Reply: That Name Thing Again

By S.D. Plissken | March 24, 2019

Ms. McDougall,

Thank you for your comment of March 20 in regard to my own piece on the Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting of March 18. There is a lot to unpack here. I will attempt to address your various points (in several replies), although not necessarily in the order in which you made them.

I can agree with your conclusion of support for freedom of speech, commerce [a free market], and low taxes [a free people].

That Name Thing Again

Everyone wants to know our names. But why? The arguments deployed here are either valid or they are not, regardless of the name attached to them. Names are useful only for use in ad hominum fallacies – arguments applied against the man (or woman), rather than against the argument.

And, frankly, this Town government is not to be trusted with names. It was reported on the eve of the March 2018 election, in response to a 91-A request by a local Facebook administrator, that the Town Treasurer was under “criminal investigation.” She had displeased the Board of Selectmen in some way, only partially visible in their public sessions. Now, this accusation was patent nonsense, of course. And when she lost the election, the “criminal investigation” evaporated. It was apparently no longer necessary.

She won re-election as Strafford County Treasurer. The County seems to have had no problems with her whatsoever.

This episode begs many questions. Who initiated the purported “criminal investigation”? On what basis? Who did the investigating? Just following orders? What were the results? Is the information sought under 91-A now publicly available? And, finally, where does the erstwhile Treasurer go to regain her good name?

You might think that the current Treasurer has also cause for complaint: his own electoral victory appears to have been influenced, and thereby tainted, by this “February surprise.” Where is his “mandate”?

And there have been other similar occurrences, in which Town officials have threatened to use Town money – your money and mine – to sue someone into oblivion if they did not comply. By whatever means necessary, to the outer limits of our money. Aah, I’d like a vote on that expenditure, please.

Those who follow the BOS meetings will have seen occasionally other causes for concern. I might cite just a couple of them. The RSAs, whatever I might think of them, have some very few checks on the power of selectmen. Some decisions are reserved for the electorate alone.

Our selectmen do not care much for that nonsense. They find it inconvenient. They have voted amounts of money just one dollar less than statutory amounts that would trigger a vote of that electorate. They have stated outright that they are voting that dollar-smaller amount so as to not trigger the requirement for voter approval. Because they love … democracy?

In a like manner, they have stated publicly that they are keeping one dollar in a fund that, having fulfilled its approved purpose, should have been closed. They have stated clearly that they were doing so in order to avoid the need for voter authorization in the future. Because they respect … the taxpayers?

One might make a case that this Town government, when thwarted or facing some perceived impediment, sometimes reacts in a manner more akin to a criminal gang than an assemblage of our friends and neighbors.

And you want our names available to them. Yeah, right.

Milton in the News – 1884

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | March 24, 2019

In this year, Henry H. Townsend’s Milton Mills blanket factory “failed,” i.e., experienced a bankruptcy. This state of affairs might also be termed an “embarrassment.”

Business Embarrassments. H.H. Townsend, blanket manufacturer, Milton, N.H., has failed (Boston Globe, August 29, 1884).

Henry H. Townsend was born in Dorchester, MA, August 12, 1842, son of John and Jane M. Townsend.

He married in Milton, NH, June 7, 1870, Agnes J. Brierly, he of Boston, MA, and she of Milton. Rev. N.D. Adams of Union, NH, performed the ceremony. She was born in Lowell, MA, May 17, 1844, daughter of Edward J. and Margaret M. (Thompson) Brierly.

Henry H. Townsend started his own blanket factory, as opposed to that sold by his father, prior to 1873. Sullivan H. Atkins joined him as a partner between 1875 and 1880. The factory appeared previously when it suspended production for a time in 1878.

Agnes J. (Brierly) Townsend died December 26, 1891. Henry H. Townsend died in Milton Mills, NH, June 25, 1904.

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1883; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1885

References:

Find a Grave. (2013, August 12). Henry H. Townsend. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/115352239

 

Ready for a Second Helping?

By John S. Frum, Publisher | March 23, 2019

We at the Milton Observer are coming up on our first anniversary, which naturally occasions some questions.

As its publisher, I first had to ask myself, “Is the game worth the candle?” I think so.

Why the Observer?

Mr. Brown once made a strong case for the Milton Observer in a Public Comment before an October Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting. He spoke to a desperate need for local papers as a watchdog on the doings (and takings) of local government. I very much doubt that he meant the Milton Observer specifically. He cited Foster’s Daily Democrat as his exemplar but, in fact, they barely notice Milton’s existence even a few times a year.

