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Community Corner

100 Years Ago Today - In The Local News

From a Heat Wave and a Skeleton to Firearms and Mosquitos, What was the Local Buzz

One hundred years ago today, the news similar to life as we know it contained plenty of coastal culture and small town life, but with the addition of turn-of-the-century peculiarities and a dash of humor.  

Impending festivities of July Fourth made the news but it was the sweltering weather which made headlines. The area experienced 97 degree weather. 

The Day describes the event as causing “10 deaths and over 60 prostrations.” Furthermore, causing “a rush of bathers to river and ocean beaches.”

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The trolley carried folks from neighboring villages to the Noank seaside for a respite where visitors enjoyed picnics and quaint fishing village swimming.  The sticky heat brought a swarm of mosquitos which town officials promptly eliminated with 35 barrels of unidentified preparation.

Those flocking to the coastline in search of rentals could find such offers in The Day.  Coastline bungalows sold for as little as $1,000, while rentals could be found for $10 a month.

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President Taft, on the other hand, was not as concerned with the weather as he was with celebrating the fourth and keeping the safety of children in mind by relinquishing old time methods of celebration in pursuit of more civil weapon free festivities. 

A campaign for a “Safe and Sane” Independence day pervaded society and was laced throughout the papers in several mentions.

Taft pleaded, ”It is our duty to rid the mothers of the country of all future anxiety by the passing of ordinances forbidding the cannon bracker, the toy pistol and all other menaces to childhood.”

Local resident Daniel H. Main decided to forego the cannon bracker and spend his day going for a hike to take in the lush rhododendron bushes of Lantern Hill, when unexpectedly a foul smell led him to the ghastly display of a skeleton hiding in the bush. Although no foul play was suspected, the skeleton was donning a pair of shoes, two handkerchiefs and a clay pipe.   

Meanwhile, back at the waterfront, Captain Frank Fitch came back with one fish from his day trip while Captain B.W. Latham returned with 10 swordfish.  Selling for 4 cents a pound, neither made a killing, but at least both had the benefit of a bit of ocean spray on this record hot day.

Even on the beach, those looking for holiday deals to spruce up the bungalow or planning a summertime meal could find it all in the local papers.  Dainty button-back gingham house dresses could be found for $2.25 and curtains for 75 cents a pair.  Ice cream was advertised in The Day for 25 cents a quart and lamp oil for 10 cents a gallon.  

Although today, 100 years later, we are enjoying cooler breezes and prefer to celebrate our holiday without the wild flailing of firearms, the fishing, beaches and hikes are all intoxicating seasonal favorites to behold - well, minus the skeleton.  

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