davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
County Agent to Give Demonstration
Thinning Fruit Trees Beneficial


 On Monday afternoon, July 1a, at l.80, County Agent w. C. Kennedy will give q demonstration of thinning fruit in the orchard of Df. George E.. Mcclellan on Woodstock Hill. Thin ming Is one of the necessary operations i'll orchard management fl the best re. suits are to be obtained, and eAch year more and more fruit growers adopt the l practice. Thinning is merely the re- 1 moving of inferior or diseased fruit l from the trees in order that the best fruit may have a chance to develop properly The thinning should be done as soon after the apples have fin ished the natural dropping which oc CUTS usually late in June or about the first of July. This dropping has been rather severe in some localities this year, Sc that the operation of thinning will Dc comparatively easy. The diseased, wofmy and inferior fruit should be removed from the tree nndif the remaining fruit Is close enough to gether so that any two will rub to- gether, one of these two should be re- moved. There should abe plenty of space for each fruit to develop without touching another.
 It may seem to some that this prac- tice will result in the loss of a lot of good fruit, but fruit growers who prac- iice thinning declare that the time and labor spent is much more than paid for in increase in quality of the fruit left on the tree. It Is not the develop ment of the flesh Of the fruit which taxes the vitality of the tree. II Is the development of the seeds which makes the great drain on the tree. Thus, if the tree has to develop seeds only in the perfect specimens ,of fruit, which 1t bears, there Is considerable vitality stored up which may be used in de. veloping next years crop. Those who do not thin at the present time are very strongly urged to try 1t on at least one tree, and compare the quality Of fruit produced on this thinned tree with that in the rest of the orchard.
 Mir. Kennedy will be glad to demon- strate thinning in any orchard in the county, and will be glad to answer any questions regarding the practice by any who are interested and wish for further information.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
Obituary John Colby Lewis

John Colby Lewis, an old veteran and citizen of Putnam for the past three years, died at his home on Rail. road street, Monday night following an illness of several months with "a com plication Of diseases due to old age.
 Mir. Lewis was in his S6th year hav- ing been born in Waterbury, Me, March 2sth, 1850. On Jan. 22, lS54, he was married to Susan Hoxie kempton and besides his widow he leaves four children, two sons and two daughters.
 MT. Lewis served for more than three years in the Civil war, enlisting in 1862 in Company E 3rd Light Artillery of Massachusetts. He was member of A. G. Warner Post, c. A. R. and oJ the Methodist church. He was low ing husband and kind father.
 Funeral services were held at the home this Thursday afternoon, Rev. G. D. Stanley of the Methodist church officiating. Burial was in the Grove street cemetery.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
Lightning Kills Two Cows
More Incidents of the Storm

During the thunder stosm Weakness day afternoon lightning killed two cows belonging to 1. w. Trowbridge, semtret The animals we're out in the pasture and were standing in close proximity to wire fence that was at- tached to q tree hundred feet away. bolt struck the tree and passed along the wires eiectrueuiing both animals.
 The house of Mrs. r. C. Letters, Grand View, was struck but slight damage done.
 All night gang Of men were work ing on the railroad repairing washouts. A train of abont fifteen cars loaded with ashes was hauled to the several places where washouts occurred and the fills were made. Between Putnam and Pomfret there were three washouts on the east bound track and the Bos- ton train due here about o'clock was sent from Willimanlic to Piainfied and up on the New London division.
 Fills and top dressing will be needed to repair damage to many Of the city streets and gutters. Men worked late into the night and today carrying off the wash from the railroad bank to Front street.
 The suddenness of the shower caught many farmers with hay out In the field.
 Telephone and telegraph wires suffer ed to quite an extent. It was one of the most costly storms in q long while.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
Opening Chantauqua Parade