I resolved early on that we would take little notice, as do some publications, of the foibles, failings, and arrests of private persons: they are innocent until proven guilty and are often not in a position to speak for themselves as they might wish. And there are so very many bad laws. (We are said to be all unknowingly committing “three felonies a day”).

Social media and other venues deal thoroughly with Milton businesses and social events. I am as interested in those as anyone else, but felt that they get the coverage they need.

The Milton Observer has established its own eclectic niche. And I do not think we are fully formed even now, a year later.

We have enjoyed some measure of success in our niche. I do glance at the statistics occasionally. The Milton Observer‘s content has had many thousands of views. We have even had some few foreign visitors. (Sorry, no Russian “Bots”).

Our Writers

I asked our writers whether we should persist. (After all, they do most of the work). Ms. Bristol, Ms. Starr, Mr. Forrester, and Mr. Plissken, (their pseudonyms or pen names), have all expressed a desire to continue for the time being.

Ms. Bristol feels that her foray into Milton history has been fruitful. She has managed to correct several errors in familiar standard histories and has even managed to supply some original material never before covered.

It has been largely a documentary history so far, although she did break new ground with her early census analysis (1790 and 1800). My personal favorite was the Milton Schoolteacher of 1796-05, but her pieces on Milton’s Railroad, Ice Industry, and Rusticators have proved quite popular. (She should finish Enoch Wingate’s tale).

She feels too that she may try to connect up all her Milton historical documents as a new history. I would like to see that. And maybe I can, but only in the Milton Observer.

Mr. Forrester has still a universe to explore. He has hardly begun to cover the cycle of constellations and other phenomena visible from Milton. I have long been able to recognize the Big and Small Dippers, and thereby the North Star, as well as Orion, but he has enabled me to leverage that knowledge to find Sirius and other celestial objects too.

Now, the sky from Milton is much the same as the sky from Farmington, or Dover, even the whole northern hemisphere. It might surprise you to learn that Mr. Forrester has several fans in other parts of the world as well as Milton.

Mr. Plissken is, well, Mr. Plissken. His articles do occasionally get shared elsewhere, which he does appreciate. Sometimes a disclaimer is attached, which always makes us smile.

Some might regard Mr. Plissken as being a bit of an iconoclast. Perhaps. He does try to address the arguments, rather than the man (or woman). You will have noticed that he frequently reproduces the things that are said exactly (and even links to the video). No one but the public officials themselves put those words, arguments, or justifications into their mouths.

He has of necessity focused in this last year on what has seemed to be the font of Milton’s political and economic errors: its Board of Selectmen. It is certain that we have been poorly governed for quite some time. But hope springs eternal: it might be that our wise overlords will introduce reforms any time now, or as they used to tell me, “straighten up and fly right.”

I do wish I could duplicate Mr. Plissken’s coverage across all the offices, boards and committees, even those as far away as Concord, or even Washington, but he can only be stretched so far and we are, after all, the Milton Observer.

Ms. Starr has not been able to contribute as much as she had hoped. That is fine. Her occasional observations have been interesting. We might hope to hear more from her in the future.

I do wish to enlarge our pool of writers. I am trying to persuade a particular movie buff that they need to write for us. I envisioned a broad survey of the “great” movies available on DVD or through streaming services, rather than the latest film releases at the box office. Something we might have overlooked or never even known about. But this writer I have in mind might have their own ideas.

Ms. Bristol has occasionally shared historical recipes that she came across during her researches. (See the Milton Mills Oyster Fritters Recipe of 1895, and Milton Cookies of 1895-96). Maybe someone could give us more.

I have considered changing up the paper’s physical format too. I am still thinking on that.

Maybe You Have Something to Say?

I created a space for guest writers and have occasionally offered to publish (and have even published) pieces by others. It might be that you have something interesting that needs to be said. Or something of general interest. Or a rebuttal. I do favor Milton writers, but Strafford County, New England, and the world are out there too. The content should be such as would interest Milton readers, but that takes in a lot of territory. I recommend the use of a pen name.

I do not interfere much with what writers might say, but we do have an editorial point of view. You may say whatever you like – even that the Observer is a hopeless scandal sheet full of unsubstantiated rumors – but you should expect that there may be some pushback or rebuttal from other writers. That is how free speech works.

I ask primarily that a writer not get us sued, if such a thing is even possible within the parameters I have set. It is necessary also to support or enlarge upon any facts cited in concluding References.

We try to avoid criticizing or even mentioning “civilians” by name, but the public pronouncements of our wise overlords are fair game. (They are asserting a right to rule over us, and to realize their fevered dreams at the public expense).

