davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
DYNAMITE BLOWS
OFF HAND
Athens Farmer Suffers
Serious Injuries
Bert Gilman, Prosperous Agriculturist
Sustains Many Injuries mt
His Farm

Athens, May 5 (SpeciaD Bert Gill
man, a highly prosperous farmer and
citizen of this town. whose farm is
located in the Lords Hill neighbor-
hood, met with sad misfortune last
Thursday noon, when he had his left
hand blown off by dynamite. The
fourth finger of the right hand was al
so lost and his face and eyes badly
injured. Mr.. Gilman, who has large
herd of Holstein cows was making ar
rangements to increase is barn ac-
commodations and crew Of men had
gathered to start building activities
when it was found that the frost was
to be hindrance to the work and to
further operations, Mr.. Gilman had
gone in the forenoon to a neighbors
to procure some so pound pressure
caps and with these he proposed to
blast the frost and rocks. He left
the house Immediately after. dinner
with the caps, ~ of them in his left
hand Leaving the house, he passed
a cart standing in the yard and Mrs.
Gilman who was looking from the
window. saw him draw his right
hand across the cart wheel in the act
Of striking match to light his pipe.
Before she could speak, and instantly
with the motion there was an explo-
sion and the injury cited, had happen
ed. She was the first 10 reach the
wounded wan. The men at the barn
hearing the outcry and explosion
rushed to the scene. One of these
bound the bleeding arm and a tele-
phone was sent to the village for a
surgeon 10 be called from Skowhe
gan and for DR.. Ellingwood. Altho
it was during the noon hour, DR.. Ri
chardson was reached and in SO min
utes was at the village. His was the
first auto to make the 12 mile drive
after the freshet. The amputation
was made above the wrist as was the
right fourth finger. Aside from the
terrible shock and loss of his hand
at the present time, Mr.. Gilman seems
to be rallying from his injuries, al
tho it is yet possible that eircum-
stances may develop to prevent his
recovery Mrs. Gilman and her
daughters with other menbers of the
family and neighbors are in attend
ance upon the unfortunate man, as it
was much against his wishes that
he be taken to a hospital.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

time captain Of Co. X, 103rd Infantry,
Maine National Guard. Co. X is one
Of the best In the state He is also
secretary of the Waldo County Y. M.
G. A. Association, member of the
board OF directors of the Salvation Ar
my for Waldo County, president, of
the Waldo County Teachers Associa-
tion, member of the state committee
on winter sports and has been Coun-
ty Chairman for Waldo of Near East
Relief. His lodge affiliations are with
the Masonic fraternity, being mem
ber of Mystic Tie Lodge of Weld, Cor
inthian Chapter, King Solomon's Coun-
Gil, Palestine Commandery of Belfast
and Anah Temple of Bangor He is
member of the Baptist church at
Weld. His special interest are boys,
athletics and community work.
Mr.. Foster married Ella kittredge
of Weld and they have three child
rem, Helen. Harry and Ruth, aged 49,.
IL and 8 respectively. Mrs. Foster
was born in Denver, Col. and was
educated in the schools of Bryan. O.,
and Weld, Wilton Academy and nor
NAL training at Pennington and Cas-
tine summer schools. She Is vice pres
ident OF the Belfast Teachers Club.
a member OF the Eastern Star and the
Business and Professional Womans s
Club, She is likewise teacher and
her experience has covered six years
at Sanford and Belfast. She will
teach In one of the intermediate
grades in Skowhegan. Like her hus-
band. Mrs. Foster Is greatly interest
ed in young people and community
work.
The high esteem In which Mr.. Fos-
ter has been held is evidenced by the
following clipping published at the
time OF his taking command of Co. X.
1t is in part as follows:
Few citizens of Belfast bnjoy a
greater reputation for high moral
character and sterling worth than
Capt. Harry A. Foster, principal OF
the Belfast high school. He is alike
popular with faculty and student body
and with the citizens at large. He
has been in Belfast but few years
but has already made for himself
place In the community and his ap-
pointment has caused general salts
faction. He b athletic and progress
sive and under his coaching this
branch of the school work has grown
rapidly. He is great power among
the boys and young men of the city,
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
|H[R 0F JOHNSON GREATLY RELIEVED
THAT SON WAS NOT MURDERED 7
! Of Brown Found Hanging on Stump-La.t
, Entry Nov. 13-Evidently Broke Thru Ice

