Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 12.

[p. 70] not then established. While not a little of geography is in evidence, the writer of this old time notice little dreamed that ‘produce of Manilla’ would ever grow beneath our national flag, or that Florida oranges would be preferred to those of ‘Isle Messina.’

Tonsorial artists and shoe-shine parlors are not mentioned by this Medford grocerywoman, yet she carried the stock in trade of both; and though not a bachelor lady, knew all about tea, giving a good assortment first place and mention. Her modesty of claim to full stock is also shown. Inserted by pen and ink is the word ‘almost,’ before the words ‘every article.’ Was it the printer that omitted ‘all’ in the line on soap? That was also written in, and both have an asterisk referring to a foot-note, also written, thus, ¹Blunderhead.

We may ask, Who blundered? Was it a frank admission on the part of the writer, or a caustic criticism on the printer?

The location of the ‘new store’ was the site of the present Odd Fellows Building; but again we query, was the building itself new, or only the business adventure of Mrs. Mason the new store? As to this we get no reply from our oldest residents, but there are some who remember the store in some later years, when as school children they bought their books, slates and pencils there. They also recall that Mr. Mason ‘tended store’ and was a man of some peculiarities, contrasting somewhat with ‘her endeavors to please.’

We also notice Church, instead of meeting-house, and that the town-house built the previous year was Village Hall, a name that didn't stick even in the old town days; but now the glory of fresh paint and new golden letters proclaim to all passers, city Hall.

This was the surest way of advertising twenty-seven years prior to the first attempt at a local paper in Medford, but not all advertisers ventured in rhyme as did Mrs. Mason.