Fairdale – The social for the boys’ baseball team on Friday night was a success, socially and financially.  The drama—“Not a man in the house” caused lots of fun.

Jackson – More than 100 relatives and friends gathered on June 3, at the North Jackson M. E. church, to do honor to the 25th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Bryant.  Mr. and Mrs. Bryant, since their marriage June 3, 1891, have resided upon the old homestead in North Jackson, one of the finest farms in the township, and for nearly a hundred years in the Bryant family’s possession.

South Gibson – Mrs. Amanda Malvina Tiffany-Carey, one of Susquehanna county’s best loved and most respected citizens, died May 30, 1916.  She was born in South Harford on Feb. 3, 1839, the daughter of Emilus and Alma Thayer-Tiffany, was a student in the common schools and the Franklin Academy.  Mrs. Carey taught in the schools of Harford, Lenox, New Milford, Scott and Tompkinsville.  Was married to John Franklin Carey on July 4, 1865, a Civil War veteran, as were all Mrs. Carey’s brothers. Mr. Carey died about ten years ago.  They were the parents of eight children.

Forest Lake – The Warner and Baldwin reunion will be held at Forest Lake July 1st, at the M. E. Birchard cottage.  All relatives are requested to come and bring dinner and enjoy a good time at the lake.

Montrose – Wagon repairing done by S. R. Sprout, Davies building, at rear of Rogers’ Market.  We are prepared to do all kinds of wagon repairing, using only the best second growth timber and best material.  Stock of wagon wheels, poles and whiffletrees on hand, made from best ash.  Our work stands the test for neatness, durability and strength. ALSO Minor E. Worden, architect and builder, received notice last week that he had been granted a patent by the U. S. Patent office, at Washington, on a ratchet monkey wrench.  While Mr. Worden has received patents on other devices, he believes this superior to any of his previous inventions.

Hallstead – A party of men are camping at the river bank, near the old [bridge] piers.  They are securing photographs and Indian relics in the interest of the Smithsonian Institute.

Friendsville – A former teacher in Susquehanna county, Sister Mary Rosina, who was Miss Mary Byrne, of Friendsville, is now superior of St. Paul’s School, in Scranton.  She is the author of the pretty volume of poems, “Idylls of Lakeside,” which has been widely appreciated, and has written another smaller volume for the pleasure of friends.  Sister Rosina’s first volume has a most interesting introduction from the pen of Rev. Dr. Winters, a former resident of Friendsville, who for some years past has been pastor of St. Paul’s church in Scranton.  The authoress referred to above has been a member of the Order of the Immaculate Heart for many years, and is a personal friend of Sr. M. Anastasia, a sister of Dr. Winter’s, who is superior of St. Andrew’s School in Portland, Oregon.

Hop Bottom – The station of the Scranton & Binghamton R. R. is being constructed of cement and brick, and it will be quite a large building when completed—being designed for the sub-station redistributing power-plant for the northern section of the road.

East Kingsley – On May 31st, a small number of people were pleasantly entertained at dinner at the Jeffers farm, in honor of the 80th birthday of the hostess, Mrs. B. M. Jeffers.  After dinner speeches were given, Mrs. Jeffers being the jolliest one present.  She is a very well preserved person, and loth to admit that she is an octogenarian. 

Choconut Valley – Nelson Green has moved his saw mill back from Silver Lake on the site of the Chamberlin saw mill, where there is a large lot of logs for sawing.  His family is also back and is occupying part of Miss Chamberlin’s house.  They have also a Victrola which they purchased while away.

East Rush – Professor Martin, of Tunkhannock, has organized a class in music in this place.  He is considered one of the best teachers.  We need to congratulate ourselves upon securing such a teacher.  Those taking lessons are: Misses Dorothy Hay, Letha Linaberry, Louise Chase and Iva Lindsey. He is also giving the Misses Elene and Irene Tanner, of Elk Lake, lessons the same day.

Forest City – Avery delightful wedding took place last Thursday at St. Michael’s church, when Miss Kathryn Petros became the bride of Michael Berish, of Eynon.  The bride was attended by Mary McClowek and her sister, Anna, and the best man was the groom’s brother, Golnn Berish, and Joseph Provpvities.  After a wedding breakfast the couple left on an extended wedding tour.  They will reside with the groom’s parents at Eynon.

Springville – Ward Young is moving his house on a new cellar, the other side of his barn, preparatory to building a new house on the old site.  The old one will be remodeled for a tenant house. ALSO Those going and coming from Meshoppen on Decoration Day were not very much elated over the trip.  It rained and there was no ball play.