between daybreak on Thursday morn
ing and darkness that night, covering
fifty-three miles, thirty of 1t by water.
BROWNS BODY FOUND HANGING
ON STUMP
When within one and one-half miles
OF Big Bog dam where the body of
johnson was then lying Deputy Smart
and his helpers came onto the body
of Brown hanging on the roots In the
water of the North Branch of the
Penobscot. 1t seemed like a miracle
that the body should have been lodged
and held there In waiting for the Of
ficers. The stump had caught on the
stomach of Brown and held him in
such way that the head and arms
were bent under water These re-
mains were taken into the boat and
the trip resumed to the bog where the
body of johnson was taken and with
that of Brown was wrapped In heavy
blankets.
Returning the stream wasA swift
enough to bring the deputy and his
men back in three hours. 1t was
boatmen shot rapids and avoided as
best they gould boulders in the
stream.
Sheriff Mooers, County Attorney
Thorne and Medical Examiners W. S.
Stinchfeld and w. G. Sawyer of Madi-
son upon reaching Somerset Junction
on their way to lockwood learned
that Browns body had been recover
ed. The autopsy was started at about
4.30 p. m. Friday and was concluded
by 8 o'clock. Both bodies were in. a
very good state of preservation and
upon being stripped and washed re-
foul play. The autopsies were per-
formed in most careful and pains
taking manner by the officers to de-
termine this. Chemical analysis
will also be invoked to make positive
the men we're not poisoned.
FATHER OF JOHNSON EXPRESSED
GREAT RELIEF
Sandy Johnson of Patten, father of
game warden Johnson experienced
great relief when the officers told him
that his son had not been murdered,
stating that his mind was more at
ease at that Information than it had
been at any time since the disappear
ance of his son. The remains we're
shipped to Patten. for burial. The
body of Brown was sent to Greenville
where his people reside. His broth
er accompanied by Greenville ply
sician went to lockwood at the time
the autopsy was performed.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
FARMERS MUST FACE UNAVOIDABLE
CONDITIONS AND OVERCOME THEM
Successful Pomona Meeting at Solon-C. H.
Crawford Gives Address Water Power Discussed

The Patrons of the Grange at Solon
gave a most cordial welcome to the
Pomona at its regular session held
with North Somerset Grange on Tues
day of this week. No let up in social
and intellectual enjoyment and all the
services from first to last were com
plete success. Only one of the Of
ficers absent and that Office supplied
by F. r. Emerson as gate keeper
|. l.. Brown, master of the home
grange, gave the welcome address and
d. B. Hobart the Pomona overseer,
responded to the welcome. class
of fourteen was instructed in the Po-
mona degree, which with the usual
routine of business, occupied the
morning session, followed by the Po-
mona dinner and the social hour.
The field day of the Pomona is to be
held at Lakewood, August Is, and on
June IL, kennebec Pomona Is invited
to meet in joint session with Somer-
set Pomona at Victor Grange hall,
Fairfield Center.
c. II. Crawford, secretary of the
Maine Sheep and Wool Association,
gave the principal address on general
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
LEW DUFOUR Gomez
TO Sk0WHFGAN
His Exposition Coming Here to Form
the Big Midway mt the SkOwhe-
gan Fair, Sept. II, II, 13, IA

Lew Dufour of Greenyille. S. C.. was
in town Friday of last week. Skow-
hegan, and all Somerset County, for
that matter, should be interested in
this gentleman for it is his exposition
which is coming here to form the big
midway at Somerset County's great
annual fair Tuesday. Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday, Sept. II, IL, 13
and 14th.
Skowhegan is fortupate enough to
be included in the circuit which COM
mences at Bangor, August Goth and
winds up at Rochester, n. H., Satur-
day, Sept. goth. In this circuit are
included: Waterville, Lewiston and
Gorham, besides those already enum-
Grated. Mr.. Dufour came almost di-
rectly from Washington, ID. c. to
Skowhegan. At the nations capital
he closed contract with the COM
mttee for the Shriner's National Con
ventioh. His exposition will furnish
the attractions during the week when
Shriners from all parts of America
will assemble at the capital city. This
will be the two weeks beginning May
Gott anu june flI. ioul Washing
ton Mr.. Dufours aggregation will be
headed north. having engagements in
many other cities during the summer
beside those MENTIONED above in the
New England circuit.
This exposition travels with Its own
train with thirty cars. This is al
together the largest show outfit that
has ever come here at fair time and
has rarely ever been equalled by any
tent or outdoor exposition coming into
Somerset County.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
CONTRACT SKOWHECAN
NORR|DGEWOCK ROAD
I. ]. Murphy Of Somervllle, Mass.
Successful Bidder on the
Project Mt $113,625

