davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
BISHOP PLACES BAN ON MOCK MARRIAGES
Calls Them Proclamation If the Sacred Rite" In Communi-
 cation
Letter Is Read At All Mas.e. Sunday
 at Local Churches

That mock marriages, as conducted at showers for -to-be and social events of like character, are a pro fanation of the sacred rite" was the conviction of Bishop John J. Milan of the Diocese of Hartford. as set forth in circular that was read at all masses Sunday al St Mary's church, Putnam, and all other Catholic church. es throughout the state
 According to the letter. Il has come Co the attention of Bishop Milan that the staging of mock marriage cere. monies is very common, and ae calls on priests and members of Catholic churches to have the practice discon. tinued by those of Catholic faith.
 It is pointed out that newspapers al most daily carry news stories about parties in honor of prospective brides and at which mock marriages are the feature events of greatest interest ana enjoyment. The practice seems prev alent everywhere and should be dis continued. the bishop afiirms, as dit also Rev. Fr. Charles F. Bedard. pas tor ef St. Mary's church here. in com menting on the practice and the let ter from the bishop.
 Mock marriages are carried out 1T almost every detail of the chnrcl ceremonies. The bridal party, com posed of girls, hurlesque the mar riage rite. wedding gowns. bouquets and even the gifts that are exchanged Usually a girl dous mems attire tha she may more fully represent the par of the groom, which she enaets durinl the mock ceremony.
 Because of the saeredness of th wedding rite in the eyes of the church Bishop Milan Is emphatic in his de nuneiation of the mock affairs ana calls upon all Catholics to discontinu, participating in them.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
CASH FROM STAMPS
 MOUNTS TO S194.0O

Last weeks story in The Patriot about the wretehed results gained by the Red Cross through the annual roll call and sale of stamps, brought re- suits quickly, as pertains to the stamp sale. Yesterday the belated receipts of checks and cash had brought the total received from the sale of the Red Cross Seals up to SEA. This IS regarded as quite satisfactory and q liberal response on the part of the people of Putnam to the appeal to buy the seals. Of this total of SEA- about $40 came through sales made by pupils of the Israel Putnam school over s20 from the Smith Street school and a similar sum from the High school
 Of this s194 received from the sale of Red Cross Christmas Seals, s5 per cent. or sle4.9o, remains in Putnam to be spent by the Red Cross Chapter in the campaign against tuberculosis
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
ODD FELLOWS WANT
 NEW HALL IN BANK
Trustees Will Request Addi- tional Story on Savings
 Banks New Home
Old Hall Inadequate For Large and
 Progressive Lodge

The we'll known and popular boom which hit Putnam some months ago continues unabated Now that the banks are building themselves new palaces for the interior decoration of Union Square: and now that sundry promoters of real estate are buying and selling central plots of real estate and erecting various structures there on: and now that new mills invade the valley and promise the whirr of more and more looms, the bug of building and expanding has gone further. Let not the Areanum Club with it's plans of metropolitan grandeur think itself the lone fraternity in the group of new progressives, for if all goes well the Independent Order of Odd Eel lows, if the proper arrangements can be made. will also find for itself a new, . central, handsome, com plete and luxuriously appointed home.
 For some years the Odd Fellows have occupied the little hall on Pom fret street which bears their name, and which has been the scene of many happy gatherings. The lodge, how ever, has grown extensively during the past few years, and has made tremen- dous increases in it's membership. It has become one of the most active and one of the best known lodges in Con necticut. l. has begun to find that it is cramped for space and room in its present quarters, especially when large visiting delegations are present from other lodges. as has been the case often recently.
 At the last meeting of the lodge it was voted that the trustees of the body should apply to the directors of the Putnam Savings Bank for con sultation wherein might be discussed the possibility of persuading the di- rectors to build. an additional story to the new bank building in Union Square. in which the Odd Fellows might locate a new. modern and up-to- date lodge room and also provide in the very center of the city Il modern hall fer dances and socials and such gatherings, the kind of hall that is mos. needed at just this particular To- cation.
 The trustees of the lodge in charge of the proposition are Allie S King, William ?. Warren and Walter D. Torrey, and on the committee of ar engagements Judge L. H. Fuller is also included
 Aside from the Assembly hall of the 
 what out Of the way for various gath erings, there is no really modern meeting place in the center of the city. Union hall is too large for some meet ines which might find themselves ex- eellently accommodated in a smaller hall. The Odd Fellows project will be a welcome one to many smaller organizations who might share in the benefits of a new hall
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
REP. KEITH HEADS
 HOUSE COMMITTEE
Putnam Man Gets Appoint ment to Important Legis-
 lative Chairmanship

