davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
PUTNAM WATER
 IS FIT TO DRINK
Samples Analysed Show It ls "All Right" Reports State
 Board of Health
Probably Will Not Stop Bathing At
 Roseland Park This Summer

Peter A. Gardner, health officer. has received word from the state de- partment of health that the samples of city water taken ut Harrisvilie, July goth, have been analysed and that the water is suitable for drinking purposes.
 Members of the state board came to Putnam last July. It is believed that complaints about bathers in Rose land Lake, the source of the city's WA ter supply. was the direct cause of the visit, but this is not known. How ever, the commissioners went to the lake and had ample opportunity to see that it was resorted to for bathing purposes, for thes were there on one of the warmest days and the bathing pavilion was crowded. During their visit the commissioners had little tc say. Shortly after they left, the health officer received request for samples of water.
 The officer went to Harrisvllle and took samples of water after it had passed through the filter beds. This was sealed and sent to New Haven. Now the report comes back that the water is safe to drink, and in all prob ability bathing in Roseland Lake, the only place where bathing is possible hereabouts, will not be stopped this summer at least.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
p S. DRIVERS ORGANIZE a
 TO GIVE LEGAL BATTLE

Following arrests, convictions and appeals of drivers of public service automobiles for the breach of local ordinances put in force in Norwich, a meeting was held in that city, Wed nesday evening, and an organization effected to be known as the New Lon don and Windham County Public Ser vice Association. As far as can be learned Putnam was not represented.
 The association will raise fund to be used in procuring counsel to test the law and have it decided as to whether or not city can pass ordi- nances forbidding the P. s. drivers from soliciting passengers on certain streets as has been done in New Lon don and Norwich. The P. s. men claim that they pay the state for this privilege and that the cities have no legal right to interfere with their business.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
MAJORITY OF 26
 CAST NO" VOTES
Appropriation For Hook and Ladder Truck Is Voted
 Down
Fire Department Remains Without
 Available Ladders

A majority of 26 voted against the appropriation of S9,500, recommend ed by the common council for the purchase of hook and ladder truck, at the special city meeting held in the municipal building on Wednesday. The total vote cast was 466, of which 246 voted "No" and'220 voted Yes The city fire department therefore re- mains unemployed as far as ladders for use in the fire department is con eerned.
 Several clements are thought to ballot There are those who would rather run the risk that arises with out ladders for use in the fire depart ment than to add to the city's debt. There were others who thought that the present time. with the depreciat- ed dollar and the high cost of mater ial, was not proper time to buy such an expensive piece of apparatus. And there were those who, dissatisfied at the recent reorganization of the fire department, were not willing to spend money to bring the department up to higher degree of efficiency.
 It is understood that a meeting was held in the north end of the city, Tuesday evening. and that the matter came up for discussion. What the result of that meeting was has not been made public, but those who were at the polls nearly all day state that many of the No" votes came from the north end and that on a sidewalk on Providence street someone had writ ten, Vote No" which denotes that in the north end section the feeling was against the appropriation to a consid- erable degree from one reason or an other
 At least two automobiles were used to get out the vote favorable to the appropriation. but no work was ac- lively carried on to get out the No voters.
 The old horse drawn hook and lad der truck remains at fire headquarters with no hosses available to draw it. In the business section the truck can be rolled to fire by hand, but should fire happen in the Providence street section the firemen will be handicap ped without the use of ladders. With this condition known to exist, 1t seems strange that property owners m that section would vote to continue such an alarming situation.
 Whether further steps will be talk en to relieve the condition remains to be seen The common council has re- lieved itself of the responsibility and it must now be borne by the citizens who refused to furnish the necessary money with which to make the pur- chase.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
CITY HAS HIGHEST GAS RATE
 DANIELSON MAY SOON LEAD
Some Protests Heard Against the Last Raise, Especially Meter Charge and
 Quality of Product
What Other Places In This Vicinity About Putnams Sre
 Are Paying For Service

