CORTLAND CORSET REORGANIZED

The Gillette Skirt Factory on Miller Street was the former Cortland Corset Factory. This 1899 photo from Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland shows the wood frame building a few years before a fire destroyed it.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, February 3, 1893.

Reorganized.

     The Cortland Corset Company has recently been reorganized and the plant which was owned by S. E. Welch of this place, and Byron H. Bierce of Scott, has been transferred to the new company which is organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey. The personal property also owned by them and Mrs. Anna F. Rheubottom has been sold to the new concern. The capital stock of the new company is $100,000. Messrs. Welch and Bierce each have $20,000 of the preferred and $6,000 of the common stock, the balance being owned mostly by parties in New York. The new company is to pay all the debts of the old company. S. E. Welch is president, and Taylor A. Gage, Treasurer.

A Heap of Horses.

   Last Monday afternoon Mr. Marvin R. Wood, of South Cortland, drove a team of horses belonging to John Calvert of the same place, to the oil works near the E. C. & N. station. He drove up to the platform and stepped out on the same and opening the door, called to those inside to bring him a barrel of oil. It did not take thirty seconds, but the horses started and ran out on to Main-st., and tore up the street at a fearful pace.

   A young son of Mrs. Isaac Spencer of Virgil, sat in a sleigh holding a team while his mother transacted some business in the Second National Bank. The runaway team came up the street and dashed against Mrs. Spencer's team, which was headed towards them, and all four horses went down in a heap. Singularly enough the boy crawled out from the mixture of sleighs entirely uninjured.

   A crowd of men standing on the sidewalk finally extricated the horses and got them up. The harnesses were broken some, the sleighs injured a little and one of Mr. Calvert's horses was cut on the hind leg, and this was all the damage apparently done to either establishment. Everyone who saw the collision believed that the horses and the boy must certainly be killed. In fact, it would seem next to impossible that so little damage could have resulted.

Normal School Notes.

   On Saturday last G I. Pruden took a group picture of the Gamma Sigma Fraternity.

   The annual public exercises of the Y. M. D. C. were held on Saturday evening last, and they were fully up to the standard of former exercises; the articles were well prepared and delivered. The alumni address by Mr. L. L. Waters of Syracuse was especially fine.

   The final examinations are being held this week.

   The seventeenth public exercises of the Gamma Sigma Fraternity were held on Monday evening. The rostrum was prettily draped with society colors, and on the wall at the back of the rostrum hung a neat design of the society emblem; upon the rostrum were a number of handsome rugs and elegant easy chairs for the speakers, and at one end was the handsome piece of statuary, "The Watch of the Santa Maria."

   The exercises were very interesting throughout; the president's address by Mr. Freeman was most gracefully written and delivered. The discussion, "Will the coming change in the administration be a benefit to the nation?" was handled in a masterly way and held the closest attention of all.

   The oration by Mr. Kales and the declaration by Mr. Holmes were both well delivered and showed careful preparation.

   The music was one of the most enjoy able features of the evening, especially the solos by Mr. Darby and Mr. Conway.

   Normal hall was filled to the doors on Tuesday evening upon the occasion of the third public exercises of the Clionian society. Upon the rostrum was constructed the open front of a Greek temple with Doric columns, frieze and roof all made to represent white marble. The interior and sides were draped with yellow. The presentation of Longfellow's Masque of Pandora was something never attempted before in the Normal, and some were heard to say it was the best entertainment ever given in the school. The characters were well sustained and the play faithfully carried out. Note: The drawing of the curtains which some people thought were operated by electricity was the invention of "Prof. Moses," and it is reported that he soon intends to place the invention on the market.

   The annual public exercises of the Corlonor Fraternity were held in the chapel on Wednesday evening. The plan of the exercises was very unique and novel and was very well carried out,

   The rostrum was fixed up to represent the U. S. Senate and the members of the fraternity were the Senators. After some routine business coming before the Senate, they came to the main question for discussion concerning immigration, which was handled in a masterly way. The proceedings were very interesting and were spiced with wit throughout.

   After the Clionian exercises the school social was held in the new school parlors.

