Selected from the pages of the Windsor Locks Journal and lightly annotated by Wendy Taylor, Kent Memorial Library.
Sept 3
Many people accepted the invitation…to visit the gladiolus gardens of B. Halsey Spencer on the West Suffield road. There were also several hundred visitors from western Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Automobile parties began to arrive at the gardens at 7 in the morning and continued to come in a steady stream until after 8 at night. Gladiolus lovers lingered in the gardens until long after dark, inspecting the choice red, white and yellow blossoms.
Mr. Spencer has more than 1,000,000 stalks in bloom made up of more than 700 varieties. Those who have visited the gardens proclaim that it is the most beautiful exhibition of gladioli that this section has had in a long time.
Mr. Spencer maintains about five acres of land here which is devoted entirely to the growing of these flowers. In addition, he has several acres under cultivation near his home in Longmeadow. Mr. Spencer permitted visitors to take flowers away with them provided they did their own cutting. There were many visitors who took advantage of the kind invitation. He recently sent 2000 stalks to the Shriners’ hospital and other hospitals to be distributed to the sick.
The gladiolus season is at its height now, with a plentiful supply. The production at Mr. Spencer’s gardens is the largest he has ever had, practically every plant being in bloom.
The registrars of electors will meet at the town clerk’s office…to perfect the voting list for the annual town election and to receive the names of persons to be placed on the list “to be made” voters.
Sept 10
A pretty fall wedding took place…when Frances Goodusky…was married to Justin Zala… The bride’s dress was of white satin with lace overdress and she wore a veil with train caught with a wreath of orange blossoms and carried a bouquet of white roses. The maid’s dress was pink georgette with hat to match and she carried pink roses. The bridesmaids wore pastel shade dresses, with hats to match and carried sweet peas.
John J. Fahey of South street was badly cut…while working in a tobacco shed on his farm. A sixteen-foot pole became loosened and fell a distance of about fifteen feet, striking Mr. Fahey on top of the head. Dr. William E. Caldwell found it necessary to take a number of stitches.
Dr. Winthrop P. Partridge of Main street, who has been in Europe for two months, returned…and has resumed practice here. During his stay abroad he visited hospitals and attended clinics in Edinburgh, London, Switzerland, Belgium and Paris.
Henry Gownia, 10-years old son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gownia of South Main street, was injured… when a blank cartridge, which he was picking with a nail, exploded, cutting three fingers of one hand.
John L. Firtion’s cider mill at Boston Neck will commence operations next week for the season.
Several farmers finished harvesting their tobacco this week.
Sept 17
The selectmen and town clerk will meet in the town clerk’s office Saturday from 9 to 5 o’clock to examine the qualifications of those desiring to become voters.
The members of the St. Joseph’s church will hold a bazaar on the church lawn…There will be entertainments provided.
Sept 24
Nathan Hale Day was celebrated at the Center school…by a special program in memory of Connecticut’s hero, Nathan Hale.
To assist persons in the way of using the voting machines at the coming town and state elections, there will be a demonstration of the machines in the Town hall.