Chautauqua opens with big pa- rade. Paul , Atkinson representative of Chautauqua arrived this afternoon and is here to cooperate with the committees in helping to make the opening day 8 success.
 All boys and girls are to be in this parade and will be admitted free to afternoon program The point of as sembly Is in front of the Putnam Inn at o'clock. The boys are to bring little American flags to carry in the parade, the girls are invited 10 bring parasols. There will be special deco rations 10 go on them. The official photographer, E. R. Phelps, will be here 10 take pictures of this parade. These pictures are developed during the afternoon and will be shown at the evening program.
 The Boy Scoals are invited 10 turn out in body, also the fire companies. Boys that have bicycles are invited 10 take part. Come with them decorated Automobile owners ,are invited te eeme with cars filled. Decorate the cars with little American flags.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
GIFT TO
 CAPTAIN MURRAY
State Police Department Show Ap-
 preciatiOn
Of Faithful Service an d Assistance

Captain John Murray of the Police Department was the recipient of gift of a pair of handcufis of .the latest style and make .at the hands of the state police department Tuesday morn- ing. Officers Bridgeman and Down ing were in the city to make an inves- tigation of the fire in Central block when Officer Bridgeman handed the captain the present neatly done up in Heather case. The letter which ac- companied the gift was as follows: Captain Murray:
 Enclosed with this box is a pair of handcuffs presented to you by the members of the State Police Depart ment as a token of friendship and hop ing ouf relations with you will be the same in the future as in the past.lEach and every one of us regards you as a loyal ana true friend. The gift is not much but we know il will be appre- ciated. Wishing you success in the tu- ture and long years of life with your devoted family.
 Robert w. Bridgeman,
 Robert T, Hurley,
 T. F, Downing,
 John A. Flynn,
 William |. Jackson,
 k. Il. Wheeler,
 Arthur l.. Story.
 Captain Murray was taken by sur prise but thanked the officials for their kind thoughtfuness and assured them that he was at their service at any and all times, that the gift was most unex- pected as he had merely tried to per form his duty in the past as he saw 1t.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
SET FIRES
Boy of Thirteen Admits His ReSpOnSi.
 bility for Eleven BlazeS
Village of West Thompson Freed from
 State of Terror

State Policemen Robert w. Bridg- man and Theodore Downing were Tn West Thompson Tuesday afternoon and cleared up the mystery of series Of incendiary fires which has had the quiet little village in state of terror for the past Isix weeks. The office rs succeeded in getting the confession of thirteen year old Goldeth Hanberry to setting eleven fires since the first of June, most of them on property of the French River Textile Company of Me ehanicsville. State men have been al work on the case under the direction of Attorney J. r, Carpenter of Putnam who is counsel for the French River Company.
 In tracing the matter to young Han. berry the officers got the clue from a peculiar kind of matches used which they traced to the Hanherry home. A number of the boys in the village had been under suspicion hnt there Is nc thought that any of the others had anything to do with it and that they were not in young .Hanberry's conf dence
 AS the policemen questioned him the boy admitted fire after tire but gave no reason for his acts Last Thursday he even tried 10 set fire tC his own home, according to the officers once in the afternoon and again in the evening One thing that led 10 the of ticers' being convinced that they haC the right boy was on account of a dog owned by the Hanbt rrys which is ' faithful watch dog and would have made a disturbance had anyone but { person the animal knew tried such { thing about the house, The boy is [ school pupil and his father is employ ed as weaver in the mill.
 According to the police the boy ad mitted setting the following fires which by good fortune in being quick ly discovered did little damage:
 Twice at the old Fatem Handle facto ", three times at large tenemen house, once at an ice house, once h ! shed, twice in barn, and the lw' times he set his own home aiire. Tht boy has not as yet been arrested.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
UNEARTH SKELETON
  NOrkmen Find Human B0ueS on Little River Road No Signs of Coffin. May Have Been
 Indian

Norkmen engaged in digging . trench for water system on the old Bartholomew farm on the outskirts of the town on the Little River road un. earIhed a skeleton of medium.sized person late Tuesday afternoon. On ae- count of the liability of the ditch cav ing in the skull has not as yet been an. eafthed but when the ditch is filled search for the skull will be made,
 John Sabin had gang of men at work when the bones were uncovered by an Italian in the ditch. He called MT, Sabin's attention to his find and he saw Ut once that the bones were of human being and il is thought may be those of an Indian, The leg bones, arms, few of the ribs, fingers and toes and the pleyis bones came 10 light falling 10 pieces as they were lifted from the trench, No signs of a coffin of any sort were brought to light which is one of the features that leads to a conclusion that an Indian was buried there. The place was about 75 feet from the bank ot the tLittle River and the body lay with the head down stream and was buried facing north. east. One or two pieces of material that may have been wood or bone were found beside the skeleton hnt they were so far gone that the shape of their former existence could not be de. termined. The farm is at the present time owned by Ransom II Bradley.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
I thursday

