davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
END LIVES IN
 SUICIDE PACT
Belle and Lucy Sumner, Born In West Woodstock, Take Their Own Lives In Lodging House In Somerville.
Were Nieces of the Late Mrs. G. w. Phillips of Putnam.-Left West Woodstock Nearly 40 Years Ago.

Two elderly maiden sisters, Miss ]. Belle Sumner, 63, and Miss Lucy C.. Sumner, 60, carried out mutual agreement to end their lives and were found asphyxiated by gas in their room in a Somerville, Mass, lodging house, Thursday.
 Both were born in West Wood stock. daughters of Mir. and Mrs Hi ram Sumner. The father died when they were children The mother and an older daughter for time con ducted store in Abingdon, but re- turned again to West Woodstock, where they ran the hotel.
 The girls attended a select school in West Woodstock conducted by Elisha Phillips in Lyeeum hall. Mrs. K. E. Robbins of Putnam went to the same school and knew the two girls. All of these years she has correspond- ed with them, keeping up the ae- quaintance. The Misses Sumner were neces of the late Mrs. G. w. Phillips of Putnam and are own eou- sins of John c. Phillips, superintend- ent of the Wauregan mill.
 After leaving Putnam the family conducted select lodgings in Boston and this was kept up by the daugh- ters after the mother died.
 The illness of the elder sister is given as the reason for the death pact, in note signed by Lucy Sum ner and found in the room.
 The note read:
 My sister has been taken very i'll and we have decided to go together, as she can never be, well again" "
 Two other sealed letters were found on a bureau with another un- sealed note to the landlady, in which was enclosed a $1 bill to pay the room rent.
 One of the sealed notes was ad- dressed to Mrs. M. s. Shaw of No. 54 Rutland square, Boston, a sister of the dead women, and the other to Mrs. N M. Clancy, care of Filene < Sons, Boston, a daughter of Mrs. Shaw.
 The Misses Sumner were last seen Monday by the landlady. She says they were very reticent about their affairs and kept much to themselves, so much so that she barely had a speaking acquaintance with them.
 Not seeing them for two days, she became concerned and when she vis- tied their room on the second floor and knocked at the door, receiving no response, her anxiety increased.
 She detected very faint odor of gas and rushed to the street to tell Patrolman Shepard of her suspicious. The officer, forcing his way into the room, found the two bodies on the bed, the older woman being un- dressed and Miss Lucy lying with her head at the foot of the bed, fully dressed.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
UTILITIES COMMISSION DENIES PETITION FOR
 8 O'CLOCK TRAIN

The public utilities commis- sion has denied the petition of the citizens of Putnam, Pom fret and Abingdon for the re- storation of the s o'clock train. This train left Putnam for many years at s o'clock in the morning for Hartford and way stations. Last summer it was taken off and a strong protest was heard.
 It was felt by the commis- sioners that the tfAs,n was with drawn in pursuance of policy recommended by the national war council for discontinuance of trains not absolutely neces- sary for reasonable accommo- dation of traffic, and as there would not in all probability be enough increased patronage to make the reinstatement of the train a virtual necessity, that there was really no need to have the train put back on the schedule.
 In view of the conditions that have arisen since the train was discontinued the decision of the commissioners does not come as a surprise.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
FIRST NATIONAL BANK MAKES FINE SHOWING THE PAST
 YEAR
Officers Elected Tuesday and Ten Per
 Cent Dividend Declared

The annual meeting of the stock holders and directors of the First Ma tional Bank was held at the banking rooms, Tuesday afternoon. The re- port for the year was most gratify- ing one and it was voted to pay a ten per cent dividend. The prosper ity of the city's banking institution denotes a prosperous general situa- tion.
 Officers elected for the ensuing year were as follows:
 President, Charles H. Brown.
 Cashier, G. Harold Gilpatric
 Directors, Joseph " Cutler, Chas. H. Brown, Alex A. Houghton, Leb- beus E. Smith, Ransome H. Bradley, John Q. Fox, c. Harold Gilpatric, Sil- as M h'heelock and John A. Dady.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11

