1
W W h o Mothered
L 1 t t l e Bridgeport
tear-ma, Dashed Into
‘ l
Jung»... . .. mmmuvvuh-uumnum
I
‘ 1
cm
‘31 r '“ll'A‘ 1-
;§oroner S a y s Steps
.6 Should Be Taken to
Remove Danger in
3;,Dther Buildings
gleam BRIDGEPORT, April 17.——W‘ith a.
knowledge of the ghastly. over-
, aiming tragedy that resulted in
E; death at his six children on
esday night when their stable-
.honie near Ash Creek was gutted
y,§re Louis Ehrlich, yesterday
we police the first. details as to just
hit happened as the flames burst
bout the family, trapping them in
their beds: His story shows his lit-
!le son Frederick, 14 years of age,
’10 mothered the little brood while
. the father wor"ed each day, was the
hero of the fire.
Died Yesterday.
.1139 child after having been
taught from the burning house al-
untouched by the flames, (insh—
d back into the burning structure
hind his father and “as battling
oget to the beds ot‘ his little b1otl1-
in an attempt to save their lives
en he was enveloped in the burd-
g furnace and carried nearly dead
rem the place for a second time by
parent.
The child died at 't. Vincent’s
capital as the bell in a nearby
urch was‘olling the Angelus at
o’clock yesterday morning.
Charred lumber that had dried
lit in the smouldering ruins of the
ome, situated in the rear of 33‘
‘nirfield av,enue became ignited
gain at 4 o'clock yostcrdav
13?: I nu
H ygflr
E‘“E~
W
W
after-
0011 and a. still alarm was sent into
He headquarters Engine compnnv
2E?!
nun
“hilc fighting the fir e Tuesday
ight Chief of the l“ ire Department
aniei E. Johnson in some unknown
antler injured his aim and will
robably be laid up for a few days.
t was reported last night. He did
t complain 0! his injury until he
(1 reported for duty yesterday
ming.
Advance Lamp Theory.
That a. lamp burning kerosene oi}
lght have caused the fatal blaze
has the probable theory advanced
yesterdav. lililgich declared that
he burning lam was the only tire
n the house. A cat migll t have
oclrcd it. 0v or it is belim ed.
Alone the world, Ehrlich
rained in mbnndugcs on a cot in St.
d
19
‘51!
m
0.0
’3
3"“?
1 1
incents hospit :11, described as viv-
ly as his 11 irio .15 mix: 6. permitted
his losing 1:11: to sum in little
9
S
roan
as
n'
3f
4
o
i
s
a
n
at
a
P
u
’.
r
3
l.
1
I
I
i
i
r
I
Q
l‘
h
g
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v
5
He told a number oi {:1 B:
b! Investi:atic:1,vvho sgarcd the
iaddened tamer an Crllt‘ll c'.‘ long
Eguestioning that he .33 hing fully
lelothcd 111 lvd with his old-st son.
firrederick,1i.tlle 11 t 1 'lillltl‘ (v
be famlly to die, a: d the youngest
hild. Ernest, three and a half years
gold. The father and l rcdcrick “ere
trying to lull the labv to sleep.
‘1 A sudden il: ”‘0 and ti: e warmth of
sitense lltat struck him with terror
(v.
1111 he Jumped 310111 tin: bed simul-
Neously “llh Fredelick. Flames
are eating around the door leading
om the room to a. hallway run-
ing directlv through the center of
2: building pith a door at the
hi. and one at the 1»..1r. Adjacent
do the room occupitd llv the three
fins another bedroom in “hich the
1.1:- other children, Ida, 13; Louis,
Z ., 10; Raymond, G; and Charles,
J: were sleeping. The hallway sepa-
‘i‘ated the bedrooms item a kitchen
11 sitting room.
JlEhrlich rushed the oidest boy
om the room out through the hall-
“ fly, by that. time blazing, and
‘ rough the rear door into the yard.
e then dashed back into the house
' with the one thought in mind
saving the others.
2: According to th e stOry, the hall-
y and two bedrooms were envel-
ifiped with flames and the children
here trapped in inevitable death
hen the man rushpd into the house.
