A glance in the rearview mirror: September 1921—Thief leaves ring in melon patch. Diphtheria in the village. Murderer no longer.
by Mary Jo David
The following excerpts are from September 1921 editions of the Stockbridge Brief-Sun newspaper. These news excerpts are usually reproduced in the original, without edits or corrections. For those interested, the Stockbridge Library has old issues of local news publications dating back to 1883 on USB drives that can be plugged into library computers for viewing. The quality of these digital files is much better and easier to read than the old microfiche versions.
Church Reopened: The re-opening service of the Gregory Baptist Church took place Sunday, August 28, 1921. … Mr. Lewis Howlett of Howell, an old Gregory boy, also gave a few remarks congratulating the church on her enterprize in the beautifying of their house of worship and made reference to many familiar family names in bygone days. … In 1880 the name was changed from Baptist Church of Unadilla to the 1st Baptist of Gregory. … The repairs cost $2,500 and is nearly all provided for. … –9/1/1921
Careful Father: Young Harold was late in attendance at Sunday school and the minister inquired the reason. “I was going fishing but father wouldn’t let me,” announced the lad. “That’s the right kind of father to have,” replied the reverend gentleman. “Did he explain why he would not let you go?” “Yes, sir. He said there wasn’t bait enough for two.” –9/1/1921
Labor Day: The American Legion was favored with a nice afternoon for their day here Monday, and a large crowd gathered for observance of Labor Day. The Stockbridge Band played several selections, after which the boxing matches were called. …The large crowd then went to the ball park to witness the two games advertised. …The Town Hall was packed for the picture show “Twin Beds,” and the dance that followed. Alva Creagor won the $25 special prize given away by the Legion. The Legion members feel pretty good over this day, as it will practically put them out of debt. –9/8/1921
Who Claims This Ring: One night this last week persons entered Fred Dolbee’s melon patch in Aurelius township. After they had left, there were not enough melons left to wad a shotgun, and according to Fred, he had some fine ones. But in their zealous endeavor to get everything of worth from the patch, one of the thieves lost a ring. … the person losing this ring can have it by calling at [Dolbee’s] place. … if it is not called for before next week, he will publish the initials of the person… –9/15/1921
Flivver King Turns Railroad Wizzard: Henry Ford went on record as the top notch ignoramus of big business. Lately he also went on record as the best little railroad doctor in these United States. In the six dull months of this blue-nosed year, Ford yanked the Detroit & Toledo railroad out of a yawning deficit and gave it a flying start with $1,261,259 surplus … where the road before handled 200 cars in 24 hours, Ford steamed up to 1,200 cars in 12 hours. And on top of all these innovations he managed to reduce the train schedule fully two hours. … –9/29/1921
LOCAL & PERSONAL NEWS
September 1, 1921 edition:
- Attention Farmers: If you have cider apples for sale, get in touch with Harry L. Hulburt, Warden, Michigan State Prison, Jackson. If you cannot pick your crop, maybe we can help you.
- Herman Hurst is again able to be upon the street.
- The Derby Silo Club began filling silos at George Springman’s on Tuesday. Much earlier in the season than they ever filled before.
September 8, 1921 edition:
- H. Caskey, Bert Beeman, Lesley Ingles, and Howard Collings attended the auto races at Owosso last Saturday afternoon.
- Notice to Delinquents: All persons having dogs upon which the 1921 tax has not been paid, will be obliged to pay additional fees if my department is obliged to call and collect same. … Pay that tax now. –Hugh W. Silsby, Sheriff
- During the heavy storm last Tuesday a barn containing about 20 tons of hay on the George Backus farm was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.
September 15, 1921 edition:
- Diphtheria has entered the homes of two families in this village. Mrs. James Mitteer and son Robert, and the little son of Mrs. Hattie West. Every precaution is being taken so as not to get spread over the village.
September 29, 1921 edition:
- While at the Jackson Fair Mrs. John Burgess guessed on how long it would take a candle to burn down. She won second prize.
INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL NEWS
Sept 1, 1921 edition:
- Halt Firemen at Border (Vienna)—Frontier restrictions were carried to an extreme when they prevented an Austria fire brigade from crossing the Italian border to fight a blaze. Some buildings on the Italian side of the Brenner Pass railway station caught fire and the Austrian town’s firemen turned out. Italian gendarmes demanded their visas and having none they were forced to watch the warehouses burn.
September 8, 1921 edition:
- Missourian Meets Man He Thought He Had Killed in Quarrel 14 Years Ago: Man falls from train during fight which resulted from disagreement over dice game and antagonist thought him dead. Reuben E. Hall of Paris, Mo., met face to face in a Denver (Colo.) street a man whom he thought he had killed 14 years ago and the memory of whose alleged death had haunted him all these years. … For 14 years Hall, under the name of Harry E. Thomas of Denver, has quaked at the sight of a police officer. … But the worry is over. Thomas was walking recently on a Denver street. He met the man for whose murder he believed he was hunted. …the two recognized each other at the same time. The “murdered” man held out his hand in greeting. …
