NEW NAMPSNIIII
tyme
Orford
Permon?
Hover hiH
Wood,?=lie
BOTh
VIRMONT
The?ford
So,flee
Wet? Fo=rlee
Brodford
Corfnth
T Opt, horn
Newbury
Welh R,ver
Ryegove
Gro?o n
USP
598340
117, Number 43
Serving Over 48 Communities in Northern New Hampshire and Vermont
October 27, 1982
E/ectmns next Tuesday,
Nov. 2,/n
Vermont and New Hampshire
should, be reminded that neVTuesday, Nov.
, in both Vermont and New Hampshire.
will be open in most of our area towns from
to 6100 p.m., on Tuesday. Only registered
vote in the elections. For the exact time
open and close in your town, and to see if
name is registered on your town's voters
stop by and inquire at your local town clerk's
Vermont, as in neighboring New Hampshire,
next Tuesday will decide on gubernatorial,
Senate, County Attorney, and other important
As the result of the primary elections in both
on Sept. 14, a number of candidates will he
unopposed on the ballot next Tuesday, voters
option of writing in their own choice for
are not happy with the ballot selection.
Hampshire, voters will also decide who will
their towns as county representatives or
New Hampshire voters will vote for a
Executive Councilor, Vermonters will decide
Governor.
constitutional questions will he on the ballot in
Hampshire. The first will ask if the voters will
a state constitutional convention to be held in
mler the present constitution this question ap-
on the ballot every four years. The second
will attempt to remedy some left-out wording
a 1974 amendment, the new amendment provides a
for the new legislative session to be presented
the tally of votes for gubernatorial office. The
question is an amendment caging for the state's
to provide for the right to bear arms, a
already provided in the U.S. Constitution.
fourth question calls for the voters to decide on a
extension of the governor's term from two to
k///s man/n Woodsv///e
A Woodsville area man was killed
Wednesday evening when he apparently fell into
Path of a train on the trestle between Woodsville
:rosses the Connecticut River.
to police, the man killed in the mishap was
Twomey Sr., 53, who listed no permanent
but who police said had lived in the Woodsville
body was found at about 3:30 a.m. on
by a crew from the Boston and Maine
say the man was mostly likely killed by an
train on the tracks at about 10:30 p.m. Exactly
the incident occurred has not yet been determined.
that it was unlikely that Twomey had
front of the train because the clearance of the
engine car would not correspond to the nature of
injuries, instead they believe that he either
of the train as it was passing, or that
bled between two cars and had been run
the train left the yard.
to the death as accidental, ruling
and suicide atthe present time.
S ett// the record stra/ght
typographical errors in last week's Oct. 20 issue
special clarification. The correct phone
for the St. Johosbury office of the state's
of Social and Rehabilitation Services is
a misprint last week caused the St. Johnsbury
to read "478." Finally, there are 16 days in
's regular deer season, as usual; not "15" as
News Note last week.
out for those spooks!
/f
|
CANDIDATES NIGHT---Speaking at the United Church of Christ in
Bradford last week were candidates (left to right) Herb Gallagher,
Wayne Kenyon, Gel-aid Morse, Scudder Parker, Tom Ryan, William
Stowe, and Ken Vittum.
Line.up for question and ansu00r event
Legislative candidates in Bradford
BRADFORD - Seven: c'an- sponsored by the church's Gallagher. ment through the Act-250 businesses when it comes to
didates 'for the Vermont Social Action Committee Each candidate was given process, development, supporting
legislature were quizzed by were: Orange Three District three minutes to make a brief Incumbent Democrat Rep. "light, clean industry"
about25 Bradford area voters House candidates incumbent statement about their can- Wayne Kenyon, of Bradford, through state grants and
last week at a Candidates Wayne Kenyon and challenger didacy, the series of started off the evening" loans; and on energy, he
Night event held at the United Kenneth Vittum; Caledonia statements were followed by scrambling to fit a quick
Church of Christ. It was a. Count!e--ksenate candidates an hour long question and review of his legislative
night in which the candidates Gerald Morse, Scudder answer period during which career into the three-minute
mostly stuck to the issues, Parker, and challenger the candidates had some in- time period. Kenyon said he
avoiding personal jabs at their William Stowe; Vermont teresting responses after favors low-cost loans to far-
political opponents, candidate for Lt. Governor being drilled on issues ranging mers for boosting the state's
On the firing line at the Tom Ryan; and write-in from utility ratestothestate's agricultural climate; he
Wednesday evening event Senate candLdate Herb role in controlling develop- favors an emphasis on small
supports the adoption of a
"statewide energy plan," a
moratorium on the con-
struction of nuclear power
plants in the state, and tighter
controls on the transportation
of nuclear waste on Vermont
(please turn to page 5)
N. Haverhill students
get strong advice
on dru00 aouse
N. HAVERHILL--- About 35 and fines that can accompany
wide-eyed youngsters at the the illegal use of drugs if you
James Morrill Elementary are caught by the authorities.
