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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1929
Page
1
Mrs. Ruth Clark, a well known Danville woman, died from burns after her clothing caught fire from an open hearth in Morgan county. Her body was laid to rest at John's Chapel following services held after midnight Sunday.
A cinema fire in Paisley Scotland during a holiday matinee trapped patrons crowding toward exits. Officials estimate 60 to 80 dead, many children, as rescuers disentangle victims and treat burns. The blaze did not spread the theatre, but exit crush caused the high toll.
Five robbers kidnapped Ralph Dave, cashier, in a fruitless loot attempt near Phillipsburg Ohio. A posse of deputy sheriffs and twenty armed citizens pursued them into the woods as gunfire erupted and a citizen was slugged at his home.
Closing quotations on the New York and New Orleans cotton markets are reported. New York high 17.12 to 17.64, New Orleans spots 17.00, York spots 17.05 with supplier Fenner and Beane noted.
December sales at the Decatur curb market totaled 958.58 dollars, higher than 709.86 the previous year, despite adverse weather. The Kiwanis club plans an expanded agricultural program with potential marketing study, presented by W Clapton H R Davis and A A Jones to the club's committee.
The Decatur curb market operates under rules drawn by a local committee. The curb master enforces these regulations, clarified to clear consumer confusion. Sellers follow the guidelines as interpreted by Mrs J T Nelson, curb master for three years.
Beginning at 8 o clock and continuing past midnight a Watch Night service will be held at the Nazarene church. Reverend J Manasco of Jasper and Reverend Crawford of Cullman attend. Mr Martin and the Stedham trio provide singing. Pastor M Ja Garrett issues a public invitation to attend.
Within two days Decatur firemen answered at least five fire alarms, half the total for the prior month, bringing December’s count to fifteen as crews race to address multiple incidents.
At 7 pm this evening the L and N railroad Bible class meets at the Y M C A to complete re organization. The executive committee will include the president vice president secretary treasurer the teacher and chairs of the sick and relief and membership committees.
Mrs Jesse Holbert aged 24 of Trinity route died last evening at Benevolent hospital after treatment. She is survived by her husband one daughter her parents Mr and Mrs J W Sams three sisters and two brothers. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 o clock at Johnson's Chapel with interment there. Priest directing.
Unmasked bandit robs First National Bank of Samson Alabama about 4 000 dollars. He hits bookkeeper J R Moring with a pistol and locks him in the vault after forcing a cashier’s check. Wilbur Morris finds Moring. suspect officials pursue possible confederates fleeing the scene.
The Morgan County Medical Society will hold its regular meeting Thursday at noon. A notable program has been arranged and full membership attendance is expected.
A joint meeting of Junior Order United American Mechanics with Winona council is planned for next Friday evening. Officers for the new term will be installed and refreshments will follow the business session.
Rochester report states Mrs. Winifred Shields dressed as a man led husband James and children on burglary sprees. Storekeeper Ernest Stott fired five shots, killing Shields as she fled. husband and two sons were arrested. Two other children stayed home. Shield's family denied.
A pep meeting of membership campaign workers is set for 10 o clock this evening at the Railroad Y M C A. About sixty workers are expected to attend with music from the band and refreshments provided. Officials anticipate the drive will be the most successful in the city’s history.
The state tax question hinges on radio type. Simple radio sets are not taxed, but combination radio-phonograph units require the privilege tax. Assistant Attorney General Luther Patrick ruled radios alone are not musical instruments for tax, while combination sets incur payment. Local inspectors will enforce the latter in Morgan County.
The report notes many cases of influenza in the section though not as severe as past years. It mentions people confined to homes and a perception of lower severity despite widespread illness.
Horace M. Layman will leave Thursday to open a weekend revival campaign at the Baptist church in Vinemont.
A small fire at 616 McCartney Street prompted a fire crew to extinguish flames after a penny was used to replace a blown fuse. Chief W. H. Sorber warns the penny trick endangers life and limb of firefighters and is a dangerous practice.
In a 53rd Street speakeasy described as a Sea venue, guards or patrons beat two alleged robbers after a hold up. William Rogers, 24, of New York, died from injuries. Timothy Shine, 18, of Brooklyn, survived with severe lacerations and a broken wrist. James Kelly and James Gavin were charged with suspicion. A separate incident reports five Bronx youths fleeing a poolroom after a $300 theft and wounding a police officer.
J E Privett aged 56 died yesterday at 11 20 PM at his Moulton route two residence. Funeral services were held at two o clock this afternoon at the residence conducted by Rev F T Smith pastor of Sixteenth Avenue Baptist church with interment in city cemetery, Masons in charge. He is survived by his wife six daughters and four sons. For years he conducted bicycle sales and repair in Decatur and was known locally.
Within a day or two the board approved the collection and adopted the changes from the last regular meeting. The revised schedule went into effect on the first of January 1929.
State tax figures show total revenue reaching 1 234 392 738 with a 10 percent delinquent penalty. Growth driven by ad valorem assessments and gasoline taxes, while coal timber and mineral declines trimmed gains. Delinquents of 7 410 57 expected to be collected as oils and utilities shift funds.
City officials plan a Thursday meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the first session of the year. Alderman Billings, head of the Fire Water and Light Committee, is expected to present a report on a new city building code.
In a Birmingham Age Herald interview, Decatur attorney Charles H. Eyster voiced optimism for the new year. He said Decatur has reasonably good assurance of a large measure of progress and improvement.
Local forecast notes increasing cloudiness and warmer temperatures tonight. On Wednesday expect showers and continued warmth with unsettled conditions across the area.
Merchants say the year ends with strong sales and many expect a substantial increase over 1928. Businessmen assess year end totals and inventory to gauge on hand and prepare for the new year.
Following the arrest of Agnes See cen on a charge of aiding a prisoner to escape, Sheriff B E Davis reports the incident prevented a jail break that could have endangered many inmates.
Mrs Pointer will be remembered as Miss Belle Lora who has visited Decatur a number of times before.
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