0 mwas no sooner in the building
Irederick “as at his heels
fianhting to get to the aid or his
there and sister. Flames caught
e oldest son’s clothing and he was
” in rushed from the building by
a father, who after beating out the
e enveloping Frederick, ran rav-
3 through the yard in Fairfield
enue. _
iEhrllch will be further questioned
hen his condition permits. He is
ted to remain in the hospital ‘
veral days.
After he had quieted down in the
o .
. .
imam no 01
.9"
. 11 in Black Rock “as ordered to ,
hospital Tuesday night Ehrlich. no:
cording to Dr. Pasquale
asked as to his children. he was told
at the tragedy. Despite the sad
news he bore, up bravely.
Ehrlich’s brother, Charles, and
Edward Meehl, s. brother-in-law.
came to this city (rem Greenwich
yesterday and at the direction of the
former made arrangements for the
burial of the bodies, all or which are
at the undertaking parlors of Frank
Polke and Son, 778 State Iireot.
The bodies will be inter tomor-
row morning in two graves :1 Green-
w-ood Union cemetery. Rye, N. Y.
There pill be no funeral service in
this city. The mother. who died
about eight months ago, was buried
in a. cemetery in Rye.
, “111 Hold Inquat. ‘ ‘
Coroner John J. Pbelan said last
night he perhaps would hold an in-
quest into the deaths or the children
tomorrow or Saturday.
Because or the large number of
persons who yesterday visited the
scene or the tragedy, a. polfclman
was stationed at the ruins through-
out the day.
About 20 chickens owned by Ehr-
lich strutted around in their coops
but there was no one to take care
for them. Neither was there anyone
to re’ceive the mllkman's services
when he drove to the house yester—
day morning, unaware of the fatal
fire.
“This incident should serve as a
warning or the dangers of such tire
traps," Alderman Howard F. Bry-
ant. chairman of the Fire committee
of the Common Council, said yester
day afternoon after the committee
and Fire Chief Daniel E. Johnson
had visited the scene of the fire.
“Steps should be taken to remove
the fire danger in numbers of other
similar buildings in the city," he
said.
The committee, he said, is await-
ing an opportunity to learn the cause
and circumstances of the fire from
Louis Ehrlich.
Obituary
lllrnm A. Slicrron.
Hiram A. Sherrou died this morn-
ing at his home in Rowayton ave-
nue, 'Rowayton, at the use or 65
years. He is survived by his wife
and two sons, George of Philadel-
pliia ,and Percy of Brooklyn. He is
a member of Old \Vell Lodge, No.
108, 1-‘. & A. 3L: Blanket 'Grotto;
and the Rowayton Fire Department.
Notice of the funeral jvlll be given
9 later.
Marlin DonUliue
Marlin Donohue, 73 years old, or
Greens Farm, died at his home yes-
.terday. He is survived by three
children: Mrs. C. Murray, of Bridge-
port; Miss Amelia Donahue, of
Greene Farm and John Donahue, of
lcn Donohuo.ot‘ Ncwliavcn: and
two brothers, Lawrence. 01' Sangu-
tuel: and Thomas, 0! Bridgeport.
o’clock Friday morning from the
Church of the Assumption, in “feet-
port. Burial will be in the Catholic
ccmelcr)‘ in King SU‘CPt.
George llumphrics
The funeral oi George Humphrlcs.
“'le died at his home, on Rowayton
avenue, Tucsday,.xvlll be held from
the into home, this afternoon at 1
o‘clock. Ito“. Charles Gray. of the
lion-nylon Alclliodist church will of-
iiciate and burial will be in W'ooster
cemetery, Danbury.
Simon Hart
The funeral of Stanton Hart will
be held from the late home, Crocket
street, llowayton. this afternoon at
2-30'o’elock. Burial will in Union
cemetery.
C'ty B "efs
The Ladies' Aid Society of the
East Avenue Methodist church will
hold a. food sale in Fey’s market,
Saturday afternoon, at 2 o'clock.
" s o s
The South Norwalk public li-
brary will be closed all day, Good
Friday.
a o o '
The University Four will give a.
dance at the Central Trust Com-
pany’s "hall tonight. Monterey club
orchestra will furnish the music.
