100 Years Ago August 1918
The Haddams – One Of Ours Lost In War
Selected from the pages of The Evening Press and lightly annotated by Sally Haase
Middletown, August 1, 1918: Hezekiah F. Porter Killed In Action. A telegram from the war department to Whitney Porter of Higganum announced the death of his brother, Hezekiah F. Porter, who was killed in action July 22. He was the son of the late Wallace Porter and grandson of the late Hezekiah Scovill, founder of the D. & H Scovill Company. World-wide manufactures of hoes bearing his name. Hezekiah F. Porter was a student in the academic department of Yale college, in the class of 1919. He was a young man enjoying the friend ship of a large circle.
Moodus, August 3, 1918: While mowing on the premises of C.H. Rogers last week, George Worthington found a box turtle marked “W.P. June 1st, 1898.” This is the third time Mr. Worthington has found the turtle. The initials are those of the late William Porter, son of Chauncey W. Porter, who when a boy, caught the turtle and marked it with his initials.
Middletown, August 3, 1918: The first anti-German outburst of any magnitude in this city took place about 1 a.m. when the German-Lutheran church was visited by a large crowd, part of whom had been parading in celebration of allied success. The pastor, hearing the crowd coming, went to the church and tolled the bell. The crowd entered the church and reportedly hymn books were torn and thrown about. Even the Holy Bible did not escape.
They next proceeded to the home of Carl Herman, the well-known Delicatessen dealer. The crowd surrounded the home and began calling for Mr. Herman. Garbage cans were seized, and their contents spread on the veranda. The screen door was torn off. Then the front door was rushed, smashing the lock and catch and glass. Finally, Mr. Herman came down and asked what was wanted. Naturally, he appeared stricken with fear, as the temper of the crowd was at high pitch. A course of patriotism was then administered and Mr. Herman was forced to kiss the flag three times. Then he was forced to give three cheers for the United States, which he also did, in a weak and fear-stricken voice. Just as the crowd was dispersing, Officer Schilling was driven up in an automobile. He ordered the crowd to cease their rioting.
The visit of the mob and their activities last night was the talk of the town today. In some sections the spirit seemed to be strongly against such demonstrations, but in many quarters there was the feeling that the right medicine had been administered.
Higganum, August 8, 1918: Quite a number working for the Russell Manufacturing Company came home yesterday on account of the heat.
Many young people enjoyed the swimming over at the sand flats yesterday afternoon.
Shailerville, August 9, 1918: People of this village are very thankful that Mr. Van Horn, of Tylerville is to deliver ice three times a week for the rest of the summer.
Higganum, August 16, 1918: During the thunder shower Wednesday, the house, known as the Thomas Clark house, was struck by lightning. Mrs. Beaver, who occupies the house with her Husband Charles Beaver, felt quite a shock, with no ill effects.
East Haddam, August 17, 1918: Sloop Anna-Bell’s Capt. King was here Wednesday from Long Island with quahog clams. Capt. King will make but one more trip this season as scalloping begins September 1st.
Higganum, August 20, 1918: Eugene Burr has his new creamery all fitted with requirements for making butter, the separator being run by electricity. Elbert Burr is to have charge.
Higganum, August 21, 1918: The Child’s Welfare department of the Connecticut State Counsel of Defense are to hold a meeting in Haddam and Higganum for the purpose of examining all children under six years of age, to see if each baby is perfect, and if not, to see that they get medical attention. This is a special request of the government so that each child may become healthy men and women.
Tylerville, August 21, 1918: Judge Rollin U. Tyler is having a complete and up-to-date water system installed in his home.
Middletown, August 23, 1918: Among those selected to report to train in Georgia August 27: Joseph Hall, East Haddam; John E. Stanton, Higganum; Camillo M. Malacarne, Higganum: Earnest J. Malacarne; Clifton E. Butler, Haddam; Louis Milanese, Haddam; Gustaf A. Andeen, Higganum; Emil J. Masheck, East Haddam; Albert W. Bennett, East Haddam; George S. Cross, Higganum.
Hartford, August 29, 1918: An appeal has been issued to all autoists of the state by the Motor Vehicle Commissioner, asking that everyone observe the request by the federal fuel administration that no pleasure automobiles be used on Sundays. The order states in part: “This is the time when we at home should not question any conservation order issued by Washington. It is up to us to obey to the limit every request which will result in any way in aiding the boys over yonder.”
Middletown, August 29, 1918: In the order of the war department taking over colleges for military training of students, Wesleyan today received the official notice from the war department. From now on Wesleyan will be a military institution pure and simple, the fraternity houses remaining closed and the dormitories will be turned into barracks and mess halls and the government will pay the college tuition and board of all soldier students.
Heard From Our Boys?
Arriving safely in France and in good health are: From Haddam: Frank Kelsey, John Tracko, Gustaf Carlson, Andrew Servenson, Raymond Skinner, and Chauncey Spencer. And from Moodus: Charles H. Brooks, and Raymond Ventres.
Haddam, Aug 6: Mrs. Frederick Arnold has been relieved of much anxiety by letters received from her son Frank S. Kelsey “somewhere in France.” He writes from the hospital that he is recovering and now able to sit up.
Moodus, Aug. 13: Mrs. Joseph Blaschick has received a message from Washington, notifying her that her son, Private Stanley Blaschick, was severely wounded in action.
Moodus, Aug. 17: Dr. M.W. Plumstead received a boche helmet on Friday from his son, Stanley Plumstead, who is in France with our Sammies. [German helmet; origin, French for head of cabbage.]
Ponsett, Aug. 20: Rev. M. Knowles, of St. James Church, has two grandsons in the service, Albert in France and John in Camp Devens and a grand-daughter, a nurse, who has registered with the Red Cross for overseas duty.
100 years ago, much has changed and, then again, nothing has changed.