Afternoon 50 cents.
 Concert, Strollers Male quartet.
 Lecture, "Friends of Yesterday" La Sale Corbell Pickett.
 Evening 50 cents.
 Concert, Strollers Male quartet.
 Shakespeare "Twelfth Night" pre- sented by the College Players.
 Junior Chautauqua begins at a. m. Afternoon session begins at 2.30 and evening session at 7.30 ?. m.
 Recognizing a general demand a limited number of reserved seat tickets will be sold for the season for Sl each. These may be purchased at the ticket booth on the opening day.
 For the good of all concerned, we will insist this year on the following rule: Children unaccompanied will not be allowed to sit nearer the front than the eighth or ninth row. Adults un- accompanied by children except in the case of the aged or infirm) will not be allowed to sit on the front seats. IL may reasonably be expected that one adult will accompany not more than three or four children.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
School Board Accepts COunty's Offer

Al the regular meeting of the town school committee held Monday night 1t WAS voted that the school committee Of the town of Putnam accept the fer of the county commissioners as made through County Commissioner John 4. Dady, that the county of Windham pay the town of Putnam yearly the sum of s550 towards the support and maintenance Of the Sawyer District school in the town of Putnam in lieu of the amount now paid for said purpose by the county 10 the town and the chairman and secretary are authorized 10 execute and sign any papers neces- saTy and proper as evidence Of the making Of the agreement.
 This settles the matter of the Saw. ger District school, which is attended largely by children from the Wind. nam County Temporary Home, and which has been considerable ex- pense to the town to maintain. The school committee thought that as children from ali over the county at- tended the school that the county should pay their proporlionale share of the expense. The county has been paying a small amount under sn az
 reement entered into some twenty years ago when the county institution 1 was much smaller than al present.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
The New Traffic Regulations

The new traffic ordinance which has become effective has met general ap- proval. It Is in line with similar or-
 dinances in other cities in the state. The common council has voted to have
 cards with the ordinance printed there. on put up in the garages of the city
 and the ordinance printed in pamph-
 let form is to be distributed, One of
 the sections that is wholly local in It's effect is the parking ot automobiles be- tween Front street and Union street
 where machines are to be backed up to the curb at an angle of from 40 to 10 degrees. This section applies only to this short space, elsewhere machines are 10 be left close to the curb and par allel to 1t. Drivers are also ordered to raise their whip or hand when about to come to stop or when about to turn shall signal the direction in the same manner. All traffic shall come to standstil and vehicles shall be drawn close to the curb when fire apparatus is approaching. No horse shall be left unhiIched in Ethe street These are some of the more important seclloGs Of which there are g in all, many of them following the lstate automobile law. A number Of applications for the appointment of traffic officer have been received but the appointment has not as yet been made.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
THUNDER SHOWERS
Two Pass Over Pntnam Wednesday
 AfterBe0H
Hard Ram, Hail, Thuuser and Lightning

Hard Ram, hail, Thun6er and Lightning
 One of the hardesi thunder storms this city has ever experienced passed over Putnam Wedeesday afternoon between and oclock. The rain was so hard that il was almost impos- sible to see from one Side of the street 10 the other. This was accompanied by hail, wind and vivid lightning with sharp peals of thunder. The streets were regular rivers and there were many washouts. The railroad bank on the north side of the Front street railroad bridge washed into u e street filling the surface water drain and there was over four feet of water beneath the bridge blocking all kinds Of traffic including the trolley service. Many cellars ali over town were food ed. A barn at the home of John O'Brien of Oak Hill was struck by lightning and also the house of Dr. A. !. il. Straheu on Center street but not much damage resulted.
 Within a half hour after the first shower passed a second shower equally as hard but not lasting as long passed over adding to the accumulated water in the low places. Water stood two feet deep in and about the tent at the camp meeting site at the corner of South Main and Front streets. The side track on the east side of the rail- road was undermined and passenger car standing There was in danger of topping down. A gang of men were engaged to quickly remove the earth that washed under the Front street bridge as soon AS the water subsided
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
Ge!!aea Wedding Of Mi. did Mrs. Edwin
 K. Wood
Original Poem Written for the Occasion

