Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Baking Show at Cortland


Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, April 2, 1896.

THE BAKING SHOW.

LARGE AND SURPRISED CROWD.

THE RECORD BROKEN.

Good Sized Loaves of Delicious and Perfectly Baked Bread in Fourteen Minutes.

   The baking with the new Cortland six-hole range at Buck & Lane's hardware store in the Standard building did not begin till about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, owing to the fact that the arrival of Mr. F. A. Reynolds —who, in conjunction with Mr. N. F. Knight, was to have charge of it—was delayed by the floods along the New York Central.  

   About 3 o'clock, however, everything was ready, including Reynolds' highly polished plug hat, the store was crowded, the German baker had the dough ready, the hinges of Knight's tongue were oiled up, and the range was going under full steam. Seventy-four good-sized loaves of bread were baked in ninety-four minutes, including twelve minutes stoppage. The last batch of bread was baked in fourteen minutes. Such work in the way of bread-baking had never been seen before by any of the spectators, not only in speed, but in small amount of fuel used, the perfect and even brown on the loaves, the inside baked as well as the outside, and the generally inviting appearance and delicious quality of the product.

   The ample size and perfect arrangement of the flues of the range, the thorough combustion of fuel and the peculiar and admirable method of oven ventilation, all combined to produce the remarkable results reached.

   To-day baking began about 11 o'clock and continues all this afternoon. 150 loaves of bread will be given away as samples of what the range will do. Every one is invited to call and see the show. Baking will continue every day this week.

   The following shows how the range has been working in the last place visited by Mr. Reynolds. It is from one of the largest hardware and stove firms in that section of the state:

DUNKIRK, N. Y., March 30, 1896.

Cortland Howe Ventilating Stove Co.,

CORTLAND, N. Y.

   GENTLEMEN -Your Mr. Reynolds has been at our store for the last few days giving us an exhibition of the Cortland six-hole range's wonderful feats in baking, and although the draft of our chimney was very poor, yet he succeeded in doing all that he claimed he could, and in fact breaking the record, as timed by a spectator, baking sixteen loaves of bread in fifteen minutes. We consider the arrangement for introducing the air in the oven and equally distributing the heat as perfect, and cannot see any reason why your range should not be placed into the foremost ranks as a No. 1 baker. Wishing you the best of success, we remain,

Yours truly,

ALLING, FlELDS & CO.

 

Reference:

(Click Read Online when page displays. Click Go when the booklet displays.) http://archive.org/details/CatalogueAndPriceListOfTheImprovedHoweVentilatingStoves

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Divided Nation


We've always been polarized--sharply divided along religious, ethnic and political lines--And mostly negative--better at denouncing the beliefs of others than we are at explaining our own. So what's different? Why is it that our government can't seem to get anything done?

We're past the basics: we have a constitution; we've fought the Civil War (and others); we have suffrage; civil rights; we collect taxes; and crime rates are dropping. We're ready to move on--to achieve a higher standard of living for all--right?

Recently, I read a book, The Believing Brain, 'How we turn our beliefs into facts.' I don't recommend the book, but it does a good job of describing how we all come to accept our received beliefs as facts. And, having done so, see those with differing beliefs as stupid. Nothing new here except that pandering to our beliefs is now worth enormous sums of money and power. Even pandering to beliefs that have nothing to do with pending legislation can reap rewards in terms of political power necessary to control the agenda on these and other issues.

An example:

But first, A point of privilege: My own opinions on the following are irrelevant--and may surprise you.

Abortion vs. The Right to Life will always be with us. It represents a deep seated conviction in proponents of either side, many of whom are intelligent, thoughtful people. We cannot square the circle; minds will not be changed. So why are we ceding so much power to politicians who agree with us? They're not going to fix it, and, meanwhile, we limp along with a non-functioning government.

