The
Cortland Democrat, Friday, August
8, 1884.
A
Fortunate Escape.
Mr. Ira Sharp of this village was in
Cortland on Wednesday of last week, and attended Barnum’s show. Mr. Sharp is a cripple, and it is with much
difficulty that he can walk; and when the tornado struck the great tent, and the
frightened crowd began their wild charge for safe quarters, he thought it was all
day with him, being aware that in his lame condition he had no chance in the great
struggle for life. As he was meditating what to do, a large and powerful young
man, who appeared very much alarmed, ran close to him. Mr. Sharp made a dive
for his back, and succeeded in getting hold of his coat collar. He hung there
for dear life, and the young man bounded away like a wild deer, the crowd closing
up behind them and pressing Mr. Sharp snugly up against the young man's back.
During
all this time the canvas was being torn into shreds, poles, stakes and chains
were flying in the air, women and children were screaming, men were frantic
with fear, and pandemonium reigned supreme.
After
being carried several rods in this manner, during which time his feet scarcely
touched the ground, Mr. Sharp was finally thrown under one of the large
chariots belonging to the show, and remained in this comparatively safe
position until the danger was all over. He says the scene that met his gaze
while under the chariot baffles description, and is one that he will remember
as long as life lasts. He thinks his escape from severe injury, or even death,
quite miraculous — Greene American.
LOST.
On the circus grounds in Cortland July 23d, a Paisely shawl. The finder
will be suitably rewarded on leaving the same at the DEMOCRAT office.
HERE AND THERE.
The Water Works Company have finished laying the street mains, and are
busy cleaning out the springs on Otter creek, and preparing a reservoir. The
tank on Court House hill is ready for the water, and the work will be entirely
completed and ready for business in a few days. There are to be three public
drinking fountains on Main street. One is to be located at the corner of North
Main and Clinton avenue; another at the junction of Court and Main streets, and
the third on the corner near the Standard block.
The
city fathers have ordered 12 lanterns and 2 torches for the Fire Department,
and 16 oil lamps to be placed on streets where there is no gas.
Wickwire
Brothers' wire factories shut down last Monday, for two weeks, to repair machinery.
A
skating rink was opened in Homer last evening.
Delos
Bauder has rented three of the four
stores in the [new] Cortland House block. Mr. L. Harrington, of Hornellsville,
will occupy the north store as a grocery. Mr. Fitch, of Syracuse, will occupy
one of the stores on Groton avenue as a coffee and tea store, and Mr. M. A.
Rice will put a stock of boots and shoes in the other one.
The
old hand fire engine belonging to W. R. Randall, of Cortland, will go to Utica,
and be used in the parade at the State Firemen's Convention, to be held in that
city August 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th. The writer's first experience as a
fireman was as a member of the company which had the honor of "manning the
brakes" on this ancient tub. Water was supplied with buckets, and the "brakes" were two long handled cranks on opposite sides of the
machine, the water being forced through a pipe attached to the top. There was
no hose belonging to the Cortland fire department, forty years ago. -- Chenango
Union.
Recommended with lead article:
No Circus Today: http://www.jeffpaine.blogspot.com/2013/09/no-circus-today.html
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