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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Mar 14, 1957
Page
3
In the Town Decorah Public Opinion highlights simple pleasures found outdoors with thoughts on nature. Tiny joys like green tips peeking from soil and song birds in trees are noted as sources of happiness in daily life.
The U S Chamber of Commerce reports gross U S public and private debt at one trillion dollars. The figure equates to one million million and would wrap around the earth 3900 times if laid in bills. Per capita debt is about 4650 dollars, a family of four about 18600, provoking questions about future liquidity and economic growth.
The March 6 declaration grants independence to the Gold Coast of West Africa from Britain. Kwame Nkrumah leads a peaceful move toward self government, envisioning a West African federation and a role for other colonies. Vice President Nixon attended the ceremonies. The speaker notes this as a hopeful sign for future world trends.
The city backs thorough zoning study and urges enforcement by the Board of Adjustment to improve order and appearance. Iowa lawmakers consider widening trailers to ten feet, but the State Highway Commission warns this would violate federal rules and harm road safety and federal aid. Opposition warns against concessions to special interests and risks to highway programs.
Editorials from Sigourney Review condemn low property valuations by assessors and state authorities. They argue real values are ignored, pushing higher mill levies on smaller homes and shifting tax burden onto families with several children while keeping streets, sewers, and police funded.
A column recalling notable items from The Chronicle covering milestones from 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years past. It highlights events, names, places, and dates that shaped the community's memory from former editions.
Fifty years ago in Pella discussions covered mayoral candidates G Vander Zyl and D S Huber with March 25 election plans. Fire Department changes named Peter Baer chief and Tunis Smorenberg assistant. A mass meeting backed Old People’s Home funding with $3300 raised. Deaths included L Van Rees at 33 and Charles T Mann at 83 in southeast Pella. Marriages listed Cora De Bruyn-Dave Ver Dught and Maggie Kuyper-G W Billin. School board election saw low turnout of 87 votes. Peter Van Sittert re-elected, P G Gass got one vote. A public meeting in Rhynsburger’s Bigg House promoted a steam railway Waterloo to Chariton with 53 shares sold. Poetry sale roped in Sollister’s Rocky Mountain Tea. Local quips and job moves noted, including Ira Van Cleave and Dave Thomas heading to California and William Muilenberg Jr leaving Buerkens’ Mfg.
The Par sons Company of Newton plans to add another moulder to its workforce as part of expansion efforts. The move reflects ongoing hiring within the local manufacturing sector and signals confidence in demand for their products.
Forty years ago in Pella a nonpartisan mayoral primary produced 550 votes. Warfield Pratt Howell Co of Des Moines offered 12 dollars per ton for tomatoes, up $2 from 1916. Agricultural Dept at Town State College promoted soy beans for experimental plots to compare uses. Federated Club women opened their room for YMCA boys on off evenings. Vander Wal and E M Cole were re-elected to the school board. Roy E Nowell had two months at Garden City Feeder.
A survey of local activity shows Central College planning a 500000 endowment drive led by Rev. H. Veldman while Tulip Festival voters select a queen from fifteen nominees. Notables visit Pella as residents pursue moves, concerts, and cultural events including a harpist Alberto Silvi and film Garden of Allah featuring Boyer and Dietrich.
Benjamin F Morgan died in Clay Center Kansas at age 70 born in Pella in 1857. Notables include C F Dykstra and Dr T G Fultz elected to school board. Dick Vander Ploeg e was third in vote. Miss Doornewaard directed a high school play The House of a Thousand Thrills. Bank press and Baum automatic solders installed in Chronicle shop. Jasper County farmer James M Leeper filed bankruptcy with assets 3680 liabilities 1143816. Monroe town ridiculed with pontoon bridges over mud puddles in front of stores.
Gentral College MCC booked De Mille’s The King of Kings for Douwstra Chapel. Anthony Kooiker from the music faculty was to give a chapel recital. Front-page photo shows 8th graders Marilla Vander Meulen and Marlene Sels, first and second in the Marion County spelling match, with Marilla set to spell in the state contest. C H Wormhoudt sold his furniture store.
The 1937 spring edition marked twenty years ago is described as a sixteen page issue printed in black and green with an ornate cover. It reflects on the annual publication format and timeless design elements from that period.
Opening schools this year shows over 2.5 million students seating in bands and orchestras, now a school staple. The vast increase highlights bandmasters as crucial mentors guiding young people toward citizenship and culture under modest salaries.
The text records a small school election with under 100 voters approving a levy not over 2 percent for a building fund. It notes Ralph Grundman and Will Van Sittert elected to the school board, and Gilbert Demry, junior high principal, ill at Des Moines Veterans Hospital. Also mentioned: KRNT-FM building a 1530 foot tower, 1947 Tul Time dates May 8 and 10, television in Iowa ahead of other regions, wildlife sloughs along the Missouri River, and Easter charity appeals.
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