davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29

part of the telephone company in not
having installed this same equipment
during the summer months was oc-
casioned by the Kellogg Company be-
ing unable to supply the new board
for Flat River. All of the manufac-
turing companies in the country today
are anywhere from twelve to eight
cen months in arrears Of orders, and
none of the companies will promise
shipment Of equipment, especially
switchboards, under twelve months
from date Of order. The manager of
the company presented for inspection
bill for the instruments now at
Pennington, showing that these in
struments were ordered the 31st day
of March, 1916, to be shipped direct
to Pennington. The telephone COM
pany expects to have made the chang
es of all instruments and have the
new service in good working order by
January 18th.
The outside plant of the telephone
company appears to be in good physi-
cal condition. The cables and poles
are in good shape and amply sufficient
to carry the new common battery
service being installed. There is,
however, considerable interference
with the telephone company's lines on
the part of the municipal lighting
plant. The city has run their electric
lines close to the telephone lines in
many places, and in one instance has
circuit on the same cross-arm with
the Bell toll lines and one toll line of
the Pennington Company. This is be-
tween Pennington and Flat River.
The induction from the electric circuit
renders the toll line of the Farming
ton Company uncommercial. This
electric line, while not owned by the
city outside of the city limits, is sup
piled with current by the city. There
are several places where the city wires
are too close to the telephone wires,
and in one instance the lineman for
the city has nailed a bracket to the
wooden cable terminal of the tele-
phone company and attached on an
electric wire thereto. | did not see
this specific case, but it was admitted
by a member of the City Council and
the telephone manager. The Mayor
asked the manager of the telephone
company to give him list of all the
places where the electric light wires
were interfering or would interfere
with the telephone service, and he
would have correct construction made.
The Mayor took the stand that it was
not fair to ask the telephone company
to render a service to the city, which
it could not give owing to the inter-
ference by electric light wires, owned
by the city, with the telephone wires.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. p. PLAYER,
Chief of Telephone & Telegraph Dept
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
The Municipal
Christmas Tree

Among the successful undertakings
of the year, Pennington may we'll
pride herself on her Municipal Christ
mas Tree Celebration.
The committee of women who as
sumed charge of the work when the
City Council turned it over to the
Women's Organizations, labored inde-
fatigably to make the affair sue
cess, and were well repaid for their
efforts when a packed house greeted
the first number by the orchestra at
the Monarch Saturday night. The
stage was beautifully decorated with
Christmas trees, and the program,
as published last week, was listened
to attentively by the large audience.
On Sunday night, after the Christ
mas exercises at the various churches,
bands of carol-singers went through
different parts of the city, singing
wherever lighted candle was placed
in the window. A neat sum of money
was realized in this way, which will
be used for charity.
The Committee wishes to express
it's thanks to the managers of the
Monarch for the use of heir building,
and for their kindness and courtesy
to those who had charge of the dec
Grating and arranging; to the Schu-
bert students and the singers who add
ed SO much to the pleasure of the ex-
ercises, and to all who helped 50
faithfully to make our third Munich
pal Christmas Tree success.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Boy of 9 Carelessly
Killed by Uncle

Little Steve Petrik, 9 years old, was
shot and instantly killed by his uncle
Desc Kiesses, a foreigner, at Bonne
Terre early Christmas morning, evi-
IDENTIFY the result of drunkenness and
criminal carelessness.
That morning about o'clock
Kiesses, who had been out with a gun
drinking and Celebrating, went to
the home of his brother-in-law
Steve Petrik. He and another man
went into the kitchen and began play
ing with the children. After playing
with them awhile, little Steve, who it
seems was in bed in an adjoining
room, got up and asked his uncle why
he didn't go to Sleep" The space
between the boy and the man was
about ten feet, and Kiesses threw the
gun up to his shoulder and pointing
it at the boy, said, "you go to Sleep"
The gun was discharged and the en-
tire load of shot hit the boy, taking
effect below and to the inner side Of
the right shoulder blade. The shot
made a hole about the size of sill
yer dollar and death resulted almost
instantaneous.
The gun was single barrel ham
merless with safety catch. An in
quest was held over the body of the
unfortunate little lad at 10 o'clock
Christmas morning, and the verdict of
the jury was to the effect that "de-
ceased came to his death by gunshot
wound by Desc Kiesses."
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Christmas Chimes
at Hospital No. A