School listened intently last Included with the discussion of
Friday morning as Haverhill drug use, Savage spoke of the
Police Chief Stephen Savage hazards of drinking and
ke to them on drug and driving -- backing up his
hol abuse and lolice argument against mixing the
ctivities in their town. two with several convincing
The children were from Mr. descriptions of what it is like
!Gardner's and Mrs, Tobin's to respond to the scene of a
'xth grade classes at the tragic accident caused by
slchool, and "they seemed to someone who had too much to
have a lot of questions for °drink.
Savage, who can spin a police
tale with the best of them. The
police chief showed the
children a display of various
drugs and drug paraphernalia,
describing the names of eac
and how they are used- in-
cluded with each description
Savage told the children
that he would rather talk to
them now under friendly
circumstances inside their
cassroom, than years later in
an unfortunate situation.
"You are all going to have to
make some tough decisions
was a warning of the potential someday," he told them,
dangers involved with the use "hopefully you can make the
of drugs.
: The sixth graders were told right ones."
One little girl asked the
not only of the potential health question that was on many of
dangers associated with drug the young students' minds. "If
use but also of the jail terms (please turn to page 6)
BMU School Board
not ready to commit
to computer purchase
by MICHAEL TASSIELLI presently paying to have its
WELLS RIVER-- The Blue accounting contracted out. He
Good news for sagging economy Mountain Union School Board said that thecomputer would
would not commit to the have" other record-keeping
Mortgage loan rates begin to fall purchase of a computer, tobe capacities beyondaccounting
used in administration, at the which may prove useful to the
board's Wednesday, Oct. 20 school.
- meeting. Board members Equipment Options
A long-awaited decline in rates at which they lend to Administration will drop Farmers Home loan In the farmer programs,the were reluctant to commit the' Stephen Allen, chairman of
interest ratesforg0vernmejt businesses and corporath)r effective Nov: i, .State programs will be of great interest rates for farm $10,0lS,cmary to Lheschool rd; coagd
and private home mortgage --to 12 percent, echoei the DtrectorforVmontandNew benefit to the entire rural operat loaiq.s will lom in com:-the superindant to explore
loans was announced last nationwide trend. But private Hampshire Roland R Vautotw economy of Vermont and New the present 13.25 percent down puter which would be used to the costs of purchasing used
week, which could be good home mortgage rates in our to 11.5 percent. Far& do theschool'saccounting, equipment as opposed to new.
news to construction, real region still have got a ways to ownership loans will be Superintendent Keith Ober The chairman said that he
estate, and related industries go on their path toward Turn clocks back Sunday reduced from the present 13 said that a new computer can would like to pursue other
in Vermont and New Ham- parody with last week's prime percent to 11.5 percent, be purchased for around options and cited that the
pshire, lending rate. "Fall Back Time" is here once again, as area Interest rates for limited $10,000. Maintenance con- board has four months to do so
The predicted local decline Most private home mot- readers are reminded to turn their clocks and resource farm operating loans tracts can be obtained for two before changes would have to
in rates set for Farmers Home tgage rates at banks in the will be lowered from 10.25 to three thousand dollars per be made.
loans came hot on the heels of Upper Valley were last week watches back one hour this Sunday morning, percent to 8 percent and year. Oher stressed that no Ober said that he was not
the announcement in being offered to potential Oct. 31. This will mark the end of Daylight limited resource farm new personnel would be yet ready to recommend a
Washington last week that the homebuyers at levels Savings Time and begin Eastern Standard Time. ownership loans drop from 6.5 required to operate the particular computer system
nation's prime rate had somewhere between 14 and 15 percent to 5.75 percent, said computer, that he or his but, did urge the board to
dipped to 12 percent -- down percent. Some banks in other Although the move will mean less light late in the twin-state regional FHA secretary would use the determine whether or not they
from 16 percent at the areas of Vermont were said to the day, an additional hour of sleep will be in director, machine, thus incurring no would approve a computer
beginning of the summer. On be offering slightly lower Government interest rates new costs each year above purchase.
