Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of history and genealogy.
In this edition, we'll delve into the treasure trove of historical news articles dated August 31, unearthing stories that resonate with genealogists and history enthusiasts alike.
From local happenings to global events, we'll uncover the stories that shaped the lives of our ancestors, providing valuable insights for those on a quest to discover their roots.
So, grab your magnifying glass and step into the past as we unravel the August 31 historical headlines that may hold the missing pieces of your family's history puzzle.

Drawing-Room Candles
The Will & Baumer Company
Syracuse, N.Y.
The Ladies' Home Journal
January 1898
Will & Baumer was founded in 1855 by Anton Will, a carpenter who moved to Syracuse from Germany (the Baumer name was added in 1896)... syracuse.com
On July 6, 1896, the Will & Baumer Candle Co. was formed when the Eckerman and Will Candle Co. merged with the Francis Baumer Candle Co. The new company specialized in making religious candles, some of which were made by hand. By 1912, Will and Baumer had moved into a facility on Park Street, where they remained for roughly 100 years before relocating to Tennessee. A candle painted on the smokestack of the boiler building on Park Street is a local landmark visible to passing cars on nearby Interstate 81. The site is now occupied by another candle maker, Light 4 Life, which moved there in 2012... syracuse.com
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1800s Cooking Tips and Recipes
Nuremberg Pudding
Three cups of flour, two-thirds of a cup of suet chopped fine, one cup of molasses, one cup of stoned raisins, one cup of sour milk and one teaspoon of soda in the milk. Mix well, and put into a buttered tin basin, then into a...Read MORE...
The Willimantic Chronicle, Willimantic, Connecticut, June 9, 1880

Women Know the vital importance of pure food and drink. That accounts for the success of
Blanke's Kofeko
The original malted grain coffee
C. F. Blanke & Co., St. Louis, U.S.A.
The Ladies' Home Journal
February 1898
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Port Jervis, New York, USA
Port Jervis, N.Y., Aug. 30. - A fire started from spontaneous combustion in the hayloft of Liveryman W. J. COLLIER, on Railroad Avenue, about 3 o'clock this morning, and before the flames were subdued they had reduced three-quarters of a block to ashes and entailed an estimated loss of $75,000, covered by $20,000 insurance.
Twenty-two horses were in the barn under the hayloft, and seventeen perished. Forty wagons were destroyed. COLLIER'S undertaking shop was burned, and next the flames... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - August 31, 1902
Comments
1902 - FIRE AT PORT JERVIS, N.Y. DELAWARE HOUSE BURNED AND SEVENTEEN HORSES PERISH - LOSS ESTIMATED AT $75,000, WITH $20,000 INSURANCE.
Port Jervis, N.Y., Aug. 30. - A fire started from spontaneous combustion in the hayloft of Liveryman W. J. COLLIER, on Railroad Avenue, about 3 o'clock this morning, and before the flames were subdued they had reduced three-quarters of a block to ashes and entailed an estimated loss of $75,000, covered by $20,000 insurance.
Twenty-two horses were in the barn under the hayloft, and seventeen perished. Forty wagons were destroyed. COLLIER'S undertaking shop was burned, and next the flames... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - August 31, 1902
Comments
Sullivan, New York, USA (Chittenango) (Canaseraga)
HORMEL DIES OF INJURIES
Machine Strikes a Post at Side of Road While Descending Hill at High Speed - Driver Is Crushed Against Steering Wheel - Both Victims Prominent Socially.
The turns in the State road east of Chittenango which have always been a peril to motorists driving at high speed, caused the wreck of Charles B. Hormel's car a little after 10 o'clock last night, and the death of Mr. Hormel two hours later. Mrs. Frank Tracy of No.1019 James street, who was riding with Mr. Hormel... Read MORE...
Syracuse Herald - Syracuse, New York - August 31, 1912
Comments
1912 - TWO ARE HURT, ONE FATALLY, IN AUTO ACCIDENT. Charles B. Hormel and Mrs. Frank Tracy Thrown From Car Near Chittenango.
HORMEL DIES OF INJURIES
Machine Strikes a Post at Side of Road While Descending Hill at High Speed - Driver Is Crushed Against Steering Wheel - Both Victims Prominent Socially.
