ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE
YEARS AGO IN ATTICA
Taken form the Attica Ledger Nov. 13, 1886
One of the most destructive tornados ever recorded struck the city about 6 o’clock yesterday evening, leaving death and destruction in the course. The tornado appeared to form in the southwest, and parties who had the opportunity to observe its form describe it as having the appearance of smoke from an engine at first, then it began to assume a funnel shape and darker and more ominous looking clouds were rapidly attracted to it until the tornado started to move in a northeasterly direction.
The tornado first struck the river a few hundred yards below the wagon bridge throwing water at least two hundred feet high. One man who was about entering the bridge saw the tornado approaching hand hitching his steam started on run up town. The tornado then struck the bridge, shattering it to pieces, one portion being carried in the air and fell on the roof of Fred Lash’s store, a distance of about three hundred yards. Mr. Mentzer was in the tollhouse at the time the bridge was carried away and had a miraculous escape. Mr. Mentzer was in the east portion of the house and hearing the noise made by the tornado put his head out of the window in time to see the bridge blow away and the west side of the house vanish. The tornado then started on its deadly mission through a portion of the city, laying everything in ruins in its path. John Bethel’s house, near the river, was badly damaged, and George Sim’s carpenter shop was lifted from the foundation and was badly crushed. The fence factory was entirely swept away and the roof torn off Sam Clark’s saw mill and the smoke stack torn down.
The C. & I. C. Depot was shattered to a considerable extend and the freight depot totally demolished. Several freight cars were blown from the track and one turned bottom side up. The loss to the company can not yet be ascertains, but it will foot up considerable.
Fisher, Abergast & Company’s carriage factory is a total wreck, the loss being estimated at from $30,000 to $35,000. This firm will lose all they had accumulated in twenty-five years of hard labor.
Will VanDeventer was in the factory at the time and was completely buried beneath the falling bricks. Willing hands were soon at work to rescue him from his perilous position and it was not long until he was taken out. Medical assistance was immediately summoned and it was found that VanDeventer had received a broken leg and several ribs fractured.
Hess and Harvey’s wagon shop is a total wreck, the loss being roughly estimated at $15,00. Charles Johnson and Pearson & Points carpenter shops are in ruins, and Andrews and Company’s Lumber office is a total wreck. Nixon’s Warehouse was struck and badly damaged, the engine house being laid in ruins. Feuerstein’s warehouse is a total wreck and Frank Milford’s property at the foot of Main was slightly damaged.
Moses Loeb’s saloon was entirely demolished, the occupants narrowly escaping. The third story of Green’s ware rooms were lifted up and hurled with terrific force between the blocks, gutting Henny’s photograph gallery and Hemphill’s dry good store, the loss to the latter being fully $3,000. The roof was taken off Green’s hardware store and hurled like paper through the air. La Monte Green was in his office back of the store when the tornado reached the building and made a jump for the store, and just as he cleared the steps the third story of his warerooms came crashing through the office totally demolishing that portion of the building. Wolf Hirsh’s house, on Main Street was unroofed and otherwise damaged. Dave Smith’s wagon shop was damaged to the extent of about $2,000.
One end of the opera house was torn away and all the small buildings in rear of the Banta block were destroyed. The roof was torn off Zeigler’s dry goods store, but none of the stock was injured. The roof was blown off Pixley’s Saloon and the rear portion of Kiff’s stables is in ruins. The valuable horse, Bald Hornet, was buried beneath the debris, but was gotten out uninjured.
The Revere house, a three-story brick, was badly wrecked, a portion of the south end and the whole of the north end being torn away. Mrs. John Hirsh and baby were in the north room of the second story at the time the walls were torn away, but miraculously escaped with injury.
The roof was torn from the city mill, the window lights all broken, and the office, corn crib and smoke stack demolished. The Gass property, occupied by I.E. Schoonover and Lon Brady, is a total wreck Mrs. Schooner was slightly injured by falling plaster. Mrs Lon Brady was sitting in the room with her son in her arms, and when the tornado struck the building and blew the child out of her arms into an adjoining room. Mrs. Brady jumped up and started after the child, but as she did so the partition separating the two rooms ell in such a manner as to shield the child, one side resting against the wall, When the child was taken out it was found to have received a deep though not dangerous cut on the head.