0 a
Mrs. John Forlz or. 6 Lexington
avenue was in Bridgeport. yester-
day, where she attended the funeral
of a. relative.
‘o‘ 'o‘ u 3
Mrs. Louis Heltant and daughter,
Mildred or Darien, are visiting Mrs.
Heliant'sn‘rother at hér horns on
Snowden avenue.
City Treasurer Anson F. Keeler.
was a. visitor in Fairtield yesterday
on business.
Malena. ,
New York oily; one sister, Miss Elw
Funeral services will be held at 10 '
Mfilmfi’i With
By age
D e l 3 gr e M 1] -
.l' 1 o 11 air e s, Hangs
Himself _
WILTON, April 17.»Dangiing
from a. rafter in the barn with a
rope around his neck. James L.
Middlebrook, a. victim of a. linger-
ing illness, was found at 11 o’clock
this morning by his wife. Middle—
brook, who was 59 years or age,
and a retired mail carrier. became
dispondent this morning over his
his serious ill health. caused by a
nervous break down a. year ago ne-
cessitating his resigning as mail car-
rier and decided to end his life while
his wife was absent from the house
a few minutes.
He stole quietly out to the barn
where be secured a stout rope which
he took to the loft and tactened to
a rafter. Then securing the other
end firmly about his neck the man
jumped off into space. Mrs. Mid-
dlebrobk notified Medical Examiner
Samuel H. Huntington, of Norwalk.
and the State mlice barracks at
Ridgeilold, whose officers made an
investigation and ‘reported a. clear
csfse or suicide.
Mr. Middlebrook was a member
or. one of the oldest families in the
town, having bone bdrn here Febru-
ary 16 1866 and later became a.
member at the Wilton Congrega-
tional church. Ills early education
was received in the public schools
and VVilion academy. Shortly after
leaving school he went to New
Haven where he. became connected
with the New York and Eastern
News company, which connection
he held for nine yerus and then de-
cided to return to his home towu.
On his return to “’iiton he was en-
gaged in the fruit, fish, oyster and
vegetable trade. This position he
held until 1897, when he went to
Nor-walk. His stay in Norwalk last-
ml only a. fe wmonths and then he
returned to his old home in “'ilton
to spend the remainder of his days.
Surviving Mr. Middlebrnok are
his wife, who was Miss Henrietta
C. Farnhum before llCI‘ marriage in
1888; {our daughters. Mrs. Mary
Griovel. of Norwalk: Mrs. Arthur
Green. of New Canaan: Mrs: Career.
0! Stamford: and Miss Estella. Mid-
dlebrook, of Norwalk; two sons.
James L. .-Niddlebrook. of New
Canaan; and Farnham D. Middle-
brook, of Norwalk. The second
son. Farnhum Middlebrook, married
Marion Glendcnlng of Norwalk. who
is a sister of Harold Sanford Glen~
dening, who two years ago married
Alicia DuPont of Delaware heiress
oi: the DuPont millions. Funeral
arrangements have not been com“-
plcted. '
School Pupils
.(Contlnucd from Page One);
By COCSL‘ [-21.0 D:\“'SON
Junior High School
Second Prim
In olden days when transportation
Was in its primitive slate, danger to
travelers was a. matter or endurance.
Willr the coming or steam trains
dangers increased by lack of proper
facilities. Necessity was the mother
or invention. signals. switches.
bridges. and viaducts followed.
\Vith more advanced ideas in motive
power, travel became more rapid
and dangerous, unless certain-neces-
sary precautions are taken. The
orignal and only practical way in
which steam trains could run was
upon tracks securely laid on level
surface. This of course meant that
at certain points these tracks would
cross highways traveled by the pub-
lic, these intersections are known as
grade crossings and are not alwavs
situated as to afford a clear and 311 f-
fieient view to the public or train
crew (the public means those who
are compelled to use the highways)
to see a. distance great enough to
note approach of trains or the
travel on foot or in vehicles. With
the coming of automobiles travel be-
came more rapid and danger in-
creased. In many instances and in
nearly all, this danger has beck les~
sened by either bridges for the
trains or viaducts for the public use.
It is not a privilege for people to use
what is knoWn as public highways.
