davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
Nothing in Moving Pictures Better
Than These Two Great Serials

Tomorrow (Friday) afternoon and
evening will witness the initial pro-
ductons of the Trey OHearts at the
Star Theater. In this great feature
film consisting of IS thrcc-reel in
stallments. the moving picture art is
conceded to have reached a new limit
of perfection. Zudora, another great
serial. will commence on Wednesday
and Thursday of next week This is
the latest production of the same COM
pany that produced the Million Dollar
mystery, sufficient guarantee of its
excellence. Literally millions of peo-
pie all over the United States will see
Zudora during the coming year but
Skowhcgan people will be among the
first as it has only recently been re
leased
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
PETTY IH|EvERY GOING
ON At MADISON
Safe at P0st0fiice Bears on Front
Placard "DOn't Blow This Safe, 1t Is
Unlocked"

MADISON, Dec. 22-There seems to
be an epidemic of petty breaks at
Madison just at this time much as
there are outbreaks of different dis
eases without any seeming cause. 1t
is not that the thieves have made any
big hauls for at no place has over ten
or fifteen dollars worth of stuff, at the
most, been taken, but they are evident
ly hoping that someone will be caught
mapping and the cash register full of
cash. The safe at the postofice bears
upon its front the following, printed on
a big placard Don't blow this safe
it is unlocked and perhaps it would
be expedient if the cash registers could
be somewhat similarly labeled.
1t is reported that there have been
close to half dozen different breaks
since the one into Fred Sylvesters
store on Main street, Sunday night,
December 10. Some have become
known outside and are being freely
commented upon and others are being
kept quiet.
The one at Christopher's fruit store
on Main street, was committed some
time after 1210 Saturday night or
rather Sunday morning, as that was
the time Mr.. Christopher closed the
store to go home He went in Sun
day morning about o'clock and
found the cash register at the left of
the door open and rified of all except
ing a few pennies, which were in one
of the back compartments. About
$3.50 in change was taken, but nothing
else has been missed so far. En-
trance was made at the rollway door
which opens at the back of the store
basement and is out of sight from the
street, by prying off the bolt. The
other cash register was untouched and
the stay of the light fingered gentry
was evidently very short as the cur
tains were not drawn and an electric
light was burning at the back end of
the store.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
BOXES SENT
TO THE CITY FARM
". {. T. L. Members Remember Tn
fortunate People. A Pleasing Pro-
gram Presented by the Children

Symbolizing the Christmas spirit Of
a glad Christmas to all mankind, mem
bers of the Clementine Weston W. c.
T. l. gathered Tuesday afternoon in
Library parlors to pack gift boxes for
the unfortunate of the town who are
now domiciled at the City Farm.
Eleven boxes were filled with the do
nations and also box for Superinten-
dent and Mrs. Bridges. The hostesses
were Mrs Effe Paine and Mrs. Marilla
Harmon
The program of the afternoon was
arranged by Mrs. Dora T. Nye assist
ed by Mrs. Paine and was given by
children. Mrs. Nye read an original
story entitled The Story of a Christ
mas Day" in which she had skillfully
interviewer the titles of the various
recitations and music numbers to be
given during the afternoon and this
proved a most unique and happy way
of entertaining Those appearing on
the program were Dorothy and Ed
ward Dane Ruth lies, Virginia Stinch-
field, Ruth Niles, Dorothy NJ. Nye Mar
garet Longley, Helen Lord, Althea
Healy, Maurice Valliore, Marion Rob
inson. Phyllis Whiting and Carl Shoaff.
The closing number was especially en-
joyed Nov | Lay Me Down to Sleep"
being very sweetly played by Master
Arthur Springer, cornetist aCCompani-
ed by Miss Ella Flanders, pianist.
During the afternoon Mrs. Hattie B.
Fogler in behalf of the Union present
ed Mrs. Lizzie A. Marble, the presi-
dent with a towering plant in appre-
citation of the untiring efforts which
she has eXerted in W. c. T. L. work
and at the same time paid a tribute to
the late Mrs Clementine Weston, for
votions of the afternoon were conduct
ed by Mrs Gertrude McGlauflin and
after the program Mrs Nye was given
vote of thanks for the pleasurable
entertainment which she had arranged.
There were about thirty children
present and holiday candies were dis
tributed among them. Tea was sery-
ed before the afternoon was closed
by a committee composed of Mrs.
Nellie Hopkins, Mrs. Nellie Conant,
Mrs Viola Burnor and Mrs Emma
Nutting.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
GENTLEMEN DELIGHTFULLY."- EN-
TERTAINED
BY Mrs. Phidelah Rice of Boston Who
Appeared Here Under the Auspices
of WOman's Club