   Last Friday the literary class presented to their teacher, Miss M. F. Hendrick, a beautiful piece of statuary, "The Watch of the Santa Maria," showing Columbus, the first mate, and the pilot gazing toward the now continent.

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   Buffalo is being flooded with bogus Canadian gold coin.

   The bounty paid for killing bears in Lewis county the past six weeks amounted to $280.

   During the past year 1,882 locomotives were built in the United States and 96,890 freight cars.

   J. A. Parshall, the oldest printer in the United States, has worked in the Delhi Gazette office 52 years.

   The Free masons were, for several centuries during the middle ages, the sole architects and builders of church edifices.

   There were 54 deaths out of 182 cases of typhus fever in New York since Dec. 1, and six new cases were reported yesterday.

   The New York Central shops in Syracuse will be moved to Depew, near Buffalo, about Feb. 1. The removal will be the means of taking 150 machinists from Syracuse.

   James L. Filkins, the detective who years ago broke up the Loomis gang, died at his home in Waterville, Jan. 4, aged 69 years. He was tried for shooting "Wash" Loomis and cleared by Roscoe Conkling.

   The Indian claims on which attorney James B. Jenkins, of Oneida, has been laboring for 30 years, and which involve an amount of over $2,000,000, has passed both houses of Congress, and is in a fair way to be settled in favor of the claimants.

   Mrs. Patrick Hurley, who lives in Athens township, Tioga county, was 101 years of age in June last, and is still hale and hearty, assisting about the household work with the activity of many women of half her years. Her husband died a few years ago at the age of 103. She has six children, all of whom are living.

HERE AND THERE.

   A new plate glass front has been put in Burgess & Bingham's store, corner of Main and Railroad-sts.

   John L. Lewis Lodge, I. O. O. F., will give a "Railroad sociable" in their rooms about Feb. 10th, for the benefit of the Y. M. C. A.

   The board of managers of the Hospital Association will hold their regular monthly meeting at the hospital, Monday afternoon next, Feb. 6th, at 3 o'clock.

   Mr. E. A. McGraw has moved his wagon shop from the Nottingham building on Main st., to the old Wickwire building on Railroad-st., in order to secure more room. [1894 map shows E. A. McGraw at the Main Street location—CC editor.]

   The regular monthly mothers' meeting (east) will be held with Mrs. Frank Place, corner of Port Watson and Pomeroy-sts., Wednesday, Feb. 8th, at 3 P. M. Subject, "Self control of parents." All ladies are invited.

   The Board of Women Managers of the State is preparing a chronicle of the work of women of the State in literature, to be exhibited at the Columbian Exposition. Mrs. H. A. Miller, 209 Homer Ave., has been invited by them to contribute some articles for that purpose.

   Mr. M. D. Branday, senior editor of the Whitney's Point Republic, died at his residence in that place, on the 18th ult., of heart disease. Mr. Branday was a successful newspaper man, and a genial gentleman. His son, Mr. F. C. Branday, who owned a one-half Interest in the business, will undoubtedly continue in charge.

   One day last week Mrs. Marvin Ryan who keeps a boarding house on Taylor-st. bought a quarter of beef and had it placed on a bench on the inside of the storm doors on one side of the house. At about 9 o'clock in the evening she thought to cut some slices of the beef for breakfast, but the quarter was gone. Nothing has been seen of it since, or the thieves who carried it away.

   The regular monthly mothers' meeting (central) will be held with Mrs. M. H. Yale, 40 Prospect-st., on Tuesday, February 7th, at 3 P. M. Subject, "Family Government." The readings will be from the chapter on this subject, in that admirable book by the lamented Mary Allen West, entitled "Childhood, its care and culture." Free discussion to follow each selection. All ladles are cordially invited.

   Arthur White, the twelve-year-old son of Mr. Geo. White, of 73 Groton-ave., was arrested and taken before Justice Smith, last Tuesday morning, charged with stealing a pair of gold spectacles from John Atkins, of McGrawville. He was sentenced to one year in St. Joseph's Home, Binghamton, He is said to have been in like scrapes before, and his parents hope the experience at Binghamton will cure him.

