davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
says Prison Reform is Needed.

Conditions at the Wethersfield State Prison are such that the inmates are driven insane and the Meriden State Reformatory is an institution where boys are sent to become more criminal, Y said Rev. l.. D. Coburn. chaplain of the Cheshire Reformatory, Sunday night in ap address before a large congregation in the South Congre- gational Church. in Waterbury on the subject, Prison Reform His re- marks were wholly unexpected by the audience and created sensation, so that death like stiffness reigned in the church while he was talking. He made many statements derogratory to these institutions, and the one which astounded the audience the most was as follows:-
 From 25 to 30 per cent. of the boys in Cheshire have served from one to two years in the Meriden Reformatory- From their description of conditions there, which I sincerely believe, there should result an immediate legislative investigation. If had boy whom l should like to become an expert cracksman I should send him to the Meriden Reformatory. Conditions at the state prison are such that the ln- mates are driven insane.
 Dr. Coburn then told what was be- ing accomplished at Cheshire
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Fire At Bethel.

The residence of Howard R. Briscoe on Goldfish Hill near Newtown line in Bethel, all his farm buildings, and over 500 chickens were destroyed by fire early Monday and the lives of the six members of the family were endangered by the flames and smoke. Only the timely awakening of MT. Briscoe at about o'clock and his daring rescuos saved Mrs Briscoe and the four children. Securing ladder, Mir. Briscoe took his family out of 8 window to safety while flames were bursting from the doomed building in every direction The loss is estimated at between $4, 900 and $5,- 900, partly covered by insurance.
 The preliminary investigation, it was said, leads 10 the belief that the fire was of incendiary origin and 1t was stated that further inquiry will be made along this line.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Editors Meet

The regular fall meeting of the Asso citation was held in New Haven at the New Garde Hotel on Monday. There was business meeting at 12 o'clock with luncheon at one o'clock followed in the afternoon by general discussion of matters of interest to the members of the association.
 A special topic for general discussion was the recent raise in insurance rates as applied to term contracts for insur. ance.
 Frank l.. Glynn, director of the New Haven Trade School told of his experi. ence in teaching printing in the school and Wilson H. Lee head of the Wilson H. Lee Company in New Haven, told what he does with his time outside of working hours. "A Printer's Pas time" was the topic of MT. Lees talk
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
rArr's GOLDEN WEDDING
Former Residents ofAshley Falls Pop uIar in Spokane, Wash.

Former Residents ofAshIey Falls Pop
 uIar In Spokane, Wash.
 Mir. and. Mrs. Robert l.. Taft! of Spokane, Washington, formerly of Ash ley Falls, celebrated their golden we'd ding anniversary, October 12, the cele- bration being in the nature of surprise rendered by their. friends and fellow members of All Saints Cathedral and various social and fraternal organiza- tions to which they belong. From the report printed in the Spokane Spukes. man Review, the affair was an elaborate function and attested the wide popu. larity of the couple. Mrs. Taft was presented shower bouquet of lilies of the valley, tied wirh golden yellow satin ribbon, at the beginning of the festivities. and MT. Taft gilded basket containing $70 in gold, At the supper Japanese basket filled with yellow dahIias, occupied the center of the table, which was lighted with yellow shaded candles. A huge frosted we'd ding cake, the present of the guild women, had a prominent place and this was later cut by the bride of half-cen- tury ago.
 MT. and Mrs. Taft were married at South Egremont, Berkshire county Mass. Oct. IS 1864. Mrs. Taft was be- fore her marriage Miss Sarah E. Upson. They went West 24 years ago going to Portland where they made their home until 1900, when they moved to Spokane. Dun ing their res dence in the latter city they have been prominently identified with church work, being communicants at All Saints Cathedral and they have hosts of friends in the city. Miss Katherine Taft, who is the only child, is the head of the art department at Bruno Hall.
 The Tafts are we'll remembered by the older residents of Canaan.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Mrs. Erank E. CIeaveIand Dead.

