davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
h. |. HEALO OF NORR|OGEWOCK IS RE-
ELECTED MASTER Of POMONA
Fifth Degree Grangers Closed Annual Session in
Skowhegan---Business and Programs

A beautiful winter morning Tues
day greeted the patrons within the
jurisdiction of the Somerset Pomona
as they gathered at the hall of Show
hegan Grange to hold the 36th annual
session of that body of our respected
citizens of Somerset County. The
Masters gayel fell at eleven o'clock
a. m Tuesday with the following Of
ficers occupying their respective
chairs: Master, H. l.. Heald; over
seer, F. A. Dinsmore; lecturer, Kate
B. Ellis; steward, A. H. Ellis; assist
ant steward pro TEN, F. f. Tuscan;
chaplain, Lizzie Watson; treasurer
S. H. Bradbury; secretary S. f. EN-
erson; gate keeper, Alfred Watson;
Pomona, Mrs. H. L. Heald; Ceres
pro TEN, Mrs. X A. Withee; Flora.
Mrs. S. F. Emerson; lady assistant
steward pro TEN, Mrs. Blaine Emer-
son; committee on applications, p. c..
White, S. F. Emerson, w. B. Whit
tier.
The reports of subordinate Oranges
were called for and Skowhegan, Som
erset, Victor, Anson, Kennebec VAL
ley, East Madison, Canaan, Athens,
and Fairview were duly reported,
showing that the Grange in Somer-
set County on THE even tenor of it's
way as in former years, holding
firmly to the work it was organized
to accomplish. L, C. Jewett and
w. D. Bradbury were appointed to
audit the treasurer's and secretary's
books and reported later that the
same were found correct. These Of
ficers then submitted their respective
reports for the year ending Dec. 81,
1915.
The Secretarys report for 1915
shows that the Pomona held 13
meetings as follows: Skowhegan,
Madison, Solon, Norridgewock, Mer-
GER, Fairfield, East Madison, Athens,
Canaan, Cornville, West New Port
land, Starks and North Anson. Some
of the meetings were largely attend
Continued on Page Four)
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
BANNER ATTRACTION At.
B|JOU THEATER
The Birth of Nation Jan. -, y
and -

The Birth of Nation is the most
remarkable attraction of recent years
in Americas stage annals 1t uses
$4,000 people to tell its story and
5000 horses add their quota to its
bigness The epic links history and
romance in way never attempted be-
fore. Its basic scenes are founded
IN some of the most stirring events in
the nations development and these
are contracted with human appeals
and family interests which are after
all the essentials of true drama. Great
battles of the Civil War are fought
before your eyes. Lee surrenders to
Grant al Appomatox Lincoln is as
sassinated as actually as the secene
took place fifty years ago in Ford 5
theater. Washing The South before
and after the war is pictured in its
most interesting phases Wild rides
OF the klansmen lend a dash and
spirit TO the performances All re-
mains exactly as ii was given origin
ally in New York City and Boston
when this marvellous picture astound-
ed all and created more comment
than all the plays that have been seen
in a decade
1t is a picture in a life time: one
that will in ali probability never be
duplicated and for that reason should
be viewed by every man woman and
child in this city Once seen it is
never to be forgotten and since the
Bijou theater will undoubtedly be
crowded daily during its engagement
Of this remarkable spectacle which
commences Thursday. Jan. - for a
period OF three days. il would be wise
for all 10 engage seats ar the earliest
possible moment
There will be two performances
daily, the matinees starting promptly
al o'clock. while the the evening
sessions will start at O'Clock The
patrons are requested 70 reach the
theater IN plenty of season TO be seat
I'd before the opening OF the mighty
production
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
Tomorrow Evening

A rare chance to see the work of
two dramatic artists of high ability
will be given to Skowhegan tomorrow
(Friday) evening when the Pierces
will present an extensive program at
the Opera House They have a
repertoire of plays in which Maude
Adams, William Hodge, and others
have starred scenes from the pro-
ductions of Shakespeare, Hugo and
Dickens; presentations with use of
wigs and make-up) of famous men
and women; character studies in cos
tune; selections from the works of
standard authors. and many other
varied features. Reserved seats for
the entertainment may be obtained at
Sampson & Avore's or at the Opera
House box office before the perfor-
nance.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
STUDENTS IN NEW
HOME
Impressive Dedicatory
Services
First school Sessions in RemodeIed
Structure Began Monday

