The Castlegar Sun hen we think of the rather vile practice of lynching, we are inclined to picture racially instigated necktie parties com- mitted by mobs in the southern United States. But alas, there have been occasions when citizens dwelling in more northem. climes have taken rope in-hand to see that justice of a sort was meted out without benefit of judge or jury. In the entire history of the state of Maine, there has been only one lynching. Big Jim Cullen lived in Ball's Mills, not far from Presque Isle, Maine and \, , just across the international border from New * Brunswick. Big Jim, who towered well over six feet \. was a rough tough guy best left to his own devices. \ Back in 1873, the good folks of northern Maine gave - him a wide berth, 4 On April 28, someone broke into Dudley's Gener- al Store in Ball’s Mill. A pair of boots were taken. Because of the size of the boots, Dudley immediately suspected Jim Cullen, Cullen had hug feet.and was Maine mob’ s ly yne ing « of ” Hayden said no more and all five men enjoyed a hearty meal ‘in front of the fireplace, After supper, Hayden motioned to Cullen that he wanted to chat with him outside, The cold northern Maine wind whistled through the trees as Hayden advised Big Jim that he had a warrant for his arrest for stealing those boots from Dudley's store. Hayden went.on to explain that he realized it wasn’t the biggest crime in the world. He had no great desire to sce Cullen in jail, but he wanted his territory to be free of thievery. He offered a deal. As long as Cullen would keep going across the line into Canada and never retum, he wouldn't be arrested or pursued. Next morning, he would be free to take off, Hayden, believing that he had acted fairly, went back into the cabin and went to bed beside Bill Hub- bard. Bird and Swanback also settled down for the night in a bunk against the far wall. Big Jim came in out of the cold. A cot had been set up for him near the bun,, Jim sat there, staring into the fire. Hayden’s deal didn’t sit well with him. He had been bom in He started off stealing a pair of boots and ended up murdering two men who chased him the only one around the town who could wear such large boots. Dudley noted that the thief had gained entry to his store through window. Outside the win- dow were footprints made by the new boots in the freshly fallen snow. Deputy Sheriff Granville Hayden was summoned from Presque Isle. He took one look at the footprints and he too realized they could only have been made by big Jim Cullen. The footprints led into the woods toward Swanback’s Shingle Mill in Chapman Planta- tion, a good five-hour hike, make difficult by the heavy snow. Hayden needed help. He mustered a crowd in front of Dudley’s sore and asked for volunteers to track down the thief. Hardworking farmers and lum- berjacks looked away. No one with all his marbles wanted to take off after a man as tough and as mean tempered as Big Jim Cullen. After all, he had only taken a pair of boots. Out of the crowd, just two men, Bill Hubbard and Minot Bird, volunteered to join the Deputy Sheriff. Off the three men went, snowshoes Lerunching the heavy snow underfoot. ix.Late in the afternoon, after a seven-mile hike, the. men approached Swanback’s Mill. Like most men living alone, Swanback was pleased to have compa- ny. “C’mon in and sup with us. Jim just got here a while ago.” Hayden entered cautiously and inquired of Cullen where he was headed. Big Jim candidly told Hayden that he had gotten into a little trouble and was moving on further for a little while. Florenceville, N.B. and had a few minor charges fac- ing him if he reentered Canada. Besides, he lived with a woman named Twist back near Ball’s Mill. He didn’t feel like up and leaving her forever. No, sir, Hayden's deal didn’t sit well with him at all Toward moming, big Jim had worked himself into a frenzy. He was wide awake when he resolved how to extradite himself from his predicament. The four men were sleeping peacefully when Jim picked up an axe from its resting place in a corner of the cabin. Mustering all his strength, he brought he axe down " on Hubbard's head. The blow split the man’s skull in two. Hayden rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stared at Big Jim swinging the axe. The twin-edged blade plunged into his head, killing him instantly. Swanback and Bird woke up to see Big Jim advancing toward them. Swanback sprang out the door barely in front of the axe, which just missed his head. the axe smashed into the door. Such was the force of the blow that it knocked the door loose from its hinges. Poor Minot Bird sat up speechless and ter- tified. He looked into the crazed eyes ot Big Jim, sul holding on to that fearful axe. Cullen glared back at the frightened man. Finally, he shouted, “Go get Swanback. Bring in some wood from outside, We'll-bum the place down. I'll let you both go if you never tell what happened here.” Bird rushed out of the cabin. He found Swanback cowering in the woods. The two men talked. There was no way they would