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Newspaper
Middletown Journal
Location
Middletown, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Jan 26, 1954
Page
2
N J Lawler of The Journal told civic clubs at Manchester Hotel today that advances in science industry and medicine must be matched by moral progress toward God like living. He urged Middletown to work harder to enlarge peace and lasting good.
Lawler, noting his annual talk since 1087, argues Russia’s prominence will fade. He lists 1953’s top stories as Stalin’s death, Korean peace, U S Communism, Rosenbergs’ death, the Russian H Bomb, East Berlin riots, England’s coronation, the Eisenhower administration, Taft’s death, and the Greenlease kidnapping.
A Middletown year in review highlights an all time employment peak with wages up to 55 million and retail sales rising to 51 million. Residents saved 3 million to lift bank deposits beyond 50 million, while building activity neared 9.75 million with 209 new homes. The city expanded sewer work and parking, started Nelbar underpass, and eyed annexation to boost future progress.
A memorial tribute honors Harold W. Jones, a longtime Middletown insurance man who died far from home, describing his ceaseless devotion to Middletown and his lasting legacy of courage. The note recalls his passing in a distant land and the enduring impact of his work and character.
Jack Lakes 21 pleaded guilty to shooting with intent to wound Middletown patrolman Jack Combs during the Franklin Miamisburg football game. He was sentenced to one to 20 years in the Mansfield Reformatory and to be transported there Thursday after a brief manhunt. He initially faced a charge of shooting with intent to kill.
Three young girls ages nine and eleven were ordered to juvenile authorities with their parents after police received a complaint of unauthorized soliciting in a polio drive. They collected about $4.15 and had spent it, with Sgt. Ed Poling responding to the call in the 2000 block of S Sutphin Street.
The speaker reflects on eternal justice and the memory of a hometown figure, urging quiet faith in Jesus. He lauds the rising influence of women, highlighting their community work and resolve to pursue a world without war. He calls for happiness beyond power and trust in righteous principles and divine power.
Middletown Retail Merchants Assn urges City Commission to repeal jaywalking ordinance if crosswalks are removed in downtown. Police cite 27 accidents at crosswalks in 32 months with five pedestrians and one auto passenger injured, while merchants argue safety stats favor crosswalks.
Officials released a letter from the executive committee addressing the City Commission. The document notes opposition from merchants and indicates officials had previously declined to comment before the letter's release.
The Lions Club booth at Broad Street and Central Avenue raised 376.89 for polio, the largest so far this year. Charles Reuthe, Butter County Polio Committee chair, said the 1954 campaign trails 1953 totals, with year to date receipts at 2,750.81 versus last year’s 4,403.14.
Two new boosts to the polio drive were announced. Employees of 77 Taxi Inc will donate wages from tomorrow morning to 6 am Thursday covering drivers and three phone operators. Local 310 of Raymondes Co through its president B Day adds 25 dollars to the polio pool. The polio auction with WPFB opened yesterday with bids totaling 197 dollars on 12 items donated by city merchants and citizens. The sale continues this week with each item going to the highest bidder. The polio booth is staffed today by the Loyal Order of Moose, tomorrow the Colored Polio Committee takes over, and Rotary supplies manpower Thursday.
Paramount presents Hondo in 3D with showings Tuesday 1 45 3 40 5 30 7 35 and 9 25 p m. Wednesday screens Jack Slade Veils of Bagdad with listed times. Strand offers Quo Vadis Tuesday and Don't Bother to Knock and Take Me To Town on different daily slots with multiple evening showings.
Merchants warn crosswalks will hurt retail as shoppers must walk a full city block to reach opposite stores. They propose eliminating jaywalking laws and allow mid block crossing at pedestrians own risk. A merchant cites 27 injuries downtown last year before crosswalks. Police say no comparable pre crosswalk data exists. Arguments blur amid statistics.
Two Middletonians were injured slightly in two auto mishaps investigated by city police yesterday and today. Robert Whismen, 26, skinned his left leg in the Central Avenue Main Street collision at 6 a.m. Elon Dalton, 46, skinned his left elbow and right knee. Dalton drove a Yellow Cab west through the intersection and collided with a eastbound auto driven by Dale McHenry, 35, who was turning left. Cab damage was about 218 dollars.
