This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pekin Advance
Location
Pekin, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Dec 06, 1917
Page
2
The article argues that dollar values mislead farmers as relative buying power changes with price shifts since the war. It notes fertilizer costs rose from 21 to 82 per ton since 1914, pushing corn from about 60 cents to at least 1.30 per bushel, suggesting profits hinge on relative values rather than nominal prices.
A historical note explains fertilizer price hikes due to nitrate exports for explosives, sulfuric acid from Spanish ores, and sulfur shortages. It cites disrupted supply chains from blocked submarines, railway transport of phosphate rock, and rising costs in labor and machinery, with price jumps from 25 to 100 percent and burlap bag costs up as high as 25 cents.
In 1917 Herbert Hoover as U S Food Administrator cited no principal causes for the food shortage. He listed nature's cruelty including late spring droughts hurricanes and frosts as factors, plus reduced soil productivity in Europe due to bad farming, lack of labor, and overworked workers. He urged home armies of producers and civilians to combat famine.
Wartime farming is framed as a patriotic duty with farmers on the second line of defense. Production must rise to feed armies and allies, and demand pushes food prices higher as supply remains limited. The article emphasizes mobilizing tools and labor to meet military needs and sustain national effort.
The article warns that submarine activity disrupts pyrite supply from Spain, halting sulphuric acid and complete fertilizers. It explains how wartime shipping cuts raise costs, reducing crop outputs, while promoting the Overseas Acre Fund to aid French farmers with fertilizer and supplies.
The year sees a shift toward premium fertilizer products as cost pressures rise for plant food. Advocates argue high grade blends deliver better results with less volume, while critics warn the market risks higher consumer burden and limited supply.
In a plea to Washington County readers, the Red Cross Christmas membership drive urges every loyal citizen to support the nation’s war effort. It condemns slander against the Red Cross and stresses enlistment benefits, from comforting wounded soldiers to providing morale and Christmas cheer. Publicity Committee notes public opinion will judge those opposing the cause.
The Washington County Bar in Indiana organized a Legal Advisory Board on November 28, 1917 with Judge William H. Paynter as Chairman and Emmet C. Mitchell as Secretary. Members pledged to provide free services to conscripted men filling the government questionnaire, and minutes were to be published locally and sent to Gov. Goodrich and State Conscription Agent Jesse Eschbach. Lawyers warned they would not fill every question but would assist if needed, and urged filing with the registration board within seven days.
The war department reports at least 38,000,000 men are bearing arms, with 27.5 billion on the side of the world allies and 10 billion for the central powers. Naval personnel are not included, which would add several million. France Great Britain Austria Germany Turkey Bulgaria are listed, with San Marino and Panama noted for small forces. Daily Thought. We all of us exercise unconscious ministries.
Martinsburg Church of Christ holds social meetings Sundays at 10 30 A M with ELDER J E Terry visiting on the second Sunday of each month. J Johns to preach the first Lord's Day monthly and Bible readings every Sunday night. USF Taylor attends the fourth Sunday and Sunday night each month, inviting all.
The M E Churches in Pekin invite attendance to Sunday School at 10 AM and preaching on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 7 PM. Prayer meetings and Epworth League are held Wednesdays. Emmanuel and Bethel ME Churches schedule regular sermons on 1st and 3rd Sundays, Mt Pleasant ME holds 1st and 3rd Sundays at 10 AM. Rev. E. L. Moore, Pastor.
Olive Branch church schedules preaching on every fourth Saturday night and Sunday night led by Elder W. C. Hancock. Services held at Young Creek, Indiana with ongoing weekly preaching pattern noted.
Reading notes show Morris Chapel Christian Church holds services every Saturday night and on Sundays with Pastor Rev. Cranford leading.
Rev Holmes serves as pastor at Blue River Missionary Baptist Church with preaching on the second Sunday and Sunday night, plus Saturday night before, detailing the church’s regular worship pattern.
Daisy Hill Chapel U B Church preaches on the first and third Saturday night and holds Sunday School each Sunday at two o'clock. Martinsburg U B Church conducts preaching on the first and third Sunday of each month, M E Apple Pasto.
Public notice lists Mt Zion Baptist Church services with preaching on the fourth Sunday monthly at 10 30 am and 6 30 pm in winter and 10 30 am and 7 30 pm in summer. Saturday night proceeding and Thursday prayer meetings weekly. Also preaching on the second Sunday each month at 10 am and 7 30 pm. Pastor H Burns.
Mrs P O Stuchell of Homer City Pa says her son Ela recovered quickly from a cold after using Chamberlains Cough Remedy. She notes the product has long been used and proven by many thousands as pleasant and safe to take.
A friendly guide explains that even beginners can quickly learn to can produce using up to date methods. With simple steps and practical tips, readers can create shelf ready canned goods that rival store bought options.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.