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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Mar 23, 1939
Page
3
A reflective note juxtaposes Joyce Kilmer's poem with concern over trees maimed on streets. It laments how seventy five years of growth can be ruined in hours and urges removing only dead wood to preserve beauty for the people.
Albert Einstein, noted exile from Germany, reportedly seeks American citizenship. Once describing himself as an active pacifist, he now says fascism’s rise has hardened his stance to defend democracy. The piece praises the protections of American freedoms.
Citizens urged to plant as many trees as possible in their lots due to widespread disease. Birches are failing and elms were stripped by worms last year, so new shade trees should occupy every remaining space where a tree once stood.
The board urged the Legislature to require statewide vehicle testing to reduce accidents caused by faulty brakes lights flimsy tires and steering. It argued the proposal has merit and should become law to protect public safety on highways.
A safety release asks how law enforcement handles drunken driving on streets and highways. It urges citizens to report arrests and push authorities to crack down, stating every law abiding driver should cooperate to remove drunk drivers from roads.
Rev Floyd Bush urged men at the Central Church of Christ to greet mornings with cheer keep courtesy at home avoid belittling remarks about others tighten clothes budgets and praise a refined religious wife. Mrs Bush urged women to feed hungry tired husbands, limit nagging, and support spiritual aims.
The writer argues that children’s radio adventures promote crime and fear and that parents buy merchandise despite the programs. They compare to old movie serials and urge letters to sponsors to stop promoting frightful stories in favor of wholesome alternatives.
A bold claim surfaces about a hidden immense gold hoard within the United States Treasury vaults buried in the mountains. The sensational tale positions the vault as the world’s ultimate treasure store, heightening public curiosity about security and mystery surrounding the nation’s reserves.
The article condemns the 16 German army trucks that transported Czech gold to Germany, calling it the largest act of banditry in modern history. It argues against justifying the theft and urges vigilance, questioning those who favor any peace at any price and reminding Christians to be wary of both treasure and arms.
The State Forest Nursery at Ames offers trees to farmers at 2.00 to 3.75 per thousand. Varieties include Locust Green Ash American Elm Red Elm Red Oak Black Oak Shagbark Hickory Osage Orange and Cottonwood. Walnuts are not listed but are valuable. planting along creeks and well-watered ground could boost future value. A 4-H project could encourage wide planting for community benefit.
The Chronicle and Pella’s lively salesmen are credited with many farm sale successes this year. Editors note effective advertising and clear auctioneering beat radio tobacco jargon, quoting an Os caloosa Tribune piece comparing it to a husband explaining a night out.
This weekend the Pella Public Schools host a thousand young musicians in solos, small groups, bands, orchestras, and glee clubs. The event showcases school instruction and offers wholesome recreation that uplifts families and shapes visitors' impression of Pella's hospitality.
The piece reassures readers that throughout European history many dictators rose and fell and governments collapsed yet people endured and progress continued. It argues natural cycles shaped world change more than human events and urges not to worry excessively about current fears.
The Ames Milepost argues Iowa’s drunken driving law lacks teeth as two men were released after driving with licenses revoked for DWI. The paper notes fines of 300 dollars are usually reduced to 100 with a mere slap on the wrist and urges police to enforce stricter penalties to keep drunken drivers off highways.
Keokuk County News reports Slovakia's independence as a death knell for a united Czechoslovakia. The move, seen as engineered by Hitler and Nazi allies, accelerates Germany's eastward aims and unsettles Russia and the world, echoing pre Munich pact anxieties. Hitler's Mein Kampf warns of an eventual war with Russia, and the latest moves fuel fears of Nazi expansion.
A retrospective highlights notable events in Pella from 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago. Local figures, community milestones, and ongoing projects shaped the town’s memory as residents recalled schedules, gatherings, and key moments that defined those periods.
March 25, 1909 issue notes Van Zante Brothers promoting oil breeders and incubators with 1000 egg capacity. Local petition to Iowa legislature for Prohibition amendment. Kansas City visit by Mrs. J M Cox and daughter Hattie. Chas Sipe and Dan Fisk inspect horse purchases at Reasnor. Various social and commerce items including clothing prices, gifts, and party entertainment. Hog cholera rescue near Fort Dodge by Ames experts using serum. serum still produced at Ft. Dodge.
