Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-03

The New Year had been born less than an hour, when the fire alarm pen in Westerly was telling and the ire alarm whistle of Pawcatuck was toot- ing. calling out the men of both de- partments for blaze in the one-srory wooden structure on the PawcatucK River bridge, in Pawcatuclz and within a fev feet of the state line between Rhode Island and Connecticut. For forty years, and up to year aso '1is building was occupied in part ny Thomas F. Howard, newsletter, wno was succeeded by Frank Holiday, who vacated the store Monday for new quarters The center part of the small structure was utilized as shoe-snln- ming place, while the store next to the boundary line was occupied by tne State Line Lunch, Peter VouraS, pro urietor. The fire originated in tnls junch room and while the proprieror and several customers were present. A cracking noise was heard, tnere WAS an odor of burning wood. but no tracs of fire at that time. But in a brief time a flame was noticed creep ing along the edge of the ceiling from inc direction of the serving department section of the metal ceiling was torn away and it was then found thai duite .. fire was raging and the fire alarms were sent in. The fire was perhaps due to defective wiring.
 Both departments used chemicals al first but without effect. and then two streams of water were directed lnto the building and the blaze was sup dned The flames had spread to the rear of the building, but the active work of the firement saved the proper tv from destruction. The loss Of the State Line Lunch is estimated at $500 and that of the shoe shining place a: sfs0. The building is erected on spiles on the river, the front resting on the bridge. and its original cost of con- str1iction above the spiles was propa- blv not more than $500. With the high cost of material and labor, the pres ent loss Is estimated at $3O0. Tnls building is under control Of, or owned by. the Worcester Real Estate and Mortgage company, and was sold by the Lorraine Manufacturing company two years ago.
 < The last fire for the year 1917 in Westerly was at the residence of Mrs Elizabeth Hogg, S4 Summer street shortly after ten o'clock, Monday night Mrs. Hoggs son and daughter had re- tired to their rooins. and she placed a lighted oil stove in the room of her son John w1o was expected home from Camp Devens during the night. She went down stairs, and upon returning short time afterward, found the bed ding afire and the room filled witi flame and smoke. The telephone ex- change was notified and a fire alarm was sent in. The fire was exiting uished by the use of chemicals. The damage is estimated at $4o0. The fire was quite a shock to Mrs. Hogg, who has never fully recovered from the severe injuries she received in the Bradford railroad wreck.
 The Narrasansett Electric Lighting company has filed request with the public utilities commission of Rhode Island for an increase in the rates fol lighting, power and heating in Provi- dence, Westerly and other places ir the state. The commissioners. have taken the matter under consideration Not very long ago Westerly people, by the board of trade route, made demand for a reduction in rates, but without substantial success.
 Rhode Island is the only state in the Union which has rot yet accepted Of f1cially, the federal vocational educa
 
 ing allotuents of a million dollar funt from the federal government to assis in vocational education. Connection is on of the latest states to receiv; its allotment of $22,00o. Allotments are based on usual population and oth- CT considerations
 The Rhode Island general assembI, convened Tuesday, with nearly ever, member responding to the roll call, ths Westerly delegation all answering present. Lieutenant Governor Sar Siuci who Is expected to preside al sessions of the senate was prevented by Illness and Senator Arthur L Smith, of Harrington, president of the senate, presided. There was no spe. cial ceremony as the organization O. . year ago prevails, the members be. ing elected biennially. although there are annual sessions of the legislature The governors message was the onl, feature, aside from the customary leg. islative business.
 The General Nathaniel Green, homestead in Little Compton, also th' ancient structure latterly known a. the Old Town Hall, were destroyed b, fire. Monday. fro some unknow1 cause. The fire originated in tn, Greene house and the flames swep across the street and burned the Olt Town Hall. This latter building wa. erected in 1893, and for number O years up to 1882, served as town hall but since then has been unoccupied.
 The timber used in the construction of the building was furnished by Col onel Benjamin Church, Indian fghte in King Philips war. It has been re built from time to time and has beer used as a tavern, church, poorhouse post ofhca dwelling house and towl hall.
 Florrinron M. Howe, recently eIecte, wee president and director of the In dustrial Trust company of Providence with branch in Westerly. assumed th,