Work it is understood will be begun
shortly on the state road between
Skowhegan and Norridgewock on the
southside of the river. Contracts
were awarded Tuesday at the session
of the Governor and Council at Au-
gusta on several road and bridge pro-
jects. l. J. Murphy of Somerville,
Mass. was the successful bidder on
the Observation-Disclosures high
way which will be 400 miles of btu
minous macadam surface road, his
bid being $113,625. Other bids re-
ceived were: Ford & Smiley of
Skowhegan, s120,559.90; Amos d.
Bridges Sons, Inc, $126,295; John Ar
borio, $131 ,00910.
The award for building the Bog
Stream bridge at Mercer was given
to W. II. Doran of Mercer for $2S66.4 .45
The contract for building the Day
bridge at New Sharon was also award
ed to Mr.. Doran for $7335.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

farm interests and the sheep industry
of the state. The speaker did not
take a very encouraging view of pres
ent farm conditions and We must set
tie down to the fact that these unfay-
orable conditions must be faced and
every effort possible put forth 10 over
come them. There were selections
in reading by Mabel Magoon and
Mary L. French; a brief history of
North Somerset Grange by Sarah B.
Pierce, for many years the Grange
secretary A beautiful song by Mar
gerry Goodrich and discussion Of
Maine Water Powers by II. b. Whip
pie. {. II. Crawford and Mabel Ma
COON. \ most impressive and pa
triotic service was made by the lady
officers, circling the hall. bearing the
large Pomona Flag which was saluted
by all present Closing Thoughts
were given by s. F. Emerson, who
was requested 10 recite verse of
scripture appropriate for the occasion.
America was rendered by the choir
and Pomona members and a lively and
interesting session came to close.
Next meeting at Mercer, May 22
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
SOMERSET BAR ASSN.
CHALLENGES kENNEbEC1
Old Players Want to Forget Legal
Battle and Get Back on the Dia-
m0nd Once More

The Somerset Bar Association mem
bers feel that they have some extra
good baseball players in their organ
ization, This includes John Lewis.
w. II. Hawes, S. n Shumway of
Skowhegan. Judge f. w. Sawyer of
North Anson. County Attorney James
Fl. Thorne. W. b. Brown of Madison,
Judge Anderson of Pittsfeld and
many others. Some of these gentle
men were in conference at Skowhe-
gan the other day and asked the Re-
porter to extend a challenge to the
other members of the kennebec Bar
Association or any other bar associa-
ton in the state for games during
the summer.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
Meeting OF Creditors In Bankruptcy
Proceedings

Clinton A. Noble of Skowhegan has
been ad1udicated bankrupt and the
first meeting of creditors will be held
in the Grand Jury room at the County
Court House on June 1st at 11.30 a.
m. at which time the creditors may
prove their claims, appoint a trustee,
etc. In the case of George H. Sew
erance OF Fairfield who has also been
adjudicated bankrupt, similar proceed
ings will be in order at the same hour
in the Grand Jury room ON June 1st.
J. R. Mason is the referee in bank
ruptcy.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
INTERESTING PROGRAM
FOR INSTRUCTORS
Western Somerset Teachers Associa-
ton Is Meeting May a5 mt Solon.
Home Of Pres. PhilbrO0k

The Western Somerset Teachers
Association meets at Solon, the home
of the president, Prof. John Philbrook,
principal of Solon high school, on
May 25 The meeting is called at II
o'clock for registration and for a
short business session. Dinner will
be served at IL o'clock and everyone
is expected to get there in time for
this general get-together The af-
ternoon session wiz be called at /
p. m. and there will be music by the
Madison grammar school orchestra.
There will be department sessions for
the rural schools and intermediate
grades. and for the high and grammar
schools. Miss Melissa Twitchell,
helping teacher In the Skowhegan
schools. will speak upon Devices that
Have Helped Me in My Schools" and
Miss Collins, supervisor of the primary
schools of Augusta has been invited
to speak on primary methods for these
departments. These addresses will
be followed by general discussions
For the high school department. JOS
iah Taylor state inspector of high
schools will be the speaker and Mrs
Lottie Gates of Skowhegan will speak
for the grammar school instructors
on, "Citizenship In Grades 7. 8 and o."
followed by general discussion. Dr.
A.. o. Thomas. state superintendent
of schools, is expected to address the
gathering and he and Josiah Taylor
are to be on hand from to o'clock
according to the plans OF the program
committee for personal interviews
Supper will be served from 6 to 7-and
the evening session will include mu
sic and an address by an outside
speaker.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
THREE WISE FOOLS WILL SOON Be EN-.
PERTAINING SOMERSET, COUNTY PEOPLE
Improvements at Lakewood Many Favorite
Actors are Returning Plans for Coming Season

