1898 Artifact

This "reporter"  has been traveling and with that and other obligations,   has fallen behind in posting the weekly news.    Easter is early this year and Holy Week is already upon us.   This is a very busy week at St. Gabriel's with Tennebrae on Wednesday and services Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  

To fill the huge void that must have been left by the absence of weekly news, we are going to jump ahead 10 years and and share something for you to ponder.
Front of card

Back of card

The images are just about the actual size of the card.    .

Have you ever seen one of these?  Please share what you think it was called back in 1898.

This Week in Titusville, March 8, 1888

Canaveral

--Ducks are very plentiful on the river, and there are still a few deer left.

--The boys at DeSoto have a very fine garden. Their cabbage and cauliflower are as fine as ever grew. There are also a great many tomatoes raised on the Banana River.

--Mr. Gouldbrazen saw a panther the other day, and as luck should have it, his gun was at home.  He had nothing but a tin can with him, so he threw that at it and the panther skipped.

Mims

--The next social gathering will be held at Mrs. Roberts’ on Saturday, March 10^th.  It will be a “Mum Sociable,” and much fun is anticipated.

--Messrs Chamberlin and Strahan have erected a fine wind-mill, by the use of which they intend to irrigate their place, which will soon be both profitable and exceedingly attractive.

LaGrange Leaves

--Mr. Charlie McCrory is having his new residence nicely painted.

--Miss Julia Feaster spent last week visiting relatives in Titusville.

--Mr. E. L. Brady and family have left LaGrange and moved into their house in Titusville.

--The improvements made during the past week in the cemetery adds greatly to its appearance.

--We are sorry to hear that Masters Joe and Togni Fischer, who have resided among us for the past two years, will make their future home in Titusville.  Joe and Togni are intelligent children, and the LaGrange school, no doubt, regrets having to part with them.

Local Laconics

--Mr. W.W. Davids, from the Sebastian Signal Service station, has visited Titusville during the past week.

--The Adelaide Opera Company did not visit our town on their return from Tampa and Key West.

--We are informed that the Titusville Ice Factory will start up machinery and commence the making of ice next week.

--Arch-Deacon S.B. Carpenter arrived from down the river Monday on his way to other parts of the state.

--Mr. C. C. Curtiss and wife started down the river Sunday for their new home in the Narrows on the schooner Ruby Dye.

--Mr. H.M. Flagler, the proprietor of the famouse Ponce de Leon of St. Augustine, was in town last Saturday, on his return from a trip to Rockledge with a party of his friends.

--Our merchants generally are receiving new and inviting lines of goods in their respective stores.

--Episcopal services will be held at Wager’s Hall Sunday morning next at 10:30.

QUERY

--Would it be asking too much of our genial friend, Captain  Paddison, to ascertain the amount of business for the last three months prior to the act, to see whether prohibition has affected the interests of business men in Titusville.

More This Week in Titusville, March 1, 1888

Local Laconics

--Mr. E.L. Brady has moved to his new residence on Main street. 

--Mr. Gardner has the frame up for his new residence.  

--Titusville’s public school has an enrollment of over 129 pupils. 

--Mr. G. F. Ensey has sold his fast yacht to a party living near the Haulover.

--Anyone visit London will find the STAR, every week, at Gillig’s reading room, Charing Cross, Strand. 

--Mr. P. Neilson has purchased the river lot and blacksmith shop of Ed Titus near the railroad, and is talking of erecting a boatways. 

--A Bean-Bag party had an enjoyable time at the residence of Dr. Ordorff, on Monday evening. 

--The through train from Jacksonville is late nearly every day.  What could be the cause of it? 

--Two car loads of passengers arrived on last Friday afternoon.  The travel is at its height just about now. 

--The weather during the first part of the week was decidedly cool to say the least of it, and it made some of our gardeners feel fearful about their crops, but the frost did not come.
--Attention is directed to the notice of Messrs. Ensey & Bigelow to persons who are endebted to them, which will be found in another column.  

--Mr. J.M. Turney and Mr. C. L. Bostwick of Newport, Conn., passed through Titusville on Thursday last, on their way to St. Sebastian River, where Mr. Turney has some landed interests.  They purpose spending some weeks in that section hunting and fishing. 

LaGrange Leaves

--Mr. W. N. Hendry, our enterprising merchant, has received his appointment as postmaster, Mr. E. L. Brady having resigned the office. 