It is a. right and as it i a. right it
should be protected. Hit, ways are
owned. governed and maintained. by
either the government. state or city,
the condition or a highway or public
road is then a. credit or reflection
to those upon whom its care de-
pends.
There is no money value great
enough to be compared to the value
of a single life. Lives that are lost
by accident can be attributed to two
causes—first. unintentional neglect.
‘when an accident occurs which
PAY YOURSELF 11‘ PROFIT.
.When you pay your bills for
luxuries. yen pay the tradesmen
does YOUR profit come in, if you
Pay YOURSELF a
each pay day.
groceries, clothing and
a. fair profit. Wha-
spendyeursnfire salary?
PM 15! W a modem
Connected .. v 9
Fir.“ ——-~~-r-—- -——-——~r . w-n
‘ 1
Norwalk is to have the privilege
again or hearing Hilliard Crooks.
Ilc will come here to sing at the
Spring festival or the I'copies'
Chorus. May 16.
Richard Crooks is acclaimed the
outstanding young tmlor 01' today.
The verdict his been obtained after
three seasons of such unqualified
and sensational success. conserva-
tive press critics throughout the
cities or the East and Middle “'est
lune devoted lengthy paragraphs
to his praise. His singinu'over the
radio and'his records have brought
him close in the hearts of many
more thousands.
The l’ruplvs' l‘horus was fortu-
nate to suture Mr. (‘ronks' services
during his first souson and he will
sing with them for the third limo
at the Spring (‘ouccrt at the Arm-
ory. May ill. Ills interproluilons of
Faust and of tho Sun “‘orsliippcrs
BICHKRD CROOKS
are treasured‘ memories and for-tell
the tender rendering that will. be
given to the "Rose Maiden."
Richard Crooks was born in
Trenton, N. J., and started singing
at the age of 10. A few years later
{in was appearing at the Auditor-
1 in even Grove, N. J., a. well
lflwn New York voice teacher and
cholrmaster heard him and immed-
iately engaged him {or soloist at All
Angels’ Church. New York. Mr.
Crooks occupied the posotlon or so-
prano soloist for two years. later
returning as tenor soloist. During
the war llt' enlisted in the 626th
Atro Squadron. the development of
tin voice nmtorially assisted by the
strunuousnesa of the life he led.
l.1te1 he iclurnod to his Church p0-
sllinn and in lT’l has chosen from
if; others for the important post of
truer soloist at the Fifth avenue
Presbyterian emu-(h. New York.
might have been glvolded had the
cause been foreseen. Second. by
criminal neelrc: . Criminal neglect
is when a cause is known and not
remedied in time to prevent ac-
cident (New (.‘unszm Crossing).
\Vheu tuo accidents occur— at the
sumo pinto from the a me cause it
tilt-11 appears to have been criminal
neglect somewhere. ‘
Despite the fact that modern pro—
zrcss has brought about more rapid
11.1vol,1uolo beautiful instructivn
and scenic edeet our highways and
on most or them protection and
safety the fact remains that there
are still a few that remain. primitive
and dangerous.
In our own beautiful city we have
one that stands out as a. rebuke. to
to advanced ideas and progress and
\X‘llY? .
The New Canaan Crossing is
primitive. dangerous, and a. menace.
and \VHY?
Ilunmn life has become sacrificed.
human life is still endangered, that's
why. Expense should not be con-
sidered because money cannot be
weighed in comparison to human
life. Discussion should not be pro-
longed for the necessity has‘bcen
Well established. 0r action-delayed
o1- elsc we fail in our responsibilities
to our fellowmen.
The New Canaan Grade Crossing
must be eliminated—and AT ONCE.
By BEATRICE L. L0\VNDES.
Senior High School
Third Prize
Every day the dangers of grade
crossings grow. They mennnco the
lives of the millions of people cros—
ing them daily. \‘o city or town
safety for its inhabitants. In this
present day of wonderful inventions
and the construction or great sky-
scrapers it seems that a town the
size of Norualk ought to boast of
having done away with all grade
crossings.
A short “bile ago a. terrible acci-
dent occurred at a. grade crossing In
<Norualk. A uoman was driving her
car across the tracks when a train
came along at a great rate of speed
and killed her instantly. In larger
towns someone is killed mostly every
day by trains, while it is considered
a. common thing by some people it
is because they do not realize the
horror of it.
