Montrose – Flag Day, June 14, was chosen by the Daughters of the American Revolution as being most fitting for the unveiling of their memorial commemorating the Grow Homestead Bill of 1862.  The boulder on which the tablet is placed came from the Grow farm at Glenwood and the nearby elm grew on the first homestead taken under his Act.

Great Bend – The employees of the Black Horn Leather Co., American Chair Manufacturing Co. and the Meish Manufacturing Co. are enjoying Saturday half holidays during the summer.

ALSO Two State Agricultural College students demonstrated the useful qualities of Wear Ever aluminum ware at the Happy Hour Theatre.

West Clifford – Ruric Bennett, who recently underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Burns Hospital, in Scranton, is showing improving at the home of Henry Bennett.  Dr. Trimmer is attending him.

Forest City – Mrs. Patrick O’Hara, one of the most highly esteemed residents of this place, died at her home on Railroad St., after a lingering illness.  The deceased was 60 years of age.  Those left to mourn her loss are her husband and six sons and two daughters: Bernard, of Chicago, Ill.; John, Daniel and Mitchell, of Rochester, NY; Leo and Vincent, at home, and Mrs. Rupert Burrows, of Rochester, NY, and Mary, at home.   The funeral will take place from her late home Tuesday morning, June 20, at St. Agnes church; interment in family plot at Starrucca.

Elk Lake, Dimock Twp. – S. A. Young, one of our widely known citizens, was engaged in Montrose, Saturday.  Mr. Young conducts a well-equipped wagon shop at the Lake. ALSO Many of the cottages at the lake are occupied.

Springville – One of the Democrat’s welcome callers was Elijah Lathrop, now in his 80th year.  Mr. Lathrop is remarkably active for one of his age, and is able to read fine print without the aid of glasses.  His memory is splendid and recounts happenings of long ago very entertainingly.  We asked him if he remembered a season with as much rain as the present.  He replied that 59 years ago there was as much rain and that farmers planted corn as late as June 20th, but the same ripened nicely and was an excellent crop, recalling the matter from the fact that he worked for Sheriff Young, at Dimock, the year he was elected.  May 20th of the same year it snowed hard all day long. ALSO Riley & Son have placed a gas tank at their garage for the convenience of the public.

St. Joseph – On June 9th another car of classy registered Ayrshires, bred by P. Byrne & Sons, Shady Brook Farm, was shipped to Soapstone Farm, owned by Mrs. C. A. Griscom, one of Philadelphia’s millionaires.

Susquehanna – The marriage of Miss Clara M. Montgomery, of Third Avenue, and Frank J. Reddon, of Pittsburg, formerly of this place, took place at St. John’s church on Monday morning at 11:30 o’clock.  ALSO “Bill” Irving, of the Binghamton State League team spent Sunday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. Irving, on Oakland Side.  Bill is leading the league in batting and is playing a fast game in the field. ALSO Commencement exercises of Laurel Hill Academy will be held this week.  Members of the graduating class are: Teresa Sullivan, Margaret Dunn, Marian Kane, Anna Williams, Helen Walsh, Agnes Madden, Alice Boyle, Clarence Brown, Walter Ryan and Clarence Barnes.  The graduating class of the commercial department is as follows: Neva Severson, Lina Clendening, Helen Gaffney, Mary Tierney, Anna Williams, Amy

Quilter, Charles Caden, Charles Madden and Clarence Barnes.

Apolacon Township – Local autoists who have recently been touring in this county, and who have been complaining of the condition of roads in certain districts, will be interested to learn that warrants have been issued for the arrest of the road supervisors of Apolacon township charging them with neglect.  Other arrests are expected to follow.  Authorities in different parts of the county and State seem to be more determined each year to keep the highways in a passable condition.

Choconut – The funeral of Philip Reilly, who died at the home of Thomas Donnelly, at this place, on Saturday, was held from St. Augustine’s church at Silver Lake on Monday morning.  Rev. J. J. O’Malley, of St. Joseph, officiating.

Friendsville – The marriage of Thomas J. Lee, of this place, to Miss Margaret M. McManus, of Rush, was solemnized in St. Patrick’s church, at Middletown, on Wednesday, June 21, Rev. J. P. Dunn, officiating.  Mr. Lee is the eldest son of the late M. J. Lee, and Miss McManus is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terrance McManus.

Jackson – An effort is being made to secure a high school for Jackson.  All interested should aid in this important work.

News Brief: We occasionally take a whack in these columns against the clothes worn by the modern woman—these clothesless clothes that show what ought not to be shown and turn stiff necks into rubber.  Yes, editorially we whack ‘em and every time we get a chance and our wife is at a safe distance we “rubber-neck to beat the band.  You see, it’s one thing to be an editor and quite another thing to be a man.  And it don’t worry us a bit to make this startling confession, for there are so many local galoots in the same boat with us that the blamed craft is in danger of being swamped. ALSO All ladies are urged to attend the meetings of the Emergency League, which are held at the home of Mrs. W. H. Avery each Wednesday afternoon.  All are cordially invited to join the organization, coming for a portion of the afternoon only, if unable to devote the entire afternoon.  While much of the surgical bandages, supplies and other material are being sent to France, some is retained, for use in the United States and Mexico.

