Thumbing the Files

Thursday, July 29, 2010

From the files of The Cabinet July 29-Aug. 5

100 years ago, 1910

Irving H. Phillips of Nashua, who operated a confectionery store in Milford, was killed when he apparently inhaled flames when something exploded in his home and set a room on fire. His wife was burned “about the head.”

Oiling of Wilton Road was completed and the road was said to be in fine condition.

The annual picnic of the Burns family was planned for Burns Park in South Milford.

From Perham Corner, the news that Hazel Chase had a new bicycle.

Headline of interest on Page 2: “Mayor of Lawrence throws up his job.”

This on Page 3: Cigaret smokers are now barred from becoming city firemen in Canton, Ohio. The fire chief said this: “Men who use cigarets may be all right in brain power, but they lack physical stamina and nerve.”

Mont Vernon had its first automobile accident on the “long hill” when a “machine, which was being towed to Milford for repairs, became in some way unmanageable and ran onto the car which had it in tow.” The rear car went into a ditch and was badly smashed. No one was injured.

75 years ago, 1935

One of every eight persons in New Hampshire was on the relief rolls.

“The number has grown steadily each month since the return of relief administration to local officials. This is contrary to national and seasonal trends.”

Neal Treachout of Old Brookline Road, Milford, still had a large bump on his head where he was struck in a filling station robbery. A holdup man hit him on the head with the butt of a gun while he worked at a filling station in Nashua, and took nearly $40.

The Milford Rifle and Revolver Club lost its first match.

George Dickerman, Sr., acquired a bill of fare from the Mont Vernon House, which was built in 1855 and destroyed by fire in 1872. The leaflet was found with other old papers in the attic of the late Mrs. Lauretta Phillips’ house in Mont Vernon. She was the daughter of the proprietor of the hotel.

H.E. Emery of Lyndeborough was auctioning off his cows and some farm equipment and things from his home because he was about to discontinue his milk business.

The Wilton Band put on its sixth concert of the season. Chester Mason of Melrose conducted.

The Wilton National Bank was offering safety deposit boxes for $5 a year.

Also in business in Wilton in 1935: Varley’s Battery and Tire Service, H.D. Cheever insurance, Sanborn optometry, Lurther Mark Langdell auctioneer, and the Wilton Feed & Fuel Co.

50 years ago, 1960

David Carter, owner of Carter’s Mobil Station in Milford, became a two-time winner of the Mobil Oil Company’s award for excellent service.

Mrs. George Thomas of Mont Vernon reported seeing a “pale orange canary-like bird with white tail feathers, a metal tag on one leg, and what appeared to be a plastic marker on the other leg.” She wondered what it was and from where it came.

The Secret Pal Club of Wilton held its annual outing at the summer cottage of Mr. And Mrs. Charles Provosoli at Horace Lake in Weare.

Our South Lyndeborough correspondent, Mrs. Edith D. Ross, reported that Mrs. Robert Howe and daughter Gretchen returned from a vacation at Hampton Beach.

The Milford Drive-In Theatre was showing “Home from the Hills” with Robert Mitchum and Eleanor Parker, and “Comanche Station” with Randolph Scott and Nancy Gates.”

The Latchis Theater in Milford was showing James Stewart in “The Mountain Road.”

Bras were selling for $1.59 at Wexler’s Dress Shop on Nashua Street in Milford.

Hayward Farms on Route 101 in Milford was offering “speedy window service that’s strictly informal.” People could eat in their cars or “enjoy the picnic grove.” Fried clams were 95 cents.

25 years ago, 1985

Joyce McCray was elected president of the Souhegan Nursing Association.

John Gryval joined the Milford Police Department.

Milford’s downtown merchants held a sidewalk sale.

Kincaid Auto Repair and Service opened on Amherst Street, right across the bridge. It has since moved to Route 13.

Thomas R. Carmichael, 17, of Merrimack was killed when his car hit a tree in Amherst on Thornton’s Ferry Road II.

The Temple Band was to perform on the Milford Oval. The band is still performing in the area.

The American Stage Festival was preparing to put on Kenneth Ludwig’s “Opera Buffs.”

Andy’s Summer Playhouse was presenting “The Little Prince.”

Gerry Pierce joined the staff of Talarico Chevrolet-Pontiac in Milford.