Although the hard storm of last Thursday kept some people away from 'the reception ofiMr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Wood on their golden wedding an. niyersary it did not deter them from sending congratulations and best wish. es by mail. Letters continued to ar rive all day Friday and few people anxious to congratulate the venerable couple personally called on that day.
 There were gifts of golden nature as well as other gifts and the floral to- kens consisted of roses, lilies, orchids, sweet peas, etc, The old veterans and the ladies of the G. A. k. braved the elements and turned out in good mum : bers. Notwithstanding the downpour without it was day of happiness and sunshine within the home and Mr.and Mrs. Wood enjoyed the pretty celebra- tion arranged in their honor. The fo- lowing original poem read on the occa- sion was written by Mrs. J. II. Wilbur of Abingdon:
 Dear friends we gladly greet you
 On this golden festal day Our congratulations bringing
 To cheer you on your way. Through fifty years of welded life,
 You hand in hand have wrought, And much Of joy and happiness,
 To you, the tie has brought. Of sorrow, care and trouble
 You have also had share, But they have only strengthened
 The bonds Of love you bear. Though Comrade Wood was crippled
 On LynchbuTg's bloody field, His courage never faltered,
 To gloom he did not yield. But ever brave and cheerful
 He has gone his onward way, Working with head and heart and
 hand,
 His strength is as his day. Of his loving faithful partner
 In their life, what is her share? Read Proverbs, chapter thirty first, You will find it written there. Now full of years and honor
 You can surely take rest, With the noble sops and grandsons
 With which you have been blest. s With best wishes for your future
 We will wend our homeward way May we all be here to greet you
 On your diamond wedding day
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
Railroad Lighting Service

The electric lighting system at the railroad station has been extended south ward near track No. 1, the most easterly track, so as to properly iliu- minate that section at times when the long night expresses are stopped here. These trains frequently discharge or receive passengers at this station and it has been found that the rear of the long trains extends we'll down into the darkness not pierced by the lights that have been in use. This has made it difficult for passengers to pick their way to the station or from il, so the new lights, which make fine i'm provement, have been installed.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
PEEPING TOM
COafeSSes 10 Captain Hurley of State
 Police
Is Found Guilty of Breach of the Peace
 aad Fined

Adelard Johnson, 20, of North Gros- venordale, was brought before Justice of the Peace Randolph II, Chandler Wednesday morning on s charge of at tempted burglary. He was found guilty of breach of the peace and fined S2 and costs.
 For some time past citizens of the village have been annoyed by man about their homes looking in windows. Last Saturday night a man was dis covered on a tin roof that connects the homes of Paymaster Ethelbert Aldrich of the Glosvenordae Company and ]. R. Hourteilatte. MT. Tonrtellotte's daughter heard footsteps on the roof and saw the man close the blinds at the window of the room occupied by Mir. and Mrs. Aldrieh across the way. She called to her father who got hls re- volver, opened the window and cried, "Hands up.h Instead of stopping the man ran to the edge of the roof and jumped. The state police were called III hAtN NAtfAAit iNooNiA tuiitN MothNN up the case and Tuesday afternoon got an admission from the man that he had been in the habit of going about to peoples homes to watch them go to bed lge said he had besn doing 1t for some time and learned to do it while | he lived in Monsou, Mass,
 | The justice took the view that the man was mol nt the paymaster's house to commit burglary but in the line of his other purpose to which he made confession. Johnson admitted that he | wac the man on the roof who was shot at. He stated that he was sorry for his past actions and would give no more trouble in the future.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16

This parade is not only boost for Chautauqua but it is boost for the town. MT. Atkinson has been out in the interest of this work for Chautau- qua since June 2d, he has had on an average of between 400 and 300 chil. dren in every parade, also between p and 40 automobiles, and Putnam will not be an exception 10 the rule.
 Remember the assembling point in front of Putnam Inn at l o'clock. All that take part in the parade will be admitted free to the afternoon pro- gram. In the evening you will see yourselves in pictures.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
Senex xet Grange