The common council, which, it is said, nosed out into rough sea dur ing it's executive session Monday night, when officers were elected, continued to blow into waves of heated argument during Tuesday nights regular session.
 Mayor Marcy was proceeding with the nomination of his standing com mittees, after stating that in making his selections he had paid no atten= ton to politics, and had reached the committee on city property Il will appoint Aldermen Richard, Darcy and Beausoliel on that committee, said the mayor.
 eI object to being on that commit tee" said Alderman Beausoliel. "I think some other nationality ought to be on it, not three French mem bers."
 Mayor Marcy said he hoped the al derman would reconsider.
 Alderman Beausoliel replied that he did not care to serve on any com mittee.
 Have you good reasons?" asked the mayor.
 T think l have,' said the alder man.
 "Give me the reasons" said the mayor
 "Well, if you want me to will, y said the alderman. Before you be gan naming your committees you said you wouldn't favor either side of the house. The way you are nam ing them you haven't done it.
 q think you will concede that l have the privilege of naming the committees said the mayor.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
MEMBERS OF HOSE COMPANY NO. 1
 WILL CARRY OUT THREAT TO RESIO
c TT, ,,I.u o :. ., Il A c A A,L. p Sworn In As Fire Chef.-Bourcer Says He Has M Fill Their Places at Once-Company Will Hold Me Tonight

sition under pressure and as he had been elected he would serve, al though, he said, he would step aside at any time if a better man was found to fill the office. He said that there were men ready to step into the shoes of the members of Hose 1 if they quit.
 Chief elect Bourcier said Monday that he h&d men ready to take the places of the members of the com pany if they carried out their threat.
 After the common council passed the resolution asking the men to re- consider their determination to leave the department, the foreman and as- sistant foremen were again inter viewed and asked if it would effect their attitude. They all said that it would not. "We are not trying to dictate who shall be chief of the de- partment," said Foreman Sharpe. 'It is not for us to say who shall head the department. But we have taken the position that we will not serve under MT. Bourcier, as we do not think the department would be an eff ficient one under his leadership. If he is sworn in we will resign as we have said we would. It is not be- cause Chief Arnold was defeated, as one paper stated; the whole thing in a nut shell is that the company will not serve under MT. Bourcier. We do not want to leave the department, but we will not serve under the man elected chief"
 Mr Kelly, who was present at the interview, said that those were his sentiments. Later James Barnes, 1st Assistant, said practically the same thing.
 Fred Bruce, regular driver, also said that he would quit and he knew the men would stick to their agree ment. He gave the same reasons as the others.
 It is understood that all but two men signed the notice to the council It was stated by a member of the company that one of those who did not siga has now come forward and said that he will do what the rest do.
 Chief Arnold is saying nothing st all about the situation.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
REBEKAH INSTALLATION

On Wednesday evening District Deputy Grand Master Mabel D. Kent and suite of Mizpah Rebekah lodge, No. 33, I. o. o. r., installed the fol lowing officers:
 N G., Louise l Davison.
 V. G., Mrs. Sara B. Kent.
 Sec, Josephine M. Clifford.
 Treas, Mrs Ida Mansfield.
 Warden, Mrs Rhoda D. Moss Conductor, Mrs Julia Loomis O. G., Elmer Shippee.
 I. G., Adeline E. Babbitt.
 Chaplain, Mrs Elinor M, Rabbit R. s. N G., Mabel D. Kent. L. s. N. G., Mrs Alice E. Kennedy. R. s. V. G., Mrs Edith B. Richard son.
 L. S. V. G., Edna Tourtellotte. P. G., Dorothy K. Wright
 Following the installation refresh ments were served and a social hour enjoyed.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11

The threat to resign if Alphonse Bourcier was elected chief of the Putnam fire department will be car ried out, say the officers of Hose Company No l. They say they will not serve under Bourcier as chief and give as their reasons that they do not consider him an efficient man for the position.
 Foreman Harry w. Sharpe, 1st Assistant James Barnes, 2nd Assist ant E. L. Kelly, were all asked, Tues day morning, by representative of The PATRIOT what they were going to do in view of the fact that Bour- cier was elected.
 Foreman Sharpe said: We are go- ing to quit. Just as soon as Bour- cier is sworn in as chief we will ten der our resignations to take effect immediately"
 "Why do you refuse to serve un- der Bourcier?" he was asked. Be cause we do not consider him capa- ble man to head the department. The men could not get along with him and there would be trouble all the time" was the reply.
 James Barnes also said that the men would carry out their threat. "We will not serve under him be- cause we do not consider him a com petent chief" he said.
 E.. L. Kelly said that he had been associated with Boureier for the past seventeen years in the fire depart ment. That Mir Bourcier is of an ex- citable nature and he did not consid- CT him able to head the department. "
 Ralph E. Thurston, elected 2nd as- sistant chief, was asked if he would accept the position. MT. Thurston said that he should not accept 1t. He said that the position pays compensa- ton and that he could not hold the position and keep his position with the Putnam Light & Power Company; also that he was not regular mem Der of the department, although he had helped Chief Arnold sometimes by driving the truck.
 Barrak Smith, elected 1st Assist ant Foreman, said Monday that he agreed to be candidate for the po-
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
PUTNAM GRANGE