While Christmas brought much Joy
to all, perhaps, in Farmmgton and
vicinity, we doubt if it meant more
pleasure to anyone than il did to the
unfortunate patients in State Hospital
No. 4, to the number of about 700.
The splendid dinner that was served
in that institution last Monday noon
was the principal thing chat brought
much pleasure and appreciation to all
those who are there confined, as we'll
as to the hundred and more attendants.
Among the good things that were
served at that dinner was chicken and
dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry
sauce, celery and mince pie. Every
thing was most temptingly served, and
the repast brought feeling of true
thanksgiving to the hearts of many
of the diners. 1t was one of the best
and most substantial meals that has
ever been served in that institution,
for which Superintendent G. E.
Serutchfeld is entitled to much Gre
dit.
AS an indication of the amount of
provisions necessary to serve such a
meal to the $50 people who that day
had dinner there, there was used there
that day 500 pounds of chicken, six
bushels of potatoes, two barrels mince
meat and one barrel of cranberries.
Supper that day was also noteworthy
for its sumptuousness, after which
each inmate was presented with a
quantity of good mixed candy, an
orange and two apples.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Telephone Matter
to Present Date

The following report on the condi-
ton of the Pennington Telephone
System, which was received the first
Of the week, from Geo. P. Player, by
Mayor E. j. Mckinney, indicates quite
dearly the present condition OF the
telephone controversy that has been
in progress here lately. This report
was made after a complete and
thorough examination into the con-
ditions here that brought about the
controversy, and The Times publishes
it in order that each and every one
who may have interested themselves
in this matter may be clearly under
stood, as we believe this report is alb
solutely fair to all parties.
In connection with this report, we
will here state that the work of in
stalling the new telephones is now
under way, and this work will
probably be completed before the
18th of January, which was the
date given to the inspector for the
completion of this work. The Times
also wishes to state, before closing
this matter, that the management of
this paper is abundantly pleased with
the happy termination of this matter,
and will here state that we have done
nothing in this matter that we would
not do again under like circumstances.
We have no apologies to make to any
one for the part this paper took in this
controversy, but are rather inclined to
feeling of pride for rendering the
public more or less service in this mat
ter.
The following is the report of the
Chief of Telephone and Telegraph
Departments of the State Public Util-
tiles Commission:
jefferson City, Mo-, Dec. Il, 1916.
Public Service Commission,
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Splendid Hostelry

The Times editor and family spent
Christmas in st. Louis, where three
very enjoyable days were spent. The
extent of such enjoyment was large
ly due, we are persuaded, to our good
fortune in selecting a hotel, where it
seems to be positive pleasure to the
management to extend to guests ev-
cry courtesy, convenience and accom-
mediation possible to add to the sat
isfaction of guests. We refer to the
Warwick Hotel, 18th and Locust
streets.
There may be other hotels in st.
Louis that are just as good and me-
dunn priced as is the Warwick, but
The Times editor is frank to admit
that he has never found them. Man
ager Buchanan is never too preoccu-
pied or engaged to give his guests
first consideration. In fact, "first at
tention to guests" appears to be the
handspring on which his entire corps
of most competent assistants work.
Ones wants are as nearly anticipated
here as is possible at any large hotel.
We are glad to recommend to all the
Warwick Hotel when they are in st.
Louis and may desire quiet, elegant
quarters, with the very best of SER
vice-and without that constantly
beckoning hand for "tip" for some
real or fancied service. Anyone who
can appreciate good treatment will
enjoy stopping at the Warwick.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Faithful Service

