Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-08-04
West Paris.

Electrical showers have been quito
frequent the past week, but the only
time damage was done was early Thurs
day morning. There was a heavy show
or between and 2 O'Clock, the Vivid
lightning and sharp peals OF thunder
awakening many of our people, but by
hall past two 1t seemed quiet and nearly
every one again went to sleep. and but
| few knew there was Q second shower
about 4 O'Clock. During this shower
there was q crashing report, which
sounded like mischief, and In few
moments word came over the telephone
that q heavy bolt had struck the barn of
Alton L. Day, about mile northwest OF
our village, instantly setting 1t on fire.
Mr.. Day was dressed at the time and ran
as quickly as possible TO the door at the
end where his three horses were stabbed.
Evidently the lightning struck near
there for when he opened the door the
building was so hot it blistered the ends
of his fingers. His large rack full of hay
stood in the barn floor and when he
opened the door the stable floor and
about the rack was all aflame. His
horses were all set back on their halters
apparently half dead from the shock and
heat. Realizing that he could not save
them he shut the door to stop the draft
of air, and as the animals did not make
any struggles which were heard it is
probable that they were mercifully un-
conscious of much suffering. 1t was so
filed with heat and smoke that he could
not even save his valuable harnesses
which hung abont four feet from the
entrance door. He then ran around to
the other side of the building and man
aged to unite and drive out eight head Of
cattle which were there, six of them
being mich cows. He then got out
some hens and the hogs In the basement.
His moving machine, the most of the
farming tools and driving wagon were in
an outbuilding and we're saved. Mr..
Day had just harvested the most of his
hay and had 20 or rs tons stored, worth
at least $500. His horses were good
animals and his loss must be about
$1,000, with 5000 insurance. Last year
Mr.. Day at quite large expense had
his barn fitted with lightning rods, but
apparently they did not serve as much
protection. He has bond Of guarantee
of payment of $1,000 II destroyed by
lightning inside. of 20 years and his
friends are waiting to see If it will be
made good. The house was across the
road from the stable on slight eleva-
ton of land and was not injured. While
the barn was burning, having some fear
that the house might catch from sparks
Mrs. Day summoned help by telephone,
and Mrs. w. q. Lurvey went out from
the central Office here and awoke some
of the neighbors. By five o'clock about
twenty five men from here had gone TO
the scene of the fire but the wind was
favorable and not much help was needed.
Mr.. Day is a progressive industrious
farmer and great deal of sympathy is
expressed for him in his loss.
Granite Chapter, o. T.. S., enjoyed a
field day last Thursday. They were in
vited to G. F. Marshall's at Trap Corner,
and given the freedom of the lawn and
grounds. About thirty we're present
and had most enjoyable outing, both
officers and members speaking in praise
of the courtesy and kindness of Mr..
Marshall and family. There was no
special programme of entertainment but
dinner was eaten out of doors and the
party had general good time.
DR.. F. E. Wheeler has gone this week
in company with DR.. B. F. Bradbury OF
Norway to take vacation from his pro.
fessional work for the week. He has
had the honor of being appointed LIST
Sergeant of the Hospital Corps of the
National Guard of Maine, and so ia
spending the week at Augusta at the
L q mil hnu
go each year to the encampment while
he holds this office.
L. NJ. Irish has also gone to the en-
campment for the week as he plays
trombone in one of the bands.
Mrs. Elva E. Locke is intending to re-
main here at her home now the year
around. Her daughter, Mrs. Harold
Gerrish, is moving her household goods
here from Lisbon and will live with bel
mother. Mr.. Gerrish is closing out bis
business at Lisbon and will come here
later. Mrs. j. l.. Marshall who also
lived at Lisbon last winter will come
here to live, and has engaged the lower
rent in Mrs. Hattie B. MONEYS house.
Quite number from this way have
been at Kings to gather blueberries.
The green caterpillars are eating the
trees considerably in this section.
Mrs. Linda Burnham and Miss Abby
Whittle of Brockton, Mass, sisters oil
Willard Whittle, we'll known former
resident of Greenwood, recently visited
few days in town.
The w. c. T. U. will hold mothers
meeting next Thursday afternoon at the
Free Baptist church at 2:30. There will
be an interesting program of readings
music, etc., and all mothers are especial
ly invited. There will be caretakers pro
vided for the babies If mothers can
bring them.
Mrs. Hector Ross of Bridgton is visit.
ing her sister, Mrs. Hezekiah Farrar.
Harold Ally and grandmother, Mrs
Ally, are spending vacation at their
summer home at Trap Corner.
Rupert Curtis is visiting his sister
Mrs. K. L. Wood.
Mrs. William Cookson is visiting away
for two or three weeks.
Mrs. Joseph Radcliffe Is staying here
with her son, Tom Radcliffe, and family
Harry Parker and family went Thurs.
day to visit her people at Auburn for a
few days.
Miss Lena Morrison OF Boston is visit.
ing Gertrude Stuart.