Children coming and going from
school are compelled to cross the
tracks at the New Canaan crossing.
Little children do not realize that
the on- -coming train is a. huge iron
monster, whistling and shrieking
for an open highway.
In the state of New York there
was a. small child or a. poor family
returning from school. In order to
reach his home he had to go ever
a. grade crossing. Having heard the
train whistle so much, it did not
impress upon him the fact that he
should wait for it to pass. He start-
ed to cross but before he had reach-
ed the middle or the tracks the
train was rushing over him. There
are a. great number at accidents of
the same type happening every day
at grade crossings.
They are said to be safe under
the supervision of a. flagman. Thane
flagmen are usually on duty two; or
three hours a. day. ‘This is not on-
flush. .
Iknewbtaeuemethgngg.
man was actually dear. It geemg
that’ It a man can do nothing else
he mym a. flagman at 9. [rue
crossing. Is it not Just that the
people demand the abolition of the
grade crowns! when the lives of
their children and themselves gr at
stake? _ ,
~r * The 26me own; is shelt-
Wan. thaldeswhioh ‘
can grow “hen it can not guarantee
public.
The ‘coming generation will not
tolerate such things as grade cross-
ings dopop‘utintlng their cities. The
taxpayers will not stand by and
union the. oily officials get rich on
tlxcirnmncy intended to bring safe-
15' to millions of people. They will
light, If they must_ tor their lives.
By RUTH IIEIDED.
Junior High School-4rd Prize.
The danger of a railroad crossing
il‘ summed up. would go into the
class or thousands, if time was tak-
on bv peoplc to do so. This particu-
Aer 1ailroad is to be the subject of
discussion in this compOSltlon.
“lien an auto is approaching the
crossing by \\.1\' of New Canaan
ovmuv, it is nccrssary for the 911-:
Legion Men N ow Resi-
dents o f N Orwalk
Should File Applica-
tion, Says Red Cross
“n...
The Bonus Act passed by the State
or New York became etiective im-
mediately upon passage Marc} 1,
1924. These 0! Nor-walk who are
entitled to this bonus are urged to
apply at once as the Nonvalk Red
Cross is anxious that all these appli-
cations from Norwaik be filed as
soon as possible. Those from New
York who are eligible are:—
"a. Every person, male or fe-
male. who was enlisted. inducted,
served in active duty in the army.
navy. or thuglarlne corps of the
United States at any time between
the sixth day of April, nineteen hun-
dred and seventeen-and the eleventh
day of November, nineteen hundred
ably separated or discharged from
such service, or who is still in ac-
tive serviCe, or has been retired, or
has been furloughed to a reserve.
'b. Every person who was en-
listed in the army, nurse corps or
the navy nurse corps of the L‘nlted
States and who served in active duty
therein at any time betueen the
sixth day or April nineteen hundred
and seventeen and the leventh day
or November, nineteen hundred and
eighteen and. who was honorably
separated or discharged tram such
service or who in still in active set-w
lcc.’
Sec. 6. The beneficiary must have
induction x x x x an actual resident
of the state of New York" and will
receive 810.00 for every Qtire month
that such person was in active ser-
vice in the military or naval forces
of the United States during the
world war." Maximmn payments
limited to 3150.00. Those who rc-
tused to render unqualified service
on conscientious, political, or other
grounds ‘are barred.
"The widow or widower, child, or
children. mother, father, brother,
and sister in the odred named and
none other" may claim nus if the
entitled veteran dies after this act
takes effect and prior to the expira-
tlo not date {or filing claim (July 1.
1925 3')
The Monday evening office hours
5 to 6:30 Monday evenings, at Red
(1
old by this process there is a possl-_
bl lily of stalllng omthe tracks.
It is the junction of three streets
namely. Main st.. New Canaan ave—
nue and Tyndall avenue. and as cv—
cry one knows. a. junction of streets
is very dangerous because 0: trailic
let alone the railroad.
see the train until it was at tbu.
crossing because of the turn near—
bv. There
these crossings not onlv at this one
but at many others that are in
need.
The railroad crossing is
business centre, the noise or the
factories nearby and the traffic on
Main street make it impossible to
hear the approaching train.
