Straight from the digital files of The Evening Sentinel, courtesy of The Lower Naugatuck Valley History Archives, this week we take a trip way back to 1900, the year the Hershey bar made its sweet debut. The Kodak Brownie camera, which introduced the world to the snapshot, was released and could be purchased for $1.
Here’s some other things $1 could buy in 1900:
14.3 gallons of gasoline
12 rolls of toilet paper
80 lemons
100 postage stamps
Here is what was happening in our Valley!
Friday, Aug. 10, 1900
Main Street Clerk’s Sudden Dip
ANSONIA – It is reported that a young man employed in a Main Street store took an unexpected bath Thursday evening. The story told is that he was out walking on North Main or Liberty Street and that he met a young lady friend with who he stopped to talk.
While thus engaged, he leaned against the railing, which suddenly gave way and he turned a back somersault, landing in the canal. The young lady screamed as she saw her friend take his departure in that unceremonious fashion but was reassured when she heard his voice and saw that he was not injured. He crawled out, minus a new straw hat, and well-soaked with his bath.
Chopped Off His Thumb
DERBY – While chopping wood in his yard a short time ago, T.J. Gillespie of Seventh Street met with a very painful accident, almost severing the top of the thumb from his left hand. He was holding a piece of wood on a chopping block with his left hand when the axe turned and instead of striking the wood, the blade came down upon his thumb. Dr. LaBonte was summoned and when he came, he found Mr. Gillespie had almost chopped the thumb off from the front of the nail, making a painful wound.
Painting Underway
SEYMOUR – The work of painting the exterior of the Valley National Bank was commenced yesterday and is progressing rapidly. Oscar Perthes, who has the contract for painting, has a large force employed there.
Collision Narrowly Avoided
SHELTON – One of the narrowest escapes seen here in some time occurred on Thursday evening around 9:40 o’clock. One of the Derby Trucking Co.’s two-horse trucks was coming down Bridge Street on a fast trot when the local car for South End came over the viaduct. When the driver of the truck and the motorman saw each other, it seemed as if nothing could prevent a collision and the spectators fairly held their breaths as they watched the two coming together.
The driver of the team, however, whipped up his horses and on a gallop, they swung around the water tank, while the motorman plugged his car and the wheels spun around backward, sending out a blinding shower of electricity. The front of the car just grazed the rear of the truck.
Saturday, Aug. 11, 1900
Milk Wagon Strikes Trolley
ANSONIA – One of the trolley cars collided with Milkman Peck’s milk wagon on Bridge Street early this morning. The car was coming towards Main Street, and the team was headed west, there being no driver in the wagon. It was a head-on collision and the milk wagon and the horses fared worse. The pole was broken and the horses received numerous cuts and bruises about the head and legs.
Building A Big Hennery
DERBY – A.H. Viten is building at the Chamberlain homestead, on Sentinel Hill, a modern hennery, which will be, when completed, about 100 feet in length. The hennery will be built in seven sections, the roosts, nests, etc., being of the latest improved style.
There will be a run about 200 feet in length connected with the hennery. Mr. Viten has now 200 chickens but will increase the number to 500 as soon as the new hennery is ready for use.
Lawn Party Much Enjoyed
SEYMOUR – The lawn party given Thursday evening on the lawn of the German Lutheran Church was very largely attended and was successful financially as well. The lawn was decorated with bright colored lanterns, and the moonlight was much enjoyed. Long tables were arranged on the lawn, and ice cream and temperance drinks were served at them throughout the evening.
Sunday, Aug. 12, 1900
The Evening Sentinel didn’t publish on Sundays
Monday, Aug. 13, 1900
Didn’t Roll The Pork
ANSONIA – The pork rolling contest, in payment of a bet, which was to have taken place on the Fourth Street hill Saturday evening, failed to materialize. The loser decided that he would rather pay his bet in some other manner.
Cat Overcome
DERBY – A cat was overcome by the heat at the corner of Elizabeth and Third streets at 11 o’clock Sunday morning. The animal ran around as if mad and finally fell exhausted on the sidewalk. The animal was bathed by two young men who were touched by her condition.
Covered The Ground Too Fast
SEYMOUR – Charles Kempf, of Seymour, was arrested in Naugatuck Sunday evening for riding his bicycle too fast to please the authorities of that slumbrous burg. He gave a bond of $10 for his appearance in court this morning before Judge Hungerford. The trial was held on schedule and Kempf was fined $5.
Too Hot For Horses
SHELTON – The Shelton Baseball Club had hard luck on Saturday. The club had accepted an invitation to go to Sandy Hook, and a carryall and pair of horses were going to transport them. The team started from here shortly after 12 o’clock, but the extreme heat affected the horses so much that it was about 4:20 o’clock before the boys reached the grounds and the game had already been declared forfeited to the local team.
Tuesday, Aug. 14, 1900
Urged Not To Waste Water
ANSONIA – It will be seen by a notice elsewhere from the secretary of the Fountain Water Co. that the patrons of the company are requested to be economical in the use of the water, and not to use any for the sprinkling of lawns. While there is enough in the reservoirs for the present use, it is in the midst of a dry season and it is well to guard against any waste, for there is no telling how long the drought may last. There is more water wasted and used for lawn sprinkling than used for house consumption.
Pickett Pond Nuisance
DERBY – Derby Neckers are threatening again to make complaint against the Pickett Pond nuisance. The water from the pond has not yet been drawn off, so it is stated, and last night, the odor arising therefrom was so bad that houses in the neighborhood could not be opened.
Valley Bank Opened Today
SEYMOUR – The Valley National Bank opened its doors to the public at 9 a.m. today. There was a large number of merchants on hand to deposit and a good business was done.
Long Hill Cemetery
SHELTON – Notices have been received by a number of Shelton people to the effect that those interested in the proposed improvements to the Long Hill Cemetery are requested to send contributions to Erastus Bennett, the treasurer of the newly organized society for the care of the cemetery, on or before Sept. 1.