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PATCHOGUE ADVANCE

CORAM, MIDDLE ISLAND, YAPHANK

1886 - 1909

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YAPHANK

  May 29, 1886  W.F. Huntoon is building a hennery, 24x34.  C.E. King, the ex-miller of the upper mills, is engaged in the carpenter business, at Water Mills

 July 3, 1886  Mr. Thyboldt, the new pastor of the Presbyterian church, Yaphank, is said to be a radical Republican.

 August 14, 1886  Samuel F. Norton, one of Yaphank’s prominent men, aster an illness of two months passed quietly away on Monday morning last.

 To Messrs. Train and Harned.  Seeing your challenge in the Advance to sailed the Rose Silsbe with the Shaffer, 10 miles to windward and back, for $500 a side, I would say for the benefit of both parties that the race should come off at Mascot Dock, or near by, and both boats to start from the side of the stake boat and throw up for choice of sides. We do not propose for one side to make the race, and we said it for the accommodation of them. We got enough of that kind of business last summer. Mr. Train says we will said for a purse, net a bet. We are the party to say that, not him, as we got skinned out of $100 last summer on the gambling net, and we do not propose to be skinned the second time after winning the money. As for naming the day, that belongs to both parties to do; and also Mr. Train wishes to name the place where to sail. We should like to know whether it is going to be in the Red Sea or Coram Pond, as it will be a little trouble for us to transport our fish boat from one place to the other. We should like to have a friendly race and a fair one. Our conditions are 10 miles to windward and back; measure the ground before that start; one minute and half water line to foot measurement; both boats to start from stake boat and carry one sail, and no other race will we sail.  GEORGE JONES, J.B. “To the Public”

 September 18, 1886  Roswell Davis has a new telephone, connecting his store and house.  Miss Nancy Howell, who taught in our district school for the unexpired term of Miss Ross last year, has been re-engaged by the trustees for the ensuing year. Charlie E. Howell, that good natured fellow, takes much pride in his new horse – a roadster.  Rev. Paul Thyholdt took French leave of us, and now our church is without a settled pastor.

 October 2, 1886 He was a brave young man, and has a family to defend, and as for allowing any burglars to come around his house – no, indeed; it would not be healthy for them.  Thousands of quails were sign about here last week.  The regular annual meeting of School District No. 18 was held in the school house, August 31, 1886, at 7:30 P.M. Charlie E. Howell has built an addition to the back end of his barn.  Dr. William A Baker, eldest son of the late Dr. I.J. Baker, has left Yaphank “for good,” that is, he probably will not make our village his home.

 

Coram Last week we made mention of the death of Lester H. Davis on Tuesday, October 26, after a short illness. In Memoriam:  Mrs. Daniel Overton, known as “Aunt Tabby,” died at her residence last Tuesday morning, aged 83 years. She was born in Middle Island in 1803.  She moved to Patchogue 65 year ago.

 Yaphank

November 22, 1886 Clarence A Baker has two new cows, making four in all, “Professor” Martin gave an exhibition of his so called “wonder of wonders” at the school house last Thursday and Friday evenings.  Tears were running down poor C.E. Howell’s cheeks as he stood on the steps of his house bidding farewell to his faithful old gray horse, as he was being led away by Albert Whitbeck, the oyster and fisherman, to be seen, no, nevermore.  E. Wickham Mills, who was turned out of his mail car for being so “offensive a partisan,” by Vilas, has secured a position as ticket agent at Flatbush, Brooklyn.  The Yaphank Library has just received 53 of the choicest books.

 December 11, 1886 Capt. Warren, son-in-law of our respected townsman, Sereno B. Overton, accompanied by his charming wife, have gone to Southampton on a visit.  Roswell Davis, our merchant, has his house painted in dark cram, trimmed with red and green blinds.  Last Monday, while Mr. And Mrs. Edmund F Hawkins were cosily sitting in their father’s {Mr. R.F. Hawkins} house, talking lovingly, as all newly wedded pairs do, of the good times they were having during their bridal trip to Albany, Springfield, Boston, Althol and back when all of sudden, a loud bang, shrilling whistle, beating of the drums, brass baud, forgetting himself, rushed to the Oalithumpian Band was setting forth, they knew not but that Wiggin’s, prophecy might be fulfilled.  It may not be out of place, if we may be permitted to give a little incident, to show that true love in many instances has it’s romance new this village.

 December 18, 1886 In a former issue we spoke of “poor C.E. Howell, who shed bitter tears over the departure of the dear, good, faithful, old gray horse.”  We called Istely at the popular store of R.F. Hawkins & Son, and were shown their line of Christmas goods, and were struck with surprise at the beautiful things laid before us on the counter.  The thanks of the people of this village are due to Charles H. Marvin for his generous volunteering to clear the paths for them to wend their way to prayer meeting a week ago Friday.  An Appeal to Parents – We have just learned that there would be no Christmas tree at our church this year.

 

Middle Island Willett S. Swezey has left J.H. Bandall’s, where he has been employed as clerk for several years, and gone to the city.  Fred P Swezey has resigned his position as teacher and gone to Florida to recuperate among the orange groves.  Miss Jennie Overton is home on a vacation from Oswego Normal School.  The ware weather has broken this ice on Artist Lake, where the young people have enjoyed many evening’s fine skating.  Messrs. Swezey, Randall & Dayton shipped a care load of turnips and cabbage last week, also J.H. Randall a car of hay – all for the New York market.  Capt. Ulysses Ritch, of the brig Stella, has arrived at the port of New York, from South America, with 900 tons coffee, where he is now busy unloading.  The Ladies Home and Foreign Missionary Society continues to flourish.

Yaphank
 March 5, 1887 Boss Davis has nearly completed Samuel Randall’s house, which he has been raising up another story.  Roswell Davis, our enterprising merchant, is soon to have a new building constructed for the storage of grain and fertilizer.  Our village blacksmith’s horse got cast the other day in the mill stream, but owing to the untiring and vigorous efforts of N.B. Overton and Eugene Homan, two of our enterprising young men, he was soon extricated from his perilous position, and at last accounts was doing well.  What is the matter with our young men this winter, have they all joined the church or are they short of funds, or what is the trouble?

 April 9, 1887 Duffee Phillips – On Sunday evening April 3, at 8 P.M., a select company of friends and relatives gathered in the parlors of Mr. Philetus Phillips to witness the marriage of their daughter Inez D., to Mr. Robert S. Duffee.

 June 4, 1887 We have at hand a very find composition in music by S.H. Ritch, of Port Jefferson, entitled “The O d Double Door,” lately published by B. W. Hitchcock, New York. E.F. Hawkins has started a free delivery wagon in connection with his store. Our school building is sadly in need of repairs inside. No draped flags, no funeral marches, no softened tones of martial airs, nor the solemn tramp of mourning soldiers with garlands of flowers to decorate their fellow comrades’ graves, broke the quietness of our little village on Decoration Day, but in the hearts of many, a recognition of sentiment and thought which the day commemorated, was generally felt.

 

Middle Island Mr. And Mrs. Nelson Monsell celebrated their golden wedding not long a go with their children, grand children and a few invited guests, where all enjoyed themselves very much, and hoped they might live to enjoy many more years.  Mr. And Mrs. Samsen, former residents of this place, sailed for Africa last December, and when forty days out Mr. Samsen died and was buried at sea.  Capt. Ulysses Ritch, of the brig Stella, arrived at the port of New York with seven hundred and fifty tone of sugar.

 Yaphank
July 2, 1887 Three of our largest farms are in the real estate agent’s hand.  Rev. Samuel Sims, our new pastor, attended the meeting of the Presbytery, at Sag Harbor, and delivered the charge to the people at the ordination of the Rev. C E. Wilson, as pastor of the Presbyterian church in that place.  Where shall we go on the Fourth to have a good time?

 

Middle Island John Risley, jr., is home from business college, where he has graduated, and is ready for any commercial business. A meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church last week and decided to paint and decorate the church inside, put in hosters and otherwise improve.  Tuttle Corwin, after a short illness, died at the house of Mr. Joseph H. Randall last Sunday morning.

 Yaphank
August 27, 1887 The Presbyterian Sunday school had their annual beach party the 17^th, going to Smith’s Point beach in the sloop Lulu, Capt. E Swezey, from Brookhaven.  The apple crop in the section promises to be very heavy.  The Coram watermelon is now about ripe.

 September 10, 1887 The almshouse people are cutting up their large fields of corn.  Two hundred and twelve graves represent the number of persons buried in the almshouse cemetery to date.  Rev. Mr. Simms, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, returned from a two months trip in Europe on Tuesday morning.

September 17, 1887 Daniel Phillips is carting about 100 cords of oak wood to the railroad depot for B.T. McCreary.  New desks are to be procured for our school house.  Capt. Higgins has got one of those new kerosene concerns, which do away with wood or coal, by putting in a stove and burning the oil.

 Middle Island The young people from this place went on their annual beach party last week.  Where they enjoyed a bountiful dinner and viewed the great Atlantic and then returned.  Several weeks ago The Advance gave particulars of an effort being made to open a new road from Miller’s place to Mr. Sinai and Port Jefferson, avoiding steep hills and being much more away of travel than the present one.

 Yaphank
November 5, 1887 Hiram Overton, one of our oldest citizens, died at his residence in West Yaphank last week, at the advanced age of 84 years.  The older mills at West Yaphank and Middle Island are grinding and making large quantities of cider.  This week the fall season for game shooting opens, and from appearances, its opportunities will be largely improved in this vicinity.