1-3\e1y voar about one thousand.
eight hundred people are killed and
four thousand hundred people are
injured at. railroad crossings
throughout the country.
There are no sidewalks along the
roads; the autoisls. to avoid strik-
ing a. pedestrian might be unable to
stop before coming to the tracks,
although this is an unusual case.
Acording to my estimation and
many others there should be an ele—
vated railway by these. crossings.
especially this one.
I myselt had an experience in the
spring or last year.
Coming- toward Main street
way of New Canaan avenue
brother shifted the gears on his
and stalled in the middle
treats. We could no nothing but
jump out of tin car and push it
until it was off the track. From
that time on I swore that it I ever
had a chance I would try to elimin-
ate that railroad crossing and have
elevated tracks.
JOE HOLLYWOOD
by
my
’At the: mile Bowlin "lulu
New Haven, : 97: in
walk’s bowler in the State
Tournament defeated HQ! Arum
the boy wonder of. the state league,
the gamesito tour. - '1 ‘
Tonight all the Word alley- fl!
lVlilg‘ the car to shift. the gears'
A passerhy would not be able to f
should be gates nenr‘
in the!
car ‘
or the ’
BEATS ARNOYS :
J as Hollywood. .Noh- »
......w......- .. _...-
warranted or commissioned and who ,
and eighteen and who was honor- ‘
been “at the time of enlistment or .
No game of foreign importation lias ever won the
popularity of Mah Jongg. In many circles vou are so.
cially ostracized if you do not play. Come to this
Store and. buy one of our. quality Sets at a moderate
price.
$1. 00 $10.00
\ 53.50. $11.50
$4.00 $15.00
$7.50 “$20.00
DONNELLY’S
South Main Street, South horwalk.
a
...___... _ . _
Cross Headquarters. 2nd “our South
Norwalk Library, otters a time when
(ix-service men employed may ar-
range to call at the Cixuplcr o:':ice
without lntercrcnce with ‘cmpioy-
merit. The Red Cross has no way
oi knowing of men 11min: into 011:0“.11’W'
Not-wall; since the vvnr and so urges . Vermont, Vine
that all iorincr TOSldehS ot Stu rsl Help .‘riillsl'l
giving bonuses apply at once. 'l‘li:se lu’forc '-"~
are as folfons:
Colorado. 3 .
fil'l'd, lows. Ktin.
Massachusetts
, N0111 l'
31:11: ,
Cl.-
Unbeatable Values! f
‘Suits and Top Coats
$20, $25 and $30
We say unbeatable values—and we mean it!
L . a
We maintain that our suits and top coats are sold at $10 less than
those from other stores because we are manufacturers
fown clothing through our own chain of stores — minus the middle-
man’s profit—usually $10.
and sell our
This Easter before buying your suit or top coat, step in our Soulh’
N orwalk branch and look around; if you decide to buy take your pur.
chase home, examine it, and if you feel you haven’t saved $10 on
your buy—return same and we’ll refund your money—fair enough ‘3,
Pretty stripes and mixtures in two
three and conservative cut models. .$20
Top Coats 1n tans and greys at . . . . . .
Hand tailored blue serges, pencil
stripes and popular check effects, all 825
the wanted colors. Top Coats are the
popular loose back models at . . . . . .
( l
$5.50
Easily a $40 value elsewhere. These
Suits and Top Coats are beautifullv
finished in models and colorings to$
suit the most discriminating buver.$
MOTHERS! BOYS’ suns
$8. 50 TWO PANTS SUITS
Pretty gray and tan shades, suits have two
pairs of lined knickers, sizes 8 to 18 years . . . .
310. no TWO PANTS SUITS
Fine value at $10, in new Norfolk model, grays
browns and pretty mixtures, sizes 8 to 18. . . ..
$6. 50
$12. 50 TWO PANTS SUITS
Good looking, long wearing two pants suits in pretty
models and. colors. Special to introduce our-
Boyfi’ Department oospoeosi‘uo-JoOJOOQ-oo-o $7. 50
erg Bros.
‘BEART BRAND” CLOTHES
SO N ORWALK
~—-—-
Norwalk Chronicler