Daniesson.-In Danielson the Peo- ples Light & Power Company charges $l.S5 per thousand for Illuminating gas, with 50 cents as minimum charge for a months service. It is stated that rates are to be advanced in the near future and an increase of at least 50 per cent is expected. Peo- pie expect to pay s2.75 per thousand when the increase is put in effect. Msnchester.-In Manchester the charge is S1.35 for the first 10000 feet and for over 10 .000 the charge is $1.10. There is no meter charge.
 Rockville.--In Rockville the charxe for gas is $i.50 per thousand. Up to a month ago there was meter charge of 50 cents per month if that amount of gas was not used. A month ago the company arranged a service charge" of 65 cents per month for the privilege of being connected. This is charged in addition to the cost of gas.
 From the above it is seen that at present Putnam is charging more for gas than sny of the cities and towns quoted.
 The increase in rate has also brought forth some discussion rela- tive to the quality and to the pressure as now furnished.
 No citizen will expect corpora tion, whether it be a private corpora tion or public service corporation, to conduct it's business at a loss or with out profit to the stockholders. There is more reason for public service corporation, upon which all of the people of community rely for ser vice, to conduct it's enterprise as econ- omically as possibly, to sell it's pro- duct as reasonably as possible, and to give as good service as possible, than in the case of private corporation where the ultimate consumer has an alternative, or where there are com petitors in the market for business. 4 company holding a public service franchise therefore is under more strict accountability for it's conduct than a private company, and that IS why there is a public utilities com mission to regulate affairs on behalf of the public if occasion arises.
 The Putnam Light & Power Com pany has fairly stated it's position be- fore each increase in rates, and It can not be denied that it costs more to produce than formerly, but if rates charged in Putnam too far outdis- tance rates charged in other places of size and similarly situated. then the citizens of Putnam may with reason ask why this should be so.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
LIGHTNING STRIKES TOWER
 ON MUNICIPAL BUILDING
Blazes Like Torch Until the Fire Department Arrives-No Ladders--Pump
 Saves the Day
Worst Electrical Storm of Season Does Much DamageTrees
 Blown Down and Gardens Leveled

of commission and the alarm could not be rung in. There was much tele- phoning and soon the department was on the scene. City officials were also notified.
 When the firemen arrived they were handicapped by lack of lad ders, but as soon as the pump on truck No. l was started the stream of water was thrown clear over the top of the tower and the blaze soon ex- tinguished. Had it not been for the excellent pressure the men would have had to stand by waiting for the fire to come within reach.
 Telephone and electric light ern- ployes say that the storm caused them more trouble than any electrical disturbance in years. Many lines were out of order and the men were out nearly all night making repairs.
 Shortly after the storm began, with high wind blowing, a tree near St. Mary's cemetery was blown down, putting the fire alarm system in the north end out of order. The super intendent of alarm, Chas. r. Thayer, stated that the storm did more dam age than has occurred since he has held the flee. He had the system working before 10 o'clock.
 The heavy rain washed out many streets and work of repair will be necessary all over the city. On Main street, near the Victory Theatre, the water stood two feet deep when the rain ceased to fall.
 A large crowd gathered at the fire and report was circulated that the convent had been struck. A truck was sent to the place but no fire was found.
 This is the first thunder storm that has passed directly over the city thls summer.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
TROUBLE FOR TROUBLE MEN
Many Electrical Storms Put Phones
 Out of Order

Electrical storms, severe Tn then intensity and damage, recurring daily for more than three weeks, occasional extremely high winds in some sec tions of the state, accompanied by a prolonged period of excessive humid ity, have produced the worst condi- tion in it's outside plant that the tele- phone company has experienced from summer storms in its history.
 Despite the fact that every availa- ble telephone man has been put on trouble work, and that many of them have worked nights and all of them on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, they have not been able to repair the damage as fast as it has occurred. To date the storms are ahead of them for it has been just one blamed break after another in ne telephone busi- ness. A few days of dry weather, however. and the service will be clear ed in all sections of the state
 For three weeks or more, no 24- hour period has passed without a heavy downpour of rain in some part of the state, and it is also fact that a lightning storm has occurred in some section of Connecticut every day for 9 consecutive days. When it rains anywhere in this state it rains on the equipment of the telephone company.
 Cables struck by lightning, broken by falling trees and then burned out by contact with trolley or electric light wires; flooded manholes, grounds on telephone lines in damp cellars and elsewhere, and other dis turbing effects of the long spell of wretched weather had put 1000 tele- phones out of commission in the two weeks ending today.
 The service troubles of the tele- phone company have been cumulative. Before the breaks occurring during one storm could be repaired and ser vice restored, along came another storm with its resulting damage and further interference with the service in the same locality or elsewhere Tn the state. An official estimate of the number of telephones out of order on Thursday in some of the larger cen ters follows: Waterbury, l,2O0; Stamford, GOO; Putnam, 600; Bridge port area, 500; Hartford, 800; New Haven. 500; New Britain, 400. and Willimantic, 300.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
STOLE 28O DOLLARS
 FROM STEP-FATHER
Joe Cachrin Bound Over to Su- perior Court.-May Be
 Examined
Said lie Threw Money Away.-Had
 Refused to Work.