Mrs. Phidelah Rice, graduate of
Leland Powers School and well
known reader of Boston, delightfully."-
recited the three act comedy Cousin
Kate in Bethany Church Monday
evening. 1t was the annual obser-
vance of Gentlemen's night by the
members of the Woman's Club and
was largely attended. The ushers
were Mrs. Gertrude w. Bucknam, Mrs
Dora G. McNeelie, Mrs. Jennie s.
Philbrick and Mrs. Ellen G. Sawyer
and Mrs. Anna F. Merrill presided, ex-
tending a gracious welcome to the club
and its guests.
AT the close of the reading a re-
ception was held in the church parlors
which had been made attractive with
Christmas decorations red carnations
being profusely used on both the plat
form and in the parlOr. Two songs
were sung by Ralph w. Leighton with
Miss Edith w. Lewis pianist, and ices
and cake were served, Lambert cater
ing with Mrs Ella T. Mooers in charge
of the refreshment room. assisted by
Mrs. Eldena S. Hawes, Mrs. Minna b.
Savage, Mrs Grace Cover Mrs. Vivian
G. Woodbury., Mrs. Emma Pooler and
Mrs. Maude l.. Jewett.
Mrs. Rice is indeed charming and
well the art of entertain
ing. She gave each character an in
dividuality which claimed the close at
tention of her listeners winning the
admiration of all with her grace and
elocutionary ability. Her encore
number THE White Rose, which she
gave after repeated applauses was
quite as delightful as her longer Sc
lection.
The evening was in charge of Mrs.
Mabel w. Philbrick.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
A. F. DONIGAN WILL NOT
Be A CANDIDATE
For Councilman Before the Legislature
Which ConVenes Jan. 6

Hon A. f Donigan a well known
Democrat of Bingham made the fol-
lowing announcement regarding his
candidacy for Councilman
Bingham, Maine, Dec %, 1914
To the Democrats Of the Councillor
DISTINCT
wish to state that I shall
not be a candidate for Councilman
before the Legislature which con-
yenes Jan 6, 1915. l have ar
rived to the conclusion that as a
member of the State Committee l
can be of more service to the Dem
ocrats of this County in this ca
pacity alone. | have reason to
believe through the many assur-
ances of my friends l could be
elected To the Council wish to
thank all those who so kindly en-
dorsod my candidacy.
Respectfully yours,
a. F. DONIGAN
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
Christmas Music Next Sunday

The music next Sunday at the
Bethany Baptist Church will be direct
ed by Mrs John ". Steward Two
anthems Joy to the World and Seek
We the King will be sung by the
choir Carols will also be sung and
Mrs. Steward will sing a Christmas
song The pastor will preach upon
"Fullness of Time. Sunday School at
12 m. Christian Endeavor at Z o'clock
owing to the Municipal Christmas
Tree from until o'clock
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

The Observation-Disclosures plant
will be closed tomorrow (Christmas)
and Saturday, resuming business again
Monday morning. The American
Woolen Co. will close their several
plants for the balance of the week as
will the Skowhegan Pulp Co. Other
local firms were undecided last even
ing as to the length of the holiday va
cation. but many of the stores Will not
be opened during the day tomorrow
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
WARDWELL WILL GET
DAMAGES
In the Sum of $499.i2 in His Case
Against Inhabitants of Fairfield

Owing to the town of Fairfield's fail
ure to prosecute in the case of A. F.
Wardwell VS. Inhabitants of Fairfield,
after it had filed exceptions and taken
the case to the law court, 1t has been
dropped and Mr.. Wardwell will re-
ceive $499.42, the verdict returned in
his favor at the fall term of the S. j.
Court. The plaintiff brought suit for
damages of cutting down the highway
near his valuable farm, about one
mile outside of Hinckley in the sum
of $1,000 and the town had granted
him $100
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
Lafayette Merrill Died This Morning

