Holliston women in 1889 were not to be taken lightly, and “cats with wings” invade the Depot.
July 1, 1889 – Mudville was the scene of a disgraceful row early on Sunday morning, caused by too much “tanglefoot.” During the fracas, a woman who tried to interfere was knocked down and severely hurt; and yet such actions are allowed to pass unnoticed, as if they had never happened.
July 3, 1889 – In order that the exuberant patriotism of young and old America might be restrained within proper limits, Constables John Baker, J.F. Curran and H. M. Holmes were ordered by the Selectmen to be on duty from 7 P.M. to 6 A.M., July 3 and 4.
The glorious fourth has come and gone again, and as usual sleep was almost impossible for the residents in the center of town Wednesday night. Officers Baker, Holmes and Curran were on duty to preserve order. This fact, however, did not prevent the boys from blowing S. Whiting’s steam whistle vigorously, and ringing the Congregational. church and the High school bells.
August 16, 1889 – Billy Briggs was around bright and early Tuesday morning, making loud complaint that Paddy Mullen had been hanging around his place half the night, keeping him from that sound sleep which William desires to prepare him for his arduous day’s labor. Billy says he will have Paddy arrested or else he’ll shoot him. Better go slow, Billy.
October 25, 1889 – It is said that the breed of cats which reside near the railroad station have wings, or at least a person in that vicinity caused other people to think so, from the fact that a troop of felines made such a rumpus there yesterday afternoon that the owner of a revolver caused the same to be fired at a bevy of the aforesaid little angels as they ran through an open door, but the aim was so erratic that the bullet passed through a window at W.H. Chenery’s coal office, struck a mirror on the wall, demolishing the glass, and embedding itself in the wood work of the frame. Mr. C. immediately ran out to see who fired the shot, but on seeing a woman with a revolver in her hand, he concluded he had better retreat, after such an exhibition of marksmanship.
October 29, 1889 – Officer John Curran has made his annual return of arrests to the Prison Commissioners:
- For drunkenness: 8
- Common drunkard: 1
- Larceny: 4
- Lewdness: 2
- Disorderly house: 1
- Disturbing the Peace: 3
- Assault: 2
- All others: 4
November 2, 1889 – Officer T. F. Carroll had 16 arrests last year: one as a common drunkard, twelve drunks, and three vagrants.