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This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Feb 17, 1955
Page
3
The piece reflects Abraham Lincoln’s farewell speech words as a creed for Americans and leaders during troubled times. It notes his 1861 Springfield farewell, his impending return to Washington, the Civil War, and commemorates his birthday observed Saturday.
A bill seeks 300 million dollars in bonds to modernize Iowa roads. Past bond issuance funded current highways and was retired without hardship. Drivers saved on repairs and maintenance, enjoying safer, smoother travel. Town credit is strong, and pay as you go could delay needed improvements.
Marion County engineers report a new bridge will be built over Eng lish Creek at the West Durham site east of the current covered span. The old structure, a historic relic, is in disrepair with missing roof and siding. Citizens propose private fundraising through Farm Bureau, 4 H clubs, service clubs and civic groups to preserve the bridge.
The women of the Federated Club led a March of Dimes canvass calling it Mothers March for polio relief. They already support Red Cross drives and their volunteerism highlights the club’s value to community welfare.
The Democrats plan to convene in August and the Republicans in September delaying from July. The move, attributed to television and radio reach, reduces the need for extensive travel. In 1952 campaigning began soon after July conventions and lasted about four months.
October voters criticize long campaigns and favor delaying conventions. They argue eight to ten weeks suffices to present real issues and curb phony topics and bickering. A four month campaign is deemed outdated and voter approved.
The piece argues for four year terms for county officers to reduce campaign costs and allow proper administration. It cites salary fairness and long-term responsibilities as reasons for election reform. It also notes national moves toward ending employment segregation and supports efforts to curb obscene comic books as community progress.
A look back at notable items from The Chronicle over the past decades, highlighting events, people, and insights from 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years ago. Readers gain a snapshot of local history, milestones, and recurring themes that shaped the community.
Five decades past, rumors swirled that the Rock Island would not fulfill a promised depot build with spring arrival. The front page highlighted four Central University supporters and noted efforts to fund a science hall at Central College while cold weather and heavy snowfall disrupted rail service and isolated communities. Local concerts and church changes filled the town as residents endured deep snow and travel bans.
Forty years ago Thanhouser presented Zadora a serial at The Electric Palace Pella with weekly chapters in the Chronicle. The death of Arie Tol age eighty found near Rock Island docks cited heart ailment. A Rock Island engine derailed east of Pella injuring three crew. Marion County schools consolidation moved forward absorbing Tracy Pleasant Grove Attica districts amid favorable sentiment in 1916.
The Passing Scene notes Pella Tigers strong showing against Nebraska Wesleyan and a 37 to 30 setback. Daisy Chain Teas support Central College for a piano and dining room funding. Central College figures, residents moving, sale of real estate, and a 1925 Chevrolet ad rounding out town life.
Thirty years ago the front page centered on social news while a local accident injured Mr. and Mrs. Henry Veldhuizen. Their car went off Huyser Hill as lights failed, overturning into a ditch. Mrs. Veldhuizen suffered a broken shoulder, a leg laceration, and a head bruise.
Fragmentary notes describe work on a farm home east of town where radio set installation was underway. The text references wiring, lighting bars, and equipment setup, but details are incomplete.
Twenty years ago February 21 1985 Dr H C Wormhoudt Paul Lautenbach and John N Vander Linden testified before the City Council on pooling from the electric light fund. A petition signed by citizens urged action while Mayor T G stated any plan required the director's approval. Erma B Walker of Wi Town rented a car store and eyed a local home improvement effort led by Herman Veenstra. Three residents questioned a jury verdict and Hauptmann's electric chair sentence in Lindbergh case.
A distorted passage shows a speaker urging control by a driver over life and miracle. It juxtaposes everyday road use with sudden loss and tragedy, implying a relationship between power, responsibility, and fragile safety. The text hints at risk, fate, and moral consequence in motion.
In the case the defendants replied that a note was curved, and no guilt had been proved. The brief report notes uncertainties in the kidnapping matter and indicates the court found insufficient evidence of culpability.
The item notes a February 1945 robbery at Ver Dugit station in South Pella with the safe looted of cash and checks. It also mentions the Merchant-Farmer goodwill dinner at Legion Hall, a Boy Scouts dinner at Second Reformed Church attended by about 100 men, and the death of Murray Nesbit of the Pella Dress Club. Additional items include a Navy end ient reference, a mispelled note about James Kempkan, and a Marion County draft-related listing of ten Pella men ordered for physical exams.
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