News has been received here of the
death, this morning. of Lafayette Mer-
rill, aged II, at his home on the East
Madison road lie is survived by a
widow and four children. He was a
prominent citizen of Madison but was
we'll known in this town
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
More Room Needed for Public School
Pupils

At a meeting of the School Board
held Monday night it was decided that
more room was needed to accommo-
date the students Of the public schools
owing to conditions existing in some
of the rooms at the Garfield Build
ing. 1t has been suggested that one
of the rooms in the Municipal Build
ing might possibly be utilized for this
purpose.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
Former SkOwhegan Man Died In
Arizona

David B. Parlin, who will be re-
membered by many Maine friends, was
born in Skowhegan, was the youngest
son of the late Capt. Jonas Parlin.
When twenty years of age he left
Skowhegan for the West, engaging in
the cattle business for a number OF
years, later went to Mexico, where his
health failed and he came to Douglas,
Arizona for medical treatment, where
he died on December 3rd, of Bright's
disease He was exceedingly well
known and beloved. He leaves two
brothers and a sister to mourn his
loss.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
FARMERS INSTITUTES

Farmers Institutes will be held at
Grange Hall, St. Adams, Tuesday,
December 29 and at Grange Hall,
Charleston, Wednesday, Dec. 30. The
sessions at both these Institutes will
be open at 1870 A. M. and 1.3O p. M
The meetings will be addressed by
John A. Roberts. Commissioner of
Agriculture, F. S. Adams, State Dairy
Instructor and other interesting speak
ers.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
SOLD INTOXICATING
LIQUORS
SO 1t Is Claimed by the Authorities.
Fred Robbins of Fairfield in County
Jail

Following a search and seizure in
Fairfield Fred Robbins of that town
was brought to Skowhegan Saturday
morning and lodged in the County Jail
to which institution he has been SEN
fenced for sixty days. Robbins was
apprehended by Deputy Sheriff Brophy
and was accompanied here by that of
flcer. Two gallons of alcohol were
found in his house. 1t is claimed
that Robbins has been engaged In
pocket-peddling in his home town.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
HISTORY OF METHO-
DIST CHURCH
Has For a Long Time
Been III Existence
Continued from last weelD

Rev C. p. Bragdon came to Skowhe-
gan in 1S4l from Hallowen The
Maine Conference met here for its ses-
sion that year in July with Bishop
Heddng presiding. The conference
occupied several days most of the
time in trying the cases of two mem
bers who had been suspended by a
council on charges of immortality
The charges were sustained and one
of the accused members was expelled
and the other suspended for one year
A report was adopted on slavery
which plainly indicated strong and
unanimous anti-salyery sentiment in
the Maine Conference at that time.
There being no place in Skowhegan
sufficiently large to accommodate the
had been prepared in pllasGnt grove
on Parkman Hill in the vicinity of
the village, where the public exercises
were held including the ordination
services. AS was anticipated a large
congregation assembled, the people
coming for several miles around. Mr.
Bragdon went from here to Kenne-
bunkport and Rev. H. Butler came to
Skowhegan to serve the Methodist
people as their pastor for 1912. He
had occupied numerous charges before
that time, but Skowheg@n seems to
have been his final charge, as in 1913
he became superannuate and died
April 5, 1850 at New Gloucester His
age at the time of his demise was Al
years.
From 1S43 to 1874, Rev Cyrus
Scammon was the pastor, going from
here to East Pittston. In 1S48 it ap-
pears he was transferred to the East
Maine Conference.
In 1845 Rev Obadiah Huse occupied
the Skowhegan charge and was taken
into the East Maine Conference in
1848. His death occurred in 1887
Rev. A. F. Barnard came to Skowhe-
gan to preach the word of God in 1886
from Winthrop. He remained two
years and then went to Gorham. His
home the last years of his life was in
Saco and his death occurred there
March 27, 1867. when he was in his
62nd year.
Rev. c. c.. Cone preached in Show
hogan from 1913 to 1849, going from
here to Saco in 1850. He began to
preach in 1884 in Gray and in 1855
became associated with the Freed
mems Society He died in Bowdoin-
ham, May IA, 1898, at the advanced
age of 81 years.
Rev. H. Nickerson was another of
the early preachers who ministered
for quite a period of years. His first
location was at Penobscot and his last
charge seems to have been in ga and
'65 in Fayette. He died in December
1869 at the age of 70 years and was
in Orrington at the time of his demise
Rev. A. 7. Hillman was another in
cumbent of the pulpit Of the Motho-
dist Church. He was a preacher for
nearly a quarter of a century and oc-
cupied many different charges as was
then the custom From here Mr.. Hill
man went to Kennebunkport. He died
Nov. 10, 1882 in Concord, Mass. His
Continued on page four
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