   Several citizens of this place met in the Republican League rooms, last Thursday evening, to organize a protective game association. Mr. A. M. Schermerhorn was called to the chair and Mr. E. C. Rindge acted as secretary. It is proposed to use the charter obtained by the Cortland Sportsmen's club in 1866. Messrs. A. M. Schermerhorn and A. D. Wallace were appointed a committee to secure members for the new club. The meeting adjourned to Feb. 2d, at the same place.

   Last Thursday afternoon, as Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Stearns were returning from Cortland, they overtook a lady who rode some distance with them. In the evening she was seen in Locke. At nine o'clock, Geo. Cobb and son, N. S. Cobb, who were returning from West Groton, found a woman in the snow by the roadside, nearly frozen. They took her home and cared for her over night. The lady proved to be Mrs. Henry Ranney, of Cortland, who is in a demented condition and had wandered from her home. The lady was brought to this village, her people notified and she was taken home. The lady is nearly 70 years of age. Had not the Messrs. Cobb found her as they did she would have perished.—Groton Journal.

   The spring term of Miss Ormsby's school will begin Wednesday, February 8th.

   The firm of D. L. Bliss & Son, manufacturers of cigars, has been dissolved, Mr. R. G. Bliss retiring. The latter will travel for a New York house. [This decision followed a successful strike by the local Cigar Maker’s Union—CC editor.]

   The DEMOCRAT is under obligations to Mr. G. F. Beaudry for a specimen of grape fruit weighing two pounds. It is immense and he has more of the same sort.

   Miss Augusta Hyde stepped on a piece of ice on the walk at her residence on Tompkins street, last Monday, and was thrown to the ground, striking on the back of her head. Some ladles who were passing and saw the accident went to her assistance and found her unconscious. She was carried into the house and soon recovered. Dr. Bennett was called and found a large bruise on the back of the head, which is not serious.

Judgments Against the Top & Rail Company.

   A transcript of a judgment against the Cortland Top & Rail Company in favor of the Chemung Valley Bank of Horseheads, for $19,421.52 was filed in the clerk's office in this village last Thursday morning, and an execution was placed in the hands of Sheriff Miller who proceeded to levy on the personal property. On Tuesday last nine more judgments against the company were docketed in the clerk's office. Seven of them were in favor of the First National Bank of Cortland, amounting to $10,492.08, and one in favor of Charles H. Kinley for $2,124.25, and one in favor of Adam Kinley for $5,213.14. The entire amount of judgments thus far docketed amount to $37,250.94. The works were closed Tuesday night. After the Sheriff's sale, the company will undoubtedly be reorganized and the business continued.

TOWN REPORTS.

HARFORD MILLS.

   Some of the young people of this place attended the dance at Hunts Corners last Friday night. They report a very good time.

   Mr. Henry Brayman of Killawog was in town last week, looking after business. He contemplates moving here next spring.

   George Matison says grind stone trades are very scarce in Pennsylvania, but he can any time exchange for a common rooster.

   Quite a good many of the people of this place attended the golden wedding of Warren Blodgett at Lapeer on Monday of this week.

   Our people were very much excited one day  last week by one of our citizens, halooing and hurrahing, and threatening to shoot people, right here in our quiet little place. It appears that some parties that claim to own a hound in the town of Berkshire found where it was, and came to town to get it, but rather than to take any chances with a mad man, went home and left the dog in the Pitts.

   Our barber has gone to dealing in horses. He thinks there is money in them if he can only keep them, but on Sunday he had rather bad luck. While he slept some one stole his valuable bay steed, but after a little hunting and scouring around he found her. The barber says he, for one, is in favor of starting an anti-thief association, for it has got so that dogs and horses are free plunder here. It is time that something should be done to stop it and that right away.

