Monday, June 05, 2006

Screwed Hay and Unlucky Thirteen

More fun from the Portland, Maine newspaper, the Eastern Argus, Friday Dec. 9, 1836, issue!

Here we find a couple of interesting ads. One of the fine things about old newspaper articles is the use of outmoded terminology that just sounds funny to our blunted modern ears. Evidence at hand: "screwed hay." Also attached is another ad, placed for a fellow who has had bad luck at the account of his $13 promissory note. To wit:
D.H. COLE Agent for farmers, has good and safe accommodations for storing SCREWED HAY, and offers his services in making sales of that article. None but the first quality will be received. Sales guaranteed. Charges moderate.

NOTICE. I the Subscriber to hereby forbid all persons purchasing a note given by me to Frederick Wescott, of Westbrook, dated June 22, 1836 -- the amount of said Note is thirteen dollars, for I never received the value of said Note and shall not pay it. BENJAMIN SAWYER, Westbrook, Nov. 23, 1836.

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