EXTENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS AT MILL VILLAGE AND CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP OF CORTLAND WATER WORKS

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, September 25, 1891.

Extensive Improvements.

   Legislative enactment two years ago permitted Homer to extend her corporate boundaries southward into the town of Cortlandville and embrace a narrow strip of territory formerly known as Mill Village. For what purpose it is not the intent of this article to state. Situate [sic] in this annex to our sister village are several manufacturing interests which appear upon the tax list of the town of Cortlandville, prominent being the old stone building for years styled "Cortland Co. Superior Mills" but which, since passing into the hands of James A. Tisdale, has been subjected to transformations until it stands second to none of the flouring mills in the State, the roller process being adopted several years since.

   At an expense of $2,000 the work of reconstructing the flume has just been completed. A new 56-inch LeFell double-wheel supplants the set of five turbines formerly under the mill; the old discharge arch has been built up and a dry basement for storage is the result. By the new arrangement a great saving of water and increase of power is secured. From the top of the masonry to the bottom of the flume is a distance of eighteen feet, numerous iron bars and heavy timbers covered with plank serve as the bottom of the race way, underneath which is an open space of five feet for accommodating the water discharged through the wheel. The entire work is a marvel of millwright engineering and results from Mr. Tisdale's untiring study to maintain the output of his mill in keeping with the demand. It will repay any one to visit the surroundings and note the constant improvements.

Straightening Crooked Places.

   There is some comment up in the second ward over the location of a line of stakes set by the civil engineer from the intersection of Arthur and Homer avenues northward toward the Cortland Corset company [later Gillette Skirt Co., Miller Street--CC editor.] Said line of markers are upon the inside of the east walk and at so great a distance as seven feet from the walk now down. Even Graham's blacksmith shop extends some four feet beyond this survey line into the street as held by the officials. Notices have been served upon the owners of the above mentioned section to build new walks. This inside survey has interrupted the compliance with the order to say nothing of disturbing the humor of those so notified.

   In conversation with members of the village board it was stated that where new walks—cross or side—were required to be rebuilt or new ones constructed they must be on the line of the street limit. In regard to the Homer avenue changes the same authority alleges that after searching the records and surveys of the Homer town clerk's office back to the period when that township embraced the present town of Cortlandville, it is clearly shown that the street limits in question had not been properly placed by former inhabitants, and it is now proposed to erect the walks on the proper line. The foot bridge upon said Homer avenue has already been moved eastward and relaid, and some preparation begun for completing the work.

Sad Death in Homer.

   "Save my baby!" were the last words uttered by Mrs. Frank McCormack at her pleasant home on Maple avenue, Homer, last Sunday evening. Mrs. McCormack rose from a chair with the intention of crossing the room, carrying her infant child in her arms. Whether she tripped on the carpeting or some obstruction is not definitely known. The lady fell striking her face squarely against the projecting door stop. Death was almost instant—only a few gasps for breath following the accident, and an examination disclosed the cause to be concussion of the brain. Deceased was but twenty-five years of age and highly respected in the village of Homer. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. William A. Robinson, Tuesday afternoon. The child was quite seriously injured by the fall.

Died Suddenly.

   D. B. Card, a well-to-do farmer, who resided in Dryden, was one of the exhibitors of live stock at the county fair. On Thursday he felt ill and at about three o'clock he sought the office of Dr. Besemer who was his physician. He stated his case and as the doctor turned to prepare some medicine, he heard Mr. Card gasp once or twice; before the doctor reached him he fell to the floor dead. Coroner Brown was called who took charge of the valuables on his person, and messengers were sent to search for his family. The deceased was subject to heart disease.—Ithaca Dem., Sept. 17.

Death of a Veteran.

   Sergeant Albert W. Pierce of Truxton, who was a member of Co. F., 185th N. Y. Vols., died at the home of his brother Frank, on Park street in this village, last Sunday morning. While in the army he contracted a disease from which he never fully recovered and from the effects of which he had been unable to labor for the past two years. He was a genial gentleman and had many friends who will sincerely mourn his death. The remains were taken to Truxton where the funeral services were held on Tuesday.

Twenty-sixth Annual Reunion.