That gentile avoidance sort of includes you too. Your work might not be quite as relevant, or interesting, if you get too personal. (We might be embarrassed). Try to speak to wider interests, topics, and concerns. You might ask, as they do with children, “Did I bring enough for everyone?”

(In terms of textual presentation, I prefer full justification; I do not care for left justification).

So, the Milton Observer and its writers have contracted for at least another year. And it might be that some of you might have something suitable for us. (You may reach me by e-mail, which I check at least occasionally).

Do not expect to get paid. Well, maybe some experience and satisfaction will be forthcoming.

References:

Laissez Faire Books. (2012, March 25). Three Felonies a Day, a Review by Wendy McIlroy. Retrieved from lfb.org/three-felonies-a-day-reviewed-by-wendy-mcelroy/

Milton in the News – 1883

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | March 21, 2019

Butler, Gardner S.In this year, Milton Mills’ Union Congregational minister, the Rev. Gardner S. Butler, preached also in Wakefield’s Union village, for a while.

New Hampshire. UNION. It is expected that Rev. G.S. Butler of Milton Mills is to preach here Sunday afternoon at two o’clock, for a while (Vermont Chronicle (Bellows Falls, VT), February 9, 1883).

This may be when he met the widow that he would marry in the following year. She lived next door to the Union village parsonage.

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1882; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1884

References:

None at present

A Reply to Chairman Thibeault’s Rube Goldberg Machine

By Lynette McDougall | March 20, 2019

I have never replied to the Milton Observer because I have felt it entertaining to a degree plus well written. I am afraid I am disappointed in this review, it is so easy to shame, and make those who we have voted in office look bad when they too are citizens. They are in the constant hot seat taking hits.

May I ask who on the Milton Observer use their real names? – it’s sort of a hit and run. No one can hit back if they don’t know who you are. Yet these people, board members, are our neighbors, and friends putting their time in to do what no one else has stepped up to do. I may make my political thoughts known publicly, but I don’t hide and I do respect our Town Planner, town board for trying their best.

It takes guts to try and help this town who resists so much effort to grow. I don’t agree with Ryan on some things but he’s my neighbor and I respect he is out there doing the best he knows and the same for Andy and many others.

Right now, I believe my remark to the BOS was wrong: “who do they work for?” I should have asked what can be done to work together for a common goal. We have forgotten why public meetings are so important; to exchange ideas, work out problems, and be open to new ideas or respectfully listen. This is town business we pay for.

I took a picture of the audience at last night’s Planning Board, as usual there was no public attendance. But there was plenty to say about Warrant Article 3 but not where citizens could hear the RSA’s, professional definitions, etc., etc. It’s amazing that propaganda can so easily be disguised and manipulated by colored pamphlets. The public missed the main objectives of the article and took the ride of misinformation. That’s ok, it was talked about at last night’s meeting that the public didn’t attend.

You might wonder who I champion … it’s freedom of speech, it’s public involvement, it’s commerce, low taxes with regard to what you have to give up in return, everything comes at a cost.

Freedom comes at a great cost we are all on the hook to pay the toll.

Ms. McDougall is a member of the Milton Planning Board. Her husband is a member the Budget Committee

See also Chairman Thibeault’s Rube Goldberg Machine

Observing the Moon: Part 2, Just What is a Super-Moon Anyway?

By Peter Forrester | March 20, 2019

Well, here we go. Another supermoon is coming up tonight / tomorrow (depending on where you are), right after the Spring Equinox which is tonight about 6 pm in US Eastern time. This one is called the Super Worm Equinox Moon, or similar phrases. What exactly do all these terms mean?

Well, first of all, “supermoon” means a Moon that is at its closest approach to Earth, and at full moon (or new moon) phase at the same time, making it appear brighter and slightly larger than it normally would. Every month it has its “perigee”, the closest approach of that orbit, and the opposite “apogee”, but some perigees are closer than others. The moon at perigee normally appears about 14% bigger than at apogee, so we’re not talking a huge difference here.

The term supermoon was first coined by an astrologer in 1979, and has various definitions in different places. The original definition stated that the full or new moon occurs with the Moon within 90% of its closest approach to Earth, but the reason for choosing 90% was never explained, and the claim that a supermoon causes catastrophic effects and stress on Earth has been thoroughly disproven by scientists. It should also be noted that most people using the term “supermoon” are referring to a Full Moon (and very rarely is used for a New Moon).

The Worm refers to the month of March, and apparently this originates with Native Americans who called their full moon in March by this name, owing to earthworms coming out of the thawing soil at this time of year.