I recognize the importance of Abortion, gay rights, the Zimmerman verdict, and, when they die down, whatever takes their place. I have difficulties with the way these hot issues crowd others out of consideration--especially when I consider that this effect is not entirely unplanned. Perhaps I'm being selfish since I don't know anyone who's affected by any of these issues, or others I can name. That's not to say they don't exist. But what about the millions of Americans whose lives are being ruined and shortened by the politically driven mismanagement of our economy? And all the black men in jail, the families ruined, and killings in neighboring countries thanks to our self-righteous 'War on Drugs'?

And  'immigration'? There's one for the ages--a gross distortion of our legal system and our economy. Shouldn't American employers pay the going rate for work they want done? Compete in the labor market place? What's so special about agriculture in southern California? Think of it on a net cost basis--less welfare, workers' kids get an education, workers buy cars, farmers spend more for high-tech equipment (what the English call a knock-on effect).

Isn't it time for Americans to accept accountability for results? To make the connection between our cherished beliefs plus the way in which we allow ourselves to be manipulated, and the disgusting situation in our nation's capital?

 
STRIKE, is now available in paperback. You can obtain it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble (use title and my full name). Or, from me $12.00 post paid. http://joebakewell.wordpress.com/

Joseph Bakewell

X-Rays in Baking and High Water in Cortland


Howe Ventilating Stove Co., corner Elm and Franklin Streets, Cortland, N.Y.
Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, March 31, 1896.
 
“X” RAYS IN BAKING.

QUICK AS LIGHTNING, BETTER THAN THE BEST.

Exhibition of the Workings of the Famous Cortland Range at Buck & Lane's Tomorrow.

   At Buck & Lane's hardware store, in the STANDARD building, there will be given tomorrow an exhibition of baking by the famous Cortland Range. This range, which was put on the market by the Cortland Howe Ventilating Stove Co. only last fall, has suddenly leaped into a popularity which promises to rival that of the celebrated Cortland Howe Ventilator. The STANDARD recently published an account of baking by this new range at Auburn and Elmira, where sixteen loaves of bread were beautifully baked—not burned outside and raw inside —in sixteen minutes, and tea biscuit baked equally well in 2 1/2 minutes. This range has features to be found in no other, and no one who thinks of buying a range should fail to give it careful examination.

   Every one is invited to call at Buck & Lane's and see what its manufacturers believe is the latest and most perfect development of scientific baking apparatus.
 

 
NOTHING IN IT.
                         Unauthorized Report of a Change in Local Hotel Property.
   A report was circulated last night of a prospective trade in hotel property between Ollie Ingraham, owner of the Messenger House, and Wickwire Brothers, owners of the Central hotel. A STANDARD man to-day called upon Mr. Ingraham and asked him to verify the report. Mr. Ingraham said there was nothing in it.
  
   Mr. T. H. Wickwire had at one time happened to meet him and asked "How will you trade hotels?" Mr. Ingraham had made no reply at the time. When next he saw Mr. Wickwire he had called out to him that he should want $35,000 to trade with him. That was some time ago and neither party had referred to the subject since. He did not expect to make any trade and did not know that Mr. Wickwire was at all serious in his thought of a trade when he asked the question.
  
   The STANDARD man also saw Mr. C. F. Wickwire and that gentleman laughed at the idea. He verified Mr. Ingraham's report of the circumstance and the conversation almost word for word, but, as Mr. Ingraham said, did not believe his brother was serious when he asked the question. It was probably the expression of a thought that happened to come into his mind at the time, and he didn't believe he had thought of it since. It isn't worth saying anything about, said Mr. Wickwire.
 
    We wouldn't refer to the matter, as there is so little to it, except that another paper had published the trade as a fact and some one might be deceived by it.
 
HIGH WATER.

Fills the Creek to Overflowing, Also Many Cellars.

   The warm weather of yesterday started the water from the melting snows on the hillsides with a rush. Yesterday afternoon and evening both Otter and "Dry" creeks were raging torrents. In the evening both overflowed their banks, filling cellars in their immediate vicinity to the windows.