 

Middle Island A certificate of incorporation of the Middle Island Sportmen’s Club was filed in the County Clerk’s office of Kings county, on Oct. 22^nd with the following incorporators: Harry H. Adams, (county treasurer) William Keegan, Jr., R.O. Sherwood, Martin E. Finnegan, James Shevlin, Daniel Ryan.  Thanksgiving passed as usual, services being held in the Presbyterian church in the morning at 10:30 o’clock. Where we were reminded that we should be thankful for the many blessings of the past year.  The Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society held a praise meeting in the church Saturday afternoon.  The Presbyterian church, which has been painted and otherwise improved, looks very nice and the heater works very good, doing away with the unsightly stovepipes and smoke.  The Middle Island Gun Club has bought the places formerly owned by George Chapped, and improved it by repairing and painting the house and clearing more land.

 Yaphank
December 3, 1887 Our school district seems to have a hard time securing a collector.  Hiram Edwards, of Ridgeville Hamlet, sold the most of his movable and farming effects at auction last Saturday.  S.H. Ritch and family, of Port Jefferson, have been making a visit to relatives here.  Mrs. Lydia Turner, of Middle Island, celebrated her 95^th birthday by giving a birthday party.

 December 17, 1887 The cold frosty air of a December morning sharpened the appetite and wrankled the nerves of a village cur as he lay shivering in his kennel awaiting his breakfast.  Mordecai Homan has accepted the appointment for school collector, and will collect the tax soon.  Owing to the empty coal bins of our dealers, some have been carting it from Patchogue, 10 miles distant.  The cord wood trade is very active, $3 per cord being asked by farmers.

 

Middle Island Alonso Chappell died at his house at Artist Lake on Sunday night and was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery.

Yaphank
December 31, 1887 Rosy cheeked little girls with toboggan caps; noisy boys, and in their Sunday clothes, and people of mature growth, might have been seen Monday night, winding their way through the village streets towards the Presbyterian church, to participate in the pleasure of seeing and joining in the Christmas celebration by the Sunday school.

 February 17, 1888 Frank McCreary, of Long Island City, is on a short visit home.  Capt. Charles H. Brewster, a former resident here for many years, died in Brooklyn, on Feb. 11. S.C. Hallock, the well-known builder and inventor has just completed for Herman Sommers, of Bartlett’s, a novel propelling chair for the use of his crippled boys.  It is reported that the new land purchased by the County, will be the site of a new Children’s Home.

 March 3, 1888 L.T. Whitbeck, we hear, intends to carry on a first class carriage and house painting business in this place.  Charlie Howell and Lewis Gordon are trying their luck buying horses in the city.  Our village is anticipating a small boom in real estate this season.

 March 10, 1888 L.T. Whitbeck has painted a handsome new sign, which is now displayed from the front of his shop – so that he runs may read: “L.T. Whitbeck, Painter”. The Coram boys completely annihilated and mopped up the ground with the Middle Island boys at their return game of base ball on Saturday. Our stage driver, Charley Howell, has now three fine horses, and intends to run things in god style, for the spring traffic.  Mr. Jerry Dominy, the popular miller at “Gerald’s Mills,” draws the reins over a very fine road horse, which he takes out for a spin, occasionally.

 May 10, 1888 The forest fires, of two weeks ago, destroyed some nice wood in their track, John Webber and Silas Lawless, near Bartletts losing about all their available woodland.  Albert Davis, one of our builders, we are happy to state, is on the road to recovery.  A new sight for our village is a big wooden watch, which hangs on the sidewalk in front of Mr. D. Larued’s residence, indicating that watches and clocks are nicely put in order there.  Wm Raies has got wood sawing by hand down to a fine point.  S.W. Higgins is selling a new fruit and vegetables prom, potatoes masher, etc.

 

Coram Our new minister and family have arrived and settled among us.  Dr. Swezey is daily seen among us.

 Yaphank
June 14, 1888 Mr. Eorros We noticed in your last issue a method of root grafting or growing trees, by bending them down in a box of earth, and when rooted cutting off the limb from the tree.

 June 28, 1888 Roswell Davis, one of our enterprising merchants, believes in ‘showing his colors.”  Mr. And Mrs. B.D. Homan of Freeport are visiting his parents, Mr. And Mrs. Capt, R.S. Homan of this village.  It afforded us real pleasure on Saturday and Mondays evenings last to see Bennie and his faithful wife propelling the Captain along the sidewalk, seated in his invalid’s carriage.

July 25, 1888 Highway Master Robbins, since our recent rainfalls, has resumed work on Main street, which had been delayed for some time on account of dry weather. Charles Marvin, one of our enterprising carriage makers, has just turned out of his shops a fine new wagonette for Charles Howell’s for Charlie Howell’s mail and passenger line.  For some time past complaints have reached our ears that coons have been secretly investigating the interior arrangements and contents of hen roosts in our village and, without any legal authority whatever, they have killed, mutilated or partially denuded of their plumage some of the best and most useful hens in the village.

 September 6, 1888 E.L. Gerald has furnished lumber and other material for Judge Bartlett, of Middle Island, who is erecting a large barn, which is now nearly ready for the painter  The Judge has recently greatly improved the appearance of a number of old buildings still standing on his promises by giving them two coats of good old fashioned white-wash. Edmund F. Hawkins, one of enterprising merchants, finding his business increasing quite beyond the capacity of his old delivery wagon, has just received and put on the streets a new and handsome delivery wagon capable of carrying large loads – just adapted to his business.

 September 13, 1888 Last week we stated that Miss Anna A Coles would resume charge of our winter term of school.

 November 16, 1888 Judge Willard Bartlett is still making improvements on his Middle Island property.  Gunners and dogs are nearly as plenty as the game.

 November 23, 1888 Our farmers report the corn crop unusually large this season, both stalks and cars having made a large growth.  A large crop of ruta bagas has been grown here and shipped from our railway station at 20 cts. Per bushel on board.  The apple crop is so exceedingly light in this section that it is highly probable that most of our citizens will be compelled to get through the long winter with little or no cider.  B.F. McCreary is now selling his large crop of cabbage to our citizens for their winter supply.  J. Elbert Randall now occupies that homestead of his father, the late Samuel Randall.

 January 18, 1889 Several relatives of Wm. H. Homan, of Sparkill on the Hudson, left our village to attend the marriage of his daughter Eiffle, at her home, on the 16^th inst. Wm J. Weeks, on Monday last, was first in harvesting ice, from his private pond, filling his ice-house with ice about five inches thick.  Ice houses were filled here last week, and our young people are happy in anticipation of reaping a bountiful harvest of ice cream next summer. A big fire in the woods on Monday last, starting a short distance east of Yaphank station, burned with great headway towards Moriches, doing great damage to standing wood.  Miss Mary L. Booth, whose death was announced last week, in 1843, when 12 years old, taught a small private school in her father’s little workshop, which stood about four rods back of the house in which Miss Booth was born.

Yaphank ------ June 7 1889  

     A German artist and wife are boarding at the Cottage Inn, and sketching some of the gems of rural scenery found hereabouts. S.H. Ritch of the County clerk’s office made his friends here a call Saturday.

       The Middle Island strawberry growers are beginning to pick their crop this week; crops large, berries not very firm, fair price.                       

Yaphank-------June 14 1889

  Charles Marvin’s carriage shop is as usual blocked with wagons in a state of repair and paint. Where they all come from we are at a loss to tell; But Charlie gets them all the same.

                                           Yaphank-------July 5, 1889

       Augustus Woodward, who has the contract carrying the Middle Island mail made his maiden trip July 1. The horse was so delighted with the trip that after supper, in the cool of the evening, he let himself out for a lively gallop up and down Main Street, Gus, and several other boys falling in the dim distance, a distance that lent enchantment to the view,

      Charlie Howell’ made his first trip through the village last Saturday evening with every fine stock of ice cream, witch was speedily sold out” and yet they wanted more.” Charlie say’s he intends to run the wagon regularly this season, and supply the guests with cream. Lovers of ice cream will extend to him such a welcome as will ensure his success. That’s our private opinion.

                                        Middle Island-----Sept. 6, 1889     

      The Middle Island Sportsman’s club is having quite a piece of land cleared to sow with Rye this fall for the Quail to feed upon, George and James Randall are doing the work.

                                         Middle Island -----Sept. 20, 1889

             The Bellport Stars, after reaching the top of the ladder, were this week to hold their position when they faced the Middle Island club on the Yaphank grounds last Saturday. The following is the score by innings        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

                                         Middle Island   1 0 1 0 1 7 4 1---15

                                          Bellport Stars     0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1—5

             The Bellport Nine need not feel so downhearted to think that, are Nine beat them so badly on the 14^th, for they blat the Yaphank Nine a few weeks ago. They will have to say less and work harder when they think of playing against the Middle Island Boy’s again, as you know they are smart.                        

                                                   Yaphank----- October 4, 1889                

  J.H. Randall is shipping off a car load of potatoes. We learn he has 1500 bushels in fine condition.

  Our school will soon have new desks and seats. We trust the children will use them with care and the trustees see that they are not defaced by bad boys. Now have the ceiling kalsomined, the walls papered, the room will look nice for some years.

                     Roswell Davis, our new postmaster, took charge of the post-office on Tuesday. It is now in his store, and he say’s is there to stay permanently , which is not very bright news to some of our Democratic friends, who want the earth all to themselves.

                                                  Middle Island-----October 18, 1889

                     We noticed an article in the Bellport correspondence last week something like the following: We understand that a challenge was extended to the Middle Island nine by the Buckeyes to play them a game of base-ball, which they were to cowardly to accept. Shame!” We think the Bellport correspondence a little too previous, as the Middle Island Nine accepted the challenge by return mail for the day and date named, “by the way,” The Middle Island Nine requested the Bellport Stars to play a second game on the Yaphank grounds according to agreement of both captains and they positively refused to do so. Shame! But then it is quite natural that they should want to remain as near the top of the ladder as possible. The day for the Buckeyes to appear came but the Buckeyes did not. Shame! An exhibition game was played and resulted in a score of 12 to 14.

