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 March 21, 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 March 21 historical headlines that may hold the missing pieces of your family's history puzzle.
Woodstock, Connecticut, USA
We hear from Woodstock that last Wednesday night a large and stately house, one of the best in that town, (belonging to John Chandler, Jun. Esq. of Worcester, but in occupation of Lieut. Joseph Wright), was consumed by fire, with all the provisions and furniture, and what was of infinitely more value, three persons, viz. Mrs. Wright, her son about twelve years old, and a Negro man. ‘Tis said Mrs. Wright got out and might easily have escaped, but being desirous to save her son (and who that is a ... Read MORE...
The Boston Evening Post - Boston, Massachusetts - March 21, 1737
Comments
1737 - House Fire
We hear from Woodstock that last Wednesday night a large and stately house, one of the best in that town, (belonging to John Chandler, Jun. Esq. of Worcester, but in occupation of Lieut. Joseph Wright), was consumed by fire, with all the provisions and furniture, and what was of infinitely more value, three persons, viz. Mrs. Wright, her son about twelve years old, and a Negro man. ‘Tis said Mrs. Wright got out and might easily have escaped, but being desirous to save her son (and who that is a ... Read MORE...
The Boston Evening Post - Boston, Massachusetts - March 21, 1737
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1880s
Crown Sewing Machines and Florence Oil Stoves
The Florence Machine Co.
Florence, Mass.
Just prior to the Civil War, Leander Langdon invented and patented a sewing machine. Just five years later, the Florence Sewing Machine Company produced 20,000 sewing machines a year. By the 1870s, it was also producing stoves, becoming the Florence Machine Company... historic-northampton.org
Visit Northampton, Massachusetts, USA (Florence)!
Rockingham, Vermont, USA (Bellows Falls) (Saxton's River)
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt., March 20. - The Montreal and Boston night express over the Central Vermont Railway, Rutland Division, which reaches Boston at 5:15 A. M., met with a serious accident this morning about one mile north of Rockingham station and six miles north of here. The scene of the disaster was where the road winds along the east bank of Williams River, with an embankment on the right side 30 feet steep into the river, and on the left side a high mountain of rocks.
The engine, upon... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1889
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1889 - PASSENGERS HAD A NARROW ESCAPE
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt., March 20. - The Montreal and Boston night express over the Central Vermont Railway, Rutland Division, which reaches Boston at 5:15 A. M., met with a serious accident this morning about one mile north of Rockingham station and six miles north of here. The scene of the disaster was where the road winds along the east bank of Williams River, with an embankment on the right side 30 feet steep into the river, and on the left side a high mountain of rocks.
The engine, upon... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1889
Comments
1800s Cooking Tips and Recipes
Orange Pie
Grate the rind of one and use the juice of two large oranges, beat the yolks of four eggs very light into two tablespoonfuls of butter and one heaping cupful of sugar, and put to the juice; add a little nutmeg. Beat all well together....Read MORE...
The Willimantic Chronicle, Willimantic, Connecticut, October 19, 1881
Springfield, Missouri, USA
Springfield, Mo. (AP) - An American Airlines plane threading its way through darkness and rain toward a landing field crashed last night, killing 12 persons and injuring 23.
The twin-engine Convair crashed in a pasture about two miles north of the Springfield airport. Wreckage was scattered more than 300 feet.
The plane carried a three-member crew and 32 passengers. All the survivors were injured.
JACK FRIPISH, of Chicago, the pilot, was the only member of the crew to survive. Stewardess ... Read MORE...
Jefferson City Post-Tribune - Missouri - March 21, 1955
Comments
1955 - 12 KILLED, 23 INJURED IN AIRLINER ACCIDENT NEAR SPRINGFIELD AIRPORT. CRASH FOLLOWS FINAL CLEARANCE FOR LANDING. Company Officials Join CAA in Probe For Accident Cause.
Springfield, Mo. (AP) - An American Airlines plane threading its way through darkness and rain toward a landing field crashed last night, killing 12 persons and injuring 23.
The twin-engine Convair crashed in a pasture about two miles north of the Springfield airport. Wreckage was scattered more than 300 feet.
