Putnam patriot., 1924-11-21
COLD SNAP CAUGHT
 MANY MAPPING
Mercury Drops With a Bang
 and Autos Freeze
Wind Does DamsKe-Water Low
 But Putnam Has Plenty

There was a hustling for winter fannels, heavy oyercoats. radiator al- cohol and non-freeze. Monday morn ing. Winter weather. long overdue, arrived with bang. a high wind and bitter cold after the springlike weeks preceding
 Sunday evening 1t began to rain il poured; and those who have pray ed Co Jupiter Pluvius to let loose some water Co this section of Old Mother Earth, thought their prayers had suddenly been answered But the 'fIt aia't goiH' to rain no mo" gent, who had been ifi OUT midst for the past two months, or more, kept merrily singing his song of prognosti- cation and he proved to be the same little unerring prog that he has been as the weeks have passed. Within an hour from the time the first rain drops were heard on the roof the moonlight was playing in the tree tops and the stars were brightly shining.
 Enters Mr. Wind
 Then entered Mr. Wind. He start ed gently enough but soon began to roar his clustering head of. He took with him branches of trees and a few ehimneys Householders had to get out of bed and tie up the slamming blinds. The cat was moving outside in it's endeavor to get out of the chill ing breeze. 1t was a hectic night and sleep was interrupted.
 The morning found the wind al- most a cyclone in it's velocity. Many a furnace fire was out and there was more cussing than discussing over the coffee and buekwheats. In the unheated garages were ears that re- fused to budge. Caught off guard without alcohol or non-freeze hun dreds of owners were for the time being helpless. A early as . a. m. one accessory dealer arrived at his place of business and found five cars drawn up all for the same purpose-to get alcohol for the radiator.
 All and ail the merchants. parti- cularly those selling warm wearing apparel. were well pleased at the change. Heedless of a ripped awning, damage that the wind had wrought, they prepared for business in heavy garments and got 1t. according to re- liable information. Plumbers also d pipes. Janitors. who have had an easy job for past weeks, had Co shovel more coal than at any time this yeas and occupants of offices kicked be- cause heat was not forthcoming when they arrived, forgetful that they themselves were taken unawares.
 No Snow Here
 In some parts of the state and over the Massachusetts state line it showed. Putnam did not get fake as far as known; anyhow there was none in evidence in the morning.
 Conditions are becoming really alarming. Wells and springs are dry ing up; many have already dried up. The beds of brooks are dry. The Quinebaug river is the lowest 1t has been in long while ut this season of>the year and the mills are handl- capped. Farmers are drawing water for stock and domestic consumption from miles away But the most alarming part is to think that il may freeze and snow before there $ a rainfall, this would make conditions much worse than now. and might cause considerable sutferius in the outlying districts.
 Putnam is considering itself for tunate in not facing a water famine. C. D. Sharpe, superintendent of the water department. states that the sup ply is adequate and that water is run ming over the dam at the Harrisville pumping station This assurance Co the citizens of Putnam is welcome news