 

                                             Middle Island-----October 25, 1889

                       The Bellport correspondent makes a poor excuse for his Nine not being willing to come up here and play us in the woods. We did not ask them to play us in the woods but offered to meet them on the Yaphank ground, which is in the lot adjoining the county Almshouse; and to ask them to go to another place where all Suffolk County would be represented.

                                              Yaphank--- January 24, 1890

                         Luther Fields, An old man (a woodcutter) was found dead in a choppers shanty at Ridgeville on Friday last, where he had been living alone. He was unwell for a day or two previous to his death. He was a quiet, peaceable old man, and had followed this occupation for many years in the vicinity.

 

                                       Middle Island--- January 24 1890

                          Geo. Prosser, of the J. Dayton farm has been making improvements- large kitchen built onto the farmhouse, large new hennery erected, and workman are rebuilding the tenement house on the estate.

                                                 Yaphank-----January 24, 1890

           Boss Edmund Howell and son have completed the carpenter work on the new Town Clerks office, and it is now in the hands of the painters. The extension is being painted in colors and the interior walls and ceiling of yellow pine being handsomely finished in oil. A new sign will soon surmount the front cornice of the office. Book shelves and closets occupy one side of the room, and the new safe, weighing nearly 2700 lbs, occupies one corner of the office, and is pronounced absolutely proof against fire of burglars. The Town Clerks Office will certainly be very convenient.

                                               Yaphank----May 16, 1890

              No license has been granted for the sale of liquor in our village, and, if we rightly interpret the general attitude of our citizens, there is no prospect that such a license will be granted in a long time--- the longer the better. Let Christianity and morality prevail.

        Elmer F. Homan reports that his 15 hens laid 800 eggs during April. If anyone can give us a better report we would be pleased to hear from him. Mr. Homan certainly has splendid fowls, and his advertisement may be found in the One-Cent column.

                                              Middle Island----May 23, 1890

  Miss Cynthia Hutchinson is erecting a new barn. Warren Cherry is doing the carpenter work and Gardner Topping the mason work. The Ridge school closed last Wednesday, the 21^st and Thursday the 22^nd. The teacher, scholars, and parents spent the day on a picnic over at the sound.

                                                 Middle Island---- June 13, 1890

   Edward A. Sweeney died on last Friday morning. Funeral services conducted by Rev. F.E. Allen, assisted by Rev. Mr. Lowery of Port Jefferson, were held on Monday afternoon before a large congregation.

      Hurrah! The Middle Island B.B. club went to Bellport last Saturday and defeated the Buckeyes 28 to 13! Its no use talking the M.I.B.B. club is too much for the two Bellport clubs. (The Stars and the Buckeyes) but don’t cry! The superiority of the Middle Island boys is proved by the following details play was called at four o’clock. Buckeye stock at par. The home captain having choice of innings chose the field and for the Buckeyes took a turn at the bat the M.I. boys had placed 18 runs to their credit and virtually won the game. The beginning of the fourth inning the score stood 17 to 0 in favor of the visiting club. The Buckeyes stock 50 percent below par. Not a Buckeye had yet reached first base safe. After this the M.I. Boys got reckless and through errors the Buckeyes scored 13 runs during the next 5 innings. When in the 9^th inning the M.I. Boys again settled down to play and retired the side in 1,2,3 order, not a man seeing first base, thus ending the hallucinations of the Bellport correspondent and his petuteams.

      Score   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9  

         M.I   18  4   0   0   0   3   0   4   4---28

         B.B.   0    0   0   7   1   1   1   3   0---13

                                                                     Yaphank---June 13, 1890

     Charles E. Howell has proved himself a genius. With the assistance of Master Fred Howell he has built and painted an omnibus body, which he has had placed on gearing and is now running on his mail and stage line. 

                                              Yaphank---June 13, 1890

   Last Saturday, after business hours, Editor Vandusen rode his handsome bicycle from his office in Patchogue to Yaphank station in 1 and ½ hours, a distance of nearly or quite 10 miles. If the roads had not been soft and muddy Mr. Vandusen would have shortened the time considerably and have reached the station in time to take the evening train for his home in Southold, but he didn’t. He accepted the generous hospitality of Superintendent Jonathan Baker, and boarded the train for his home at 11:00 am Sunday. I had the pleasure of mentioning that Mr. Vandusen made a personal phone call Saturday evening at Cottage Inn, The home of myself and family. We invited the genial Editor to come again- come often our “latch string hangs out”. 

                                             Yaphank----July 11, 1890

                                     The Forth was celebrated here in the evening by an ice- cream festival and a fine display of fireworks at the Presbyterian parsonage. The lawn was furnished with benches and tables, and the scene was lighted by long cordons of Chinese lanterns. The attendance was so large that 3 times the amount of ice-cream and other refreshments supplied could have been readily sold. Many people from adjacent villages were present. On account of the short supply of ice-cream, the party broke up early.

                                              Yaphank----July 11, 1890

   The Yaphank cemetery association have ploughed and turnpiked the road leading from Main Street to the cemetery have made some improvements in the cemetery.

                                              Yaphank---June 20^th 1890

     Strawberries are yielding well here and fine berries are retailing at 10 cents per quart. Raspberry plants were winter-killed to considerable extent, owing to the sap flowering during the mild weather last winter; consequently the yield of raspberries will be light.

                                              Yaphank---June 20^th 1890

  Capt. S.W.Higgins, census enumerator seems to be doing the work in a faithful and careful manner, having, so far as I have learned, met no very serious obstacles- having used courtesy and discretion in handling certain in “impertinent questions.”

                                               Yaphank---June 20^th 1890

  The society for the prevention of cruelty to animals held a final hearing in the Woodward case last Saturday before Justice J.H. Randall in Middle Island after the hearing and careful examination of the horse, Mr. Woodward was required to sign an agreement not to drive the horse for a certain number of days and to pay costs of suit. The merciful man will be merciful to his beast. Let the unmerciful man beware.                                              

                                               Yaphank----July 11, 1890

   The festival which was held on the rectory grounds on 3^rd and 4^th of July proved to be a complete success, over 30 dollars being cleared. This is the greatest festival which Brookhaven has ever seen and has resulted in the greatest profits.

                                                Middle Island ---July 11, 1890

   The 4^th of July demonstrations in this place were very slight, Merchant J.R Randall being about the only one who displayed any fireworks. There was a game of ball in the afternoon between the Middle Island and the Yaphank clubs on the former’s grounds, but even this lacked excitement from the fact that it was a one-sided game from the start in favor of the home club. Joseph Donham, who was reported as being a star pitcher, was placed in the box for Yaphank and was fairly well supported behind the bat by T. Donham. Donham had apparently lost confidence in his delivery and refused to enter the box, and retire in favor of W.Still who was batted freely and he retired at the beginning of the 4^th inning in favor of Woodward.                                               

Yaphank----August 8^th 1890

   C.W. Train, having official authority to prohibit the pasturing of cattle or horses on the public streets and to order the removal of tiles, hitching post and other obstructions from the sidewalks, has already secured obedience to the law and several instances and is urging on the reform in these matters with a determination to clear the entire village and vicinity of nuances have been tolerated too many years.

                                                  Yaphank----August 8^th 1890

                                           Boss Alfred Davis has painted the roof of the town red-no; he has only painted the roof of his cottage red.

                                                   Yaphank----August 8^th 1890

                                            Rev. J.M. Denton, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, has ended his course of Sunday evening sermons on the “pilgrim’s progress”, and has begun a series of Sunday evening “talks on religious topics”. His subject fore next Sunday evening will be “truth in various aspects” a subject at once entertaining, instructive and profitable.

                                                   Yaphank---August—15^th 1890

                                            Messrs. B.F. McCrery and Mordecai Homan are spending a few days vacation at the Government Life Saving station, opposite Smiths Point, where they are resting and recreating after a season of active labor a on the farm many other farmers and their faithful wives and daughters would be greatly invigorated and both mind and body by taking an occasional vacation from their incessant labors and very likely prolong life many years.  “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”  

                                                    Yaphank----August 15^th 1890

                                             The subject of Rev. Mr. Denton’s address at the Presbyterian Church next Sunday evening will be “faith represented by hope, truth and love.”

                                                     Middle Island—August 15^th 1890

    The fair held last week for the benefit of the Presbyterian Church was a success both financially and socially, the gross receipts amounting to about $ 185.

                                                     Middle Island---August 15^th 1890

     Mrs.Vanhorn died very suddenly at her residence at Artist Lake on Tuesday morning, aged about 90 years.

                                                       Middle Island----20^th 1890

   The Ridge school commences Sept. 15^th with Miss. Ada Randall as teacher.

                                                       Middle Island---20^th 1890

 Some of the farmers are digging and storing their potatoes, hoping to receive better prices in the near future. Some have begun cutting their corn.

                                                        Yaphank---November 8^th 1890

    Sylvester Homan died at Yaphank, on Thursday morning Oct. 9^th, after an illness of about 3 years, which he bore with great patience, considering the fact that he had been a very active man when in health. He was born at Middle Island, August 24^th 1815 and his home for many years was a beautiful residence in this place. He was a man of much faith and prayer. He loved Gods house, and delighted to worship with his people. It is the universal testimony given of him, that, no matter how busy he was, he always found time to attend the prayer meeting and take an active part in its service, and also he was always ready to help his neighbors in any trouble whether sickness or death. He has filled the position of Sabbath school superintendent an elder in the church, and was always ready to do what he could for its progress. As long as he was able to go anywhere he went to the Lords house. His last words in prayer were for the penitent, that they might be brought saintly to know Christ as their savior and spend their lives in his service. He knew his end was nigh, and so set his house in order, longed to go, and at the last lay down and quietly fell asleep in Jesus..

