From the Archives, March 8 - Lifestyle - New Jersey Herald

150 years ago

March 10, 1870

Kerosene hints

For the benefit of the human family these hints are given by a contemporary:

First. — Never fill kerosene lamps after dark, but fill them in the day time.

Second. — Never allow a lamp to be placed on the mantle piece, whether the room has a grato or stove fire, as the heat of the same will cause the oil to be more inflammable, and more liable to explosion when lighted.

Third. — It is a common practice in factories to have their lamps hung on wire from the ceiling; they should be removed when not in use, as the heat of the stove ascends towards the ceiling, the effect being the same as in the second suggestion.

Fourth. — Do not allow the wick to get backed or crusty; trim it frequently.

125 years ago

March 14, 1895

Andover

We notice that Robert T. Smith, Esq., was elected for the sixth time Justice of the Peace, having held the office since 1870. Republicans and a few of whom better things should be expected made one of the most persistent fights against him the township has ever experienced. The vote was more than two to one in his favor, and he has our congratulations.

Jonah Howell, the Chosen Freeholder-elect is a staunch Democrat, and having held other offices in the past to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, will no doubt make a most worthy representative to the county’s Board of Freeholders.

Miss Emma Crispin has resigned as teacher of the Clinton Public School and trustees are in need of a teacher for the vacancy.

Lewis W. Hibler will soon return home, the physicians of the south have given him no hope of recovery.

Rev. James A. Hensey has gone to his old home in Cumberland, Md., to see his mother, who is very ill.

There will be several changes by Andover-ites in the places they call home on the first of April.

Joseph Ackerson has his new house nearly enclosed. It has the appearance of being a beauty.

We are pleased to hear that Mr.s I.J. Durling, who has been very ill, is recovering her health.

John Folkner has resigned his position at Deckertown, and is at home for a short time.

J.B. Young will have charge of the milk of the Brighton creamery another year.

There are a few people who move every year and seem to enjoy it.

The Democratic ticket was elected on Tuesday in Andover.

A.C. Ayers will return to his farm in the spring.

100 years ago

March 11, 1920

Charley Elston returns from Florida

Is elated over the wonderful country and its sparkling sunshine

Charles N. Elston, of Sparta, the veteran engineer of the Susquehanna railroad, has returned to his home after a month’s stay at Orange City, Fla., for the benefit of his health. He was accompanied by his friend, William L. Strader, of Sparta, who was also seeking a health restorer. The stat at Orange City proved so beneficial to Mr. Strader that he determined to prolong his visit until about April first, while business compelled Mr. Elston to return home just as he was beginning to take on flesh and renew his youth. Our friend Charley, says the sparkling sunshine of “Way Down South in Dixie,” with its ozone laden atmosphere is a tonic that knocks all patent medicines in a cock-hat. He said the sudden change from zero weather and immense snow banks in Sussex County to real summer weather, with the thermometer ranging from 80 to 100 was hard at first to realize on his arrival at Orange City. Beautiful flowers in full bloom, the natives and visitors from the north basking in the sunshine in their shirt sleeves. So enthusiastic is Mr. Elston over his trip that he is of the opinion that Florida is the ideal spot in all America for pleasure, rest, recreation and restoring health. The fruit groves of grapefruit, oranges, bananas, etc. were a revolution to him, and that he passed hours in rambling through them with a freedom unexpected, as well as helping himself to the luscious fruit. On his return home, Mr. Elston brought back a liberal supply of fruit that he generously distributed among his friends, the writer fortunately being numbered among the lot. In the assortment of grapefruit, oranges, etc., was a curiosity in the shape of a banana blossom. It was similar in shape to a big hornet nest, covered with beautiful velvet purple leaves, enclosing scores of little bananas in first formation. As the blossom matures, it finally develops into a large bunch of bananas such as are seen hanging in fruit stores. It has been greatly admired by many persons. Mr. Elston and Mr. Strader are both elated over their trip and says anyone visiting Florida for the first time will be “tickled to death” with the wonderful things they will see, as well as its health-giving climate.

75 years ago

March 8, 1945

Fred Astaire planned to visit Newton

Had expected to speak for Red Cross

February 23, 1945

Mr. J.D. Weidenhafer

Court Sq. Theatre

Newton, N.J.

Dear Mr. Weidenhafer:

I had hoped to have the pleasure of speaking to you personally at a meeting that was scheduled to be held in your exchange center about the work of the Red Cross, but at the request of the government, I understand general meetings have been canceled, and only meetings for those engaged in distribution or exhibitors who live in the exchange centers will be held.

I have seen the work of the Red Cross first hand. I have seen their rest homes. I have seen them in the front lines overcoming every conceivable handicap in order that they can bring a little comfort and a bit of home to the men who are going through the hell of war, the like of which we here cannot realize. I have seen the blood come back to the blanched face of a wounded soldier because of blood plasma.

I had hoped to say to you, please carry back to the people of your city this message — the need of the Red Cross is overwhelming. The purpose of this letter now is only to say to you, thanks for agreeing to take up collections at your theater. Please do so at every performance, for whatever effort you put forth will be much appreciated by those upon whom we have to depend to bring to a conclusion this horrible war.

When we realize that a ration kit for an American prisoner costs only a little more than three dollars, only then can we realize that even dimes count.

Some boy from your home town may live because of what you have done.

Sincerely,

Fred Astaire

50 years ago

March 8, 1970

Baby delivered by two troopers

A rookie trooper who just graduated from state police school two weeks ago and a four-year veteran delivered their first baby Monday.

The rookie, Charles Conklin, and his companion, Howard Hubbard, delivered a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. George Williams in the couple’s Beemerville home.

The two state policemen were called to the home and when they arrived Mrs. Williams was in the process of having her initial child.

Police assisted with the delivery and then stayed with mother and daughter until they were taken by the Sussex Borough ambulance to the Alexander Linn Hospital, where both were admitted in good condition.

25 years ago

March 12, 1995

Pa. radio station goes off the air

MT. POCONO, Pa. — The music is over at WPMR.

After two years of spinning rock ’n’ roll classics, the station on the 107.9 FM dial went off the air Friday, while most people were getting out of work at 5 p.m.

The station’s broadcast area included Sussex County in New Jersey and the fringes of Scranton and Allentown.

The radio station was bought out by Key Market, but what programming that company will format for the station is unknown, said Lisa Woodling, an office manager at WPMR. She would not offer the particular reason why WPMR was sold.