Wall Street, trading surged as rates, store for this Sunday morning., for single family housing loans maintenance fees. That decision was held off
hopeful investors cited the However, in the Upper .... will drop from 13.125 to 11.5 Ober said the purchase pending the chairman's and
decline in interest rates as Valley, last week's private percent except for those who would offset the $10,000 per other board members'
perhaps a change in the mortgage rates of 14 to 15 announcedlastweek. Hampshire", he said. can affordthe rates charged year that the school is recommendations.
Federal Reserve's two-year percent were considerably Vautour said the reductions, However, the government by the Department of Housing
tight money policy. In the more attractive than rates nearly two percentage points subsidized Farmers Home and Urban Development. "
Upper Valley, local hanks earlier in the summer of for some loans, are possible loans arehandedoutunderthe Their rates will drop a full i "'
cautiously began to lower upwardsof 17 percent, because of "the general move terms of eligibility point from 13.5 to 12.5. I
their lending rates. Interest rates for loan toward lower interest rates requirements and ceilings are FHA loans for multi-family \\;
Some area banks have programs of the U.S. across all sectors of the placed on the highest amount housing will be reduced in
reportedly lowered their Department of Agriculture's economy." that can be borrowed for November from 13.125 to 11.5
prime rates--theshort-term Farmers Home "Lower interest rates for homes under the program, percent.
f
Halloween goblins out Saturday night
It was a crisp fall groaning. Over the marshes of tbe foundation like an invisible of grey coyotes ambled rock. Mrs, Martinsonstepped in Orfordville bundled under Hallow's Eve celebration.
old house on the Arcbertown Brook, the winds freight train. " through underbrush yipping back and began a frightened the ghoulish costume, suf- Sometime later the name was
of Orford, New rushed through cracks in the Near that old farmhouse and crying, their voices fering beneath the hot, bulky
was croaking and windows and whistled around and its lone occupant, a pack carrying down the valley with clothing and the real-life
:: the brisk wind and floating rubber mask, was partaking
northward toward Piermont. in one of the oldest holidays
Inside the drab, cold still celebrated; All Hallow's
FACE-Fail symbolism, deptctea here
pumpklns and squash 'eady for harvest plus the wood pile,
for winter warmth. PHOTO BY SG@IAm A. MARVIN, JR.
abbreviated to Halloween.
The practice of witchcraft
was popular and on
Halloween, witches gathered
and practiced various forms
of witchcraft. Offering that
they were servants of the
Devil, they feasted, sang and
danced. Germany, France,
Britain and Sweden were but a
few countries holding witches
nights. Here emerged toads
and cats as instruments of the
witches.
Many of these old customs,
bobbing for apples and other
traditional Halloween party
games, came to America with
the Irish and Scottish. im-
migratRs. Halloween was
formally established in this
country around 1M.
Some of the symbols used at
Halloween have a long
history. The Jack-O-Lantern
was introduced as the
legendary man so stingy and
evil that he was denied en-
trance to Heaverl. In,that he
liked to play tricks on the
Devil, "he was evtn barred
from Hell. And .his sentence
was for him to wander the
earth with his lighted lamp
until Judgement Day.
The long and piercing owl's
call at night frightened
travellers and soon became
(please turn to page 12
structure, Mrs. Martinson Eve or Halloween.
sank deeper in her stuffed Halloween is a wonderfully
chair and moved closer to the old historic holiday with roots
crackling fire. She continued going back before the time of
stitching her cozy red and blue Christ. The name is derived
quilt that would adorn a from observances of All
rickety brass bed high on the Hallow's Eve, the night prior
third floor. A scrawney black to All Saint's Day.
cat, curled in a half moon at All Saint's Day is celebrated
the foot of the chair opened its each Nov. 1 and was
incandescent green eyes and established to commemorate
stared at the front door. He all the saints and martyrs not
began a deep throated growl, given special days of ob-
BANG, BANG, BANG, servance. It was Gregory III,
boomed a succession of Pope from 731 to 741who fixed
thunderous knocks at the front the precise Nov. I date.
