31 Dec 1949
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 13 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Daily Independent Journal
Location
San Rafael, California, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1949
Page
1
A nostalgic column reflects on New Year's history from Roman customs to Christian observance and American traditions. It notes Washington hosting open house in 1790, candy in France, and Native ceremonies, ending with a safety reminder to drive carefully on the holiday.
The Marin county hospital newborn of 1950 will win a prize package from local merchants including a layette, a buggy, a sulky, a stroll-walker, blankets from two stores, a crib and six weeks of laundromat service. Last year’s winner was Stephen A. Jacob of Fairfax born at 9:35 a.m. at San Rafael General.
The Independent Journal will not publish Monday January 2 for New Year’s. No paper will be printed or delivered that day. KTIM’s newspaper of the air remains on schedule at 8:45 a.m. noon and 4:30 p.m.
Durel's Chevron on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax, was entered overnight. Burglars used a file to pry a lock and stole $20 along with papers. The theft was reported by owners Mr and Mrs Peter Durel.
San Rafael moved two steps forward and one back in 1949. Clergy report more churchgoers while crime rose. Retail sales and bank deposits increased though unemployment spiked. Three costly strikes strained labor relations. Fire losses hit half a million dollars, including the $350000 H C Little Burner blaze. Population rose five percent amid crowded schools and ongoing parking debates.
Taft Wilson, an escaped San Quentin prisoner, was captured in Calexico after attempting to steal a car and flee toward the Mexican border. He surrendered unarmed after a chase that ended when he struck a curb and leaped from the vehicle. Wilson had escaped from Marin authorities and was linked to a missing truck near Martinez. his blue 1947 Ford coupe remains unfound.
The article reflects on the passing of the 1940s and the arrival of a new decade with global celebrations and varied observances. It notes prayers in Rome and San Rafael, festivities in Rio Paris and San Francisco, performances in Hollywood, and a Moscow orchestra welcoming the 1950s, with Marin families joining in.
The National Safety Council reported 580 holiday fatalities over the Christmas three days, with 413 in traffic mishaps. For New Year’s, 330 traffic deaths are forecast. Last year’s two day New Year tally was 309 violent deaths, 207 traffic. Deaths declined after Friday evening versus the prior week.
A two car rear end collision at the Greenbrae Highway 101 intersection at 6 45 a m left Alfred Miller 27 San Francisco a driver with minor injuries The other driver was Henry Johnsen 65 San Francisco Johnsen had stopped for a red light The injured man was treated at San Rafael General hospital for cuts and bruises.
In Marin Superior Court Judge Jordan Martinelli overruled City Attorney John Ehlen on a demurrer to the quiet title phase of the Arques City of Sausalito dispute. Donlon Arques claims the wharfside street is private property, not public, and seeks a $5,000 quiet title action. The hearing also touched on an injunction regarding trespass on Arques property and consideration of moving a hydrant to ease access for the fire department.
San Rafael police reported two service stations were burglarized overnight. Andrew Blenner at Fourth and Ida streets said nothing was stolen after a break in. Anthony Schuler at Third and E streets said the cash box was empty with no money taken.
George H. McLain, chairman of the citizens' committee for old age pensions, threatens a 1950 California governor bid if Governor Warren does not halt what he calls personal needleing. He denounces pressure as improper interference.
A key witness in the planned January 9 preliminary hearing for the Santa Rosa murder and assault case has been located in San Francisco. The witness, last seen departing San Rafael before Christmas, was reported missing and the Sonoma County DA alerted police to hold her for subpoena. The witness listed Ritz Hotel San Francisco as her residence and was said to be seeking employments.
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