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Newspaper
Lawrence Journal World
Location
Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Dec 25, 1941
Page
4
A Christmas proclamation notes the birth of Christ the Lord in Bethlehem as a savior for all people, referencing the biblical verse Luke 2 11. The message emphasizes joy and the guiding light of the newborn king.
The piece reflects on Christmas during wartime, stressing peace as an attainable ideal. It emphasizes family, friendship, hope, and faith as essential values that endure despite danger. Connections between duty, separation, and shared wishes highlight a collective striving for a future of peace and goodwill.
Marshal Petain’s Christmas address to the French people and prisoners of war in Germany argues peace is farther off yet final subjugation of France not completed. He warns a quick peace would crown Axis conquest and destroy freedom, urging perseverance and hope that the struggle must continue for liberty and global peace.
The Berlin radio mocks claims of German advances toward Gibraltar and a Turkish offensive. History shows such broadcasts precede actual attacks, suggesting mobilization on both Mediterranean fronts. It notes the region near Spain as a potential rest area for veteran troops, per Nazi broadcasts.
Defense forces of the Dutch East Indies hinder the Japanese southward thrust and disrupt convoys. Dutch air and sea forces aid confusion against attacks on Davao and British possessions, contributing to unified allied resistance beyond Netherlands territory.
The article praises clerks post office staff and all workers for the Christmas rush and notes many face a holiday savor before resuming duties. It warns Britain may soon need to defend recent Libya gains against a new axis attack as time presses.
War plant construction boosts Wichita and other Kansas cities with thousands of new jobs. Wichita plans to double its 14 000 plane workers by spring, Kansas City Kansas bomber factory could reach 10 000 as buildings and machinery come online, Parsons shell loading plant employs several thousand, and Fort Riley Fort Leavenworth Junction City Manhattan expansions drive regional business. Yet over 300 million dollars is being spent for defense with few communities sharing the gains.
The piece praises open fireplaces and compares wood types for scent and burn quality. It extols oak walnut pine cedar and hedge Osage orange while noting hedge heats intensely though lacks perfume. Kansans desire timber variety and yearn for a hearth culture tied to ancestral warmth.
Dr. Hunt, superintendent of Kansas City schools, declined a $500 yearly raise citing the district’s tight finances. Separate news notes reference the Kansas Coronado commission returning over $7,000 of a $20,000 exposition appropriation to the state.
The piece portrays Filipino soldiers and air crews serving with the United States, tracing the evolution from colonial era scouts to a modern, integrated force. It notes MacArthur's role, the growth of Philippine Army units, the Philippine Constabulary, and pilots from Randolph Field. The article praises courage, loyalty, and a joint defense effort against Japan.
War’s heavy hand darkens this Christmas with Bethlehem soldiers at worship and British guards at the Church of the Nativity. In Moscow a Christmas card mocks Hitler while Red Star notes six months since Moscow’s advance. In Washington, Roosevelt and Churchill mark a war Christmas at the White House. British in Libya endure cold desert as plum puddings arrive for some units. Dionne quintuplets in Callandar look to New Year celebrations.
In Lawrence the holiday spirit shines with Christmas trees and hospital progress as the Watkins Memorial hospital nears opening. Across southern Manchuria Chinese and Japanese forces face the Liao River while bridge crews advance amid steel poles and concrete.
Switzerland issues a formal note to all warring powers outlining its neutrality and calling for restraint. The move signals efforts to protect Swiss territory and humanitarian conditions amid ongoing hostilities.
The report describes wartime Christmas life in Manila London Jerusalem and Singapore. It notes gift shortages and blocked shipments of trees and pine from Baguio, King George VI choosing a homeland Christmas, Bullitt recalling a desert tree with lizards, and soldiers attending services while firecrackers are banned.
The year ahead should find England third in commerce while America leads the field. Lawrence merchants enjoyed a strong Christmas trade with liberal buying and fewer price disputes. Dr. F H Snow returned to take a natural history chair as he resumes duties after health issues. A rain made the day slushy and neighbors attended a Christmas tree at 1346 Vermont. A performance of La Tosca starring Melbourne MacDowell is announced for the Bowersock opera house tomorrow.
Topeka December reports from the state labor department show a roughly 25 percent rise in employment and a 50 percent increase in payrolls over December 1940. Using April 1930 as 100, 1941 November employment reached 105.6 and payrolls 109.9, with miscellaneous manufacturing leading gains. Only flour milling showed a slight employment drop.
The navy notified Mr and Mrs Edward C Bates that their son Harold 27 a seaman was killed in action at Honolulu December 7 He was a graduate of Stafford Kan high school The rest mentions classified ads for housing and rooms to rent on the classifieds page.
Andrew Pearborn's will sets a secret panel of jurors to judge if his son Andy runs the business by service to the people Carol loves Andy and must choose between loyalty and love as Herrick profits from cutthroat policy A toyland elevator accident tests trust and the mystery of the will unfolds through troubled romance and fate.
Carol, Mary, and Bill visit Nicky in the hospital on Christmas. Andy Dearborn quietly helps with an electric train as Carol struggles with hurt over Mr Herrick’s mismanagement. Bill faces his firing while Nicky’s prognosis improves and family pressures him to attend a party soon.
A dense listing of Thursday and Friday evening programs across KMBC WREN WDAF KNBC WWDAP and others detailing Ted West Tom Mix Fred Waring’s Orchestra Xavier Cugat and Glenn Miller appearances plus newscasts sport news and weather updates and a late night AP News roundups schedule.
District ministerial meeting convened Monday December 16 at United Brethren Church with an all day session. Church ladies served lunch at 1 pm in the basement. Local residents visited in Leavenworth and Kansas City. Several families traveled for funerals and visits including Kesinger Herries Nickels Ward and Rhodes families.
McLouth residents join Christmas events with the Mee Henry family at a tree and gifts. Attendees include Warnest McHenry, Victor Edmonds, Harold McHenry, Ray Lobb and family, Opal Lobb, Bonnie McHenry, John Williams, Marian Landon visiting from Washburn College, and Frank Lamian’s parents. Willing Workers class hosted a December 19 meeting with carols and poems. Merchants staged a Main Street Christmas tree event with Santa and fruit treats for hundreds of children and adults alike. Opal Lobb, Baker University student, visited KC before returning home for vacation.
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