   Saturday last was the occasion of the twenty-sixth annual reunion of the 157th regiment of N. Y. S. Volunteers, which regiment made itself famous on the field of strife in the late war. The reunion was held at Smyrna, Chenango county, and the citizens of that attractive village vied with one another to extend a hearty welcome to the visiting veterans. Excellent band and vocal music was profusely intermingled with the supreme joy of the day.

   A business meeting was held in the [Cortland] Opera House where one hundred responses were made to the roll call. Six deaths were reported during the year past. A resolution committee thoughtfully framed a touching clause relative to the kind act of Mrs. J. C. Carmichael who had presented each survivor with a neatly bound biography of her deceased husband—the head of the regiment while at the front.

   The new officers are President, G. G. Waldron of Hamilton; Vice-president, J. C. Atwater of Homer; Secretary, G. L. Warren of Cortland; Treasurer, Major F. L. Briggs of Eaton; Quartermaster, Dr. H. C. Hendrick of McGrawville.

   Following the business meeting refreshments were served at the Messenger House and parlors of the M. E. church by the Smyrna Post, G. A. R., followed by a list of toasts and camp-fire. Col. Frank Place of Cortland was awarded the honor of toastmaster. The day's festivities happily concluded with a parade through the principal streets.

   Hamilton, Madison county, was chosen as the place for the reunion of 1891.

Old Soldiers' Evening.

   The Methodist ministers of the Central New York Conference who served in the army during the late war have organized an association, called the "Veteran's Union," and will hold their first anniversary in the 1st M. E. church on Tuesday evening, Sept. 29th, at 7:30 o'clock. I enclose the programme. Grover Post, No. 87, G. A. R; Grover Relief Corps, No. 96 and James H. Kellogg Camp, No. 48, Sons of Veterans, have accepted an invitation to be present. All old soldiers and sailors cordially invited to come. Prof. Clements, the principal speaker of the evening, lost a leg upon the battlefield of the Wilderness, about which battle he is to lecture.

H. M. K. [H. M. Kellogg]

Will Open November 1.

   "The new factory at Tallapoosa, Ga., is built," said a member of the Hitchcock Manufacturing Company to a DEMOCRAT reporter last Monday. "A new two hundred horse power boiler and an engine of the same capacity have been purchased and are to be shipped to the new plant during the present week." In response to the query as to whether the machinery in the Cortland works were to be shipped to Tallapoosa, the same gentleman said: "A portion of the machinery in the wood working department will be removed in time for the opening of the southern factory which will be as soon as November first.

   The local manufactory have well under way about 5,000 cutter woods, which will be completed and put upon the market this season. The smiths are busy forming the irons for the same this week and a general air of activity pervades the works.

It is a Model School.

   Did it ever occur to the parents of this village that the little boy or girl over three years of age could be instructed as well as entertained by collections of toys? A visit to the Kindergarten and first primary departments of Miss Ormsby's preparatory school on Court street, will conclusively prove that much good is the result of this enterprise and it is the wish of the able corps of teachers as well as the principal, that parents should visit the school during its daily sessions.

   Miss Clara Hurd is instructor of the Kindergarten department giving special attention to singing, drawing, modeling and gymnastics. The card system is instructive and pleasing to the child and the interest they take in perforating and forming characters with various colors is very noticeable.

   Miss Minnie Brownell has been engaged to instruct the first Primary or graduates from the Kindergarten, and the interest exhibited by the pupils shows the value of this addition to the school. Miss Ella Lobdell, second Primary and Miss Ormsby Intermediate, complete the faculty.

   The Normal course in vocal music and Prang's system of drawing are taught throughout the school and from observation the DEMOCRAT recommends parents who are battling with the question of schools, to call and become acquainted with the advantages offered by this school before the few remaining seats are taken.

Cortland Water Works.

   Public attention is directed to the fact that the water service on Port Watson street will be shut off this (Friday) forenoon to permit of placing a four inch main to supply the new works of the Box Loop Company with water for fire purposes. It will also be interesting to the DEMOCRAT'S readers to learn that the controlling interest of the Cortland Water Works Co. passed from the hands of Messrs. Moffett, Hodgkins & Clark of Syracuse, into that of Hon. L. J. Fitzgerald and Benjamin F. Taylor of Cortland, yesterday. This transaction places the entire stock of the Company in the hands of Cortland capitalists where for years it has been contended it should be owned. Under the new management extensive improvements are to be promptly effected and the well known business activity of the two above mentioned gentlemen of Cortland is a guarantee that nothing will be spared to make the service first-class and the good results of Mr. Taylor's past record as president will be rewarded by greater confidence in Cortland's water supply system and an increase of consumption.

