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Way Back When |
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Written by Compiled by Terry A. Fye
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Monday, 15 June 2009 |
Considering the widespread interest in genealogy and local history, The Punxsutawney Spirit is pleased to share with our readers vignettes of our area's past that reveal the ways life has changed over the past 114 years.
These reprinted reports with their original headlines and spelling from back issues of the local newspaper highlight events, personalities, attitudes, and lifestyles that made the news long ago. This series will appear on Mondays for your reflection and amusement.)
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
(July 10, 1895)
(Note: It may have been a "slow news day" when this story was published, but apparently the editor really enjoyed the tale, judging from the amount of space required to tell it. — T.A.F.)
What The Real Trouble Is
There are a few subjects upon which Dr. Williams has decided opinions, and a recent experience has tended to strengthen his convictions in at least one of them.
He was in Punxsutawney the other day when a man walked out to his buggy and said he wanted him to come out and see his wife. "She has been ailing a long time," he said. "I have tried all the doctors around here, and they don't seem to be able to do anything for her." He told the Doctor where he lived — over in the north end of Indiana county — and the Doctor promised to call.
One day last week dr. Williams went over there to see Mr. Smith's wife.
He had forgotten his first name, but the first man he met told him where Mr. Smith lived. He called.
"I have called," he said to the man who came to the door, "to see your wife."
"What might your name be?"
"Doctor Williams. Your wife is not well, I believe."
"No, she's not real stout, but I don't believe much in doctorn'."
"But you asked me to call and see her."
"No, sir. I never saw you before."
"Perhaps I am mistaken then. Are there any more Smiths in this neighborhood?"
"Oh, mighty, yes. Nearly all Smiths — one lives right over the hill yonder."
And the Doctor hied himself over the hill. This man's wife was in the pink of health, and needed no physician. Perhaps it was the Smith who lived at the cross roads. The Doctor thought it might be he. He went there. But it was not the place.
He then drove almost seven miles to another Smith's. He was wrong again.
He drove three miles to the house of another Smith, where the same questions were asked and the same answers were given as before.
He was getting disgusted. It was also growing late. But a boy who sat on a rail fence told him there was a Smith down over the hill about a mile and a half whose wife was sick, and he thought she must be the right one. The Doctor went there. Mr. Smith came out to the gate.
"Is this where Mr. Smith lives?"
"Yes, that's my name."
"You asked me to call and see your wife, didn't you?"
"Not that I know on."
"Yes, you were in Punxsutawney the other day and asked me to come out."
"Deed, Doctor, I don't mind ever seein' you before."
"Good day, sir," said the Doctor, and as he started to drive off Mr. Smith yelled after him:
"There's another Smith over on the ridge —"
But the Doctor whipped his horses and drove off mad and disgusted. He had spent a whole day amongst the Smiths, and could not find the right one.
When he reached Punxsutawney he was still mad. He saw Hon. R. C. Winslow on the crossing, and, stopping his horses he said solemnly:
"Mr. Winslow, do you know what's the matter with this country?"
Mr. Winslow said something about lack of confidence in the Democratic administration.
"No, no!" exclaimed the Doctor impatiently, "that's not it. I'll tell you what the trouble is: There's too d—d many Smiths!"
And the Doctor drove off furiously.
•••
(July 17, 1895)
The Coal Trade Brisking Up
For the past week or two there has been a decided improvement in the coal and coke trade. This is particularly true of the R.& P. Company. Its mines are all active, and it is shipping about 250 cars a day. Many new coke ovens are being fired up, and there is an air of bustle about their mines that looks decidedly encouraging. With the Berwind-White and the Bell, Lewis & Yeats companies there seems to be no special indications of improvement.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 16 June 2009 )
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