--Mr. James Mitchell is spending a few weeks with Mr. Thomas Johnson, and is making preparations to have a road cut from his hammock property to Mims station. 

--Our visit to the Sub-Tropical was very gratifying.  The exhibits are generally good.  The Brevard department, in charge of Mr. David Wingood, gave us much pleasure in its display of fruits, and also their artistic arrangement; but we regret that the ladies of Brevard have contributed so little.  

--An incident which I desire to mention was the meeting, at May Town, of the train which bore Mr. Cleveland and his friends.  We had been side-tracked to allow the train to pass. As it came opposite our position it stopped, and there, in the pine woods, under the blue skies of Florida, the chief ruler, of sixty millions of people came out of his coach and saluted and shook hands with his fellow citizens.  Ladies and gentlemen, of all political parties, greeted him and his charming wife.  This scene of welcome and security in these wild woods was a grand, a sublime exhibition of the wisdom of our republican institutions.

  

Curtiss-Combs

   Married last evening, 29^th ult, at the residence of the bride’s mother, in Titusville, by Rev. John Foy, Mr. Carlos C. Curtiss, of Chicago, and Miss Johanna C. Combs.      

   We regret we did not have the space to give a full description of the wedding this week.  After the ceremony was performed the guests sat down to a splendid collation;  and a dance was given at Wager’s Hall afterward.  The bride was the picture of loveliness, attired in a white satin trimmed with Spanish lace and orange flowers, while the groom looked his best in conventional black.  The many friends of Mr. & Mrs. Curtiss wish them a long life of happiness, good luck and prosperity.

Announcement

   To my patrons and citizens of Titusville, I desire to say that I will be absent from the city from March 5^th to March 13^th inclusive.  My appointment books will be found at the Grand View Hotel, where persons can secure time by registering for dates- beginning the morning of Wednesday, March 14^th.  As my time is limited, it will be well for those who desire my professional services to take advantage of making dates    F. H. HOUGHTON, Dentist.

This Week in Titusville, March 1, 1888

Our Guests.

______

The President on Indian River.

______

 The Presidential Party Enjoying a Grand Trip.

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From Titusville to Rock Ledge and Return.

Last Friday a Grand Jubilee for the Whole of Indian River.

_____

     When the news arrived here last Wednesday afternoon that President Cleveland and wife, with several others, would visit the Indian River on Friday it was hardly believed by the many that the news was true, but as the announcement came from the railway officials at Jacksonville, it was published in the columns of the STAR that they would be here, and on Friday morning, as per the arranged programme, the fact of their coming was realized. 

     At 11 o’clock Thursday night the President left Palatka for Titusville, drawn by engine No. 9, with trusty Dan Shea at the throttle.  The run was made very slowly, so as to allow the guests to revive themselves with “Tired nature’s sweet restorer, balmy sleep.”  About 5 o’clock the train stopped at a secluded spot about a mile from Titusville, and so gently was the stop made that the guests were not aware of it.  The President and wife were the first to arise, but the others were not far behind.  Here the train remained for about three hours before entering our lively little town.   About half past seven breakfast was served by the skilled chef in charge, which was an excellent one, and enjoyed to that extent by appetites whetted by the exhilarating atmosphere of Florida.

     At 7:30 prompt the end of the railroad wharf was covered with people anxious to get a glimpse of the President and his wife and the party, consisting of Secretary Whitney and Mrs. Whitney, and Col. Lamont and wife.  Mr. Moran, of the Jacksonville, Tampa and Key West Railway; Mr. A. L. Reed of the Atlantic Coast Line, and Mr. Edwin Martin representing the press, also accompanied the party.  Not, however, until 8:15 did the train make its appearance, when it was received with a cheer.  The engine was prettily decorated with bunting and flowers, while the steamer Rockledge was a sight of beauty to behold. 

     In a brief way we wish to mention the decorations of the steamer.  The saloon and dining room were the parts trimmed.  Thursday afternoon and evening Capt. Paddison and Mr. Verbeke, assisted by Mrs. Pritchard and Miss Pritchard, also Mr. Mackenzie and others, with the aid of the steward, Mr. Baker, placed an exhibit of flowers, fruits, moss, etc., that, in the words of Mrs. Cleveland, “surpassed anything they had seen in the State.”