 

A COMMUNICATION OF WILLIAM R. GEORGE

William R. George.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, September 18, 1891.

A Communication.

FREEVILLE, N. Y., Sept. 14, 1891.

To the Editor of the Democrat:

   In behalf of more than two hundred bright, careless, frisky, and somewhat tough little urchins and their sisters of the same order, who were encamped at Freeville, N. Y., during the month of August, and who formed that element of our commonwealth not affected in the least by bank failures or the rise and fall in the stock market; also in behalf of myself and the attendants who had charge of these future presidents, governors and millionaires, I wish to extend thanks to the various churches of Ithaca, Cortland, Dryden, Groton and West Groton; to the citizens of Etna and West Dryden, and to the Happy Ten of Moravia, who were assigned various dates to furnish provisions, which mission they performed so satisfactorily by sending more even than was requested; to those persons who gave so much of their time in collecting, packing and carting the provisions to the railway stations; to the superintendents of the E., C. & N. and L. V. railroads for free transportation; to the newspapers for good articles on the work; to the parties who gave free use of their houses, lands and homes for the lodgings of the children; to the various farmers who brought fruit of all kinds in such abundance; to the physicians who gave their professional service free of charge; to those who loaned necessary furniture; to those who filled the children's hearts with delight by giving them carriage rides; to the people of Groton, Dryden, Ithaca and others who sent boxes of clothing which was so much needed; to those friends from Cortland, Dryden and Ithaca who placed money in my hands to use as I thought best for the children; to the host of persons who visited the camp and thereby expressed a kindly interest in the work, and for the many kind, encouraging words that were spoken; and to any one and every one that helped the cause in any manner whatsoever, by prayer, word or deed.

   Now, I will guarantee that not one of these persons or organizations above mentioned, feel one whit poorer by doing this work for humanity; but on the other hand feel better for so doing and when they read this letter will say within themselves: "Whatever I did wasn't much, and I am sure the children are very welcome to it." But it was a great deal. These children were in the majority from the very poorest class in the metropolis and were as a rule a class one would not wish to take in their houses; especially the lot that came for the first two weeks of August. A large proportion of which if left alone would grow up and form the pauper and criminal element. Through the generosity of the above named persons and organizations many of them had their first series of square meals. I do not write from what I hear, but from what I know and have seen. The children have learned new ways of living and having been impressed with the fact that people felt an interest in them, are naturally elevated thereby and determined to be worthy of the confidence reposed in them.

   These are some of the chief queries that have been brought to my notice, "Will these results prove lasting?" From observations of the past we are confident that such will be the case.

   "Are you going to bring the kids next year?" We hope to, and feel justified in saying we expect to; because of the many invitations we have received. Of course if the sentiment were against it we would not wish to do so.

   "Are you going to buy land so that the children can come each year?" Not until we have the money to do it with. A great many people and one newspaper have suggested that it would be nice for the people of Cortland and Ithaca to buy some land at Freeville and establish a permanent camp for poor children. Land could be bought and buildings erected sufficient for the purpose for about $1200. This whole matter we propose to leave with the people.

   The following questions has [sic] been asked: "How much did you get out of the job this summer?" I had thought to say nothing about this delicate matter; but when the reports reached me that I was receiving one, two, three and four dollars a head, and that we were all getting rich out of it, which statement was industriously circulated by sundry well-meaning people, no doubt, who desired to do something for the cause and thought this their part to do, I concluded in justice to the contributors and recipients, I ought to answer.

   I can say most emphatically we have all been paid, not in dollars and cents (for in that currency we did not receive a dime), but in the deep and earnest interest the majority of the people have taken in promoting the welfare of those little ones, and in the consciousness of doing this part of the Lord's work. The New York Tribune Fund furnished transportation alone, moneys were raised by a concert (given in New York) and subscription sufficient to purchase a tent, bedding, dishes, etc. also to defray a few necessary expenses while in camp.

