27 Dec 1939
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 28 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
New Castle News
Location
New Castle, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Dec 27, 1939
Page
1
President Roosevelt prepares to address the state of the union with a focus on national defense and defense of New Deal policies. Congressional supporters expect the administration to seek amendments to labor and trade laws, while stressing strong international trade aims.
A garbled excerpt discusses merchant ships, U S losses in the world war, and lessons for Uncle Sam. It includes stray lines about a vigilant wife’s last words and a county prisoner for drugs, hinting at stigma and shame before truncation.
United States weather statistics show maximum temperatures and minimums around 23 and 35 degrees with precipitation including rain and snow. River stage recorded at 4.8 feet with yearly figures noting a 30 inch precipitation and temperatures from 30 to 35 degrees.
Waterford New York December 27 five youths practicing target shooting caused a powder magazine explosion blamed on a chance bullet. Victims include Russell Prescott 46 Arthur Petras 15 Edward B Foxarty 1 Frederick Deeb and Roger Murray 17 residents of Gohoes. A random shot into Lock six of the state canal blast site started the explosion. Evidence includes rifle and shotgun fragments found at the scene and a dynamite charge set in a metal covered container. bodies scattered up to 600 feet away and shock felt 10 miles distant.
New York December 27 International News Service dispatch reports that the 1940 presidential race appears wide open if Franklin D Roosevelt does not seek a third term. High politicians doubtfully speculate on who could seize the next presidency as both parties consider chances of avowed candidates and possible dark horses.
In Washington on December 27 a seven member delegation from Philadelphia Navy Yard civil workers presented President Roosevelt with a bound oath of allegiance to the government. Led by John F. Daniels of the water front development association and accompanied by Michael Francis Doyle, the group represented machine shop, aircraft, supply and other divisions.
London dispatch reports three aircraft, likely German, over England without bombs. One unidentified plane dropped smoke over the Thames estuary, then vanished. No air raid warnings or gunfire followed. Later two more planes released smoke along the Suffolk coast heading northwest.
Copenhagen December 27 Berlingske Tidende reported over 40,000 Russians killed on the far northern front in Finland during the Christmas holidays with heavy Finnish losses as well in fierce fighting.
Rome December 27 Italian efforts to restore peace in Europe were recognized with the order of the Golden Spur given to Foreign Minister Count Galegio Ciao bs by Pope Pius XII. The decoration signaled closer ties between the Italian government and the Vatican.
The post office reports a record 539000 holiday items canceled by stamp voiding devices from December 18 to 24. Acting Postmaster William R. Hanna notes higher receipts and one of the greatest rush periods, with more than 45 extras loaded for the season and efficient mail handling across the period.
In Rockford Illinois on December 27 Stockslager a 22 year old mechanic was held in the county jail for questioning in a Christmas day auto crash that killed four people. Victims named include Samuel T Thoren 74 retired banker and his wife Mary 67 of Rock City and her brother and sister J 8 Raymer 74 Lena and Miss Ellen Reymer 77 both of Rock City. Stockslager who was visiting relatives in Freeport was slightly injured in the crash.
Pittsburgh dec 27 the bulk of an aged recluse Frances F Helmolds 100000 estate goes to three institutions under her will dated dec 14 she leaves 5500 to her long time maid 10001 to a niece and smaller gifts to relatives the balance to the University of Pittsburgh the Salvation Army and the YMCA in equal shares
The annual banquet of Company B 16th Regiment PYL is set for Thursday at The Caseton. Prominent members including Percy Tetlow and Charles Durant are slated to attend as war stories from the Civil War era are promised. Best Stevenson leads the organizing committee aiming for a standout event.
Copenhagen December 27 rumors with no official confirmation circulated suggesting Sweden may join Finland against Russia within three months. Widespread fear of many deaths accompanies the unverified report from the International Nova Service.
A Reuters dispatch from Ankara says an earthquake shock of catastrophic proportions was recorded across Europe. Continuous shocks were felt in Anatolia including Ankara between 2 and 5 a.m. Local reports fear loss of life in several Anatolian towns.
Dr Charles Miller college president again faces a Butler jury after a postponement. The case centers on alleged cover up at Superior Rock Teachers College and involves a stamp robbery report at Wem Otashe school with fewer than 401 stamps missing. State police inquiry cited a February trustees meeting statement by Evelyn Laying and remarks by Willard Sevieur.
Soviet military communique from Moscow reports minor engagements between scouting detachments and artillery duels, with reconnaissance fights and some air reconnaissance by Soviet aviation. Poland reported no major actions. the only Soviet activity cited were skirmishes and reconnaissance flights in several areas.
Tokyo December 27 Japan faced an internal political stumble as 240 members of the base of representatives prepared to present a petition to Premier Nobuyuki Abe. They criticized the government and proposed presenting the petition in exile. A meeting of lower house members representing political parties adopted a resolution urging that no cabinet resign.
A heavy snow storm sweeps western Pennsylvania and surrounding regions with drifts stalling traffic. The storm center near Louisville Kentucky brings up to five inches in places while forecasts call for lingering cold and substantial snowfall through the day.
William K. Hutchinson reports Murphy is favored for a Supreme Court seat amid White House signals and congressional chatter. Sources note Murphy’s experience as a lawyer and deputy attorney general, while skeptics caution about potential political resistance and the stalled nomination process.
London reports a vast British mine barrier along England and Wales coast to deter German U boats. The field stretches about 500 miles from the Orkney Islands to the Thames estuary with 30 to 40 miles of sea lanes open for traffic. Similar nets already exist on Heligoland coast. wartime tonnage figures are not disclosed.
Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd landed in Wellington New Zealand amid a refueling stop on his Antarctic expedition. He announced a stay of about two days and noted he would have stopped at Pitcairn and Rapa Islands along the route.
An aviation student event summary notes performances and achievements by C. A. A. Air Student Aeronaunce Roth and colleagues, with focus on training milestones and notable demonstrations at the program.
A garbled report describes two deaths in Butler County involving multiple vehicle incidents on a highway. Names and details are unclear, but the column indicates two fatalities from separate crashes and a sequence beginning with a collision near a roadside area.
Report says Hitler may have witnessed a German patrol raid on a French outpost near Saarbrucken. The attack was poorly repulsed by French automatic fire, and retreating Germans left two officers dead. Observers note possible disarray within German ranks amid Allied momentum.
Helsinki reports Soviet invaders driven back in the Viborg region amid heavy bombardment on Lake Saima and northern centers. Air and naval forces claimed multiple Soviet planes shot down as Finland intensifies patrols and defense operations against the advance.
A wobbly report from the era notes mixed views on the removal of a Soviet general. Other items mention naval actions near a contested area, with incomplete details implying ongoing tensions and geopolitical maneuvering.
A garbled request mentions a person named Arthur and scattered phrases about weeks, payments, and a need for something now. The text is incomplete and unclear, presenting no coherent news event, date, or action to summarize into a report.
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