                                                       Yaphank----December 13^th 1890

    Geo. Randall of the “Ridge” has closed up his farm here and removed to Freeport. Where he will engage in business with his brother in J.J. Randall of “Randall Park,” in his extensive real estate and building operations there. In the loss of Mr. Randall and family from our vicinity we lose a most esteemed citizen and business man, and Freeport gains what we lose. His many friends wish him the best of success in his new field.

                                                   Yaphank December 13^th 1890

     A very interesting prayer meeting was held at Capt. R..S. Homans on Wednesday evening.

                                                     Yaphank January---3^rd 1891

    J Von Rhee of West Yaphank has had a new house of good size two stories, with flat roof, erected on his land this winter, to be used as a dwelling and shop, the first floor has a tailor shop and factory, Boss A.L. Davis, builder.  

                                                     Yaphank January---24^th 1891

  Gerard’s Grist Mills are running at full blast, with many new improvements.

                                                      Yaphank January---24^th 1891

   The bodies of the deceased inmates of the Alms-house are being removed from the burial ground near the railroad to their new cemetery, which is situated in a secluded spot in the woods on level ground, north-east of the Alms-house not far from Carman’s River. May they now rest in peace.

                                                       Middle Island April—9^th 1891

 A large circle of friends and acquaintances will learn with sad surprise of the death of our beloved neighbor Mr. D. Everett Swezey, which took place at his home, on the morning of March 18^th. For some three years his health had been failing, and grave fears in regard to his recovery were causing much anxiety, but no one thought the end was so near. It seems hard that one just entering the vigor of manhood, and in his character giving evidence of so many estimable qualities, should be thus taken from our midst, when in so many spheres of local life he was so much needed. He was born and reared in Middle Island, and was attached to society here by many lengths of association and affection. Born about the beginning of the late war, he grew to manhood’s estate on the ancestral homestead of his mother. In youth his scholastic education was completed by several terms in the higher departments of the Patchogue Union school, then under the instruction of Professor Levi Seely Jr. after devoting one year to the teaching of a district school (No. 16) in Middle Island, he turned his attention to the farm, In which occupation he manifested an enthusiasm and enterprise seldom equaled. Wherever he came in contact with his fellow man he made friends, by his uniform good nature and kindly manner. Laborers who had for many months been in his employ had been herd to say that they had never heard an unkind, fault finding or ungracious word from him. He was soon recognized as a proper subject for the exercise of public trust and local affairs. He was elected town assessor in 1889, And besides holding for several years school district offices, he was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church here. His last days work in any business capacity was to act as pole clerk with the election board in this district at the fall election of 1890. The office of assessor he felt obliged to resign a year ago, on account of failing health. In accord with advice for a change of climate, he went last August to Colorado Springs, and there remained until about the end of February. Not perceiving any improvement in his condition he longed to see Middle Island and many times after his arrival expressed himself as being so much pleased to be at home again. As the fatigue of the journey wore off he seemed to be more comfortable until a hemorrhage set in, which crushed out his life in a few hours. We shall all miss him, and mourn a loss in his removal-in the Sunday school, choir, in the parish society, in social circles, in business and neighborhood circles- but in the home circle of which he was the central figure, no language can measure the loss, nor picture the crushing burden that rest upon sad hearts there. Terms of human sympathy may flow, but how weak to meat a case like this! More that 50 years Ago Mrs. Dana wrote a verse which has so many echo’s here that we trust we shall be pardoned for repeating it.

 

                                                  Middle Island---April 25^th 1891

   Miss Jerusha Hurtin died on Friday April 178^th, after a short illness, at the age of 66. She was a remarkable instance of good health, and had never known sickness or pain until, Monday prior to her decease, when she was attacked by the gripe. Nor did she find it necessary to take to her bed, But sat down a few hours before her death and died in her chair. The funeral was held in the Presbyterian Church on Monday. The pastor, Rev. Mister Allen, officiating. A great loss has been sustained by the church of which she had been a member for many years and always exhibiting a kind and loving disposition, and noble Christian character. Several of her friends from East Patchogue and the village were present at the funeral.

                                                   Yaphank----May 16^th 1891

Charlie Howell has added a handsome canopy-top wagon to his livery outfit. Thos Denham is now assisting Mr. H on his stage line.

 Yaphank June 6, 1891

 William Phillips, one of our old and wealthy citizens, passed away last week after an illness of some weeks, being the result of an attack of gripp which left him unable to combat its fatal shock at last.  Mr. Phillips was born in Yaphank in 1824, being a son of Esquire Phillips who resides on the old homestead.  Years ago Mr. Phillips commenced a clearing in the heavy wooded land adjoining or near our Railroad station, northside, which he owned, building a home and living alone.  He slowly began to make inroads on the pines and scrub oaks vicinity, and after a long struggle succeeded in clearing from this forest one of the finest farms in the country.  In 1870 the country authorities were looking for alms house site and being attracted by this fine farm and its localities and possibilities, brought Mr. Phillips out and it is now the County alms-house farm, being of course much enlarged since that time.  Later on Mr. Phillips removed to his land couth of R.R. depot, where he resided until his death, having amassed a competence, and lived a life of industry and peace.  His property was left by will to his heirs with some bequests to friends. 

 

Yaphank June 13, 1891

 Miss Matterson, our teacher has closed her school for the summer and returned to her home in New Berlin, NY.  The school under her management has been highly successful and Miss M. By pleasant ways and personal popularity has won many friends among us.

 Yaphank July 11, 1891

 The glorious Fourth was celebrated in a quiet manner, as becomes our demure and virtuous village.  In the afternoon a ball club from Bellport astonished the natives and themselves by doing up in fine style a club hailing from the classic precincts of Middle Island to the tune of 25 to 3.  The game was very entertaining to those present, and we hope they will favor the audience again.  It was played on the Alms House farm.

 Yaphank July 11, 1891 

Postmaster Davis has put in his store a new post-office case of letter boxes made by the Sadler Co., of Baltimore.  It is quite an ornament and comprises a number of lock boxes.  These are a new feature for our post-office.

 Yaphank July 18, 1891 

Prof. Taylor gave an exhibition here Monday evening, of magic lantern views and readings.  He exhibited a large number of interesting views to a full house.

 Yaphank August 1, 1891 

Chicken thieves have been raiding our hens roosts.  The losers are Chas Marvin, 30; C W Train, 75; Thos Denham, 30 ans Co. Alms House.

 Yaphank August 15, 1891

 At the annual school meeting of District No 17, held Tuesday evening, James M Ashton was elected trustee for three years and Joseph H Randall to fill the vacancy caused by the death of William H Brown.  Edward Pfeiffer was elected clerk and Henry P Hutchinson, collector.  It was voted to have a new roof put on the school building and have the inside thoroughly renovated and ceiled in the latest design with hard wood. When finished it will present a very neat and attractive appearance.

 Yaphank August 15 1891

 Chas Marvins curiosity collection at his carriage shop, now comprises in addition to a one horse chaise of 1775-a cradle in which a baby of 1801 was rocked it is said. What is next?

 Yaphank August 15, 1891

Dr. Walters is commencing to gather his 18 acre crop of pickles.

 Yaphank Sept. 12, 1891 

Joseph Phillips, from Black Hills, Dakota is visiting his parents Mr. and Mrs. Philetus Phillips, after an absence of eight years.

 Middle Island  Sept. 12 1891 

The Assessors of Brookhaven town met at the house of Miss Cynthia Hutchinson to make oath of their work. The assessment of the town this year shows an increase of something over $100,000 in value.

 Middle Island  Sept. 12 1891 

Mr. Danz has been clearing up and improving the appearance of the old Hallock farm which he recently purchased. this is suppose to about the route of the new railroad, and when it comes, will help to give credible appearance to the place in the eyes of passengers. We wish others would follow the example of Mr. Danz in this respect. We have many picturesque landscape that is hidden by wild growth of useless brambles and weeds.

 Middle Island Sept. 12 1891

 The cornfields look rich and promising of a good crop. Watermelons are abundant. The growth in the patches almost cover with luscious fruit. Apples are plenty and people have begun to make cider. Potatoes are being dug but the crop is small. Onions are numerous but the crop is small size. Peaches are plenty.

 Middle Island Sept. 26 1891

 Improvements are being made on the Middle District school house. A new roof has been put on  and new wainscoting around the inside of the room.

 Middle Island Oct. 3  1891

 School begun in district No.1 on Monday with R.M Bravies, teacher. No teachers have as yet engaged in the Middle and Ridge Districts.

 Middle Island Oct. 3 1891

 The cider Mills are agog and the juices of the apples flow freely. The crop is unusually abundant one.

 No date given

 A watermelon weighing fifty-one lbs. was taken to Riverhead for an exhibition at the county fair. It was raised by F Willis Edwards on his farm in the western part of our village.

 Yaphank Oct. 24 1891

 Constable Edward E Ruland captured two colored gents in quick order who stole a horse and wagon from Jas Randall Ridgeville and took them to Riverhead, catching one at Babylon and the other thief at port Jefferson. Mr. R is the right man for constable every time.

 Yaphank Oct. 24 1891

 F. Von Rhen our merchant tailor, went to Brookhaven Monday. On his return he will no doubt be prepared to furnish his patrons with almost anything in his line from a common business suit to a wedding outfit

 Middle Island Nov. 14 1891

 Chestnuts are unusually plentiful about here. a clump of trees near the residence of Charles Edwards was estimated to give about four bushels. Many of them were eaten by ducks as the fell from the trees.