Harford – Jones Brothers make a specialty of well drilling, and have an announcement in today’s Democrat.  Their proposition would seem to be most fair, for their motto is “No Water, No Pay.”

200 Years Ago – from the Centinel, Montrose, Pa., June 11, 1816.  AN ACT for the improvement of a road beginning at the point where the Cochecton and Great Bend turnpike passes through the Moosic Mountain in a western direction to the west line of the State and for other purposes.

Section 1.  BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met and it is hereby enacted by the authorities of the same That the sum of twenty-one thousand dollars be and the same is hereby appropriated for the purpose of improving the road beginning at the point where the Cochecton and Great Bend turnpike passes through the Moosic mountain a western direction through the counties of Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter, M’Kean, Warren and Erie, to the western line of the state, to be paid in the manner hereinafter directed in the following proportions to wit: To the county of Susquehanna three thousand dollars to be paid to Hosea Tiffany jr, Jonah Brewster and Jabez Hyde junior. [Three thousand dollars, each, went to the remaining counties.]

“What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.” ~Gertrude Jekyll

“Coming soon near you!! Your Library’s Summer Reading Program”

The Summer reading Program is starting soon. Registrations will be taken starting June 13th and ending June 17th. If your children enjoyed this cure for Summertime Blues, please stop in at the Susquehanna Library location, (speak with Laura, Pam, Deb or Elizabeth) or the Hallstead/Great Bend Branch Library (speak with Angie, Valerie or Heather) and they’ll be more than happy to sign the wee ones up.

This year’s theme is “On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!!”, which will  include exercise for the mind as well as the body. The Reading Program at the Susquehanna Branch will be held on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM, running from June 21st to July 26th. Some of the fun items planned include a visit from the County Dairy Princesses on July 5th, a free book giveaway on July 12th, a possible fitness program on July 26th and on 28th, a special “Fun in the Park” event on June 28th at 10:30 at the New Milford Park, which will include free lunches for the Reading Program Participants.

The Hallstead/Great Bend location also has many fun activities lined up. Their Summer Reading programs will also be held on Tuesdays at 10:00, from June 21st through and including July 26th. At the first “Kick-Off” program on June 21st, the group will welcome Miss Brooke Marvin, the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess. The second week (June 28th) will be highlighted by an “Outdoor Story Time” with Mary Beth and Donna from the Library’s Outreach Dept. at 10:00 at the New Milford Park, just to mention a couple of fun events that will be in store.

Once again this year, free lunches will be provided to all Summer Reading participants through the Blue Ridge School District in cooperation with the USDA.

Did you hear about a new product that will be offered as a fundraiser for the Library? It’s called “That Library Soap”; 100% handmade soaps (and lotions) that are being offered for sale at reasonable prices with all profits going to the Library. Some of everyone’s favorites, such as “Lavender Olive Oil” and “Cucumber Melon” are available, but new delectable scents, such as “Chocolate Walnut” and Grapefruit Wine” will be offered at the “Chocolate and Wine Festival” with “Blueberry Pie Soap” available for purchase at the “Blueberry Festival” in August. There is a Facebook page (That Library Soap) and, after seeing the beautiful soap colors, if you wish to make a purchase, please email them at: ThatLibrarySoap@gmail.com. Any of the items would make lovely gifts for many occasions including birthdays and showers.

As I read my book and listen to the Cardinal’s call, I will leave you with this thought: “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time.” ~ John Lubbock, "Recreation," The Use of Life, 1894

Can baby powder cause cancer?

Renee came into the pharmacy with her infant and asked the pharmacist “I’ve been hearing about baby powder causing cancer. I’ve seen TV ads asking people who think they got ovarian cancer from baby powder to call lawyers. Should I be concerned for my baby? Should I stop using it?”

The pharmacist explained to Renee that conventionally used on babies' bottoms and by many women, talcum powder is a soft, sweet-smelling way of keeping skin dry and avoiding rashes. Yet it may have more disturbing effects. Research has been on the fence for more than a decade, analyzing whether the talc in talcum powder can cause ovarian cancer. A 2013 study published by the American Association for Cancer Research involved almost 2,000 women and found an increased risk of between 20% and 30% for ovarian cancer in women who used talc for dusting the genitals. So should we stop dusting with talc?