door. Again they crashed Prior to that, Celtic priests,
through the house, BANG, known as Druids, celebrated
BANG, BANG. Mrs. Mar- the evening prior to Nov. I by
tinson bolted out of her chair lighting large fires and bur-
and went to the front window, ning prisoners. This was the
She peered out into the night, night before their festival
Standing at the door with devoted to Samhain, the Lord
shoulders sloped forward, Of the Dead. During the
head erect, his garish outfit celebration, ghosts arosefrom
was the most gruesome sight their graves and witches rode
the startled woman had seen on their black cats and
in her life. It was small, broomsticks. In 55BC, the
gnomish Creature, all of three invading Romans brought
feet high and garbed in a with them their festival of
sinister green cloak with Pomona, the Goddess of the
rumpled black trousers and Harvest. And with that, fruits
surely the most ghoulish fiend of the harvest became
ever to crawl from beneath a associated with the All
i
shiver.
The macabre spook stepped
briskly to the window and
peered inside, sighting the
bewildered woman. His beady
eyes glowed and a crooked
frown revealed his terrible
fangs, which oozed forth rich,
red blood. It dripped a deep
crimson trickle down over its
chin and onto the front of the
zombie-like thing.
The horrified woman
staggered to the door and
gathered in a deep breath to
hail for assistance. The eerie
pygmy stepped to the open
door, reached deep inside a
paper bag it had concealed
under his spectral cloak and
withdrew a long multi-colored
flashlight. Before Mrs.
Martinson could yell out, the
gruesome runt raised the
instrument and clicked on the
strange array of flashing red,
blue and green rays. He
steppe forward and she saw
horrible fangs jutting through
pasty white lips, like twt) tiny
ivory spears. She saw deep cut
scars slashed into his entire
face. The elfin monster
snapped off the strange light
and spoke.
"Trick or treat, Mrs.
Martinson. Happy Halloween.
Do you know who I am?"
Little Billy Nestor from over
HALLOWEEN WITCH--Areal flying Halloween
witch will be greeting visRors to the home of Lynn and
Craig Hervey in Newbury. The witch has been
reported to be zooming around their home in
preparation for her big night.
NEW NAMPSNIIII
tyme
Orford
Permon?
Hover hiH
Wood,?=lie
BOTh
VIRMONT
The?ford
So,flee
Wet? Fo=rlee
Brodford
Corfnth
T Opt, horn
Newbury
Welh R,ver
Ryegove
Gro?o n
USP
598340
117, Number 43
Serving Over 48 Communities in Northern New Hampshire and Vermont
October 27, 1982
E/ectmns next Tuesday,
Nov. 2,/n
Vermont and New Hampshire
should, be reminded that neVTuesday, Nov.
, in both Vermont and New Hampshire.
will be open in most of our area towns from
to 6100 p.m., on Tuesday. Only registered
vote in the elections. For the exact time
open and close in your town, and to see if
name is registered on your town's voters
stop by and inquire at your local town clerk's
Vermont, as in neighboring New Hampshire,
next Tuesday will decide on gubernatorial,
Senate, County Attorney, and other important
As the result of the primary elections in both
on Sept. 14, a number of candidates will he
unopposed on the ballot next Tuesday, voters
option of writing in their own choice for
are not happy with the ballot selection.
Hampshire, voters will also decide who will
their towns as county representatives or
New Hampshire voters will vote for a
Executive Councilor, Vermonters will decide
Governor.
constitutional questions will he on the ballot in
Hampshire. The first will ask if the voters will
a state constitutional convention to be held in
mler the present constitution this question ap-
on the ballot every four years. The second
will attempt to remedy some left-out wording
a 1974 amendment, the new amendment provides a
for the new legislative session to be presented
the tally of votes for gubernatorial office. The
question is an amendment caging for the state's
to provide for the right to bear arms, a
already provided in the U.S. Constitution.
fourth question calls for the voters to decide on a
extension of the governor's term from two to
k///s man/n Woodsv///e
A Woodsville area man was killed
Wednesday evening when he apparently fell into
Path of a train on the trestle between Woodsville
:rosses the Connecticut River.
to police, the man killed in the mishap was
Twomey Sr., 53, who listed no permanent
but who police said had lived in the Woodsville
body was found at about 3:30 a.m. on
by a crew from the Boston and Maine
say the man was mostly likely killed by an
train on the tracks at about 10:30 p.m. Exactly
the incident occurred has not yet been determined.
that it was unlikely that Twomey had
front of the train because the clearance of the
engine car would not correspond to the nature of
injuries, instead they believe that he either
of the train as it was passing, or that
bled between two cars and had been run
the train left the yard.
to the death as accidental, ruling
and suicide atthe present time.