It is next to impossible at this time, with the people of the city sitting amid the ruins of a hundred homes and a score of manufactories, to estimate the loss that this terrible visitation ha wrought. None who have not seen the work of a cyclone can form any adequate idea of the character of the work it does. The most cursory glance at the damage done by the storm of last evening on the thrifty city can but impress the beholder with some sense of magnitude of the disaster, though it may not be an adequate one. Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property was swept out of existence as suddenly as though it had been swallowed by an earthquake.
The cyclone is worse than a fire because in this instance at least, the loss is total, "there being no insurance against the ravages of this monster of the upper deep.
Only the space of twenty-four hours have elapsed, and a sprightly and enterprising city is bowed, in desolation such as not one city in a thousand can appreciate, through experience, for which humanity may ever be thankful. The sweep and swish of the cyclone once heard will never be forgotten, nor will the observer of one care to see another. The city of Attica has sturdily held its own against all comers and ask no favors not granted to plunk and enterprise. But it has ever sought to be an honorable competitor, giving every advantage that it asks. Today somewhat of the clan for the time has been lost to the city of AAttica, but we have no doubt that it will speedily regain it all and go forward in the honorable and business-like manner that has characterized it at all times. We do not make this assertion in the spirit of boasting, but as a kind of confession that we have not lost the felling of competition that is the should of progress today we are in no position to assume anything but the spirit of submission to the unkind late that has overtaken us at this time. And to it we bow.
To all who have come in competition with Attica we confidently appeal in the moment of distress, not for charity, but for the consideration that all honorable men tender their fellows when in trouble. It is the intention of Attica to at once set about The cyclone is worse than a fire because in this instance at least, the loss is total, "there being no insurance against the ravages of this monster of the upper deep.
Only the space of twenty-four hours have elapsed, and a sprightly and enterprising city is bowed, in desolation such as not one city in a thousand can appreciate, through experience, for which humanity may ever be thankful. The sweep and swish of the cyclone once heard will never be forgotten, nor will the observer of one care to see another. The city of Attica has sturdily held its own against all comers and ask no favors not granted to plunk and enterprise. But it has ever sought to be an honorable competitor, giving every advantage that it asks. Today somewhat of the clan for the time has been lost to the city of Attica, but we have no doubt that it will speedily regain it all and go forward in the honorable and business-like manner that has characterized it at all times. We do not make this assertion in the spirit of boasting, but as a kind of confession that we have not lost the felling of competition that is the should of progress today we are in no position to assume anything but the spirit of submission to the unkind late that has overtaken us at this time. And to it we bow.
To all who have come in competition with Attica we confidently appeal in the moment of distress, not for charity, but for the consideration that all honorable men tender their fellows when in trouble.
More next week.
***
Whispering Willow
By: Willow
Another year has passed for me. Today, Friday, I am 62 years old. I know some of you are thinking why is she announcing her age. I know most of us want to hide our age. I don’t. I figure I earned every minute of those years and it wasn’t always easy.
But as I look back I can’t regret anything that happened. I wonder if I had the chance to do it all over again, would I? You know the resounding answer rings in my head. Hell, yes! Oops bad word. But I use it for emphasis only.
Those events of the past have shaped and molded everything that has come after them. If they had not happened would I be who I am today. Every happening was a learning experience. Every good and every bad event taught me a new lesson and gave me a new strength or made stronger one I already had.
The thing that scares me the most about thinking what if those things had never happened or if I could change them, what would change in my life today? Who would I be? Who wouldn’t be in my life? Where would I be? Would I be here?
I don’t want to lose any of what I have today. I don’t want to be anyone different than who I am, I like where I am, I like my life just as it is, and most of all I like me.
So next time something happens that you wish you hadn’t; just "think" about it. Draw from it. Make it work for you; at least learn from it. Someday you will thank yourself for it.
Be Blessed ( I am)
Willow
***
Willows Garden
By: Willow
"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." Hippocrates
PEPPERMINT
The peppermint is a perennial that likes warm moist climates and rich soil around brooks and streams. It is a aromatic plant that will invigorate you with just a whiff of your hand brushing over the leaves. It is also called White Peppermint or Mitcham, fro the area in England where it is cultivated for medicinal purposes.
The plant has smooth green steams with an undertonement of red, with lance-shaped leaves with scented edges. In July and August the peppermint the peppermint blooms in cluster of tiny violet-colored flowers that form spikes from the upper leaves.
Peppermint oil is the third most popular oil in the world next to lemon and orange. It has a powerful menthol.