With theswarm days of spring the
minds of Somerset County people are
turning to the recreation and play
grounds of this section, and repre-
sentative of the Reporter dropped in
to the office of Manager SWEET of
Lakewood to find out something of the
prospects for entertainment at that
we'll known summer place for the
coming months. II was a most op-
perfume time to call for Manager
SWEET was fresh from trip to Eos
ton and New York whittier he had
gone to interview different players
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
SEVERAL OWHEGAN
MEN IN GRAND BODIES
Harry A. DinsmOre Elected Grand
lllustri0us Master Of the
Grand Council

At the annual session of the Grand
Masonic bodies held last week In
Portland, Harry A. Dinsmore. of
Skowhegan was elected Grand Illus
trious Master of the Grand Council
of Maine. A committee of Past
Grand Priests of which Frank T.. Red
Ion of Portland Is chairman was ap-
pointed to arrange for the entertain
ment of the triennial convocation of
the United States to be held in Port
land in September, 1924. Ernest c.
Butler of Skowhegan was appointed
District Deputy Grand High Priest
of the Grand Chapter of Maine and
at the annual conclave Of the De
Molay Commandery Frank r. Madden
was appointed Grand Military In
structor.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
Former Skowhegan Woman Dies In
Florida

Mrs. Sarah L. Kennedy, wife of
Llewellyn Kennedy died at Holly Hill,
Florida, April 20. She was the only
surviving sister of Henry York of
Skowhegan, another brother, Frank
York having died during the past
winter. She spent her girlhood in
st. Adams and lived three years in
Skowhegan. She married Mr.. Ken
nedy, January Is. 1876 and went to
Florida soon after to live. She is
survived by her husband, one daugh-
ter and two grandchildren.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

selves, checking up both the perfor-
manees and the performers to know
what would be best suited for Lake
wood. The result is that the entire
seasons plays have been practically
decided upon while three OF the big
gest productions of the season for
which royalty arrangements have been
made are THE Three Wise Fools"
with which the theatre opens on June
is and which has had tremendous
success in New York this season,
last and West" of which John B.
Hymer of New York and Lakewood
was co-author and The Bad Man"
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

who will make up the 1923 season of
the new Lakewood Stock Co. He as
sured the press that Lakewood was
to have its best stock company ever
and while the growing accumulation
of good actors and actresses have
warranted the management in making
similar statements on previous sea-
sons this year Mr.. SWEET is more san
guine than ever because he and Barry
Whitcomb, last seasons director have
carried on an extensive correspond
ence and have carefully followed up
the popular plays in New York and
Boston as well as the players them
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

|-,,ds OF many up-riyer resi-
col at ease when the re-
,ho autopsles performed on
EI.s of Game wardens Myrtley
and David NJ. Brown were
:, and It was generally learn
.so two men had met their
/ drowning
t.llet of the authorities is that
1 w.rdens when they met their
I..rs irving to apprehend
!. and yentured out upon ice
:, mt safe. The bodies of
we're fully clothed and each
N an open faced gold watch,
!. watch stopped at 20 min
four o'clock and while the
~ vas gone from Browns
=. minute hand indicated the
!. s did Johnson's. The last
.s,h was made in their diary
.sn was on the night of the
.yoyember. This entry told
|Aey had been that day and of
|syiug obtained some illegal
4 Both men had substantial
money on their person aggre-
h all about $3.50. Their KNAPP
[pre missing and the theory is
y threw these packs, which
Irried on their backs, off into
Or when they broke through
to enable them to use their
lore freely in attempting to
,ir lives. Aside from the fact
,re we're no evidences of foul
md at the time of the autopsy
ence of the money and watch
he bodies are still further in
$ that the men lost their lives
ming.
| Mooers of Skowhegan was
by the State Fish and Game
,ent that the body of Myrtley
had been found hanging in a
zen at the foot of Aboconet
wardens who were there
I the stream. 1t became the
Somerset County officers to
arge OF the case. After a
inference with the county at
Sheriff Mooers called up dep
N. Smart of lockwood and
i learned that 1t was impos-
get beyond Pittston Farm,
hree miles north of Rock
land. The sheriff ordered
ty to take two boats and three
DE himself and bring out the
Johnson to Rockwbod. Under
snce of Deputy Smart they
d in making the trip through
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
American Legion Auxiliary TO BE.
come More Active