Equinox, well that’s happening today. We only have two equinoxes per year, and they always occur around March 20th, and again 6 months later in September. For the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox is called the Vernal or Spring Equinox, and denotes the astronomical beginning of Spring, while it starts Fall in the Southern Hemisphere. The September equinox is called the Autumnal or Fall Equinox.

But what is an Equinox? According to Wikipedia, equinox occurs at “the instant of time when the plane (extended indefinitely in all directions) of Earth’s equator passes through the center of the Sun”. Or in other words, when the center of the Sun is directly above the equator.

The two equinoxes are when the day and night are the same length (not exactly at the same moment as the Equinox, but pretty close). The equinoxes are also the only times of year that both the northern and southern hemisphere receive the same amount of light from the Sun.

This March Supermoon is the last full moon supermoon of this year, after having them in January and February as well (however, we have three supermoon New moons in August and September). The February one was the closest and brightest, but this one is unique. It is very rare for the supermoon to happen within a day of the equinox. It won’t happen again until 2030.

Owing to the momentous occasion of a Super Worm Equinox Moon happening today / tomorrow, I have deferred a description of the Moon’s seas and craters until Part 3 of this series.

Happy moon observing! Because you’re only going to see the brightest stars right now, skies permitting. If it’s too cloudy, there’s a link on the first reference, the National Geographic article below where you can watch it online.

Have a great day, and Happy Spring (or Fall, if you’re reading this from south of the Equator)!

Previous in series: Observing the Moon, Part 1: Appearance and Phases

References:

Fazekas, Andrew. (2019, March 19). See the first supermoon on the spring equinox in 19 years. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2019/03/see-first-super-worm-moon-on-spring-equinox-in-19-years/.

McClure, Bruce, and Deborah Byrd. (2019, January 1). How many supermoons in 2019? Retrieved from https://earthsky.org/human-world/what-is-a-supermoon.

Wikipedia. (2019, March 20). Equinox. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equinox.

Wikipedia. (2019, March 14). Supermoon. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermoon.

Wikipedia. (2019, February 22). Syzygy (astronomy). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygy_(astronomy).

Chairman Thibeault’s Rube Goldberg Machine

By S.D. Plissken | March 20, 2019

Many of those that hold Milton’s Town government offices suffer from one or more commonly-held delusions.

One is reminded of various medical practitioners of the past who, though well meaning, aggravated patient problems and probably even hastened their deaths. For example, George Washington is said to have been “bled” in his final hours by such a practitioner, which certainly did not do him any good.

Now, they were not entirely bad doctors, but merely doing their best according to the state of medical knowledge of their day. Had they persisted in employing antiquated methods, disproven theories, or even some illogical and unproven notions of their own, we might term them “quacks.”

At the most recent Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting (March 18, 2019), some of our very own economic and political quackery was on display yet again. This needs to stop.

The Atlantic Broadband representative confirmed, in answer to a query, that his company has not extended their network to every house in town. He explained that is financially unremunerative to run lines where there are less then ten customers per mile. He further explained that potential customers in such areas might still get Atlantic Broadband connections, but would need to contribute themselves, at least in part, to run the lines out to their location.

The representative was not presenting some sort of bizarre formulation. I have heard similar things about Eversource (and their predecessor PSNH). You may build as far off the street as you may like, but you will be paying yourself to run the poles from your house out to a connection at the street.

Enter our Town Planner, Bruce W. Woodruff. He wondered if – in this day and age – internet access is really more akin to a public utility than merely a service. Step carefully, Mr. Woodruff. Didn’t we just have a rather close call on Article #3 in trying to fiddle meanings and definitions for political purposes? Of course, Mr. Woodruff’s hint led nowhere with the vendor. Milton cannot yet compel companies to engage in unprofitable practices.

But Mr. Woodruff was willing to have the taxpayers build upon that poor foundation. He would have the Town tax everybody in town, put that tax money in a “Broadband Fund,” and use that tax money to subsidize an extension of the internet to the purportedly underserved areas. (Thinly-settled areas may be served with as many satellite connections as they like).

Planner Woodruff: Other communities have invested some of their tax dollars into a fund called a “Broadband Fund,” and then they would use that “Broadband Fund” toward these goals. And I think it’s very important to consider.

Go carefully there too, Mr. Woodruff, I think I got just a whiff of some Socialism. We would not want to step in that.

Subsidizing broadband connections is not a legitimate governmental function. Not at all, no matter how you might wish to redefine it.

Newly-returned Selectman Rawson delivered a stunner in the Town-Owned Properties discussion. He proposed adding the 1121 White Mountain Highway property – the so-called “Blue House” – to the proposed auction list.

