davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
MORTGAGES
NEWARK.

MIN II. Dunn & Sons to Julia A.
Schmidt (guardian), west side South Six
tsenth street rs feet south from Fifteenth
John j.. Tervay to Michael Novak, east
from Sixteenth avenue, $1,000
side Stone street, 15 feet north from
Crane street, $500.
Committee of Presbyterian Church Elk
tension in the Pres a6,gSte go to sec st1tst sa sS2
feet north from Springfield avenue, $4,000.
John Wittei to Frederick A. Sehuetz,
west side Bergen street Zoo feet north
from Clinton avenue, 5000.
Progressive Investment Company to
Adolph J.. Levi, east side Summer avenue,
south side Arlington venue, $4,000.
Wolf, Stewart & Co. to American Mort
gage Company, northeast corner. Clifton
street and Elizabeth avenue, S,l0o.
TOWNSHIPS.
Oscar Fl. Schoelzke to South Side Build
ing and Loan Association, Irvington. east
f q 3 cmcmsmenf estate S. g. 500 de'' e0' -
Frank Kidde to Charles r. Parsons,
Montclair, west side Elm street, north
east corner Peter gas Halls - LAND Srs shSg; p.
schenck. East Orange, northeast side Will
lam street. southwest corner Mary w.
Nelson's land, $500.
boar Association, Montclair, north
west corner Park street and Claremont
avenue, $500.
Joseph Davis to Sarah Malone. East Or
east side Walnut street, 70 feet
Southwest from ~Springdale avenue, $4,000.
Milton Stern to Sarah Stern, Bloomfield.
eastAside Spring street, 207 feet north from
Baldwin street, $500.
Thomas 1. Smith to Arthur D. Crane,
West Orange, centre Pleasant Valley way,
ssssl Side A. D. Cranes land, $1,S0.
eg,r A Smith to John Sullivan. East
'sse, north side Renshaw avende. east
tSorman place., $1,000.
hence ". A Snyder and husband to
lei w. Baldwin (executor), Montclair,
Invest side Grove street, 1870 feet south
from Claremont avenue, $4,000.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
TEXAS NAY REPEAL IT'S
ANTI-RAILROAD LAW,

AUSTIN, Tex, Dec. 2s.-Prospects
are said to be favorable for repeal of
the law passed by the last Legislature,
directed especially against the Interna-
tional and Great Northern, its effect
being to require the payment OF all I'M
secureN claims that were created dur
Ing the r~eceivership.
1t also caused an abandonment of
new construction by the Frisco and
Santa Fe until such time as more
favorable conditions are established. :
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
PERU'S COTTON EXPORTS
WILL SHOW INCREASE.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2s.-Exports of
the 1910 cotton crop of Peru will
amount to $4,000, 900 pounds, according
to an estimate of Gerardo Klinge,
director of the Lima experimental sta
ton for cotton. The growing conditions
were exceptionally favorable.
Exports of 1909 cotton amounted to
1854, IT'S pounds, valued at $6,117, 095.
Allowing for the amount consumed in
Peru. the total value of the cotton crop
did not run far short of $1,000, 900. The
area under cultivation was $4,000
acres. The cost of producing is placed
at 22 cents per pound. OF the total
production s. per cent. is American
upland.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
LYNN FEARS BIG
SHOE FACTORY STRIKE.

LYNN, Mass, Dec. 2S.-Rumors of q
labor war of large proportions, to be
started on January 1, are current in
this city. Both the union leaders and
the shoe manufacturers deny that a
general strike or a lockout is contem-
plated, but the situation is considered
grave.
Business men of the city are making
efforts to bring about a reconciliation
of the manufacturers and the union
workers where strikes are in progress.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
SEA ISLAND COTTON
PROSPERS ON MAINLAND.

NEW ORLEANS. La, Dec. 2S.-Ex-
periments made with Sea Island cot
ton in the rich marsh land along the
lower coast of Louisiana have met with
such marked success that the raising
of Sea Island cotton will be pursued on
an extensive scale next year. Speci-
men stalks brought. to New Orleans
during the last few days average as
many as fifty bolts to the stalk. Ex-
perts say the samples submitted indi-
cate cotton worth abou $3.50 a bale.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
DEATH ATTENDS BANQUET,
CLAIMING TWO OF GUESTS.
Man and Woman Dead and Two
Others Made Ill Drinking Wine.