The students Of the High School
and Grades and gathered Monday
morning for their first session in the
newly remodeled school building On
the Island This event followed the
dedicatory exercises which were con-
Quoted Saturday evening in the pres
ence of large company Of towns
people. The impressive exercises
were held in the Assembly Hall of the
building and We're presided over by
L. ". Gerrish. superintendent Of
schools. The program was carried
out practically as announced last
Weeh. Rev George Merriam Offering
the dedicatory prayer and the High
School Orchestra furnishing the mu-
sic features. Hon. S W Gould
chairman Of the building committee,
presented the structure TO the town
in well worded address A happy
feature Of the same was his statement
that the addition had been built and
the old part renovated within the ap-
preparation of the 100000 made by
town. Clyde H Smith. chairman Of
the Board of Selectmen received the
structure for the town in a very
courteous manner. expressing his
pleasure in being chosen to make the
acceptance as we'll as his approval of
the construction of the building In
the absence of Dr. ". S. Stinchfeld,
". H Hawes. Esq spoke for the
School Board appreciation and John
W. Fogler. d member of the building
committee also remarked briefly upon
regard for property being as much a
part of education as that furnished by
the text books ] T Thibodeau. the
third member of the building commit
tee was present and spoke for a short
time in the French language The
final speaker Of the evening was Hon.
Payson Smith. State superintendent
of Schools. whose address was really
divided into three parts. one for the
students. another for the teachers and
the last for the people The message
for each group was full of earnest
advice both helpful and timely A
representative of the Reporter had a
brief interview with this gentleman
after the close of the exercises and
upon this occasion Mr.. Smith reiter-
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
MOTION OvERRULED
By LAW COURT
Case of Bouchard VS..
Fire Insurance Co.
4 Rescript Has Been Returned. De-
fendant Company Wanted New
Trial

According to a rescript from the
Law Court the motion for a new trial
has been overruled in the case of Be-
Ionic Bouchard VS. the Dirigo Mutual
Fire Insurance Co. The case origi-
nally arose over the burning of Mr..
Bouchard's building in 1912, the fire
having ignited from a gasoline engine
which was used in threshing grain in
side the barn. The case was first
non-suited and then was taken to the
law court on exceptions. The eXcep-
tions were there sustained and new
trial was granted. The case was ac-
cordingly tried at the April term of
court in 1915 at which time a verdict
was returned by the Jury in Mr.
Bouchard's favor for the sum of
$1534.63. A motion was filed to set
the case aside and consequently it
was again before the law court on the
defendants general motion for new
trial
The rescript has been returned as
follows:
Belonie Bouchard VS. Dirigo Mutual
Fire Insurance Co. Rescript, Hanson
J.
Action on a fire insurance policy
The jury returned verdict for the
plaintiff in the sum of $1534.63, and
the case is before the court on the de-
fendants general motion for a new
trial
Held, l. The question of whether
or not there was a custom to thresh
grain by the use of a gasoline engine
for motive power, and its relation to
the case if there was such a custom
with all other issues of fact were for
the jury.
2. Gross negligence is the synonym
for wiful and wanton injury,-the in
territorial failure to perform a mani
fest duty.
3. How much care will, in a given
case, relieve a party from the imputa-
ton of gross neglect. or what omis-
sion will amount to the charge, is ne
cessarily a question of fact, depend
ing upon great variety of circum-
stances which the law cannot exactly
define. 1t was for the jury to decide
the question whether gross negligence
was, or was not, proved in this case
4. We are not authorized to say
that using a gasoline engine in barn
for threshing grain. as in this case, is
gross negligence as matter of law
The case was tried by able counsel
and in the absence of exceptions we
must assume that the charge of the
presiding justice correctly stated the
law, as we'll as the issue. We are
not convinced that the jury erred.
Motion overruled.
Received Jan. 6, 1916.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
FIRST BUILDING Of WOMAN'S REFORM
AT0RY, COTTAGE FOR INMATES
Trustees Hold Conference in Skowhegan---Archi-
tect Not Yet Decided Thinking Room

70 Clifford ernv.a,p of Portland
- f.,aeg or. af tsflooyall \trs
fI.r.. II rl,s..s of p.r 1I.rnor
and 4rs : II Ia,erenes of ruh,c
roer5bars nf frf Va-ps,.s Beforr,-
tor, Communications u..r, +, slou.toear
Tuesday. 5a conference With clvde u
smith nresfde.f If The Roard at
t4otel cobn,, J. p.g1.,. of Am.
p,Ists ~ tho tesd ~ tho 1f.fno Sat.
Board af rI..,rf,5,s ~. ,.rae,.,, -. ,.
mort s5.b i,for,,.,jor .s to Do,,id
giye ~. eorntoittao slo,, tho lime of
work win which he is connected and
t,.o arcbitaots l. :, r,ss,,, og Dor,
l.nd md u. r p,nl,or ~ ,,,,,,,s,o
,,ero .leo :, a,tand.nco Tho ,o,,,
miseion while here was lsrgalv oc-
c1lnied in the formation Of mans for
future hnildinqs ctr and the fret
structure tn be bniIt will he ono of
the cottages for the inmates at site
one eighth of a mile hack from the
highway. This will be a two story
brick building. 125x40 feet. On the
first floor there will be q kitchen
laundry dining room library school-
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
Strike Threatened

