Birch Grove
New Ipswich Historical Society
Birch grove on Barr Estate, undated.
Toivo Kangas and Bully (Pulli)
Yesterday an interview was posted with Toivo Kangas in which he describes the family’s workhorse Bully (Pulli in Finnish). This photo was donated by the family to the Society.
On this day - April 23, 1898
23 APR 1898
Rupture of Relations and General Woodford has been handed his passports in Madrid before he could formally present The Ultimatum. So a state of war practically exists between the two countries. Events have occurred in lively order, much livelier than it was anticipated. Nothing can prevent a conflict. The American squadron at Key West sails for Cuba at once. The Ultimatum remains unanswered and from a standpoint of the proud national honor, Spain could look upon it as nothing but an insult. They who have not been able to govern their colonies by intelligent methods will be made to realize the truth in time. As a hopeful observer, I think that the recent incidents will throw a gloom over all those that have fruitlessly endeavored to prevent a collision. The suspense is over. Action will be begun at once to carry out the designs of Congress and the President. Patriotic fervor runs high in Spain. The enthusiasm is heightened by the confidence of the people who look upon us as a nation of bluffers and cowards. "Viva España" they can shout to their hearts content, but the weakness of the government to grasp the responsibility in Cuba will show itself elsewhere and the country will be brought into grievous straights. If they have not been strong where is the new power to come from - now that the country is in deadly peril and on the verge of bankruptcy? Who will posess [sic] the forsight [sic] and the capacity to conduct a war successfully against one of the greatest nations on earth? The Spaniards will fight gallantly no doubt. Against long odds in an unequal struggle they are confident of triumph - honor will be satisfied. Then Spain, the "unburied corpse" will be laid to rest. The French papers say that Spain will win - their "self-possession, energy, patriotism, and if right and justice directed of human affairs Spain must be victorious" - says one journal. The ignorance of the French newspapers on the question is appalling. The English papers are well informed. "Might against right," etc. is what the Paris papers howl. They are beside themselves with anger says an English paper, because we have prevented an anti-American European coalition.
On this day - April 23, 1909
James Roger diary entry
23rd (Friday)
Cool cloudy morning, showery after fair evening, wind west to NW. David teaming wood for Knowlton in forenoon. He spoke to L. Willard about heifer who advised getting Mr. Shaw the vet who came in afternoon but was unable to do anything for her so we killed her and buried it in the sand pit with permission of Flushing. A. Hardy and Lonie helping him. Mother swept vestry and little room. I took 57 chicks out incubator. Got pc from Hamish and letter from May who is coming tomorrow.
Were you able to see the man in black walking the white dog on King Rd?
What was the location of the above Barr property? I'd like to get back to the King Rd photo and tell you why I think the man in the photo with the white dog was Walter Thayer. In 1958 Walter talked about a white dog that he had 50 yrs ago (i.e. 1908) that was very intelligent and helped him round up stray cattle when he moved them to another pasture. Walter had property on King Rd. The caption I would use for that photo would be:' Walter Thayer walking his dog on King Rd circa 1908'.