Joe Sachrine, also known as Joe Ruckwheat, pleaded guilty to steal ing S28o from his step-father, ex-Po- 6eeman Julius Cordier, when ar raigned ia the city court this Friday morning, and was bound over to the next tern of the superior court un- der bonds of $500.
 The man got some notoriety some years age as being the original Moth ing to do til tomorrow gentleman He was at the time working at the railroad station in Webster from ear lv morning until well into the night, shining shoes. doing Janitor work, helping the baggage man, assisting inc express agent and few other more or less important duties. lie came from Webster to Putnam ana worked for a while in the freight de pot. ,.L
 Joe Was committed to the Norwlch state hospital In the spring of 1913 he was released on parole and his pa role expired December 4th. Up to that time he had worked steadily Since that time he has not worked al All even refusing to do anythlhe about the nome.
 MT. Cosdier had the S280 m four raen s2o bills. It was in bureau drawer and he missed it on May l9th' He wa. suspicious of his stepson. but inc son denied any knowledge of the money. The police were notihed anu Captain Bulger learned that Joe Was spending money freely. He was tax on to the police station, Wednesday, and finally admitted the theft.
 At first ne said he had spent the money. Then he said he had hidden t in some bushes in North Grosven- oraale. Ee was taken to that village hut no moaey was found. He says his sister -as s200 of the money put this his sister denies.
 Joe was -aken to jail this afternoon and the ,aI es will be told of the facts in the case and probably the man VIII De examine as to his mental condl- ton. Befere court Joe sat huddled up in the police station groanlng in- termittently He had nothing 10 say when questoaei by the court officials
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20

The latest increase in the rates for gas announced by the Putnam Light X Power Company as effective this Friday. has been considerably dis cussed. While people generally rec ognize that the price of production in all commodities has increased. still there is a feeling that public service corporation needs to be checked up.
 In discussing the matter the fact IS alluded to that the company increased its rates in June, 1918, when it put gas used for fuel and gas used for light on par and made flat rate of $1.70. This was an advance of 20 cents per thousand on fuel gas and a decrease of 10 cents per thousand on Illuminating gas. The high cost of production was given as, the reason for this advance. Not a word was said and the people have paid the rate charged.
 Two weeks ago the company gave notice of another increase of 20 cents per thousand. This new rate, $l.90 up to 10000 cubic feet, and $l.5O per thousand above the 10000, is ef- feetive this goth day of August. The announcement was presaged with a statement that the advance was neces- sary on account of advanced costs to produce, and further, that the gas de- partment of the company which also furnishes electricity, has been run at a loss, or at least that 1t has failed to meet operating expenses. In addition to this advance, there is meter charge of $6 a year as further bur den to the gas user. While put in the form of meter rental, in reality 1t is an increase in the cost to the con sumer. and means of revenue to the company. 1t is this meter rental that has been most seriously objected to while the raise in rates has been un- der discussion among citizens.
 In an investigation of it's own The Patriot learns that the rate charged in Putnam today is higher than that charged in any place of similar size m this section. But if the contemplated increase now under consideration m Danielson goes into effect that bor- ough will be paying fifty per cent more than Putnam. Here are the rates paid for gas in some of the oth- CT places of similar size
 Southbridge. Mass.--The rate Tor both Illuminating and fuel gas Tn Southbridge is $i.75 per thousand with no rental charge for meters.
 Webster. Webster there IS no charge at present for installing meters hut one is being contemplated. The charge is expected to be So' me ra'e for gas is $1.50.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
MEMBER OF CREW OF MONITOR
 DIES AT HOME IN MYSTIC