200 Years Ago.  From the Centinel, Montrose, Pa., June 25, 1816.  The National Anniversary of Independence will be celebrated in this Village.  The Committee of Arrangements have made provisions for celebrating that day in a manner becoming a free people.  An Oration will be delivered on the occasion.  Dinner will be furnished by Mr. Carr.  They solicit the attendance of the people in the county generally.  It is to be hoped that no one will attend on that day for any other purpose than of celebrating the day in a manner that shall do honor to the American character. 

ALSO  Notice is hereby given that ALL persons indebted to the estate of Colwell Cook, late of Bridgewater, deceased, must make immediate payment and that those having demands against said estate must present the same for settlement. OZEM COOK, Administrator.

ALSO – Take Notice.  I hereby forbid all persons harboring or having any thing to do with James Brewster, on my account, as I am determined to pay no cost on his account.  ELDAD BREWSTER.  Bridgewater, June 25, 1816.

New drugs for obesity? No thanks!

Mrs. Blakely came into the pharmacy and said to the pharmacist, “I have got to lose some pounds. Aren’t there some new diet pills someone told me about?” The pharmacist explained to her that while the complete mechanisms of action are not entirely understood, these 2 drugs – Belviq® and Qsymia® - are believed to decrease food consumption and promote fullness by selectively activating certain receptors in the part of the brain that tells us we have eaten enough food. Sounds good, right?

First, both drugs are fraught with problems. Losing weight with these drugs sounds easier than it is. In clinical studies, patients, after one year, lost about 5% of their body weight and – get this – along with diet and exercise. So, no, the pills are not going to lose weight for you. Plus there are many side effects. Heart problems, possible birth defects, headaches, nausea are just a few. They are classified by the FDA as controlled substances because they have a risk of dependence. Second, they are expensive and your insurance company will balk at covering any of it. Pay cash, you say? For a month’s supply, you will shell out upwards of $200-plus or almost $2,500 a year. Third, you have to keep taking them to keep the weight off. In clinical studies of these drugs, those who lost 10 pounds, for example, gained it back after the first year. Fourth, they are not to be used by people who think they are fat but actually are not. So, they are not for losing 10 pounds to fit into your prom dress. 

People who take the drug for a year can expect to lose just 3 to 4 percent of their weight, and may gain the weight back. In one trial, patients taking Belviq did lose up to 5% of their body weight after 12 months, but gained back 25% of it by the end of the second year. Experts have long cautioned against taking quick-fix weight-loss drugs like Belviq and Qsymia as well as supplements, because their benefits are usually minimal, and their adverse effects can be troublesome. Instead, skip the pills, and lose weight the safer, tried-and-true way – by eating more sensibly and exercising.

The pharmacist was thinking about the patients who come into the store. Many of them are overweight or outright obese. Consequently, they have other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, back pain, and cholesterol abnormalities. 

As an alternative to weight-loss pills, determine how overweight you are (or are not). Type “body mass index” into a search engine and a calculator will pop up in which you enter your weight and height. Your weight category will appear instantly. Then, follow these tips: Try to lose 5 to 10 percent of your current weight over 6 months. This will lower your risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) and other conditions. The best way to lose weight is slowly. A weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week is doable, safe, and will help you keep off the weight. It also will give you the time to make new, healthy lifestyle changes. If you've lost 10% of your body weight, have kept it off for 6 months, and are still overweight or obese, you may want to discuss consider additional weight-loss strategies with your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Mrs. Blakely surely did not want to spend the amount of money needed to buy these drugs. And she is on several other medications and worries about drug interactions. Instead, she will join the gym and walk on the treadmill, very slowly at first and then build up to a full 30 minutes most days of the week.

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.

Jobs at the Susquehanna Shops continued to diminish throughout the 1920’s. Susquehanna was an ideal place, up to a point. Except for the flat area along the river, it was very hilly and expansion was very limited. Binghamton, which is in a huge valley and Hornell, NY continued to expand but their prosperity would eventually diminish. The advent of the automobile and in the late 1950’s the interstate highway system started by Dwight Eisenhower, helped to bring prosperity to others. Manufacturing boomed in other ways but was destroying a way of life for so many associated with the railroad, airplanes also changed the way we got around; we all tend to want to get to a destination faster. The last passenger train out of Susquehanna was in 1968. The D&H, line under the viaduct was tore up around 1985. A train or two still comes through on a daily basis, but it's a far cry from yesteryear.