   Otter creek rose eight inches in one hour, almost overflowing the bridges on Lincoln and Maple-aves. On Maple-ave, the barn floor of Liveryman E. M. Yager was covered with water over one foot in depth. Mr. Yager was compelled to remove his horses to another barn. The flats north of Madison-st. were one sheet of water. Residences in that part of the town were, in many instances, entirely surrounded, No damage is reported except that nearly every thing in the cellars affected was found floating around this morning and a few hens belonging to Mr. Grant Bugby of Madison-st. were drowned.

   The water is rising rapidly again in both streams this afternoon.

 

Ithacans Suffer Severely.

   ITHACA, N. Y., March 31.— Numerous freshets have caused a dangerous flood in the inlet at Cayuga lake at the lower part of Ithaca. The water is rising steadily, and many of the cellars of the residences and stores are flooded. Illstone's icehouse has already been washed away, and Dixon & Robinson's lumber yard is so badly flooded that most of the lumber is likely to be carried off. All trains in this vicinity are delayed. Much damage is reported, but it is thought that the worst is over, as the thermometer is falling.

 

Canisteo Badly Inundated.
   CANISTEO, N. Y., March 31.— The water is higher today than it has been since 1865 and considerable damage to farm property will be reported. The river is over its banks in many places. The whole lower end of the town is inundated and residents of Taylor, West Main, Corter, Walnut, Depot and Second streets, were unable to get to their work



Rome Shut Off From Mails.


   ROME, N. Y., March 31. — Owing to a blockade of ice and flood at Oriskany no trains have passed through here since 7 o'clock last night, and Rome has been shut off from mail communication. Trains have run from Utica to Canastota by way of the West Shore. The tracks are said to be several feet under water at Oriskany.

 

 

Reference:
Howe Ventilating Stove Co., Grip's, page 189: http://tcpl.org/local-history/books-counties-cny-grips.php
 
 



 


 


 

Monday, July 29, 2013

To Our Readers


     Reading archived newspapers often strains one's eyes and causes headache. Ask any person who has read computer screens for hours or scrolled microfilm at libraries and at L.D.S. Church facilities. The longer one reads, the more eye strain one gets. There are other possible ways to become blind, but you must ask Anthony Weiner for details about that.

     The energizing results of discoveries in archives, finding forgotten historical facts and persons, make it all worthwhile. Curiosity may kill cats, but it stimulates and often gratifies researchers.

     There are two sight-impaired persons who research archived newspapers at the Cortland Contrarian. They both prefer to post their ‘discoveries’ as original content to avoid the risk of distortion by rewrite. Rewriting also strains out the original flavor of vintage style and arrangement. The grammar and syntax of these period writings are also part of the historical record.

     The Cortland Contrarian editor, who is not always available at time of postings, often plays catch-up with the blog’s digital postings. We have an archaic system of signals that we use prior to each post. It’s called smoke signals. When it is raining, we say "The hell with it" and just go to sleep.

     Our staff has undergone a few changes over the years. In 2012 we lost one contributor in the spring, and then gained a contributor by summer’s end. Due to employment and family obligations, our contributors have limited time to prepare posts. All volunteer their time and effort. We are politically independent. In our view, Republicans and Democrats are equal opportunity scapegoats.This year our small staff decided to concentrate less on local politics and more on regional history. We maintain the impulse to post occasional satire, especially political satire.

     Thanks for your interest in our blog.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Farewell Banquet


Lehigh Valley locomotive No. 919
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, March 5, 1896.

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET

GIVEN BY BUSINESSMEN OF CORTLAND

In Honor of Albert Allen and Robert E. Dunston, Two Retiring Superintendents.

   A complimentary banquet was last night given at the Messenger House by the business men of Cortland in honor of Mr. Albert Allen, who has just retired from the superintendency of the E. C. & N. R. R. and of Mr. Robert E. Dunston, who has just retired from the superintendency of the Cortland & Homer Traction Co. It was a representative gathering of Cortland's citizens and was one of the most enjoyable affairs of its kind which has ever occurred in the place. The one thing which detracted from the highest pleasure of the occasion was the fact that it was a kind of farewell to two gentlemen in their official capacity who are valued citizens of the place and have hosts of warm personal friends here. While they may not immediately remove from Cortland it is well known that business ties no longer bind them here and they are likely to depart at any time.