Regular meeting of Putnam Grange will be held Monday evening. How ard Bradford will be in the chair, and will also give report of the state meeting which he and Mrs. Bradford recently attended, and at which meeting they were obligated Tn the fifth degree, and took the sixth. Mrs. Bartlett, lecturer, will give report of the lecturers hour of the State Grange meeting, which was in charge Of the national lecturer.
 Refreshments will be served
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
WHERE WILL THE PUTNAM
 POST OFFICE BE LOCATED
for In Union Block Of Could Not Be Reached PriceGovernment Has Threat ened to Put It Anywhere It Could Get Required Floor Space.

4 new phase of the Putnam post sfice situation has bobbed up again The PATRIOT learns on unquestion- able authority that the deal between the government and the Union Block Company for the old E. T. Tucker store and the one adjoining it on the east is off That the government was seeking this location was heretofore only rumor When the government starts out to do anything it does not take a band along. The first the pub lie knows operations are begun.
 The location of the postoffice has been in the minds of the public for some years. The thought of a new federal building is put aside for the time beign. The question of location IS just as important as ever and there IS just as much interest in the sub ject
 Last July The PATRIOT related how the government had given Post master Gilman orders to secure new quarters with 2000 feet of floor space. The orders stated that if such quarters could not be had in the busi- ness section then to get quarters out side, if possible. In terse English Get quarters
 Now that the deal for the Union block location has terminated without securing quarters, on account of those concerned being unable to agree upon the rental price, quarters will have to be sought elsewhere.
 If one stops and tries to think where 20OO feet of floor space can be secured in the limits of Putnam, it becomes ap Brent that it is not a case of choosing but of taking what may be had. It will be a bad thing for the city and the citizens if the government goes so far as to locate their postoffice in some remote or out of-the-way section of the city.
 At the time the announcement was made that new quarters were de- manded bids were advertised for and there were no bidders If the office could remain in it's present quarters we believe that it would satisfy the
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
ELKS' CHARITY BALL NEXT
 THURSDAY NIGHT
Proceeds For War Relief Work and
 Charity

For charity and war relief work. All of the money made at the Elks' Fifth Annual Charity Ball, next Thursday night, in Union hall, will go to these two worthy objects. A ticket bought helps the cause.
 Picket's Jazz Band of twelve piec- es will furnish musical program and play for the dancing. Everything is ready for the big night and tickets are now being sold-a dollar a couple or lady's ticket for twenty-five cents.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
The Old Council Meets

The old council was called to order by Mayor McGarry at TAO o'clock for the last time. Cleaning up last years business was immediately talk en up. All officials were present ex- cept Aldermen Davis and Byrne.
 Chairmen of committees and heads of departments submitted their an- nual reports. They were compliment ed by the mayor.
 Alderman Mullan of the fire com mittee said that letter had been re- ceived from the New England rep resentative of the LaFrance Motor Truck Company saying that the new pump could be installed on Motor Truck No 1 in Boston.
 Alderman Johnson of the highway committee said that this had been backward year for that department as there had been large amount of severe work to do with a shortage and high cost of labor He outlined
 (Continued on Page Two)
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
FORMER PUTNAM GIRL CAN BE
 SEEN IN MOVIES