FAIRFIELD Jan. IA strike was
threatened to 90 into action Monday
morning in the spinning department
Of the Kennebec mill Of the American
Woolen Co. According to informa-
ton received from the mill office the
spinners did not thoroughly under
stand the new basis upon which the
wages had been placed. The mill
closed Saturday noon for the half
holiday as usual. and it is understood
that the spinners got together Satur-
day afternoon and talked the matter
over. They went 10 work Monday
morning and at noon went TO the Of
flee where matters we're discussed
with the officials At that time some
common agreement was decided upon
and the work went on Monday af-
ternoon as usual
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
CAMPS Arr WIPED
OUT bYF|RE
Structures anContents
Totally Deroyed
IIoNel asd Small W. Shop Saved.
the Conflagration wing Started
While Owner Was yay

JACKMAN, Januar! Frank Wy
man, who has a caml ;ated between
Wood Stream and L. nville Settle
ment on Wood Pond d the misfor-
tune of having his wo dwelling
camps and all of the ontents burn
ed to the ground on turday night.
He succeeded in savi. he hovel and
small workshop. 4 he time the
fire ignited Mrs. Wyr1 had gone to
the woods with her sband where
he was cutting cord Nd. AS there
are no near neighbors 10 couple were
obliged to drive to la,kman for
supply of groceries az. bedding be-
fore spending the nigt' in the work
shop The loss is to,a and there is
no insurance.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
EATON SCHOOL HOUSE
MAY Be EXCHANGED
NOrridgewock People Are Interested
In Better School Facilities and May
Make Change

NORRIDGEWOCK, Jan. 12-State
Superintendent of Schools Payson
Smith was in town today to meet the
town committee and investigate the
plan of the new school building. The
committee have in mind exchanging
the famous Eaton High School struc-
ture for the Grange Hail. the latter
to be fitted for an up-to-date school
building to accommodate all the town
grades. The State Superintendent
approved Of the plan heartily and
thought it an excellent one and of
great advantage to the town. If the
exchange should be made the Eaton
building will probably become the
Changers headquarters for the meet
ings and the Norridgewock public
hall would be kept for use OF the
townspeople for their various enter
tainments. etc.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
.B|DD|E SH(W OPEN
Ed YESTERDAY
Very SuperiolBirds Are
Being Exhibited
Henry Hunt0n of Oaland is Making
the Awards TOda! Some Of the
Exhibitors

Tie poultry show the Somerset
Poultry and Pet Stk Association
opened auspiciously esterday after
noon in Heselton HI. About one
hundred and seyentHve birds were
OH exhibit towards ght. and while
this number is hardlMp to the usual
number, the quality the poultry is
very superior Amg the largest
exhibitors are F. I league with
White and Partrge Plymouth
Rocks, Mrs Arthur lndell from the
Fox Farm with sille comb r. l.
Reds and M A Danelith White Wy
andottes. Other exh tors are Floyd
G. Nye, Black Opinions; c. j. Alb
hey. Single Comb, IL. Reds; John
Corson, Single ComtR. l. Reds; c..
c. Goodwin, r. |. dis and White
Plymouth Rocks; SR. Bannon of
Fairfield, Single Coz r. /. Reds;
Mrs. James Danvillt Partridge Ply
mouth Rocks; Doray Nye, Black
Cochins; J. E. Jewe No. Vassal-
boro, Rose Comb Abnas; John H.
Lancaster, White pingtons and
Barred Plymouth Ros; Mrs. Albert
Blair, Columbia W.ndottes and
Scott Robinson, Bed Plymouth
Rocks. One reason signed for the
showing not being lser is because
so many fowls of thLeghorn breed
have had their coml frost bitten,
this mishap barring m from being
entered on the exhilon list. There
was not a large nuer of eggs in
evidence, but some ;cellent speci-
mems We're recogniz in the col
lection. Henry Hum of Oakland
is in town today mag the awards
and more details ohis procedure
will be published in subsequent is
Sue
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
QUADRUPLE WEDDING CERE.
MONY
Marriage Knot Ii Tied and Several
Pairs of Hearts are Made Happy