 Middle Island Nov. 14  1891

 Mr. R M Bayles is building a house or a building, of some kind, upon land which he bought of Mr. Geo. W. Ritch

 Middle Island Nov. 14 1891

 Mr. Joseph Hurtin is building a regrettable cellar of stone, with a storage room above. The building has a solid oak frame, and is substantially built as every thing is done in which Mr. Hurtin has a band.

 Middle Island Dec. 5 1891

 J H Randall has has been to the city and purchased a new buggy and horse, and with them he drove up last Wednesday. It is a handsome black Canadian horse.

 Middle Island Dec. 5, 1891

 A blooded bull of the Jersey breed, belonging to Judge Bartlett, became entangled in his rope and choked to death, one day last week.

 Middle Island Dec. 5, 1891

 Thanksgiving services was held in the Presbyterian church Rev. Mr. Nash of the Coram M E church, assisted Mr. Allen with the services.

 Yaphank Dec. 5, 1891

 Mr. Sylvester M Swezey has purchased the homestead of the late Williams Phillips at Yaphank Station, and intends shortly to remove their with his family. He has spent his life thus far in Middle Island, and his friends here regret very very much his proposed departure from their midst.

 Middle Island Dec.5, 1891

 Mrs. Selah Randall and her family, who have for the past six months been occupying the Edward A Sweezy homestead, have moved have moved back to port Jefferson for the winter.

 Middle Island Feb. 6 1892

 One of the saddest causes of prolonged suffering that has been known to the people of this place was that of Clifford Randall, and son James Randall and grandson of the late Lester H Davis of Coram. In the spring of 1884 he was attacked by hip disease which confined him to bed and subjected him to most intense pain. He was then a youth of fourteen years of age. From that time until his death, which occurred Monday night of last week Jan. 25th he has not been able to stand on his feet or get up from the bed or invalid chair which for the last four years he occupied. During that period of nearly eight years he was enable to endure the intense agonies which at times racked him by the use of opiants.In his confinement he spent much time reading, when his suffering abated sufficiently to allow him to do so. By this means he had gained a degree of intelligence superior to that of most men his age. For a few weeks the disease seemed to gain upon him, and he resolutely determined the use of opiates. Thus amid excruating tortures his physical frame wasted away while his soul in trust with Jesus grew stronger and he looked with longing for the change which was to open to him the gates of eternal peace. The funeral was held at the Presbyterian church on Wednesday afternoon.

 Middle Island  Feb, 20, 1892

 Our neighbor, Charles Brown, after a lingering illness passed quietly from earthly scenes on the morning of Thursday, Feb, 4th.  His lonely widow has the sympathy of the friends who understand her situation.  She had married him less than a year ago, and having left her former home in Louisiana, had not been a resident here long enough to have made many acquaintances.  Having no relatives or old friends in this part of the country she is left in a very lonely position.  Mr. Brown had been for several years a member of the Brooklyn police force, and had spent some time in the west.  Consumption had seized him when some three years ago he sought an asylum in the quiet home of his father in this place.  For a time he seemed to be benefited by the favorable atmosphere of Middle Island, and thought himself almost free from the disease, but for that last two month she has been in a decline and the fell disease closed his earthly record at the early age of forty-one years.

 Middle Island March 19, 1892

 Another of our aged residents passed away last week-  Mrs. Nelson Munsell-- at the age of eighty-two years.  She had been a faithful wife and mother, having served the family long and well.  A large family of children were faithfully reared and cared for by her.  Her maiden name was Marcia Havens, and she was married to Mr. Munsell in May, 1837, Rev Ezra King performing the ceremony.  Their married life together thus covered a period of nearly fifty-five years.

 Middle Island April 16, 1892

 The Viertel boys are doing a good work in cleaning up the roadside and hedge brambles along the west side of their farm.  They are industrious fellows, and their work is decided improvement.  Clearing away the rubbish has brought a belt of grand old maples, skirting a beautiful slope of cultivated fields, that gives a charming landscape and a very pleasant stretch of park-like drive between the country road and Lake Buckingham.

 Middle Island April 16, 1892

 Measrs J H Randall and R M Bayles have been making a tour through several of the Southern States.  They returned home in time to vote.

 Middle Island April 16, 1892

 School in District No. 17 was closed last week on account of the sickness of Mr. Sanders with a bad cold and threats of the grippe.

 No Date

 One of the most conspicuous improvements that has been made in recent years is the new grocery wagon which represents the store of Edward Pfeiffer.  It is a thing of beauty and our people are all pleased to see it on the road as it makes its semi-weekly rounds.  But more than beauty, its arrangements show much study and inventive genius in securing so much convenience.  The fact that it was built by Charlie Marvin is sufficient to secure for it the highest rating by the "Board of Underwriters

 Middle Island April 23, 1892

 At the Republican primary held on the 15th, Mr. J H Randall was elected delegate for the Seventh District to the County Convention, and Mr. Smith W Higgins alternate.

 Middle Island April 23, 1892

 A German family have moved into the J M Rose place at Artist lake, and are beginning farming operations.  We have not learned the name.

 Middle Island April 23, 1892        *******(Parts I can not read so I left it blank)

 The removal of the "remains" from the Town Clerk's office at Coram to that at Yaphank, was attended with much pomp on Tuesday of last week.  The procession moved through this village, and attracted as much attention as a circus parade might have done.  The                                   truck drawn by eight horses, and accompanied by about twenty men, holding ropes from the top of the safe to guard against its blowing off the truck, as there was a still breeze blowing at the time.  Would it not be a good plan for the town to build a clerk's office on wheels, ready to move bodily at every turn of the political tide.

 Middle Island May 7 1892

 Capt. Ulysses H Ritch was a visitor at a home of his boyhood in this village last Sunday. He has been for twenty years been upon the sea, latterly making long voyages having many times circumnavigate the globe. Within a few weeks past he has chartered for a still longer voyage the voyage of matrimony. His friends here wish him or them a prosperous voyage. His bride is the daughter of Edmond Overton of Port Jefferson. Capt. Ritch for a wedding trip took his bride to the home of his early boyhood in North Carolina. He was a small boy living there during the years of the war. His father was a union man and for a time was imprisoned with other unionist of his locality, and was also forced to leave his home by rude exigencies of war. After the death of his father in 1866 young Ulysses came north to live with his uncle the late George W Ritch of this place.

 Yaphank May 14, 1892

 Yaphank has started- yes it has made a move. On Friday of last week a flag-pole was erected on the grounds in front of the octagon school house, and today a beautiful starry banner floatly proudly over district school no.18 for the first time. The teacher Miss Matterson deserves great credit for her enterprise with the aid of her scholars in presenting the village with its first public flag and the two old G. A. R veterans have made themselves a warm place in the hearts of the children, by making it possible to stand beneath the stars and strips on this Arbor Day.

 Middle Island June 4, 1892

 The event which neighborhood gossip had for sometime been predicting has eventuated. The Rev. Mr. Nash was married to Miss Amelia daughter of John Elsebough on Wednesday of last week, at the home of the bride’s parents. Rev F M Hallock performed the ceremony. The newly married couple have the best wishes of the people of this vicinity for their connubial happiness.

 Yaphank July 30, 1892

 Yaphank had a genuine surprise the other day. After an absence of 28 years Wilson , the son of MR. Tunis Whitbeck, of this place, returned to the place of his birth and with him his wife from his home in Terra Haute. Ind. They were entire strangers, none knew them not even his father and brothers. He is a painter by trade and is doing well. He grew up and old in his home in the place of his adoption and after three years has he takes a vacation and proposes to do the metropolis of the Empire State, and also the capitol of the United States on his return to Indiana.

 Middle Island Sept. 17 1892

The Middle Island boys went to Setauket to play a game of baseball with the Setauket boys Saturday afternoon. We understand both came out ahead shoulder to shoulder.

 Middle Island Sept. 17, 1892

 Mr. Lewis Ritch has gone on a sea voyage to the brick making town Haverstraw. Hopes to make it safely without getting a "brick in his hat"

 Middle Island Sept 17, 1892

 Who says Mrs. no-and-so is the first woman school trustee in Suffolk County?  I can recall the names of four that have been elected at different times within the last ten or twelve years, Mrs. Conklin at Bellport, Mrs. Bloomer at Holtsville, Mrs. J J Edwards at Middle Island, Miss Emma Norton at Coram.  It may be information to know that there are at the present time a number of ladies holding the office of School Commissioner in the State of New York.  There is one in Clinton county, one in Onondaga county and two in Oneida county. 

 Middle Island  October 29, 1892
One of Elbert Swezey’s horses, a valuable young animal, is wavering between life and death with lockjaw.

 Yaphank November 19, 1892

            The sad news comes to us from the West, of the death of Daniel Dayton by the accidental discharge of a gun, carelessly handled by himself.  Daniel left here only a few months ago, to take his chances at making his fortune near a married sister, and grow up with the great West.  He was about 16 years of age.  His widowed mother has our sincere sympathy.  Her husband dies and is buried in Montana.

 Middle Island

            A little boy, son of Thomas J. Smith, who was playing with matches about the barn, set it on fire burning it to the ground.  This took place at about four o’clock last Monday afternoon.  The child was burned to death being scarcely recognizable.  It is supposed that he had climbed into the manger or stable where he could not get out.  Mr. Smith was away from home at the time. 

 Middle Island January 7, 1893

            Mr. Selah Randall, while at his farm at the Ridge last week, was attacked by a vicious horse and badly bitten.  The horse laid hold of his right elbow, lifted him from the ground and threw him into the manger.  No bones were broken, but the joint was injured and severe bruises otherwise sustained.  Mr. Randall was able to ride to his home at Port Jefferson on the following day.