   The gentlemen arrived at about 9 o'clock and spent a pleasant hour socially in the hotel parlors, where they were warmly welcomed by the reception committee: Hon. L. J. Fitzgerald, Judge J. E. Eggleston, Judge A. P. Smith, Mr. T. H. Wickwire and Dr. H. T. Dana.

   Mr. Laurence Mills had been appointed by the business men as a special committee of arrangements and he had devoted the larger part of three days to the undertaking. The great success which it was from every point of view was in large measure due to his efforts. It was 9:50 o'clock when Mr. Mills announced that Landlord Ingraham pronounced the dining room ready and arranged the company in order to proceed to the lower rooms.

   Seventy-one people were seated at the tables, which were arranged upon three sides of a rectangle. At the center of the head table sat Hon. O. U. Kellogg, who was the chairman and toastmaster. At his right in this order sat Mr. Dunston, Hon. L. J. Fitzgerald, Mr. H. L. Bronson, Judge A. P. Smith, Judge Walter Lloyd Smith. At his left were Mr. Albert Allen, Judge J. E. Eggleston, and Mr. D. W. Van Hossen. Others in the order in which they sat around each of the side tables were Messrs. C. F. Wickwire. R. Bruce Smith, Dr. H. T. Dans, Judge S. S. Knox, D. W. Andrews, John C. Barry, T. H. Wickwire, Dr. F. W. Higgins, B. A. Benedict, J. S. Bull, B. T. Wright, C. F. Brown, F. D. Smith, Ernest M. Hulbert, F. Daehler, F. B. Nourse, A. M. Schermerhorn, Herbert Longendyke, E. D, Blodgett, G. H. Ames, E. C. Rindge, H. S. Bliss, E. E. Mellon, W. E. Wood, W. T. Bushby, A. M. Jewett, E. C. Alger, C. P. Walrad, G. J. Mager, R. G. Lewis, J. O. Reid, A. D. Wallace, F. E. Price, H. Wells, F. J. Doubleday, B. L. Webb, W. A. Cornish, L. D. Garrison, Dr. C. E. Ingalls, E. L. Pierce, B. W. Rood, F. L. McDowell,  G. H. Garrison, G. C. Hubbard, C. L. Kinney, G. E. Ingraham, Sheriff A. Hilsinger, A. Mahan, W. W. Hout, J. H. Kelley, Dorr C. Smith, E. D. Barker, J. C. Seager, C. B. Warren, F. N. Harrington, Train Dispatcher W. H. Clark, O. K. George, Delos Bauder and Laurence Mills.

   The spread was one of the finest ever prepared on a similar occasion in Cortland, and the serving was excellent. The entire menu was as follows:

Claret

Little Neck Clams

Soup

Consomme a la Royal

Green Turtle

Lettuce, Celery, Radishes, Olives

Fish

Baked Blue Fish, Hollandaise Sauce

Boiled

Ox Tongue, Port Wine Sauce

Entrees

Fillet of Beef, Fried Oysters, Quail on Toast, Escalloped Oysters

Roman Punch

Roasts

Prime Ribs of Beef, Brown Gravy, Venison a la Messenger, New England Turkey, Cranberry Sauce

Chicken Salad a la Mayonnaise

Shrimp Salad

Vegetables

Boston Browned Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes,

New Spinach, French Peas, Wax Beans

Dessert

Orange Short Cake

Charlotte Russe, Rum Jelly,

Lemon Ice

Assorted Cakes, Edam Cheese

Tea, Coca, Coffee

Mixed Nuts, Oranges

Cigars

   It was 12:30 o'clock when Mr. Kellogg called the assembly to order and explained in brief but fitting words the object of the gathering. He said that some from out of town who were not present had desired to be there, but were unable to do so and had sent regrets. He read the following telegram:

NEW YORK, March 3, 1896.

