29 Jan 1950
Page 1
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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jan 29, 1950
Page
1
The forecast calls for cloudy skies with occasional light rain in the extreme north tonight and Sunday, warmer tonight and in the north Sunday, with moderate southeast winds along the coast. Local notes mention visits, travel plans, and community events across Decatur, Morgan County, and surrounding areas.
Emily Jane Pickens, five, died in Memphis after parents brought her from Florence Alabama for treatment with cortisone acid. Doctors said it was too late to save her. The drug had limited success in leukemia and was not yet proven. Her parents Mr and Mrs Joe Pickens had rushed her hoping a 30 day supply flown from New York would help another child.
Wallace F. Long was taken to a Birmingham hospital for hip surgery after a Friday crash in Lawrence county on highway 20. He faces driving while intoxicated charges. injured were minor with about 1100 dollars in damage. Jackson W. Long of Moulton was admitted for observation at Decatur General.
Butler P. A. Hine, a respected Decatur veteran and state rehabilitation officer, was stricken Friday night and rushed to Nashville veterans hospital Saturday with his condition worsening. His wife accompanied him, and sister Mrs. Clara Clem of Athens was summoned to Decatur prior to the transfer.
B. E. Davis began a wildcat drilling operation in Lawrence county near the historic site where oil showed 60 years ago but was never produced. Dr. Walter B. Jones issued a permit for Shirley Smith No. 1 wildcat test in section 29 township 7 South range 6 West. Davis drills below 480 feet beside the old Goyer well from the 1890s where a strong oil show was reported with casing rising 400 feet overnight.
Democratic and Republican orators spar in a late tune up ahead of the congressional election about a year from now. Republican National Chairman Guy Gabierlson warns of a “state socialism” threat if GOP seats fall, while Democrat ex-chairman McGrath challenges Republicans to offer a positive program. He backs Truman’s $42.5 billion spending plan and accuses Republicans of only attacking the president. See ORATORS on Page 2.
In Uniontown Pennsylvania district leader William Hynes threatens suspensions for miners who stay on strike while large groups in Robena and surrounding locals pledge no return to work without a new contract. John Ozanich reports Robena locals will not work five days weekly and supports the no work stance. The movement spreads as talks with John L. Lewis and the union leadership continue.
A powerful blizzard swept from the Canadian border into the Dakotas with 60 mph winds and near freezing temperatures. Rapid City saw 40 at 6:30 am, then plunging to 1 below zero within three hours. The storm spread to Oregon, California, and Washington with widespread travel disruption and at least one death. Forecasters warned colder air would sweep toward the Great Lakes and Minnesota. Travel restrictions followed as snow blanketed highways from Monterey Bay to Red Bluff.
Birmingham physician Dr. Robert A. Berry aged 48, serving a 180 day sentence and fined 103 dollars for DUI and reckless driving, was taken to Jefferson Hillman hospital in critical condition from a brain bleed. He had prior brief hospitalizations this week and was returned to jail each time. The hospital medical director cited the bleeding as a complication of a chronic ailment and said the patient has received IV nourishment since admission.
Former Alabama lieutenant governor Handy Ellis said he cannot endure another statewide campaign due to mental physical and financial strain and will not seek the governor’s office this year. Ellis notes he could have entered a May runoff but cannot run again, while 15 other candidates remain in the race for governor and lieutenant governor.
L. W. Lonnie Gentry prominent banker and former mayor of Moulton announces candidacy for state senate. He highlights experience with Citizens Bank of Moulton and Lawrence county education, calls for better schooling and public health, supports Hill-Burton with stronger protections and cost efficiency.
About 1,000 local church members from multiple denominations will visit every home in Decatur and nearby areas this afternoon from 1 30 to 5 PM to conduct a religious survey. Citywide chairman Dr W Nelson Guthrie urges cooperation and offers a sample card for those away or unavailable.
The Decatur tale adds a new chapter in film form with Carlisle Productions. Mr and Mrs Robert Carlisle and Frank Ramsey left Decatur for Washington after filming on electricity use on Valley farms under contract to the State Department. The film is to be translated into 26 languages, with shooting completed in Morgan county's southern region.
Post office service plans a personnel study after Decatur received a service case. Postal Inspector H B Raley will collect data on territory and mail load starting February 6 for about a month to decide on rearranging routes or adding carriers to restore twice daily deliveries citywide.
Frank Whisenant purchases controlling interest in radio station WMSL and will become president and station manager February 1. Melvin Hutson, former president, remains a local attorney and head of Mutual Savings Life Insurance. No personnel changes planned. Blizzard stays program manager and Roser chief engineer. Whisenant has 15 years with Mutual Savings Life and came to Decatur five years ago from Sylacauga.
Census workers will canvass Sunday leaving survey cards on doors to learn church preferences of nonattenders. Teams mix denominations and cover districts, meeting today at 1 PM at assigned churches to receive district assignments.
Morgan county public appeal for the March of Dimes ends January 31 as county chairman Frank Troup cites poor overall support. Total contributions reach 1358.57 with schoolchildren leading the giving while many adults have not donated despite two dollar cards.
Reporter Rex Thomas contends Alabama governor race may not reveal party loyalty due to dominant issues. Taxes spending schools pensions roads alcohol parole and more influence voters. Personalities and bandwagon momentum also shape runoff outcomes beyond party lines.
Washington officials anticipate a new Russian communist spring offensive in the Cold War. The main move could hit Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or central Europe with Moscow and Red China leaders meeting. Some see Russia aiming to spread world communism while restraining Chinese Taoist influence.
Estes C. McDaniel, principal at Union Hill High School in Morgan County, announces his candidacy for Alabama State House of Representatives, District 2. He holds a B S in school superintendency and political science from the University of Oklahoma and a master's in political science from Peabody College. He has 18 years in Morgan County schools and extensive civic activity.
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