Mrs. Frank E. Cleaveland, formerly resident of Hartford and Winsted, died suddenly in New York on Thurs. day, Oct. 15. She was the wife of Frank E. Cleaveland, lawyer and printer of law blanks. Mrs. Cleave land, who was in her 63d year, was 3 native of Hudson, Mich. She was married in, Hartford and lived there until Mr. Cleaveland. who was blind, became interested in work for those similarly afflicted and went to Wash ington, where he died several years ago. Mrs. Cleaveland leaves daugh ter, Mrs. Kathryn L Porter, of No. 611 West 114th street, New York.
 The funeral was held at the home oi Mrs. Porter Sunday afternoon, Rev, Harold Pattison, formerly pastor oi the First Baptist church in Hartford, officiating. The body was taken to Falls Village for burial Monday.-Win sted Citizen.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
BALD-HEAD BANQUET TONIGHT
Third Annual Feast of the Polished
 Domes, at Wnsted.


 The Bald Head Clubs third annual banquet, at the Hotel Winchester, to- night, will be the most unique affair of that festive nature ever held in that town. The number of acceptances al- ready received show that the big din- ing room of the Winchester will be mor9 than filled, ald Landlord Sauter will be put to the necessity of spread. ing tables in one ef his parlors to ac- commodate the owe flow,
 The arrHngemelts ts for the banquet have been left ent.1ely in the hands of the WinsteJ menls CTS of the Club. and anybody who knows the Winsted brand of efficiency in matters of that kind will have no trouble in imagining the thoroughness with the preliminaries are being attended to. They have pro- vided for some features of noveI character that will help to make this the greatest banquet from the stand point of novelty and enjoyableness. ever held i'll this section of the state. There will be three CT four automobile loads of members from Canaan; anf Rev. E. c. Gillette is on the toast lisf for speech, with about ten others speakers of wide reputation.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
REBUILDING THE HOTEL
Work Has Actually Begun, Under Com
 tractor E. R. Lorraine.

Active work was begun, Monday morning, on the rebuilding of the Hotel Garfield, and the work is expected to be completed by the first of January.
 Contractor Lorraine has been engaged by the owners-the Canfeld estate-to do the work, and it will be pushed with vigor The result will be a larger, more complete and finer hotel in every way than ever before. It is to be made one-haf story higher by the, raising of the present. top half f-story to full-story height; the ell, which was completely burned out, will be raised to the same height as the main part, so the whole structure will be covered by the same roof and the cornice-line will be con- tinuous from the front of the main building to the rear of the ell. The ell will be 15 feet wider than at present. giving ample kitchen room on the ground floor, and the increased dimen- siops will give fifteen additional sleep ing rooms to the house. thus supplying mucn needed capacity.
 'lle first work in the reconstruction was the digging for the foundation of the new east walls of the ell, but men are now at work on other parts of the building It will be necessary to re- paper the office and other apartments on tile ground and second floors, while ill most of the other rooms of the mair parts the walls and ceilings will proba- ply have to be torn of, and re-plastered
 Mr, Lorraine will keep all adequate force of men on the joL, t. rnsn tht work and when it is finished Canaal will have the best hotel it has ever had Whereat Landlord Baker is in cheerfr- mood.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
MIR. WOLc0TT HURT
Struck by Locomotive as He, Stood
 Near the Tracks.

MT. s. T. wolcott, was hit and knocked down by the south bound milk train, near the Blackberry bridge, Sat- urday afternoon, sustaining painful wounds on his head, and being severely jared throughout his whole system
 MT. Wolcott happened to be in the neighborhood of the depot just before blaze, near the bridge, where workmen were burning the little old pump house debris, he thought it might be an ac- cidental fire. He walked down to the spot. and on discovering the nature of the fire, stood watching it, when the train came along. The men who were managing the fire shouted to him, and as he turned to hear what they were saying. the locomotive pilot head struck him in the left shoulder, knocking him down the bank He was picked up, bleeding at the head, from three wounds, aud taken to the depot, where Telegraph Operator Coe telephoned to MT. o. J. Decker, his son-in-law, who procured an automobile and had him conveyed to his home on Vest Main street. R{
 ca regaiaing full consciousness MT,
 Tolcott said that although he is slightly deaf he heard the men shout at him, when ne turned as the engine struck him, but he is positive that the loco -notiye whistle was not blown to givo uin warning of his danger. .,-.
 IL .4 -ec3Tcr.4S t-o144 his wounds, though he experiences considerable pain in his side.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
First Brotherhood Supper.