     As the party wished to travel without any attempt of ceremony, they were escorted to the steamer at 8:30 by Mr. Moroan and Captain Paddison.  The appearance of Mrs. Cleveland on the forward deck of the steamer, with her pleasing countenance wreathed with smiles, and the jolly expression of the President as he expanded his lungs with something less than a cubic yard of Indian River ozonic atmosphere, was the signal for several cheers from the crowded wharf, which was supplemented by the screaming of the whistles of the Rockledge and Engine No. 9, commingling together as the Rockledge swiftly glided down the river. 

     The day was all that could be desired.  The sun shone brightly, with a balmy southwest breeze.  Many expressions of wonder and delight were made as the many beautiful places on the river were passed.

     At half past eleven, the Rockledge stopped at Mr. G.S. Hardee’s wharf where the party landed and held a reception under the shade of several live oaks in front of his charming residence.  A goodly number of Indian River people shook hands with the President…………Mrs. Cleveland picked the first orange from the laden branches, which was “followed in suit” by the others in the party, while Hardee peeled one of the finest oranges in the grove for the President a la Florida style.  One variety of Mr. Hardee’s oranges will hereafter be known strictly as the Cleveland orange, as the President was extremely pleased with that one variety.  After this the party walked for a half mile along the river to the Hotel Indian River, where they were received by Mr. J. M. Lee, the proprietor, and welcomed by music from the hotel band.   The party was photographed on the veranda of the building, ………….…………The President was presented with a set of resolutions at Rockledge by the patriotic citizens of that place……(Resolutions listed)………...

     The Rockledge landed at the railroad wharf at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon, where the train was waiting to carry the party to Sanford.  After passing through the throng of people to the car, the members of the party remained on the rear of the platform for a few minutes, looking with smiles at the crowd around them. ……In a few minutes the train started and sped away to Sanford….supper was partaken at Winter Park after which the party started on their return to Washington ……..

NOTES OF THE TRIP

     Many of the citizens of LaGrange and Mims visited Titusville during the day, and their efforts in adding decorations were highly appreciated by our citizens.  While the fruits and flowers were furnished by all our sister towns, we feel that these places should receive their proper credit, for they donated liberally.

     Mrs. C. B. Magruder had prepared several presents for different members of the party, consisting of fruits and flowers, but unfortunately these, in the hurry of the moment, were forgotten…………

     People from all the adjacent towns and villages, as far away as Melbourne, were present to see the President and his wife………

     President Cleveland was certainly born under a lucky star; so pleasant and successful a trip in every minor detail is almost phenomenal.  It certainly will induce him to visit us again.  Next time he should make a stay of several days.  He would then find out what real enjoyment is…………

     The stars and stripes floated from many a building and flagstaff in Titusville, and the Titus House was neatly ornamented with bunting in honor of the President’s visit.

    Mrs. Cleveland wore a steel gray checked traveling silk, trimmed with plush and bonnet to match.  Her attire was noticeable for the absence of jewelry, which is to be highly commended in the “first lady of the land.”

     Captain Paddison was surprised at the raid made upon the flowers after the party left the steamer.  Everyone wanted a memento of the occasion.  Mrs. Pritchard received the chair occupied by the President’s wife during the trip on the steamer. 

     The Presidential party remembered the efforts of the good church people of Titusville, and cast some pretty big “mites” in the little jugs placed on the steamer by the Sunday school children.

     Mrs. Cleveland said the display on the Rockledge surpassed anything they had seen in the State; the President said it had been the most enjoyable day of his life.  He speaks of the Indian River as having the best natural advantages and the most inviting prospects of all the South.

      The people of Indian River only regret that they were forced to part with the President and Mrs. Cleveland on such short notice.  This must not be so the next time they come. 

This Week in Titusville, February 23, 1888

The President Coming to Indian River

    A dispatch was received yesterday stating that the President and party would visit Indian River, spending one day here.  They are expected to arrive on a special train to-morrow, and the Rockledge with remain over to carry them to the Hotel Indian River.*  Preparations for his coming in the way of floral decorations, etc., are being made today.

    Indian River is fortunate in securing a visit from the Chief Executive of the land, and everyone will be glad to welcome him and his charming wife.

    Thrice welcome to Indian River, Mr. President and wife, and we hope you may have lasting impressions of our tropical section of Florida!

Aurantia

   The appearance of Mr. Brown’s new cottage on the Avenue has been very much improved by a coat of paint.  A good example set for others to follow.

