Dayton Items

Our public schools are again in session, with Miss Cora Childs still in charge as principal and Miss Jennie Crane, of Ottawa, as assistant.

Misses Maud Green, Jessie Trumbo and Carrie Barnes are attending the Ottawa high school. Apparently they did not attend the full four years, as none of them appear in the lists of graduates in 1884-1888.

Mr. Joseph Green is kept busy at his sugar camp across the river. His maple syrup is excellent and in great demand.

H. B. Williams, Esq., and wife, of Ottawa, were in town last Sabbath.

Mr. Isaac Green has had a force of men clearing off the woods, brush, etc., across the river. It will make a fine sheep pasture.

Mr. Geo. W. Makinson came near having his house burned down last week from a defective flue. He talks now of having it insured with Mr. John Green, who is agent for the Phoenix and Aetna at this place.

The tile works got their first kiln of the season ready to burn last week, but were obliged to wait for coal. They are turning out a fine quality of tile, which is meeting with a ready demand.

The fact that caused the election of Mr. Beach as supervisor over Mr. Roades, we understand, was the removal from the town of a number of the latter’s supporters. The contest was close.

And now why can’t we build a thing that is greatly needed in our village, as well as the whole neighborhood, viz: a bridge across the river here. Nearly five thousand dollars have been spent for bridges, etc., in the north part of town during the past year or two, and wouldn’t it be the fair thing for about half the above amount to be invested in a bridge here. Eleven or twelve thousand dollars ought to put up a good, substantial iron bridge, and from twenty-five hundred to three thousand dollars from each town with one-half from the county will make up the above amount. A bridge here would greatly increase the value of property in the village and in consequence raise the assessment. This, of course, would materially lighten the taxes in the other part of the township. In fact, a bridge would be a great advantage in more ways than one, and we think has become a public necessity and should be built at once. The railroad bond case has been settled and most of the money raised to pay the lawyers, and now what sort of an excuse can we find to vote against investing a few hundred dollars in a much-needed bridge?

Occasional¹

1. Ottawa Republican, April 11, 1884, p. 5