Straight from the digital files of The Evening Sentinel, it’s ‘This Week In History!’
Monday, July 1, 1901
Hottest Of The Season
ANSONIA – The trolley and the steams cars were well patronized during the day and evening, for there were many who went to the shore to pass the day, where they found it very comfortable as long as they kept out of the sun. This morning, the temperature in houses at 5:30 o’clock was not far from 80, and it commenced to rise as fast as the sun could get in its work. The last day of June 1901 will be one soon not forgotten by the people of Ansonia.
Streets Were Filled
DERBY – Saturday night was a great night for the merchants. Notwithstanding the fact that many of the stores were hot, people crowded in to buy their clothing and at the close of business, clerks were exhausted and seemed ready to drop. The drug stores and ice cream parlors did a big business Saturday and Sunday. The extreme heat caused people to eat ice cream and drink soda water in great quantities. The streets were unbearable and people passing a place in which ice cream and cool drinks were to be had, dropped in to cool off.
Surveying For Trolley
SEYMOUR – The work of surveying for the new trolley route between Seymour and Ansonia has commenced, with Mr. Smith being in charge of the work. Mr. Smith has much experience in railroad work, both trolley and steam, and with his three assistants he will get over the ground on this extension in short order. The work of the engineers will be pushed forward as rapidly as possible.
Tuesday, July 2, 1901
Bonnets For Horses
ANSONIA – The horses in use on Proper’s express, that runs between Ansonia and New Haven, wear a bonnet on their heads, which furnishes a good shade. The sun does not affect their heads much as there is a large sponge in the top which keeps their heads wet and prevents much suffering. The ears pass through the bonnets, which are raised from the head, allowing free circulation of air.
Complaints About Bathers
DERBY – Chief Arnold has received a number of complaints about young men and boys going swimming in the Housatonic. The complaint comes all the way along from Campton to the cove about the ice houses. Most of the bathers go in naked and the chief says unless they take the trouble to go in with the proper apparel, arrests will be made.
Shops Closed For Fourth
SEYMOUR – Most of the shops in town are preparing to take a small vacation on the Fourth. The Rimmon shop will close during the last three days, as will Sperry’s shop. The New Haven Copper Company has been closed since Friday last and will stay so two weeks. Swans shops are closed. The Seymour Manufacturing Company will close from tomorrow evening until a week from that date.
Wednesday, July 3, 1901
Strike Delays Goods
ANSONIA – Ansonia merchants who were this morning expecting to receive goods from New York, via Pier 45, did not receive their goods. They received letters from shippers stating that owing to a strike in progress there, they had been compelled to ship goods via the Starin steam to New Haven then by rail to Ansonia.
Engagement Announced
DERBY – The engagement of William A. Doctor, the popular and well-known clerk at Kelly’s drug store, and Miss Katherine Hopkins, of Ansonia, is announced.
Thursday, July 4, 1901
No paper published.
Friday, July 5, 1901
Man Arrested For Celebrating The Fourth
ANSONIA – William Miles was arraigned in the city court this morning on a charge of intoxication, the result of a too free celebration of the Fourth. As it was William’s first offense, judgement was suspended on the payment of the cash costs, which amounted to $2.
Blamed The Contractor
DERBY – On Wednesday, a contractor who was putting in a pipe near the East Derby depot, filled in the trench and left it so soft that four horses, which passed over the place within a few minutes of each other, went down on their knees. The drivers were very much incensed with the contractor who, they say, stood there and saw each horse fall without offering a word of warning.
Rocket Through Window
DERBY – Mrs. Margaret Nolan narrowly escaped injury last evening by a rocket. She was sitting looking out the window at her home on Elizabeth Street when a skyrocket crashed through the window about a foot over her head, hitting the wall on the opposite side of the room. Fortunately, no damage was done outside of the glass broken. The rocket was set off Mrs. Nolan’s little son, Eddie, who was celebrating the Fourth. Without thinking of the damage he might do, he placed the rocket under his mother’s window. Mrs. Nolan, though much frightened, was uninjured.
Saturday, July 6, 1901
Convoy’s Good Work
DERBY – The work of Theodore W. Bassett’s horse, Convoy, in the Orange races, has been the subject of a great deal of discussion among Derby horsemen since the race. This was the first race in which Convoy had been in and not only did he surprise his owner, but also surprised those who watched him work. Mr. Bassett drove him and this was the first race in which he had ever driven.
Bouquets For Commissioner Fagan
DERBY – Street Commissioner Fagan is having bouquets thrown at him from all quarters. He has finished repairing Washington Street, which was in a very bad condition. Work was begun last Wednesday, and it has been put in first-class shape.
Danger From Poison Ivy
SEYMOUR – There is a large amount of poison ivy growing about the fence on Bank Street, just below the Beecher Street bridge. This is a menace to the public good and ought to be removed. There are very few persons who are not susceptible to the poison of this plant.