Chairman Thibeault had a sort of Rube Goldberg contraption planned for that property. Giving it to the Milton Historical Society would allow them to move the Plummer’s Ridge Schoolhouse No. 1 property – which he would also give them – across the street to the “Blue House” land. (See also Not Yours to Give). The “Blue House” would have to be demolished first, of course, but his plan did not mention who would be paying for that. Any guesses?

That would create an “attraction,” which would be – as he said – a “huge asset” for Milton. Tell us Chairman Thibeault, why would that be such a great thing for Milton taxpayers?

Self-Operating Napkin
Soup spoon (A) is raised to mouth, pulling string (B) and thereby jerking ladle (C), which throws cracker (D) past parrot (E). Parrot jumps after cracker and perch (F) tilts, upsetting seeds (G) into pail (H). Extra weight in pail pulls cord (I), which opens and ignites lighter (J), setting off skyrocket (K), which causes sickle (L) to cut string (M), allowing pendulum with attached napkin to swing back and forth, thereby wiping chin.

Well, as an attraction, it might bring in out-of-town visitors, who might spend money here, which might “encourage” businesses, which might somehow reduce taxes. The “logic” trails off there. (They having already more than spent any conceivable tax advantage that might accrue from phantom businesses, if they were to ever arrive).

But “encouraging” businesses (at public time and expense) is not a legitimate governmental function at all.

Now, you won’t believe this newest twist (at least the one most recently revealed): Chairman Thibeault’s Historical Society scheme would have the additional “advantage” of preventing occupation of the “Blue House” by a family with children. Quelle horreur!

Chairman Thibeault: You talk about tax revenue, but remember when you talk about tax revenue, right, there’s what you are going to bring in for that house, and what it’s going to cost the Town. Right? So, say that house is fixed up, and a family moves into it, – And I’m not saying I don’t want families moving to Milton, I’m not saying that at all  – But it’s going to cost you more money, because of the cost of the School system. So, you’re not …

He’s not saying that at all, except when he is saying exactly that. In his view, a childless or elderly couple, or a business, or the Historical Society are to be preferred at that location because a young family, with children, would cause an additional cost to the School District. One older audience member described this sort of calculation as “crooked and dystopian.”

Milton’s population has been more or less stagnant since 2010. (While its taxes have skyrocketed). Are attitudes such as Chairman Thibeault’s contributing to its lack of growth?

Shouldn’t the Town and School District be looking more to reducing its higher-than-State-average per-pupil expenses rather than its number of pupils?

We have been told that Milton is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NH State government. The NH Constitution clearly states that government’s raison d’etre: the inhabitants surrender a very few of their acknowledged natural rights in order to preserve some others, i.e. some of their other natural rights.

Subsidizing internet connections, encouraging businesses, or, worst yet, discouraging children, do not come under the heading of surrendering some natural rights to preserve others.

Town officials need to step back and take a deep breath. Open the windows to let some fresh air in there. Get their heads straight. Stop employing the political means where the economic means are more appropriate (which is true for nearly everything).

Ms. McDougall prompted the board to remember who they represent. (The correct answer: the taxpayers).

Kudos to Selectman Rawson for his “Blue House” motion and to Vice-Chairwoman Hutchings for voting with him. One hopes they may continue to remember who they represent.

See also A Reply to Chairman Thibeault’s Rube Goldberg Machine

(Editor’s note: Ms. Bristol compiled accounts of a prior failed Milton business “encouragement,” which resulted in the Milton Mills Shoe Strike of 1889).

References:

State of New Hampshire. (2019). [NH] State Constitution: Bill of Rights. Retrieved from www.nh.gov/glance/bill-of-rights.htm

Town of Milton. (2019, March 18). BOS Meeting, March 18, 2019. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktrwn9qoUIo

Wikipedia. (2018, December 11). Rube Goldberg Machine. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine

Milton in the News – 1882

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | March 18, 2019

In this year, we encounter the auction sale of a Milton Three Ponds hotel, the calling of a new minister to Milton Mills’ Union Congregational church, and the tragic freezing death of a Lebanon mother.

Horatio Gates Wentworth, Jr., was born in Lebanon, ME, July 4, 1841, son of Horatio G. and Esther (Gowell) Wentworth. He married, probably in Lebanon, ME, circa 1861, Susan Hersom. She was born in Lebanon, ME, December 10, 1841, daughter of John and Asenath (Shorey) Hersom.

Horatio G. Wentworth, Jr., of Lebanon, ME, a laborer, married, aged twenty-two years (b. ME), registered for the Class I military draft in July 1863. He was a farmer in Lebanon, ME, in 1870.

H.G. Wentworth appeared as manager of Milton’s Glendale House hotel in the Milton business directories of 1880, 1881, and 1882.