Senexet spent very profitable ev- ening with the Poets N ednesday ev- ening, July 7th.
 Miss Louise Howard read paper, subject, "Fhe great masters of English poetry" Mrs. Mabel Taber, though unable to be present, sent list of our A American poels, with few accompa- nying remarks. A paper entitled, "The poets of the new age,' was pre- pared by Mrs. Marjorie Rock well. This paper was exceedingly interest ing as well ns educational and was greatly appreciated. The fifth chapter of "Our continued story" was prepar- ed by Miss Foye and read by MT. Rockwell.
 A roll call followed in which the ma jority of the members participated, each giving the name of their favorite poet and a quotation or poem from that poets works.
 MT Kennedy, county agent for the Windham County Farmers Associa- tion, was present al this meeting and gave very interesting outline of his work, both what he has already ac- complished and what he wished to ac- complish.
 Refreshments were served and danc- ing was enjoyed.
 The next regular meeting, which will be held Aug. 4th, will consist of musical program together with the sixth and last chapter Of "0ur con- tinued story
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
Father Bedard Stricken on Train
Taken to Stamford Hospital Serious sly Hi

Rev. Charles +. Bedard, pastor of St. Mary's church, is seriously ill at The Stamford hospital in Stamford. His condition while serious is not con. sidered dangerous. Fr. Bedard was on his way to New York last Tuesday afternoon and was taken suddenly ill on the ,trsin. His condition became such that he was taken from the train st Stamford and removed tc the hos pital where il wss sfound that he was suffering from hem0frhage of the brain. AL the hospital this Thursday morning it was stated that Fr. Bedard rallied and was holding his own. Further than this the hospital officials refused any information.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16

Announcements have been receiy- ed here Of the marriage in Ken wood i, \. Y, of John F. Holmes and Miss Eva N. Phelps. Mir. holmes is the son of w. E. Holmes, the family for merIy living here, where Mir. Holmes graduated from the High school, .after- wards attended Worcester Academy and Amherst. lie is now connected with the sales department of concern in Oneida. Mrs. Holmes is talented musician snd graduate of Washing ton Conservatory of Music.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16

Vincent Kelly, student al La Salette College, Hartford, where he is preparing to enter the priesthood, is at the home of his parents, Mir. and Mrs. Peter Kelly, Mecnanicsville, on account Of ill health.
 District Deputy Alfred E. shoales and suite installed the newly. elected officers of Israel Putnam Lodge 1. O. 0. F., Tuesday evening. There were out-of-town guests. Refreshment. were served.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16

The Putnam MolSerhood Assocla- ton held tag day Saturday and rais- ell sl9S73 to be used toward a pnbic playground. The school committee have voted to allow the use of DOT. ton of the High school grounds for this purpose and an instructor will be in attendance to supervise the sports. Miss Edith Partello has been spens ding few days with her sister, Mrs Henry Converse, who is occupying cottage with her husband 4t Crescent
 Beach.
Putnam patriot., 1915-07-16
CHAUTAUQUA WEEK
The Official Program

The 1915 Chautauqua opens on Fri day afternoon of this week on the High school grounds. Secretary K. C.. Morse has received letters from every town on this circuit where the Chau taueua has been held this season, and al are enthusiastic over the program, declaring it even surpasses that of last year. Of Father Gronin who speaks Friday evening the Stamford Advo. cate says:
 The evening program brought to the fore a man who for intelligent thought, sparkling wit and ready tongue has not been excelled by any other speaker offered by the Chautauqua in this town. Father D. J. Croniu gave his address on "The Weeds and Flowers of Literature" put he directed his at tention chiefly to the weeds, and left il 10 the judgment of his audience to select the flowers. Ills criticism was very frank at all times and not infre- quently very severe. Perhaps the thoughts that Father CTonin wished to give expression to are not new, but at least they have seldom been more brilliantly presented. He was simply immense. As a Chautauqua card, he ranks as an ace.