Laurence Mills, Cortland, N Y.:

   I regret exceedingly that my engagements will prevent me from being in Cortland tomorrow night and especially because I would like to show Mr. Allen, who has been a faithful manager of our road, that we appreciate it, and I should also like very much indeed to meet the citizens of Cortland who are his friends, and I assume are also mine. Will you kindly give them all my best regards and thanks for the handsome manner in which they have all treated Mr. Allen and our executive officers during our connection with the road.

AUSTIN CORBIN.

   Mr. Kellogg referred also to regrets from others, but did not read them.
Among those were the following:

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF BINGHAMTON, N. Y., MARCH 3, 1896.

Lawrence Mills, Esq., Cortland, N. Y.

   MY DEAR SIRS— Your message I found on my return to office this afternoon.
Permit me to thank you for your kindly remembrance, I regret, however, that it will be impossible to participate in this banquet owing to the fact that I am obliged to go some distance into the country to attend the funeral of a relative which occurs tomorrow afternoon, therefore I shall be unable to return to the city until late in the day. Trusting that the affair will be one of great pleasure and profit to all participants, and again expressing my sincere appreciation for the honor conferred, I am,

Yours truly,

GEORGE E. GREEN.

SYRACUSE, N. Y., March 4.

Laurence Mills, Cortland, N. Y.:

   I regret very much that urgent and unexpected business will make it impossible for me to be present at your meeting tonight. Thanking you for your kind invitation I am with best wishes for the success of both gentleman and the meeting,

Yours very truly,

A. H. SCHWARZ.

AUBURN, N. Y., March 4.

Laurence Mills, Cortland, N. Y.:

   I regret a previous engagement will prevent my attending citizens' banquet Wednesday night.

H. D. TITUS

   Regrets had also been received from Mr. H. Bergholtz.

   Mr. Kellogg then asked Judge Eggleston to voice the feelings of the citizens. This the judge did in words earnest and eloquent, paying a well merited tribute to both the guests of the evening, as officers, as citizens of Cortland and as men.

   H. L. Bronson was asked to speak for the Traction company and spoke of the high service of Mr. Dunston to that organization.

   Dr. Dana was called for but asked to be excused.

   Judge A. P. Smith was the next speaker. He was in his happiest mood and was greeted with laughter and applause, as he made a characteristic speech.

   Mr. Allen was then called for and expressed his gratification at the expression of friendship heard on all sides and regret at his departure. He gave a little outline of his thirty-two years' experience as a railroad man, beginning as a helper to a fireman on a railroad down in New Jersey until he had reached the position of general superintendent. Mr. Allen spoke of his fondness for Cortland and the wish that he had cherished to continue his residence here. He referred to the kindly feeling manifested toward him on all sides and his pleasant relations with all the people with whom he had come in contact here in Cortland.

   Mr. Dunston was the last speaker and his candid and earnest words were well received, He spoke of the difference between steam roads and surface roads and paid a tribute to Mr. Allen in that he had not conducted his steam road on the principle once so forcibly and epigrammatically expressed by Mr. Vanderbilt. He has agreeable words to say of Cortland and of the treatment accorded to him during his residence here and said that one of the chief causes of regret at leaving was the severing of many warm friendships.

   At the close of Mr. Dunston's remarks the orchestra struck up "Auld Lang Syne " in which all the company joined and the banquet was at an end at 1:15 A. M.

   Not a little of the enjoyment of the evening was contributed by the excellent music of Daniels' orchestra which was stationed in the private dining room, and many of the selections were heartily encored.

Passenger Trains Collide.

SYRACUSE, March 5.— A head-on collision between two passenger trains occurred on the Auburn branch of the New York Central and Hudson River railroad near the Solvay works, a short distance from this city. Both engines were badly demolished and the baggage car of the east hound train was telescoped. Engineer Gibbins sprained his ankle and Engineer Vianco injured his leg. They both jumped from their engines. The passengers were badly shaken up, but no serious injuries resulted.