The first union Brotherhood supper of the season will be;held with ths Pilgrim church Brotherhood on Friday November 6. This will be the annuai "hash supper" which has proved 8, pc pular in the past. The ladies of tht church will serve the supper aud thu customary price of tillrty-iiye cents will be charged. The men of all the Broth. erhoods are cordially invited. The toast-44aster will be ldr. Charles Beau. jon, the president of the Pilgrim Brotherhood. The full list of speakers will be published next week. Among them however, are tfe Rev. A.. B. Chrichton, Superintendent of Schools Stone, and E. A Creevey.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Changes It's Name

The State Business Mems Association incorporated, of Connecticut. filed in the office of the state secretary Monday a certificate amending articles and of the original certificate Article 1 changes the name of the corporation to s'The Connecticut Chamber of Com merce, Incorporated. Article of the amended certificate says the incorpora- ton "shall establish a body to deal with matters of interest to members, to forward the mercantile manufacturine industry, to promote and spread infor- nation and to assist in the passage of such laws as will advance and elevate the standing of members and to promote the general welfare and prosperity of the commonwealth. l" The document is signed by Frank + Johnston, presi- dent, and F. s. Valentino, secretary.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
''Today.''

The George Broadhurst society drama To-day" which ran all last season al the Forty eighth street Theatre, New York, will be presented at the Ma haiwe Theatre, on Monday night, Nov. 9, under the management of Harry Won Tilzer, its original produceh Clergy men, society leaders, statesmen have all declared To-day" to contain a timely warning against what has al
 ready become national menace-the practice of out-doing one's neighbor even by keeping up false appearances.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Away Goes the Pump.

The pumping machinery and para phernalia located near the Blackberry bridge on the Berkshire Division, below the local station, has been removed to Washington station on the Shepaug branch where it is being installed for service. Since the railroad locomotives was supplied with water by the Canaan Water Co. the pumping plant has been out of commission. It was formerly used for pumping water, from the river, 10 the large tank that stood south of the junction, at the depot.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Great Telephone Service.

An idea of the use that the people of this ExchangeI and all over the state make of telephone service may be glean- ed from the following information sup piled by the local management of The Southern New England Telephone Com pany.
 Up to October 1st there had been an increase of 5.630 telephones in the state making the total on that date 15, : 849-a gain of over one telephone for every hour during that period. Of this grand total 25 have been gained by the local Exchange which had 425 tele- phones in service on the first day of October.
 During this period there have been a total of 1 52, 456, 319 local telephone con- nections established in the state, or over 55,8 ,847 calls per hour. Of this the average number of calls per day in the local Exchange has been over 22,700. This brings to mind the old adage, "The proof Of the pudding lies in the eating "
 Taking care of this new service, and the telephones already in service, has required the attention of two plant men hHu seven operators III 6ne lOCdl FIX change. And during this period the force, in addition to installing the ser vice, have been called upon to clear 475 cases of trouble that have resulted from one cause or another.
 It was stated by Exchange Manager Considine that of the total number of cases of trouble nearly one third were due to the fact that subscribers forget to put the receiver back on the hook or that something gets pushed under the telephone receiver lifting it just enough to signal the operator. When no one answers her, she is forced to report the line out of order.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Uncle Toms Cabin.

That old, old story, so new to present day theatre-goers, slavery days" will be realistically interpreted at the Ma haiwe Theatre, Great Harrington or next Monday matinee and night, Nov. <, by Stetson's spectacular "UncIe Toms Cabin" company. For this season the members of the Stetson com. pany were especially for his or hel adaptability to the roles essayed. The scenery, painted especially for this revival, includes a number of handsome scenes reproduced from pictures of the localities mentioned in the book, as they were at the time when the great authoress first wrote the story, more than fifty years ago.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
"I0HN SMITH" AGAIN
Drunken Stranger Runs Afoul of the
 Law and Goes Up.