There are more than 210 species of mint including spearmint, applemint, pineapple mint, red mint, ginger mint, Russian mint, Corsican Mint, and American wild mint., as well and many hybrid-garden and wild mints. But peppermint is considered the best.
Mint is mentioned in the bible as one of the herbs that was used in paying taxes. In Greece it was used for flavoring wine and sauces and had a special place in the festivals and the crowns for nobles were often made of mint. The Japanese valued mint highly and carried it in silver boxes that hung from their belts.
In old England the mints were frown in gardens in one district, Mitcham in Surrey, in 1750 there was only a few acres that grew peppermint, but by 1800 a 100 acres grew peppermint and in 1850 the peppermint fields covered 500 acres and there were peppermint fields in the southern districts as well. In France where it is called ‘red mint’, peppermint farms flourish as well as in the United States and around the world.
Ailments
Chest and Nasal Congestion: A peppermint bag in a pot of boiling water on the stove and inhale the aroma to clear congestion.
Cure-All: The British take mint seriously and often take what is called the Peppermint Cure. The drink peppermint water or peppermint spirits to ward off colds and disease at the onset.
Headaches: The mint is a strong local pain reliever, when applied to the skin. Place a warm tea bag where the pain is most pronounced will bring pain relief. It’s also been used in compresses for the pain of rheumatism and neuralgia.
Larngitis, Bronchitis: the same as chest and nasal congestion.
Nervus tension/stress: A cup of peppermint tea calms you all over It been used for hysteria and nervous disorders.
Seasickness and nausea: When you take a cruise take peppermint tea, the menthol has an anesthetic effect on nerve endings of the stomach, and prevents seasickness and nausea. Drink the tea iced.
Toothaches and cavites: Peppermint is a strong antiseptic and anesthetic and is ideal for the pain of toothaches. Gargle with the peppermint tea and press the press the wet tea bag right on the painful tooth and numb the pain and treat the infection.
Stomach Cramps: peppermint tea alleviates sudden pains in the abdomen.
Peppermint has been used through the ages for palpitations of the heart, cholic, dyspepsia, and fluatulence.
Be Blessed
Willow
***
Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
¾ pound ground beef
2 eggs
½ + 2 T. grated parmesan cheese (separate use)
salt, pepper and oregano to taste
2 gloves minced garlic
1 ½ cups cooked white rice
1 medium head cabbage
6 qt. Boiling water
3 cups tomato sauce
Mix together ground beef, eggs and ½ cup of cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, minced garlic and the rice. Mix well and set aside.
Remove the cabbage core and drop the whole cabbage into the boiling water and cook for about 20 minutes or until the leaves begin coming apart easily. Drain in a colander.
Take 1 large cabbage leaf at a time and put 2 tablespoons of the mixture on it. Roll into long rolls, tucking the ends in so the stuffing doesn’t fall out.
Place the cabbage rolls in a greased baking pan and pour tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle with more cheese, salt pepper, oregano and garlic powder.
Cover with foil and bake at 374 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 4
***
According To Big Al...
"Listen to what I mean... not what I say."
THE DOG WHISPERER
Have you watched Ceasar Milan's television program "The Dog Whisperer" featuring how to train or retrain problem dogs? I think it is a very interesting and mind expanding program. Ceasar not only addresses how to get your dog's problems taken care of, but what the dog owners need to do to get this done – indeed the dog's owners are the key problem in solving dog problems. The most important thing that comes to mind is that the dog's owner must be the leader of the "dog pack" in order to correct any and all problems. In order for this to happen he or she must be calm and strict in his control of whatever situation is involved. Taking charge of the situation and being absolutely consistent applying the rules are absolutely necessary in order to get the job done.
I can't help but apply this same control to taking care of human problems, particularly the raising of children. Adults are suppose to be in charge of the rearing of children, not the wants or whims of the children and consistency of actions is what is most important in getting this done. Come to think of it, wouldn't it be wonderful if consistency of rules and the enforcement of them would be applied in all facets of our daily life's? How can rules be followed if we are inconsistent in enforcing them? I'm sure you can apply this to many situations that you are involved in, like work situations, law enforcement, school activities, personal relationships, marriages, rearing of children and many others too numerous to mention, but above all others consistency in political activities. Wouldn't it be a wonderful life if we all did what we know is right and acted accordingly in a consistent and meaningful manner?