     Miriam Hudson, a former resident of Middle Island, died at Setauket on the 28^th at the age of 85 years.  She was buried here in the old ground among her friends on the 30^th.  Mr. R.M. Bayles has bought a lot of Henry P. Hutchinson on top of the hill and is building an office upon it.

 Yaphank January 14, 1893

  N.B Overton, our popular butcher, has returned from his visit in the northern part of the state.            Boss Albert Davis has completed the new library for the Sunday school and Capt. Higgins will put the finishing touches on as he knows just how it is done. 

 Middle Island  January 28, 1893

            A house on the farm of James A. Randall, at the Ridge, was burned recently while the tenant, Abraham Steele, was out.  He had left a fire in a stove, and this by some unknown means communicated to the building and caused its destruction.

             Judge Randall, Sergeant Ashton and others are much interested in running foxes, and have had much several bouts of it.  But the foxes don’t seem to mind it much.

             The body of young Samuel Davis, of the schooner Sharpshooter, who was drowned by breaking through the ice in Port Jefferson Bay, was buried in the old Presbyterian burying ground here, on Saturday of last week. 

 Yaphank January 28, 1893

 John Murray gave the children of the Children’s Home a sleigh-ride last week.

 Yaphank February 18, 1893

            A.B. Overton received a letter last week from an old friend and neighbor, John R. Dayton, who has been in Salt Lake City for a number of years.  He is now in the dairy business and writes that he has been successful in all that he has undertaken, but he says that there is no place like Long Island for him.

             The severe cold weather and deep snow has starved or frozen nearly all the quails.  James Ashton has found a number of dead ones.  Capt. S.W. Higgins saw three alive and Mr. Joseph Hurtin saw five around his grain stack.  That is all that have been seen since the cold snap, as far as heard from.

 Yaphank May 4, 1893

            Boss A. L. Davis has caught the old veteran of a fox at last.  On Wednesday of last week the Boss and Capt. Higgins started out to look for the old chap and it was not long before Seals, the hound, started the old veteran but the snow being deep and storming, the fox thought it would make a harbor but that was the first mistake the sly one ever made as the boys soon found where the gent was.  They put a blockade in the shape of a big stick, then they went home for spades, etc.  After about one hour digging they came across him and killed him in short order.

 Yaphank  May 11, 1893

            William J. weeks went to Washington to attend the inauguration of President Cleveland.  He is a great admirer of Cleveland.

             The Yeaton place was sold Thursday, under judgment of foreclosure.  Mr. Roswell Davis bought it.

             The Y.P.S.C.E. held a business meeting at the parsonage on Monday evening.  Mr. James Denton was elected president, N. B. Overton vice president, Mr. Samuel Darrow secretary and F. Willis Edwards, treasurer.

 Middle Island July 1, 1893

            Swezeytown pond appears to be rising, notwithstanding the dry weather.

 Yaphank

            The pretty wedding of Miss Laura Weeks and David Hasselberg occurred at 11 o’clock Wednesday morning in the Episcopal Church.  The bridesmaid was Miss Helen Smith of Longwood and the best man was a brother of the groom.  Rev. Charles Penny of New York officiated.  A reception was held in at the house and the friends made up a wedding party and accompanied the young couple to the train station where they bid them adieu amid a shower of rice.

 Middle Island August 5, 1893

            Henry Elsebough is taking a rest from his duties as clerk in E. Pfeiffer’s store and his place is meanwhile occupied by Jotham H. Swezey.

 Yaphank September 16, 1893

     Mrs. Josephine Collyer of this place died at her daughter’s, Mrs. Sidney Rich, in Riverhead, last Saturday.

 Middle Island October 20, 1893 

    Richard M. Bayles is building a house on the hill near Henry Hutchinson’s.

     William Still has returned ashore again from his season’s of yachting.

 Yaphank January 12, 1894

            On Jan. 13^th, Mr. John Webber at the age of 69 years passed away to his long home.  Mr. Webber was a victim of dropsy and that he was a great sufferer was confirmed by his words on the night he died when he prayed, “O Heavenly Father! Take me out of this misery.”  The deceased was born in Honiton, Devonshire County, England, April 1^st, 1825.  he came to this country in 1857 and settled in Albany, N.Y. where on Aug. 12^th of the same year he was married in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to Georganna J. Potts.  He left Albany in 1860 and came to Yaphank where he spent the remaining thirty-four years of his life.

 Yaphank March 9, 1894

  There have been 30 new books added to the Yaphank Library.

 Middle Island March 23, 1894

            Town politics was the topic of interest here this week.  Primaries were held by the democrats at the post office Monday afternoon, and by the republicans at the store of Edward Pfeiffer on Wednesday afternoon, and the democratic town convention was held on the same afternoon at their old stamping ground, the premises of Miss Cynthia Hutchinson. 

 Middle Island April 6, 1894

            Thieves broke into a tenantless house on the Van Horn place one night recently.  We understand the ladies are provided with improved firearms and if those prowlers should repeat their visits they might receive such a greeting as they deserve.

             It was feared that the peach crop was blasted in the bud, but present is that the alarm is not well founded.  What we have seen thus far of the fruit, buds appear to be in a healthy condition.

 Middle Island April 13, 1894

            Death has removed another of the Middle Island boys of a generation that is rapidly passing off the stage of action.  Mr. Charles Swezey, who died at his home in Brooklyn last Sunday night, was a native of Swezeytown and a member of a family that has for many generations given character as well as name to the locality.  William Sylvester Swezey, who occupies the ancestral homestead of that immediate family, is the only one left of a large family of brothers and sisters who were scattered from their childhood home to different parts of the town.

 Middle Island May 11, 1894

            Arbor Day was observed in our schools last Friday.  In No. 14 Miss Brewster had recitations in the school room.  In No. 16 Miss Roswell, there were appropriate exercises in the room.  In both of these districts, the school houses are located on the edge of the road, with no ground around them, so that the program of planting trees is impractical.  In No. 17, Miss Overton, teacher, a full program was carried out.  Trees were planted, flower beds sown, exercises conducted in the school room and the whole supplemented with a collation, which made the occasion one long to be remembered by the pupils.  In No. 19, Miss Randall, teacher, a good program of literary exercises was presented, and two white pine trees were planted.

 Yaphank May 11, 1894

    Mr. Norton will move into the Mill house again. Nearly all the school children have the whooping cough.  You would think you were in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show to hear them whoop.

 Middle Island May 25, 1894

            Farm garden products are not always profitable as an example here shows.  Cabbages average a fairly paying crop, but Messes Swezey and Brevoort kept over about 1400 heads and this spring shipped them to Bridgeport to market.  The returns were just sufficient to pay the freight and nothing more.  Brevoort said, “no more cabbage for me.”

 Middle Island June 8, 1894

            Rabbits are very numerous in the vicinity of Artist Lake.  A German family is cultivating tame rabbits, having about seventy now in their yards. Wild rabbits are also numerous, and have become quit a pest in some gardens. Decoration Day was observed by many, in placing flowers upon the graves of friends in the cemetery.  Soldiers’ graves were decorated with flags Lewis O. Conklin Post, G.A.R.

 Middle Island June 22, 1894

            Two boys from the city or elsewhere appeared last Sunday morning and began fishing in the lake on the Edward A. Swezey place.  For the convenience of wading out in deep water they took off their pants and in a half naked condition stood in the water waiting a bite.  The position was a conspicuous one, near the highway, and the congregation in the church which is near was soon to be out and pass near.  The boys seemed to be ignorant or indifferent to the fact that they were transgressing three laws at once, first breaking the Sabbath by fishing on Sunday; second, making an indecent exposure of the person in a public place; third, trespassing on private waters and stealing fish.  Mr. S. E. Randall saw them and gave them some unpalatable suggestions, which caused them to come out and mount their bicycles and speed away toward Coram.  There is a class of boys who seem to have little idea of any regard for law and order on Sunday about here.

 Middle Island August 3, 1894

            Rev. James Basset and his family are brightening things up about the parsonage which has stood unoccupied now for nearly two years.

  Middle Island August 13, 1894

            The apron festival held at the house of R.M. Bayles last week, was a very pleasant and successful affair.  The receipts amounted to $72.

 Middle Island September 21, 1894

            Death has again visited our community.  Mr. Floyd Edwards died at his home on Sunday night, the 9^th inst.  He has been in falling health for several years, but up until a few days of his death he had been able to move about.  He was buried in the family plot at the Presbyterian burying ground.  Rev. O.C. Lane of the M.E. church conducting the services on Tuesday afternoon.  Mr. Edwards was a member of a well known family of Brookhaven, his ancestors having been here for a century and a half.  His father as well as his grandfather, bore the well known name of Jonathan Edwards, being of the same stock and distantly connected with the celebrated divine and college president of that name.  Mr. Edwards married Miss Sally Hawkins of this place and, and has spent most of the energies of a lifetime on the ancestral farms, where the couple raised a family of two sons and three daughters.  One daughter died in early womanhood, while the others still survive, with the widowed mother.

  Middle Island  October 12, 1894

            Miss Cynthia Hutchinson has bought a horse with which to ride out at times.  We are glad to see that she and her mother have the benefit of such a luxury.

   Mr. Edward Pfeiffer has been appointed school tax collector in District No. 17, in the place of Mr. Henry P. Hutchinson, deceased.

 Middle Island January 4, 1895

            Many of our young people are home from their various schools, for short vacations.  Among them we may mention the Misses Abbie, Winifred, and Ruthie Basset and James Basset, Irmangard Freeman, Flora Swezey, Nellie Swezey, Carrie Thompson and Ada Davis.

