davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

Charles Dansereau, whom the state police claim Is a modern Fagin. with a gang of boys stealing automobiles for him Gas appears in story on page threel. was arraigned in the newly organized town court al Plainiield on Thursday morning. and bound over to the superior court. Judge George II. Torrey. however. reduced the size of the bond from $3 900 to Sl 900 after hearing the evidence.
 Since Dansereau was arrested three young men have been taken into eus- tOdy as his accessories.
 irving II Joffe of Worcester testi- fled that his Dodge car was stolen in Worcester June 18th.
 State Policeman Irquhart testified that, with Dansereau's permission. he had searched his premises, and there found the chassis of the stolen Dodge car He also found disc wheel in the kitchen. and near the house in the bushes found two bumpers. Later he found the body of the ear at Danser- eau's place.
 On cross examination Urquhart was asked if he had not given the story to reporter and he said that he had. Asked for what purpose, he said for news only. A Massachusetts officer
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
DANSEREAU HELD FOR
 THE SUPERIOR COURT

corrohorated the Connecticut officers testimony.
 Walter Francis of Worcester, held as an accomplice of the defendant, told of passing along the street in Worees- ter and being accosted by a man nam ed Leo Gagnon, who was sitting in the Dodge car. He was asked to go swim ming and got into the automobile with Cagnon. After while they arrived at the Dansereau farm.
 Two days after. Francis stated. he returned to Worcester. He went back to Moosup after a short stay m Wor- eester. Dansereau asked him if he could sell his Hudson ear and witness replied that he could. With markers that belonged to the stolen Dodge coupe doetored up, he drove the Hld- son ear as far as Oxford, where he ran short of gasolene and burned out a bearing in the front wheel. He stat ed that DaRserenn told him to bring back n Reo truck. after he had dis posed ef the Hudson.
 Gagnon was apprehended in Nor- walk and brought to Danielson. but did not testify. He is % years old.
 The police say that these young men have stated that they told Dam sereau the Dodge car was stolen and that they have been engaged in other similar operations with Dansereau.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
MANBATHINGDROWNSIN
 WEST THOMPSON POND
MIR. AND MRS. OTIS DIVORCE
Decree is Granted in Psris--Promin.
 ent Pomfret Resident.

According to dispatches from Paris, published in the New York papers earlier in the week, divorce has been granted in the French courts to Mrs. Morton Otis of pomfref and Dinard, France. The news of the divorce does not come as a surprise Co the many friends of Mir. and Mrs. Otis. who learned that a suit had been entered by Mrs. Otis some time ago.
 Mr. and Mrs Otis have long claimed Pomfret as their American home. and they possess a fine estate on the Brook. lyn road. known as the Bush place Some time ago they bought a hand. some winter home at ninard. Mrs Otis. who was Miss Helena Gilleat. i. a native of Pomfret and her mother was a Miss Ninten Of the well-knowH Pomfret family of that name.
 Mir. Otis was a visitor to Pomfret last year. but Mrs. Otis has not been in America for two years. Mrs. Otis will return in the fall. however. and bt a guest at the Orchard Cottage, Ben Grosvenor Inn.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

from North Grosvenordale in the vi- cinity of Fabyan. The car was aban- dOned with two hattened tires.
 IL is also reported by the police that a sum of money, about $500. is missing from the treasury of Club Garde Martial, of which Mirandette was in charge.
 Both Mirandette and the girl were employed in the spinning room of the Grosvenordale mills, and employees re- port that on several occasions they saw the couple together.
 Mir. and Mrs. Joseph Choinere. par ents of the missing daughter, cannot account for her sudden disappearance and were the first to notify the police of her absence from the home.
 The state police of the Danielson barracks are working on an investiga- tion to determine whether Mirandettt left with the Choinere girl, and are searching for some clue as to his whereabouts.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
Benefit Central Village Congregation
 al Church Organ Fund
MID.s SUMMER PARTY