First, the manufacture of talc has changed since the 1970s, when talc was made via a process using asbestos, a substance known to cause cancer. No asbestos-derived talc products exist anymore, but does talc, itself cause cancer? The studies are conflicting. Some studies do not differentiate among the 30-plus types and stages of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, such cancers occurs mostly in older women and even though it is the fifth deadliest cancer in the US, the rate has been declining in recent years due to earlier diagnosis and more targeted therapies. Second, even if 1 in 75 (0.013%) women get ovarian cancer, a 20% to 30% hike (0.016-0.017%) is statistically insignificant. Hence, the use of talcum powder on or in the genital areas, and on tampons, diaphragms, and condoms, may be irrelevant. Yet, based on limited evidence from human studies of a link to ovarian cancer, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies the perineal (genital) use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” There is very little evidence at this time that any other forms of cancer are linked with consumer use of talcum powder. Until more information is available, people concerned about using talcum powder may want to avoid or limit their use of consumer products that contain it.

Like what, you ask? There are talc-free powder products made from cornstarch, baking powder, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and kaolin clay, with scents of lavender, vanilla, chamomile and calendula thrown in to smell fresh. Pediatricians have stopped recommending talc powder for babies in favor of cornstarch-based powders. But despite positive reviews about cornstarch, moms should practice caution when using cornstarch or other non-talc derivatives because itching and irritation can still occur. Still, talc-free products remain a better alternative than traditional powders.

So, while the chances of getting ovarian cancer from talcum powder are low, Renee concluded that it is “better to be safe than sorry.” The pharmacist recommended several brands of talc-free powders which Renee would use on both herself and her baby.

Ron Gasbarro, PharmD is a registered pharmacist, medical writer, and principal at Rx-Press.com. Write him with any ideas or comments at ron@rx-press.com. 

In 1920 Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote to a friend, “He is certainly a wonder and I wish we could make him President of the United States. There could not be a better one.” For whom did FDR, later four-term president, hold such high regard? Why, Herbert Hoover, of course! Twelve years later FDR demonized Hoover for profligate spending and unbalanced budgets. He beat Hoover in a landslide.

The received view of history is that Hoover was ideologically wed to “laissez-faire” capitalism, refused to use federal money to reflate the economy, and deepened the Great Depression. Then, when FDR took office, he reversed course, instituted the New Deal, and fixed the economy with Keynesian economics. Hoover was tagged as a symbol for discredited free-market capitalism and FDR was associated with the new and benevolent managed economy out of which has grown the modern welfare state. The only problem with this received view is that it is not true. This version of events grew out of the journalistic propaganda of Roosevelt’s admirers and left-wing historians.

Here’s the real story. It starts in 1920.  The Harding-Coolidge Republican ticket was elected in an historic landslide change election after World War I. Both Harding and Coolidge were “laissez-faire” capitalists. They truly believed in free markets and practiced federal government restraint. While not perfect, both consistently exercised the principles of limited government in ways not seen since the administrations of Democratic President Grover Cleveland. Their fidelity to free market economics contributed to the growing economic prosperity throughout the 1920’s. Coolidge succeeded to the presidency in 1923 upon Harding’s sudden death. His election in 1924 was justifiably seen as maintaining the status quo.

Yet Coolidge passed up the opportunity to run for reelection in 1928. The Republican Party nominated “Wonder Boy,” humanitarian, and serving Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover. Hoover rode to victory on the coattails of 1920’s prosperity. The election was at that time seen as a status quo election.

But status quo election it was not. Herbert Hoover was not a free-market capitalist like his predecessors, Harding and Coolidge. He was a bird of a different feather. He showed himself a corporatist, an activist, an economic interventionist, and a central planner. When the stock market crashed in October 1929 Hoover took on the challenge of stamping out the business cycle. He fully believed that with all the resources of government at his disposal he could restore prosperity and keep the economy on an even keel.

Hoover did everything in his power to keep wages high--so they could not adjust to the business downturn and contraction. Hoover worked with Congress to reflate the economy, to raise the top income tax rate from 25% to 63%, and to institute the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930. Smoot-Hawley was a key factor in instigating a trade war and reducing international commerce by over 50% in succeeding years. Analyzed in retrospect the election of 1928 resulted in a massive shift away from limited government.

If 1928 is seen as a stealth change-election, then 1932 can be better understood as a deceptive-change election. FDR, the man who had effusively praised Hoover in 1920, accused the same Hoover in 1932 of profligate spending and unbalanced budgets. Roosevelt extolled the virtues of government restraint, sound currency, and balanced budgets. Yet both he and Hoover had few real differences. Both were economic interventionists. Both were central planners. Both were reflationists. Neither felt his actions should be strictly circumscribed by the enumerated powers granted to the federal government in the Constitution.