Selection of one of Putnam's rep resentatives to the General Assembly to discharge the duties of chairman of the House Committee on Appropria- tions, was one of the interesting and satisfactory events of Wednesday, y's brief session. Luther Nj. Keith, who was a member of this important leg islative committee at the last session, is the one chosen to be chairman "a fact that IS looked upon as recogni- ton of his qualifications to discharge the duties that go with this position
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
THOS. BELL BECOMES
 LEGION COMMANDER
Officers of Anselm Mayotte Post Are Installed at Mon
 days Meeting

Besides installing the new officers for 1923, Anselm Mayotte Post. Am erican Legion, at the meeting Monday night in the beadquarters, Wolfe-ka- minsky block, heard an interesting ad- dress by Charles II. Williams of Moo sup and transacted considerable busi- ness.
 IL was voted that on the first and third Mondays each month, the meet ings should be devoted to business and that the meetings on the second
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
RETAIN AUDITORS DESPITE
 THEIR DESIRE TO RESIGN

At the City Council meeting Tues day night, the previous vote accept ing the resignation of Eucius r. Mer- riam as auditor. was rescinded, so that Mir Merriam was reinstated as audi tor Mir Merriam resigned because of ill health The action was taken because the city books must he audit cd at once. as plans are going for ward for the printing of the annua city manual. Mr Mann will also con tinue as an auditor until the present emergency Is past.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
CALLED TO SPRINGFIELD
r. William Falter Receives Summons
 Upon Death of Aged Mother

F. William Falter of South Wood stock. who Is well known in Putnam, was called to Springfield yesterday by the death of his mother. Mrs. Anna Falter. who had almost attained her s4th birthday. Mrs. Falter died ear Y yesterday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs Mary Mossey, but prior to taking up her abode a short time with her daughter. she resided in Rockland. Mrs Falter was q frequent visitor with her son in South Wood stock. and will be pleasantly remen,- bered by all who met her on those ec- casions.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
REFLECT BANK OFFICERS
Stockholders of First National Bank
 Have Their Annual Meeting

Charles Il. Brown was reelected president of the First National Bank at the annual meeting of the directors Tuesday afternoon, held following the annual stockholders meeting. Al the latter session Charles H. Brown, Lebbeus F. Smith. Ransom II. Brad ley, John c. Fox, C. Harold Gilpatrie, Silas M. Wheelock and Oscar Dugas were reelected directors.
 Besides naming Mir Brown to again head the officers of the bank. the di- rectors reelected State Treasurer Gil patric as cashier of the bank, and Guy L. Baker as assistant cashier.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
LOUIS MCDONALD IMPROVES
 DESPITE SEVERE INJURIES

Louis Mcdonald, West Thompson, who sustained severe injuries when his head was crushed recently between a falling tree and another, at North Woodstock, is making good recovery at the Day Kimball Hospital, where his condition improves almost daily. His recovery is regarded as remark able.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
ST. MARY'S HAS CASH
 BALANCE OF S47,Sl7
Past Year Best In History For Putnam Catholic
 Church
Receipts Amounted to Over S4a.s49 Advance $1S.s96 to Contractors