The second annual midsummer gar den party fer the benefit of the Con gregatienal church organ fund at Cen tral Village will take place at Sugar Brock Farm. the estate Of Norman +. M hits. Thursday. July 23, Friday. July 25, and Saturday. July 20. from 2.30 to II D. m. daylight saving time.
 < very elaborate program has been arranged, including the silver cup se- ries of baseball games between Plain field High school and Norwich Play ground nine-one game each afternoon at 23o An outdoor pavilion for dancing. music by the Tempo Club Dusky Trio. \ Chinese restaurant will serve chicken chop suey and chicken chow mein prepared by Nee Poek of Putnam. Buffet lunch. Open air the atre. Neodahheh. fuli=blaoded Penoh- scot Indian. will give ceremonial and famous war dances of his tribe. in cos tune.
 Mrs. ]. Hartley Campbell of Provi= denee is to sing again this year. Ray Greene of Plainiield will give another exhibition eI lis skill as . diver; Roy Gnetrich af Canterbury will cheer with bits of jazz. and Mrs George Patylnt reader. will entertain with a very clcy. ar hurdv-gurdy selection SWahn s brass band and orchestra will hll the air Wi;h music.
 The entire grounds will be illuminat- ed with colorful lights and fireworks each night Free parking space and free busses hourly, to D. m.
 Merry go round. swimming pool games, shooting gallery. etc.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
Lambert Demeter, North Gros- venordale, Sank In 20 Feet
 of Water Wednesday
Body Recovered and Removed to
 Putnam Undertaker's

While bathing in the West Thomp- son reservoir. Wednesday morning, with two boys. Lambert Demeter, 27 years old, of North Grosvenordale, lost his life by drowning. The body was recovered some time later in twenty feet of water, and brought to the un- dertaking rooms of \. Gilman < com pany, Putnam.
 Demeter went to the Sayles Farm and, while waiting there, went with the two boys ta the reservoir nearby for a swim. l. is understood that none of the trio could swim and that f was the first time that Demeter had ever been in bathing
 How the drowning occurred is not known to a certainty. The mans com panions said that he disappeared and they thought at first thar he had gone ashore Finding Demeter's clothes nearby the lads became alarmed and went for help.
 One of those who responded WIS William Stevens. who works at the power plant at Mechaniesville. Stew ems dived several times into the deep water of the pond without success. Eventually the body was recovered with grappling iron.
 After the body had been brought to shore Dr. K. C. Paine. medical ex- aminer of Thompson, was notified and gave permission for it's removel. A. Gilman & Company of Putnam were notified and went Co West Thompson and brought the body to Putnam.
 nemeter was the son of Leo and Cirasta Criste Demeter. He was born in Macedonia. February :, 1898. For some years the family has lived in North Grosvenordale. where Demeter was engaged as a picture frame sales man. Besides his parents he leaves several brothers and sisters.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
States Attorney SearLs Dies
 Tuesday Afternoon at 3:;3O
DEAN OF COUNTY PROSECUTORS AND OF WINDHAM COUNTY BAR PASSES AWAY AT THOMPSON
 HoME-HAD BEEN FAILING FOR WEEKS
Was One of Conneeeuf Greatest and Most Widely Known
 Lawyers.-Fif,y-Five Years At the Bar.

matter ef legal ethics. or. even ad- vice a. b every day affairs. was often brought to Mr. Searls. He would listen with interest, show personal sympathy; and would give sound ad- wee. The seekers of his counsel would leave with feeling that bur den had been lifted; that someone was wiling Co share with them some seeming worry It was this counsel and sympathy that caused him who bestowed it Co be held in high esteem and Co be given warm place Tn the heart of the recipient.
 Justice With Mercy
 For twenty five years Mir. Searls has been states attorney of Wind ham County. In the conduct of that office his large heartedness and sound judgment have ever been manifested Always he would show great sympathy for first offenders. Where he thought that the offender had made the first and last misstep and ihat reformation could be brought about without the stigma of public trial, conviction and in- earceratien, he tempered his justice with mercy and leniency. Seldom was his judgment in this respect misplaced
 lie could be stern and unrelent- ing. however. in case the offender who had been given his chance did not appreciate 1t and to the hard ened criminal. Members of the bar acting for those charged with crime found the states attorney an ap- proachabie man and one to whom they could talk freely and frankly about their clients. They were fair with the county official and he was always more than fair with them md ready to do what he could in all cases where consideration was deserved.
 Sought as Public Speaker
 Mir. searls was public speaker of ability and magnetism. He was often sought and was always ready Co respond for a worthy cause and so give his time and talents to further the public interests of his home town or the town where he had business interests.
 Mr. Searls has been highly honor cd in his profession, having been president of the State Bar Asseeia- tion as we'll as president of the Nind- ham County Bar Association. As the dean of the windham County Bar he has been held in the highest esteem by all of it's members and upon his arriving at his flftieth year as q prac- titioner he was the honored guest at banquet given by the bar and was lauded as q lawyer and nan by all present.
 For years Mir. Searla had been counsel for the towns of Putnam, Pomfret and Thompson. He has been retained by many of the larger corporations in Eastern Windham County, and been retained as associ- ate counsel in many big cases arising in the state. His legal opinions have
 (Continued on Page Five)
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
LONG DISTANCE HIKER
 ARRIVES AND LEAVES