What served as the trump card--excuse the pun--in the 1932 election was personality. FDR was charismatic, confident, and approachable; in short, he exuded leadership. Hoover was none of those things. Hoover ran his administration like a dictator. He alternately bullied and ignored Congress. He was a dour and serious man who reached the point of keeping an “enemies list of the disloyal.” Hoover’s “self-confidence” was not of the attractive sort; he was fond of telling subordinates, “When you know me better, you will find that when I say a thing is a fact, it IS a fact.” Hoover never reciprocated FDR’s admiration, and thought him a frivolous fellow who might easily become a dangerous one. By Election Day 1932 Hoover was seen as a failure; the American people voted overwhelmingly to give the sunny Roosevelt the executive reins. (Notably, the Great Depression would last another 10 years because FDR merely carried out permutations of Hoover’s policies, but with ever greater vigor.)

Why is this part of American history relevant today? Contrary to the pronouncements of President Obama in Elkhart, Indiana, America has been in The Greater Depression since December 2007, and nothing he has done has resolved any of the fundamental economic ills. The American people, for whatever reason, have never held him personally responsible. But they have held the Democratic Party responsible. Republicans have collectively captured over a thousand legislative seats and governorships in the 2010, 2012, and 2014 elections.

The presumptive Democratic standard-bearer, Hillary Clinton, has inextricably wrapped herself in the mantle of Obama-ism. Obama’s “sins” redound to her. Even worse are her own: Benghazi-gate, Email-gate, the Clinton Foundation Scandal, and her role in more than 20 scandals dating back to her time as First Lady in Arkansas, as well as First Lady in Washington in the 90’s. As heavy as all that baggage is, what holds her head under water this election is her personality. She’s “Hooveresque.” Her husband, I have been told, lights up a room when he walks in; Hillary, by contrast, sucks the life-force out of any space she enters. She may have party backing, but voters will never be drawn to her the way they were drawn to Bill. Figuratively speaking, Bill always was and always will be the sun; she, the dark side of the moon hoping to catch a sliver of his reflected brilliance.

The Clinton Crime Syndicate has only one hope in the 2016 election. That hope is controlling the narrative. Like the pseudo-narrative that undeservedly discredited 1920’s free-market economics and gave Democrats a near-lock on political power for generations, the Clintons must create an echo-chamber to drown out any truth competing with the party line. How closely Hillary controls every word exiting her mouth is indicative of the thin line she has walked, and will walk up to November 7.

Is 2016 a status quo or a change election? Judging from the popularity of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, 2016 appears to be a year for change. Hillary Clinton is the one candidate still standing who represents the status quo. Until or unless she can convince “change voters” to come along with her “status-quo voters,” her political career is over. Of course, if the FBI and Department of Justice acted according to the rule of law she would already be cooling her heels as a long-term guest in a 6’x 9’ room at taxpayer expense.

Time to wake up, yet?

CHAPTER 9 – MORE GROWTH AND TECHNOLOGY

Between the 1870’s and 1900’s, electricity, telephones, horseless carriages, telegraphs improving and soon flying machines were in their infancy and changing the dynamics of this town, nation and world. Populations were booming in towns with no railroads, farming, lumbering, stone quarries were alternatives attractive to many. Looking again at that 1872 Atlas many of the roads that we use to go to Great Bend, Thompson or to Jackson were around at that time along with many of the dirt roads that branch off from them.

Busy area near the train station on Front Street in 1912, the Langford Hotel at the end, the Eagle Hotel and an unknown tavern next to it, the Erie Clock and parts of the top of the roundhouse can be seen in the distance, above the tavern some living quarters.

Previously I mentioned an unknown business by Simon Barnes across the street from the present site of our Barnes-Kasson Hospital. Since then I found out that he was quite the entrepreneur. He dabbled in steam engines, farm equipment, plows, turbine water wheels and must have made a fortune doing so. His wife left a huge endowment and The Simon H. Barnes The Hospital was created at corner of Willow Ave and E. Main Street up to around 1965. It was also a nursing school headed by Miss Nellie Jane Dewitt; later Miss Dewitt became superintendent to the Navy Nurse Corps and became the first women ever to hold the rank of Captain during WW1.

Another little detail that needs correction was that I mentioned previously that the rail line from Susquehanna to Binghamton was completed soon after the Viaduct was completed. That is true but one major difference. In Great Bend the rail line had to transverse the Susquehanna River in Hallstead just north of the present day bridge and continue up on the other side of the river to Binghamton. The line that runs along Route 11 was not completed until about 1870.

I was surprised to see that Jackson, PA had a population of 1175 in 1870, they also had this motel which was about in the area where the new Baptist Church is located now.