Cash receipts of 4.S49 90 during 1922 established a new high record for St. Mary's church. Putnam. and there is general rejoicing n the par ish. With all bills paid at the end of Che year. the pastor. Rev. Charles F.. Bedaed. at all masses last Sunday was able to report cash balance on hand. Jan. |, 1923 of S47, ,s17.22. The year just closed was the best on record for the church. marking as il did new high water mark for cash received. commencement of building operations on new ? room parish school, making of many repairs and n strengthening of the spiritual aspect of the parish.
 Began Year With $44.s4
 Father Richards report showed that the parish began the year 1922 with a cash balance on hand of s45, ,l53.3l. With the year $ receipts of S44, ,SA9.50 added to this. the income side of the ledger showed total of S90, 0,002.Si.
 The expenses for the year amount ed to SAP, ,0s5.59. These items in eluded SIS, SOC advanced Go the con tractor for work done so far on the new paroehial school; Sl,759 for plumbing work done in the new school. S63732 paid to the archi- tects who drew the plans and S4,2l5 paid for repairs on parish property.
 Repair Church Steepie
 One of the heaviest items of ex. pense came for repairs on the churcl steeple, which was badly damaged during a thunder storm last summer when 1t was struck by lightning i Additional expense was incurred IT i tearing down the old church thai stood at the rear of the rectory. fhii structure had outlived it's usefulness and besides a~as regarded as unsafe Another improvement waa the nov 1 ing of the barn on the church pro perty. in an easterly direction anC setting it on new foundations. Tn, relocated building is finding valuabl, use and is proving one of the assets oi the church property.
 The total of receipts S44, ,s49.5O was made up, in part as follows: Casl from pew rents. seat money an' offerings, S19,406.l2: extraordinar! income $22, ,SO5.4s.
 With it's cash balance of S47, ,917.2. on Jan. I, 1928. St Mary's churcl began this year with the parish in it' l best financial condition in history.
 In connection with reading hi' annual report. Father Bedard thank ed all the people of the parish foi their generous giving of the past year and expressed the hope that 1923 would prove as satisfactory from all view points, as did 1922.
 l Father Bedard also reported that during 1922, there were l3l baptisms 51 marriages. 60 funerals for adults and I for children.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
Ascertain Net Worth

The report on file shows the assets of the business between the fiscal years 1916 and 1929, also the habili- ties and the net worth. The net worth is stated. us of Jan. 1. 1922, as S2, ,S96 64. from which Is deducted cash sl ,O00 cash added to the capital stock. To the remainder Is added $500 that was invested in an automo- bile venture: S1.425 represented an automobile transaction; Sl,O00 for other personal investments; Si.750 stated as the cost of exchanging autos for father and son. These added to- gether are set forth as Ss.S7l.64, which sum is stated as the ascertained net profit of the business from 1916 to 1929.
 Court has appointed Judge NJ. A. Shumway of Danielson, former pre- siding justice of the Supreme court, as committee to hear the Rich vs. Rich case. upon appeal by Jesse F.. Rich from the Superior courts deeis- ion Judge Shumway has not yet set n date for the hearing of evidence.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
PURCHASE OF HOME
 INTENTION OF CLUB
Arcanumites Negotiate Sale of Gardner Property From
 Town For $6, ,250
Cash From Sale Will Establish Trust
 Fund For Library

At tonight's meeting of the Ar canum Club, committee comprising George L. Padgett, George Miner and ex-Mayor A. W Marcy will render a report on negotiations successfully consumated with the town to purchase for $S,25O the property on South Main street that was left, by will, to the town by the late Mrs Mary Gard ner. The club plans to form an in- eorporated building company that will buy the property and lease it to the club for permanent headquarters. Practically every member is favorable to buying the property and Go making needed improvements and alterations, that it may provide adequate club rooms and present a more attractive appearance to passersby.
 To Create Trust Fund
 With the sale of the Gardner prop erty to the club or it's representatives, by the committee of the town author ized Co make the sale, there will be created trust fund in Mrs. Gard ner's memory from the money reeeiy- ed from the sale This trust fund, through agreement between the town and the heirs-at-law of the late Mrs. Gardner. will benefi. the town public library, as the income can be used for the purchase of new books or in any other way that is desired, if the li- brary would be improved and bene- tited thereby.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
Higher Values Benefit

