Notes about the Church Fire - 1902

Gathering remnants of the bell

July 1902

Another account of the fire. The article mentions over a hundred pounds of retrieved metal. The society only has a fragment. Did any of that get used in forging the replacement bell?

Notes About the Church Fire. 

   The New Ipswich Cong. church was. struck by lightning during the first shower of Tuesday afternoon, and about an hour later smoke was seen issuing from the building. The combined efforts of our three fire companies proved unavailing and before evening the large edifice was wholly destroyed. The beautiful toned bell that through many long years had given the first note of alarm in case of fire, this time was made to send forth its own requiem. Fragments of the bell are being eagerly sought and saved. Before Wednesday noon over 100 lbs. had accumulated, which it is hoped will enter into the composition of its successor. No person is allowed to carry away even a tiny bit of it. Bits of the communion service given by Dea. Gould are also coming to light. The loss of this grand old landmark which has stood as a "tower of strength" for nearly 90 years is a source of grief to our whole community. Fred Preston of New York saved the Bible and piano that was in the vestry. Everything else was lost with the building. 

    Already Mrs. George Barrett has generously offered to give $5000 toward the erection of a new church and Prof. William A. Preston has pledged himself to give the foundation for it. The insurance was $2000. The Baptist people have kindly proffered the use of their church and the Congregationalists will hold services there, next Sunday forenoon at the usual hour. Rev. Mr. Barber came from Wilton, Wednesday morning, without knowing his church was burned until he came in sight of the spot it had occupied. Among the visitors at the ruins was a grandson of our former pastor, Rev. Samuel Lee, who is in town for the first time from Northern Iowa, where he is principal of a large and flourishing school.

The moment the bell fell during the fire

One Hundred Formulas

George Carmichael donated a copy of Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” which was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers.

Catarrh is an inflammation of mucous membranes in one of the airways or cavities of the body, usually with reference to the throat and paranasal sinuses. It can result in a thick exudate of mucus and white blood cells caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes in the head in response to an infection. Wikipedia

WARNING: Please don’t try any of these “remedies”, many contain ingredients which have been shown to be harmful.

James Roger diary entry

November 3rd 1908 (Tuesday) - Election Day

Mild day wind westerly. David on roads down town. Hamish was telephoned for to Ayer this afternoon, as Berkley got his got hurt and was laid up. 

Election Day a very tame affair.
Result of Election"

Taft              104  - Bryan     39
Quimby         94  - Carr       39
Currier        107  - Colby      40
Bass               99  - Tulford   42
W.A. Preston 92  - Ramsdell 53

License Yes 45 No 73

Finished up about half past 6. They were more Democrats than N.I. I tried to get Mason, but they did not expect to hear results until 9 pm. Got Greenville returns about 8 pm. The returns of general election Came into New Ipswich 11 & 12 but David came away about 9 pm.