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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Apr 08, 1954
Page
7
Robert Frost, on his eightieth birthday at the Waldorf Astoria New York, declared he would not rise unless certain of betterment and rejected doleful crisis talk. He expressed future confidence and trust in Divine direction at four score years.
A businessman urged public spirited locals to form a building and loan association to fund home ownership and small industry in Pella. He said 50 to 100 investors could contribute capital stock while large profits would erode community value. Housing shortages push workers to move here, yet they live elsewhere and spend income away. The note also cites Farm Bureau, price supports, and political risk in agriculture policy debates.
The speaker says the matter could become unmanageable and should be given away or destroyed. It is not a political question. if it arises the 86 percent mentioned must be reckoned with and is potent. Allan Kline is praised for making good sense and keeping the focus on economics and public interest.
Governor Arn declares a “prayer for rain” period as western Kansas along with Oklahoma and Texas panhandles faces a dust bowl threat. County officials in thirty one western counties enact a 1937 law forcing landlords to implement wind resistant soil practices or have the county do the work and tax the land. Measures include fallowing grasses and surface residues, retirement from wheat cash crops, and wary farmer compliance. The move frames soil stewardship as a public trust essential to welfare.
Editorial excerpts urge home ownership as vital for stability and security for young families. They also debate McCarthy’s influence in Congress and whether abolishing his committee could curb his power, noting political risk and precedent.
A recap of notable items from The Chronicle listing events and figures from 10, 20, 30, and 40 years ago. It highlights memory lane milestones, revisiting past community happenings and notable local names.
Front page shows Ed T Meredith publisher of Des Moines urging Democrats with a near column message. Death noted for Dr Albert Kruidenier of Aberdeen South Dakota after an accident. he was a young physician. Various local items include concerts, club meetings, a spark plug venture, and notes from Des Moines updates.
Thirty years ago C Will Brinkhoff family left Pella for Los Angeles while Will Brunin resigned as scout master and Rev E A Sabin took over. Four women defeated four men for New Sharon council seats, winning hands down. G V Orr and family of Des Moines began auto trip to Pella but hit a detour on highway 163.
West of Pella a car bogged down and rescue attempts failed as Mrs Jennie Boot Van Baren 53 died in Monroe with several diphtheria cases reported. John Liter’s family workers joined the Monroe Mirror Office. H Rozenberg planned Holland travel. Des Moines passport tasks done. Glen Niefert and Pete Rowland collided at practice. Rowland lost teeth and a deep facial cut. Pella High girls Frances Ver Steeg Inez Buwalda Helen Gaass Dorothy Van Meren Charlotte Vander Ploeg bobbed hair April 1. Peter De Pree custodian beautified grounds with tulips. Oskaloosa merchants sponsored most ads in the 12 page issue.
Twenty years ago the community mourned Mrs. Art Koeleman who died after a fall in a basement. Art Verrips, Shell Station attendant, was robbed at gunpoint of 70 dollars. robbers also forced him to lie in the rest room. The robbers fled with stock from the Royal Cafe, bought from George Constantine, a Pella merchant for 13 years. Professor Richard Lewis resigned from his post as instrumental music teacher and band director. New taxes were applied in Town including state sales tax, motor fuels tax, and a 1.00 Old Age Assistance levy. Six Central students prepared for the National Forensic Tourney in Lexington, Kentucky as Pi Kappa Delta members. Twenty-one CWA projects were underway in Marion County as CWA faced possible shutdown and 330 men and 17
A group including Tom and Susan along with Henry were en route to Sioux City, then returning to Pella when a mishap occurred. Jared discussed the need for help as Wes Neere contributed to the column. No one was injured in the crash.
Ten years ago Pella merchants discussed upgrading the Pella Knoxville road to a primary route, hoping a northward link from Marshalltown to Knoxville. Iowa towns over 2,000 population on one primary road faced limited chances. Eight Pella men were drafted, and Gosselink won a play contest aiding wartime bond drives. Lt Ed Huibregtse spoke on degaussing ships to repel mines described as Hitler’s secret weapon. All under 26 faced draft exams as the conflict escalated.
A reader laments decline in moral courage and economic choices in America. The piece argues inflation fueled by selfish policy endangers future generations and warns that neglect of honest debt, reliance on Washington, and loss of Christian values threaten freedom and may invite Communism. A Lenten season prompt ends the reflection.
Reports from soldiers and relatives cross into civilian life with word of injuries, recoveries, promotions, and a fatal air crash. John Bud Vander Ploeg recovers from wounds and may rejoin his unit while Howard Grundman is promoted to First Lieutenant and flies supply missions over Asia. Mrs Thomassen learns her son, an army flier, died in a Florida crash. the family has roots in Pella through the Boone lineage.
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