With the coming of the feature picture, "Rasputin, The Black Monk, to the Bradley theatre, next Thurs day, Putnam people may see for mer Putnam girl, Mrs. William Der esford. in one of the leading roles.
 Mrs. Beresford was born in Put nam, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gard ner L. Miller. A street, Florence street, in the Grove street section of the city, is named for her.
 Mrs. Beresford's husband is the Honorable De La Pour Beresford, youngest brother of Lord Decies. He is now in France fighting in the world war.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
WILL EXHIBIT FRENCH VIC. TORY LOAN POSTERS AT BAPTIST CHURCH SUM
 DAY EVENING

Dr. J. B. Kent has received from his son, Captain James NJ Kent, now in France, samples of big Victory Loan posters that are used lover there" in arousing the interest of in- vestors. The posters are beautifully gotten up and are works of art and well worth seeing. They are 3x4 feet The posters will be exhibited at the Baptist church Sunday evening.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
CAMPAIGN FOR THRIFT STAMPS

Everyone is urged to help the gov ernment financially by purchasing Thrift Savings Stamps. The matter has been taken up by the local War Bureau and an active campaign will soon be made. Investing in thrift stamps is a systematic saving by the investor and also aids the govern ment. It is hoped to raise many mil lions by this method.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11

Mayor Allan W. Marcy and the members of the common council, elected to office, December 3rd, were sworn into office at the meeting of the common council, Monday night, by John J. McGarry, the retiring mayor.
 Hardly had the members become seated when the council sailed forth and found itself in ehoppy, if not rough sea This came when Alder man-at-large Joseph Lapalme moved that the council go into executive session for the election of city off cers. Aldermen Johnson and Pad gett opposed this motion, while AL derman Lapalme was supported by Alderman David Beausoleil The first viva voce vote was doubted by the mayor and rising vote was taken The motion was carried to 4. Those voting for the motion were Alder man-at-large Lapalme, Aldermen Darcy and Beausoliel, democrats, and Aldermen Richard and Duvert, re- publicans. Those voting against the motion were Aldermen Padgett, Johnson, Dean, republicans, and Null Ian, democrat
 Previous to the room being cleared for the secret session Byron D. Bug bee presented a petition signed by of Ing citizens asking that Cortland D. Arnold be retained as fire chief. At the executive session notice was served on the council by members of Hose Company No. 1, that if Al phonse Bourcier was elected fire chief the company would resign in body. Notwithstanding the petition of the citizens and the threat of the com pany Bourcier was elected. Bourcier received votes and Arnold 1.
 That there were contests all along the line is evidenced by the election, which resulted as follows, the largest vote in all cases electing:
 City Clerk
 Thomas P. Ryan -------------=-----.-------- 2
 Asst. City Clerk
 Joseph A. St Jean .......-.........--...-. 7 Leon T. Wilson --.--s-.-=--s-=..------------- 7
 Corporation Counsel
 Charles L. TOrrey ....=-=.==..-.-...-.-.---. 9
 Prosecuting Attorney
 Erie H. Johnson .-...---....-..-..---------. 9
 Assistant Prosecutor
 Archibald Macdonald, Jr. ------.--...-- , Ernest C. Morse --.----------.----..-------- 1
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11

majority of citizens, at least until such time as the new postoffice build ing is built But it is said that the growing business demands more room and if the government makes up its mind that the room is necessary it will get it and the people can go to the postoffice, wherever located, or stay at home
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11

A new schedule of passenger trains goes into effect the 18th. The train from Boston to Hartford, leav- ing Boston at o'clock, will leave 20 minutes earlier. This is the only change that effects Putnam.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
Hose to. No. { Jumps Into LinG|ight
 At Tuesday Nights Council: Meeting

According Frederick Dumas Whose Name Was Submitted to Council Foreman One Man Entitled to Vote Was Denied Privilege, While Another Member Not Qualified Take Part Cast Deciding Vote-Cbarges Misconduct Part of Foreman and innuates That Chairman of Fire Committee Is PreJudiced
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11

Rev. F. D. Sargent will give lee ture on the "Cathedrals of England" at Woodstock Academy this Friday evening.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
MAYOR ALLAN W. MARCY AND MEMBERS OF THE COM MON COUNCIL ELECTED DECEMBER SWORN
 IN MONDAY NIGHT
Officers Open Session Voted Down After Argument of 4.-Personnel of City Officers
 Practically the Same As Last Year.