Horatio G. Wentworth, keeps hotel, aged thirty-eight years (b. MA), headed a Milton (“Milton 3-Ponds Village”), NH, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan [(Hersom)] Wentworth, keeping house (hotel), aged thirty-seven years (b. ME), and their six boarders, George Babcock, works for ice co., aged twenty-two years (b. MA), Nelson Babcock, works for ice co., aged nineteen years (b. MA), George Ingalls, works for ice co., aged thirty years (b. MA), George B. Knowlton, works for ice co., aged twenty-three years (b. MA), Howard Conkling, works for ice co., aged twenty-eight years (b. VT), and Thomas J. Gile, works for ice co., aged twenty years (b. ME).

The hotel appeared in the enumeration between the households of George I. Jordan, works on shoes, aged forty-five years (b. ME), and Albert Downs, works on shoes, aged thirty years (b. NH).

AUCTION SALES. HOTEL AT AUCTION. The well-known Glendale House, situate at Milton “Three Ponds” village, on the banks of a beautiful lake on the Conway division of the Eastern Railroad, will be sold at public auction, THURSDAY, May 25, at 2 o’clock P.M., sharp; situate in a growing manufacturing village, amid beautiful scenery, pure air, on the direct line of White Mountain travel, excellent boating, fishing, etc.; within two minutes walk of the depot, it presents superior advantages as a summer resort for the invalid or pleasure-seeker; terms liberal. Apply to H.A. WORTHEN, carriage manufacturer, or V.H. McDANIEL, Auctioneer, Dover, N.H. (Boston Globe, May 23, 1882).

Note that the auction advertisement seems to be pitched more towards tourist interests than those of the ice industry.

H.G. Wentworth appeared as manager of Milton’s Phenix House hotel in the Milton business directory of 1884.

Rev. Gardner S. Butler transferred from North Troy, VT, to the Union Congregational Church at Milton Mills, NH.

North Troy. Rev. G.S. Butler has received and accepted a call to preach at Milton Mills, N.H. (Express and Standard (Newport, VT), September 12, 1882).

This next article concerns the freezing death of Mrs. Moses W. Foss. Their marital life was a bit complicated and requires a bit of preliminary explanation.

Moses W. Foss married (1st) in Milton, NH, June 7, 1874, Addie S. Simonds, he of Milton and she of New Portsmouth, NH. Rev Joseph F. Joy [of the Milton Mills Free-Will Baptist church] performed the ceremony. She was born in Dover, NH, circa 1855-56, daughter of Stillman and Hannah W. (Stevens) Simonds. They seem to have divorced.

Moses W. Foss married (2nd) in Wakefield, NH, November 13, 1878, Susan A. (Sanborn) Goodwin, he of Milton and she of Wakefield. She was born in Wakefield, daughter of Goodwin and Hannah Sanborn. She had married (1st) Frank Goodwin, with whom she had a son, Charles W. Goodwin.

Moses W. Foss, a laborer, aged thirty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Lebanon, ME, household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Susan A. Foss, keeping house, aged twenty-five years (b. ME [SIC]), his son-in-law (i.e, stepson), Charles W. Goodwin, at home, aged six years (b. NH), and his son, James H. Foss, at home, aged one year (b. NH).

HER LAST SHOPPING. A Woman Frozen to Death in a Snow Storm Near Milton, N.H. MILTON, N.H., December 16. Mrs. Moses W. Foss walked about two miles to this place to do some trading Wednesday afternoon in a snow storm. She attempted to return in a deep and blinding storm, and had nearly reached there, when, overcome by exhaustion, she fell down and perished. She leaves three small children. Her husband was out of town (Boston Globe, December 16, 1882).

Miscellaneous Items. Mrs. Moses W. Foss, of Milton, N.H., was caught out in a snow storm last week, and froze to death (New England Farmer, December 23, 1882).

Moses W. Foss married next (3rd) in Milton, NH, June 19, 1884, Rosa Cole, both of Milton. She was born in Milton, NH, daughter of Simon and Martha O. (Sargent) Cole.

Moses W. Foss died in Cornish, ME, July 18, 1910. Rosa (Cole) Foss married (2nd) in Cornish, ME, May 30, 1911, Greenleaf Pugsley.

Previous in sequence: Milton in the News – 1881; next in sequence: Milton in the News – 1883

References:

Find a Grave. (2012, November 25). Horatio G. Wentworth. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/101246605

Wikipedia. (2018, May 12). North Troy, Vermont. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Troy,_Vermont

School District Election Results for March 12, 2019

By Muriel Bristol | March 17, 2019

Milton had the second part of its annual School District election (the first being the Deliberative Session), on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

Only about one-third (32.4%) of the electorate chose to participate: 1047 / 3232 = 32.4%.

