Sunday, April 27, 2008

Cemetery

Fulton Journal
June 7, 1861

Among the most commendable acts of our present able and efficient City Council, not the least is that of fencing the Cemetery.
It had long been a source of mortification to many of our citizens, that within the extensive bounds of the city, no spot consecrated to the burial of the dead could be found where the remains of a departed relative or friend could be deposited with safety.
We think it hard when the force of circumstances makes it necessary to leave the mortal part of one we have loved and cherished to bleach and moulder in the wilds of some far off uninhabited region; and how bitter is the necessity which some times occurs, of committing to the deep sea and its monster inhabitants the once proud casement of a noble heart.
Our better feelings would always prompt us to bestow the last sad office upon the dead in a manner which would imply most fully the affection we entertain for the living. When no absolute necessity for it exists, there is then no excuse for any neglect to pay proper respect to the memory of the departed.
It must be a matter of gratulation with our citizens that Fulton is at last about to be relieved from the stigma of an unfenced, unadorned and neglected Cemetery. A project was set on foot two years ago, and through it, we believe the necessary funds for fencing the grounds were obtained, but for some reason, satisfactory no doubt to those who assumed the charge of the matter, the fence was never built, and those who contributed have never heard from their money. The Council have now very properly taken hold of the matter, and in a few days the Street Commissioner, Mr. Needbain, will have enclosed the grounds with a neat and substantial fence.
The location is on the highest ground in the city, commanding a view of the Mississippi River, Lyons, Clinton and the country for many miles in extent. If properly improved and beautified it can be made one of the finest Cemeteries in the West. It is to be hoped that those who have friends buried there, will co-operate with our city fathers in the good work they have begun, and that very soon full compensation in the way of improvements will be made for the neglect of the past.

Stolen Fruit

Fulton Journal
February 26, 1875

"Stolen fruit is the sweetest." So thought young Haveerty on Sunday last, when he jumped on a cutter in which two pretty Lyons girls were taking a ride through Base street, in this city, and hooked a kiss from one of them. It was a daring attempt and one that should not be generally encouraged.

New Drinking Fountain

Fulton Journal
April 23, 1915

The fountain which was donated to the city by Smaltz Brothers last fall is being erected on the corner near Robbins’ store today. The agreement was that the city should install the fountain in some convenient public place.
The fountain will stand thirty-eight inches high, the base is iron and the inside of the basin, which is about twelve inches in diameter, is of porcelain. It is in a place convenient for the public, and that cool stream of water continually flowing in the fountain will be appreciated by the people in hot weather.

Teen Boys

Fulton Journal
January 23, 1880

A lot of boys ranging in years from ten to eighteen are wont to make night hideous by screeching and yelling like so many idiots and hyenas, by the ringing of doorbells, by talking rudely to passers by, by running in and out of church during divine service, and disturbing the peace in diverse ways. Now the JOURNAL has been furnished with a list of their names and the authorities, also; and if they don’t stop their transgressions, the JOURNAL will publish them and the authorities prosecute them. Boys’ places are in their homes after night.

Cowbells

Fulton Journal
September 2, 1887

He is a bad man who will leave his cow in the street at night; but the man who will calmly and deliberately with malice perpense attach a big, harsh, clamorous bell to his hungry cow and turn her into the street at night, to feed and keep innocent people awake is a villain of the deepest dye. A first warder says there were two bovines decorated with bells in his ward Thursday night.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Bachelor Seeks Wife

Fulton Journal
March 28, 1916

BACHELOR WANTS A WIFE
Has Home All Furnished, But Is Too Busy and Bashful to Go Courting

The Journal had a caller the other day, a clean-looking, middle-aged bachelor, industrious and temperate. He said he owned his home, a comfortable cottage, and has a good job. Remarked that he was tired of living alone and wanted some nice woman, not too old, for a wife.
Had thought of advertising in THE JOURNAL, as he had been informed that there are a number of desirable women in Fulton out of a job and ready and willing to embark on the matrimonial sea. Did not like the idea of that kind of publicity in the important business of getting married, but did not know any other way to make his wants known. He works every working day for a railroad company and pulls down a good-sized check each pay day. Has no opportunity to get acquainted in the regular way laid down in books of etiquette, and besides is too bashful to easily get acquainted with the opposite sex. If the editor could only name a nice single woman who wanted a good home comfortably furnished, and a husband who would devote his life to making her happy and comfortable, he would be very thankful, for he was tired of coming home to a cold house after a day’s work and having to prepare his own meals, and sit around alone during the evening and then crawl into bed, thinking that his life was not as happy as it might be if he had a loving wife.
We could not think of any unengaged woman that would make a logical candidate, so told him to leave his address and we would publish some kind of an article that might result in a sort of a leap year proposal that would bring him a good wife.

Fulton Journal
March 31, 1916

CHANCE FOR FORLORN BACHELOR

Communication to The Journal Is Evidence that There Are Spinsters Who, Like Barkis, “Are Willin’.”

The last issue of THE JOURNAL contained a lengthy account of a big, busy, bashful bachelor which aroused much interest and caused no little tribulation among the eligible spinsters of Fulton and vicinity.
A public meeting was held which was attended by a number who might be induced to accept the proposal of marriage of the aforesaid b.b.b. bachelor.
After much discussion, a committee of three on “ways and means” was appointed. It was decided that, while the ladies this year possess the inalienable right to propose marriage to this or any other mature specimen of the genus homo who still retains his liberty, they do not intend to make any rash propositions to be followed by a possible suit for breach of promise until they have looked over the candidate who had the inclination to get married but lacked the sand or courage to bring about the great desideratum.
The consensus of opinion is: if he means business, let him make his pronunciamento, declare his intentions over his name, when, through the committee on ways and means, an opportunity will be afforded him to make the acquaintance of a score or more of favorably impressed damsels who will then abide by the decision when he reaches his ultimatum.

Friday, February 29, 2008

February Party

Fulton Journal
February 27, 1875

A genuine good time was had by the Odd Fellows of this city and their invited brethren and friends on Monday evening, at Arfman's Hall, which made a fitting close to the observance of the anniversary of the birthday of the Father of his country. It was one of those parties that one takes pleasure in attending, and the recollection of which does not soon fade from the memory. The utmost sociability prevailed from the commencement to the hour for retiring, every one feeling that it was his or her duty to add something to enjoyment of the occasion. Dancing commenced at an early hour and was kept up with hearty zeal until 12 o'clock when Dr. Richey announced that supper was ready at Odd Fellows Hall, on River street, and it proved to be a most elegant and bountiful one. Returning, dancing was resumed and continued until--well, we don't know what hour, sufficiently long, however, to allow the boys to go home with the girls in the morning. The Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F., is increasingly rapidly in numbers, and has taken high rank as to strength and influence in this section of the West.