ST. Mary's Catholic Church VAS the
mony Monday morning when Nuptial
Mass was said by Fr. Desjard unit
ing four couples in wedloch The
contracting parties were H. uond
Gingrow OF Gar,/aer and NJ tlnn
Mccarthy who has lately b. en-
ploycd there; John Crocker % Nice
GaEne both OF Skow hegan. Vthaci
Sabol of Anson and MORN r. tst of
Skow hegan and Andrew Ioi, 60 aud
Florence Lewis both OF ~ began
The ceremony occurred at IA. and
quite n large gathering OF n lds and
relatives wefo sScmbled Nitness
the unusual seHIer
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
JANUARY TERM Of
PROBATE COURT
Samuel Harding Will
Case Revived
Considerable Business Transacted at
Regular Sessions Tuesday and Yes.
terday

Again has the Samuel r. Harding
will case been somewhat revived in
the Probate Court of this county as
yesterday there was a hearing before
Judge c. o. Small on complaint al
feging that Samuel D. knights of
Oakland had personal property be-
longing to the estate which he had
not delivered it seems according to
the will of Mr.. Harding. Mr.. Knights
was put upon oath and examined in
relation to the same but the matter
was continued until the next Probate
Court in order to allow him to bring
IN certain books of account John
H. Stone of Boston and l.. L. Walton
of Skowhegan appeared for the ex-
ecutor and Edward F. Merrill for Mr..
Knights.
A very unusual document present.
ed was the will of Lovina (Newton)
Mckenney of Jackman. This will
was made in Sherbrook, Province of
Quebec, Canada, before Notary and
under the Canadian law, a will is a
matter of record somewhat similar to
the recording of deeds in the State
of Maine. Following Mrs. McKen-
ney's death or Dame McKenney as
the Canadian document desgnates
her title, the matter came up in the
Superior Court at Sherbrook. where
it was approved and now a copy of
the document has been sent here for
Probate. Mrs. McKenney bequeath-
ed to her daughter, Mabel McKenney
the sum of $500 provided for tomb
stone and left 500 to the cemetery
association at Jackman. The re-
mainder of her estate after all just
bills are paid is to go in equal shares
to her other ten children. Henry p.
and Phylander McKenney both of
Jackman were named as the execu-
tors.
Several other Wills were presented
for Probate among these being the
late Orlando Bowman's of Fairfield.
His property both real and personal
is estimated as amounting to around
$4500. The personal property is left
to Miss May L. Bowman, formerly a
stenographer in Skowhegan and the
real estate is divided between Miss
Bowman and Lizzie C. Joy of Fair
field. Miss Bowman is named as ex-
ecutor. Henry Young of Detroit left
an estate valued at $2400. His widow
Jennie Young is mentioned in his will
as executor, this document having
also been presented for Probate
Mrs. Nora Hobbs of Canton was ap-
pointed testatrix of her mothers es-
tate that of the late Mrs. Caroline r
Pheland of Hartland, this property
being estimated at $3.50. Much other
business was transacted more details
of which will be published in a sub
sequent issue.
Several attorneys from out Of town
were present among those noted be-
ing Judge J. F. Holman of Athens.
Judge o. II. Drake of Pittsfield John
H. Stone of Boston and George
Weeks of Fairfield.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
{. c. BUTLER APPOINTED
PROBATION OFFICER
Member of Local Law Firm Did Not
Seek Appointment to This Office

At meeting of the Governor and
Council on Friday last Ernest c. But
Ter, a member of the law firm of But
Ter & Butler of Skowhegan, was ap-
pointed probation officer for Somer-
set County. The duties connected
with the appointment will deal large
ly with juvenile cases. Mr.. Butler
did not seek the nomination but is in
every way most capably fitted to
serve the county in this new official
role.
During the day Governor Curtis
also made a nomination of special
interest in this section, H. H. Haines
of Madison being nominated to fill
the vacancy on the Board of Trustees
of Juvenile Institutions.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
High Water Mark for Potatoes

Starting Monday at one dollar po-
tatoes have had an exciting week.
One dollar and ten cents was the
price Tuesday and this figure really
expressed the general market quota
ton. yesterday, although a few fancy
lots brought 20, the highest price
ever paid at this season. So far as
Somerset county Is concerned Prob
ably sl20 is the record for any sea
son. except for few weeks during
planting In 1912 AZ that time 81 20
VAS paid for good table stock but the
fact that they were wanted FOR seed
~as the cause of this unusual figure
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
M0nroe-Steward