NEW YORK, Dec. pa man and a
woman are dead and two other men
are seriously i'll today In hospitals as a
result of drinking liquor said to nave
contained wood alcohol at a lower west
side Christmas celebration on last Mon
day night.
The dead are Mrs. Maria Del Gudicia.
% years old. and Rocco del Marco. The
condition of the two men is said to be
serious.
All attended a Christmas feast for
which the host had laid in a large store
of wine, of which the party drank
freely. Soon afterward four members
Of the company were taken violently Ill.
Mrs. Del Gudicia died last night and
Del Marco early today.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
REAL ESTATE.
TRANSFERS.

> NEWARK.
.dolph Hollander to Harry Hollan-
der, S s e. Kinney st, e fir property
known as Whitaker property,
1l0x125. and other tract.............
John ] Tervay to Michael Novak,
" 9 Fabyan pi, Is # $ fir Shaw av,
2x100; and other tracts. .............
Marie l. Halsey to Sidney A. Twinch,
" s Summer av. 1863 II n fr Bennett
tract 30x228. $3.50.
Hannah M. Fowler to Clara 3. Fow-
-asler. " s Plane st, As IT n fr William
Same to same. W $ Plane st, 66 IT
n fr William st, 53xS0. ...............
Custave Oschwald to William Okjn.
8 " o Orange and Sheffield SITS.
George II. philips ct al Grus) to
Walter J.. Stone. e $ Summer av,
245 IT s fr Delevan av, 30x100 $500.
50, TOWNSHIPS.
Douglas Cary II Edgar p. Trout,
Essex Fells, cor land Charles c.
Ramsey, mid Forest fd, l acre..
Frank Smith to Frederick H, Treat,
Essex Fells, cor land Edgar e.
Trout, mid Forest I'd, II acres.
Douglas Cary to Milton w. Young,
Essex Fells, mid Oval and Gordon
rds, IA acres.
schoelzke. Irvington, e 8 Cummings
ut. 60 It 8 fr land Ophelia j. Glenn
emit, 31x119.
Charles r. Parsons to Frank Kidde,
Montclair, W 8 Elm st, n e cor land
John H. Maddox to John Mann,
Bloomfield, 8 s Franklin ct, 36l TT
Q fr Parkway, 37x103 .-:............
same to Caroline T. MADDOX, Bloom
field. 3 8 Franklin st, 11s IT fr Flor
ence ay, Sx103......:.:..r.........
Game to same, Bloomfield, s S Frank
lin st, 157 IT W fr Florence av, 37x103
John Mann to Mary. ]. Maddox,
Bloomfield, . 8 Franklin at 36l fl
Q fr Parkway, S7x103. ....,.........
Franklin F. Mayo to Clinton d.
Baldwin, w. Caldwell, mid I'd past
". W. Persons, containing 43
acres; and other tract. .............
Anstin Realty Co. to Vincenzo Cen
carelli Bellevtlle, n g Greylock ay,
100 IT 9 fr Passaic av. ax100...,....
Rosina Hagen to Clara M. Hagen,
Franklin, lot LAB, map Nutley ter.
Mary Horn (exrx) to William Horn
ct al, Orange, w 9 Jefferson st, 1D6
IT n IF Joyce st, 25x100..
Mary Horn to same, W 8 Jefferson st,
1875 IT n fr Joyce st, &x100. .......,..
William Horn ct alto Empire Realty
Co, Orange, w g Jefferson st, lbs TT
n fr Joyce st, 26x10O. ....:..........
Ida r. Condit and u to Fillmore e.
Condit. Caldwell. as Hillcrest rd,
n fr Ravfne ev, &K175
lThomas l. Smith to Arthur ID.
Crane, e. Orange, n g cor Dodd st,
100 # 9 " IF Midland av, 60x1sl......
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
THE LONDON MARKET.

LONDON, Dec. 2s.-American Sc
curities opened steady today. Light
selling followed and values dropped
below parity. Then the leading issues
were supported, and the market rallied
partially. At noon prices ranged q
above TO u below yesterdays New
York closing.
The leaders received support at the
low level, and prices advanced until
Wall Street opened, Thereafter the
movements we're irregular and unde-
cided. The closing was quiet,
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
CONTRACTS FILED.

I4nese oontracl 3 were filed IL the
8rty clerks office -oday:
Dietze, owner, with P. Kernef,
Antractor, painting work, 1882; 80 Sayre
rect.
/. Wiley. owner, with L. Miller, con
factor, plumbing and heating work,
$3.50; Linden avenue, Irvington. Same
,wner with Henningren Bros, contrac-
tors, mason work. $625: same premises.
Same owner with A. Dilts g. Son, con-
tractors, carpenter work, $1,625; same
premises.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
TWO HUNDRED MEN LAID OFF.