 Yaphank

            New Year’s was a red letter day to the Sunday school at St. Andrew’s church.  In the evening the church was beautifully and artistically decorated with boxwood and vines.  A large tree was selected by Wm. J. Weeks simply groaned under its burden of costly decorations.  The service consisted chiefly of carols and hymns sung by the choir, made up wholly of boys and girls.  The missionary at the beginning of his address publicly thanked the little ones for their kindness in singing on that occasion and Mrs. Carmen, the organist, for her untiring energy and careful training of the little ones which were fully exemplified in the rendering of the musical part of the service by the little ones.  Mr. Wm. J. Weeks addressed the S.S. scholars.  His subject was “Santa Clause.”  He painted in words a gay story of picture of the contrast between the Santa Clause of today and the Santa Clause of 60 years ago.  The last present handed out was a framed picture and a pie to the Rev. Wm. Norwood.  This caused considerable merriment among the members of our regular congregation as one and all know full well the missionary’s weakness for pies.  After the exercises were over a large crowd met in the house of Miss Clara Weeks to see the old year out and welcome the new year in.  The missionary, feeling rather hungry, made up his mind to sample his pie.  He took a bite and found that his mouth contained a little bit of pie crust and a lot of tissue paper.  His curiosity was aroused when he felt something hard in the pie.  He broke it in two and found, instead of pumpkin or minced meat, money.  The pie was simply lined with quarters, bills, and half dollars.  This reminded him of that little song, “Four and twenty blackbirds baking in pie,” viz “and when the pie was opened the coins began to chink.”  The whole affair was a grand success and by present indications we can safely say that not only will the Christmas celebration of ’94 be equaled by that of ’95 but that it will be excelled.  The good members of our “little church on the hill” fully realize the importance of making Christmastide a season of giving.  Not only were the members of our Sunday school remembered but as well “The Little Ones Outside,” as sung by the choir.  No better example of the good will and paternal feeling existing among the members of St. Andrew’s congregation is needed than the above.  No better example can be found elsewhere of the actual fulfillment of the blessed Saviour’s passionate intense and fervent prayer, “That they all may be one.”

 Middle Island January 18, 1895

            Mr. Gardiner Topping has been assured that his application for a pension will soon be granted.  We congratulate him and hope that he may receive the reward of his patriotic services in the Navy of the U.S. during the late war. Considerable wood cutting is being done about here, but prices are unusually low.  The dull market for cordwood makes necessary. 

 Middle Island February 1, 1895

  Mr. John Risley has been confined to the house several weeks with an attack of the grippe.

 Middle Island March 1, 1895

  Henry Butler is to take a position on the farm of Charles J. Randall, the coming season.

Alonzo Chapppel has sold his farm at Artist Lake to Robert F. Randall, and has moved his furniture to Selden.  Rumor has it that he will there set up housekeeping in the orthodox way.

 Middle Island March 8, 1895

            Mr. John Risley has had a relapse of the grip and complications growing out of it.  He has been very sick but at this writing hopes of his recovery are entertained.

 Middle Island May 10, 1895

            Judge Randall has purchased a new bicycle, and now he doesn’t propose to take the dust of any of the boys – nor young ladies either. Several of the land owners of this section have joined with others in clearing a fire road along the south side of the Wading River extension railroad.  The object is to protect the great area of forest growth lying between here and that road, from the fires that are likely to be set by the passing locomotives when the railroad is in active operation.

 Middle Island  May 24, 1895

            A tract of land adjoining Artist Lake on the West, and commanding a beautiful view of the lake and its surroundings, has been sold recently.  It belonged to the estate of Jeremiah Glover, late of South Haven, for a number of years, but we have not learned the name of the recent purchaser.

     

   

 

 

 

                                                   Yaphank---March 14^th 1900

                                  Ice about 2 ½ inches think, of fair quality was harvested here Friday, Saturday and Monday last-the cold snap lasting about a week.

 

                                                    Yaphank---March14th 1900

                                  Dr. Walters, of Brooklyn, has bought the farm and summer residence, estate of the late Prof. Henry Molleuhauer, beautiful premises adjoining and over-looking the western lake in this village.

                                                                               

 

                           

                     Suffolk’s Poor Folk

 

Yaphank

 

Nov. 15, 1907

 

• Mr. Wm. Homan of Brooklyn visited friends here last week.
• Everyone is invited to the meeting in the school house, on Saturday evening when an Improvement Society will be formed. Ladies especially invited.
• Mr. Howard Homan has taken the coal business here, formerly conducted by the estate of the late Edward L. Gerard.

 

Jan. 17, 1908

 

• The Civics Association held their January meeting on Saturday evening and a number of new members were taken in also a committee was appointed to make arrangements for a ball on February 22, for the benefit of the society’s treasury. Two more street lamps were ordered to be placed on Main street.
• It is reported that a new general store is to be built on West Main street.
• Mr. George Prosser has put up a fine and commodious new barn on his premises.
• Some activity is noticeable in the local wood business and there is a great demand for plots of standing wood to be cut into piles and cord wood.
• Mr. F. Marchant has built a small green house mostly underground with a glass roof, in which we saw sweet peas and other flowering plants growing finely without artificial heat.

 

Middle Island

 

Jan. 17, 1908

 

·        There is a good deal of unrest felt among our people this week, on account of the trial of Christian Inglert who murdered Shepard Ritch on September 8, 1907. and nearly every available man has been subpoenaed either by prosecution or for the defense.

·        Those who have ice houses to be filled with the necessity are getting somewhat nervous owing to the continued mild weather.

 

      Yaphank

 

     Feb. 7, 1908

 

• Fox hunting is a popular sport here with some, but catching sly Reynard is not so easy, although some have been killed, These animals are very plentyful  in the woods surrounding the village and it is no rare sight for wood carters to see one running along a forest road apparently unaware of being seen.

 

Middle Island

 

Feb. 7, 1908

 

• Judge Furgerson has a large gang of men cutting and filling his large ice house.
• All other ice houses will probably be filled by the last of the week.
• The school children are all making the most of the fine skating.

 

Yaphank

 

Jun. 3, 1908

 

·        At the Christmas exercises of the Sabbath School of the Presbyterian church those on the honor roll for being present every Sunday in 1907; Leslie Marchant , Sereno Overton and Elizabeth Iverson.

·        Christian Krabbe had a hog killed the past week weighing about 450 pounds.

·        Additional lamps are being placed frequently in our village.

 

     Jun. 5, 1908

 

• Decoration Day was observed by a parade of the juvenile Rough Riders under Capt. Leslie Marchant, who fired military salutes over veterans graves in the cemetery and the school house at the raising of the flag where exercises suitable to the day were given by the children and others, and on Sunday, Memorial services were held in the Presbyterian church by Rev. J .M. Denton.
• Let everyone old and young, rich and poor, large and small who are willing and would like to assist in having a big time here on July 4, meet in Randall’s Hall on the evening of June 10

 

July 10, 1908

 

• A forest fire last week burned over 3,000 acres of woodland belonging to the W. J. Weeks’ estate near manor.
• Many former residents came to enjoy the fourth with our citizens. The parade, band of music, addresses by Messrs. O.B. Combs and R.M. Bayles and fireworks were enjoyed by all. The floats were handsome. The boys marched well. The decorations were general and beautiful. Several arches and flags were over the streets in the line of march. Thanks are due, Col. T. E .O. Marvin and his aids for the successful celebration. The question is being considered how to make next years celebration a still greater success and keep young America fully alive with the spirit or “76.”
• A loaded decorated wagon came from Middle Island to join in the July 4 celebration.
• The home of  Mrs. Elizabeth Davis being a relic of Revolutionary days was beautifully decorated for the fourth. She being a widow of a veteran of our Civil War the procession halted and a suitable tribute was given her children and grandchildren.
• Capt. Smith W. Higgins, another veteran of our Civil War was unable to join the procession on the 4^th on the account of failing health. He was given a solute and the band played the Star Spangle Banner which he greatly enjoyed.
• Miss Brewster with her brother and friend from Ozone Park are at the Robbins cottage for the summer.
• A conveyance was provided for Messrs. Gardner Topping and John Murray both veterans of our Civil War , in July 4^th celebration.

 

Aug. 14, 1908

 

• Our young Ball Club played a fine game here last Saturday against a picked nine of farmers and four ball players , headed by a hired professional pitcher along with the discouraging hoots and jeers of the crowd and were defeated by the small score of 4 to 1.
• At the annual school meeting John S. Jones was re-elected as trustee for 3 years; C. E. Howell, collector; H . Blonsky, clerk and Miss Ethel Rice of Patchogue was re-engaged as teacher for the ensuing school term. An enlarged covered porch was ordered to be built and a stationary school bell with tower was endorsed by the board of officers and a vote of thanks was sent to the Hon. W. O. Bartlett for the beautiful 9- foot flag to the school.

 

Aug. 21, 1908

 

• It would be well to unite some of the school districts around Yaphank, have a union school district and run the stage to convey pupils here as they are doing in other sections of the Island.
• At the Republican primary election in District No. 7 the following delegates were elected Messrs Jonathan Baker, Dr. C.A. Baker and Capt. James M. Ashton.

 

     Sept. 11. 1908

 

• A. Lorenzo Homan, about 70 years of age, a farmer of Yaphank, was found dead in his wagon which was going along the main road near the Yaphank school house last Tuesday morning. He had been to the depot to deliver some eggs as was his daily custom, and left there apparently in the best of health. John Caspers, seeing the horse going leisurely along and Homan lying on the wagon seat, ran out and stopped the animal, Dr. Baker happened along and upon seeing Homan said he had died of apoplexy. Deceased leaves a widow, He was father of Mrs. Arthur Phillips of Patchogue.

