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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Feb 15, 1951
Page
3
Harlan Miller suggests not being edgy or solemn due to pessimistic news from commentators. He urges free thinking and shrugging off weighty problems like the draft and war, advocating living today and not overreacting to next year’s worries.
A February Court of Honor at Legion Hall recognized Scouts and Cubs in Pella. Leaders note long-standing interest, new Cubs, and 24 younger boys ready to join when older. Emphasis on aggressive leadership and sustained parental involvement to keep Scouting thriving and build character. Fathers and mothers urged to actively support and enroll their boys.
A weekly paper notes three Iowa towns have abandoned their Chambers of Commerce due to member dropouts and dues nonpayment. It argues a successful chamber requires loyal, voluntary support to keep the town’s trade standing and visibility, praising Pella as a model.
Voters on March second will decide whether city light plant and distribution should be managed by a three person Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor. Proponents say formal trusteeship would fix responsibility, improve efficiency, and bring in qualified local leaders, with the Mayor inviting public nominations.
An editorial digest critiques life terms in state penitentiaries contrasted with broad social guarantees. It condemns overwide trucks threatening roads, urges lane solutions, and notes public concerns about infrastructure. It also teases speculative bond schemes promising high interest and long-term retirement plans for farmers, highlighting potential financial risks and checks.
Forty years ago William De Bruyn, a Winnebago mission worker, received 526.56 dollars from Pella church friends to take back to his field. A. L. Vander Linden sold 65 Poland China hogs near Prairie City, averaging 365 pounds. Kate Johnson joined Fowler Telephone Exchang, with office staff taking vacations. Real estate deals in Marion County included 159 acres for 11,935 dollars and 7,000 dollars tracts in Lake Prairie. Mayor candidate J. Vanden Berg denied retirement rumors. Des Moines Descriptions mention Ben Hur at Pas Opera House and Newton courthouse dedication plans. Levi Nossaman, 49, miner, died after illness in Oskaloosa. Family birthdays and school notes fill local pages, with Central College girls defeating Iowa Falls 12 to 4 and Pella High girls losing 14 to 7 at New Sharon. Water with minerals in Pleasantville draws attention as Carlsbad-like prospect. Des Moines Dodge & Southern depot workport indicates timetable removal ahead. Cathro to lay sewer in South Pella. Nollen family weekend in Des Moines and Chicago. Alderman Brownie De Brabagged ducks near Skunk River, a noted hunter.
Thirty years ago the city faced a non partisan primary with tickets Citizens and Peoples. Mayor candidates were G. Van Vliet and N J Van den Berg. School voters reached four hundred. two women ran for the board, M Je Sadler and Mrs Katherine Rhynsburger, with Fultz and Waechter receiving votes. Town legislature granted a 60 cent per day veteran bonus. top grant was 350 dollars. Lead story covered a Knox ville road fund dispute accusing Knoxville of prioritizing its roads and criticizing unequal road spending for Pella. An auction sale by William Van Baale and son followed.
An eight page or twelve page issue filled with ads notes an international telephone call from Melbourne to New Jersey via New York and Des Moines costing about 90 dollars. Harvey cafe burned with two other buildings after new owner bought the cafe. City Council hires Ottumwa engineer Brown to supervise a new sewage disposal plant. PTA hears speech by Robert Williams of Public Instruction. ms graduates from Central in 1914. The home of Jess Carpenter near Galesburg north of Pella burned. an accident near a roof ejection with a chimney incident. West Washington Street pavement dip ordered. radio interference traced to a vibrating steel beam in the electric light plant. First Reformed Church celebrates 75th anniversary led by Reverend Bernie Mulder. Russian Cossack Chorus to perform at Central College High School auditorium March 24. Central College board revises articles of incorporation after 50 years. Mild winter of 1920-81 prompts record checks, with reference to 1877 winter records.
The report covers a last pre election council gathering, noting modest hog prices with Poland China at ten dollars, and Vella’s debt tally reaching 113000 dollars. It mentions Jake De Bruin seeking lung relief in Denver after WWI gas exposure, bruise from a smithy accident, Y T Van Niewaal’s Easter garment display, an 8 reel film Jack and the Beanstalk at the high school for ten cents, and the La Crosse Happy Farmer Tractor sold by Pella Supply Co with kerosene distillate operation and high steel wheels.
General Ridgway told UN forces the Korea commitment defends Western civilization and individual rights against communism. He urged soldiers to see their sacrifices as defending homeland freedoms, not for distant towns, stressing the overseas fight safeguards America.
A retrospective from a Pella publication notes decade-old events including school board terms for Ralph Grundman and John Vander Linden, low primary turnout with 185 voters, Frank Brush's large city primary tally, and 750 citizens voting overall. It recalls Henry J. Vanden Berg’s death at eighty, his roles as mayor and Central College treasurer, a Pella High benefit game for Jack Dillon, and John M. Van Dyk buying the local funeral home. Also mentioned are Central College Band concerts, Tulip Queen nominations, Oskaloosa sectional loss for the Little Dutchmen, Pella defeating New Sharon to reach the final, five local inductees for military service, Hydramatic Drive cars, and an accident at Vander Zyl strip coal mine injuring Art Huyser.
Commercial reporting notes that the Douglas fir is more valuable than any other tree in trade. The statement emphasizes its superior market value and economic importance for the timber industry.
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