   Mr. G. Thompson, brother of Mr. H. S. Thompson, who has been in ill health for the past few weeks, is now convalescent.  We are happy to see him around again.

   Aurantia will be one vast orange grove and garden some day.  A great portion of the place is located in the famous “Turnbull Hammock.”  The soil is rich and very productive.  Land is sold at low figures as an inducement to actual settlers.

Mims

     Mr. B. J. Mims has returned from Rockledge, where he has been busy shipping his orange crop.

     Some of our citizens are planning a trip to Jacksonville, this week, that they may see the President and his wife, and also “take in” the Sub-Tropical.

     Our Sunday School is enjoying the hymnal books recently purchased.  A pleasant hour was spent last Sunday after regular services in practicing the new hymns.

Local Laconics

 --Yesterday was Washington’s Birthday.

 --Mr. S. Belcher has closed his restaurant department.

 --The President and Mrs. Cleveland are expected in Titusville tomorrow.

 --Sheriff Bowman returned from a ten days’ trip to St. Lucie last Saturday, having had a pretty rough trip—is the way he expressed it.

 --The Rev. Mr. Huntington, of Hartford, Ct., delivered an able sermon during the morning service, held at Wager’s Hall, on Sunday last.**

 --We heard some reports of an expected marriage ceremony to take place this week, but up to this time, we have not been able to trace it to a certainty.

 --Clearing up and burning scrub was the order of the day Tuesday.

 --Sheriff Bowman ran down and cornered a fox in the scrub near town early yesterday morning and killed him.  The baying of the hounds had the beneficial effect of waking up some of our late sleepers in the morning.

 --The contract has been let to Mr. L. R.  Decker for the erection of the Episcopal Church, and the same is to be completed, according to the terms therein by the first of June; but the contractor informs us that it will be completed before that time.  The cost of the building will be $1600, which amount has been raised by the addition of the proceeds of the St. Valentine’s Fair to the funds already on hand. 

 --Messrs. Fischer & Bryan have secured laundry machinery formerly used by John Allen, at Jacksonville, and will open a steam laundry in Titusville at Gibson’s building, immediately; probably having the same in running order by next week.

 --Captain Hawley started down the river, Sunday, with a party of ladies and gentlemen bound for Rockledge on the Frost Line, but as the wind came ahead, and a few of the ladies were sea-sick, they returned to Titusville just at the proper time for dinner.  Mal de mar did not appear to affect their appetites, however.

 --More new residences will soon be started up in Titusville. We hope the building boom may be as phenomenal as it was last summer.

     *Hotel Indian River was in Rockledge

**Episcopal Services

This Week in Titusville, February 16, 1888

Postponement of "Brevard Day" at the Sub-Tropical

Editor of the Florida Star:

    Dear Sir,-For the information of those who contemplate a visit to the Sub-Tropical Exposition in Jacksonville, Brevard Co. Day, we have just received from the J.T. & K.W. Railway officials - the rates as follows:  

    For all points in Brevard county, on the line of the railroad is 2c. a mile for round trip, and no railroad rates to be over $3. ..................

     Now as to Brevard County Day, the 23rd instant was designated by the Exposition management for the time, provided the President did not visit the Exposition that week,  It is almost a settled fact that the President will be there on or about that date, we fear it will cause postponement of Brevard County Day until some time in March.

     We hope the railroad company will find it to their interest to make excursion rates on the occasion of the President's visit also.     Yours, etc., A.L. HATCH  for Brevard Co. Committee.

    [The arrangements have been perfected for the President's visit to Jacksonville, so the day, as Mr. Hatch states, will be postponed until some time in March.- Ed.- STAR]

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     Friday and Saturday evenings at Wager's Hall the famous Templeton Opera Co. will play the comic operas, "Mikado" and "Mascotte."  This company consists of twenty-two persons, and with them they bring scenery for their plays.  Every one can rest assured that the entertainment will be first class in every respect.  Reserved seats are on sale at the store of J. Birnbaum at $1.00 each.   As the house will be crowded, you should secure your seat early.

__________

     ONE of our old subscribers, in writing us, says:  "Enclosed find $2.00.  Please give me credit for same on  subscription account to FLORIDA STAR.  From its columns I find there must have been a great change in Titusville since I began to take the paper some seven years ago."  We like to receive such letters -who would not?  There is nothing that touches the newspaper man's heart like a kind word or two; but they are generally like angel's visits-few and far between; but then we appreciate them all the more.  

