New Britain herald., 1917-04-18

Home Guard, and some give credence +o the belief that his factory was h,,rned because of his activities m that direction All sorts of theofies have heen advanced, but the authorl- ties admit they are without a slhsie tangible clue and they have pttle nope of solving the mystery.
 The Hills factory was started over seventy years ago by Hiram alltS' grandfather of the present owner. ine business originally began with the making of names, the founder or which made a fortune selling equip ment for army mules during the CIVIL war. The advent of the auto stopped the demand for names and members of tho Hills family began manufactur- ing of hardware specialties. Garden E tools and other small implements were made in the plant, practically the en- tire output being taken by the F. w.. Woolworth five and ten cent stores The concern has huge orders on US books which will probably have to De cancelled because of the destruct1on of the plant.
 MT. Hills has shown himself to be a rnanufa cturer of considerable ability and he has been making 8 big prone since the business was turned over to him. His loss through suspension or operations for the several months, which will be required to build ana equip the new factory will be heavy.
 Praise has been heard on all sides concerning the work of the firemen while the. blaze was in progress. The fire at tho main plant of the Hills fac tory had secured too big start to make 1t possible for Chief Norton's men to conquer it but their success In keeping the flames from spreading to other property in the vicinity IS con- sidered remarkable. Manufacturers and other business men have personal ly sent their congratulations to Chief Norton for the spendid showing made by his company and it is understood that plans have been made for show ing appreciation of the smoke eat CTS" services in more substantial way.
 First Selectman Johnson had men at work today replacing the guard rails near the bridge on North Washington street, which were burned during the fire,
 Train Victim Identified.
 The body of the man, which was discovered on the railroad tracks east of the passenger station Sunday morn- ing was identified yesterday after noon as that of Thomas Ryan of Hart ford. friend of the unfortunate man, reading an account of the fatal ity, came here late yesterday and af- ter viewing the remains at the under taking rooms of w. A. Bailey and company positively identified the body as that of Ryan.
 He explained that the man came here from Ireland but a short time ago and probably mas nc relatives in this country. He believed that he be- longed to a social club in Hartford, however and at his request burial of the body will be relayed until he has had an opportunity to learn If the or ganiza tion will look after his funeral.
 Ryan went to work in the Bristol Brass mill on April 12, according to information given by his friend. The latter believes that he had probably spent the early evening in New Brit ain and was walking back to Bristol when struck by freight train. He also thought 1t possible that he had fallen from the last dinky.
 PlainvilIe to Participate. r. While Plainville will not be repre- sented in the monster parade to be held in New Britain tomorrow in cele- l bration of Wake Up America" day, l the town will send it's full quota to the neighboring city to view the dem 1 OnstratiOn.
 Through First selectman Johnson, Mayor Quigley yesterday afternoon 1, {+AA 1oi1 nns,1A n VK the parade. He expressed regret be- l cause the local branch of the Home !! Guard would be unable to participate ] in the procession.
 Merchants today decided to close