The week before Christmas was a
blizzardy one, with its snow, biting
wind and zero weather, and while Old
Santa with his reindeer and sledge
would have laughed at these trif1es,
since he has exchanged his sledge for
Uncle Sans parcel post, things got
blocked and all jammed up. Uncle
Sans postal clerks were hard press
ed to handle the tons of packages Old
Santa had unloaded on them, but
judging from what we observed at the
Post Office in Pennington, these same
clerks are the most faithful and good
natured boys in the world. To add to
the latter's discomfort, on Thursday
while old boreas was bowling around
the vicinity of zero, and the plumb
ers were putting in an additional ra-
diator to make the office more COM
Portable, the hot water pipe burst and
threw the whole furnace heating ap-
paratus out of order, and it took two
days to get the necessary pipes from
the city to start things up again. But
this didn't stop the Post Office clerks
from the strenuous work of sorting
and distributing the mail. What
warmth coal oil stoves could afford
was provided, but it wasn't good old
summer time" in the Office. All day
and much of the night Postmaster
]. B. Smith and his clerks-Robert L.
Clay, M. S. Richards and Randall Hol-
land-worked away and served the
thronging patrons. 1t was trying
time that was calculated to tax ones
nerves and temper, yet not once did
they give way, but good-natured,
courteous and smiling, met every de-
mand. Boys, we are constrained to
compliment you and sing your praise.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Greeting

AS this is the last number Of The Times for 1885, and the
dawn of 1917 is peepng the hills of Tme wish for it's
readers Happy New Year. The present management of this
paper has been your midst but short twelve months The
days have been full of earnest labor you paper well
worth your supporn which believe have succeeded
and while dcouagemens have been encountered these have
been than counerbaanced by the
generously accorded To say that appreciate this
but mildly expresses emotions We have largely enjoyed
stay in your midst and labor among you We have
learned to love the people of Pennington and St. Francois
county for have known BETTER and do believe
there is a better earth.
1t is pleasure it shall be endeavor continue
to labor with you for the material advancement and upbud
ing of little city and county, and the development of
their Any enterprise that contribute to this
end shall be purpose to foster and help along honest
effort and with every disposal We
will need your help in this and confident that you will
tend that help freely cheerfuy and shall strive with all
might to give you Of the best home papers in the
State Indeed satisfied that Pennington
of the best county pubshed-The Times and The
Newsbut it shall be endeavor make each weekly
Der of The Times better than the preceding it,
So, with the seasons greeting of Happy New Year. that
it shall be full of PROMISE and plenty each all
you, we hail its coming with confidence
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Injunction Against
Barrel Houses

Last Saturday at Ste. Genevieve
the court entered temporary injunc-
tion against the barrel houses Of
Highley & Byington, near Pennington
Junction, in Ste. Genevieve county,
which had become an intolerable
nuisance in its vicinity and to the peo-
pie living along the roads leading
therefrom, even to Pennington. Steps
were taken by the Mems Gospel Team
which resulted in Judge Huck issuing
temporary injunction enjoining both
of them till the further order of the
court. The barrel house Of Wint
jackson, near Desloge, was, if any
thing, even a worse nuisance to the
people in its vicinity.
No efforts semeed available to get
rid of it, till the Gospel Team took
up the matter about six weeks ago.
Having become convinced that these
pests could be put out of business, the
Gospel Team began by sending a
committee to tell them if they did not
quit of their own account the Team
would close them up by law. The
answer of the joints seemed to regard
these admonitions as jokes. But they
have now learned that the advice of
the Gospel Team is worth needing.
The manner in which the work of
the Team was done has been that
which becomes the true methods of
Christianity. 1t treated the owners
as though they were sinners-that
we all are sinners, some of us more
seriously entangled in sin than others
and while the League shows its
force against those who are dragging
their fellows down, and, when neces-
sary for the good of the community,
it holds out its hands to those deep
est dyed in sin and tells the story of
the great Master who gave his own
life to save just such as they are.
Yet its members are all in earnest
and claim only to be sinners saved by
the grace of the great Father of us
all. They see the need of this saw
ing grace day by day, for they real
ize that the fight against sin is a
daily battle in which that saving grace
adds to success, valor and charity
more and more.
The manner of the Leagues efforts
with the barrel house keepers, is but
the spirit of the Gospel Team, and
what it has done is an earnest of the
things it hopes to do through the
force of the same grace which has ac-
complished its mite in the plan to ov-
ercome evil with good. Everyone is
invited to become a member of the
team. 1t needs the help of everyone,
and everyone who joins it honors
both himself and the Team, and so
takes pride in it. 1t seeks its own
good by accomplishing good for
others. G.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
jefferson City, Mo.