Cars driver James W. Mc Laughlin 33 of 306 Monroe St and Earl E. Rhodes were involved in a collision at Crawford Street and Howard Avenue at 8 20 a m yesterday. Damage to the McLaughlin auto was 75 with no other damage information available.
The U S Air Force announced that a flight of Sabre Jets has arrived at Clark Field in the Philippines for duty with the 13th Air Force based there.
Wilson states Safety Council board does not oppose crosswalks but dislikes the current rule giving pedestrians absolute right of way. He suggests allowing crosswalks if pedestrians are educated to cross only when traffic is clear. Police and motorists complain of pedestrians stepping into crosswalks with disregard. The City Commission accepted a letter from Safety Council president L. W. Howe concurring with removing crosswalks.
Three defendants face murder charges in Butler County Common Pleas Court. Harold Burkhardt 18 and Eugene Nolan 22 are to stand trial Feb. 16 for the beating and Robbery allegedly leading to Herschel Sorrell’s death near West Middletown. Both indicted for first degree murder and face possible death if convicted without mercy.
Overnight burglary at Mc Pherson's Grocery 318 N Grimes St. netted thieves six to eight cartons of cigarettes and pennies from the cash drawer. Det Ralph Bauer said entry was gained by breaking the front door glass and unlocking the door. Pro prieter T E Mc Pherson discovered the break just before 7 am.
Ohio Bell plans a 320000 dollar expansion to add outside lines in the Middletown area to support 850 new telephones and higher grade service. The project, announced by Hugh Harvey, aims to meet rising demand as daily calls increase from 2800 to nearly 4000 locally, with 1650 applicants awaiting upgraded service.
A steady rise in telephone traffic over several years has kept Ohio Bell busy installing additional equipment. Five years ago substantial increases prompted planning and upgrades to expand capacity and service.
Clifford Ellis 38 of 1807 Tytus Ave suffered a laceration to the left hand when it struck a grinding wheel at Coolidge Corp. He received treatment at Middletown Hospital at 10 30 a m and was released.
Mrs. Annie Ruth Collier, 25, of 715 S Monument Ave Hamilton, is slated for trial February 9 on an indictment for second degree murder in the stabbing death of Henry Simmons, 27, of New Miami. Simmons was found dead in his home December 6 after Collier surrendered at Hamilton police headquarters and admitted stabbing.
Two unmasked men armed with a gun robbed Elmer’s Cafe in Hamilton at 9:35 pm. Proprietor Elmer Pfirrman handed over $98 from the cash register before the suspects fled in a nearby parked car. Police search for the vehicle and suspects.
Elmer Werkel of West Middle town Rt 1 reported to deputies the theft of a tool box with 155 dollars of tools from his home. The missing items include four pipe wrenches and a tap and die set among others.
Joe Cox will retire from the Middletown Post Office Friday after 34 years of service, becoming a mail messenger at the Raymond Bay Co. Friday also marks his 60th birthday. A longtime Kentucky native and West Middletown resident, he is noted for American Legion leadership and veteran graves care.
Cox joined the service as a substitute carrier in 1920 when only 12 carriers worked. Over the years the office grew under six postmasters to employ three times that number of carriers. He served as regular carrier parcel post clerk and clerk. He helped design USO servicemen boxes used in Middletown and arranged free distribution to families sending gifts to servicemen. He also claimed to have driven the first government owned postal truck in August 1920.
Seventy one local foremen attended the third session of their safety training program last night at the Shattle Bros conference room. Horace Lawson Wayne Back Lester Chenoweth Luther Hoskins and Howard Ditmyer led the activities. The next meeting is set for February 1 with Aeronca foremen in charge.
Armco Drainage and Metal Products opened a 11 200 square foot Mangum Oklahoma plant at a cost of 125 000. The ceremony included a parade and luncheon by Eastern Star with most stores closed for the event. The plant will produce corrugated metal drainage pipe for southwestern Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle.
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