An Evil-Minded Person

The Cortland News, Friday, September 4, 1885.

A Bad Mistake.

   An evil-minded person, who, we regret to say, is an inhabitant of Cortland, for some time past has been making unseemingly [sic] remarks in regard to the scantiness of attire with which the cast iron maidens, who adorn the drinking fountains at either end of the town, are arrayed.

   To protect the aforesaid C. I. M. [cast iron maiden—CC editor] from the prying eyes of this perpetual fault finder, some person, last Sunday, furnished the maiden at the Cortland House with a nice Mother Hubbard wrapper, evidently thinking that the Peeping Tom aforesaid was a resident of the north end of the town. As soon as the mistake was discovered, however, the young lady took off her extra clothing and is still tending to her own business at the old stand.

   The majority of our inhabitants find no fault with the maidens, whose dresses are not cut much lower in the neck than full dress attire warrants, and who pay no attention to the glances cast at them.

   Something must be done, however, to protect the young lady at the south end of the town from being stared at so much by the man who professes to be so indignant at her lack of clothes, but who, we are credibly informed, spends most of his time gazing at her from his office window.

 

Excursion to Watkins Glen.

   The E. H. & L. Co., No. 3., of Cortland [Excelsior Hook & Ladder], have completed arrangements for one of the finest excursions ever going from this place. Watkins Glen is noted for its picturesque and grand scenery, thousands visiting it every week from all parts of the world. Here we find lofty rocks towering perpendicularly several hundred feet, beautiful waterfalls, grottoes and walks, rendering it one of the finest pleasure resorts open to visitors.

   Arrangements have also been made for the free use of the picnic grounds for those desiring. A steamboat has been chartered for the use of the excursionists, leaving the wharf at 1:30 p. m., and return in time for the train. The nominal fee of 30 cents will give a ride of nearly 40 miles on Seneca, the acknowledged queen of the lakes.

   This undoubtedly will be the finest and best opportunity ever offered to our people. No greater inducements could be offered to the public than are given in this. Then provide yourself with a ticket at once, as the number is limited and as soon as that number is reached, no more will be sold. The train will leave Cortland at 7:30 A. M., stopping at McLean, Freeville, Etna and Ithaca, and all stations between if flagged. Returning will leave Watkins at 7 P. M., reaching Cortland at 10.

 

A Heavy Failure.

R. C. Tillinghast Succumbs to the Depression in Business.

   On Tuesday last it was rumored on the street that R. C. Tillinghast, the wagon manufacturer, had made an assignment for the benefit of creditors and later reports confirmed the statement. The preferred creditors are in class A—Mary Tillinghast, $1,100; National Bank of Cortland, $9,500; Frank Place, for notes endorsed, $5,000; B. F. Tillinghast, $6,000. In class B—B. F. Tillinghast, $11,204; National Bank of Cortland, $2,000; Frank Place, $6,000.

   The cause of the failure was the inability of Mr. Tillinghast to secure an extension of time on his paper at the bank, made necessary by his being obliged to extend the time on a large number of bills which were owing to him.

   Universal regret is expressed that one of Cortland's industries should thus be obliged to close up, and hopes are entertained that the business can be arranged in such a way that the indebtedness can be paid dollar for dollar. At any rate the assets will be sufficient to pay the preferred creditors in full, and the others from 60 to 80 cents on the dollar.

 

Annie Lewis

 

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   $1.25 will take you to Watkins and return Friday, Sept. 11.

   About two hundred went from here to Freeville last Sunday to hear ex-Governor St. John [1884 presidential candidate of the Temperance Party—CC editor] talk on Prohibition.

   Only 30 cents for a ride of 40 miles on the beautiful Seneca Lake, stopping at the summer resort of North Hector. Don't miss it.

   At Narragast Park, Providence, on Tuesday last "Jane R." owned by T. H. Wickwire, of this place, and driven by A. J. Feek, won the 2:35 race in three straight heats. Time ‘27, '27 1-2, '26 1-4.

   Annie Lewis, the charming soubrette, will appear at the Cortland Opera House next Wednesday evening. During the performance she appears in six different characters in the burletta entitled "Little Tramp.”

   To keep postage stamps in the pocket or memoramdum book without sticking a postoffice clerk advises people to rub the sticky side over the hair two or three times. The oil of the hair coats the mucilage and prevents it from sticking.

   The Truxton Courier has not suspended as stated last week. It only took a vacation for a few weeks, but it has shrunk dreadfully in the meantime, and now appears as a four column folio.

   The firm of Howard & Smith, grocers and produce dealers, doing business near the D. L. & W. depot has been dissolved, Mr. Smith retiring. John H. Howard, of Gloversville, has become interested in the business with his brother, and the firm’s name will remain as heretofore, Howard & Co.

   Duprez & Benedicts minstrels held forth at Taylor Opera House last Saturday evening to a slim house, and, all things considered, the performance was in keeping with the audience. Why it is that people will laugh at these alleged comedians, who don't have sense enough to let jokes a century old rest in peace, is one of the things that no man can find out.