Captain Amos Lamphere, II, re- tired sea captain, was instantly killed at Mystic, Monday, when he fell dis tance of 20 feet while painting a house. He was we'll known Allan tic coast skipper and had served in the U. S. Navy He is said to have been one of the last survivors of the crew of the Monitor.
 How many survivors of the Monit- or's crew are now living is not known. Putnam has one in Thomas Taylor, who was a powder monkey on the his toric Yankee ram, and 1t is believed that there is another somewhere in Pennsylvania, or there was few years ago That there were two sur vivors in this state. Lamphere and Taylor, was not generally known in this city.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20

Like a blazing torch in the heavens the npire of the municipal building, struck by lightning and set on fire during the hard thunder storm that passed over Putnam Tuesday evening. loomed as a beacon light one hundred feet or more above the rivel level and was viewed by people, not too timid to look from windows, in all parts of the city.
 The electrical storm broke between 6 and ' o'clock and lasted we'll over an hour. When the spire was struck by a bolt of lightning about half past seven o'clock, City Clerk Thomas p. Ryan and Sergeant George Laird of the police department were just emerging from the common council chamber They felt no effects from the electricity. Patrolman James o. Brien was in the police station and two drunks were occupying cells. The lightning struck with an accompany ing report that shook the building, and those inside said that they
 
 thought that the structure was split ting in two" The bolt knocked over the weathervane and some ten feet of the spiree, leaving it at an angle of sixty degrees. All of the lights in the building were put out except those in the police station. O'Brien said the room was charged with electricity, and he saw large ball of fire playing on the steam pipes. The prisoners in the cells were badly frightened.
 Following the crash Ryan and Laird started to investigate and when they discovered the fire ran to the alarm box on Bridge street. Dwell CTS in the neighborhood also saw the ire and several ran to the box.
 Almost as soon as the storm start ed the fire alarm system was put out
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
REV. ANDREW CUNNING
 AMONG OLD CLERGYMEN

Editor Patriot: In my article in last weeks Patriot on County Churches 50 Years Ago" the name of Rev. Andrew Cunning, pastor of the Congregational church of Thomp- son, was unintentionally omitted.
 Rev. Thomas Tallman was retired clergyman and was, as stated, includ- ed in the State Register as one of the Congregational clergy" of Thomp- son. Rev. Andrew Cunning was the highly respected and beloved pastor of the Thompson Congregational church from 1850 to 1872. His son, R. A. Cunning, is now one of Thomp- sons most popular and esteemed citi- zens.-"S Souvenir" Wm. H. Taylor, Hartford, Aug IS. 1920.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
SECRETARY OF THEATRE
 OWNERS ASSOCIATION HERE

MT. and Mrs. Jacob Alpert enter tained | NJ. Salyerds last Sunday. MT. Salyerds, who is the owner of string of theatres in and around Rochester, \. Y. is also president of the Koch ester Theatre Owners Association, and secretary of the national organ ization. which comprises over 12,000 theatres in the United States, MT Salverds' visit was in the nature of a conference with Mir. Albert in regard to the newly organized Theatre Own CTS Association of Connecticut, of which MT Alpert is vice-president. He was very much delighted with Putnam and it's surroundings, and ex- pressed the opinion that our thriving city is located in one of the prettiest spots in Connecticut.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
HARRY NADo LEAVES WEBSTER
Accepts Position As Secretary Green
 wich Chamber of Commerce

There is interest here in the an- nouncement from Webster that Harry l.. Nado. executive secretary or the Webster-Dudley Chamber ot tom n,erce. will sever his connection with that organization, where he has been the past three years, September loth'
 Mr Nado lived in Putnam for a number of years. He was at the time q clerk at the Putnam Inn. lie SUD seouently went to Worcester, where he was connected with the advertising denartment and later with the circu- lation department of a morning news paper. .o
 From Worcester Mir. Nado went to Webster. where he has since heid the nosition from which he now resibI's to accept a similar one in Green"ich' this state. The change IS an ao- vancement. 1t is in larger city' a. a larger salary, and carries with it head of A credit department that the Chamber of Conmerce of Greenwich maintains. n u;I
 MT. Nado IS Siauo"s -,
 lingly High school, Danieison, ciass of 19O7 the Alexander Hamilton in- st;,ute and the American City bu- reau summer school, attending the latter school for secretaries year aeo that he might amplify his knowi- edge of this work.
 Mr. Nado married Putnam giri' Miss lane Donovan. They have two children. The family will remove to Greenwich. where MT Nado has been to confer with officials of the associa- ton and to look over the field
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS GETS
 FIRST SET OF TIRES