The plane carried a three-member crew and 32 passengers. All the survivors were injured.
JACK FRIPISH, of Chicago, the pilot, was the only member of the crew to survive. Stewardess ... Read MORE...
Jefferson City Post-Tribune - Missouri - March 21, 1955
Comments
Evansville, Indiana, USA
Evansville, Ind., March 20 - Five were killed and a score injured in an explosion at the Sunnyside mine this afternoon.
The dead:
WILLIAM SCHNUTE.
SAMUEL COOMER.
NELSON WALLINGHAM, SR. (colored).
NELSON WALLINGHAM, JR. (colored).
JOSEPH SCHENK.
The explosion was caused by a windy shot, due to an overcharge of powder said to have been placed by JOHN PETIT.
PETIT is burned over his entire body and will die.
The dead were all killed by sulphuric fumes which followed the shot.
The... Read MORE...
Daily Review - Decatur, Illinois - March 21, 1909
Comments
1909 - FUMES FILL MINE AND FIVE DIE. DEAD AND INJURED THROWN OVER ALL PARTS OF THE WORKINGS.
Evansville, Ind., March 20 - Five were killed and a score injured in an explosion at the Sunnyside mine this afternoon.
The dead:
WILLIAM SCHNUTE.
SAMUEL COOMER.
NELSON WALLINGHAM, SR. (colored).
NELSON WALLINGHAM, JR. (colored).
JOSEPH SCHENK.
The explosion was caused by a windy shot, due to an overcharge of powder said to have been placed by JOHN PETIT.
PETIT is burned over his entire body and will die.
The dead were all killed by sulphuric fumes which followed the shot.
The... Read MORE...
Daily Review - Decatur, Illinois - March 21, 1909
Comments
1800s Advice and Etiquette for Men
Pleasure is the rock which most young people split upon ; they launch out with crowded sails in quest of it, but without a compass to direct their course, or reason sufficient to steer the vessel ;
therefore pain and shame, instead of pleasure, are ...Read MORE...
Practical Morality, Or, A Guide to Men and Manners... (1813). United Kingdom: J. Walker.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
...One or two very ludicrous scenes occurred on Warren bridge, Boston. A cartman, with a load of empty hogsheads, attempted to pass over into Charlestown, but when about midway, a gust of wind relieved him of half his number. A peddler followed, and the same ceremony was taken with a very large quantity of his tin ware; and strange to add, a second peddler, who had seen the fate of his brother tradesman, ventured to cross, but as profited not by others' experience, he learnt from his own that... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1854
Comments
1854 - The Destructive Gate - Its Effects at the East.
...One or two very ludicrous scenes occurred on Warren bridge, Boston. A cartman, with a load of empty hogsheads, attempted to pass over into Charlestown, but when about midway, a gust of wind relieved him of half his number. A peddler followed, and the same ceremony was taken with a very large quantity of his tin ware; and strange to add, a second peddler, who had seen the fate of his brother tradesman, ventured to cross, but as profited not by others' experience, he learnt from his own that... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1854
Comments
Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA
...In Fitchburg, the large brick engine-house, belonging to the Fitchburg and Worcester Railroad Company, was blown over with a tremendous crash, a portion of the brick work staving through the gas building adjoining, demolishing the gasometer, causing the gas to escape so that it will be impossible to light the place to-night. There were no persons in either building at the time.
A top of one of the railroad bridges on the Boston and Fitchburg Road, was taken by the wind, and carried a la... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1854
Comments
1854 - The Destructive Gate - Its Effects at the East.
...In Fitchburg, the large brick engine-house, belonging to the Fitchburg and Worcester Railroad Company, was blown over with a tremendous crash, a portion of the brick work staving through the gas building adjoining, demolishing the gasometer, causing the gas to escape so that it will be impossible to light the place to-night. There were no persons in either building at the time.
A top of one of the railroad bridges on the Boston and Fitchburg Road, was taken by the wind, and carried a la... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1854
Comments
Chicopee, Massachusetts, USA (Aldenville) (Chicopee Falls)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 20. - Kasimir Obara and Szymon Galuszka, two Poles, were found dead in bed this morning in the parochial residence connected with the Independent Polish Catholic Church of Chicopee. It is supposed that they were drunk when they went to bed and carelessly built a rousing fire in the hot-air furnace in the cellar of the house.
