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Newspaper
Fredericksburg Standard
Location
Fredericksburg, Texas, United States of America
Date
Aug 09, 1940
Page
1
Gillespie County observes annual picnics with three organizations hosting events across the county. A Standard photographer captured Old Teamster's Reunion attendees over 70, the Legion picnic, and nearby figures including Lou Roberts, state commander from Austin, at Neffendorf.
The author recalls an ex service reunion at Klaemner's Park and reflects on the American Legion. He admits prejudice against the Legion's handling of pensions and questionable claims but concedes the organization often aids meritorious veterans while rarely backing weak ones. He resolves to become a more enthusiastic legionnaire.
The piece contrasts G A R and Confederate Veterans with the American Legion praising its patriotism and national duty. It notes support from leaders like Lindbergh and Taft and discusses debate over U S involvement in Europe's war. The discussion references Pershing and other officials as part of a broader national debate. Continued on page 2.
Fredericksburg reports 95.07 percent of city taxes collected for June and July, leaving 5 percent unpaid. Delinquency stems from nonresidents, personal property, and real estate owners. City Clerk Bodo Habenicht notes $15,786.66 collected across sinking and general funds plus $35 road tax. Sinking fund funds bond retirement. general fund finances operations and street maintenance. Tax rate stands at $1.27 per $100 with a 0.02 increase from last year.
Gillespie County’s early freight pioneers gathered Sunday at Klaemner’s Grove for old friendships and memories of hardships. A memorial service followed a bugle call and music by Herman And His Boys, honoring departed members Louis Herbert Anton Fritz Damon Ottmers Richard Mater August Alberthal Henry Schaefer Henry Dietz Louis Dietz Edmund Kott Heinrich.
July 1940 brought hot weather consistent with recent years and lower rainfall. Alfred Neffendorf, Cooperative weather observer, reports city precipitation totaling 1.45 inches, versus 5.34 inches last year, with the note that July’s dryness continues a multi year pattern.
The week saw no major blitz on Britain with a lull on the Western Front while Italy masses 250,000 troops near Libya pressing toward Egypt to seize British Somaliland. Italy's aim would enclose Suez and reach India, broadening influence across Africa. Meanwhile tensions rise as Britain and Japan clash over arrests of Japanese elite in London amid blockade protests.
Rudolph Kemp of San Antonio and the Grape town Shooting Club won the 48th Gillespie County Shooting Festival at Baron's Creek Grounds. Kemp finished with 91, two points ahead of Charles Klinksick, after leading Saturday and Sunday, with Grapetown taking the team medal with 484. Louis Kordzik Sr was elected association president and Tivydale Club prepares for its 50th anniversary.
Wilson Holt, 26, a truck driver for A D Petty and Mason Highway Construction, suffered a severe head wound in a crash on the Llano Highway. His water truck left the road about 2 p.m. seven miles north of Fredericksburg, tearing through a field before Herbert Wahl alerted doctors and an ambulance. Hospital treatment followed with little hope for recovery.
Louis Jordan Post families and visiting delegates attended the annual American Legion picnic at Klaemer's Park. About 10 000 gathered for a day of morning and afternoon entertainment, including a Fredericksburg Junior Concert Band performance under director Mr. Continued on page 3, Col. 6.
The Fredericksburg Junior Chamber of Commerce outlines a booster trip for August 12. The caravan will visit Mason Llano Burnet Marble Falls Johnson City Blanco Boerne Comfort and Kerrville returning the same night. Participants meet at Nimitz Hotel at 7 a.m. and travel in private cars to advertise the Gillespie County Fair August 16–18.
Gillespie County Fair set for August 16 to 18 marks the oldest county fair in Texas and the first South Texas exposition this year. The Hill Country Fair in Junction runs August 15 to 17, with September events listed by the South Texas Chamber of Commerce including FFA Barbecue and Rodeo in Bandera and other regional fairs.
Plans by the Gillespie County Fair Association board anticipate the 55th annual Gillespie County Fair opening Friday August 16. The three day event will feature an ambitious race program with four to five races daily and a grand finale Sunday. Business Men's Handicap carries a large purse. Snowden Rodeo from San Antonio plus clowns and tricks add rodeo fare. Music includes Fredericksburg Concert Band and Light Crust Doughboys during parades and performances.
Fredericksburg High School band will wear all wool red and white uniforms this fall after the Band Booster Club announced a complete set has been ordered. Twenty five uniforms have been bought with plans to reach thirty, and members will be measured after the State Music Test. The goal is to have the band ready for its first public appearance and to offer high school credit for the course.
Governor W Lee O Daniel captured 54.3 percent of the July 27 Texas primary vote totaling 617 346 of 1 136 386 ballots. Ernest Thompson followed with 243 762 votes, Harry Hines with 131 111, Miriam Ferguson with 96 518, and Jerry Saddler with 59 989.
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