He left Putnam for Worcester, Boston, Keene. N. H. Rutland, Vt, Bellows Falls. N. Y, and back to Troy. The distance on the trip is nearly GOO miles
 The longest hike Mir. Moon ever made was last winter when he walk ed from Bennington. Vt, to Oak land, Calf, distance of 3,lli miles by way of the Lincoln highway. On June of this year he hiked from Troy, N r.. to Cave City, distance of i.050 miles. The trip home was by train and few days later he started on the hike which brought him to Putnam. Mr. Moon has been hiking for nine years and has proba- bly covered thousands of miles in his walking.
 He accepts no rides or gifts while hiking and starts his trip with but one dollar. All expenses are met as he goes along and in every city he purchases a saving stamp.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
GROSVENORDALE WOMEN
 GET THRILL AT LAKE

the slow rate of speed being due to a fog bank that suddenly appeared. The pilot ran the boat too near the shore and the keel became imbedded in the sand bar.
 Word sent to Beacon Park was re- sponded Co. and a small boat was soon along side and the rescue effected. Af- ter all of the passengers had been re- moved to shore, it was not long be- fore the City of Webster was floated and returned to her dock
 After the danger was well over the women delighted in relating the hap penings to their friends and exchang- ing experiences as to how it felt to find themselves on boat grounded in mid stream. None were greatly frightened and the danger was slight at all times, but it was relief to both passengers and crew when all passengers had been put safely ashore.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

States Attorney Charles F. Searis died at his home in Thompson. Tues. day afternoon at half past three o'clock. following an illness dating back to last March. The end was DO, unexpected as t has been known for some weeks that Mir. Searls was gradually failing and could never re- cover
 While never making Putnam his home. he had passed his business and professional life here since he began his career as lawyer back in 1870. However. he was born in Pomfret and all but a few years of his life have been spent in that town and the neighboring town of Thompson.
 In the passing of Mir. Searls, not only Windham County. but Connec- ticut. loses citizen of prominence and lawyer widely known and ex- perienced, who stood high in the esteem of brother lawyers and citi- zens in all walks of life.
 While man who brought dignity as we'll as great learning to the pro fession. yet he was man of the peoz pie and would stop for friendly greeting 10 the most humble citizen.
 Opens Office in 1870
 Mr. searls' first office, 1870, was in the Putnam Savings Bank build. ing. but after a short time he was forced Co remove from these quarters as the bank wanted the upper story where his office was located for it's own use. He took an office in the Central Block where the office of his firm. Searls, Russell and Bradford is now located and occupied it to the day of his death. Although these rooms are unpretentious he has re- fused Go remove Go more modern offices on account of the association surrounding the place where, as a young man, he waited for clients. lie would often point to marks upon the window sill near where he sat for hours with feet against the sill as he read law and waited for business over half century ago.
 Clients were not long in coming ts the young attorney as he carly dis played the ability that was to carry him to the top of his profession. H. soon became one of the leading law yers of the town, county and stat, and might have been judge of th' superior court and later justice oi the supreme court of errors had hs not better enjoyed active partieipa ton in legal battles as d trial law yer.
 Loved His Profession
 Much of Mir Searls' success al the bar was due to his great love for his chosen profession. While q worthy antagonist he was not feared by less learned, younger brothers for they knew him to be fair and con siderate. He was a friend of the younger members of the bar and was never too busy with his own affairs to stop and give advice and counsel These younger members sought hls advice and counsel and found il freely given. 4 knotty problem, a
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