The more I watch the "Dog Whisperer" program, the more I see applications in our daily life's and daily situations. So if you haven't seen this program, I think it is worth your time and effort to watch it at least once and apply the thinking in your daily life.
Dog Rules
1. You are the leader of the Pack
2. Your rules must be enforced
3. You must be consistent in enforcement of rules
4 You must be calm and in control
5 You must demand submissive behavior in your pack
6. You need to channel your pack's energy
7 You need to trusted by exhibiting control and protection of your pack
8 You must exhibit a calm and controlling manner – not rash and harsh
9. You must maintain order
10. You need to be reasonable in your application of the rules
These rules are my interpretation of what I have seen on this program "The Dog Whisperer" and my real life situations application. You may not agree with everything that I say here, but that is your prerogative. I do, however, think that the main thoughts will be consistent with mine or if not if some or all of this line of reasoning is applied in your life, you will find that things will work out a lot better for you and your " Pack".
P. S. Doesn't this remind you of how your dad treated you – at least most of the time?
Big Al
***
Mallory's "Take"
Hi, I am Mallory Kerst. I am 9 years old and I attend Williamsport Elementary School. My teacher is Mrs. McDonald and she will be moving at the end of the school year. She will be moving to Georgia where her husband is currently teaching a writing class. I am really going to miss my teacher. My friend Josie is sad too. All of the kids in my class talk about how they will miss Mrs. McDonald. I bet she has taught a lot of people in this town. My teacher really likes horses. She goes horseback riding a lot in her free time. Mrs. McDonald has taught 4 of my cousins and the cool thing is that she has taught my class for two years now! I hope that she has fun in Georgia and gets the job that she wants.
Next week I will be giving my "take" on the Potholes in warren county. Please look for my story!
Next week I will be giving my "take" on the Potholes in warren county. Please look for my story!
***
FYI
Mallory's article was suppose to be in last weeks paper, but due to computer operator error it was not. This young lady is a joy to talk with. She is very articulate and bright.
We will be enjoying a colunn here by Mallory for a while. The extent hasn't been determined yet. I think that will be up to Mallory. But I think it will be of interest to all of us to see our community throught the eyes of this bright young lady.
I hope you all enjoy her articles as much as I do.. I am looking forward to hearing her "take" on the pot holes. It is one of my favorite spots in Warren County.
Donna Sullivan
owner/Editor
***
CRYTOQUOTE
RVZTLFR
EXAMPLE
To solve the puzzle, one letter stands for another. As in the word "EXAMPLE" above "R" stands for "E". Sentence structure and grammar rules and sentence structure are another clue.
BXJZ XN KVW Q LHVGBZ WV GZ NVBFZM,
GDW Q HZQBXWR WV GZ ZTLZHXKYZM. -
NVHZK SXHSZGQQHM
Last Weeks Answer
If you can't win, make the fellow ahead of you break the record.
-- Anonymous
Here's a tip on this weeks puzzle: Z = E
***
TOWN CRIER
Your Community Events
WEST LEBANON -Community Clothing Room - Free Clothing. Nazarene Church 503 High Janet Booth 893-4989 Margo White - 762-6319.
ATTICA AMERICAN LEGION VFW POST 52 has Bingo each Thursday evening starting at 6:30 pm. Fish Fry every fourth Saturday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Public Welcome.
UMC FOOD PANTRY will be om Service at the Williamsport Methodist Church starting Wednesday, January 14, 10 am to Noon and Wed. Jan. 21, 6-8pm. WARREN COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY.
WARREN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: - meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Warren County LEDO office in Williamsport at 4:00pm. For more information call Jamie White at 762-6055. chamber@warrenadvantage.com
VEEDERSBURG - Food Pantry Operation Ministries (Church of God Ministry Center), 702 W. Second t. (765)294-5740. Food Pantry and Thrift Store Hours - Thursday & Friday 2-6 pm, Saturday, 9 - noon.
Fountain/Warren County - VFW holds Bingo every Friday at 7pm., and AYCE Fish and Chicken Fry the 2nd Friday of each month from 4:30 - 6:30.
BARIATRIC SUGURY SUPPORT GROUP
meets the 3rd Monday of each month at St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital at 6:30 - 8:00 pm, in the executive boardroom. This is open to anyone who has had bariatric surgury or would like to gather more information regarding the surgury. For more info call 762-4003.