The ladies' of the American Legion
Auxiliary held a short business meet
ing, Tuesday afternoon at the BPW
rooms. Plans are in order to make
this organization more active than it
has been in the past few months as
there is much work to be accomplish
ed. Mrs. II. c. Woodbury. is president
and Mrs. r. l.. Marston Is secretary.
The meeting was adjourned to next
Monday evening in the Simon Peters
Post rooms
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
| PRINCIPAL OF SK0WHEGAN HIGH
'APT. FOSTER OF CO. X At BELFAST
d Skowhegan Saturday. Special Interests
le Boys, Athletics and Community Work

Harry A. Foster, who Is to
the principalship of Skowhe-i
b school next fall, succeeding
Ralph W. Leighton resigned
town Saturday accompanied
Foster. He has not vet de-
fpon home for himself and
but is considering somewhat
Mcclellan homestead, which
'he home of A. X. Butler, who
70 the town for a new high
eailding early in the spring.
Fer Is a pleasant man to meet
ears to be splendidly fitted for
Potant position which he is to
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
Evening mt Simon Peters Post

A buffet lunch was on the program
at the American Legion rooms last
Monday evening served by Howard C..
matters discussed was the forthcom-
ing Minstrel entertainment to be put
on by Simon Peters Post in Septem-
ber. r. T. Patten was the speaker
for the evening and gave talk on
Important Events in the History of
Skowhegan"
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
Fourth of July Committees Meeting

The various committees appointed
for the Fourth of July celebration in
Skowhegan are meeting regularly and
various entertaining features are be
ing planned for this mammouth Indc-
pendence Day observance. The gen
eral idea as previously announced
will be carried out including sports
and parades in the forenoon and horse
racing and ball games at the park in
the afternoon.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
Sudden Death Of Pleasant Ridge
Man

John Bray died very suddenly at
his home on Pleasant Ridge, Saturday,
May 5th. Mr.. Bray was sixty-three
years OF age and had been in his usual
health up to the time of his death,
which was due 10 heart failure. He
leaves four children, Mrs. Junla With
am, Mrs Mildred Padham. Cecil and
Laphe BRAY.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
Frederick Nicholson at Camp Meeting

Frederick Nicholson. pastor of the
Universal Spiritual Church of Bos-
ton will be among the speaker at
Madison Spiritual Camp meeting at
Lakewood the coming fall Mr.. Nj
cholson will only speak at this camp
In Maine this fall.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
Special Meeting

There will be a special meeting of
the Skowhegan Merchants Associa
tion at the city building, Thursday
evening, May 10, at o'clock. Prin-
cipal business. closing Wednesday
afternoons and on the Fourth of July.
SKOWHEGAN MERCHANTS ASSN.
1w19
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

II weather conditions are favorable,
I expect to have lot of Darwin Tup-
lips to sell for Memorial Day. Frank
". Bucknam. Skowhegan. 2w19
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

Holbrook Bin production. During
his recent visit to Boston and New
York. Mr.. SWEET had the good fortune
to see all the members of the 1923
company with the exception of Direc-
tor Whtcomb and Walter kingsford,
both of whom are still in Toronto
with the Cameron Matthew'S English
players. As many of the men play
erS for this season are already in
timately known To people of the coun-
ty it Is interesting To know with whom
they have been playing during the
winter. Among these are William
Continued on Page Nine)
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

'fEsSoR H. A. FOSTER
a. \. our our town. He was born
~ 1886 and received his edu-
'me ne. common schools of that
wilton Academy and at
ulege. He has had twelve
,.pe'iehce in educational work,
m ei teacher in the South
sa gu, school at Sanford and at
Isn school, where he is now
- MS duties as principal.
world War he was engag-
International Y. M. C. A.
A., uurlng 1918 and 1919 was
ly educational Corps in
me- ne is especially active in
VARS, being at the present