 
 

Friday, July 26, 2013

Meet Miss Elizabeth Flagler


George Zimmerman prosecutors: Meet Miss Elizabeth Flagler.

Cortland Evening Standard, Wednesday, February 26, 1896.

TO JAIL FOR THREE HOURS.

Miss Flagler Receives a Light Sentence and a Heavy Fine.

   WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.—Miss Elizabeth Flagler, daughter of General Flagler, chief of ordnance, who last spring shot a colored boy named Green, son of a treasury department messenger, was arraigned in court.

   She pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to three hours in jail and to pay a fine of $500.

   General Flagler paid the fine, and the young lady was conducted to jail to serve the three hours.

   Miss Flagler was driven to the jail in her father's carriage and was received by the warden with great courtesy. She passed the three hours in the matron's reception room in the company of General Flagler and an aunt, Mrs. Winthrop, and was then driven to her home.

 

Reference:
 
1) Google:

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Lehigh Valley R. R. Purchases Elmira, Cortland & Northern R. R.


Lehigh Valley's Black Diamond Express at Easton, Pennsylvania in 1896.
Cortland Evening Standard,
Wednesday, February 26, 1896.

LEHIGH OFFICIALS

MAKE A CAREFUL INSPECTION OF LOCAL PROPERTY.

No Immediate Changes Contemplated—Well Pleased with All They See.

   The Lehigh Valley R. R. officials returned last night from their inspection of the east end of the E. C. & N. R. R., or of the Elmira and Cortland branch of the Auburn division of the Lehigh Valley R. R., as it must now be called. At an early hour this morning they started on a tour of inspection of the local properly. Representatives of different branches of the industry of the road visited different portions of the property here.
                  
   General Superintendent Wilbur and Superintendent Titus and Roadmaster Swart of this division with some others looked over pretty much the whole property. Electricians Lattig and Daniel confined their observations to Dispatcher Clark's office. Mr. Cole of the car accountant's office inspected Car Accountant Morse's way of doing business. Storekeeper Coleman spent some time with Storekeeper James Walsh at the store. Others were busy in various ways

   A STANDARD reporter spoke with Superintendent Titus in regard to the inspection and that gentleman said that the party were very much pleased with what they saw along the whole line of the road. It seemed rather strange to him to be looking over this road with the thought that he was to have it in charge. He felt very familiar with every foot of the old Southern Central road which now forms the main part of the Auburn division. His connection with that began more than twenty-nine years ago when he was appointed its superintendent, about six months before the road was completed. He remembered well when this road was built. He was well acquainted with Mr. Fred L. Pomeroy of Cortland, now of New York, its first superintendent, who has since come to prominence in important positions on various large roads.

   His relations with Superintendent Albert Allen had always been very pleasant and it was with something of embarrassment that he came here to succeed him. Everything that he saw about the road, the road bed, the condition of the rolling stock, the property at the different stations, all reflected largely to Mr. Allen's credit as manager.

   He hopes to come to Cortland soon to get acquainted with people here. It would be impossible for him to live here or to be here a very large' portion of the time and he should doubtless be compelled to have someone here to represent him in the management of this division.

   The question which interests so many Cortland people, as to a change in the location of the car shops, was asked and Mr. Titus replied that he was unable to answer that and he thought no one of the party could speak upon that now. The manager of the main car shops would probably soon come up here to look over these shops and then some decision could be reached. In the meantime everything would go on as before.

   The question of the possible extension of the road to the St, Lawrence river and to Syracuse was asked, Mr. Titus laughed as he replied that he really thought the newspapers knew more about that than anybody connected with the road. He had noticed that the Syracuse papers almost had the building of an extension under way and arrangements all made, but he thought that no officer of the road had yet gone so far.

