Dunton's Wild Animal Farm near Pontiac Bay on Lake Flower Avenue was owned by William Dunton starting in 1915. He exhibited several black bears and smaller animals that he would buy from area hunters and trappers, paying $1.50 each for skunks, raccoons, porcupines, and possums. He had died by 1918, when his wife died in a shooting accident.
Tupper Lake Herald, April 28, 1916 (quoted in the Tupper Lake Free Press Herald, May 2, 1940)
"Porcupines Wanted — Alive and uninjured. Will pay $1.50 each. Want live animals at all times. Dunton's Wild Animal Farm, Saranac Lake, N. Y."
Ogdensburg Republican-Journal, January 25, 1918
Feared That Saranac Lake Woman May Not Recover.
SARANAC LAKE, Jan. 24.—Mrs. Beatrice Hoctor Dunton, widow of William Dunton, late proprietor the Dunton Wild Animal Farm, accidentally shot herself Tuesday morning and is now at the General Hospital in a critical condition.
Mrs. Dunton, who resides in Flower avenue, attempted to shoot a cat. She was aiming with a .25 calibre pistol mounted on an extension shoulder piece. As she was about to fire her foot slipped on some ice.
The firearm was discharged, the ball penetrating the left side of the abdomen, passing through the intestines and into the kidney.
Mrs. Dunton was removed to the Saranac Lake General Hospital where Dr. Trembley and Dr. Farrel performed an operation at about 1 o'clock in an attempt to remove the bullet.
The condition of Mrs. Dunton is regarded as most serious.
Excerpt from 1918 newspaper article:
"WOMAN SHOT.
Accident to Mrs. Beatrice Dunton of Saranac Lake.
Mrs. Beatrice Hector Dunton of Saranac Lake accidentally shot herself last week and is now at the General Hospital in a critical condition.
Mrs. Dunton attempted to shoot a cat. She was aiming with a 22 calibre pistol mounted on an extension shoulder piece. As she was about to fire her foot slipped on some ice. The firearm was discharged the ball penetrating the left side of the abdomen, passing through the intestines and into the kidney."