LOCAL LACONICS

--During the rain on last Friday, about noon, a slight fall of hail was noticed in this section. The hailstones were very small and only lasted for a minute or two.

--We are requested to announce, by the tax collector, that the tax books will positively close on the first day of March.  Therefore take notice and govern yourselves accordingly.  

--Everyone who has visited the Sub-Tropical and comes this way speak highly of Brevard's exhibit and her courteous representative, Mr. Wingood.  We only wish that Brevard Day could come next week, while the President is at Jacksonville.  It would have attracted a great many from this section of the State.  

--Tuesday was St. Valentine's day; did you get one, comic or sentimental?

--An excursion party of fifty from Pennsylvania visited Indian River Tuesday.

--Arch-deacon Carpenter was here yesterday and held short service in the afternoon.

--Capt. J.Q. Stewart and Mrs. Stewart have returned from Middle Florida, and Mrs. Stewart is now stopping with Mrs. A.A. Stewart while the Captain is down the river.

--The afternoon train, on Tuesday, from Jacksonville, was nearly two hours late.

--Mr. & Mrs. J. Thompson, of Minneapolis, Minn., are spending a few days here, stopping at Palm Cottage.  We received a very pleasant call from them yesterday.

--Mr. Carl Curtiss is down the river this week on his place near the Narrows. 

--Captain C. F. Fischer unfurls the Danish banner to the breeze every Sunday in his fine yard on Julia Street.

STATE NEWS

 --The Presbyterians of Orlando are going to build a brick church, beginning work at once.

--S. A. Long, of Grahamville, has sent a fifteen pound turnip to the exhibition.

--Not a stone has been turned on the proposed new custom house at Key West yet.

--The lanterns for the beach lights in Pensacola Bay are now ready, and the keepers have been notified to report for duty at once.

--The United States troops at St. Augustine are daily giving exercises in a signal flag drill from the garrison station at Anastasia Island, almost two miles away.

--The ladies of the Daytona Episcopal Church realized $100 by their "New England supper."  This amount will be added to their fund for building a new rectory for their church.

--The Daytona Improvement Club has forty members. The object of the association appears to be to improve and ornament the streets and public grounds of Daytona by planting or cutting out trees, establishing and maintaining walks, grading and draining roadways, securing needful sanitary drainage, establishing and protecting good grass plats and borders in the streets, and doing whatever may tend to the improvement of the town as a place of residence.

Citizens of Titusville, let it not be said, "There is nothing to do in Titusville."

Back in the 1920s & 1930s, when the downtown stores stayed open late on Saturday nights, some people would drive downtown, park their cars and then walk home to eat.   When they came back from supper, they would sit in their cars and visit with their friends until the stores closed --sometimes till midnight!

Friday, February 22nd, enjoy an evening out in Historic Downtown Titusville.   

Spaghetti Dinner,  6-8 pm at St Gabriel's Parish Hall.  Eat in or Take out. - This is a fundraiser for our 125th Anniversary Celebration, but tickets are only $5.  $5 is all you spend for "Awesomely Delicious" spaghetti.  Thank you Caffe' Chocolat, The Coffee Shop, Cupcakes on Main, Kloiber's Cobbler & Teapot N Treasures for delicious desserts.  
Call 267-2545 for tickets.

Artist's Reception, The Downtown Gallery 6-9 pm.  The Gallery is introducing Bill Miller,  an incredible wood turner, designing delicate pieces of art that can be functional as well as beautiful.  Wine & hors' d oeuvres will be served.  All 16 of the Gallery artists will be present.  Free Event. All are welcome.   335 S Washington Ave. 268-0122.  

Saturday, February 23rd, start your morning touring the sites in Old Downtown.

The North Brevard Historical Society & Museum is celebrating Col. Titus' Birthday.  Join "Miss Lovie" Pritchard for an entertaining walking tour of Historic Downtown, and it is FREE.  The Tour begins at 10am at the museum. 301 S Washington Ave. 

Finish off the evening by coming back Downtown for the Titusville Rotary's 9th Annual Chili Cook-off 4:30-10 pm.  


Citizens of Titusville, show your support and have some fun at the same time. Come downtown Friday and Saturday and help make these events successful.