They permitted the register to remain open and then went to bed. Coal gas and hot air came up in such quantities that the medical examiner... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1898
Comments
1898 - POLES KILLED BY COAL GAS.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 20. - Kasimir Obara and Szymon Galuszka, two Poles, were found dead in bed this morning in the parochial residence connected with the Independent Polish Catholic Church of Chicopee. It is supposed that they were drunk when they went to bed and carelessly built a rousing fire in the hot-air furnace in the cellar of the house.
They permitted the register to remain open and then went to bed. Coal gas and hot air came up in such quantities that the medical examiner... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1898
Comments
Brockton, Massachusetts, USA (North Bridgewater)
Heroic Deeds by Rescuers and by Pinioned Victims Calmly Awaiting Their Doom.
Special to The New York Times.
BROCKTON, Mass., March 21. - The city is in mourning for fifty-three of her citizens whose lives were blotted out early today by the explosion of a boiler in a large shoe manufacturing establishment in the Campello district, conducted by the R B. Grover Company.
At 2:30 o'clock this morning the bodies of fifty-three persons have been recovered from the ruins of the factory. Seven... Read MORE...
New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1905
Comments
1905 - EXPLOSION KILLS 53; MANY ARE MISSING. Brockton Shoe Factory Collapses When Boiler Explodes. RUINS BURST INTO FLAME.
Heroic Deeds by Rescuers and by Pinioned Victims Calmly Awaiting Their Doom.
Special to The New York Times.
BROCKTON, Mass., March 21. - The city is in mourning for fifty-three of her citizens whose lives were blotted out early today by the explosion of a boiler in a large shoe manufacturing establishment in the Campello district, conducted by the R B. Grover Company.
At 2:30 o'clock this morning the bodies of fifty-three persons have been recovered from the ruins of the factory. Seven... Read MORE...
New York Times - New York, New York - March 21, 1905
Comments
Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Blaze Starts From Unknown Came in Prindle's Restaurant.
The Adams block, one of the principal business blocks on Spring street, was very badly damaged by fire early yesterday morning, the blaze originating in the restaurant of Caleb Prindle in the north end of the building. The restaurant and the whole of the second floor, on which were Sons of Veteran's hall, a tailor shop and several vacant office rooms, were completely destroyed, while the store of Patrick J. Dempsey, grocer, on the first ... Read MORE...
The Springfield Republican - Springfield, Massachusetts - March 21, 1908
Comments
1908 - WILLIAMSTOWN. BURNING OF ADAMS BLOCK. LOSS WILL BE ABOUT $25,000.
Blaze Starts From Unknown Came in Prindle's Restaurant.
The Adams block, one of the principal business blocks on Spring street, was very badly damaged by fire early yesterday morning, the blaze originating in the restaurant of Caleb Prindle in the north end of the building. The restaurant and the whole of the second floor, on which were Sons of Veteran's hall, a tailor shop and several vacant office rooms, were completely destroyed, while the store of Patrick J. Dempsey, grocer, on the first ... Read MORE...
The Springfield Republican - Springfield, Massachusetts - March 21, 1908
Comments
1937 March 21 - The first successful flying car, Waldo Waterman's Aerobile, makes its initial flight.
wikipedia.org
March 21, 1937
Visit San Diego, California, USA!
1843 March 21 – The world does not end, contrary to the first prediction by American preacher William Miller.
William Miller is perhaps the most famous false prophet in history. In the 1840s he began to preach about the world's end, saying Jesus Christ would return for the long-awaited Second Coming and that Earth would be engulfed in fire sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. He circulated his message in public gatherings and by using the technologies of the day — posters, printed newsletters and charts. Moved by those messages, as many as 100,000 "Millerites" sold their belongings...
Read MORE...
content.time.com
March 21, 1843
Visit , United States (USA) (American Colonies)!
1952 March 21 - Severe thunderstorms spawned thirty-one tornadoes across Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama and Kentucky.
