Yesterday, I received a comment regarding a resource for looking up old newspaper articles that might shed some light on the circa 1920 Job's Creek Bridge accident. The unidentified commentor suggested that I check out the New York Times archives on the internet for a possible lead. I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything helpful about the accident; however, I found, to my surpeise, various old articles on New Gretna. Who would have thought that the New York Times would be concerned with little old New Gretna?
I came across the following New Gretna news article that brought my mind back to that familiar childhood song, The Farmer In The Dell. Somehow I found myself humming the tune and singing . . . "The cat takes the rat, the rat takes the cheese, and the cheese stands alone" . . . as I finished reading the article. It's strange as to what can trigger your mind back to your childhood.
New York Times - April 20, 1904
Rye Allen was a well loved, gregarious New Gretna character, a jack of all trades whose fingers were in just about every pie in New Gretna, a real entrepreneur. Those who knew him or heard tell of him from the old timers would not be surprised that he would make headlines in the New York Times. Nothing he did would be a surprise!
See the Thursday, November 27, 2008 and Sunday, December 21st blog entries (links below) for more information on Rye Allen.
Rye Allen made a splash in the New York Times with the help of his cat and an unwitting mouse. His returning the ring to Miss Margaret is a testimony to his honesty and integrity. (Photo courtesy of John Steinhaurer, Jr.)
Now, Miss Margaret Adams was just the opposite. A quiet, well schooled, proper lady who taught school and/or was principal here in New Gretna for over 40 years. She was loved and well respected by three generations of New Gretna youths, an active member of the Methodist Church in New Gretna, and a pillar of the community.
Miss Margaret Adams was the beneficiary of Rye Allen's keen eyesight and honesty. She should be smiling about getting her ring back, but I wouldn't be smiling either if I had to wear that long, stiff collar. (Photo courtesy of Naomi Post Maurer, Miss Margaret's niece.)
Pete S