18 Dec 1955
Page 1
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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 18, 1955
Page
1
Hundreds crowded Decatur and surrounding area for a brisk Christmas shopping day. Retailers called it the best in years as shoppers packed stores, filling restaurants and buses were crowded yet steady. Local merchants noted strong demand across clothing furniture and shoes.
Community notes highlight local gatherings, services, and upcoming events with brief snapshots of neighborhood life. Readers see schedule changes, public meetings, school activities, volunteer opportunities, and seasonal activities across area organizations.
Eleven cases appeared on the city recorder's court docket yesterday including seven charges for offenses such as double parking driving while intoxicated improper parking no driver's license running stop sign and intoxicated on public street plus two speeding counts. An overheated oil stove caused a fire at Will Pemberton 47 NE Market St with no loss. A mule was struck by a 1947 Ford in Danville causing $100 damage to the car and severe injuries to the mule owned by Bert Orr.
Montgomery Alabama Gov James E Folsom faces slim odds in the Alabama Legislature to call a constitutional convention. A Senate poll showed only nine of 35 senators supporting an unlimited convention with 13 opposing and others undecided amid a special session to begin January 3.
Two fatal wrecks Saturday raised the district traffic toll to 34 for the year. 69 year old Mrs. J B Keller of Hanceville died after being struck on U S Highway 31 near Cullman. 44 year old Thomas Marion Noblitt of Tanner died when his car hit a bridge and overturned near Tanner Crossroads.
Buenos Aires reports say Pedro Aramburu's provisional government crushed a wide plot to sabotage and embarrass the regime. Raids and arrests began yesterday and the drive appears nearly complete with 50 to 100 likely to remain in custody. The government may issue an official report tomorrow. The conspirators include civilians tied to Peron era authorities, with some military and police connections.
Four Alabamians named directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and its branches. Birmingham selects Robert M. Cleckler and E. W. McLeod joins as Morgan County National Bank president. Mobile picks H. A. Pharr. Donald Comer remains Birmingham chairman of Avondale Mills executive committee.
Cullman County school teacher Mrs. C. E. Kniphfer was hit at about 7 45 p m Saturday at 4th Avenue and 3rd Street and suffered a broken leg and other injuries. She was taken to Cullman Hospital by Moss Service ambulance. condition reported as fair Saturday at 9 p m.
Five Decatur businessmen were elected to the Chamber of Commerce board for three year terms. They are F W Koster of The Chemstrand Corp Redus Collier of Mutual Savings and Life George La Boon of LaBoons Department Store Avery Taylor of Southern Bell and Telegraph Co and W J Williams of Decatur Transit Co. Installations set for the annual meeting around February 15 with a January postponement due to a planned educational and expansion program in early 1956.
Eisenhower declared out of danger after his heart attack but political plans for 1956 remained unsure. Dr. Paul White cautioned about convalescence and timing, noting the mid February outlook to judge if he can resume duties.
Lawrence County Rep W. J. Lee Jr seeks a high level meeting with President Eisenhower and Secretary Benson to address drastic 1956 cotton acreage cuts in Alabama. He will introduce a resolution in January urging immediate measures to correct what he calls gross inequities in state allotments. Alabama growers have faced far larger reductions than the national average, with some reductions exceeding 50 percent. See LAWRENCE on Page 2
Tennessee River reading at Keller Memorial Bridge Saturday morning was 16.54 feet with a rise of .17 feet in 24 hours. Sea level reading 550.84 feet. Friday high 36, Saturday low 20, 3:45 p.m. Saturday 46. Forecast partly cloudy Sunday and night with light rain possible. Today’s high 51. Waterfowl shooting times set for Sunday 6:20 a.m. to 4:09 p.m. and Monday 6:21 a.m. to 4:09 p.m.
Morgan County education chair R. C. McWhorter warned that schools may close in March due to budget strain. The district bought 18 buses for 60000 dollars, and he opposed teacher salary cuts. A financial report from Lester Wooten after the December 30 board meeting will clarify options.
The United Nations General Assembly longest session ends in deadlock as delegates clash over President Jose Maza's plan to resolve Security Council election gridlock. The body extends the session into a seventh week amid delays by major powers in Geneva and a fraught Bandung era mood.
Fires raged across the continent with at least 18 dead and many injured. Numerous families were displaced as flames forced evacuations. In New York a five year old boy was reported among the victims.
A string of disasters in Texas yesterday and today left 33 dead in fires crashes and a gas explosion across Beaumont and nearby areas. Authorities reported multiple fatal incidents including head on crashes and a destructive blast.
An infant died as a fifth floor apartment fire tore through a tenement. Beaumont nursing home blaze killed four women under a collapsing roof. In Mashpee two Air Force sergeants burned to death at the Attaquin Hotel, Geor ge A Gray 29 and Luke E Concannon 37 identified. others injured by two story hotel leaps as flames cut power. In Ottawa a mother and three children perished.
A 21 year old Ohio man, Lawrence E. Kupp of Lebanon, fell asleep while driving north on Highway 31 in Decatur. He struck a light pole and a sign reading Wake Up and Live, near the Highway Patrol office. He was taken to Decatur General Hospital for knee lacerations and mild shock. Patrolmen Billy Watson and Frank Shafer, Jr. investigated.
Alabama Republicans announce a January 20 Salute to Eisenhower fundraising dinner in Birmingham with a $25 plate, part of a nationwide salute on the third anniversary of his inauguration. State GOP Chairman Claude Vardaman says a speaker and features will be announced later, backing Eisenhower’s 1956 run.
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