Police Log: 1908 – 1909

Braggville continues to be a favorite of burglars

BRAGGVILLE WIDOW VICTIM OF BURGLARY

May 25, 1908 –  Another scare was  added to the long string of similar affairs which have occurred in Braggville of late, throwing the village in a reign of terror, yesterday morning at 3:30 o’clock, when a young man, about 25 years old, gained an entrance to the home of Mrs. Frances Simonetta by breaking a window and had proceeded into her bedroom before being detected.

Mrs. Sinonetta heard the man knock at her door, and raised a window and shouted to the neighbors for help. Her screams caused the intruder to take to his heels and leave the house. Once outside he easily got away on a bicycle, which he had in readiness. 

Remember lucky rabbit’s foot charms?

February 4, 1909 – Nathaniel Bartlett of Holliston was before 1^st district court yesterday, on complaint of Deputy Game Commissioner Jas. E. Bemis, charged with trapping rabbits. The case was attended by some mitigating circumstances and the complaint was filed.

Speeds were checked with out radar guns back then so police had to “do the math” then chase after you.

June 19, 1909 – The selectmen are preparing to display in various parts of the town signs warning automobilists against exceeding the speed limit. Two traps have been measured on Washington Street, and as soon as the signs are in position the practice of passing through town at 40 miles an hour is to be stopped. 

June 21, 1909 – A decided reduction in speed on the part of autos passing through town Sunday was noted especially over the traps set between the Methodist church and Prospect Street. Officers Robbins and Langill, with Selectman Moody, were on duty all day timing the passing cars, but the occupants heeded the warning signs and the presence of the officers played an important part by warning some of the fast drivers of the impending danger. 

July 1, 1909 – The use of fireworks on Sunday July 4, is strictly forbidden, and all violations of the law will be prosecuted. 

Chester is in the market to replace his Stanley with a Model T.

AUTO BURNS ON STREET

Chauffeur’s Coat Take Fire Also But Blaze Is Soon Put Out

July 21, 1909 – With a puff of smoke and flame that rose 10 feet in the air, the steam runabout automobile owned by Chester R. Gilmore of Holliston, bearing the license number 2333, took fire on Central Street, opposite the office of the Sherborne Express co., last night about 9:15 o’clock, and the escape of the chauffeur was a narrow one. 

The latter refused to give his name. Attention was first called to him when he stopped the machine, and it was seen that all was not well with the auto. Then came the puff of flame, as the fire reached the gasoline tank, and the chauffeur jumped quickly, tearing off his coat, which was all ablaze as he did so.