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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jul 10, 1958
Page
3
Editorial columns seek to interest and stimulate thought rather than merely echo what readers want to hear. The idea is to spark reflection and debate, guiding readers to consider new angles and perspectives.
The piece recalls Pella losing passenger rail as many towns follow with branch line abandonments. It notes public indifference, shifts to cars and buses, and nostalgia for bygone trips to Des Moines and Iowa State Fair memories. It ends by contrasting this with rising business optimism and mounting world tension as Soviet actions unfold.
The economy shows mixed news as Iowans feel limited impact from the recession. Industrial production nudges up since June while the overall output remains well below peak levels. Unemployment claims fall to a 1958 low, and construction activity outpaces 1957 in dollar volume despite price rises.
Editorial notes contrast old timers with new tech like a television scent attachment. The piece muses on smell TV, Burns poetry on rock bands, and celebra tes the charm of small towns where neighbors know each other, offering calm, comfortable noon meals and shared daily life.
The Chronicle reflects on events from 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago. It highlights notable recalls, local milestones, and lasting community moments captured in earlier editions.
Fifty years ago a July Fourth display on a college campus caused injuries when a premature blast struck Gladstone in the eye and burned Thomassen, with a hand wound to Sack and facial burns to Baer. The issue also covers Pella baseball wins, a Peoria visit by brothers, a bogey accident on a livery ride, a McGregor Iowa tornado relief appeal, local road and curb work, a silk sale advertisement, and various local social notes, travels, and business deals.
40 Years Ago July 11 1918 report from Grimes area notes Lautenbach and Verhey rushing a canning plant buildup for Grimes Canning Co. Mrs Mitten and Federated Club ready for chautauqua on Lincoln School grounds with Dr Hoffman as manager and possible seating fees. The Kaiser film shown July 16–17 at Elite Theater titled The Kaiser Coming in Chains. Iowa business men toured Pella then rode to a Baptist supper and Iowa Brigade Band concert downtown. Pranks involved car archlights prompting a city law. Soldiers De Reus Rus Freeman Lankelma and Lubberden mentioned with Ft Winfield Scott and 67th coast artillery bound for France. New cottage for Jake Todd after old hotel burned in 1917. Pella marked quiet 4th of July. Louise Gaass enlisted at Camp Pike AR as nurse. Vander Linden family at Lake Geneva for Sunday School convention. Bob Scholte on furlough from Camp Dodge. Clara Waechter returned from Battle Creek and Camp Custer, Michigan.
Harold Thomassen adds gas pumps to his South Pella store, marking Pella’s 10th oil station as Central States Electric Co seeks voter approval for a city gas franchise by a 853 to 349 margin. Gas from Knoxville could arrive by September 15. Strand Theater advertises The Keeper of the Bees starring Clara Bow next week. About 25 farmers attended a meeting on fire protection with Pella officials and firefighters. a water truck and equipment discussed but not decided. Work begins on a new West Washington Street oil station on Ed Sheehy property. Peter Heerema in Montreal on expense-paid trip for top first-year salesman with Equitable Life. Women of the Legion Auxiliary plan a Grandman’s Grove picnic. men to attend dinner. Kuyper’s Korner quip notes Calvin Coolidge. A new four-bedroom home on Main Street, 600 block, for the Van Maron sisters. The Star Spangled Banner excerpt continues with verse usage noted.
A snapshot of Pella life includes Art Bainbridge running the Dutch Inn, corn growth reports from local fields, a heat venting fan at Wormhoudt Furniture, a quiet Fourth of July with Lake Keomah trips, tulip bulb drives, and hospital cost discussions. Del De Haan moving to Des Moines, new fire-station talk, and a 1600-strong Horse and Pony Show at Pool Park. Also wedding, deaths, flood-control meeting, and Dutch dairy ventures near Los Angeles.
Ten years ago on July 8 1948 the Federated Club planned a door to door fundraiser to control flies in town. Charles Dykstra recalled decades with the Rock Island Railroad sharing the memory and urging support.
The piece argues for a balanced national strategy combining missile deterrence with a presidential peace commission. It urges including mothers educators ministers industry labor media and other groups to promote spirituality and brotherhood alongside technological defense. It calls for national renewal under God and a unified effort to seek peace.
Wilbert Schilling of Waverly reeled in a 42 inch Northern weighing 19 pounds at Sweet's Marsh using a chub as bait. Typical Northern runs run about three to four pounds, highlighting the remarkable catch.
Sam Johnson of Monterey fell ten feet from a ladder while repairing a hay fork on the barn roof. He landed on the barn floor and sustained a broken back.
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