There was a big lay-off at the Inter
national Steam Pump Works, Harrison.
yesterday, 200 hands being affected. 1t
was explained that the business is dull
and in order to curtail expenses 1t was
deemed necessary to cut down the
working force. Just when the men will
taken back could not be learned to-
day.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
SOUTH AFRICA PREFERS
CANADIAN FLOUR.

OTTAWA, Ont, Dec. 2S.-The Cana
dian department of trade and com
merce reports that the Canadian trade
commissioner at Cape Town states that
-four imports from the United States
and Argentina are decreasing rapidly.
Out of 1851 tons imported last year
65.15s tons came from Canada. The
value of -four brought from Canada
has increased In three years from
$e29, 2S5 to $1,115,0 600.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY DIVIDEND.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 2s.-The
Pennsylvania Company. one of the
Pennsylvania railroad lines west of
Pittsburg, today declared a semi-annual
dividend Of 4 per cent, making a total
for the year of Z per cent. In 1909 a
total dividend of s per cent. was paid.
The total dividend disbursement will
be greater than last year however.
because Of the increase in capital stock
made within the year.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
NDIA,S cOTTON cROP SHORT.

uation is causing some disquietnde.
The receipts todate are Soo.o 900 bales be-
hind last season. A total crop Of only
2. SOC. 900 bales is expected against $780,
900. Local rates are relatively higher
than the prices In the United States.
but even at that the dealers are afraid
to sell.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
FINANCIAL NOTES.

A petition for the removaI Of the
Philadelphia Stock Exchange to a more
central location uptown was quietly
circulated on the floor of the exchange
yesterday and rather freely signed by
members.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
CANADIAN ROADS TO MEET CUT.

OTTAWA, Dec. 2S.-The price of the
upper berth in Canada Is to come
down, just as announced in the United
States. While the Canadian Pacific and
Canadian Northern railways maintain
their W sleeping cars, 1t is announced
that they will meet the cut imposed
upon the Pullman cars.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
THE ETERNAL MASCULINE.

Hurry up, Henry. I don't see why
you have to put on h a blamed veil"
but, dearest. If I didn't the dew
would take all the curl out OF my NOUS
tache. Life.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE.

Following are the quotations of the
days prices, as furnished through
Byrne G. Mcdonnell, members Of the
New York Stock Exchange:
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

Charles H. Markham, of Pittsburg,
Is h new president of the Illinois
Central railroad. Mr.. Markham began
railroad work as a section hand on the
Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe rail-
road In 1881. Later he became a sta
ton agent at Fresno, Cal. From that
city he became general freight agent
of the Oregon lines Of the Southern
Pacific Company. In 1891 he was trans
ferred to San Francisco as assistant
freight traffic manager. and in 1904 was
elected vice-president of the Houston
and Texas Central railroad. In April,
1904, he was chosen general manager of
the Pacific and in Tune vice.
president of the company. Mr.. Mark
nam left the Southern Pacific to be
general manager of the Guffey Petro-
leum Company at Beaumont, Tex. He
now returns to railroad life as presi-
dent of the Illinois Central.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

quick results are what you get II you uss tn.
49, Tyv n ria~ef1rd
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

Three building and loan associations
in Philadelphia will shortly take action
looking to the increasing of their cap
i~talization- They are the John B. Stet-
son, whose increase will be from ST.
100000 to $4,000, 900; the Henry Clay,
from $1,000. 900 to $4,000, 900, and the
municipal from $500, 900 to $4,000, 900.
The step is made necessary through
the fact that the subscriptions to stock
are greater than the present capitalize
ton.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

ANNUAL MEETINGS.
STOCKHOLDERS MEETING.
INSURANCE OF
NEW JERSEY.
Newark. N. j.. Dec. IS, 1910.
The annual meeting of the stockholders Of
this company. for the purpose OF electing a
board Of directors for the ensuing year and
for the transaction OF such other business as
may oome before The meeting, will be held at
the Office of the company Monday morning.
January o 1911.
Polls open from II a. m. to L m.
A. II. HASSINGER.
Secretary.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