 

Sept. 18, 1908

 

• A.P. Homan died suddenly in his wagon, on Tuesday morning, of apoplexy while engaged in carting a load of loam along the Main street from U. E. Howell’s to his home not a mile distant. Mr. Homan was known for many years as a dealer in eggs etc. and by his untimely demise we lose a popular and much esteemed citizen and his family a loving parent and companion. The funeral will be from his home this afternoon, Rev. J.M. Denton officiating.

 

Middle Island

 

Sept. 18, 1908

 

• A shadow of gloom is cast over the entire community by the sickness and deaths in the family of Victor Edwards. Mrs. Edwards died on Friday and the 3 year old son on Sunday, two other children who are sick with the same complaint have been taken to a New York Hospital , Dr. C. A . Baker attending physician pronouncing it old fashioned dysentery. Mr. Edwards has the sincere sympathy of the entire community.

 

Sept. 25, 1908

 

• George Prosser has quite a force of pickers on his cranberry bed, gathering this favorite of the marshes for the shipment to the city markets.
• School in District 17 will open on Monday September 28, with George Miller as teacher.

 

    Yaphank

 

Oct. 2, 1908

 

• Mr. Howard, the new owner of the John Webber farm, is having 40 carloads of stable manure put on the land. Hulse and son are doing the carting from the railroads.

 

      Nov. 13, 1908

 

• “The contents of the old factory near the grist mill was auctioned off on Tuesday. This building was erected about 1842 and run as a woolen mill for a few years, but has been used as a lumber storehouse for a long time. It will now be taken down or removed, it is said.
• Mr. Fred Bubb gave a barn dance last Friday night which was much enjoyed by those present.

 

Jan. 10, 1909

 

• Judge Willard Bartlett and family spent a portion of the holiday vacation at their home here.

 

Jan. 22. 1909

• Our storekeepers are complaining of the scarcity of cash customers. Give the cash buyer an inducement; otherwise he will buy like the storekeeper where he can get his goods the cheapest or do. the best.

 

Middle Island

 

Feb. 26, 1909

 

• Mrs. Louise Still, wife of William T. Still, died on Friday, after an illness of a few weeks, closing a life which though short was filled to the brim with activities and devotion to the duties of the sphere in which providence had placed her. Assuming the responsibilities of active life at an early age, she had given nearly eighteen years to the labors and duties of married life. Her home and the members of its circle were the objects of her devoted and self-sacrificing labors. Six children, ranging from young manhood down to infancy are left with their grief stricken father to mourn her loss. May kind providence supply strength and guidance to their burdened hearts. Mrs. Still was about 38 years of age, a native of this place, the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Smith Thompson. Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon by Rev. F.E. Allen assisted by Rev. Jacob Norris and a large concourse of friends followed to the place of interment in the cemetery at this place.

 

Mar. 12, 1909

 

• Mr. Hutchinson says that his black cat can forecast the weather as well as the weather prophet at Washington did last inauguration day.
• The size of Mr. Hutchinson’s wood pile looks as though he thought there were about six months of winter left.

 

Yaphank

 

Mar. 26, 1909

 

• 15000 trout were placed in the two ponds here this week by the state.

 

May 21, 1909

 

• Mr. Isaac H. Robbins, a native of this village and a well known resident for many years, died on the 16^th. Mr. Robbins had been in failing health for two years and had given up his farm house and was boarding with Miss M. McGartlands at the time of his death. Interred in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Port Jefferson. On Thursday. He leaves no family.
• The first strawberry festival of the season struck the town Tuesday night at Mr. F. Bubbs, in aid of M.E. Church and was a great success. Pretty girls and homely young men scooped in the cream to beat the band, while the strawberries blushed scarlet as they rolled down the fair maidens throats, and were as happy as fellow’s new girl. As for the rest it took until a late hour to satisfy them all, great and small, and many thanks are due to those who labored so freely to help the occasion along.

 

Jun. 11, 1909

 

• The old Homan house on Main street built by Isaac Homan over a century ago, has been bought by Mrs. C . Krabbe.
• Mr. William H. Homan, an old citizen now in the employ of the government in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, was here last week visiting old friends.

 

      Middle Island

 

Jun. 25, 1909

 

• Mr. Thomas Harper of Brooklyn was in the village a few days since negotiating a real estate deal with Mr. John Butler. We understand he has sold to latter about thirty acres of his land here.

 

Yaphank

 

• The children of the community with their parents and friends enjoyed the Fourth at a picnic in the afternoon and evening on the grounds of Miss C.W Weeks where the children were treated to cake and ice cream.

 

Jul. 23, 1909

 

• Mr.Lighthall of Holbrook has been engaged to teach our school the coming fall and winter.
• William C. Hammer, proprietor of the Yaphank Hotel and saloon for some years, died after a few days illness on the 17^th . Mr. Hammer left a large number of friends to mourn his loss, including a wife and three small children. Interment in the Yaphank Cemetery.
• A large number of summer people and others attended the social in  Factory Hall Tuesday night and enjoyed dancing to the music of Smith’s Ronkonkoma Orchestra.

 

Jul. 30, 1909

 

• The former residence of Mrs. E. L. Gerard, near the lake, has been sold to Mr. Roswell Davis of Freeport.
• At Lakeview Farm we saw Burbank’s wonderberry growing and fruiting nicely in the open field. It resembles the blueberry in color, shape and size with a grape-like skin and of a fine flavor, growing on low headed vines or plants.
• The bathing season in Swezey’s pond is now in full blast and the old mill dam is thronged daily at intervals with crowds of children of both sex who soak themselves in the lake and have a wet time in general with lots of fun thrown in.
• The picturesque loveliness of our lakes and the quiet pastoral beauty of our wooden hills and dates, charms and surprises the strangers who say they never imagined there was such a pretty spot hidden away on Long Island.

 

Aug. 6, 1909

 

• At the annual school meeting on Tuesday night Mr. Robert F. Hawkins was elected trustee for three years, Mr. Charles E. Howell collector, and Mr. Henry V. Bloosky clerk for one year. An appropriation of $640 was made for school purposes. The sentiment of the meeting was that as the school districts have to file a map of their boundaries that a committee of the town be appointed to have each district made uniform for the whole of Brookhaven town.
• The Misses Mary and Rosalie Baker are at their father’s cottage at Easthampton.

 

Sep. 24, 1909

 

• Van R. Swezey received twelve prizes for apples and pears from his fruit farm at the Suffolk County fair.

 

Middle Island 

 

• Miss Minerva Hutchinmen left here Wednesday for her season’s work in the millinery business.

 

Oct. 8, 1909

 

Yaphank

 

• After a short illness, Gilbert H. Swezey M.D. died on Sunday October 3, at North Falmouth, Mass., in the 68^th year of his age. Funeral services were held at his late residence at Yaphank on October 6. Dr. Swezey was an elder of the Yaphank Presbyterian Church nearly 25 years. He also served many years as clerk of session and superintendent of the Sabbath School. His life was full of good work in his profession in the community and for the church at home and at large. He will be greatly missed.

 

Middle Island

 

• We are pained to learn of the death of Dr. Swezey of Yaphank who was only sick a short time.
• Our school, District 17 is in a thriving condition under the efficient management of Miss Caroline Thompson.

 

Oct. 22, 1909

 

      Thriving Yaphank

 

• Mrs. Herman Somers of Bartlett street who has been in poor health for a long time died this week. Interment in Yaphank Cemetery on Wednesday.
• Mrs. S.H. Ritch of Passaic, N.J., is visiting friends in Middle Island.

 

Middle Island

 

• The Funeral services over the remains of Mr. Ethers of the Ridge were conducted in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon at 2 00 o’clock, and were attended by a large number of sympathizing neighbors and friends Mr. Ethers is survived by a widow and one son.
• Mrs. Hutchinson who has been quite ill with neuralgia is somewhat improved.

 

Oct. 29, 1909

 

Yaphank

 

• An evening of fun and social time will be had at a Hallowe’en party at the residence of Miss C. W. Weeks on Saturday, October 30. Everyone welcome, Admission ten cents for the benefit of St. Andrews’s Sunday School. Come and see the ghosts, and try your fortune. Refreshments free.

 

Nov. 5, 1909

 

Coram

 

• Joe Hallock, while digging a cellar among the sand hills at Coram last week, unearthed a bayonet of the Revolutionary War type, such as were used on the muzzle of the flint lock musket of the 1776 period.

 

Middle Island

 

• Mr. Pieiffer has been making a special sale of Gold Medal Flour at $6.40 per barrel; can you beat it?
• Judge Bartlett has been having a fence built around the pond here to keep it from running away by looks of things, but he will have to hurry as it is mostly gone now.
• Potatoes are about the only things that are moving around here, but they are moving pretty rapidly by the looks of loads that go by.
• The new intermediate teacher at East Moriches is Miss Clara Rue, a graduate of New Platz Normal.

 

 

Dec. 10, 1909

 

Yaphank

 

• A coon and possum supper was held at Lakeview Farm on Saturday night, Those who had enjoyed the hunting sport with their wives sat down to a table of good things.
• Mr. Van R. Swezey is setting out hundreds of apple trees. This is the fruit land of the island. It will be remembered he secured the first prize for the best apples this fall.
• Loads of gunners are at Lakeview Farm enjoying the hunting.
• Whereas is has pleased A’lmighty God to his wise providence to remove from our number Gilbert H Swezey M.D. who for nearly twenty-five years was an elder of this church and for many years was clerk of the session; superintendent of the Sunday school and trustee.
• The graves of the war veterans in our cemetery will be decorated with flowers by the school children on Memorial Day.
• The season for black bass fishing opens the 30^th and Artist Lake will be minus some fish.
• Victor Edwards Pond at Swezeytown, Middle Island, leased by the Patchogue Fishing Club, has a great stock of the finest fish for miles around.