The speaker declared that it was his experience that where towns had low valuation of property. there tiee done to the greatest number of taxpayers; and in towns where the .s~ sessed valuation was higher, where the assessors made a real effort to live up to the requirements of the law, for 100 per cent valuation, there were very few cases of injustice. In other words, towns with the higher per centages had assessors who had made a real effort to determine the fair market value of taxable property and had fixed the valuation, with the re- suit that John Jones was taxed for $5,- 900 on property which he would sell at very close to that figure, and where Bill Smith, who had place next door to Jones, made after the same plans and just as good as Jones', was taxed for practically the same sum, and not for far less or much greater sum, as the cases are too frequently where there is an unequal and unfair valus- ton fixed
 Says Pay Assessors siooo"
 In answer to a question Mir. Blod- gett declared emphatieally: Pay each of your assessors at least 5000 year. It will be a paying invest ment They will find plenty of taxa bic property that will bring in reve- nue to more than pay their salaries. Pay your assessors well and get the best men available. men of heart and mind and who have the backbone to put a fair value on every piece of regardless of whether it is owned by their friends or strangers. At the present time too many towns insult their assessors by offering them a paltry pittanee for their Iabors, com pensation that hardly pays for the shoe leather they wear out going about viewing and valuing property"
 By combining the relative value system and the market value plan for placing a value on property. Mir. Dfod-- gett said, towns will be following tko very best course and their assesnsm will be able to make an equitablst juge and accurate assessment valuae5nn-
 Mir. Blodgett was accorded . sinf14 vote of thanks for his illuminatiag ak dress.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12

Michael caarsy q Brssklya nsnsB severed his thumb the ether day wAils chopping wood. He wns troa1Dd sa the Day Kimball Hospita1.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
METHoDIsTs ELECT
sup,. Gilbert of Sunday School and Other Officers Are Again Chosen

The Methodist Sunday school has elected the following officers for this year: Superintendent, Daniel B. Gilbert; assistant, Lewis F. Battey; secretary. Thomas H. Richmond ; treasurer. J Herbert Marsh; superin- tendent primary department, Miss Grace Idell Bennett; superintendent cradle roll, Miss Ruth Pratt; home department, Mrs. Nathan E. Burton !; organist. Mrs. Ellsworth Wilcox chor- ister. Leroy J. Tripp
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
Pre.per vesi.rd, who va. recently

injured in an automobile accident, has returned to his home from the Day Kimbsll Hospital. He is reported as making steady progress back to nor nal health.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
PUTNAM FIXES LOW
 VALUE ON PROPERTY
Tax Commissioner Biodgett Asserts Town Assesses On
 Only 49eo Basis
No Penalty For Violating Law Re- quiring Revalustion of Property

Taxable property in the town of Putnam Is assessed for only 49.62 per. cent Of its fair market value. accord ing Co State Tax Commissioner Will liam Il. Blodgett. who gave an address last evening in Odd Fellows hall be- fore large audience, assembled at the new years first meeting under the auspices of the Putnam Chamber of Commerce These figures of Mir. Blodgetts seemed to have rather decided effect upon his audience, a feeling that is evidenced by the na- ture of the questions he was asked. upon invitation. when he had con- eluded his frank. straight from the shoulder and interesting talk on the question of taxes, state and town wise
 Tax For Less Than Value Considering the fair market valua of taxable property, as disclosed by actual selling prices. Mir. Blodgett stated that Putnam was taxing at the rate of 49.62 per cent, pomfret COTS. Thompson 5l.6I. and Woodstock 45. When 1t Is stated that the average for the whole state k 60 per cent of fair market value, local towns run quite up to the average
 Mir. Blodgett was asked concerning the consequences for Putnam in nas complying with the law passed in 1915 requiring every town in the state to revalue all taxable property every 10 years. He replied that there was no consequence or penalty whatever, un- less the legislature saw fit to make such provision at the present session. "The laws on the statute books now" he said, require assessors to make an assessment every year and to see the property. Then why should we pass law stating that there should be an assessment every ten years. when the law says that one shall be made every yearY If the assessors live up to the law, the 10 year revaiu- alton IS unnecessary, for they would be doing 1t once every year"
 Explains His Figures
 The tax commissioner explained how he arrived at his figures showing that Putnam assessed property for less than 50 per cent of what 1t was sold. He said he took 2S transfers of real estate recorded during 1929, determined the selling prices by the federal stamps on the deeds and com pared these selling priess with the assessed values. In q number of cas- es he found the following:
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
2 f0HOWlnRt