   Wamer Rood, manager of the Cortland Opera House, is constantly securing first class attractions to present to the amusement-loving public and announces the following as some he has already engaged: Hill & Baker's Pantomine Troupe; Campbell's "Three Guards" Co.; Forrester's Dramatic Co.; Standard Dramatic Co.; Frank Suidam's Pantomime Co.; Maggie Mitchell; Denman Thompson, in "Joshua Whitcomb;" Madison Square Theatre Co. in "A Russian Honeymoon;" Frank Jones' Comedy Co. in "Si Perkins."

   On Monday last, the Union schools of Cortland opened with an increased attendance. The attendance in the different schools is as follows:—Schermerhorn street 112; Church street 80; Pomeroy street 153; Owego street 90.

   Frank Jones, left yesterday for Watertown, where he has been engaged by L. R. Hopkins to work on the new opera house.

 

A “News” Picnic.

   Correspondents of the NEWS from East Scott, Preble, South Cortland, Harford and Truxton, accompanied by friends, together with the editor, numbering in all about twenty persons, had a pleasant little picnic at Blodgett's Trout Ponds Saturday of last week. Owing to the rains making people late with harvesting, a number of the towns were not represented, which was most unfortunate for them. About 1 o'clock those present sat down to a splendid dinner, and passed an hour in pleasant talk and in interviewing the good things spread before them. It was unanimously voted to hold a picnic again next year. The correspondents desire to thank Mr. Blodgett for the courtisies [sic] extended on this occasion and for his untiring zeal in helping them pass a pleasant day.

 

TOWN CORRESPONENCE.

South Cortland, Sept. 3, 1885.

“I hate to look on the dark side,

I hate to be complaining;

But, hang me, if my temper stands

This raining, raining, raining.”

   Outstanding crops of oats and barley have suffered seriously from the frequent rains.

   W. J. Sutfin, living on a farm near McLean, lost a couple of thoroughbred Durham heifers by lightning one day last week.

    A good many farmers are complaining of potatoes rotting on account of the wet weather.

   Now is the time to set out strawberry plants for next year; it is cheaper to raise them yourself than to buy them.

   "Who will be nominated tor sheriff?" is the question of the hour. We hope it will be Captain Strowbridge, because he is a thorough town officer and always has been.

   Some of the temperance men here will attend the Prohibition Convention which is held at Syracuse, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept., 8 and 9.

   Died. At the county alms house, Aug. 24th Watt McAlister, formerly of this place, aged 44 years. The funeral services were held at the White church, Friday last, Rev. J. L. Robertson officiating, after which the remains were buried in their last resting place in the South Cortland Rural Cemetery.

   Last Saturday the Grangers of this place made a bee for Mrs. Frank Gillett whose husband been sick nearly two years (and of which both are Grangers) and put thirty loads of oats in the barn, which services were very thankfully received.

   The baptisms by rains were both frequent and abundant during the late Free Methodist camp meeting. We hope our brethren feel refreshed for their battle with the "world, the flesh and the devil."

   Last Sunday proved to be a very fine day for the temperance meeting at Freeville. Ex-Gov. St. John, of Kansas, the finest orator in the temperance ranks was the speaker of the day. A large gathering was present. So we learn by these meetings and others that the enemies of temperance have not quite destroyed the cause, nor has it become extinct as yet and we are thankful it is booming in spite of its persecution, and that the day is not very far distant when this cursed rum traffic will be swepted [sic] from our land.

   We are informed by parties interested that what Madam Rumor says of an approaching wedding between a lady of McLean and a boy of this place has no foundation whatever.

 

PREBLE, Sept. 1, 1885.

   Our millers are again happy. The Tioughnioga river has risen by the late heavy rains so as to afford plenty of power to grind.

   Edward Norton is passing this week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Norton, after which he is to step into an academy as a professor for the coming year at a salary of $ 1,200.

   On Thursday of last week Mr. H. Doud, while dressing off a beef, sent his boy after a cloth and water. The boy started but was soon confronted by a drunken man whose name was Edward Turner. Mr. Doud stepped out there to see what was the trouble, but no sooner had he reached the spot than Turner knocked him down. The next day he came back and paid little smart money. Liquor was the cause.

   On Wednesday of last week, in the early morn, looking in any direction you could see loaded teams, some on horseback and others afoot, hats off, puffing, blowing and crying out “right this way for Oswego." The excursionists, numbering about 150, reached the platform. But to their surprise the approaching train passed the depot at 2:40 speed, and instead of our folks taking in that picnic (as it was said last week) they were taken in and were left.

   We must not retrain from noticing the little picnic at Blodgett's Trout Pond on Saturday last. The reporters and wives and their invited guests met together to form new acquaintances and to have a pleasant chat, and all acknowledged of having a grand time. On our arrival we found Mr. and Mrs. Editor preparing for our coming. The table was soon loaded with everything we could ask, after which singing and games were participated in by all. Now I move (in behalf of the correspondents) that we render a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Editor for their hospitality, and if there is a person in any of our towns who would like to live forever, subscribe for the Cortland NEWS.

 

Editor's note:

   Our lead article, "A Bad Mistake," may be another boulder thrown by the Cortland News at the editor of the Cortland Evening Standard. Both newspapers were officially Republican, but the News editor was a temperance man who supported the Temperance Party and its presidential candidate St. John. The man on the south end of town, who "spends most of his time gazing at her from his office window," may be a reference to William Clark, editor of the Standard. The drinking fountain statue was located near the corner of Port Watson and South Main at the Messenger House.

Reference:
Annie Lewis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Lewis