The Susquehanna Erie Shops Band (circa 1915) was the first to be organized. Pictured (l-R) are: top row – Aug. King–Signalman, H. Van Tuyl - Clerk, M. T. McMahon-Machinist, J. Luscomb - Machinist Helper, A. W. Kishbaugh - Machinist Helper, J. Pendorf - Baggageman; middle row- H. R. Ranlett - Machinist, Leo Benson-Telephone Maintainer, O. W. Frank-Locomotive Inspector, Arthur Brower - Chief Clerk to Agent (Leader), T. A. Carmelo-Machinist, Wm. Heller-Wheel Shop Foreman, E. A. Woodard-Storehouse Foreman; bottom row- D. R. Horrigan - Foreman Tin and Copper Dept. (Manager), V. H. Sperl - Machinist, Carl Borgstorm - Watch Inspector, F. A. Card-Machinist Helper, Geo Springsteen-Chief Clerk, Storekeeper's Office, Joseph Demase - Machinist, H. H. Harrington-Shop Superintendent.

In the early 1950’s, there were 65 people working at Arrow Spinning on Erie Ave. Matis’ Manufacturing, at that time was Kayser Company in Oakland and had 80 people working there. Even Lamb’s Dairy employed about 45 people at one time. The Erie would accommodate workers losing their jobs and offer other jobs, but that required being away all week. I know (for years) my late father-in-law, Bill Grausgruber worked in Meadville as an Erie welder. He often had to work Saturday mornings, would come home on the train late Saturday and had to take off Sunday afternoon back to Meadville.

The famous, and one of the worst fires in Susquehanna occurred on Jan 26, 1945, destroying the State Liquor Store, Electric Light Company offices, the Evening Transcript and other offices and lodging rooms but the severest of damage was to the bank. Thankfully most of the cash and important documents were in a fire proof safe, which fell in the creek but was retrieved intact.

Fires and disasters of note included the Bank fire on the corner of Exchange and Main January 26, 1945, and The Towne Theater fire in March of 1960, which could have been much worse had it not been for the orderly exit of its patrons. A young man named Wayne McGraw, the projectionist Tommy Robinson and manager Leo McCawley were all credited with the orderly exit. Another great fire was the Langford Hotel in March of 1971. I can remember watching that over in Oakland on High Street. A blizzard was occurring at the same time but the firemen contained the fire just like they did at the Towne Theater. St. John’s Church got hit by lightening in Oct. 1971 and was saved but a few months later the Presbyterian Church was lost to a massive fire but the firemen again saved St. John’s, right next to it. The Acme fire was another blow to the community, it occurred on December 8, 1980.

This picture from August 1929, depicts a Grand Union store with its employees. The store was located on the present day parking lot of the National Bank Building, on the corner of Franklin Ave.

At this point it is important to give thanks to all the volunteer firemen, the ambulance and rescue staff and the health care workers at the hospital who are dedicated to our well being every day of the week, every second of the day. True professionals, all and we salute you for your dedication.

The Towne theater was a major entertainment source for many in our town in the 1940's and 1950's.  Movies changed regularly, with cartoons and/or Three Stooges shorts, popcorn, candy, and movies at 25 cents for me. A fire/spark started in the closet near the projection room in March of 1960, and could not be put out. Luckily the 200 patrons made it out safely and quickly. A young man named Wayne McGraw took charge and calmed the exiting crowd down. Along with Projectionist Tommy Robinson and manager Leo McCawley helped avert a potential disaster which included my sister, Marie who was in attendance. I can still remember her coming home smelling of smoke; I was only 8 years old. Suddenly Last Summer was not a movie I would have gone to see and I think the majority of the crowd was young teenagers and young adults, which in a way probably made the exiting a little easier.

I hope everyone enjoyed these 10 articles that briefly touched on our past during some good, some bad times. It is not uncommon for towns like ours to prosper some years and struggle others but this is our home. We have such beauty around us with the mountains, streams and valleys, pretty much the same as it was a long time ago. I was excited to do these articles, to keep the history alive for future generations, and thank you all for the interest you have shown.

This early 1920's picture depicts some kind of competition or celebration going on with the firemen in front of Hogan Opera House and a future tavern owned by Mariano Fiaschi (hope I have that spelled right), commonly known as Marianne's. Down by the car is where the present day exit is for the Dollar General parking lot. The Hogan Opera House entertained with many professional actors and actresses, comedians, magicians, etc, and cost a nickle to get in. Later, the main building was the movie theater which doubled for graduations, plays and meetings through the years. The entrance to the theater was moved next to the present day Methodist Church.

Victory Park, provided and funded by the Erie Railroad was built for the entertainment and recreation of its employees and families, foremost but was open for all. It did have problems with floods. This picture, from the early 1920's looks over towards the Lanesboro to Susquehanna road. I often drive by this area on my way to Windsor and it is hard to imagine that this was even possible looking at it now. A flood in 1910 wiped out the dam near the Catawacta Creek. This spoiled the river boating and necessitated repairs of the park, again. I think, after the 1940's or early 1950's, is was totally abandoned. There were league baseball games there all the time, with grand stands and refreshments available. Our local teams were loaded with talent. Some of the notable players were Pip Grausgruber, Louis Parrillo, Rex Keyes, Bill and Al Maura, Pat Parrillo, John Yannone and John Sellitto, to name just a few.