UNION NATIONAL BANK
ELECTION. <zz-zz<s
Newark. n. u. Dscembsr 10. 1919.
The annual meeting OF the stockholders Of
this bank, for the election OF directors and for
the transaction OF any business that may come
before the meeting. viii be held at the banking
house on Tuesday, January TO- 1911, between
the hours OF II o'clock a. m. and u m.
A. w.
Cashier.
ANNUAL NATURALIZATION.
THE PRUDENTIAL p
OF
Newark, r.. J., December /. 1914
The annual meeting OF the stockholders Of
this company will be held at the ONCE OF the
company. Prudential Building. Newark. n. J.,
on Monday, January 9, 1911, for the purpose Of
electing directors to serve for the ensuing year.
Polls open II g. m. close Il m
EDWARD GRAY, Secretary.
MANUFACTURERS NATIONAL BANK.
Newark. n. j.. December q, 1870
ELECTION.
The annual meeting of the shareholders OF
this bank. for the election OF directors. will he
held at the banking house on Tuesday. the tenth
day Of January next. between the hours OF 10
and II o'clock a. m.
WILLIAM ], GARDNER. Cashier.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

GAS. ELECTRIC AND TRACTION.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

Arrangement has been made by which
subscription to the 6 per cen convert
ible debentures of the Diamond Match
Company may be paid to the Continen-
tai and Commercial Trust and Savings
Bank, Chicago, on Thursday. December
%, and until the close of business Janu-
airy s, 1911.
A special meeting Of the stockholders
of the Norfolk and Southern railroad
will be called the latter part of January
at Norfolk, to authorize an issue of
$s5, 600. 900 first mortgage bonds.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

The committee Of which William Sal
ONION Is chairman, representing the first
mortgage 41a per cent. bonds of this
Buffalo and S~usquehanna Railroad
Company. has issued a circular to de.
posting bondholders, stating that It I:
deemed inadvisable at present to at
tempt TO formulate n plan Of reor-
g~anization.
Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-12-28

John T. Odell, a retired Chicago
banker and a former president of the
American Bankers Association, died in
Denver yesterday. He was a resident
of Boulder, Colo, and was IS years old.
Through sharp contraction in mill
operations the United States Steel Cor
poration is expected to show further
shrinkage in untitled orders In the cur
rent month.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-09
DIVIDING TRACTS
 INTO SMALL FARMS

Columbus, Ga, February S.-tSpecial) = The Georgia and Alabama Industrial In dex says in its regular weekly issue
 This is the day of the division of many large tracts of land into small farms for the benefit of the thrifty agriculturist of modest means, and that this will aid ma terially in the development of Georgia and Alabama, especially those sections that are now sparsely settled, comparatively speaking, Is recognized by all. Practically every week announcement is made of tract of hitherto neglected land, into farms of 50 and 1C0 acres and sell them on easy terms to investors. Several such land enterprises are reported from South Georgia and South Alabama this week. South Carolinians continue to invest in the rich farm lands of Southwest Georgia, and in this connection 1t is of interest that a party of visitors from that state are now on a trip through Lee and Dougherty counties, Investigating condi- tions at first hand. Another large tract of land near Albany is to be devoted to pecan culture, 600 acres having been bought for that purpose. City real estate continues lively, particularly in Birming- ham, Ala, and Atlanta, Ga., the former city reporting a sale where the considera- tion was $24o0 per front foot.
 During the week 30 new corporations were formed. with minimum capital stock of $6S5,00O. Dothan. Ala. awarded a S10,- 900 paving contract, and Columbus. Ga, will vote this week on the issuance of s1O0,000 of bridge bonds. A railroad com pany was formally organized at Hawkins ville Ga.
 The making of a cast in a new foun- dry at Cartersvile, Ga, proved almost a social event. for the management in vited the ladies and gentlemen of the town out to see the novel sight. and they attended in force. the different stages of melting and molding being explained to them as the work proceeded At Darien. Ga, 30 acres are to be planted in cu- cumbers. Brooklyn, N. Y, pickle factory having contracted to take the entire crop at satisfactory price. When a new hank opened Its doors in Savannah, Ge., the friends of the officers remembered them In novel but pleasing manner send ing many handsome bouquets, the flow CTS being accompanied by cards ex- pressing their congratulations and best wishes for the success of the institution. Andrew Carnegie is to present West Point, Ga, with $10.0oo library and the people there are going to match 1t with an auditorium costing nearly the same amount, built with their own money"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-09
To Reduce Number of Wards

Florence, February s.-(Special. )-Alder- man James s. Kilburn introduced reso- luton at the council meeting last night to reduce the number of city wards from seven to three. The municipal code re- quires two representatives in the city council from each ward and president of the council, making b men in addition to the mayor In the depleted condition of Florenco's treasury this is burden, the two council meetings costing $60 a month. Experience has shown also that the affairs of the city can be run to bet ter advantage by smaller council The council will vote on the question at the nex. meeting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-09
Free chiId's
 Remedy