   Mr. Titus said that for the present most things would probably remain about as they are. They did not contemplate any material change in the near future. He was gratified at the loyalty Cortland people manifested toward the E. C. & N. road for he was sure that that loyalty would be transferred to the Lehigh, and he was confident that the coming of this large railroad system, opening, as it would, another trunk line to Cortland would not be at all to the disadvantage of Cortland.

   The special train left for the west at about 10 o'clock to complete the inspection. It is fortunate for Cortland and this whole line that in the change of superintendent of this division so excellent a man as Mr. Titus is put in charge. He is personally known to a number of Cortland people and these all unite in the sentiment of others along the line of the Auburn division in approbation of the high character of Mr. Titus as a man, and of his ability, efficiency, courtesy and kindliness as a manager.

   Mr. Allen will close his connection with the road at the end of this month, on Saturday of this week. A report was in circulation that he was to take a position as superintendent of the Long Island road, but Mr. Allen denied this. He says he has not yet decided what he will do. He will carry from Cortland when he leaves the kindliest feeling of all with whom he has come in contact, employees or others.

   Among the employees of the E. C. & N. road who have been with it during the longest time may be mentioned Conductor P. F. MacMartin of Elmira who has been a conductor on the line for twenty-five years. Everyone who travels on this road is familiar with his white hair and beard and kindly face. Patrick Clancy has been the efficient roadmaster for nearly twenty years and before that was a section foreman from the building of the road. E. D. Phillips, station agent at Cortland, has looked out through the ticket window here for eighteen years, and for patrons to buy a ticket at this station from anyone else would seem strange enough, for rain or shine, year in and year out he has always been on duty.

   J. R. Birdlebough is one of the oldest heads of departments in point of service. For thirteen years he has been superintendent of bridges and buildings, and for several years before his elevation to the head of that department he was a member of the force. Every bridge, culvert and building on the road is constantly photographed before his watchful eye. There are others who have been on the road for long periods, and it is to be hoped that with the new change of arrangement, changes in the departments may not come.

FIVE DOLLARS.

Fine Paid by Adolph Skinner For Leaving his Horses Out.

   Last evening as Attorney E. E. Mellon was walking down Main St. at about 10:30 o'clock someone made complaint to him that there was a team hitched on Port Watson St. which needed the attention of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Mr. Mellon, who is attorney for the society, investigated and found that the team bad been standing near the foundry for several hours and he ordered it taken to Baker's hitching barn. This morning a warrant was sworn out before Police Justice Bull charging Adolph Skinner with cruelty to animals. Skinner was arrested and when brought before the court pleaded not guilty and paid a fine of five dollars.
 

 
Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, February 20, 1896.
Locomotive Boiler Explodes.

   UTICA, N. Y., Feb. 20.—The boiler of a locomotive attached to the New York and Philadelphia express on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western exploded when about four miles south of Richfield junction, throwing the locomotive from the track and killing Engineer John Keach and Fireman John Lewis. Neither the train nor any of the passengers were injured. Mr. Keach was a resident of Binghamton and Lewis lived near Greene. No cause can be assigned for the accident.


Lehigh's New Flyer.

   BUFFALO, Feb. 28, 1896. — The Lehigh Valley railroad ran an experimental train from New York to Buffalo to fix a schedule for their new fast flyer between the two cities. The run was made in 10 hours, which is two hours ahead of their regular time. The fastest time of the trip was made between Batavia and Depew, when 70 miles an hour was reached.



Editor's note:


   The Elmira, Cortland & Northern R. R. was bought in 1884 by Austin Corbin for $50,000. The line had branches from Elmira to Cortland and Syracuse. It had extensions to Canastota, Sylvan Beach and Camden. In February 1896 the Lehigh Valley R. R. took control of the E. C. & N. but actual conveyance of property titles, franchises and associated rights were not concluded until 1905. More details of the purchase can be found in the February 1896 pages of the Elmira Advertiser and the Cortland Evening Standard and other sources. Reference for Lehigh Valley Railroad:  http://www.lvrr.com/.

Rusty Draper--Freight Train--You Tube