   Why is it that some people will empty their coal ashes right in the beaten track in winter time? Is it to let people know that they have coal stoves, or is it because they are christian people and take this way to show how merciful they are toward the dumb boasts? It seems that if they were put in a heap in some out of the way place until spring, they might then be used to fill mud holes or grade for a walk and thereby save the poor horses from fairly groaning with sorrow when a sleigh or cutter comes in contact with them in the road. Not only is our town troubled with this kind of negligent people but others are who ought to be obliged to give up to the cruel practice of emptying coal ashes in the road.

BLODGETT'S MILLS.

   Mrs. Sylvia Carr, wife of Wilber Carr, living on the hill west of Freetown, was called to her rest early Sunday morning. Mrs. Carr had been an invalid for a number of years. She leaves beside her husband, three children to mourn her loss. The funeral was held from the house Tuesday at 12 M. The body was placed in the vault in this place. R. B. Fletcher had charge of the funeral.

   Friday night a party of ladies and gentlemen under the care of D. K. Kinney came from Cortland to Higginsville, for a ride and turkey supper. Progressive eucher was the entertainment until 10 o'clock, when all repaired to the dining room where ample justice was done to the supper. At 12:30 the merry company left for their homes after giving three rousing cheers for mine host Freer. The following composed the company: Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Beard, Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Ingalls, Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Peck, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Cobb, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Perkins, Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Kinney, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Price, Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Peck, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Lounsberry, Mr. and Mrs. J. Squires, Messrs. Burgess and Bingham and Miss Minnie Mager.

SCOTT.

   Died, in Scott Jan. 20, 1893, Mr. Asher Babcock Burdick, aged 69 years. Years ago in the days of the slavery agitation Mr. Burdick was engaged in New York city in publishing "Helpers Impending Crisis," which had such an immense circulation and which doubtless helped very much to hasten the doom of that institution. He amassed quite a fortune at one time, but like many others he was overtaken by misfortune and riches took to themselves wings. For some five or six years past he has made Scott his home, and until health failed him he had been engaged In selling encyclopedias, selling a large number in this vicinity. He was a man of great retentive powers of memory and of large intelligence acquired from books. This naturally placed him in a position to be a successful critic, and he delighted to exercise his powers in that direction. He was an expert checker player, rarely ever losing a game. In politics he was an ardent republican. His religious belief seems to have been a mystery. In recent years while in Scott he has been quite regular in his attendance at the S. D. B. Church and seemed to enjoy the sermons and singing. He was the son of Henry Burdick and brother of the late Henry Lee Burdick. He leaves two brothers, Jared and Russell, one in Florida and one in Arkansas. He also leaves a wife and one child, Mrs. E. W. Childs, at whose home he died. He was a man of kindly heart notwithstanding some peculiarities. The funeral was held on Sunday at the S. D. B. Church, conducted by Rev. B. C. Sherman, in the absence of the pastor, Rev. B. F. Rogers. He was buried in the old church cemetery in the lot of his brother-in-law, Mr. A. L. Whiting, Esq. We shall no more see him wending his way along the streets, for he has gone to another country never to return.

MT. RODERICK.

   Miss Alice Meachem of Cincinnatus, who is teaching in the ''Hawley" district visited Miss Mabel Phelps at "the Elms" Tuesday evening, returning to her school the next morning.

   We are requested to say: The one, who exchanged whips the night of the party at J. O. Hills, must exercise better judgment, in order to make a financial success in that line of business. If he had consulted the other party he might have made a better "swap." If he will call on said party, he will receive twenty-five cents, to help him out of his poor trade. Take a light next time, Mr.

   We offer thanks to the Cincinnatus correspondent for his notes about birds, and ask for more. Besides those already named are others, who visit us occasionally. A pair of blue jays have fed at our granary for several years. They are most shy but we entice them to come nearer by placing an ear of corn in a tree near by.  Another still more rare comes in flocks. They seem to feed upon the buds of trees. They are somewhat larger than the white snowbird, of a light brown or dark buff color, with wings resembling the English sparrow, but marked slightly with white. Some of them are red about the throat. What is the name, please? A flock of 16 or 20 have made us an early morning visit for more than a week, breakfasting in the tree tops, some times alighting upon the ground. Then again we will not see them for many days. Where is their home?

   SCRIBBLER. [pen name of local correspondent.]