Charles Jewtraw, American speedskating star, idol of Lake Placid skating fans, and winner of the 500-meter race at the last Olympics, is hard at work on his home rink on Mirror Lake in preparation for what he feels will be the biggest test of his skating career, his series of match races with Clas Thunberg of Finland, Olympic speedskating champion, scheduled for Feb. 12, 13, 15 and 16 at Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Placid will hold the meet the first two days, and Saranac will host the final two.

Charlie came up from New York Sunday morning and has been working out daily on the Mirror Lake rink under the watchful eye of his trainer, Peter C. Dube of Escanaba, Michigan. He is showing his friends and admirers the same form and speed that have carried him to victory so many times in the past in hard-fought races here and abroad.

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Aero motor sled

Winter visitors and possibly some local people may have been curious about the aero motor sled seen taxiing over Mirror Lake for a week past.

The machine was built here in the village at Garage De Luxe by three local boys: Ronald MacKenzie, Francis Sullivan and Kenneth Wood.

The motive power consists of a Lawrence air-cooled, 2-cylinder airplane engine of the horizontal-opposed type. It is American made and has a rating of 28 H.P., though the owners believe it will develop 60-70 H.P. The engine with its two-blade, 6.5-foot, tractor airplane propeller, is mounted on a high framework in front of, and above, the level of the operator or passengers.

The sled itself is designed on the conventional iceboat principle; two fixed runners forward and a steering runner aft. The runners themselves consist of three skis. The two forward skis nearly 9 feet long are mounted 7 feet apart on axles to give flexibility. The rear ski, a shorter one, is pivoted under the end of the frame.

It is estimated that the machine has developed a speed of 50 miles an hour under the best snow conditions. It has proved, however, according to statements of the owners, that it will carry four passengers 20 to 30 miles an hour on the level over almost any kind of snow.

Skijoring behind the sled is said to give the thrill that winter sports enthusiasts have been looking for.

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Dies in cemetery

E. H. Hoskins, well-known undertaker of Willsboro, where he made his home for many years, dropped dead in the cemetery at Willsboro just after he had conducted the burial of Mrs. Ida Anson. Mr. Hoskins died just after he had entered the hearse to be driven home. Heart disease was the cause of his death.

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Stable blaze

A small blaze, which may have been set by two civilians who were seen by a sentry running away from the barracks, broke out in a machine gun company stable at the Plattsburgh Barracks last Tuesday evening.

The fire was soon brought under control. Loss was small — $50.