The tornadoes killed 343 persons and caused 15 million dollars damage. Arkansas and Tennessee each reported thirteen tornadoes. The towns of Judsonia AR and Henderson TN were nearly wiped off the map in what proved to be the worst tornado outbreak of record for Arkansas. A tornado, one and a half miles wide at times, left a church the only undamaged building at Judsonia.
WeatherForYou.com
March 21, 1952
Visit , Tennessee, USA!
wikipedia.org
March 21, 1937
Visit San Diego, California, USA!
1843 March 21 – The world does not end, contrary to the first prediction by American preacher William Miller.
William Miller is perhaps the most famous false prophet in history. In the 1840s he began to preach about the world's end, saying Jesus Christ would return for the long-awaited Second Coming and that Earth would be engulfed in fire sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. He circulated his message in public gatherings and by using the technologies of the day — posters, printed newsletters and charts. Moved by those messages, as many as 100,000 "Millerites" sold their belongings...
Read MORE...
content.time.com
March 21, 1843
Visit , United States (USA) (American Colonies)!
1952 March 21 - Severe thunderstorms spawned thirty-one tornadoes across Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama and Kentucky.
The tornadoes killed 343 persons and caused 15 million dollars damage. Arkansas and Tennessee each reported thirteen tornadoes. The towns of Judsonia AR and Henderson TN were nearly wiped off the map in what proved to be the worst tornado outbreak of record for Arkansas. A tornado, one and a half miles wide at times, left a church the only undamaged building at Judsonia.
WeatherForYou.com
March 21, 1952
Visit , Tennessee, USA!
1840 WANTED
At the Sturbridge Cotton Mills, 5 or 6 good Families, consisting of Weavers, Spinners, and Carding Room help, who are of strictly temperance habits, for which the most liberal wages will be given. -- Those who are supporters of the great principles of the country, which encourage and foster the manufacturing interest, would be preferred. S. A. DRAKE, Agent. Sturbridge, March 4.
Boston Post
Boston, Massachusetts
March 21, 1840
Visit Sturbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Fiskdale)!
1788 March 21 - Fire destroys 856 buildings in New Orleans Louisiana
historyorb.com
March 21, 1788
Visit New Orleans, Louisiana, USA!
1854 The Destructive Gale - Its Effects at the East.
...At South Reading, a coal shed was turned over, which fell upon the Eastern telegraph line, demolishing it for some distance. The shed took fire from sparks of an engine, and caused an alarm of fire...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Reading, Massachusetts, USA!
At the Sturbridge Cotton Mills, 5 or 6 good Families, consisting of Weavers, Spinners, and Carding Room help, who are of strictly temperance habits, for which the most liberal wages will be given. -- Those who are supporters of the great principles of the country, which encourage and foster the manufacturing interest, would be preferred. S. A. DRAKE, Agent. Sturbridge, March 4.
Boston Post
Boston, Massachusetts
March 21, 1840
Visit Sturbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Fiskdale)!
1788 March 21 - Fire destroys 856 buildings in New Orleans Louisiana
historyorb.com
March 21, 1788
Visit New Orleans, Louisiana, USA!
1854 The Destructive Gale - Its Effects at the East.
...At South Reading, a coal shed was turned over, which fell upon the Eastern telegraph line, demolishing it for some distance. The shed took fire from sparks of an engine, and caused an alarm of fire...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Reading, Massachusetts, USA!
1854 The Destructive Gate - Its Effects at the East.
...In Ashland, a new three-story frame building, 60 by 40 feet, not quite completed, belonging to Leland & Co., shoe manufacturers, was levelled to the ground...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Ashland, Massachusetts, USA (Unionville)!
1854 The Destructive Gale - Its Effects at the East.
...In Pepperell, a house was blown down, containing nine persons, and, singular to record, not one of them was injured...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Pepperell, Massachusetts, USA!
