125 Years Ago

The Northfield News

October 7, 1885 3 cents a copy/ $1.50 a year

Geo. H Richmond, editor

Jumbo goes out in a blaze of glory. The latest up to the moment of writing is that the great elephant lost his life through his devotion to a small comrade, “Tommy,” the trick elephant. He is said to have tried to get Tommy out of the way of the coming train, and failing persuasion to have finally lifted him bodily off the track. By that time it was too late for him to save himself, and he fell a sacrifice to his heroism. It is a handsome story, anyway.

•

About one year ago J.M. Johnson opened a fruit and fish market in this village. That such a store was needed is demonstrated from the fact that his business has constantly been increasing. He keeps all kinds of fruit, fish, oysters, etc., in their season and always buys the market affords, which fact should insure him of the patronage he deserves.

•

Whether or not the results of Arctic explorations are worth their cost in men and money is a questioned much discussed. Here is a recently published opinion of Lieut. Danenhower, who is qualified to know whereof he speaks: “After having served with one Arctic expedition and having devoted seven years to the study of the subject, as well as to the watchful observation of the numerous efforts and the comparatively insignificant results attending sacrifices of human life and treasurer, I unhesitatingly record myself as opposed to further exploration of the central polar basin with our present resources. The gradual extension of meteorology, magnetism and other scientific branches should be made, but national support should not be given to another polar expedition.”

100 Years Ago

The Northfield News

October 4, 1910 3 cents a copy/$1.25 year

Fred N. Whitney, editor

A head-on collision between two freight trains on the Central Vermont railway occurred Friday afternoon a little after three o’clock on the curve just above Harlow bridge. Extra north bound freight No. 405, in charge of Conductor Waite and Engineer Bouchard, and extra southbound freight No. 300, in charge of Conductor Beauregard and Engineer Cook, both running at a good rate of speed, especially the north bound train, came together almost without warning as the two trains rounded the curve, the compact being terrific. Something like 20 freight cars were smashed into a mass of kindling wood and the single track strewed with a hopelessly tangled mess of debris. The two big locomotives did not leave the rails but stood facing each other like two monsters, bruised and torn and in an utterly helpless condition. Word was immediately telephoned to Northfield of the collision and doctors and ambulances were summoned, the call being answered promptly. It seemed almost incredible with such a wreck that after all there was not need of the services of ambulances and but little use for doctors. Not a person was killed and only one man, Engineer Bouchard, was injured beyond a few bruises and scratches. Mr. Bouchard was taken to the home of C.A. Clark, nearby where his injuries were treated and he was able to return to his home in St. Albans, Saturday. The work of clearing the track was begun at once…It was nearly 11 o’clock Saturday morning, however, before the track was in condition for passing trains. The express north went through first…A large number of people were fed at the Northfield House and the restaurants Saturday morning, and it was a tired looking crowd but one which was evidently determined to make the best of it.

•

On September 27, Warren Greenwood kindly presented your correspondent with a dish of ripe field strawberries, which he had picked that day. Although late in the season, let us hope that raspberries may soon be in market.

75 Years Ago NEWS AND ADVERTISER

October 3, 1935

5 cents a copy, $2 a year

John E. Mazuzan, editor

Much agitation has been created in Northfield by receipt at local beer parlors of a black list sent from Montpelier. It lists the names of Northfield people to whom sale of beer is forbidden for one reason or another. The weakness in this method of attempting to curb the use of liquor among certain people, it is pointed out, rest in the fact that those listed get their drinks anyway, either through some other purchaser of by going out of town. Some of these who go out of town also make it a point to buy groceries, clothing and other needs in Montpelier or elsewhere just to show their indignation. Opinion hereabouts is that the black list hurts more than it helps.

•

Twenty-six years ago Representative Frank Plumley of Vermont came to Congress. Previously he had taught school, practiced law been a member of the Vermont House of Representatives, served in the State Senate and been selected by France and Venezuela as umpire in the Mixed Commission and president of Norwich University. A quarter century later there came to congress his son, Charles A. Plumley, who has taught school, been a lawyer and served a speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives, clerk of the Senate, secretary of the Franco- Venezuelan Mixed Commission and President of Norwich University.

50 Years Ago

NEWS AND ADVERTISER

October 6, 1960

5 cents a copy, $2 a year

John E. Mazuzan, editor

Editor of the News: What has happened to the teen-center interest? Have the latest interests been put under? There are many who were greatly interested and willing to offer help and support. Now we hear nothing. We’re left sitting on the edge of our seats. It would be appreciated if more was said on the subject. Please let us hear more one wayt or the other. Greatly Interested

25 Years Ago

NORTHFIELD NEWS

October 3, 1985 25 cents a copy, $2 a year

Erik Nelson, editor

In a classic Catch 22 situation, the Baroffios, who have operated on N. Main St. for 40 years, were told to go to the Board of Adjustment in order to get a license for the operation of their business; but when they appeared before the board they were told that they couldn’t be granted a license even though they had operated their business prior to the inception of the zoning ordinance barring the operations of a junkyard within Village limits. The reason given for the denial was that prior to zoning, the Baroffios did not have a license to operate a junkyard so the operation could not be grandfathered…