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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 15, 1955
Page
3
A reflective note celebrates the season's spirit as a call to help others. It links the heart’s exercise to reaching down and lifting people up, highlighting the warmth and shared joy found in giving during Christmas.
A Sioux Center family donated a life size nativity scene in memory of Dr. William Maris. Mayor A. Te Paske accepted the gift in a ceremony, placing it at the Band Shell in the town park for the Christmas season. The display emphasizes the Saviour's birth over secular gifts.
The editor notes practical presents for new grandchildren such as life insurance policies and U S Savings Bonds to encourage saving. He praises Pella merchants for attractive gift displays and local support for Tulip Time. Reflecting on past hardship, he recalls Overseers of the Poor and now notes few families in desperate need, with aid kept discreet.
The passage urges restraint in criticizing the poor and reminds readers of the Overseer of the Poor. It calls for humane conduct during tax time and cautions against harsh private initiative in politics, urging conscience to guide decisions and noting progress toward a humane path.
The piece surveys 1956 presidential primary questions across parties, noting Albin Barkley’s push for a nationwide primary and a Gallup poll showing 58 percent favoring primaries. It compares convention systems to direct voting and asks readers what they think.
Editorial notes Union leaders plan to merge AFL and CIO, build influence in the Democratic Party, and fund a future labor party. They seek to organize farmers, arguing for leverage in food prices. The goal is to gain seats in Congress in 1960 and 1958 off-presidential elections, provoking concern among southern Democrats.
Items of interest from The Chronicle spanning ten, twenty, thirty, forty, and fifty years ago. Each note recalls notable events, people, and moments that shaped the era, offering a concise glimpse into the newspaper’s archival past.
The Lake Prairie District Fair directors were elected: Y. T. Van Niewaal, John P. De Cook, John De Cook, Anne Boot, and J. H. P. Van Zee. Baptist church calls Rev. A Le Grand of Appleton WI. Seventeen Otley residents baptized at Pella Baptist Church. Nellie Graves credited with evangelistic influence. Bank to open after Jan 1 with officers Kruidenier, Wormhoudt, Van Spanckeren, Rietveld, Kuyper, Rhynsburger, and Van Rees. New South Main building near occupancy. Bernie Van Spanckeren to manage Van Spanckeren store. he recently worked in Chicago. The Melodrama For Her Sake coming to the Opera House for three evenings. company touring Des Moines. Dave Renaud resigns barber job to move to California. Bart Donai to start at Wormhoudt Clothing. John Ten Hagen to receive a fat possum. Mayor Bill Allen to share feast. Paul Scholte ill in Denver. mother reports improvement. Hollister’s Rocky Mountain Tea recommended by Frank Stubenrauch. Central College heating plant and Science Hall nearing completion. L. A. Garrison reports generous contributions. Paul Stegeman to join Younker Brothers in Des Moines. Death of Simon G Vander Zyl, 64, longtime Pella figure. former alderman, treasurer, mayor. Henry Fisk sells 13 acres near Pella to Ed Carson for 7000. record Iowa land price. Pella Tigers beat Eddyville Camels 66–16. Ver Steeg injures arm. Lake Prairie Fair directors: A Vander Waal, J A Grandin, John C Bauman, M C Slob, Jake Piender.
Forty years ago John Van der Leest aged 27 died from a broken neck after his car skidded on icy pavement at a corner near Eash High Avenue and Eleventh Street in Oskaloosa. The crash followed a rollover as he rounded the corner. The piece notes wartime price rises for staple goods and mentions Floyd R Gamble urging quick purchases before further price increases.
The Educational Board of the Reformed Church accepted trustees’ offer to turn over Central College property. Formal transfer of the college property to the Reformed Church would be made soon. A big spectacle film Campbells Are Coming with Oriental Harem Dancing was announced for the Electric Palace, though no names appeared in the story.
Front page memorial notes Mrs. Mary Todd died December 12 at age 82. Born to Wellington Nossaman and Sarah Welch Nossaman, she came to Pella from Fairfield in May 1843. She married Jacob Todd, who preceded her in death, and her life story fills a long historical column.
Twenty years ago a front page photo showed George Heeren beside several miniature buildings destined for the Dutch Village Tulip Time exhibit. Heeren stood with a representative from Central College, marking the community collaboration.
A Leighton driver faced warning to keep under 25 mph or risk being pinched, causing public scorn as a traveling man relayed the edict. North High defeated Pella High 35 to 16 in a cage game. Buena Vista prepared to play Central next, under new rules with no center jump. Winter coached the Dutchmen as Park School shell stands pictured and the Open Bible church nears completion.
Ten years ago Bernie Vander Linden and Mrs. Tunis Prins attended Kiwanis Club citizenship awards during a club dinner in Jordan. The Historical Society asked the Chamber of Commerce to help with a project deemed too large for the Society to handle alone. The story hints at possible no Tulip Time in 1946 due to scarce costumes and materials. The Messiah was to be performed at Deuwstre Chapel under director Anthony Kooiker. Pete Van Gorp led Pella High to a 30 to 22 win over Knoxville with 3 baskets and 3 free throws. Renaud Rysdam coached Pella. Lt. Rosetta De Bruin served as a nurse in the Philippine Islands. Byron Ver Steegh of Sully earned a meritorious service citation in Italy for ferrying military equipment. Seaman Howard Gosselink served on a destroyer in Tokyo Bay at Japan’s surrender. Elmer De Winter returned home after 46 months of service in Iceland. Lt. Fred Heerema arrived on the East Coast for discharge. Eddie Du
A Missouri Automobile Club release mocked Indiana speed limits but praised the Hoosier state for clear maximums and enforcement. The piece argues Missouri lacks a statewide limit, warning drivers to heed zones and speeds under State Highway Patrol oversight.
Pree has been discharged after service in Africa and Europe. Sgt Earl Ver Meer was discharged at Camp McCoy Wisconsin. Captain Herbert Worm hield was home on convalescent leave after serious illness in the Philippine Islands. All restrictions on Christmas lighting have been lifted.
A bird strike near a P. B. Bashman residence in Sioux Center injured one person. The victim suffered unspecified injuries and received local medical attention. Further details were not available.
A concise note states that the only direction from the South Pole is north, a simple geographic fact highlighting global orientation at the Earth's southernmost point.
A frightened ant broke free from a hunter, skittering through an old living room window and escaping into the outdoors. The brief incident underscores a rare sight as the insect fled amid cluttered surroundings. The event was observed but no injuries or damage reported.
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