Edward James Monroe OF Hayer-
hill. Mass. and Miss Maude Stew ard
of Skowhegan were married at noon
Monday. Rev. George Merriam OF the
Bethany Baptist Church officiating al
the parsonage on Madison Ave. The
double ring service was used and the
couple were unaeeompanied They
left Tuesday for Jay. where they will
reside for the present. Tho groom
10 by occupation a stone polisher and
the bride |. well known To many ac-
aaaintances Ia this section Her
parents were the late Mr. aud Mrs
William steward
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
PORTIONS OF ARM LIT.
ERALLY COOKED
Larone Man Slips and Plunges Arm
into IA Bucket of Boiling Water

LARONE Jan la-Ed Record was
badly burned today when he slipped
on the ice and plunged his arm into
a bucket of boiling water Il was
some time before the clothing could
DE removed and when il vas The skin
IN places eame with II. As portions ot
ne arm was literally cooked
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13
ARE
APPREC|AT|VE
Enthusiastic Meeting at
the Opera House
SkOwhegan Trustee of W0man's Re-
fOrmatOry Given a Hearty Greeting

The news of the favorable action
of the Governor and council with re
gard to the. Womans Reformatory
was telephoned here from Augusta
during Friday afternoon Immediate
ly on knowing that the matter had
been finally settled in favor of Skow-
hegan there was spontaneous call
for some form of public expression
with regard to it. This finally took
shape in a gathering of something
like 100 citizens at the Municipal
building to welcome home our first
selectman, Mr. Clyde H. Smith, who
was also chairman of the Maine Wo-
mems Reformatory Commission. Mr.
Smith arrived on the $50 train and
was of course thoroughly surprised
and no doubt gratified to find so many
of his friends on hand to greet him.
After the purpose of the gathering
had been stated Mr. Smith was asked
to tell something of the contest which
had been going on between SkOwhe-
gan and various other cities and
towns of Maine for the location of the
reformatory. Mr.. Smith stated he
had favored the Skowhegan site, not
alone because it was his own town
but for a sincere belief which had
never wayered that this situation was
superior to any of the others propos-
ed. He expressed his gratitude for
the support he had received during
negotiations as follows
During the evening nearly one
year ago, following the day of one
of the most strenuous political
contests in the history of Skow-
hegan, we came together on
similar occasion and it loads my
heart with pleasure that words
fail to measure. to see the same
old friends here tonight and it
fills my thoughts with emotion
that finds no expression in speech
to observe in your midst, others
and new friends During the
contest of the past three months
in obtaining the Woman's Re
formatory for our town not one
thought has found a place in my
mind that would tolerate a desire
Skowhegan, first, last all the
time While there has been
nothing especial for you to do to
assist knowledge of the fact that
each and all were ready and wait
ing for an opportunity. gave me
strength and courage for any
undertaking.
Friends, this is one of the times
in my life when | cannot speak.
but your expressions of kindness
and loyalty here this evening
more than pays for every effort
And the one desire of my heart is
that in the future harmony will
be our slogan and the welfare of
Skowhegan our banner
Skowhegan should particularly
note that during the critical stage Of
affairs al the final session of the
Governor and his council that il was
DR.. o " simmons of Kingheld who
moved 10 finally approve the Skow-
hegan site This motion was second
ed by Councillor Silas r Lawry Of
Fairfield and was Immediately given
passage the vote standing to .
Those voting in favor with Council
ors Simmons and lawry. were Mes
srs Hudson of Guilford and Burnham
OF Mulbf.dec The two councillors op-
posing errc Messrs sleeper OF Ber-
wick and Cunnineham of Ellsworth
The ot. councillor John q Scaies
OF Wrs.gsook Is reported as uu' be
ing prsssat when The vote ~4s taken
H.. 81
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13

DR. o. A Menees, who for several
years has been located 10 Athens. left
this morning for Boston and after a
brief stay in thai eity Will continue
his journey to- [laryille H., where
he has a position "a, physician at the
Soldiers Home MANY friends in
this section regfA lis t5oarture but
Will wish him koss his new
undertakings
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13

The Bethany Choir enjoyed their
monthly social last week at the home
of Mrs. Ethel Whittier Amcs. the
bethany orgahist After rehear-
sal games were enjoycd and chafing
dish rsfreahmen,s wcrv SERVED hy
the hostess
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-01-13

Mas Doroth Iay left hi morning
for a visit In b staR