   "What part of New York do the children come from?" The next time you visit "Gotham" let me urge you also to visit "Little Italy." You need not look on your "guide book" for the location of this "sunny land" (?) for it will not be there; but ask a New Yorker of doubtful standing, or, in fact, any New Yorker at all, and you will be directed at once to the locality, where I venture to say that in front of some of those crowded tenements where the street is swarming with the roughest looking specimens of humanity you will find (if you have been a frequent visitor of the fresh air camp) the face of some boy or girl that has a familiar look and on close scrutiny you will find to be Teddy, Vito, Larry, Maggie, Mary or some of the rest of the number who made Freeville their home for a short period this summer. They will undoubtedly be glad to see you. If I myself should have the opportunity I would be pleased to take you in their homes.

   Again thanking the people of Cortland and Tompkins counties for their generosity to the "Fresh Airs," I remain,

   Respectfully,

     WM. R. GEORGE

     164 East 94th St., New York City.

George Junior Republic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Junior_Republic

HERE AND THERE.

   A man is frequently known by the company he keeps out of.

   Agricultural fair, September 30th and October 1st.

   The annual parade of the Homer fire department has been postponed to September 24th.

   A pair of spectacle swindlers are operating in this vicinity.

   The shallow-pated youth may be happy yet. A Georgia tobacconist has invented a smokeless cigarette.

   Bear in mind that the Homer Avenue church will hold a harvest festival on the evening of the 27th inst.

   Any person desiring the Chautauqua books for the present year may leave their order with Mrs. R. H. Graves, 35 Madison street, on or before Sept. 25th.

   Remember the date of the first entertainment in the Y. M. C. A. lecture course at the opera house, Foster's New York Stars, with the Mecklems, November 6th.

   New plank walks are being built on Suggett and Hamlin streets, and on the latter the roadway is being put in fine condition for driving, all of which has long been needed.

   Since Monday last you can shoot reed birds, squirrels or ducks, but you must let pheasants and deer alone until October 1, and rabbits and quail until Nov. 1st.—Norwich Sun.

   Daylight is being diffused on many streets about town for the first time this year, through the trimming out of the woods adjoining the sidewalks, and the result is better drives.

   Wickwire Bros. are negotiating for a plot of land on the east side of their present works. If the land is secured they will erect a large addition to their present extensive wire works. 

   Oneonta has a new evening daily. The News is under the management of Mr. George H. Smith, and is a very creditable, newsy journal, judging from the first number issued Monday evening. Success to the management and capital.

   Several ministers of the Central New York Conference, who are veterans of the late war, have formed a veterans' union and will hold an anniversary meeting at Cortland, Tuesday evening, Sept. 29th, preceding the session of the conference, which opens the day following.

   The regular meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union will be held at the rooms over C. W. Collins' store, on Saturday, September 19th, at 2:30 P. M. Consecration service from 2:30 to 3 P. M. All ladies are cordially invited to be present, as this will be a very interesting meeting.

   The game of base ball between the Cincinnati Reds [all female team—CC editor] and Emeralds, at the driving park last Saturday afternoon, was witnessed by a vast assemblage of people. The female ball tossers were defeated by a score of 14 to 13. Although the game was a burlesque, everybody appeared to be satisfied with the sport.

   An exchange says: A polished knitting needle dipped into a vessel of milk and immediately withdrawn in an upright position, will tell you whether your milkman is honest or not. If the milk is pure, a drop of fluid will hang to the needle, but the addition of even a small portion of water will prevent adhesion of the drop.

   G. F. Beaudry is still keeping up with the times at his department store on Main street. Last week he placed in position a combination cigar and moistening case, nine feet long, forty inches high, and twenty-nine inches wide. It will pay you to call in and view the same, not forgetting that your every reasonable want can be supplied at this house.

   We are requested to notify the members of the Masonic fraternity that the District Convention for the 19th district will be held in the rooms of Syracuse Lodge, No. 501, on Thursday and Friday, September 24th and 25th, in charge of M. W. George H. Raymond. On Thursday the E. A. degree will be exemplified, and on Friday morning the F. C., and in the afternoon the M. M. degree.

   "Books and Reading" will be Rev. H. W. Carr's topic at the Universalist church, next Sunday evening.

   The Misses Cordo gave a party at their home, 9 Monroe Heights, last Tuesday evening. Darby's orchestra furnished excellent music and the occasion was one of social pleasure.

   The funeral of Mrs. T. Mason Loring was held from the family home at Loring station, yesterday afternoon at 3 P. M. Deceased was an active member of the Baptist church in this village, and well known throughout the county.