Law and Goes Up.
 Some little excitement was created about town Friday evening by the ob- streperous actions and subsequent arrest of transient gentlemen who gave his name as John Smith, whose residen- tial quarters seemed to be a matter of question, but whose present address is Litchfield, Conn. After running amuck and making himself obnoxious to various individuals he found him. self in the strong grip of Deputy Sheriff Rhoades. who put him under arrest in front of the Canfeld. MT. Smith de- clined the officers kind invitation to accompany him to the "jug. but through the urgent persuasiveness of Constable Trieschman, who seconded Rhoades's invitation. he was finally de- posited in the capacious cage in the Town Hall, where he made himself at home until Saturday morning. Jus. tioe Ford then held reception for him. and MT. Smith, who earnestly begged His Honor to believe him when he protested that no similar experience had ever overtaken him before, and he would see to it that 1t never did again, pleaded guilty to the charges of assault. breach of the peace, abusive language and intoxication and was fined total of $l5 with costs. aggregating $3S. q, and sentenced to 80 days in jail. The whole penalty will keep him in limbo for g little over two months.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
John B. Roraback. .

John B. Roraback, aged 51 years died at his home in Sheffield on Friday, October 23. He is survived by five brothers, Cassius H., of Warm Spring, Cal; James L., of San Francisco; Charles E., of London, Eng; Willard A., of Torrington, and George L., of Sheffield. Mass, one sister Grace E. of Sheffield survives him. Judge Rora- back and family, J. Henry Roraback and Mrs. J. O. Richmond attended the funeral, which was held in Sheffield on Sunday afternoon. Interment was in Sheffield cemetery.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
BLUEBIRDs ENTERTAIN
Fine Program Pleases Large Audience.
 Monday Afternoon.


 Those who attended the entertain ment given by the Bluebird Club i'm Odd Fellows Hall on Monday afternooR were treated to a liberal supply of laughs produced by the numbers given by Mir. and Mrs. Pain, who have been boarding in Canaan for several weeks. The same excellence in their rendition was kept up to their last appearance. MT. Pain, who has been said to resem- ble Henry Irving, showed much talent as comedian.
 The playing of Mrs. Cam and the singing of Mrs. Hardenbergh and Miss Creevy were features of the afternoon. The musical numbers by the Roberts sisters, Edith Lindell, Lillian Parsons and Elsa Borg were especially pleasing. The performers were greeted by n capacity house and the treasury of the club will be replenished by the pro ceeds.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Mrs. Humphreys slst Birthday.

Mrs. Sabra Humphrey, Canaan s old s,st resident, celebrated her ninety first
 birthday on Friday, October 2e, Mrs. Humphrey spent the day very quietly, entertaining at dinner, Mrs. Lyman Cunning, schoolmate, who is eighty eight years of age. She was the re- cipient of gifts and shower of con gratulatory cards. It is matter of qualification to her host of friends that she retains her physical powers to 9 re lnarkaDIo degree, and that her intel .ectual faculties are as keen and active as ever. It is the universal hope that siie n4aJ live to round out full cen tTlry.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Aged Woman Burned

Mrs. Patrick O'Connell. aged sev- nty-three, of Middletown, was per- haps fatally burned Monday night, at her home when kerosene lamp ex- ploded. She was alone in the house at the time and neighbors had to break in the door to go to her assistance. She was taken to hospital where it was said her condition is critical.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
An Erioyable Social.

All who atte nded the social at the Parish House on Friday evening speAt very enjoyable evening. Games were played by the young people whose hearty laughs were contagious, making the occasion very festive. Dainty re- treatments were served, after which there was dancing for an hour, Mrs. N. W. Hardenbergh at the plano.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Russell Promoted.

