Miscellaneous, Mysterious Stranger at Smyrna, 1932

Mysterious "Boarder" Disappears at Smyrna

Norwich Sun, May 9, 1932

 

Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. William Blair who occupy the Gilbert Robbins farm west of this village entertained a mysterious "guest" several days about a week ago.  shortly before dark on Friday, April 29 a man walked from the west to their home and asked to be admitted.

 

Among the first questions after entering the house was "Do you take a daily paper?'  On being informed that they did not, his uneasy appearance disappeared and he engaged board, saying he was in the employ of the state and would be there several days.

 

Each morning thereafter he took his dinner pail, filled by the lady of the house, and started out on foot, usually taking to the fields and traveling in an easterly direction.  In the evening he returned, made himself at home and discussed current topics, chief among which was the Lindbergh baby disappearance.

 

On Tuesday morning he started out as usual, after borrowing a razor with which to shave himself, and up to this time has failed to return or send back word of his whereabouts or intentions.

 

The Stranger is described as tall and slim with sharp, keen features and was wearing a not too good blue pin checked suit, soft grey hat with black band, grey flannel shirt, green tie, kid gloves, overshoes and knee length grey overcoat of good material.  He carried a green, small sized dinner pail and was a man of about middle age, stating he had worked for the state for 27 years.  A peculiar coincidence, which excites much speculation is the fact that on the days of his arrival and disappearance the residents of that section saw a plane fly low over the hill, and its disappearance both times for a few minutes, leads to the belief that it landed on each day, possibly to drop off and pick up the stranger.  However this may be, his disappearance was complete, as it was impossible to trace him farther from the district than near the Bartlett schoolhouse, where a man of his description was seen by several on the morning of his departure.