Smyrna times., 1956-03-01
Townsend

Gong through SOiiAc lHiShSlS q
few days ago the writer wonder
ed how the rabbits and quail had
made out during the winter. Rab-
bit signs were everywhere and at
two places we came across the
sorry remains which indicated
where a cottontail had been, the
main course of a one-course din
ner. Suddenly a familiar call of
the marshlands came down the
wind and we were surprised to
note a quartette of young crows
skittering about on the shores of
a pond at the edge of the wood
land. No signs of the quail were
seen, but it was evident that
these game birds were tucked
away for the winter somewhere
and somehow we aim to take an
other look to learn of their well
fare later on.
Attracting wide and very fav-
orable attention the illuminated
church steeple makes many of the
observers awe with deep appreci-
alton and sincerity and all know
its significance that aims to ad-
vance the Kingdom of God.
There was a large attendance
at the public sale on the farm of
Mr.. Ralph Savin, near Townsend,
on Saturday, and good prices were
realized. A mixed weather pro-
gram of sunshine, wind and rain
did not seem to interfere with the
selling at all. Mr.. and Mrs. Saw
in will go to a bungalow near
Ginn's Corner for future residence.
The sale had a good attendance
despite the fact that three other
sales were in progress elsewhere
and nearby. The Ladies Auxili-
ary of the Townsend Fire Com
pany were present and served
hot dog sandwiches, coffee and
pie.
The storm on Saturday had al
most the fury of a hurricane. In
some parts of the town rain
spouts were blown down and in
the country fences were levelled,
and other damage resulted. The
day had mixed combination OF
sunshine, rain and wind and walk
ing or driving was very disagree
able. Many choose to stay within
their homes.
Washington's birthday was fit
tingly observed on Wednesday, the
occasion being celebrated in the
usual brilliant manner. Flags were
displayed in good style to hell
glorify his honor, while business
for the day was largely suspend
ed. It was evident that the grea
American still lives as truly ant
as feverently as in the days Of
old. Had he lived up to the pres
ent time he would have been 224
years old.
Years ago Washington's birth
day was celebrated in a differen
manner. Then every shop or stor
was closed tight in honor of tn
great American. Often in severa
towns a parade was held in whicl
the school children took import
ant parts. A speakers stand wa
erected in the main part of tn
town and the Grafton was givel
from that quarter. 1t was reall.
holiday in word and in actor
and almost everybody laid OF
from work for the day.
Memories to remember were tn
evenings when Joseph P. Pritch
ard, then a young man of Town
send, would arrange to hold al
oyster at the various farmhouse
and the affairs of this kind Wer
we'll patronized He would max
arrangements to hold the suppe
at the farmers home and mostl,
a crowd of fifty or sixty peopl
would be there to enjoy the feast
1t was an evening of perfect de
light and bliss Another happ,
time was when John Rittenhous
would conduct a restaurant nea
the railroad station and his re
putation was known by serving
dandy oyster meal at his place Q
business. He generally had tn
place packed full of patrons o
Saturday nights from 5 to IL pm
He knew his work and did it vel
Last week we were wrong l
stating that Mr.. George Burgt
who celebrated his birthday, wa
76 years of age. He was IS year
of age. We regret the error.
While out in the fields an
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