SKELETONS RESURRECTED

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, August 21, 1891.

Skeletons Resurrected.

   Saturday afternoon about 3 o'clock workmen engaged in excavating for the Normal school annex, unearthed a number of the larger bones of the human frame on the south and east of the present school building. Eight sculls, the crown part, were found and reverently placed in a box with the other fragments of those in earlier years, laid at rest in the cemetery, which is now the site of the Normal grounds. They will be buried in the Cortland Rural cemetery. In several instances portions of burial cases were discovered. One was found Wednesday afternoon close to the last end of the building which had the appearance of having been the bottom of the coffin, from which the remains had evidently been removed and the body left as too far advanced in decay to be lifted. Portions of two coffin lids were also found on which the characters "14 AE., G. M."  and "21 AE." were wrought in large brass headed tacks.

To Be Returned to the Asylum.

   A number of years ago there resided in East Homer a young man named Martin Phillips, possessed of a keen intellect and strong physical development. In the course of time he married and became the father of a family. From every source it is learned that young Phillips was an industrious and respected citizen of that locality until a few years since when, his mind becoming effected, he was adjudged insane and taken to the asylum at Binghamton. About a year since, he was paroled from that institution during good behavior—having given little or no trouble to his keepers and to all appearances possessed of his reasoning powers.

   After his release he returned to his home and gave promise of a life of usefulness, causing great joy at the hearthstone. Early during the present summer traces of absent mindedness and depression were observed in his daily life. Suddenly he left home without any information as to his intentions. Hoping against hope his friends anticipated his return; but the old malady fastened itself upon the throne of reason and the heart-broken family realized that in the wanderer of the fields and forests about East Homer was the semblance of a once proud husband and father.

   Last week a warrant was sworn out before Justice Smith of this village charging the unfortunate man with burglary in entering a building, a few hours before, and appropriating some clothing. He was brought to the jail last Saturday, but made a desperate resistance to the officials before walking into the confinement of the prison. Justice Smith committed Phillips to await the action of the insane officials. His clothing was badly torn and hung in rags on his person and his hair and beard looked as though the scissors and razor had been strangers to him for years.

Grange Day.

   The County Council, P. of H, of Cortland county, extend a cordial invitation to all Patrons of Husbandry and their friends to unite with them in an all-day basket picnic at the Floral Trout Park, Cortland, N. Y., on Wednesday, Aug. 26th, 1891. The Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, of Elmira, will deliver an address at 1 o'clock P. M. Other speakers are expected. A brass band has been engaged, and other attractions secured to make the day enjoyable Reduced rates on the D. L. & W., and E. C. & N. railroads. Come everybody.

   By Order of Committee.

Little York Lake.

A Pleasant Resting Place.

   Citizens who have become tired and worn with the cares of business, can find no better place to rest and enjoy themselves than is offered by the Raymond House at Little York. During the hot weather, the refreshing breeze always to be found at the landing under the willows is delightful. and the accommodations throughout are most excellent. The table is always laden with the choicest delicacies of the season. Handsome boats are always at the landing and they are kept scrupulously clean and neat. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond are untiring in their efforts to please their guests and they are ably assisted by Mr. and Mrs. John Bates of Homer. If any reader of the DEMOCRAT desires to take a few days outing at moderate expense we advise him to try the Raymond House at Little York.

The Department in Order.

   Last Saturday was the occasion of the annual parade and review of the Cortland fire department. Promptly at 1:30 P. M. the several companies appeared and formed in line on Railroad-st. right resting at Emerald Hose headquarters in the following order: Hitchcock Manufacturing Co.'s Band, 16 men; Board of Engineers; W. W. Steamer and Hose Co., 15 men; Excelsior H. & L. Co., 20 men; Emerald Hose Co., 24 men; Protective Police, 20 men; Hitchcock Hose, 32 men.

    The previously announced line of march was followed without a deviation, a countermarch being ordered at the Court House where the column was reviewed by the village officials, who occupied a position upon the porch. Promptness in the event as in case of service, called forth commendations from the citizens on the efficient management of the fire fighters.

   The day's festivities closed with a ball game between the Rockbottom Hose nine of Binghamton and the Emerald Hose nine at the fair grounds and was witnessed by a large assemblage of people. A regular "lay out" to the home nine was silently anticipated, owing to the reputation of the visitors as pounders of the sphere and sawdust bags. Shortly after the opening of the game the Emeralds evidenced a determination to plant Cortland's banner upon the Rocky portion of the visitors, and shoes were even pulled from feet and cast into the diamond as a source of encouragement and expression of appreciation at the progress of the sport. Once rattled the visitors were unable to regain lost ground and a score of 23 to 3 was recorded in favor of the Emeralds. As a visiting spectator was heard to remark

"Cortland may be a small town, but her citizens are in it every minute, whether business or recreation interests are at stake."

Cortland Box Loop Company.

   Last week Mr. E. H. Brewer of the Cortland Box Loop Company purchased of Hiram C. Blodgett a house and lot and two acres of land fronting on Port Watson-st. and adjoining the D., L. & W track, also a house and lot adjoining from the executors of the late Lemi Howe. The company will erect a four story brick building for their factory on the site, and if the proper materials can be obtained the work will be commenced at once. The building is to be as near fireproof as it is possible to make it. This will give more than double their present facilities and the company will greatly extend their business. The real estate purchased cost about $8,000.

Gospel Street Meeting.

   On the corner of Elm and Pomeroy streets, Friday, at 7 P. M., conducted by B. Winget, pastor of the Free Methodist church, assisted by others. Come and hear.

Lightning's Freak.

   During the thunder storm last Tuesday morning lightning struck the chimney on the upright part of D. L. Bliss' residence on Clinton-ave., in this place. The top of the chimney was somewhat demoralized and the cap to the stovepipe hole in the chimney, in the sitting room on the first floor, was sent spinning across the room, followed by two scuttles full of sand and soot. The baseboard on the west side of the house, where the water pipe is placed was split and torn off. The servant girl was standing by the chimney in the second story and experienced no unpleasant effects. Where the bolt went to after striking the chimney is a mystery.