The turns in the State road east of Chittenango which have always been a peril to motorists driving at high speed, caused the wreck of Charles B. Hormel's car a little after 10 o'clock last night, and the death of Mr. Hormel two hours later. Mrs. Frank Tracy of No.1019 James street, who was riding with Mr. Hormel... Read MORE...
Syracuse Herald - Syracuse, New York - August 31, 1912
Comments
Savannah, Georgia, USA
SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug 31 - The storm injured many buildings in Savannah and did great damage to the trees. Fifteen people are known to have been drowned and more are missing It is impossible to estimate the amount of property destroyed. More than 49 wrecks have been reported so far Fifteen vessels in the harbor and off Tybee were wrecked or badly damaged More than that number of smaller crafts are missing and are believed to have been lost. Six unknown vessels are reported ashore on Tybee beach... Read MORE...
Aberdeen Daily News - Aberdeen, South Dakota - August 31, 1893
Comments
1893 - MANY MISSING. Only Fifteen Persons Known to Have Been Killed at Savannah.
SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug 31 - The storm injured many buildings in Savannah and did great damage to the trees. Fifteen people are known to have been drowned and more are missing It is impossible to estimate the amount of property destroyed. More than 49 wrecks have been reported so far Fifteen vessels in the harbor and off Tybee were wrecked or badly damaged More than that number of smaller crafts are missing and are believed to have been lost. Six unknown vessels are reported ashore on Tybee beach... Read MORE...
Aberdeen Daily News - Aberdeen, South Dakota - August 31, 1893
Comments

1800s Advice and Etiquette for Ladies
If you are ever caught in a shower, and meet a gentleman friend who offers an umbrella, accept it, if he will accompany you to your destination; but do not deprive him of it, if he is not able to join you. Should he insist, return it to his house or ...Read MORE...
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness: A Complete Handbook for the Use of the Lady in Polite Society... by Florence Hartley, January 1, 1872
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
The Floors of a Grain Warehouse Fall Through to the Cellar - Three Men Killed.
Louisville - August 30, 1871
About ten o'clock this morning the fourth floor of Whitney, Brown & Co.'s grain warehouse gave way under the heavy weight, and the large quantity of grain crashed through the floors into the cellar, killing three men, one white and two colored. Two prominent Main street merchants had just stepped out of the building when the crash occurred, and were blown into the street by the... Read MORE...
New York Herald - New York, New York - August 31, 1871
Comments
1871 - A CRASH AT LOUISVILLE, KY
The Floors of a Grain Warehouse Fall Through to the Cellar - Three Men Killed.
Louisville - August 30, 1871
About ten o'clock this morning the fourth floor of Whitney, Brown & Co.'s grain warehouse gave way under the heavy weight, and the large quantity of grain crashed through the floors into the cellar, killing three men, one white and two colored. Two prominent Main street merchants had just stepped out of the building when the crash occurred, and were blown into the street by the... Read MORE...
New York Herald - New York, New York - August 31, 1871
Comments
Auburn, New York, USA
WITH OLD COMMANDER AGAIN
Hospitality of MacDougall Home to Be Extended to Survivors Next Year
The survivors of the One Hundred and Eleventh N.Y.V. who attended the reunion of the regiment yesterday have nearly all departed for their homes. Before leaving they expressed themselves as delighted with the success of the gathering and with the cordiality of General and Mrs. MacDougall in inviting them to lunch at their beautiful home in South street...
A role of those present as shown by the... Read MORE...
The Auburn Citizen - Auburn, New York - Wednesday, August 31, 1910
Comments
1910 - BEST REUNION YET - Ranks of 111th Are Thinning but Old Spirit Is There
WITH OLD COMMANDER AGAIN
Hospitality of MacDougall Home to Be Extended to Survivors Next Year
The survivors of the One Hundred and Eleventh N.Y.V. who attended the reunion of the regiment yesterday have nearly all departed for their homes. Before leaving they expressed themselves as delighted with the success of the gathering and with the cordiality of General and Mrs. MacDougall in inviting them to lunch at their beautiful home in South street...
A role of those present as shown by the... Read MORE...
