Today In Brattleboro History

Historic events for Aug 25

1988 VY Leaky Valve

VY shuts down for leaky valve in the area surrounding the reactor vessel.

1860 Brattleboro Growing

On the Rise - Amidst the teeming growth of crops, the growth of Brattleboro is not the least noticeable. Some seven or eight buildings are going up, and trade and manufactures are getting to be lively.

1876 Reformer Appears

The “Windham County Reformer” put in its appearance last Saturday. It is a good looking sheet, and will undoubtably do yeoman’s service in the Democratic cause.

1882 S.A. Smith Steam Yacht

S.A. Smith has purchased a small steam yacht in Boston, which he landed in Spofford lake, last Saturday, it being the second one on the lake.

1893 Circus Chooses Island – Not License Fee Related

It is not true that Forepaugh’s circus was kept out of Brattleboro by the high license charged by the selectmen. After inquiry as to the size of the show Mr. Boyden fixed $50 as the charge for the license. With this sum the agent found no fault, but said the island was nearer and he thought it would bring more patronage, besides being cheaper, to pitch the tents there than to come to this side of the river. The circus pays $10 for the privilege of a street parade.

1893 Peach Prices

Peaches are selling in the local market at $1 a crate.

1905 Valley Fair Meeting at Brooks House

A meeting of the executive committee of the Valley Fair association was held in the Brooks House Tuesday afternoon, when arrangements were made for systematizing the issue of tickets for all departments.

1916 Jury Trial For Open Muffler

A jury was drawn late Monday to hear the case of the village against Maj. F. W. Childs, charged with violating a village ordinance by operating his automobile with the muffler cutout open.

1899 Estey Organ Business Thriving

Business at the Estey Organ works is very thriving. Not since the silver craze stuck the country and caused everybody to hoard gold and all other kinds of currency have orders come in so freely as during this summer. It looks like old times to see three Estey wagons in constant procession to the station with organs for all parts of the United States and to almost every country in the world. This is a state of affairs in which everybody in Brattleboro rejoices.

1899 Brooks House Stable Repairs

The Brooks House stables are undergoing repairs which, when completed, will make them equal to any stables in town.

1899 Snowflake Corn Canning Begins

Work at the Snowflake corn canning factory began Monday, but up to yesterday only a small amount of corn had been canned. Sufficient corn has been brought in to keep a small number of huskers busy since Monday, but the work will not begin in earnest until the first of next week when a large force of huskers will be given work.

1899 Foot-Ball Team Organizing

A meeting of those interested in forming a foot-ball team was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms Monday evening.

1871 Crosby To Start On Annual Western Tour

Mr. Edward Crosby, we are informed, is about to start on his annual western tour, to visit the mills and flour dealers which furnish his firm with choice grades of flour which in the past few years have become so popular in all this region of country.

1871 Enormous Amount of Blackberries

The failure of the apple crop is partly atoned for by the enormous amount of blackberries which are pouring into market, and which are sold freely at six to ten cents a quart.

1855 Chickens and Butter Wanted

The Highest Prices for Good Spring Chickens and first rate fresh Butter will be paid at the Wesselhoeft Water-Cure.

1855 Tapping and Mending of Rubber Boots

Save Your Money. The undersigned will tap and mend Rubber Boots and Shoes, or apply Rubber Soles to Boots and Shoes made of Leather. W. Ward.

1848 Esty’s Pump and Lead Pipe Manufactory

Esty’s Pump and Lead Pipe Manufactory! At the Old Stand South of the Bridge. The Subscriber continues to manufacture Copper Pumps and Lead Pipe of superior quality, which he will warrant to be equal to any made in this or any other place. Pressed Pipe coated with tin, called next to silver, constantly on hand and for sale at the lowest prices. Lumber and most kinds of produce taken in exchange. Jacob Esty.

1843 Bridge Builders Wanted

The Selectmen of Brattleboro are wishing to contract for the building of the Bridges recently carried off on Whetstone Brook. Also, the bridge near Beal's bark-mill. Apply immediately. They will be at Goodenough’s tavern next Saturday, at 1 o’clock, P.M.

1843 Carriage Wheel Bands For Sale

Hopkins’ Brass Bands, for Carriage Wheels, constantly on hand, and for sale by C. Townsley & Son.

1843 Whetstone In High Glee

The late rain storm, which commenced on Sunday night last, and ceased on Wednesday morning, has caused much damage in this town, carrying away not less than 8 bridges, mostly on one stream, besides injury to the roads. Whetstone Brook was in a high glee from 2 to 4 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon, when the rain fell as if in a mass.

1837 Canadian Indians Encamped

Within a few days a party belonging to one of the Canadian tribes of Indians, has been encamped near the town house in this town. It is supposed they are waiting for election day to cast their votes for the Tory ticket. We have no other foreigners among us, and it is too far to bring them from Washington. They look like administration men.

1922 1921 Insurance Payouts

According to figures compiled by the Insurance Press life insurance claims in the amount of $203,000 were paid in Brattleboro during 1921.

1922 Retreat Field Airplane Accident – Crosby Appointed

Edward C. Crosby has been appointed administrator of the estate of Joseph Trahan, who was killed in the airplane accident last Friday afternoon on the Retreat field.

1922 Nose Used For Billiard Cue

A billiard exhibition by Prof. Lewis was given Tuesday evening in the High street pool room was largely attended and the spectators were pleased at the performance. Shooting billiards, using a finger and his long nose for cues, was the most sensational part of his bag of tricks, although he showed unusual proficiency in the more usual branches of the game.