's limits was assessed for public
revenue the same as other propertv
IN the hundred, or county road.
aud poor taxes were paid bv all
white male adults, whether free
holders or not. Except on Main and
Commerce streets, near the -Four
Corners, y foot pavements we're in
patches, here aud there, according to
the pecuniary ability or wish of own
ers OF adjacent property. Gas and
electric lights, were, of course. IN.
known to the town, also water works
No bath rooms, but pumps, tubs and
buckets were convenient: no reedv-
made clothing, nor ready made shoes,
except brogans; no haberdasher. so
That shirts and collars were home
made, and linen for a single shirt cost
more than go cents, and besides there
we're no BARRIERS until the fall of 1864
when one made an appearance and did
rushing business. Long hair was
rs rule, worn by men, and when
slightly curved at the back and over
'he ears, was proudly regarded. Mons
'aches, first worn in this country after
he Mexican War, became in 1864 the
style IN Smyrna, none of the young
Aen, however, ventured to part their
lar IN the middle. Ladies in 1874 or
% appeared on dress parade in boons
7leing with one another in their nso
ma extension, none having a dispo-
'ltlon to be excelled. If one had Iaroe
hoops, another would have larger and
30 they expanded until there wes
room on the sidewalk for
some OF them walking single file. s
writer In The TINES under the coeno.
men of "Spy," ridiculed the stvle with ,
perseverance,, but it was of no use
hoops had come to stay, and did stav
or several years, when at length thew ,
became beautifully less and fnaIIv ,
disappeared, the fashion next tend;no d;
o the other extreme the "Grecian =
'end, the ladies following closely the
ootsteps of their city sisters
The Incorporation Of the Town Of SMYRNA
But for the Crimean War. TO which b
eference has been made, it is believed t
NAT 'CantwelPs Bridge, a neighbor- s
ng town, would not have been named e
in Russia being quite t
at that time in the public q
nlnd. Smyrna, taking a cue from the '
.ct OF the Legislature incorporating c
hat town and vesting it with local t
gained the right, through l
arfau lat =