   Actions have been brought by the District Attorney of Onondaga county against Franklin Rice and Frank Corl of Homer. The first is charged with polluting the water of Factory creek with dust from his saw mill to the detriment of trout. Corl is accused of spearing trout. It is said the actions are brought by the Fish and Game Protective Association.

   The survey of the E., C. & N. railroad extension, north from Camden, via Brownville to Watertown, is reported as completed, and ground is to be broken about October 1st. This will give an increase of 65 miles to the present line. A branch is contemplated from Belleville to Henderson Harbor, on lake Ontario. The prospect is favorable for a terminal point on the St. Lawrence in the near future.

   Cortland people will be interested at the coming races at Rochester on the 23d and 24th insts. Hon. L. J. Fitzgerald has shipped "Elbert" for the 30 class and "Wilkie Wonder" for the 40 class, which is down for the latter day. B. B. Terry also shipped "W. A. Swigert" for the four-year-old race on the 23d, and "Racine" for the 36 class on the preceding day. The expectation is to come home with a part of the purse.

   An exchange hits the nail on the head when it says: "It seems almost impossible to convince some people that a newspaper will pay no attention to anonymous communications, however much they want news. The paper is of course glad to know who is visiting you, but if you are so ashamed of your visitor as to be unwilling to give your name, a newspaper cannot be expected to shoulder it. Neither can the newspaper become responsible for telling of corn fifteen feet high simply because the person who really tells the story is afraid his veracity will be questioned if he is known. The man who is not willing to attach his name to an item can have about as little faith in it as the editor does. Nor do the initials scrawled at the bottom help the matter."

Y. M. C. A. Notes.

   Never, we believe, in the history of the Association has there been a more attractive entertainment course prepared than we offer for the coming season.

   First, we will have Foster's New York Stars, November 6th. Note what the Harrisburg Morning Call says of them: "A superb musical event in this city was the concert at the Opera House last evening, under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A. The music lovers of this city seldom have the pleasure of witnessing such an excellent display of talent as that of Foster's New York Stars. The audience was exceedingly large." In connection with this fine entertainment there will be another equally attractive, viz: The Mecklems. See what the secular press say:

   Newburgh Register: "The popularity of Mr. Mecklem as a harpist has long been established, and his daughter as a saxophonist has probably no equal."

   Jersey City Argus: "Miss Bessie Mecklem, the saxophone soloist, is without doubt a master of the instrument, and is deserving of the highest praise."

   The next attraction in the course will be Olof Krarer, the only Esquimaux woman in the United States, who will give her new popular lecture on "Iceland," December 28th.

   January 20th, Rev. Thomas Dixon, Jr., of New York will appear for his popular lecture entitled "Backbone." Mr. Dixon comes of preaching stock, his father being a preacher in North Carolina; a brother a preacher in Baltimore; and another brother of the same calling in Brooklyn. Mr. Dixon completed his education at the Johns Hopkins University. After returning to his home in North Carolina, he began the study of law, and was soon elected to the State Legislature, where he made a reputation for eloquence. Receiving a call to the ministry, he at once dropped his idea of the law profession, and began a very successful career as preacher of the gospel in his native State. His fame soon reached Boston, to which city he was called as pastor; but a very urgent call from New York, his present field, allowed him to remain but one year in the former city. His congregations in New York soon outgrew the church accommodations, when the Y. M. C. A. hall, the largest in the city, was rented for Sunday service; but these accommodations soon became too small, so that now a "city temple" is to be erected where there will be room for the crowds who throng to hear him twice each Sunday. The secret of Mr. Dixon's success is in his earnestness, his fearlessness and his eloquence.

   February 29th, Mr. Leland T. Powers, the impersonator of character, will again appear in Cortland. Mr. Powers needs no introduction. Those who heard him last winter pronounce him great.

   The closing entertainment of the course will be on the evening of March 25th, by the Bernhard Listman Concert Company of Boston. This company are among the most noted and popular concert companies in the United States.

   The cottage prayer meeting, this week, will be held on Friday evening at M. L. Loope's, 32 Fitz-ave., and is to be conducted by S. L. Wilcox. All are invited.

   Rev. G. A. Brigham of this place is expected to address the young men at the Association rooms next Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. All men are cordially invited to attend this meeting.