May 3, 2000

Herald news ... 100 years ago

By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald
       - The stage of the City Opera House is undergoing several changes so as to allow for more elaborate and extensive scenery. The improvements will permit the use of the fine scenery in the “Devil’s Action” which will be presented Monday night next. This production is very elaborate and the large amount of special scenery is required.
      - Alderman W. W. Smith rendered an excellent program, consisting of selections on the phonograph, at the free entertainment and supper given at the Friends Church on Fifth Street Friday night. A handsome sub- scription was taken for the purpose of paying off the debt of the church.
      - Mrs. Van Dyke entertained a company most royally at her cottage at Long Lake Saturday. The invited guests were the Elmwood Avenue teachers, Mrs. Litney and Mr. Tompkins. After a veritable banquet served at noon, the company gathered arbutus and went fishing. About two bushels of the flowers and 40 fish were brought home by the jolly group.
      - A most attractive addition has been made to the grocery department at the Mercantile Co. Five glass showcases will dis- play a full line of candles made by Straub Bros. & Amiotte and confections and table condi- ments will add to the display. Miss Mabel Brown has the charge of this department.
      - At the close of the April term of Circuit Court the following divorces were granted to the petitioning parties: Cora Woodruff vs. John G. Woodruff, Oscar Beebe vs. Mary Beebe, Addie Wheeler vs. James Wheeler, Albert Lackor vs. Mary Lackor and Charles Otto vs. Mary Otto.
      - Grace Bushnee and James A. Slack were united in marriage Thursday evening at a very pretty and quiet wedding at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Bushnee. The bride wore a dainty gown of white silk mousseltine de sole and carried roses. The home was prettily decorated with evergreens, carnations and arbutus.
      - Our correspondent at Milton Center reports that Mr. Webster of Williamsburg passed through that place Tuesday with his clover huller. Mr. Webster is anticipating a good threshing season and will be ready for business when the crops are ready to be harvested.
      - The lawn back of Park Place annex was the scene of a tenth birthday celebration of Mistress Margaret Holden. One of the chief features of the festivities was a peanut hunt. Prizes were won by Rhea Martin, Lucius Patchin and Julius Mar- tinek.
      - The fire department was called out last night to the home of M. B. Wright, 633 Webster Street only to find that there was no fire. Mail carrier, Oscar Thomas, had turned in the alarm having seen a burning chimney. The fire had not even heated the plastering which made for an easy job of the men.
      - A spectacular and very fine mirage was shown on the bay Thursday. The island appeared in its usual position, but above was the image very clean, but inverted. This is an uncommon sight and one about which many citizens of the area exclaimed, having never seen such beauty previously.
      - George H. High has purchased the interest of Judge McConnel in the Forest Lodge resort on the shores of Long Lake. It is expected that Mr. High will also purchase the yacht being built by Victor Montague for Judge McConnel’s daughter.
      - Advice on deportment. The model hostess must unite a frank and generous nature with a calmness and serenity that are almost marvelous.
      - Medical advice of a century ago. Buttermilk is invaluable for treating diseases of the heart.
      - Best buy of the week. Half silk ginghams, excellent for service and beauty. 39 cents a yard at The Boston Store.