Local news tidbits

By Nancy Battick

Small-town weekly newspapers are wonderful sources for genealogists. They contain items you won’t find in larger city papers. While some of the entries offer a chuckle, there are family details and clues you don’t want to miss. 

In my local paper, the Piscataquis Observer, reporters from every neighborhood kept a keen eye on what was happening around them. Here’s a sample of items from the July 10, 1924, edition and from two neighborhoods, Foxcroft Center and Low’s Bridge.

From Low’s Bridge we learn that A.F. Harlow’s cow gave birth to twins. That’s not too helpful to genealogists, but wait — there’s more.

Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Titcomb had for company the Fourth his cousins, Mont and Fred Huff of Hartland. Aha! — cousins, names and residence. Clues.

Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Ray, Mr., and Mrs. F.W. Towle and Betty Lunt called on Mrs. Ray’s mother, Mrs. A. F. Harlow, July 2. While the cow birthed twins, we learn that the Harlow daughter’s married name was Ray. It’s another good clue, and the others mentioned as visitors are likely family members as well.

Also, Mr. George Knowlton called to see A.F. Harlow on Saturday. He had his son Harlow and daughter Margaret with him from Vassalboro. George Knowlton named a son Harlow. Is there a family connection? You know his name and the name of two children, plus where they lived. More research is necessary, but there’s a clear connection. 

At Foxcroft Center, meanwhile, we learn that Miles, Lloyd and Grace Perkins of Milo visited their sister, Mrs. M. L. Getchell, over the weekend. Sunday they all enjoyed a picnic at Garland Pond. There’s a lot here. Mrs. Getchell’s family name was Perkins, they lived in Milo, and the former Miss Perkins married a man named Getchell and moved to Dover-Foxcroft. 

Another intriguing tidbit states that Joseph King was home from Houlton Friday to Monday and that Mr. and Mrs. George Ronco, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Ronco and daughter of Boston visited Mr. and Mrs. King Saturday. Were the Roncos friends or family? You know their names and where they lived. 

The Kings were popular since Mr. and Mrs. Leon Crockett and son and Mr. and Mrs. Walter King and son were at Joseph King’s the Fourth. Do you suppose Walter King is a relative of Joseph King? More than likely.

Also, Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Brawn were home from Haynesville for the Fourth. They called on Mrs. Emily Lebroke Saturday. Mrs. Lebroke also had a visit from Mrs. J.C. Warren and Miss Hazel who visited her aunt on Sunday. Lots of clues here.

People devoured these neighborhood columns to read what was happening and all the latest gossip. Sometimes these neighborhood entries list births, deaths, marriages, engagements, when and where people moved or worked among other information. I’ve even seen mention of families purchasing a car. 

While researching, look for a nearby town paper. Follow up on some of the offered clues. Who knows what you’ll learn?

Columnist Nancy Battick of Dover-Foxcroft has researched genealogy for over 30 years. She is past president of the Maine Genealogical Society, author of several genealogical articles and co-transcribed the Vital Records of Dover-Foxcroft. Nancy holds an MA in History from UM. Reader emails are welcome at nbattick@roadrunner.com.