In the resume of the European Var
situation events which stand ont plain
ly since Thursdays edition have been
the advance of the forces of Gen. Son.
Hindenburg German leader in Poland.
upon the Russians and their conse-
quent retirement across the Buzura
River a conference of King Christian
of Denmark. King Gustave of Sweden
and King Haakon of Norway, with
their foreign ministers vas held at
Malmos, Friday and Saturday to for
mulate plan to combine their respec-
tive interests during the war The
deliberation consolidated the good re
lations among the three kingdoms.
Following the news of the advance
of the Russians came word Tuesday
of the battles in Poland and Galicia
which were being fought between the
Russians and Germans and Austrian
allies in deep snow and bitter cold In
Belgium and northern Frances. the
Germans and the French. British and
Belgium allies were contesting in thick
mud fields. foot by foot. Again yes
terday came the kilograms announcing
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

that heavy fighting ~ as place
on both eastern and western fronts.
bat without any partIea.ar change Ia
The position Of the opposing armies.
In France and Belgium ~ aIes
offensive IS being pressed says late
reports and ~aile ground Las been
gained al widely separated points.
other attacks Aaye been repulsed by
the Germans from tneir Strongly ea-
trenched POSITIONS
While the progress Of the allies IS
extremely SLOW. military experts bs-
lieYe that the cams which the general
staff has been able to report ar dis
turbing the Germans systems Of for
tifcauous at vital points and will. if
successfully continued compel re-
tirement by the Germans from their
present lines.
The first real Yiew Of The extent Of
the South African rebellion is given
By the minister of justice. VINO says
that four thousand rebels are now in
prison and that 12al haye been sent to
their homes Oh parole. There are sun
d few roaming about the country, but
they are without leaders and are sur
rendering upon The appearance Of
the forces
FRANCE To ATENGE OUTRAGED
RIGHT
\ dispatch bearing Tuesdays date
and coming from Paris gave the
words Of Premier Viyia1L In stating
the views OF the Government concern
ing the war to The Chamber of Depu-
ties as follows
France. acting in accord with her
allies, will not sheath her arms IN
til after taking vengeance for OUT
ragged right until she has united for
all time TO the French fatherland the
provinces rayished from her by force
restored heroic Belgium to the fullness
of her material life and her political
independence, and until Prussian mil
itarism has been crushed. to the end
that it be possible to reconstruct. on a
basis of justice, a Europe regenerated"
Several places in the chamber were
vacant when the historic war session
was opened Some of these were due
to deaths on the battlefield and others
because the soldier deputies have been
unable to leave their posts in the
ranks at the battlefront
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

Isaac Dunfield of Connecticut is a
holiday guest at the home of Jailor
and Mrs. c. II. Chute at the Jail resi-
dence on High St.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Green are en-
tertaining three of their children. Miss
Olive member of the faculty at He
bron Academy. also Sheridan and Mar
garet Green. students at the before
mentioned institution.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24
ARMIES FIGHTING WITH AN INTENSITY
NOT EXCEEDED SINCE WAR BEGAN
The Germans Have Changed Line of Attack and
Russians Take Offensive

LONDON. Dec . U015 +. NJ
The Allies IN West the Germans
in Poland. ard the Russians in East
Prussia and Glaaa continue their of-
fensiYe operations. H4t tas advances
gained have been So sueat AZ - be
almost imperceptble IL tie long run.
however, the ground which is being
taken may prove vital. and the various
armies are fighting with an intensity
which has not been exceeded since the
war began.
In Poland the center Of interest has
shifted slightly to tn south. Finding
The direct road to Warsaw blocked By
Russian reinforcements the Germans
made an attack from the southwest
and have reached SkiernieWee, which
is some 40 miles from the Polish cap
ital In Galicia, Russia has resumed
the offensive against the Austro-Ger-
man forces which have poured in from
the West and across the Carpathians
According to the latest Petrograd r.
port The Russians have inflicted heavy
losses on these forces. while in the
North they have pursued back into the
interior of East Prussia. small Ger
man army which made a feint at War
saw from the northwest
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