Susquehanna’s population in 1870 was 2729; 2 years later over 3000 and 10 years later over 3500. Even Oakland was at 1100 in 1870, up to 1415 by 1880. Lanesboro is not listed for some reason, it may have been considered part of Susquehanna at this time, not sure. Even Jackson surprisingly had 1175 people living there in 1870, New Milford had 1647, Great Bend 1431, Thompson 701, Ararat 771, Montrose 1463 but grew to 1700 by 1880. By comparison, the population of the boro of Susquehanna in 2010 was just over 1600.

The railroad along with other industries had difficulties that started after the Civil War; a railroad strike in 1874 caused much hardship for the towns, the same year as the fire that destroyed the whole block from Erie Ave to Franklin as mentioned previously. The only school in town at that time was burned down also.

From 1890 looking towards Erie Ave, this was a busy area with a Reddon Hotel, and a Palmer Livery Stable; the actual stable for the animals was across the street right at the entrance to the present day Methodist Church but ran along East Main and not straight back like the church does.

A power plant in Lanesboro was providing electric to the shops, automation was just beginning, food refrigeration was still using ice that was sawed and preserved in ice houses for the summer months. One of the ponds used was Stacks Pond right outside town on Rt. 92 where the road splits. Down over the bank there is still a pond there, one you would hardly notice unless you knew it was there, it was also a popular swimming hole in the 30’s and 40’s. Comforts Pond was also used for commercial selling of ice but probably anywhere there was ice, it was sawed and used by the owners.

Into the gay 90’s as they were called back then, the town was robust and thriving again, an Opera House (Hogan’s) and Starrucca House Ball Room played to visiting theater groups, local bands entertained the town folk, plays were presented. Hogan’s opera house eventually turned into the Towne Theater although the entrances into the building were generally in the area where you go into the Dollar General lot and then exit out. Soops Grove in Lanesboro had an amusement park theme as did what was later called Victory Park on the Oakland side; I believe this was provided with upkeep by the Erie Rail Road. A swimming pool, ball parks, picnic areas packed with people we are not uncommon at this time as the only day off from work was Sunday so they really enjoyed themselves. A couple of steamboats cruised the river, with a dam at the area just below the entrance of the Starrucca Creek into the Susquehanna River; the water was much deeper to provide the boats deep enough water to transverse back and forth from Soops Grove to the present day location of Pinecrest, just below the present day Golden Oak Golf Course. The Earminie steam boat will be shown in the next chapter. Natural disasters usually change things now and they changed things back then over the steamboat burning down at its mooring at Pinecrest. The owner told me once that on low river levels you can still see the shell of the hull in the water up there just off the shore. The dam in Lanesboro was destroyed in 1910, thus ending the river boat excursions. The floods also wrecked havoc on Victory Park; they were still playing ball games there in the 1940’s but eventually abandoned the site for any recreational use.

This 1897 view from Oakland shows reveals much about Lanesboro, a dam that existed just down from the Starrucca Viaduct. The dam downstream at Oakland was not in existence yet. The dam allowed steamboats to cruise up and down from Soops Grove to the present day campsite at Pinecrest up stream. It was destroyed in 1910 by a flood. Also shown is what appears to be a water slide at Soops Grove, the Lanesboro School and the tannery behind the viaduct. There was an amusement part theme at Soops Grove at one time.

The viaduct had armed guards on top during WW1, it was a vital bridge that carried troops and supplies day and night. 200 of our young men and women participated in that war, 8 did not make it back. Often disembarking at the train station, the troops were greeted and welcomed into the town. Water buckets were passed around, treats and goodies passed out, and patriotism was at its highest. Large amounts of war materials passed through heading towards New York City for transport across the Atlantic ocean.  In this regard, our town was a major player and contributor to the defeat of the enemies of our country and our allies during this time, again happening 20 plus years later in 1941.

This power plant along the binnacle that ran parallel to Main Street, Lanesboro and back out near the Catawacta Creek entrance into the Susquehanna River provided power to the Susquehanna Shops around the turn of the century.

During the early 1900’s there were more labor strikes with the Erie. A major impact happened in 1928 when the locomotive repair shop was moved to Hornell, NY along with other departments moving out to other locations leaving 1000 unemployed, coupled with the advent of motorized vehicles, the future of the railroad was slipping away. Right after these moves to Hornell and other places, the market crash of 1929 threw the boroughs into panic and despair. Back then you had little recourse, either earn money or suffer the consequences; a sad situation for families but they would endure and survive.

NEXT CHAPTER 10 INTO THE 20th Century