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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Feb 20, 1958
Page
4
The year 1956 saw 11 billion dollars spent on life insurance and four teen billions allocated to group plans. Americans carried 456 billion in life policies by year end, averaging about 8300 dollars per family. Insurance spokesmen say there is room for expansion as people continue to provide for loved ones and support themselves in old age.
The Electric Palace showed The Passion Play at Oberammert Passage from Holland to Pella with 3rd class tickets available for 50 dollars. William Lanser mailed a ticket to Arie Van Arkel while Nick Maaskant bought tickets for his parents and five siblings. Arie Van Houweling traveled to the Panhandle of Texas for a ten day land seeking excursion. Jacob Vander Zyde joined an Oskaloosa land agent on the same trip.
Notices include barbers De Neef and Goed hart closing at 10 PM Saturday, a Swiss WWI letter from Mrs Lauterbach about prisoners of war, Pella sports results against Simpson College and Penn Academy, tax help by Louis Murphy’s team, a leather puncture proof retread venture, Central College early spring without vacation, Pella Produce remodel, Nonpartisan League opposition, Ommen injury, drama week events, Kuyper's Korner quip, Leader Store silk Virginia Dare frocks, and an oil station project on Washington and Broadway by O and P Tire and Battery/ Shell Oil built.
A 1957 Marshalltown Times-Republican column reflects on a past boom and current recession. It notes people spend beyond means during prosperity, then tighten belts when unemployed or cautious, longing for another boom to revive living beyond means. It frames caution as the rainy day Grandpa warned about.
Governor Herschel Loveless names a 15 member non partisan committee to draft a reapportionment plan for the 1959 Legislature. The panel includes two senators and two House members, with others from across the state and groups interested in reform. The editorial endorses a commonsense plan and continued effort to ensure fair representation for Iowans.
An editorial collection notes Iowa may require a 20 group written exam for license applicants with 4 statements per group and 16 incorrect answers needed to pass. It discusses mailing test sheets to voters and the politics around universal renewals and safety. It also cites life insurance sales rising after social security, and notes the press’s role in reporting public records and accountability.
Bernard F. Gimbel received the Retailer of the Year Oscar in New York and urged storekeepers to blend wide knowledge with hands on presence. He stressed customer focus, local pulse, and the creed that the customer is always boss, noting retailing is hard and requires identifying with shoppers.
The Chronicle recaps notable items from 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years ago, highlighting standout events, people, and local milestones that shaped the community then and now.
Lead story notes the death of Pierre Henri Bousquet a Knoxville court casualty from erysipelas after illness began as sore throat. A Dutch born lawyer and businessman, he helped establish Pella’s first bank the Pella Savings Institution later Pella National Bank. He married Sara Maria Scholte and later Emma Josephine Thompson.
The article notes Pella National Bank as Iowa's oldest banking institution. It profiles P. H. Bousquet a respected businessman and memorial service at the College Auditorium with speakers Dr. B. F. Keables President L. A. Garrison and Dean H. H. Severn. Central College glee club toured, with Prof. Severn and musicians. Basketball results: Central girls beat Simpson 13 to 7. Central men lost to All Stars 24 to 20. W. Pietenpol led Central with 17 points. Wormhoudt’s parlor tables offered from 1.66 each.
Angeline Van Duren of Central College won first in the state oratorical contest at Parsons College with the topic Does Justice Hold the Balance. Dennis Hines, a retired Rock Island foreman, suffered a stroke with poor recovery prospects. Earl Van Rees, violinist, won amateur night at the Alamo Theater. Dorothy Johnston, eight, placed second in Charleston dancing. Andrew Wynna placed third with animal sounds. Central beat Iowa Wesleyan 28 to 26, with all eight Central players scoring. Rumors of a Western extension of the Washington Knoxville railway to coal mines near Knoxville and connection to the Kansas City line at Lucas County. Marion County coal shipments were very heavy. A young farmer named John Van...
Twenty years ago on February 28 a canvass for Tulip Time funds was set with H P Van Gorp as sponsor. New pavement on highway 163 from Slob's store to the light plant was planned with city state cost sharing. A barber shop was to open in the Main Street building of the former jewelry store. Junior High Basketball earned second in the county. roster included Tunis Tait and others. Pella Twins John and Eddie Donat were spotlighted in photos from a talent play. REA patrons held their annual session at the high school. cooperative planned an office on Washington street. Eagle Scout insignia honored Bob Hackett. Central beat Iowa Wesleyan and lost to St Ambrose. Pella High outscores Indianola and Winterset. A 150 man canvass aimed to fund Boy Scout programs. Band parents sponsor an amateur talent contest for uniforms. Downtown buildings near the square saw new construction by Dan Dingeman. Editorial noted Orville Wright’s death as signaling fewer big wars with atom bombs. Knoxville courthouse work included elevator plans for archives. A notice announced incorporation of Pella Products.
Four pictures show operations at the new Farmers Union Locker Plant with manager Reuben Schakel. Sheriff Paul Grundman and deputies captured two notorious renegades, James Thompson and George Graham, in Swift Hotel at Knoxville. Graham had earlier been arrested in Pella by Grundman when he was town marshal.
A reader cites Edward Crankski on Russia and compares it to America’s self improvement ethic. The piece argues books and libraries symbolize culture while comic books and TV entertainments dominate homes. It questions sustaining freedom if a nation relies on entertainment over learning.
A historical notice highlights increases in rural school teachers' pay from $50 to at least $150 per month over ten years and mentions activity in the sale and manufacture of men's and boys' clothing including overalls and shirts.
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