jefferson City, Mo.
Gentlemen:-As per the instructions
of the Commission | have fnvestigat-
/ ed the complaint of the people of
Pennington VS.. The Pennington Tel
ephone Company, alleging unsatis-
factory and inadequate telephone SER
vice. This was verbal complaint to
Commissioner Bean while he was in
Pennington upon formal matter be-
fore the Commission.
In talking with the Mayor, City
Attorney and other representative
citizens Of Pennington, | found that
they were wholly dissatisfied with the
telephone service rendered, on ac-
count of slow service, bad connections
and poor maintenance condition of
telephone instruments, especially on
desk telephones. 1t appeared that
when a connection was made between
two telephones that it was almost i'm
possible to attract the attention of the
operaor in order to secure another
connection, for the reason that the
switchboard apparatus was in very
poor working order. With approx
mately 450 telephones in Pennington
it would appear that the telephone
company should do what is necessary
to give efficient telephone service.
y After going over the matter at con-
siderable length with the various cit
liens, | visited the office of the tele-
phone company and found that the
company had moved common bat
terry switchboard from Flat River ov-
er to Pennington, and are having the
board installed by competent in
staller from the Kellogg Switchboard
Company's factory at Chicago. The
board is a 600-line North Electric
manufacture, is in good mechanical
condition and is amply adequate for
the needs of Pennington. This board
had been in use at Flat River and was
replaced by a new board of 200 lines
more capacity. / examined all parts
of the board and found that the ply
sical condition of the mechanical parts
was such as would render adequate
service. In addition to the board be-
ing installed, the company had in their
storeroom new desk and wall type tel
ephone instruments of Western Elec-
trio manufacture which would be in
stalled in place Of the old instru-
ments now being used.
l then called a meeting between the
manager of the telephone company,
the Mayor, a member of the City
Council and newspaper representa-
tive, all of whom accompanied me to
the telephone office and examined the
apparatus being installed and the
equipment which would replace the
present equipment. l explained to
them that the new equipment to be in
stalled would be adequate for their
needs, and that the switchboard, al
though not new, would give just as
good service as new board. All con-
cerned seemed very we'll satisfied with
the efforts of the telephone company,
and also appreciated having the mat
ter explained to them.
l might state that the delay on the
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Christmas Carols
and Entertainment

Saturday night there was a Christ
mas celebration at the Monarch which
reflected much credit on all who took
part in it. The Schubert Student Or
chestra and the carols of large
group of singers show that Farming
ton has a unusually talented aggre-
cation of musicians The orchestra
gave the first number, which was
heartily encored.f Then the Carol
Singers gave their sweet Christmas
songs, and Mr.. Clyde Akers made a
short but delightful and appropriate
address, after which Mrs. Frank s.
Weber read in a most beautiful and
graphic manner Van Dykes "The
First Christmas Tree" Then more
music and the audience dispersed
greatly pleased with the entertain
ment. The beautiful stage reflected
much credit to the decorators, the
Christmas trees glistening in their
silver and white glory.
Following are the members of the
Schubers Student Orchestra:
Violins: Ila Abshier, Barbara Caro-
line Tullock, Harriette Pease, Tom
Miles, Florence Radle, Dorothy Rick
US, Rodney Wulfert, Elmo Black, Ma,
bel Croke, Minnie Goldstein, Theo-
dore Guessing, Villa Ware, Dee Allen
Mckinney, Marion Hoy, Zella Crack
ell, E. J. Mckinney, Jr., Harry Will
liams; Flute: Leila Davis; Saxophone
and Double Bass, Mr.. Edward C.
Barroll; Clarinet, Chas. Mccarthy;
Comets, VIM. Cover and Mayfield
Spence; Baritone, Leslie Evans; Cello,
Carroll Phillips; Bass Tuba, Ted
Graves; Piano, Rachel Murrill.
The choral singers from the Pres
byterian and Southern Methodist
Churches made the round of the town
on Christmas Eve, giving much
pleasure to those who heard them.
They took up collection for charity
work this winter, which amounted to
about $22. 1t had originally been
planned to have four bands Of sing
ers, but only two responded.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
DELIGHTFUL ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment at the High
School Auditorium last Thursday
evening, under the direction of Mrs.
Eisenberg-Beard and Miss May Cover,
was most delightful affair, the only
drawback being the intensely disa-
greeable weather, which kept num-
bers away. A nice audience, howev-
er, was present, and they were well
repaid for Drawing the elements.
Anything that bears the stamp of
Mrs. Eisenberg- Beard and Miss May
Cover is worth while.
James Robinson, who has been quite
i'll with pneumonia, is recovering.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29
Headed This Way