Meigs B. Russell, formerly of South Norwalk, who has been associated with the Bridgeport Telegram and Post for the past year, has been promoted to the post of city editor for the Telegram, succeeding Daniel McNamara, who has gone back to his love, the Bridgeport Farmer, succeeding James McGovern as city editor
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
AUTOS BUMPED
Met on Curve North Shore Road at
 Twin Lakes,


 Sunday afternoon, as the automobile of Mrs. Massinger, conveying Mrs. Tweedy and the chauffeur, was run ming along the road on the north shore of Twin Lakes, it met the big touring car of John Smith, loaded with school boys, coming from the opposite direc- ton, on curve in a rocky cut. The chauffeur of the Massinger car, in at tempting to avoid collision, steered out to the right, running up on the rocks until the car stood at a danger ously acute angle, but even at that, it failed to clear and the two cars bumped together, smashing both lenders, but doing no other damage, Fortunately none of the occupants of either car was hurt.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Canaan Aoti.suffrage League

Mrs. John R. Buck and Mrs. Daniel Markham, of Hartford, officers of the Connecticut Anti-Suffrage League, were in Canaan, Tuesday, calling on some of the anti-suffragist ladies of the town, and making plans to organize a league here.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
camp Fire Notes.

Mss Caroline Camp, who has been in New York taking course in the latest dances, kindly consented to give, with the assistance of Mir. Gene Leon. ard, of New York, an exhibition of the most beautiful dances, to the Camp Fire Girls at their monthly rally in Odd Fellows Hall, on Saturday. Oct. 31, at s:45 D. m All who wish to see the new dances will be admitted for a charge of 15 cents. The money thus raised will be used towards paying Camp Fire expenses.
 HIKINUBELAs.
 The Hikinubelas give you greeting. We have enjoyed this beautiful Octo- Der weather and have had several out of door meetings. One week we went tree hunting and identified fifteen varieties in a short time A number of our girls left us this fall to attend school but our ranks have been re- cruited until now we have fourteen members the same as last year.
 HIsHIMIs.
 The Camp Fire law says, "Seek beauty, pursue knowledge, hold on health, be happy. In pursuance of these aims, the "Nishimis" have held their meetings TOT October out of doors, studying trees in the woods, making devices for holding frying-pan and a kettle over campfire and cooking camp fire meals. They have enjoyed the rides to and from their meeting place in hay wagon; and they wish to acknowledge Mir. Clinton Roraback's s kindness in twice sending his automo- bile for their use.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
May Abolish Stations.

The stations of Romford and Morris, Conn, will be abolished by the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, provided plans now contemplated by officials of that road are carried into effect. The stations are small affairs, hardly more than flag stations and their abolition will be due to desire to do away with the services of caretakers.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
N-w suffrage Officers.

The annual meeting of the Equal Franchise League was held Saturday al the home of Mrs. Florence Humphrey, and the following officers elected fo1 the ensuing year: Is President, Mrs. R. D. Peirce: vice president, Mrs. Alice Ford secretary, Miss Sarah W. Adam; treasurer, Mrs. Esther Williams.
 The reports showed the League not only very much alive but decidedly active and fourishing.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
Students Raise sI, 500 For Red Cross

Yale students raised $1, 300 for the benefit of the Red Cross in the Euro pean war at mass meeting held Sum- day night in Woolsey Hall Ex-Presi- dent Taft presided. Miss Mabel Board man, president of the Red Cross, Presi- dent Hadley and others spoke.
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
New Voters.

The new voters made during the last two sessions of the registrar, Oct. 16 and 23, are as follows:
 Dominick Bernoi, David Hatmaker, Lyman Michaels, William Banahan, Thaddeus Baird, William Brightman Ralph Whitney, Grove o. Weaver, Fred Dieter, Charles Thurston, John Hop per, Vergil Miller, Hans Pederson, Fgbert w. Barrett
Connecticut western news., 1914-10-29
ss, ,ooo 900 Insurance Policy.

The Aetna Life Insurance Company has just written the largest group policy-so far as is known here-ever written. The policy is for $8, 900, 900, and covers 4,00O persons, the entire police force of Philadelphia, for s2, ,- 900 each. The policy is for straight life insurance, with no health or ae- cident features.