These results come from photographs of vote totals, which do not seem to be posted on the Town or School District websites.

The School District Clerk is pushing a recount: “I will be available at the Town Hall Friday (tomorrow) and Tuesday 3p-5p for anyone requesting a School District Recount” and “Yes, 10 signatures on an official recount request. Must be a registered voter, with a fee of $10.” Presumably, because you did not vote “correctly.” Come on, people, get in line.

School District offices appear first, followed by School District Warrant Articles. (Both are listed in the order of the percentages of votes received).

School District Offices (in Descending Order by Percentages Received)

School District Moderator – One for One Year

Chris Jacobs won the seat with 840 (80.2%) votes. He ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 3 (0.3%) votes. (He is also the incumbent Town Moderator).

School District Clerk – One for One Year

Tammy J. Crandall won the seat with 824 (78.7%) votes. She ran unopposed. “Scattering” had 4 (0.4%) votes.

School District Treasurer – One for One Year

Mackenzie Campbell won the seat with 815 (77.8%) votes. He ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 6 (0.6%) votes. (He received 836 (79.8%) in his unopposed race for Town Treasurer).

School Board Member – Two for Three Years

Emily Meehan won a seat with 548 (52.3%) votes. Melissa J. Brown won a seat with 455 (43.5%) votes.

Carter Wentworth Terry received 342 (32.7%) votes. “Scattering” received 309 (29.5%) votes. (“Scattering” included the write-in candidate, Alfred Goodwin).

See also Wintry Mix – School Board Candidates

School District Warrant Articles (in Descending Order by Percentages Received)

Article 5: School Plow Truck – Rejected – 275 (26.3%) in favor, 694 (66.3%) opposed, and 78 (7.4%) neither

Article 6: School Transportation Caravan – Rejected – 350 (33.4%) in favor, 615 (58.7%) opposed, and 82 (7.8%) neither

Article 11: Extension of School Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer Terms to Three Years – Passed – 593 (56.6%) in favor, 366 (35.0%) opposed, and 88 (8.4%) neither

Article 9: Utilities Trust Fund – Rejected – 378 (36.1%) in favor, 587 (56.1%) opposed, and 82 (7.8%) neither

Article 10: Technology Expendable Trust Fund – Rejected – 379 (36.2%) in favor, 579 (55.3%) opposed, and 89 (8.5%) neither

Article 8: Building Maintenance Fund – Passed – 576 (55.0%) in favor, 375 (35.8%) opposed, and 96 (9.2%) neither

Article 4: Library Media – Passed – 561 (53.6%) in favor, 415 (39.6%) opposed, and 71 (6.8%) neither

Article 3: Salary Increases – Rejected – 445 (42.5%) in favor, 536 (51.2%) opposed, and 66 (6.3%) neither

Article 2: Operating Budget – Rejected – 448 (42.8%) in favor, 525 (50.1%) opposed, and 74 (7.1%) neither

Article 7: Educationally Disabled Children Trust Fund – Rejected – 481 (45.9%) in favor, 484 (46.2%) opposed, and 82 (7.8%) neither

[Editors note: “Errors excepted”].

See School District Election Results for March 10, 2020 and School District Election Results for March 9, 2021. (See also Town Election Results for March 12, 2019)

References:

Our Milton Home Facebook Group. (2019, March 12) John Gagner Post. Retrieved from www.facebook.com/groups/OurMiltonHome/permalink/2139977946096492/

Non-Public BOS Session Scheduled (March 18, 2019)

By Muriel Bristol | March 15, 2019

The Milton Board of Selectmen (BOS) have posted their agenda for a BOS meeting to be held Monday, March 18.

This meeting is scheduled to begin with a Non-Public session beginning at 5:30 PM. That agenda has two Non-Public items classed as 91-A:3 II (a) and 91-A3 II (b).

91-A:3 II (a) The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted.

91-A:3 II (b) The hiring of any person as a public employee.

A new Town year begins with a secret meeting, about raises and hiring. It is like they cannot help themselves. It does beg a question: legally, can Selectman-elect Rawson participate in this prior to being sworn?

The BOS intend to adjourn their Non-Public BOS session at approximately (*) 6:00 PM, when they intend to return to Public session.

The Public portion of the agenda has New Business, Old Business, and some housekeeping items.

