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This newspaper page contains 24 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1931
Page
10
The Community Welfare League urges prompt support to fill baskets for the needy. The piece asks readers what Santa should bring, noting yearly uncertainty about gifts. It also praises Governor Emerson of Illinois for granting a death-row youth a reprieve, citing sympathy for a 17-year-old condemned for murder.
Charles D Reed, Des Moines weather observer, predicts a pattern of mild winters followed by progressively harsher ones before another mild spell. The piece then pivots to a meditation on mental use, urging readers to think deeply rather than neglect their minds.
The passage notes a week of price swings in bread, warning price slashing harms the economy. It explains merchants face a pressure from high unemployment, forcing lower profit margins to maintain sales volume.
A report claims annual moth damage in the United States totals 250 million dollars or about 10 dollars per family. It notes moths attack woolens and upholstery, with four life stages and a 15 to 20 week larvae stage being the worst. It urges housewives to spray regularly to prevent losses. A stitch in time saves nine.
The Dick Vander Ploeg quartet Mrs Henry Boeyink Antoinette Van der Ploeg and Edward and Alfred Vander Ploeg are praised for strong dramatic and oratory talents. The piece questions why Pella lacks a public debating society like a Virginia town, noting how community debating educates and entertains and invites broader citizen participation.
The Des Moines Register is cited by Mrs. Cora Hampton as saying 90 percent of students drink and half of them are women, a claim the writer calls false and insulting to women. The piece invokes the old quip that there are three kinds of lies and notes statistics can mislead.
The Spectator, Columbia University's official publication, argues for ending football after tabulating 40 killed and many injured. The writer recalls past concerns about brutality and notes the recent surge in gridiron deaths, urging action to prevent repeating this year’s deadly record.
The article mourns Dr Bernie Mulder’s departure as a fearless, respected minister beloved by many denominations. It also discusses the inquiring reporter’s panel on women’s roles, agreeing that home duties suit many married women while single women should have job opportunities, and condemning employment that harms children.
A column of lighthearted jabs and small town rumors from Pella reflects on churchgoers, professors, quirky neighbors, and everyday misadventures. Anecdotes involve Newt Van Maren, Johnny Van Spanckeren, Parson Nordlund, and local shop talk.
In Barnes City News reminiscence of a past era the text notes there was nothing festive about nine ties and describes a time when a woman on a bicycle wearing bloomers caused store customers and clerks to rush outside and watch her ride away toward the horizon.
A Sigourney Review columnist warns that supporters may rally to Mr. Hoover next fall, fearing persistent low mood and hoping he can lead them out, potentially securing his election.
Northwood Anchor reports a California husband filing for divorce claims his wife is sullen mean irritable morbid disagreeable bitter gruesome hasty cool jealous heckling picayune loathsome brazen miserly gluttonous temperamental selfish contemptuous inattentive uncivil and inconsiderate. The Jewel Record notes from that list it seems he does not care for the lady much.
The Chariton Leader notes outdoor ads have merit but require reading to be useful for advertisers. A twelve by twelve foot board near Chariton displayed eight or ten adverts in various colors like a crazy quilt, challenging motorists to read while speeding. Also mentions Babe Ruth facing a salary cut, with $80,000 yearly earnings likely still enough to avoid poverty.
The man jailed in Fairfield for killing a traffic policeman retains his wife’s steadfast confidence in letters from prison. Despite reports of another woman present during the tragedy, the mother and extended family stand by the accused, underscoring enduring blood ties and allegiance in a contested case.
A group of university professors forms a labor union asserting their right to speak freely and vows to boycott any college that denies faculty free speech. They critique teaching that favors unproven theories from communism to free love across courses.
Dispatches report a German officer in Central Africa still fighting the World War when found and placated recently. Skeptics liken it to a 1920 Philadelphia postman tale mistaken for a Confederate soldier, suggesting possible hoax or misreport.
The Indianola Record notes renewed statewide education by the Anti-Saloon League and a new Iowa branch of the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment. Led by L. B. Maytag of Newton, the group vows to organize by congressional district in six districts including Warren county. Directors include E. T. Meredith Jr., F. C. Hubbell, Charles Adsit, Herman J. Sani, and Earle D. Bellamy. The piece critiques the old states rights argument and notes a dead man listed among directors, suggesting the anti dry cause remains unresolved and the graveyard metaphor signals a failed cause.
A remark about酒 and a colored man at a dance recall a line about digging up a girl from the graveyard to attend a night event. The quote links drinking memories to a provocative rural scene.
J G Sneddon a 45 year old Des Moines resident working at the Veterans hospital construction crew was seriously injured when his automobile struck a corn laden wagon on Highway Number 6 near Knoxville. The wagon from Willow Springs Missouri owned by Burt James was returning to the James home after loading corn. Sneddon suffered internal injuries severe tongue cuts and facial cuts from flying glass. He was brought to Mater hospital where Dr Maters sewed the tongue and relatives were notified. Exact injuries findings awaited days to assess chest and stomach pains. The wagon was demolished and there was no light on the wagon at 5 30 pm.
Facts from the Chronicle dated December 13 1921 include the death of Cornelius DeBruin at 77, a birthday notice for M De Reus, and officers elected for the Odd Fellows lodge with Jacob Schakel as Noble Grand. A Rock Island passenger train No 474 blew whistles and released steam halting the train. Keota car owners were summoned for operating auto livery without a license, Polias water supply was briefly exhausted, P Van Vark missed work with inflammatory rheumatism, a son was born to W Sadler of Parker South Dakota on December 7, Mrs H L Van Dellen was injured in Chicago, a son was born to E Den Hartog, and Gerrit Du Pree died at 16.
Centerville recorded a $60,000 fire while the Christian church at Pleasantville suffered major damage. Western Union dropped special delivery charges for messages delivered beyond a half mile from the depot. Local churches prepared to dedicate a $12,000 edifice as Methodists planned their services. Milestones included Mrs. J Walraven turning 71, Mrs. E Rouwenhorst at 78, and gatherings for Langevak and Lucile Gaass birthdays. Pella Overall added two new electric motors and De Reus barber shop received new equipment. Eight year old Russell Van Vliet broke his collar bone after a fall near Field. A cow belonging to John Stevens near New Sharon bore twins three days apart.
A report notes no serious injuries after a Monday examination. Edgar sustained only minor bruising and remained in stable condition. Authorities continue to assess the incident and provide care updates as available.
Farmers facing high taxes this year must sell three times as much produce than in 1913. Proper poultry slaughter using head-down bleeding and careful neck handling prevents discolored spots and spoilage. Use a sharp knife and target a brain strike through the mouth groove for humane, efficient slaughter.
A reader praises Ted King of Pella for five years of use, asserting the auto chains outperform all others in durability and longevity. The endorsement highlights satisfaction with the supplier and the product’s superior endurance.
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