S ett// the record stra/ght
typographical errors in last week's Oct. 20 issue
special clarification. The correct phone
for the St. Johosbury office of the state's
of Social and Rehabilitation Services is
a misprint last week caused the St. Johnsbury
to read "478." Finally, there are 16 days in
's regular deer season, as usual; not "15" as
News Note last week.
out for those spooks!
/f
|
CANDIDATES NIGHT---Speaking at the United Church of Christ in
Bradford last week were candidates (left to right) Herb Gallagher,
Wayne Kenyon, Gel-aid Morse, Scudder Parker, Tom Ryan, William
Stowe, and Ken Vittum.
Line.up for question and ansu00r event
Legislative candidates in Bradford
BRADFORD - Seven: c'an- sponsored by the church's Gallagher. ment through the Act-250 businesses when it comes to
didates 'for the Vermont Social Action Committee Each candidate was given process, development, supporting
legislature were quizzed by were: Orange Three District three minutes to make a brief Incumbent Democrat Rep. "light, clean industry"
about25 Bradford area voters House candidates incumbent statement about their can- Wayne Kenyon, of Bradford, through state grants and
last week at a Candidates Wayne Kenyon and challenger didacy, the series of started off the evening" loans; and on energy, he
Night event held at the United Kenneth Vittum; Caledonia statements were followed by scrambling to fit a quick
Church of Christ. It was a. Count!e--ksenate candidates an hour long question and review of his legislative
night in which the candidates Gerald Morse, Scudder answer period during which career into the three-minute
mostly stuck to the issues, Parker, and challenger the candidates had some in- time period. Kenyon said he
avoiding personal jabs at their William Stowe; Vermont teresting responses after favors low-cost loans to far-
political opponents, candidate for Lt. Governor being drilled on issues ranging mers for boosting the state's
On the firing line at the Tom Ryan; and write-in from utility ratestothestate's agricultural climate; he
Wednesday evening event Senate candLdate Herb role in controlling develop- favors an emphasis on small
supports the adoption of a
"statewide energy plan," a
moratorium on the con-
struction of nuclear power
plants in the state, and tighter
controls on the transportation
of nuclear waste on Vermont
(please turn to page 5)
N. Haverhill students
get strong advice
on dru00 aouse
N. HAVERHILL--- About 35 and fines that can accompany
wide-eyed youngsters at the the illegal use of drugs if you
James Morrill Elementary are caught by the authorities.
School listened intently last Included with the discussion of
Friday morning as Haverhill drug use, Savage spoke of the
Police Chief Stephen Savage hazards of drinking and
ke to them on drug and driving -- backing up his
hol abuse and lolice argument against mixing the
ctivities in their town. two with several convincing
The children were from Mr. descriptions of what it is like
!Gardner's and Mrs, Tobin's to respond to the scene of a
'xth grade classes at the tragic accident caused by
slchool, and "they seemed to someone who had too much to
have a lot of questions for °drink.
Savage, who can spin a police
tale with the best of them. The
police chief showed the
children a display of various
drugs and drug paraphernalia,
describing the names of eac
and how they are used- in-
cluded with each description
Savage told the children
that he would rather talk to
them now under friendly
circumstances inside their
cassroom, than years later in
an unfortunate situation.
"You are all going to have to
make some tough decisions
was a warning of the potential someday," he told them,
dangers involved with the use "hopefully you can make the
of drugs.
: The sixth graders were told right ones."
One little girl asked the
not only of the potential health question that was on many of
dangers associated with drug the young students' minds. "If
use but also of the jail terms (please turn to page 6)
BMU School Board
not ready to commit
to computer purchase
by MICHAEL TASSIELLI presently paying to have its
WELLS RIVER-- The Blue accounting contracted out. He
Good news for sagging economy Mountain Union School Board said that thecomputer would
would not commit to the have" other record-keeping
Mortgage loan rates begin to fall purchase of a computer, tobe capacities beyondaccounting
used in administration, at the which may prove useful to the
board's Wednesday, Oct. 20 school.