The Auburn Citizen - Auburn, New York - Wednesday, August 31, 1910
Comments
1899 Funeral
The funeral of Mrs. Louis Peloquin was held Monday morning at 8 o'clock from Notre Dame church. Rev. George E. Brochu officiated. There were many beautiful flowers. Gilbert Terrio, Louis Peloquin, Joseph Simpson and A. Hetu were bearers. Burial was in Notre Dame cemetery.
The Southbridge Journal
Southbridge, Massachusetts
August 31, 1899
1907 LOST THREE FINGERS
While his machine, a massive steam shear, was momentarily idle, Nogene Mire fell asleep and was awakened by the knives clipping off three of the fingers on his left hand. The accident happened at the Rolling mills last night and Dr. VanBuskirk was called to attend the sufferer.
The Fort Wayne Sentinel
Fort Wayne, Indiana
August 31, 1907
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1893 July 1 – U.S. President Grover Cleveland is operated on in secret.
The published stories concerning the health of President Cleveland seem to lack some of the essential element of consistency, and they will not excite general credence until stronger confirmatory testimony has been furnished. The American people are just now deeply concerned in the preservation of Mr. Cleveland and the full vigor of physical and mental health, and the subject is one the country does not want to see lightly treated.
Reading Times
Reading, Pennsylvania
August 31, 1893
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The funeral of Mrs. Louis Peloquin was held Monday morning at 8 o'clock from Notre Dame church. Rev. George E. Brochu officiated. There were many beautiful flowers. Gilbert Terrio, Louis Peloquin, Joseph Simpson and A. Hetu were bearers. Burial was in Notre Dame cemetery.
The Southbridge Journal
Southbridge, Massachusetts
August 31, 1899
1907 LOST THREE FINGERS
While his machine, a massive steam shear, was momentarily idle, Nogene Mire fell asleep and was awakened by the knives clipping off three of the fingers on his left hand. The accident happened at the Rolling mills last night and Dr. VanBuskirk was called to attend the sufferer.
The Fort Wayne Sentinel
Fort Wayne, Indiana
August 31, 1907
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1893 July 1 – U.S. President Grover Cleveland is operated on in secret.
The published stories concerning the health of President Cleveland seem to lack some of the essential element of consistency, and they will not excite general credence until stronger confirmatory testimony has been furnished. The American people are just now deeply concerned in the preservation of Mr. Cleveland and the full vigor of physical and mental health, and the subject is one the country does not want to see lightly treated.
Reading Times
Reading, Pennsylvania
August 31, 1893
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1888 A Butte, Cal., man who began farming on rented land ten years ago has this year $61,000 worth of wheat to sell.
Semi-Weekly Interior Journal
Stanford, Kentucky
August 31, 1888
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1954 August 31 - Hurricane Carol swept across eastern New England killing sixty persons and causing 450 million dollars damage. It was the first of three hurricanes to affect New England that year.
WeatherForYou.com
August 31, 1954
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1886 August 31 - 1st major earthquake recorded in eastern US, at Charleston SC, 110 die
An earthquake of between 7.3 and 7.6 on the Richter scale hits Charleston, South Carolina, leaving 40,000 homeless.
historyorb.com
August 31, 1886
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Semi-Weekly Interior Journal
Stanford, Kentucky
August 31, 1888
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1954 August 31 - Hurricane Carol swept across eastern New England killing sixty persons and causing 450 million dollars damage. It was the first of three hurricanes to affect New England that year.
WeatherForYou.com
August 31, 1954
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1886 August 31 - 1st major earthquake recorded in eastern US, at Charleston SC, 110 die
An earthquake of between 7.3 and 7.6 on the Richter scale hits Charleston, South Carolina, leaving 40,000 homeless.
historyorb.com
August 31, 1886
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1871 Should have said Yes?
An aged woman in North Adams, Massachusetts, relates that many years ago, while attending a social dance, a young mechanic asked for her hand for one of the dances. She indignantly refused, feeling very much mortified that he should make such an offer. Years have passed, and she has filled an honorable but humble position in life, while the young man whom she then scorned has been Governor of Massachusetts.