survive in stocking feet and long johns in the woods. They decided.to take a chance on Cullen. They did as he commanded and lugged in wood, piling it high around and on top of the two dead men. Cullen sprinkled kerosene over the bodies and ignited what amounted to a funeral pyre. Once outside, Swanback and Bird were convinced Cullen was about to kill them. Now that they had boots and clothing, they took off for Ball’s Mill, certain that Cullen would be following closely behind. The desperate pair knocked on Andrew Judkins’ door and blurted out their wild story. Judkins had his wife wake up neigh- bors, who quickly gathered at his home. Fearing an attack by Cullen, they surrounded the house. Big Jim was only minutes behind his quarry. ‘When he emerged from the woods and saw the chain of lanterns surrounding Judkins’ house, he correctly guessed } that the men be-wasiafter were being: guarded by the community. Big Jim scowled and left for his own home and his woman, Mean- while, a small group of men set off for Swanback’s to verify that adou- ™ ble murder had taken place. They Bey returned with a shoebox contain- ing charred bones, all t hat was left of Hayden and Hubbard. The townsfolk were infuriated. They decided to proceed en masse to Collen’s home. Once there, they shouted for Big Jim to come out, but it was his women who responded, “I haven't seen him for two days.” No one believed her. When the mob convinced her that they would bum down the house with Cullen inside, out came Big Jim. The captured fugitive was taken to Dudley's store surrounded by 50 angry men, He was tied to a beam and all that day the citizens peered into see the man who had killed two of their number. Big Jim didn’t mind talking about the murders. He ~ admitted killing the two men ‘and displayed no” remorse for what he had done. In fact he spit out, “I’m sorry I didn’t kill the others, too.” Men, never identified, scurried from house to house. Occupants nodded yes, they would be there. Everyone knew that Cullen had to be transferred from the makeshift jail-to a real lockup in Presque Isle. Guarded by six constables, the entourage started ; off by sleigh. A group of 150 men, many of them wearing hoods, intercepted the sleigh before it had travelled a mile. Cullen was removed and dragged in the woods. A rope was thrown over a low hanging branch of a _ maple tree. Thirty minutes later, the mob was gone. "Only ‘Big’ Jim Cullen was there, gently swaying in the breeze. Later a Coroner's Inquest stated that Cullen had come to his death “by some party or parties to the jurors unknown.” No one has ever been tried or con- victed of lynching Big Ji im Cullen. 4% As Another Year Comes To A Close, We Would Like To Offer Our Sincere Thanks To Our Many Loyal Readers & Customers Who Have Made. I991 A Successful Year! Wishing You All The Joy », And Happiness That 1992 Has To Offer! WY The 63 stl Grom The Castlegar Sun _Page 7B it has been the best-" Ee orpanginE your identity, all RIES — Marci: 21/A rit 20 (Al People, who think they, know you may be surprised by the way you're ‘especially rofession: You're the authoritative side of your person- ‘ality at-this ime, and you're getting .; things done exactly th the way you want, without any delay: TAURUS - ‘April 21/May 21” ‘are widening this . @ kept secret in Hol! but’ Isn't ‘James MacArthur, jiwho starred on.“Hawall Five- "0," the son of the first lady of - the theater, Helen Hayes? — Ft. Gibson, Okla. Pps: Jamos MacArthur 1. MacArthur is the adopted son of | Helen Hayes and play- wright Charles MacArthur. . He has been acting since the + age of 8, when he made his de- but in summer stock theater, + but his most notable role was . that of Danny “Danno” Wil- sliams in “Hawaii Five-0." Af- ter, 11 years, he quit the show ‘to pursue other. acting work, but he has not found success to rival what he knew when he played a detective in Hawaii. I it true that Deidre Hall has a sister who is also an ac- pel changes in carecr’ are almost inevitable, There may also be an in wages, leading to a general improvement in your living condi- tions. If you have been considering making a move, now is the ideal time. GEMINI — May 22/June 21 Cook up some food for friends; invi- tations keep you in the social swim over the weekend! A’ slight rumbling of discontent surfaces on Monday or Tuesday; after much consideration you'll be thinking ‘of changing jobs. Expect to receive long-awaited news, CANCER - June 22/July 22 An outstanding week for career luck; a push forward from’a friend pays off lavishly.. You may now success- fully settle some legal or insurance matter, for good news comes from afar. Love is adventurous, but some delays are to be expected in plans; they could prove frustrating. LEO - July 23/Aug.23 Your luck runs high. Romance may have a lasting impact. During the course of this week's activities, you will bé introduced to a stranger who may turn out to be important later in your life. You may have a cosmic Tink with this individual. : VIRGO — Aug 24/Sept 22 The sooner