Norman Hall of Colfax returns home after serving as an American flying ace in World War I and recounts wartime captivity. Local notes mention auto racing in San Monica with Louis LeCocq finishing third, a Packard speed record, a small fire at Feeder Company, and Kuyper Music House promoting Sonora talking machines. Discharges from the Army and Navy reach Des Moines and Pella, wheat price support set at 2.26 per bushel, Amelita Galli-Curci concert planned in Des Moines, and Chamber of Commerce secretary search ongoing. Notices include ads for Oskaloosa clothing bargains and railroad fare pledges.
Ten years ago on March 21, 1929 the spring edition of the paper covered a twelve page issue. William A. Young reported from sunny California that high heat forced him to switch to lighter clothing. Rev. G G Conrad ended his Baptist church ministry here and moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, while Helen Brooks taught.
Typhoid illness gripped Valley School resident as Dr M J Hoffman visiting in Pella shared European experiences. C F Dyks elected to lead the school after C H Wormhoudt. Hajo Pals, Central graduate and son in law of Chas LeCocq, died at Allison Iowa from throat infection and pneumonia. Gas main replacement restores supply to Pella homes. Proposal for downtown to depot taxi service. The Rock Island handles most of Pella’s transient business. Miss Marie Smith finished a Des Moines commerce program and joined Roleveen Company.
Sioux Center man and pilot Kerk family member flies home in a two seater plane after leaving Waterloo at 2:30 with one stop en route. The trip was a simple jaunt to visit his mother for her birthday, ending with a return home in winter conditions.
A group traveled to avoid mist then returned by noon. James Bersma, son of Mr and Mrs Bergama of Hospers, worked for a drug company in Waterloo and rode home with Henry.
May enroll for Citizens Military Training Camp at Fort Des Moines Omaha Nebraska. Major General Per P Bishop says accepted attendees may pay own way and be reimbursed five cents per mile or be furnished railroad tickets. War Department urges use of government transport for timely arrival and safety. Enrollment opens March 1 with CMTC officers in Omaha and reps across the Seventh Corps Area.
The Seventh Corps Area will hold camps July 6 to August 1 at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley for all applicants, with colored applicants at Fort Crook, Fort Des Moines, Fort Lincoln, Fort Snelling, and Jefferson Barracks July 11 to August 9, and at Camp Joseph T. Robinson July 20 to August 18. Eligible men aged 17 to 24, physically fit, will receive paid expenses, food, lodging, uniforms, equipment, medical care, and training. No future service obligation.
In Oskaloosa Iowa a dramatized radio broadcast will present Iowa's coming of age and its 26 year conservation plan. Rex Parson superintendent of the local soil erosion camp announced the March 25 broadcast on WLW Cincinnati.
A series of weekly broadcasts by the Soil Conservation Service will air on Cincinnati’s 500,000 watt WLW station from 5:45 to 6:00 p.m. CST on 700 kilocycles. Des Moines SCS prepared the script with the Iowa Conservation Commission. Feature Lake Wapello, the midwest’s first artificial lake designed mainly for fishing, will be dramatized under W. W. Aitken. The program includes soil erosion control, reforestation, roadside beautification, and wildlife conservation, discussed by Ewing Jones from Dayton SCS.
Mark G Thornburg state Secretary of Agriculture reports that 495,625 bushels of corn have been sealed under the Unbonded Agricultural Warehouse Law since November 1, 1938. Certificates reflect loans by local banks to individuals not eligible or not seeking federal loans, not federal sealing.
The record suggests a continuing tendency toward warmer winters this season, though forecasters caution that colder spells could still return and trigger an abrupt shift to a cooler period.
A school newspaper page lists staff such as Editor-in-chief Stuart Kuyper and Sports Everett Klein, followed by a playful rambling poem about a glamorous maiden encountered in a Sunny May garden with archaic diction and a cheeky age reveal. The piece blends school life with a lighthearted verse.