Tri-Weekly Era
Raleigh, North Carolina
August 31, 1871
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1865 Thank You to Soldiers
A noble woman, by the name of Susan Williams, South Sutton, Massachusetts, gives to every soldier who enlisted from that town, on his return, the sum of five dollars, and the same amount to the families of those who have fallen in defense of their country.
Janesville Weekly Gazette
Janesville, Wisconsin
August 31, 1865
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1889 Explosion
An explosion occurred yesterday in the packing room of the Beloeil Powder Works at Chambly, Quebec, killing two men, named Joseph Favreault and Samuel Bettie.
New York Herald
New York, New York
August 31, 1889
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An aged woman in North Adams, Massachusetts, relates that many years ago, while attending a social dance, a young mechanic asked for her hand for one of the dances. She indignantly refused, feeling very much mortified that he should make such an offer. Years have passed, and she has filled an honorable but humble position in life, while the young man whom she then scorned has been Governor of Massachusetts.
Tri-Weekly Era
Raleigh, North Carolina
August 31, 1871
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1865 Thank You to Soldiers
A noble woman, by the name of Susan Williams, South Sutton, Massachusetts, gives to every soldier who enlisted from that town, on his return, the sum of five dollars, and the same amount to the families of those who have fallen in defense of their country.
Janesville Weekly Gazette
Janesville, Wisconsin
August 31, 1865
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1889 Explosion
An explosion occurred yesterday in the packing room of the Beloeil Powder Works at Chambly, Quebec, killing two men, named Joseph Favreault and Samuel Bettie.
New York Herald
New York, New York
August 31, 1889
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1838 Fire at Worcester.
A fire broke out in the vicinity of School street, in Worcester, about 1 o'clock on Wednesday morning, which destroyed a large block of dwellings, brick machine factory, belonging to T. W. Paine, Esq. and the extensive stable of Messrs. Burt and Billings. All but the stables were insured. We have not learned further particulars. The estimate loss is $30,000.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 31, 1838
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1898 MILK DEALER KILLED. Charles Davis Thrown From His Wagon and His Skull Fractured.
North Adams, Mass., Aug. 30 - Charles Davis, aged 41, a milk dealer, was thrown from his wagon, when his horse ran away today, and died three hours later from a fractured skull. He leaves a widow and three children.
Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
August 31, 1898
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1864 Seven deaths from diptheria occurred in 16 days in one house, occupied by two families, in the town of Shaftsbury, Vermont.
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Lowell Daily Citizen and News
Lowell, Massachusetts
August 31, 1864
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A fire broke out in the vicinity of School street, in Worcester, about 1 o'clock on Wednesday morning, which destroyed a large block of dwellings, brick machine factory, belonging to T. W. Paine, Esq. and the extensive stable of Messrs. Burt and Billings. All but the stables were insured. We have not learned further particulars. The estimate loss is $30,000.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 31, 1838
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1898 MILK DEALER KILLED. Charles Davis Thrown From His Wagon and His Skull Fractured.
North Adams, Mass., Aug. 30 - Charles Davis, aged 41, a milk dealer, was thrown from his wagon, when his horse ran away today, and died three hours later from a fractured skull. He leaves a widow and three children.
Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
August 31, 1898
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1864 Seven deaths from diptheria occurred in 16 days in one house, occupied by two families, in the town of Shaftsbury, Vermont.
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Lowell Daily Citizen and News
Lowell, Massachusetts
August 31, 1864
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America - Did you know?
December 2, 1823: Monroe Doctrine: In his annual address to Congress, President Monroe declares that the American continents are henceforth off-limits for further colonization by European powers.
Quebec - Did you know?
In New France, socially, the seigneur and his family did not stand apart from his neighbors. All went to the same church, took part in the same amusements upon days of festival, and not infrequently worked together at the common task of clearing the ...Read MORE...Daily Life in New France (www.chroniclesofamerica.com/ french/ daily_life_in_new_france.htm)

Picture of the Day
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Railroad Station and Depot Square

"Dueber Grand" Ladies' and Gentlemen's Riding Wheel
The Only Strictly High-Grade Bicycle Made in America
Price, $55.00 Net Cash
The Dueber Watch Works
Canton, Ohio, U.S.A.
The Ladies' Home Journal
February 1898
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