From the pages of the Windsor Locks Journal, selected and lightly annotated by Lester Smith, Historian of the Town and the Suffield Historical Society
April 5
The War Rally held at the Town hall Tuesday evening was one of the most enthusiastic meetings ever held in town. . . . George Harmon, chairman of the Thrift Stamp committee, presided. The first speaker was Rev. J. N. Dinand, S. J., president of Holy Cross college of Worcester, Mass., who gave one of the most brilliant patriotic addresses ever heard in this town. His theme was “Sacrifice,” which he said was the foundation of the nation.
George A. Peckham, agent for the Hartford County League, has been offered a Bates Steel Mill Tractor for the use of the farmers of this town. The only expense to the farmers will be the cost of fuel and maintenance and a competent man to run it. The tractor runs a gang of three plows and may help out the farmers with their work.
The Suffield Agricultural Society has sold its property on the West Suffield road to John Barnett, Jr. By the sale of the property the society will be able to close up its affairs and go out of business. [No more annual Town Fairs on what is now McAlister School and the fields out back.]
April 12
Farmers who have been unable to obtain help for the coming summer and are in a position to board a man, should consult with E. A. Fuller, who says he may be in a position to help them out.
The annual meeting of the Mapleton Literary Club was held Wednesday afternoon with Miss Mary Henshaw. . . . It was voted to continue sewing for the Red Cross next year and abolish the literary part of the program.
Farmers have been busy preparing their tobacco beds this week and a large number have already sowed their seed.
April 19
A schedule of twelve games and one open date has been arranged by Manager Leon Alling for the Suffield School baseball team. The season opened Wednesday, April 17, with a game with Deerfield Academy.
Tax Collector W. W. Pomeroy has collected about $55,000 of the total amount of $65,000. The 2 per cent. discount allowed for taxes paid before April 15 amounted this year to over $1,000. After May 9, interest will be charged at the rate of 9 per cent. per annum.
Charles J. Holcomb has sued the Town of Suffield for $1,160, which he claims is damages done by dogs to sheep. The appraisers appointed by the town and Mr. Holcomb did not agree over the matter of damages; hence the suit.
Three West Suffield boys were called to the colors this week, Newton T. Phelon and John and William Colson. They will leave next week.
April 26
About forty fishermen and hunters of this town met in Union hall last Saturday night for the purpose of organizing a fish and game association for the conservation of fish and game and the promise of outdoor sports.
The Suffield Honor Roll, containing the names of the boys from this town in the service of the country, has been placed on the park opposite the Town hall. . . . The roll will be lighted at night . . .
The night schools closed this week and those in charge felt well satisfied with the progress made. Some of the Polish people, who could neither read nor write, got a good start in the English language and learned to write very plainly in the few weeks course.
Miss Mabel L. Orr has returned to her home [in West Suffield] after a visit with her sister, Mrs. Waldo Smith, of East Granby.