100 Years Ago November 1919
In and About The Haddams
Selected from the pages of The Middletown Press and lightly annotated by Sally Haase
Moodus, Nov. 1, 1919: The arch bridge begins to put on the appearance of finish and when completed will relieve the large amount of traffic that has been obliged to go on High street and the sawmill road to get to North Moodus.
East Haddam, Nov. 1, 1919: A most enjoyable Halloween party was held for a number of children of the village at the V.I. Hall on Friday. The children surely had a glorious time for the games kept them in a roar of laughter and the costumes were many and varied. The Hall was prettily decorated with orange and black crepe paper, with Black Cats and Jack O’Lanterns.
Middletown, Nov. 4, 1919: That schools teachers should organize for their own uplift and benefit, but should not affiliate with labor unions was one of the statements of Dr. Snedden, of the Teachings College, Colombia University. Dr. Snedden said that there is a certain dignity and standard in the teaching profession, which teachers themselves must uphold. Teachers are public servants, and to the public they owe a loyalty which would keep them from allying themselves with the untrained workers who do not have the highest interest of humanity at heart as teachers themselves are supposed to have. Teachers should be leaders, not followers.
East Haddam, Nov. 4, 1919: W.C. Reynolds has a force of auto trucks and teams delivering coal to his customers. With the barge cargo of 506 tons and a carload by rail and a schooner loaded enroute there seems little danger of a coal famine in this vicinity.
John Louchs, first assistant engineer on a coastwise tow boat, who has been home during the [coal] strike, expects to be called to duty having been notified to that effect.
The concrete foundation for the garage at Nathan Hale Tavern has been completed and the frame will soon be erected under the supervision of George Morgan.
Owing to the lack of ice in this town the local merchants are obliged to secure their supply in Middletown.
Middletown, Nov. 5, 1919: “Dry Pie.” From a letter to the Press: The time approaches when we are supposed to gather around the festive board and masticate turkey. I refer to Thanksgiving. One of the standard institutions of Thanksgiving Day has been the mince pie that usually came after the turkey. This year the mince pie will be dry, very dry indeed, for the kick has been removed by war-time prohibition. The 1919 mince pie as served will contain chopped meat, spices, mince apples, a bit of citron, and some orange peel. To give it the necessary kick and flavor “Attar of Roses” or vanilla will be added. Instead of nursing a finicky head the following morning the diners will nurse a grouch…..Your friend, “Beck.”
Middletown, Nov. 5, 1919: Women suffrage won another victory when Maine ratified the Susan B. Anthony suffrage amendment. Maine is the nineteenth state to ratify the amendment. Only 17 more states are necessary for the suffragists to obtain the necessary 36 states. [Note: Connecticut in not one of the 19.]
Haddam, Nov. 6, 1919: Next Thursday the annual meeting of the board of management of the Middlesex County Temporary Home will be held at the home in Haddam. Mrs. Emma L. Norton, who is recognized as most efficient in the care of the unfortunates who are placed in her keeping, will present her report. At present, there are 65 children at the home. After the meeting, the board will provide a lunch for all visitors. The children also consider the lunch as one of their annual treats, [as] there is always enough first class food left to make up about as nice a feed for the boys and girls as they can desire.
East Haddam, Nov. 10, 1919: Eugene Champion has rented the small building connected with the hotel property formerly known as a tonsorial parlor and is residing there for the winter.
George Ventres, of East Haddam garage, has purchased a new Buick car.
It is reported that a new enterprise in the form of a wood turning plant is to be organized and operated in the creamery building.
Hartford, Nov. 11, 1919: Emil Schutte of Haddam, a grocer, was cited to appear before the United States Commissioner to answer to a complaint which charged he profiteered in connection with a transaction involving the sale of sugar. It is contended that he sold 350 pounds of sugar at the price of twenty cents a pound to H.A. Selden of East Hampton. He was released under bonds of $2,000; the bail being provided by his wife. [Note: 1919 sugar prices were about seven cents per pound.]
Middletown, Nov. 13, 1919: Jacob Kabatznick, the furniture dealer, purchased the corner of Main street and Rapallo avenue, which building is occupied on the ground floor by R.J. Caldwell’s café. The price paid for the property was $26,000. In contemplation of a modern furniture store, some alterations will be necessary.
Killingworth, Nov. 14, 1919: It is reported that Pine Orchard has secured a new teacher, this being the third since the school year started. [Oh, those Killingworth kids!]
Charles Piersig is out with his auto truck for use in his coal business.
Higganum, Nov. 14, 1919: Walter Kingsland, who has a baking store at the center, has opened up a first class meat market.
The new road to Ponsett is very nearly complete.
Haddam, Nov. 18, 1919: The boat load of coal which has been expected for some time is now at the dock, and teams are busy delivering it at the various homes.
Haddam Neck, Nov. 29, 1919: At the annual meeting of the Grange, the following [were among the] officers elected: master, Leonard Selden; overseer, Erastus Brainerd; lecturer, Mrs. C.G. Crocker; secretary, Mrs. E.G. Clarke; treasurer, Alexander Dallas.
100 years ago, much has changed and, then again, nothing has changed.