you get little jobs out of the way, the more time you'll have for the bigger ones. Attend to minor matters before midweek, and to more important ones later on. Don't start family squabbles because of career upsets; they will remember your behavior the next time you ask for help. LIBRA - Sept 23/0ct 23 ‘Youngsters val need a firm hand tress? — V.B., Cumb RI. Yes. Deidre Hall has a twin sister named Andrea who ap- peared with her in the day- time series ‘‘Days of Our Lives.” Hnwda eave Gs bene ety hen did Don Haitiage join the cast of “As the World Turns”? — J.F., St. Pe- tersburg, Fla. Hastings assumed the role of Dr. Bob Hughes in 1960, after having appeared in such day- timers as “A Date With Life,” **Modern Romances” and “The Edge of Night” (he ap- peared in its first telecast:in 1956). Hastings has a long history on TV, having starred . from 1949-55 as the Video Ranger on “Captain Video.” In that role, he earned the dis- tinction of being TV’s first teen-age idol. used to watch “The Andy Williams Show,” and I seem to remember a. bear that * provided comic relief by grub- * bing for treats throughout the show. Am I thinking ‘of the na Beach, Fla. The cookie-hungry bear was really Janos Prohaska, the late Hungarian actor and stuntman. know there was a movie ring Humphrey Bogart, but wasn’t there a series by the same title? Which came first, ‘the sertes or the film? — . G.M., Two Rivers, Wis. The classic film came out in 1942, and.the series, which -. ‘was based on it and focused : on international intrigue, ‘:: originally aired from Septem- ‘ber-1955 to April 1956 and ‘starred Charles McGraw. It *.Wwas:revived for a very short .. .time in 1983 with David Soul. is g, a delay may result poe t mechanical break- down. Chances are that you'll hear some juicy gossip that is hard to believe — keep it to yourself. A- serious mood overcomes you on Wednesday or Thursday, and you ringing out |: have to make ‘some, heavy decisions. } SCORPIO — Oct 24/Nov 22 Your love life is bound to ‘liven up considerably, Your habit of having several strings attached to every- -|° thing you do will produce amusing ot riences. Wednesday evening will be a perfect time for a family pet‘together Everyone will be in a° Pleasant mood. Finances are up and down all week. SAGITTARIUS — Nov 23/Dee 21 You are an original, creative thinker, and ah innovator. Your originality, intuition’ and sociability will all'be acting in union’ throughout. this week, You have great influence over others and will use ‘this power well. Family relationships-hold a special place in your life. CAPRICORN - Dee 22/Jan 20 You may get special news this week about money and find your hopes fulfilled. It’s an excellent period for negotiating a compromise. If a part- neship Pp eerie is introduced to you, obtain legal advice. A colleague you have helped in the past will want to reciprocate, AQUARIUS — Jan 21/Feb 18 Your partner appreciates vivacity, so try to sparkle. This week, you should avoid anything that appears to be emotionally upsetting. Personal let- ters sent’out by you this week will bring happiness to friends. Go with the flow or you will create unneces- Sary stress, PISCES — Feb. 19/March 20 You seem to scatter your forces this week. Try to take steady aim at goals which have been set to preserve assets and add to them. A surprise visitor should make you happy and you may have a good adventure together. Your boat seems to be in the harbor, loaded! with nice surprises! YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The next 12 months If you have been at your job for a good while, but your future looks bleak, now is the perfect time to begin looking for new opportunities, or to think about relocating. If you continue to take your moods out on your mate, you may find him or her gone for good this time; learn how to separate your emotions before you make mistakes that you will forever regret. 4: right program, and, if so, who. + was the bear? — S.L., Dayto- named “Casablanca” star- - “esata paper is published. BIRTHDAY «Dec. 22 Joseph Driscoll, Age 13, Love Mom & Grandma @-. Dec. 27 Reena Sallken, Age 6, Love Mom & Dad & Misha ‘THIS WEEN’S WINNER IS INDICATED BY LOGO Phone fn your bthday wieh & wo wil print Rigo of ithday greetings must be phoned In ‘Thureday the weok before tho ‘Calvin ana Hobbes “Te MELO SUSIE, aes SARIN? i AL LOST QUR HOMEWORI £123] RSSIGNMENT, CRN TE y He Ran We Wea Sr ] TO READ FOR TOMA _ by Bill Watterson I COT A PING-PONG BALL in Wie AND NOW. at DRAWING DOTS ON KH Peary Nay \l BABY BLUES \TSNG."AMAN IN DENS MAE 2 GRIS ANDTHE DA IECOTARASE, AEA IN SEATTLE BROKE THE INN ne RE WENT BAD: er | Patacave, PATA-CAKE, BAKER MAN. BALE ME Reare AS Fast foes “2A AND UE itn t) “ive OVEN FoR ZOE AND ME! ) ru Ree. LOOK LIKE TM REALLY WAL YOU BEMEVE THAT? WEE LETTERS NER OFERRINONS PE I erst PY DONPAT! PAT PADAPAT--PAT! "a l i PADDA, A {7 eae ie sit < Onn, SoYoU Do PEMENBER RE DRUM SOLO Wie GADDA- DR AIDA Sy Bp, HipoeS 2 Sco By Rick Detorie TELL ME THIS, RUTHIE, WHAT IF THE FURNACE. MONSTE! ouT “AND GRABS ME?