No. 25 naments at Iowa City. Drake University hosts the Drake One Act Play Festival in Des Moines April 19 20 21 under the drama department with Mr James Frederick. A trophy and Drake scholarship await best actor and actress. The Wedding directed by Mr Birdsall is in class B. Pella High students to perform. staff and student body wish success.
Sub district music contest begins this afternoon at Pella High School with sessions in the auditorium piano solos at the YMCA room New Central and bands orchestras in the high school gym Final schedule spans March 23 to March 25 detailing vocal solos instrumental solos small groups glee clubs and concert bands with varied class groupings and times.
The Oral English class finished a unit on business interviews with students acting as job seekers while Mr Van Kooten and Mr Birdsall conducted as interviewers. Mr Buerkens spoke on employer qualifications during an open forum, and students felt they benefited from the lecture.
A reader summary highlights that at 60 miles per hour a driver needs about 1000 feet and 10 seconds to pass the car ahead. It notes a machine making electric light bulbs can produce half a million daily. It mentions pumps lifting water from Boulder Dam to Southern California capable of filling 15 bathtubs per second and a gallon of gas energy could propel a car about 200 miles at 30 miles per hour.
Saturday evening events listed for Band Orchestra at the High School Gymnasium Piano Solo at Y W C A Room 25 New Central Building All other events in the High School Auditorium Judges decisions posted on bulletin board in Main hall and announced from the stage Report at Headquarters Room 204 for contestants admission stamps drivers tickets practice room assignments check room service and all other information
A reflective note urges students to assess their study efforts now to avoid later regret. It emphasizes the four year high school span and the impact of today’s effort on future work and life.
Last Friday morning students heard vocational guidance talks from community residents. Seventeen pupils pursued medicine with Dr. J J Sybenga, fifty six heard civil engineering from Robert Johnson, seventy seven girls and six boys learned home making from Mrs Ralph Grundman, and Sara h Wormhonat spoke to twenty nine about art. Next week Buerkens will host Holbrook of Chicago on refrigeration and air conditioning. Local speakers include architect Bob Lautenbach, insurer Fred Lautenbach, Will Van Sittert in dry goods, librarian Sarah Gosselink, and secretary-stenographer Mrs J B Van Hemert. The program aims to boost interest and benefit student career exploration.
The Pella High Normal Training Club held its March meeting in Miss Hepfinger's room on Thursday evening March 16. Members responded to roll call with their favorite names and a club pin was chosen. Dorothy Synhorst and Maxine Robertus reported on indoor games suitable for rural schools during rainy days. Games like Minister's Cat Bird Beast and Fish and What Is My Thought Like were played and enjoyed. Miss Helen Klyn and Beulah Giardia served refreshments.
In a breezy schoolroom gossip column several students are named in playful romance hints. Carol Cook and Alvin are linked, Martha eyes Cooky, and students discuss miss Hopley, Mrs. Grundman, and a hospital visit interest. The piece notes sick days and asks readers their views.
Editorial questions readers about finishing the school year and assessing personal progress in knowledge and grades. It urges students to reflect on diligence, opportunities, and the value of high school education. The piece challenges self improvement and study effort as the year ends.
The contest play The Wedding will be taken to the Iowa State one act Play Tour and the trophy for best actor and actress will go to the leading performers. The scholarship will also be awarded to outstanding participants from the event held by the schools.
Pella High School completed a strong season in the district tournament at Marshalltown, losing to Oskaloosa 42 to 22. The squad finished 19 wins and 7 defeats, led by a standout run of success in conference, county, and sectional play. Four of five starters return for next year, with notable letter winners Gene Stientjes Fred Heerema Ray De Wit Wisse Charles De Wild Virgil Vander Linden and reserves Lester Vander Wilt Pete Thomas Mark Thomas Sam Turner Carl De Wit Howard Grundman Bob Wartvark Tom Beyers.
A coachly note from Philbert urges focus on next year’s football and basketball seasons while acknowledging juggling spring football and track. The piece mentions collecting information and a wild aside about Town Chorin and a giant ancient tooth, framed as curiosities within school chatter.
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