Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1915-08-14
BOAT TRAIN RAN OFF TRACK
Engine and Cars Left the Rails and Rolled Into River Three
O'clock in the Morning Appointments Made
Captain Wheeler of War of 1912 Died at Noank-Or-
sanization of Norwich Militia Proceeding Rapidly

In Norwich, 20 years ago, the city
was in the throes Of giving birth TO
police department. The appoint
ments Of the officials seemed to come
hard. Chief Crowell and Captain
Small were appointed without much
difficulty, but the common council
split evenly on the lieutenant. One
unusual event of the week was when
the boat train. coming up from New
London ran of the track and rolled
down the bank into the river. There
was only one immediate fatality. how
ever, and most everyone escaped with
in the morning. These items from the
Bulletin throw some light on what
| happened back in IS around here:
Aug 7.-Paymaster G. w. Hunting
ton of this city. L. S. N, arrived in
New York Friday on his vessel the
United States steamer Ottawa, from
| St Johns river, Florida. which comes
| north after 20 months brilliant service
on the southern coast
Model Court House Moves Again.
Between and 10 o'clock Friday
night, the model court house. which
| had spent the day quietly at Franklin
| square, suddenly moved on On Sat
! urday, the institution was on view in
another part of the town and it is said
| the various towns Of the county will
| be treated to q sight Of IL in turn II
is quite likely to be returned to New
| London after having a short pleasure
/ trip about the county, as 1t is too old
fashioned for this place We shall
i want to build a new one more suited
/ to the wants OF a live town
The new state militia law Is work
/ ing finely in New London The
| company recently organized over 40
members, and is rapidly Increasing
| heutenants are William W. Packer and
4 George Ravens.
! Aug. S.-The Fitchville Mill is in
| operation 1t has been stopped some
| time. An addition has been built.
| nearly all the new machinery has been
put in. and it has been repaired
throughout 1t makes heavy sheet
/ ing and drills The cloth is in great
demand and the company has recently
advanced the wages of the hands 20
per cent.
Police Commissioners Appointed.
At the common council meeting.
Mayor Greene announced that he had
appointed Alderman Crowen Council
men Whittemore and Gould. a board
of police commissioners under the new
ordinance, to take the place OF the old
watch committee. Alderman Crowell
presented a list Of IS candidates for
nine Offices under the new police ordi-
nance. many Of them being from re-
turned veterans.
Aug. Sin regard to the old and
new police department, the Bulletin
said: Up to some thirty years back
the good people of Norwich were so
quiet and wellSbehaved that no watch
men were required OF employed day or
night, but at about that date a large
incenliary fire occurring, II was deemed
necessary to adopt some precautions
and n volunteer night watch was or
ganixed. consisting OF number OF
elderly citizens who occasionally made
the grand rounds of the city during the
| darkest hours Of the night. On these
with a hired bank Waterman or so. the
city depended for protection non
| fires. murders, roberies and OF all the
larger crimes. Some fifteen years ago
the present system OF n paid city watch
was organized. whose duty IL was e
break. and COT late vearsl to light and
extinguish the street lamps. \ few
years since, one day policeman wac
put on duty, but a great hue and CRY
having been raised over the expense
the ONCE was abolished about yeal
ago. But Norwich has determined
to be no longer behind her sister cities
| in the state and there is no doubt thai
, the new system will be greatly to the
advantage OF the city.
Guarded Coast in War of 1912.
Capt. Jonathan Wheeler, who died II
| Noank Wednesday, organized ant
. commanded the militia company o.
Mystic of 90 men, in the war of 1872
| and guarded the coast between Mystic
and New London. He was very active
in his duties as scout, and received
, praise for his efficient services.
Aug. l0.-Lieut Benoni Sweet, late
OF the Second r. I. regiment, whose
larinS feats on the tight rope made
| him celebrated before the war. has ar
rived in town.
Sold Watch Hill Property.
Capt George Nash has sold hi:
, hotel-the Watch Hill House-and al
the property on Watch Hill Point, saw
the Atlantic House and the govern
ment property. to parties from Hudson
n. Y. for $4,000.
Boat Train Ran Of Track.
About three a m. Wednesday, thu
boat train from New London ran of
, the track between Pascoag and Mont
vile stations. nearly opposite Allyn
: Point. A rail was broken into sever
pieces and to this the accident is at
, tributed DR.. Carleton was first t
arrive on the ground and dressed IL
, all seventeen different persons WOUNDED
! in the head. Drs. Farnsworth, FuIle
; and Tracy also did their utmost Their
was only one fatality and a larg'
> proportion escaped uninjured. Tn
engine and four cars turned complet
: somersault down the bank, bringing
~ n the ehn1I~-- ----r- r. - 49,