Totals for the 2s cases. selling pric- es. $l63,000; assessed value. ESQ., ss0.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12

of trust and responsibility.
 Luther Nj. Keith, the House Chair man of the Appropriations Commit tee. is q business man of Putnam. his native city. He is president of
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12
FILE ACCOUNTING
 OF RICH BUSINESS
Net Ascertained Profits For Five Years Fixed At
 SS,S71
Judge Shnm~ay Named to Hear Case
 Between Father and Son

According to a report filed in the Superior court. in pursuance to in- struetions from Judge Marvin, Jesse E. Rich has filed a tentative account ing of the firm of which he Is the head and which was formerly conducted under the name of J. E. Rich & Son. the business showed net aseertained profits of Ss.S7I64 between Feb. i, 1916, and Jan. 1. 1922.
 The filing of this accounting of the business Is the result of the decision by Judge Marvin in the case of Oscar Rich vs. j. E. Rich. in which the son sought an accounting of the business by his father and a division of the profits. The court found that the son was an equal partner with his father in the store. and ordered an account fnp
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12

Mir. and Mrs. O. F. Wulf spent Sun day with their daughter. Mrs. William
 II. Elliott, Broadway, Norwich.
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12

Putnam WOfId war Feteran becOmtE Commander of Local Legion Post and fourth Mondays. should be social with an entertaining program for each session.
 James Connors, Harry Clifford and Mark Klebart were named a commit tee Co investigate the question of securing a pool table for the rooms,
 (ContinueJ on Page T-n)
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12

(centinued on Page Ten)
Putnam patriot., 1923-01-12

(continued on Page Tsn)
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-12-18
VENERABLE EDUCATOR
DIED HERE 7 0DAY
Mrs. Wilson Had Instructed
Many of Americas Older
Residents
{ Continued from Page y

three years. On July 6, 1869, he
died, leaving his widow with a
four-months-old infant.
In 1880 she was married to d.
T. Wilson, who died two years ago
Mrs. Wilson was one Of the fore
most educators of the state, teach
ing school in Americas for p
years, and numbering among hel
pupils some of the most prominent
men and women Of the state to-
day. In her private school, which
numbered at its close more than
half hundred pupils, she instilled
into their young minds the tenets
which shaped her entire life and
brought to them the blessedness Of
righteous living and right thinking.
When public schools were intro
duced by law, Mrs Wilson was in
Quoted into the faculty where she
remained runtil her resignation aft
err long period of service.
Her charity was great, she hav-
ing given free education to many
boys and girls who today represent
leading educators of the state. She
gave in many other ways, and to-
day men and women proclaim her
as having been one of the gentlest
disposed, sweetest Christians and
most universally beloved women of
this community.
A member of the Methodist
church, she was regular attendant
ON all it's services, even when fail
ing health overlook her in the past
few years. She was a member II
enc of the largest classes in the
school, and from her emanated
beautiful thoughts which ,influenc-
ed other members of the class.
When stricken with appendicitis
Saturday and informed that an ope
ration would be necessary to save
her life, she went to the table with
assurances that all would be we'll
Her fortitude and splendid courage
during her brief hour of SUFFERING
brought words of admiration from
physicians and nurses who battled
faithfully for her. When family and
loved ones were gathered about her
bedside, listening to the last words
of hope beyond, she spoke the lines
that had guided her throughout life
Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and for
get not all His benefits
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-12-18

,rtirles Of every description be-
o a. M SO prevalent in Berlin that Of
fciaIs were fearful that all the
bronze statues in the parks would
he taken, consequently they were
yemoved to places of safety. This
eolm of robbery began last New
yrar's day, when one Of group Of
boxers was sawed off. The metal
then was cut into small pieces and
sold to junk dealers.
The theft was traced to two men
who. it was learned, were assisted
Nv their wives and children. The
scheme proved so profitable that
their relatives and friends engaged
in the operations. Metal articles
have been stolen from churches
cemeteries and railroad trains ana
in one instance the copper roof Of
church was carried away.
The owners of new houses are
having the copper waste waterpipes
concealed in the walls of the first
floor in order to keep them out of
reach of the metal thieves. Twenty
susnccts are under arrest.