Twenty-Five women from the Gros- venordales were given thrill and ex- perieueed in q degree the feelings of passengers on a ship-wrecked vessel, last Friday afternoon, when the City Of Webster. on which they were mak- ing a tour of the lake. grounded in the Narrows.
 When the boat grounded an s. O. s. was sent out. and passengers were safely transferred and taken to shore. Automobiles took the women back to the Webster Lake Hotel, where q ban qlet. attended by l50 women of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Le- gion of North Grosvenordale. was be- ing held
 t was half past eight o'clock when the City of Webster was chartered to take some of the women on a cruise around the lake. The big boat was moving slowly through the narrows,
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
TO-DAY CIRCUS DAY
chri..y Bre.. Trained Wild Animal
 Show Giving Two Performances


 The first circus to play Putnam this year arrived this morning. lt was af- ter seven o'clock when unloading from the neatly painted cars began and the small boys were on hand to watch proceedings and were well im- pressed by the appearance of the show train, wagons and what they could see of the animals.
 The unloading was done in the us. ual orderly and methodical manner, and it was not long before the big top and surrounding tents were in place ready for the afternoons per- formance.
 Many people viewed the excellent street parade and. from the number of people seen headed for the circus grounds. the tent will be well filled this afternoon. Tonight second performance will be given. after which the same orderly and method ical procedure as in the early mprn- ing hours will be gone through with and the show will be back on the ears and leave Putnam for the next town.
 The circus. as it's name implies, iE menagerie and show combined, the wild animal feature being most greatly emphasized. There is a large variety of wild beasts and also train ed domestic animals. The program is one of originality and the acts ars new. Clowns are a most important factor in both performances, anC there is an army of these fun-makeri with Christy Bros.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
CHlLDREN's HEART TAG
 DAY" IS TOMORROW

Contributing to the Volunteers of America tomorrow through the pur- chase of a red heart tag. means help ing some of the most needy children in this state.
 Children are asked to meet the lead CT. Miss Clara C. Larned. in the va- cant store in the Victory Theatre building at 9 o'clock Saturday morn ing. to receive tags and instructions which will enable them to compete for the prizes and movie passes.
 Purchasers are requested to display their tags to avoid second appeals. The committee hopes every one will have two hearts on Saturday, his own and one of the Volunteers of America to help some needy one.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
PUTNAM ROTARIANS AT
 ASHLAND PARK OUTING

Twenty-two Putnam Rotarians at tended the Rotary Eastern Connecti- cut outing held at Ashland Park, Je- welt City yesterday. The local club acted as hosts to the 133 Rotarians who attended.
 Putnam club members essayed to place a basebell team on the field in the morning to battle against a Nor wich nine Putnam was completely slaughtered. the score after three or four innings of play being fifteen to one The game was then called, Put nam gracefully enough congratulat- ing the winners.
 The local lineup was as follow Henry Lyon. catcher; William Whea- ton. 3b; Arthur E.. Smith, lb; Allen Averill. D; Leon Talbot, ss; Otis Foa, 2b: Fred Prince, ef. Here Putnam ran out of material and the remain ing two outfeld jobs were covered by men loaned by the Norwich club.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
BELIEVE FATHER OF SIX
 MAY BE WITH YOUNGER
sEvENTEEN-YEAR OLD LAURA CHOINERE AND oCTA- VIUS MiRANDETTE DISAPPEAR FROM NORTH
 CRoSvENoRDALE EVENING OF JuLYs
Abandoned Car Found Near Fsbyan-Poce the
 Case From All Angles.

Officers are searching for seventeen year old Laura Choinere, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Choinere of North Grosvenordale, who disappeared from home Monday, July 6. They would also like to find and interview 0ctavius Mirandette of the same vil- lage. married and the father of six children. who disappeared about the same time. Police believe that the dis anpearanee of the married man and the young girl on the same day is more than coincidence and are working on that theory.
 Investigation has disclosed that three weeks ago Mirandette drove to Burlington, Vt. and left his family Monday evening, July 6, neighbors saw the mans automobile parked on the street in North Grosvenordale and saw a girl get into the ear.
 The car which Mirandette owned was found last week about three miles
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
WHEN COAT CAUGHT FIRE