The Municipal Christmas Tree.
plans for which were first taken up
by the Town Improvement Society
upon the suggestion of Mrs. Elizabeth
P. Merrill, has been occupying a con-
spicuous place in Railroad Square for
several days, while its brilliant lights
in the evening have added much
brightness to the holiday season. Last
evening patriotic songs were sung at
its base by the school children and
the various programs of music as
planned will be carried out on the
other evenings with the exception of
Sunday when the exercises will be
held from 6 to o'clock. Other even
ings from until 8 o'clock.
The ladies of the Home Christmas
Committee which is composed of the
members of the Belgian Relief Com
mittee and assistants, have done
much splendid work in the community
having sought out the needy families
probably more than three hundred
persons having been found who were
thought to be deserving of charity.
AS a result the people of Skowhegan,
including the merchants, business
men, individuals, and societies have
responded most generously and the
committees headquarters in the Nor
rison Block have presented a be-
wildering array of clothing, foods,
vegetables, toys and general Xmas
gifts which are to be distributed to-
day. The committee have done much
diligent work and should be highly
commended while they are equally ap-
preciative to the contributors who
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

The Yuletide is meaning much in
Skowhegan this year and never has it
been celebrated with truer Christ
mas spirit or with more love and
benevolence. The Home Christmas
Committee and aids-loyal hearted
and charitable women or our town
have sought out the suffering and
needy and by means of the donations
of liberal people will distribute the
holiday cheer. The municipal tree
with its bright lights in Railroad
Square, the carols being sung at its
base and the general gladness per-
vading the entire community bid fair
to usher in a tomorrow filled with
Peace and Good Will"
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-24

have been more than liberal. not only
with gifts, but money as we'll. The
shut-ins are also to be remembered
with cheer and dainties
Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1914-08-25

days of the temporal power of the
Popes, the Holy Father would bless
the world from the outside of the
bastilica. After a. few minutes the
Pope appeared in the gallery Of st.
Peters, with the sunlight streaming
behind him and the cardinals group
ed around him, and gave his blessing.
Auditorium nostrum in. nOmine
Domini!" he said, and thousands Of
voices repAed:
"Qui fecit coelum ct terrain"
The Pope answered, sit nomen
Domini benedictum,' and then inton-
ed, "Benedicat vos cmnipotens Deus,''
etc, and this ended the ceremonial.
The venerable Cardinal Oregila,
deacon of the Sacred College, who
was present at the elections Of Leo
XIII and Plus X, will not be able to
preside at the investiture of the sue
cessor to Puts, as he is bedridden.
When a message was sent to him on
Tuesday by Cardinal Merry del Val,
notifying him of the serious condition
Of the Pontitf, and informing him that
he might b. callad upon at any mo-
ment to assume the temporary head
ship Of the Church, he replied that he
could not arise, and that the duties
would have to be performed by Car
dinal Serafino Vannutllca, the sub
dean. Cardinal Oreglia will not
even be able to attend the Conlave.
Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1914-08-25
Northwest News

looks to me as though the farmers
who will eventually adopt the lscien-
tifi0 methods would realize that q
little more work in preparation on
say forty acres, will give Just as good
results as the same amount Of work
and double the seed on 12O acres"
Wheat Yield.
Speaking OF the wheat yield, Mr..
Eurr declared that some of the plats
would run forty bushels to the acre.
There is no guess work on how
many bushels the grains are going
to the acre. The bundles from each
plot are kept separate as they 90 to
the machine so they are not mixed
with other plats.
The resulting yield Is carefully
measured and weighed 50 that there
Is an exact record. M
A smaller thresher than Is usual
" used has been secured In order
to get the exact figures and it Is
being driven by an electric motor
house in the city.
The barley and flax has not yet
been touched but 1t Is expected that
these plats will be taken up some
time this week as soon as the oats
and wheat are out Of the way.