Helen of the Old House

Harold Bell Wright

Jan 1921 · Ryerson Press

About this ebook

No well informed resident of Millsburgh, when referring to the principal industry of his little manufacturing city, ever says "the mills" -- it is always "the Mill." The reason for this common habit of mind is that one mill so overshadows all others, and so dominates the industrial and civic life of this community, that in the people's thought it stands for all. The philosopher who keeps the cigar stand on the corner of Congress Street and Ward Avenue explained it very clearly when he answered an inquiring stranger, "You just can't think Millsburgh without thinkin' mills; an' you can't think mills without thinkin' _the_ Mill." As he turned from the cash register to throw his customer's change on the scratched top of the glass show case, the philosopher added with a grin that was a curious blend of admiration, contempt and envy, "An' you just can't think the Mill without thinkin' Adam Ward."

About the author

Harold Bell Wright was born in Rome, New York on May 4, 1872. Before becoming a full-time author, he was a preacher. Between 1902 and 1942 he wrote 19 books, several stage plays, and numerous magazine articles. His books include That Printer of Udell's; The Shepherd of the Hills; The Calling of Dan Matthews; The Winning of Barbara Worth; and To My Sons. He died of bronchial pneumonia on May 24, 1944.