Dayton Points

Dayton, Feb. 16. – The “thaw” of last week was unable to start the ice at this place, with the exception of that on the rapids above the woolen factory, which moved down and broke up our ice bridge. We are thus left without any means of communication with the other shore. The great snow storm on last Friday and Saturday has given a new impulse to sleighing and the “merry sleigh bells” are again heard all over the land. East and west lanes and the roads are, however, most of them, impassable on account of deep snow drifts. The thermometer at this place last Monday morning recorded 14 degrees below zero.

Newcomers have arrived in the families of J. B. Root and C. H. Hudson. Both are girls and are doing well.

The Library Association has adopted a constitution and is receiving many new members. The library is at the store, and Harry is the librarian. He will issue cards of membership at fifty cents each, and allow the holder to read any and all of the hundred volumes in the library.

On account of the snow storm Prof. Boltwood was unable to fill his appointment last Sabbath.

The attendance at the literary last Friday evening was small on account of the storm. The regular exercises were postponed one week. Questions were drawn from the hat by the members, and the speeches caused considerable merriment. One on the subject of “taffy” was particularly noticeable; not, however, for its soundness, but for its sweetness and its freeness from “taffy.”

The woolen mill is running on cassimeres.

Williams & Co. shipped a car load of paper to Vermont a couple of weeks ago.

C. B. Hess, Esq., received a severe sprain of the ankle last week, and in consequence has been lame for a few days. But since his desperate encounter with the “wild animal of the prairies” last Monday, we are glad to hear he has entirely recovered.

St. Valentine’s day passed quietly in this neighborhood. The P. M. was not kept very remarkably busy distributing valentines. Judging from the number received at this postoffice we would say the interest manifested in the day is passing away. But when we learn that 75,000 were distributed in Chicago, we must conclude otherwise.

The Musical Union will give an entertainment at the school house next Wednesday evening, Feb. 23, the proceeds of which will go towards procuring chorus books for the Union. Duncan McDougall, Esq., of Ottawa, will deliver an address upon the subject of “Controversies and Verdicts.” Mr. McDougall is a young man of considerable ability as an orator, and his address no doubt will be listened to with great interest. Mr. Frank Fitzgerald will assist in the entertainment with his cornet solos, and, with Mr. Harry Hammond, will give a musical sketch and minor comicalities. The Union will also furnish music in the way of quartettes. A good enjoyable time is promised, and everybody is invited. There will be no lack of fun. You will miss a treat if you are not there.

Occasional ¹

1. The Free Trader, February 19, 1881, p. 8, col. 1

Rural Happenings

Dayton, Feb. 1, 1881. – Good sleighing still continues. Two weeks of good sleighing and an excellent prospect for two weeks more. pretty snug winter, isn’t it?

Mr. Noah Letts, of Iowa, has been visiting at Geo. M. Dunavan’s a couple of weeks. He is spending this week among acquaintances in Dayton. Mr. Letts appears to be a fine young man and is gaining many friends.

Mr. Wm. McMillan and Mr. Bell, of North Aurora, spent Sunday in town.

Prof. Boltwood delivered an excellent sermon last Sabbath on the “Bible,” The Prof. has many warm friends in this vicinity who welcome his semi-monthly visits.

Mr. John Breese had the misfortune last week to lose one of his children, a bright little boy. The little fellow had an accident which bruised and sprained one of his limbs, which began swelling and finally caused his death.

The Library Association has reorganized and will soon add a few more volumes to their catalogue. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: Mr. Isaac Green, president; Chas. Green, secretary; Harry Green, librarian. An initiation fee of fifty cents for the year will be charged, with no monthly dues. An invitation is extended to all to join the association and enjoy the privileges of the library. It contains many readable and instructive volumes.

The Literary Society held their regular meeting at the school house last Saturday evening. A good programme was given and considerable interest seemed to be manifested in making the society a success. The following is the programme for next Saturday evening:

Music – Miss Jennie Dunavan
Debate – Messrs. D. L. Grove and Chas. Green
Essay – James A. Green
Recitation – Miss Jessie Trumbo
Song – Mrs. C. B. Hess
Select Reading – Frank Dunavan
Recitation – Miss Cora Green
Essay – Mr. Horace Ivey
Music – Miss Jennie Dunavan

Our citizens were pained to hear of the death of County Surveyor Brumbach. Wash had many friends in this vicinity.

Following the death of Surveyor Brumbach came the sad news of the death of Mrs. Booth, of Peru, well known to our people by her maiden name of Ellen Kendall, she having taught very successfully two terms of our public school. Mrs. Booth, during her residence here, had formed many warm friendships, and the sad news of her death fell like a pall upon the hearts of all. She was greatly beloved by the children, whose love and friendship she gained by her many acts of kindness. She was greatly missed when she left us to take upon herself the duties of the wife and mother. But how much more sadly will she be mourned now by her family and friends, since she has departed no more to return. But they should be comforted in the fact that her life on earth was one of kindness and benevolence, and that she is now at rest with the angels in that bright home above, where there is neither sorrow nor pain nor any more death.

Mr. John Shenck and family, of Braidwood, are visiting at George W. Green’s.

Mr. Joseph Green spent a few days at Washburn this week, buying wool.

1. The Free Trader, February 5, 1881, p. 8, col. 2-3.