- meeting. Board members Equipment Options
A long-awaited decline in rates at which they lend to Administration will drop Farmers Home loan In the farmer programs,the were reluctant to commit the' Stephen Allen, chairman of
interest ratesforg0vernmejt businesses and corporath)r effective Nov: i, .State programs will be of great interest rates for farm $10,0lS,cmary to Lheschool rd; coagd
and private home mortgage --to 12 percent, echoei the DtrectorforVmontandNew benefit to the entire rural operat loaiq.s will lom in com:-the superindant to explore
loans was announced last nationwide trend. But private Hampshire Roland R Vautotw economy of Vermont and New the present 13.25 percent down puter which would be used to the costs of purchasing used
week, which could be good home mortgage rates in our to 11.5 percent. Far& do theschool'saccounting, equipment as opposed to new.
news to construction, real region still have got a ways to ownership loans will be Superintendent Keith Ober The chairman said that he
estate, and related industries go on their path toward Turn clocks back Sunday reduced from the present 13 said that a new computer can would like to pursue other
in Vermont and New Ham- parody with last week's prime percent to 11.5 percent, be purchased for around options and cited that the
pshire, lending rate. "Fall Back Time" is here once again, as area Interest rates for limited $10,000. Maintenance con- board has four months to do so
The predicted local decline Most private home mot- readers are reminded to turn their clocks and resource farm operating loans tracts can be obtained for two before changes would have to
in rates set for Farmers Home tgage rates at banks in the will be lowered from 10.25 to three thousand dollars per be made.
loans came hot on the heels of Upper Valley were last week watches back one hour this Sunday morning, percent to 8 percent and year. Oher stressed that no Ober said that he was not
the announcement in being offered to potential Oct. 31. This will mark the end of Daylight limited resource farm new personnel would be yet ready to recommend a
Washington last week that the homebuyers at levels Savings Time and begin Eastern Standard Time. ownership loans drop from 6.5 required to operate the particular computer system
nation's prime rate had somewhere between 14 and 15 percent to 5.75 percent, said computer, that he or his but, did urge the board to
dipped to 12 percent -- down percent. Some banks in other Although the move will mean less light late in the twin-state regional FHA secretary would use the determine whether or not they
from 16 percent at the areas of Vermont were said to the day, an additional hour of sleep will be in director, machine, thus incurring no would approve a computer
beginning of the summer. On be offering slightly lower Government interest rates new costs each year above purchase.
Wall Street, trading surged as rates, store for this Sunday morning., for single family housing loans maintenance fees. That decision was held off
hopeful investors cited the However, in the Upper .... will drop from 13.125 to 11.5 Ober said the purchase pending the chairman's and
decline in interest rates as Valley, last week's private percent except for those who would offset the $10,000 per other board members'
perhaps a change in the mortgage rates of 14 to 15 announcedlastweek. Hampshire", he said. can affordthe rates charged year that the school is recommendations.
Federal Reserve's two-year percent were considerably Vautour said the reductions, However, the government by the Department of Housing
tight money policy. In the more attractive than rates nearly two percentage points subsidized Farmers Home and Urban Development. "
Upper Valley, local hanks earlier in the summer of for some loans, are possible loans arehandedoutunderthe Their rates will drop a full i "'
cautiously began to lower upwardsof 17 percent, because of "the general move terms of eligibility point from 13.5 to 12.5. I
their lending rates. Interest rates for loan toward lower interest rates requirements and ceilings are FHA loans for multi-family \\;
Some area banks have programs of the U.S. across all sectors of the placed on the highest amount housing will be reduced in
reportedly lowered their Department of Agriculture's economy." that can be borrowed for November from 13.125 to 11.5
prime rates--theshort-term Farmers Home "Lower interest rates for homes under the program, percent.
f
Halloween goblins out Saturday night
It was a crisp fall groaning. Over the marshes of tbe foundation like an invisible of grey coyotes ambled rock. Mrs, Martinsonstepped in Orfordville bundled under Hallow's Eve celebration.
old house on the Arcbertown Brook, the winds freight train. " through underbrush yipping back and began a frightened the ghoulish costume, suf- Sometime later the name was
of Orford, New rushed through cracks in the Near that old farmhouse and crying, their voices fering beneath the hot, bulky
was croaking and windows and whistled around and its lone occupant, a pack carrying down the valley with clothing and the real-life
:: the brisk wind and floating rubber mask, was partaking
northward toward Piermont. in one of the oldest holidays
Inside the drab, cold still celebrated; All Hallow's
FACE-Fail symbolism, deptctea here
pumpklns and squash 'eady for harvest plus the wood pile,
for winter warmth. PHOTO BY SG@IAm A. MARVIN, JR.
abbreviated to Halloween.
