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 October 20, 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 October 20 historical headlines that may hold the missing pieces of your family's history puzzle.
1949 - Charles Slades Married 50 Years
Surprise Party Given by Members of Family
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Slade were given a surprise party Saturday at their home by members of their family in observance of their 50th wedding anniversary.
The party was arranged by their daughter, Mrs. Douglas Scott of Adams, assisted by their daughters-in-law, Mrs. Clayton J. Slade, Mrs. C. Stafford Slade, Mrs. J. William Slade and Mrs. Edson Slade. Mrs. Clayton J. Slade made the anniversary cake. The elder Slades were presented with many gifts,... Read MORE...
The North Adams Transcript - North Adams, Massachusetts - Thurs., October 20, 1949
Comments

Vickert Photographer
38 Merrimack St.
Haverhill, Mass.
Visit Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA (Ayers Village)!
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
From the Harrisburg Telegraph.
One of the most horrible railroad accidents that occurred during the present year, happened on Saturday afternoon, on the Pennsylvania railroad, three miles this side of Lancaster, as the Day Express train reached that point, en route for Philadelphia.
The train consisted of seven cars. The front axle of the third car breaking, that end of the car at once fell to the track, and as the train was under full headway, the rear cars ran into the one to which the... Read MORE...
Village Record - Pennsylvania - October 20, 1865
Comments
1865 - TERRIBLE RAILROAD ACCIDENT. NINE PERSONS INSTANTLY KILLED !!
From the Harrisburg Telegraph.
One of the most horrible railroad accidents that occurred during the present year, happened on Saturday afternoon, on the Pennsylvania railroad, three miles this side of Lancaster, as the Day Express train reached that point, en route for Philadelphia.
The train consisted of seven cars. The front axle of the third car breaking, that end of the car at once fell to the track, and as the train was under full headway, the rear cars ran into the one to which the... Read MORE...
Village Record - Pennsylvania - October 20, 1865
Comments
Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA
Altoona, Pa., Oct. 20. - One of the most serious fires that has ever occurred in Altoona started in the new five-story furniture building of OLIVER ROTHERT, and before it was brought under control property to the amount of near $500,000 was destroyed. The ROTHERT building and the new theatre of I. C. MISHLER were entirely destroyed, and the new building of the Order of Elks, which had not yet been completed, was badly damaged. The Altoona Trust company structure and the office building of the... Read MORE...
The News - Frederick, Maryland - October 20, 1906
Comments
1906 - BIG FIRE AT ALTOONA. FURNITURE STORE AND THEATRE DESTROYED - OTHER BUILDINGS DAMAGED.
Altoona, Pa., Oct. 20. - One of the most serious fires that has ever occurred in Altoona started in the new five-story furniture building of OLIVER ROTHERT, and before it was brought under control property to the amount of near $500,000 was destroyed. The ROTHERT building and the new theatre of I. C. MISHLER were entirely destroyed, and the new building of the Order of Elks, which had not yet been completed, was badly damaged. The Altoona Trust company structure and the office building of the... Read MORE...
The News - Frederick, Maryland - October 20, 1906
Comments

1800s Cooking Tips and Recipes
Forcemeat Balls
Take half a pound of veal, and half pound of suet cut fine and beat in a marble mortar or wooden bowl; add a few sweet herbs shred fine, a little mace pounded fine, a small nutmeg grated, a little lemon peel, some pepper and salt, ...Read MORE...
Mary Randolph, The Virginia Housewife, 1824
1803 - October 20 - Louisiana Purchase - The United States doubled its size by purchasing this territory from Spain.
Senate Ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty
In the 1800s, in the United States, pioneers and homesteaders eagerly moved west to start a new life in the plains, hills and mountains west of the Mississippi River. This movement could not have happened without the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, approved by the Senate on October 20, 1803, by a vote of 24-to-7. The agreement, which provided for the purchase of the western half of the Mississippi River basin from France at a price of approximately 4 ... Read MORE...
www.americaslibrary.gov
October 20, 1803
Comments
Westport Island, Maine, USA (Westport) (Jeremysquam)
“I was born in the town of Westport in 1870. When I was two years old my folks removed to Boothbay where my father was interested in the livery business. Here I grew up, and of course became acquainted with every one in that vicinity. “It was only eight miles from Boothbay back to my old home in Westport, and I used to go over there frequently to dances and other amusements.
“My first acquaintance with Jessie Cobb was in Bath in 1893. She was stopping with her married sister, Mrs. French on... Read MORE...
Lewiston Saturday Journal - Lewiston, Maine - October 20, 1900
Comments
1900 - Statement of James F. Williams in regard to Jessie Cobb murder
“I was born in the town of Westport in 1870. When I was two years old my folks removed to Boothbay where my father was interested in the livery business. Here I grew up, and of course became acquainted with every one in that vicinity. “It was only eight miles from Boothbay back to my old home in Westport, and I used to go over there frequently to dances and other amusements.
“My first acquaintance with Jessie Cobb was in Bath in 1893. She was stopping with her married sister, Mrs. French on... Read MORE...
Lewiston Saturday Journal - Lewiston, Maine - October 20, 1900
Comments
1960 October 20 - 1st fully mechanized post office opened, Providence, RI
historyorb.com
Visit Providence, Rhode Island, USA!
1841 Supposed Murder
The body of a young woman, named Mary Austin, was found in the woods in Shaftsbury, Vermont, a week or two since, and suspicions having since arisen that she was murdered, four individuals have been arrested for examination in regard to their knowledge of the matter.
The Weekly Standard
Raleigh, North Carolina
Visit Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA!
1896 EXTENSIVE FIRE IN ENFIELD, MASS.
Athol, Mass., Oct. 19. - The town of Enfield was visited to-day by a fire which wiped out the whole business part. The fire started in a bakery, presumably from an overheated oven.
genealogybank.com
New York Herald-Tribune
New York, New York
Visit Enfield, Massachusetts, USA*!
historyorb.com
Visit Providence, Rhode Island, USA!
1841 Supposed Murder
The body of a young woman, named Mary Austin, was found in the woods in Shaftsbury, Vermont, a week or two since, and suspicions having since arisen that she was murdered, four individuals have been arrested for examination in regard to their knowledge of the matter.
The Weekly Standard
Raleigh, North Carolina
Visit Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA!
1896 EXTENSIVE FIRE IN ENFIELD, MASS.
Athol, Mass., Oct. 19. - The town of Enfield was visited to-day by a fire which wiped out the whole business part. The fire started in a bakery, presumably from an overheated oven.
genealogybank.com
New York Herald-Tribune
New York, New York
Visit Enfield, Massachusetts, USA*!

America - Did you know?
1850 - The continuing debate whether territory gained in the Mexican War should be open to slavery is decided in the Compromise of 1850: California is admitted as a free state, Utah and New Mexico territories are left to be decided by popular...Read MORE...www.infoplease.com

Quebec - Did you know?
The habitant had a profound belief in the supernatural, and was prone to associate miraculous handiwork with every unusual event. New France was full of legends and weird tales. Most of these legends had some moral lessons attached to them: they...Read MORE...Daily Life in New France (www.chroniclesofamerica.com/ french/ daily_life_in_new_france.htm)

Picture of the Day
Visit Belfast, Maine, USA!
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.

City National Bank, 1910