The following splendid list of new
and renewal subscriptions have been
received the past week, which will help
to start the New Year most happily
for The Times:
New Subscriptions-C. A. Sigman
of st. Louis, E. ]. Jennings of San
Diego, Calf, Mrs. ]. B. Broughton of
Marston, Mo-, Baker Lead Co. of Bos-
ton, Mass, John Graham of Liberty
vile, Chas. Wilson of Esther, John B.
Gale of Flat River, J. G. Russell of
Sikeston, Solon Hough and Mrs. Jen-
ME Taylor of Pennington, Fred MUIR
phy of Route s, Pennington.
Renewals-Felix Bourgeois, Miss
Carrie Tullock and Leroy Matkin of
Bismarck, w. c. Ashburn, Robert
Norman and P. A. Benham of Bonne
Terre, DIR. A. F. Eugas of Pennington,
Lott Griffin of Route /, and Jacob
Berner of Route 5, Pennington, C.
w. Dickey of Knob Lick, j. B. Dimes
Of Fredericktown, J. A. Ballard of
Marion, ILL.,, Walter Mcfarland of Ell
wins, c. A. Eaton of Cape Girardeau,
Baker Lead Company of lockwood,
DR.. l. B. Perkins of Denver, Colo,
Sam ]. McMinn of Buchanan, Mo-,
Harry Sutton, Route Pennington,
and George Halter of Pennington.
Harry Sutton, Route 6 Pennington,
George Halter, Pennington.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29

Leroy Matkin of Bismarck, one of
our best and most substantial citizens,
was in Pennington Thursday to in
terview the tax collector and help out
the county revenue. The Times ack-
nowledges with thanks a friendly call
of Mr.. Matkin, who advanced his sub
scription another year.
The Farmington times., 1916-12-29

A. 0. Nichols, who is interested in
mining properties at Miami, came
home for the Christmas holidays.
The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1916-04-04
THIS WEEKS BIG EVENT
40 People tn Take Part in Largest
Dramatic undertaking. in Lancaster.

Rchcdrsals for Fl" have been go
ing on actively for week or NOR"
and Mr. Geo +. shaw Of Chicago.
who is directing tr PLAY for thu
Mamie Fraser society OF the Prcsby-
terian church, says that he is pleased
with Lancaster talent and looks for
one of his best productions. Mr.
Shaw has been staging "Fi-Fr' in tho
state since September and wherever
it has been shown, audiences hav"
been charmed with the humorous
lines, catchy musical numbers spec
tacuIar effects and gorgeous cos
tunes
Next Friday night should be 81 gala
might in Lancaster, for it is expected
that every one in town will t.. at
The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1916-04-04
THERE'S \ REASON

We have been told by represen-
tative of a certain dry goods firm in
Lancaster that the business done by
that firm Field Day was not as good
as the Saturday trade, that big days
did not mean big business, while a
dry goods concern tells us that his
trade was better Field Day than ever
before since he has been in business,
The explanation is obvious: the farm
or concern is non-advertiser, while
the latter in every issue of this paper
tells the people of Lancaster county
what he has to sell. Trade goes to
him who makes known what he has
to sell. Few people will take the
trouble to seek out the firm that
makes no effort to keep them in
formed. Rivalry in any business is
too keen to permit of ultra-conserva-
tism.
Advertising is the life of trade no
less than is competition. and the con-
corn that succeeds is the one that
Keeps overlastingly at it, using the
newspapers freely in an effort to
reach the people. That store who's"
Field Day trade was slow had better
take heed for other concerns are
ION the job" and they are receiving
the just rewards of money we'll in
vested in newspaper space