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Newspaper
Patoka Register
Location
Patoka, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Aug 18, 1944
Page
1
A soldier writes home about slow air mail times from Italy and recent rough fighting, noting weight loss and health. He details selling PX goods to new troops, counting about $600 in cigarettes candy cigars beer and similar items, and asks about home repairs and weeds.
A World War II letter from Cpl Morris Cole in France reports rough fighting, a German sniper envelope hole, showers, a sunny rest moment, letters from home, and optimism as Germans retreat. He mentions payday rumors, foreign money confusion, and a plan to check for more mail, with a note about continuing on page 8.
Major and Mrs. Charlie Belcher visited Patoka to see his grandmother Mrs. Agnes Cox and relatives. He served in the United States Army Air Corps as Flight Commander of the 42nd Wing Command with notable actions in Africa and Italy and received an Insignia from the French Government.
About thirty-five friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Barnes for a basket dinner in honor of Pfc John V Barnes on his 18 day furlough. The meal was shared at noon and all reported a good time with many relatives listed as present.
The D. D. Club hosted a lawn supper August 1 at Carroll Majonnier home with Mr. and Mrs. Jack Keeton and other members. Guests included Janet Thouse and family, Sue Revelle, Ester Clifton, and Wayne Walton. A second lawn party August 9 in Vernon featured croquet and social time with all members present and treats served.
A large Belcher family reunion was held Monday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. D. Ballance to honor Major Charles L. Belcher on furlough from the RAF. Attending were Major and Mrs. Charles L. Belcher of Roadhouse Illinois and relatives from Tamalco, Shobonier, Chicago, and Patoka.
The Harrison Cemetery Committee announces a cleanup day on Saturday August 26 to maintain the cemetery’s appearance. Workers should begin early Saturday morning to assist with the maintenance effort.
Clifford Talbot came home Sunday after a two week vacation in Florida. Mrs. James Ballance and Mrs. Robert Eagan visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Garrett of Alma.
Agricultural guidance from Floyd Smith, a Vocational Agriculture Instructor, describes a poison bait recipe using wheat bran, white arsenic or paris green, molasses, and water or light oil to control the migratory grasshopper. Apply 5 to 10 pounds per acre at dawn, keep livestock away briefly, and note eggs may turn green after eating treated insects.
On Monday evening August 21 the Vernon M E Church lawn hosts the Dedication Service for the Roll of Honor. Johnnie Curtis and Georgia Holt sing theme songs of armed forces. prayers salutes and flags, Girl Scouts, and a financial report by Georgia Holt. Recitations by Freda Meador Janice Hathaway Jane Webb. sextet of girls. address by Mrs Will Corwin Illinois state director of Soldiers and Sailors WCTU. Audience sing. Everyone is welcome to attend.
According to Mr. Harlan Gerrish, a vagrant man described as a 67 year old black escapee from a St. Joseph Michigan asylum appeared in the area last Saturday evening near Gerrish Ford. A posse led by Roy Sears, Warren Sears, Cecil and Bobby Thulman, Harlan Gerrish and Deputy Sheriff Hanks pursued and restrained him after a gun dissuaded resistance. He was taken to Salem for custody.
Dayne Ellis of Chicago visits this week with his parents Mr and Mrs G A Ellis and Donald Lee.
Despite rain the Patoka City Park event drew many attendees and offered 4-H members valuable experience. Records show 8,833 hours in constructive work across nine entries, with awards across dairy, garden, poultry, soybeans, and dressmaking categories, plus perfect attendance pins and plans to enroll more youth next year.
The Woman's Society of the Vernon Methodist Church will hold an annual chicken fry in the high school gym on Friday evening August 25. Serving begins in cafeteria style at 6 30 p m. Everyone welcome. Mrs Frank Snider of Fairman was brought home Sunday from St Mary's hospital in Centralia Mr and Mrs George Holland of Dixon Ill are visiting friends here this week.
Superintendent E L DeLay announced Patoka Grade and High Schools will begin on September 1. A teacher roster includes Bettie Simecox Florence Linton Christina Crawford Homer Potts Eva Wasem Helen Barr Dorothy Lake and E L DeLay. High school registration is August 23 from 9 to 12 with book sales and required student information.
A reader laments the hot dry season and shifts to critique of Browder-Hillman and support for Dewey-Bricker. The writer fears a one party system, praises the two party American method, and urges Democrats to reject Browder-Hillman while defending democracy, rights, and the American way.
Staff Sargent Paul Belcher and wife and son Dennis Lynn arrive on furlough from Randolph Field Texas. visit in St Elmo with Belcher and Miller families. several local births and personnel moves noted including eight pound Robert Harry born to Mr and Mrs W D Bundy. resignations and hires at Patoka Municipal Light Plant. various visits and homecomings of relatives and servicemen with mentions of St Louis Chicago Sumner Kalamazoo Litchfield and Paris area towns through mid August.
Mrs Eli expresses gratitude to friends and neighbors for ecards letters gifts flowers and visits during a recent illness.
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