The practice of witchcraft
was popular and on
Halloween, witches gathered
and practiced various forms
of witchcraft. Offering that
they were servants of the
Devil, they feasted, sang and
danced. Germany, France,
Britain and Sweden were but a
few countries holding witches
nights. Here emerged toads
and cats as instruments of the
witches.
Many of these old customs,
bobbing for apples and other
traditional Halloween party
games, came to America with
the Irish and Scottish. im-
migratRs. Halloween was
formally established in this
country around 1M.
Some of the symbols used at
Halloween have a long
history. The Jack-O-Lantern
was introduced as the
legendary man so stingy and
evil that he was denied en-
trance to Heaverl. In,that he
liked to play tricks on the
Devil, "he was evtn barred
from Hell. And .his sentence
was for him to wander the
earth with his lighted lamp
until Judgement Day.
The long and piercing owl's
call at night frightened
travellers and soon became
(please turn to page 12
structure, Mrs. Martinson Eve or Halloween.
sank deeper in her stuffed Halloween is a wonderfully
chair and moved closer to the old historic holiday with roots
crackling fire. She continued going back before the time of
stitching her cozy red and blue Christ. The name is derived
quilt that would adorn a from observances of All
rickety brass bed high on the Hallow's Eve, the night prior
third floor. A scrawney black to All Saint's Day.
cat, curled in a half moon at All Saint's Day is celebrated
the foot of the chair opened its each Nov. 1 and was
incandescent green eyes and established to commemorate
stared at the front door. He all the saints and martyrs not
began a deep throated growl, given special days of ob-
BANG, BANG, BANG, servance. It was Gregory III,
boomed a succession of Pope from 731 to 741who fixed
thunderous knocks at the front the precise Nov. I date.
door. Again they crashed Prior to that, Celtic priests,
through the house, BANG, known as Druids, celebrated
BANG, BANG. Mrs. Mar- the evening prior to Nov. I by
tinson bolted out of her chair lighting large fires and bur-
and went to the front window, ning prisoners. This was the
She peered out into the night, night before their festival
Standing at the door with devoted to Samhain, the Lord
shoulders sloped forward, Of the Dead. During the
head erect, his garish outfit celebration, ghosts arosefrom
was the most gruesome sight their graves and witches rode
the startled woman had seen on their black cats and
in her life. It was small, broomsticks. In 55BC, the
gnomish Creature, all of three invading Romans brought
feet high and garbed in a with them their festival of
sinister green cloak with Pomona, the Goddess of the
rumpled black trousers and Harvest. And with that, fruits
surely the most ghoulish fiend of the harvest became
ever to crawl from beneath a associated with the All
i
shiver.
The macabre spook stepped
briskly to the window and
peered inside, sighting the
bewildered woman. His beady
eyes glowed and a crooked
frown revealed his terrible
fangs, which oozed forth rich,
red blood. It dripped a deep
crimson trickle down over its
chin and onto the front of the
zombie-like thing.
The horrified woman
staggered to the door and
gathered in a deep breath to
hail for assistance. The eerie
pygmy stepped to the open
door, reached deep inside a
paper bag it had concealed
under his spectral cloak and
withdrew a long multi-colored
flashlight. Before Mrs.
Martinson could yell out, the
gruesome runt raised the
instrument and clicked on the
strange array of flashing red,
blue and green rays. He
steppe forward and she saw
horrible fangs jutting through
pasty white lips, like twt) tiny
ivory spears. She saw deep cut
scars slashed into his entire
face. The elfin monster
snapped off the strange light
and spoke.
"Trick or treat, Mrs.
Martinson. Happy Halloween.
Do you know who I am?"
Little Billy Nestor from over
HALLOWEEN WITCH--Areal flying Halloween
witch will be greeting visRors to the home of Lynn and
Craig Hervey in Newbury. The witch has been
reported to be zooming around their home in
preparation for her big night.