When a mans coat caught fire in a house in the vicinity of Centennial street at a late hour last Sunday night. considerable excitement was caused by the owner himself becoming excited.
 Instead Of someone throwing the smouldering garment outdoors, a man ran all the way Co the lunch wagon at the corner of South Main and Front streets and told those working there that there was a fire. Asked why he had not rung the alarm. he said he did not know where the box was. although he had passed one on his flight.
 4 telephone call was sent to the po-
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
GIFT TO ROTARY CLUB

At the Wednesday luncheon of the Putnam Rotary Club bronze Rotary shield was presented the club. The gift was from the Mansfield (Mass.l club. and the presentation was made by the president of that club, Dan Richardson. Present with Mir. Rich ardson was the Rev. Simeon F. Cozad. one of the founders of the club and q former pastor of the Putnam Congre- gational church.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
RECEPTION MONDAY NIGHT TO REV. AND MRS. J. F. ENGLISH

Mir. and Mrs. Silas NJ. Wheeloek, Church street. will open their home next Monday evening when a reception will be held from S until 0 o'clack for Rev. and Mrs. James F. English.
 Mir. English came to Putnam the first of the month to become pastor of the Congregational church. Members Of parishes of all denominations are in vited to attend the reception to meet the new pastor and his wife.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

Henry Lyon, acting president of the Putnam Rotary Club during the absence of President Ralph c. Jen- kins, gracefully accepted the gift for the Putnam club.
 Final arrangements were compIet- cd for attendance at the meeting of combined Rotary Clubs of New Lon don, Norwich, Putnam and Williman- tic, Thursday.
 The dinner was concluded with q short address by Rev. Mir. Cozad.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

Pomfret people are being annoyed by thief or a gang of thieves that are stripping automobiles of accessor- les. Several such thefts have been re- ported. and the state police have been informed and are working on the case.
 The most recent theft occurred We'd nesday night at the home of Station Agent W. B. Fay, who went to his gar age Thursday morning and found that
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

lice station. The police called fire headquarters. There the alarm Was rung. but in such a way that the bell sounded five strokes. This is the mum Der of the box at the entrance tn the Day Kimhall Hospital. and citizens aware of this were somewhat disturbed until the all-out signal rarg few min utes later.
 The fire truck responded to the call and when the firemen arrived at the house where the burning coat was, t was found that the coat was shoulder ing in the yard. the house was full of smoke. but there was no fire.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17

Hardly had the Patriot opened it's doors this mornng when a man. bron- zed, but full of pep, called. stating that he was John Moon. long dis tance hiker, who wanted Co register his time It was 7;05 o'clock and within few minutes the gentleman had hit the broad highway for an- other lap of his journey.
 Mir. Moon began his hike from Troy, \. r., leaving that city on Sat urday, July II. at 10:30 o'clock from Franklin square. During his hike he has passed through Troy, Pitts field, Great Burlington. Hartford. New London. Norwich, Danielson, coming from that city to Putnam.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
BOLDCAR STR.2PERS

it had been entered during the night. Examining his car he found that the and the batteries had disappeared.
 lt is believed that the burglars en- tered the garage before the heavy shower after midnight. as no tracks were to be seen about the entrance to the garage. The thieves seem to be becoming very bold in their opera tions and as yet have left no clues be-
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
MISS ELLA l. BALLARD
 BREAKS LEFT ARM IN FALL

Miss Ella I. Ballard, teacher in the Smith Street school. who is at her home in Thompson for the summer. while huckleberrying Tuesday, stepped on a rolling stone and fell. breaking bone in her left arm and dislocating another. She was taken to the Day Kimball Hospital, where an x-Ray was taken and the bone set. She win re- turn 10 her home after a few days.
Putnam patriot., 1925-07-17
PASSES STATE EXAMINATION
 AS DENTAL HYGIENIST I

Mrs. Elizabeth II. Wright. wife of Dr. II. E. Wright. has been informed that she has successfully passed the state examination as n dental hygen- ist. Mrs Wright recently went Co Hartford and took the examination. Gut of l0l who were examined only 22 passed successfully. Dr. Wright recently closed his dental office in Putnam and removed to Stafford Springs The family will follow next week to occupy their new home.