City Engineer Geo. W. Perry .---....=.--..-.--.--------.- Superintendent of Streets Frederick Dumas .-.------.------- 9
 Fire Chief Alphonse Bourcier .-......-.-..--..-..-.-- , Cortland D. Arnold -.-.-..-.-.-........... 1
 First Assistant Chief Barrak K Smith --------.---.--.---..--.---- 3 k. L. Kelley ---------..--.-.-.---.-------.-- . Blank
 Second Assistant Chief R. k. Thurston -----------------------.--.--... D Joseph T. Lachanee -.......-.--.-...----...
 Captain of Police Joseph A. Ryan -.................-....-..-..- 9
 Police Sergeant Julius Cordier -------------------------------- ,
 First Patrolman Rosario Mayotte ------.--.-.--........-.... s Elmer Shippee ----.=------.-=-.---.--...
 Second Patrolman Regis Bouthilette ..-....-..-.-..-.........- ' Elmer Shippee --=........z.....-......-.--.-.. /
 Fire Police
 John Harrington, Origine Touch cite, Eugene Gagne, Eugene Laparle, W. H. Blake, Benoin Durand.
 Health Officer Dr. L. o. Morasse ...-.-..........-.--..-.-. 6 Dr. J. B. Kent ---.=-.-==..-=-.------.------.. 3
 Board of Health Drs. J. J. Russell, k. F. Perry, M l. Bullard, and Mrs. w F. Rafferty and Mrs Eugene Duroeier.
 Superintendent of Fire Alarm John B. Daigle --..-..-...---.-- 6 Archibald Macdonald .......-..-...----.- 3
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11
Judge Geissler

Judge Geissler was born in Can ton, Mass, but when he was a boy his parents removed to Thompson. He graduated from the Thompson school and entered the high school in Putnam, from which he graduated. He entered the office of Lawyer Charles L. Torrey and studied law. He was an expert typewriter and stenographer and secured a position in the Navy department at Washing ton, and while there attended law school at night. He passed the bar when he was 2 years old and has advanced rapidly. He returned to Mir. Torrey's office and was soon admit ted as partner.
 Judge Geissler is one of the sound men of the city. His judgment is sought by much older men. He is a man of the highest character, ability and intergrity and has worked him. self to a high position in the com munity through his untiring efforts. He has before held the position of judge of the city court and he is es- pecially we'll fitted for the position.
Putnam patriot., 1918-01-11

(Continued on Page Two)
The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1918-09-23
FIRST RECORDED AIR FIGHT
Frenchmen, Rivals in Love, Had
Strange and Fatal Duel More Than
One Hundred Years AQo.

The first battle in the air and the
strangest duel in the long history of
the field of honor was fought 40
years ago near Paris. Two Frenchmen
were ardent rivals for the affections
of woman, and so bitter did their
quarrel become that only blood could
wipe it out. Ordinary methods were
too tame for these fiery spirits, so it
was agreed that the duel should be
fought from balloons. The cause Of
the trouble agreed to marry the VIC
tor.
When the selected day arrived the
two fighters and their seconds repaired
to the meeting place, only to find q
great crowd assembled, for word Of
the strange encounter had spread
broadcast. The principals, however,
were undeterred. Two balloons, pre-
cisely alike, had been prepared, and
into these they stepped. To each was
handed carefully loaded blunderbuss.
The word was given and the moor
ings cast off. Slowly the balloons as
cended, almost side by side. At the
height Of about half mile, when the
great bags were but 80 yards apart,
the signal was given and both men
opened fire. Soon one Of the balloons
collapsed and crashed to the earth
The record says the woman kept her
promise and married the victor Of the
aerial battle.
The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1918-09-23
GOOD HOG FEED FROM WASTE
Utilization Of Garbage Possible il
Production of Pork and Fats
During War Period.

prepared by the United States Depart
ment Of Agriculture,)
Feeding garbage to hogs is in keep
ing with the national movement for
the utilization of waste products and
for increasing the production of pork
and fats, at least during the war.
There is reason to. believe, how
ever, that many of these emer-
gency enterprises will prove to be
sufficiently remunerative to remain
permanent after the war, especially If
hogs are fed on garbage from cities OF
10000 or more, from which, doubtless,
the garbage will be disposed of and
utilized in this manner. Already this
method of feeding has produced good
results, and many who have entered
the field probably would not have en-
gagged in the production of pork under
any other conditions. owing to the