Life at the turn of the century

Thursday, January 19, 2012

From the collection of Polly Cote Last week we ran a story about the diaries of Polly Cote's great-grandmother, Cate Langdell. Here is Cate and her husband Zaph with Cedric, their grandson. The photo is undated but was probably taken around 1900.

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From the files of Jan. 19-26

99 years ago, 1913

Frank B. Blood of Mont Vernon was suing the town of New Boston for $7,000. On Christmas day, 1911, he was driving over the Colby Hill brook bridge, when his horse became frightened and plunged through the guard rail. He claimed that the bridge was not properly protected and that he suffered personal injuries. (Injuries to the horse weren’t mentioned.)

Alfred Villane, 12, of Milford drowned when he went through thin ice on Railroad Pond. He was skating with another boy, Wana Piispanen, 12, when the ice gave way about 30 feet from shore. Piispanen was rescued.

Emilio Portalupi of Milford, who was returning home from a visit to Italy on the Titanic nearly a year before, filed suit against the White Star line for the loss of personal property valued at $17,524. Among his effects which were lost was a photograph of Garabaldi signed and presented to his father. For the loss of this picture, he asks $3,000. Most of the other property of value consisted of original designs for monuments, statues and tombs which Mr. Portalupi had made for reproduction in Milford.

Milford was planning a special Italian library for the benefit of the large number of Italians living in town. Proceeds from a dance at Calderara Hall in East Milford were to go to the project.

Sheriff Thomas Donnelly and Jailor Phinney of Manchester were in Wilton and arrested a woman from a lumber camp in town and took her back to Manchester with them.

75 years ago, 1937

David Whiting & Sons, Inc., of Wilton and Milford was advertising Franklin Nut coal, “The kind the old folks used.” It was said to be low-ash.

The Souhegan Valley Fruit Producers Association was preparing for its meeting in Wilton.

The East Milford Improvement Society organized its annual cribbage tournament. Team captains were Romeo Calderara and Nick DeVito.

South Lyndeborough news reported by Mrs. Walter S. Tarbell: Word has been received that Mr. and Mrs. James Putnam arrived safely in Florida, Mrs. Fannie Cram in Oklahoma, Mrs. Louise Brown and son David in California.

The Strand Theatre in Milford was showing Herbert Marshall in “Forgotten Faces” with Gertrude Michael. The State in Nashua was showing “The Garden of Allah” with Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer.

Ernest Broderick of Wilton purchased a new Chevrolet truck from the Wilton Auto Station.

The Wilton Rifle Team beat Nashua in Nashua, 811-766.

50 years ago, 1962

Harvard professor Robert Anderson was spending the day in the Milford school system observing teachers and discussing pioneer education techniques including team teaching and teacher aides.

The Amherst PTA was casting for its 10th annual play, “Third Best Sport.”

In high school sports, Wilton beat Thayer and Alvirne in boys’ basketball.

In bowling, the Wilton All-Stars beat the Milford All-Stars 2,010-2,006. High string for Milford was D. Webster with 372; for Wilton it was W. LaPonsie, 373 Wilton Lions Club celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The Wilton Town Hall Theatre was showing Candy Moor and Ben Johnson in “Tomboy and the Champ.”

25 years ago, 1987

Martha Daniels was elected president of the Milford Police Association and Fred Luongo, vice president.

Karla Wolfe of Amherst wrote a letter to the editor decrying the lack of attendance at Milford Area Senior High girls’ basketball games.

Peter Barry and Caroline Crooker bought Silver Shears, a hair salon at Granite Town Plaza in Milford.

The A&P in Milford was offering double coupons, and London broil steaks were selling for $1.69 a pound.

Among the kids collecting aluminum cans as part of an Amherst Girl Scout program were Carey Bradbury, Whitney LaRutta, and Chiara Averse.

The Wilton Town Hall Theatre held over “Children of a Lesser God” for a second week. It starred William Hurt and Marlee Matlin. Held over for a third week was “Blue Velvet.”

Among the members of the Milford Area Senior High gymnastic team were Sheri Spellman, Stacy Wells, and Denise Pothier. The coach was Judy Shenk.