What mother is not looking for something that will help her children in the little ills of life, something for the stomach trouble and the bowel trouble? Long ago she prob- ably has become convinced that child cannot readily swallow pill or tablet, and that to break them in half and crush them" is an annoy ance; that usually they work too drasti- cally. and are nauseating and too pow erfui for the little ones stomach.
 Any mother who will take the trouble of sending her name and address can ob- tain free sample bottle of a remedy that thousands of other mothers are using and now paying for. This remedy Is pr. Caldw elrs Syrup Pepsin. and the offer of . free trial bottle is open to any mother who has not yet used 1t. Having used you want. you can obtain 1t in the fu-- ture of your druggist at fifty cents and one dollar a bottle just az so many otneIs s are 9 eooxe do9g the free s s ssps pst ss1f Is the best way to begin on it. Mrs. L. Davis of 1S7 w.. Harrison street. Chicago. and Mrs. Mary Belford. ITO Coke street. Louisville, Ky, both started with free sample and now they write that they have never been without bottle in the house since.
 It. is undoubtedly great family rem- GUY, dS It ID uudpttQ to uh u8Vps Dcih6 mild and pleasant to take and yet thor oughly effective. It Is especially the ideal remedy for children and women and old folks. who need something pure. mild and natural It has the advantage of be- ing thorough laxative and yet contains tonic properties. usc 1t for the most stubborn constipation. indigestion. liver trouble. sick headache. sour stomach ana such complaints with a guarantee that 1t will cure
 Dr. Caldwell personally will be pleased 10 give you any medical advice you may the stomach, liver or bowels absolutely free of charge. xplain your case in a letter and fie viii reply to you in detail. For the free sample simply send your name and address on a postal card or otherwise For either request the doctor address ts pr. ". B. Caldwell. R.501 Gala. yell building, Monticello. ILL
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-09
News of AlbertyiIIc

Albertville, February S.-(Special.) )-That every member of the senior class of the Agricultural school here has on stand ing the state examination received a first grade certificate reflects great credit on Prof. J. B. Hobdy and his faculty. That a class of IT young ladies and gentlemen should all make good grades on a first grade certificate is a remarkable record.
 Professor Hobdy will teach q summer school here leading mp to the July ex- aminations He will be assisted by Prof. P. w. Hodges of Greepville and Prof W.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-09
ANDREW RAILWAY
 SAFETY APPLIANCE

Mr.. J. T. Andrew. the inventor of the Andrew railway safety appliances is and will be for very few days at room No. Il, Hillman hotel, in this city, demon strating the wonderful work of his in- yention, the Andrew railway safety ap- pliance, which has been pronounced by numerous experts as the greatest inven- ton of the age for prevention of derail- ment of railroad trains. It Is guaran- teed to prevent all the natural accidental causes of derailment. Both ladies and gentlemen are invited to witness this series of demonstrations between the hours of 9:3o a. m. to 1 D. m; from 3 D. m. to 5:3O p. m., and from 7:3o to 9 D. m., at Room Il, Hillman hotel.
 2-5-7t
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-09
J. C. LUSK COMES
 TO BIRMINGHAM

Augusta, February S.-(Special.)-J. C.. Lusk. division passenger agent of the Southern railway with headquarters at Charleston, has resigned his position. He is to be succeeded by w. D. McGee of Augusta
 MT. Lusk entered the service of the Southern Railway company at Knoxville May 24, 1S9S and has been in continuous service of the passenger department of the Southern railway since that time, oc- cupying important positions at Selma, Bir- mngham. Chattanooga, Jacksonville and Atlanta before becoming division passen- ger agent of the company at Charleston in November. 1907.
 He has formed business connections with the Jemison Real Estate and Insur- ance company of Birmingham, Ala. and will in future make that city his home.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-09
SCHOOL BURNED
InstItution Near Huntsville Is De-
 stroyed by Fire

Huntsville. February S-(Special.)-T Hampton Spring Bluff acacemy, the dis trct school of Meridianville, 10 miles north of Huntsville. was burned late Sunday night by a blaze that is supposed to have originated from the carelessness of trespassers. The loss is estimated at 5000 and the insurance of $15oO The school was operated as a public school. although the building was owned by an association of citizens. It was one of the finest country school buildings in Madi- son county and was the center of the Aocial fife of the community