A telegram received by Superin- tendent Boys of the Goodyear mills, Tuesday, announced that the first set of cord tires to be made at the com pany's new plant at Los Angeles had been delivered that morning to Doug las Fairbanks, and to add interest to the event the delivery was made in a Goodyear Pony Blimp.
 It was announced some time ago that the first four cord tires to be made at the new factory would be presented to the noted screen star, and the promise has now been full filled. Many thousand tires will be produced every 24 hours at this new mammoth plant.
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
HISTORIC PAGEANT
 AT WOODSTOCK
Representing Episodes In Early
 History of Pilgrims
Public Invited to Roseland Park
 Wednesday, Aug. 25th

The people from all parts of Wood stock are to take part in the Pilgrim Memorial Pageant, which promises to be the greatest spectacular event seen in Woodstock in many years. Elab- crate preparations and plans are un- der way to make the pageant an in teresting affair and big success. IL is stated that over hundred eharac- ters will be represented
 Roseland Park the scene of many noteworthy events, will be used as the setting of the monster show to be held Wednesday afternoon. August 25th beginning at 2 o'clock.
 4 welcome to the pageant awaits all who are interested in reviewing some of the early history of the Pilgrims. The pageant has been arranged in ten episodes of historic interest, begin ming with the arrival of the Mayfiow- CT, which the Indians gather to view in awe.
 Another thrilling scene comes as the grand climax, when Gen. George Washington and his Colonial troops arrive flushed with victory over the British Red Coats. who are seen flee ing in utter route. The signing of the compact, under the direction of MT. Hinrichs. will be another unusu- ally interesting scene, both as of his torical interest and because of the characters who take part m this epi- sode
 The fitting out of the Mayhewer IS in charge of Harry Wells, who will also act as captain of the crew. Mu- sic will be furnished by the East Woodstock orchestra. There will be n large chorus of ladies under the leadership of Miss insa Hinriehs.
 The list of the ten episodes, with the director of each, is as follows; "Merrie England Rev. Fosdiek
 Harrison.
 2.-Holiday in Holland. Blanche
 Stoutenburgh.
 3.-The Mayflower. Harry l.. Wells Signing the Compact, Frederek
 w. Hinriehs.
 5.--First Washday, Elizabeth Bing-
 ham.
 6.-Plymouth Rock, Philip R. Dean. 7.-Indan Friends, Rilia H. Child. s.Zpilgrims Going to Church, Ar
 thur C. Morse.
 9.-Indians on the War Path, owen
 White. 10.-"The Pilgrims Vision, Richard
 H. Hicks.
 Orchestra, George Witherell.
 Chorus, Insa Hinrichs.k
 The group leaders are N Tracy White, Mrs. George Bosworth, Martin Nelson. Mabel Johnston, Henry Joy, Michael White, Maud Milligan, Ly- man Hubbard, Geo H. Hamilton, Mrs. G. B. Hefer. Oliver II. Hiscox.
 Committee of arrangements. Mer- Till II. Healey.
 Refreshment committee, Frank II. Miller chairman; Mrs w. H. foung, Miss Minnie Wells, Miss Florence Kenyon. Mrs. Byron Bates, Mrs. 0. Milligan, Lyman Hubbard Lewis L'n- deman. Mrs. Frank Jordan, Miss Mary ester. Miss Helen Perley
 If the 18th is stormy, the pcnle and pageant will take place the next fair daV
Putnam patriot., 1920-08-20
sSMAN FREEMAN
 TO ADDRESS LEGION

Congressman Richard Freeman has accepted the invitation of the commit tee of the American Legion to make an address at their outing at Wild wood Park. Labor Lay. An effort was made to have Senator Brandegee present, but it was impossible for the senator to attend. Senator Brande- gee and State Senator Archie Mac donald were instrumental in having MT. Freeman accept the invitation.
 An entries for the athletic events close September lst. Registrations should be made with Mark F. Klebart of Putnam.