1854 The Destructive Gale - Its Effects at the East.
...The unroofing of the great railroad depot at Springfield is described of wind force. The cars had just left for Hartford, and were just coming in from New-York, when about 300 feet of the roof was lifted off and scattered about in the streets, crushing several adjacent roofs, and demolishing carriages, &c., but fortunately no lives were lost. The large coffee factory of Fox & Co., in Springfield, was completely demolished, and several other buildings destroyed...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Springfield, Massachusetts, USA (Indian Orchard)!
...In Ashland, a new three-story frame building, 60 by 40 feet, not quite completed, belonging to Leland & Co., shoe manufacturers, was levelled to the ground...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Ashland, Massachusetts, USA (Unionville)!
1854 The Destructive Gale - Its Effects at the East.
...In Pepperell, a house was blown down, containing nine persons, and, singular to record, not one of them was injured...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Pepperell, Massachusetts, USA!
1854 The Destructive Gale - Its Effects at the East.
...The unroofing of the great railroad depot at Springfield is described of wind force. The cars had just left for Hartford, and were just coming in from New-York, when about 300 feet of the roof was lifted off and scattered about in the streets, crushing several adjacent roofs, and demolishing carriages, &c., but fortunately no lives were lost. The large coffee factory of Fox & Co., in Springfield, was completely demolished, and several other buildings destroyed...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Springfield, Massachusetts, USA (Indian Orchard)!
1854 The Destructive Gate - Its Effects at the East.
...The depot at the Bath junction was blown over upon the track, and the telegraph wires were broken...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Bath, Maine, USA!
1831 Counterfeit Notes
The Burlington, (Vermont,) Sentinel cautions the public against counterfeit 100 dollar notes of the Bank of the United States, payable at the office in Burlington, which are in circulation. The engraving, filling up, and signature are all very close imitations of the genuine note.
genealogybank.com
Baltimore Patriot
Baltimore, Maryland
March 21, 1831
Visit Burlington, Vermont, USA!
1880 Oldest House in New England
A house built in 1639 still stand in Deadham, Mass., and is the oldest in New England. It is beautifully situated under heavily branching elms, with a moss-covered roof. Much of the original furniture, 240 years of age, still remains, and has been in the possession of one family, named Fairbanks, during all of that time.
genealogybank.com
Macon Telegraph
Macon, Georgia
March 21, 1880
Visit Dedham, Massachusetts, USA!
...The depot at the Bath junction was blown over upon the track, and the telegraph wires were broken...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
Visit Bath, Maine, USA!
1831 Counterfeit Notes
The Burlington, (Vermont,) Sentinel cautions the public against counterfeit 100 dollar notes of the Bank of the United States, payable at the office in Burlington, which are in circulation. The engraving, filling up, and signature are all very close imitations of the genuine note.
genealogybank.com
Baltimore Patriot
Baltimore, Maryland
March 21, 1831
Visit Burlington, Vermont, USA!
1880 Oldest House in New England
A house built in 1639 still stand in Deadham, Mass., and is the oldest in New England. It is beautifully situated under heavily branching elms, with a moss-covered roof. Much of the original furniture, 240 years of age, still remains, and has been in the possession of one family, named Fairbanks, during all of that time.
genealogybank.com
Macon Telegraph
Macon, Georgia
March 21, 1880
Visit Dedham, Massachusetts, USA!
America - Did you know?
1836 - Alabama become the first state in the U.S. to officially legalize Christmas.
Quebec - Did you know?
The Quebec Winter Carnival Festival known as “Carnaval” is the largest winter festival in the world.
Picture of the Day
Visit Guilford, Connecticut, USA!
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.
Old Stone House (Erected 1639)
Guilford, Conn.
"The Henry Whitfield House is a historic house located at 248 Old Whitfield Street in Guilford, Connecticut, down the street from the town green. This house dates from 1639, having been built just before the town of Guilford was settled. It is the oldest house in Connecticut and the oldest stone house in New England. The house, with its massive stone walls, also served as a fort to protect the community. Henry Whitfield, for whom the house was built, was a Puritan minister who had come from England to flee religious persecution. The house was remodeled in 1868 and opened to the public in 1899 as the first museum of the State of Connecticut, the Henry Whitfield State Museum. The house was restored in 1902-04 and in the 1930s and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997. It was named a State Archeological Preserve in 2006..." wikipedia