Under New Business are scheduled twelve agenda items: 1) Swearing in Newly Elected Officials, Board and Committee Members, 2) Re-Organization of Board of Selectmen, 3) Board of Selectmen Committee/Board Assignments: a. Budget Committee b. Planning Board c. Zoning Board of Adjustment d. Economic Development Committee e. Recreation Commission f. School Board, 4) Board of Selectmen By-Law Discussion, 5) Board of Selectmen Recording Clerk Contractual Agreement Approval (Danielle Marique), 6) 2019 Town Election Results Discussion, 7) Request Approval of Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Abatement, 1 of 2 (M. Beauchamp), 8) Request Approval of Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Abatement, 2 of 2 (M. Beauchamp), 9) Durgin Fund Reimbursement for Veterans’ Park Project (Michelle Beauchamp), 10) Approval of Payment to JS Marine & Vinyl Works (Richard Krauss), 11) Town Ordinance Exception Request (David Paey), and 12) Discussion With Atlantic Broadband Representative Re.: Franchise Renewal (Dave Owen).

Agenda Item #12 has a fixed time of 6:30 PM. The other items will “flow” around this fixed time.

Swearing in Newly Elected Officials, Board and Committee Members; Re-Organization of Board of Selectmen; Board of Selectmen Committee/Board Assignments: a. Budget Committee, b. Planning Board, c. Zoning Board of Adjustment, d. Economic Development Committee, e. Recreation Commission, and f. School Board. All of the newly-elected officials are to be sworn; the BOS will identify their Chairman (or Chairwoman) and Vice-Chairman (or Vice-Chairwoman); and they will decide which selectman or selectwoman will sit on which Town committee.

As there are six committees and three selectmen, an even division would be two committees per selectman. Last year, Selectman Lucier hung back and took only one, while Vice-Chairwoman Hutchings picked up his slack.

Board of Selectmen By-Law Discussion. Will they continue Selectman Thibeault’s meeting by-laws?

Board of Selectmen Recording Clerk Contractual Agreement Approval (Danielle Marique). Renewal of the Recording Clerk’s contract.

2019 Town Election Results Discussion. The Town budget was rejected, 614 (61.6%) to 382 (38.4%). None of last year’s selectmen voted like the (nearly two-thirds) majority of the voters that rejected the increased Town budget. The BOS served again in their accustomed role as rubber stamps for more increases. Might this discussion include their apology, accompanied by a promise to better represent the taxpayers’ interests in the future? We shall see. Wonders never cease.

Request Approval of Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Abatement. Times two. When last this occurred it was an adjustment for a vehicle no longer owned.

Durgin Fund Reimbursement for Veterans’ Park Project. The Ira S. Knox Fund (AKA the Durgin Fund).

Approval of Payment to JS Marine & Vinyl Works. Although the States of New Hampshire and Maine have sole jurisdiction on the ponds, the Milton Police Navy feels a need to be a “presence” there. When last seen, Chief Krauss wanted $40,000 for a “patrol truck” capable of towing their boat. At that time, he mentioned that their boat had been damaged by the ice.

Town Ordinance Exception Request. On February 20, the Milton Planning Board voted 7-0 to “approve the request to renew the existing excavation permit submitted by David Paey Jr. owner / excavator, property located at 76 Piggot Rd.”

Discussion With Atlantic Broadband Representative Re.: Franchise Renewal. Cable TV is on its way out. (They raise prices like selectmen). One hopes at least that the contract term is a short one, allowing for future developments.

Under Old Business are scheduled two items: 13) Follow Up Discussion on Town Owned Properties, and 14) Follow Up Discussion on Town Vehicles / Equipment.

Town-Owned Properties. When last seen, the BOS was inching towards auctioning the three-year tax seizures. Chairman Thibeault would not “support” including the “Blue House,” valued at $168,300, in the list. He preferred giving it away to his favorite private organization. Here is his chance for a recount.

Finally, there will be the approval of prior minutes (from the BOS meeting of March 4, 2019), the expenditure report, Public Comments “Pertaining to Topics Discussed,” Town Administrator comments, and BOS comments.

Mr. S.D. Plissken contributed to this article.

References:

NH Magazine. (2016, January). Losing Your Home. Retrieved from www.nhmagazine.com/January-2016/Losing-Your-Home/

State of New Hampshire. (2016, June 21). RSA Chapter 91-A. Access to Governmental Records and Meetings. Retrieved from www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/VI/91-A/91-A-3.htm

Town of Milton. (2018, March 15). BOS Meeting Agenda, March 18, 2019. Retrieved from www.miltonnh-us.com/sites/miltonnh/files/events/3.18.19_bos_agenda.pdf

Youtube. (1965). Cone of Silence. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1eUIK9CihA&feature=youtu.be&t=19