13 Dec 1941
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Portsmouth Herald
Location
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States of America
Date
Dec 13, 1941
Page
1
Large attendance hears Frank J. Massey open the meeting with films Coast Defense and Britain on Guard. Ross Stevens explains incendiaries and bombs including thermite and Calling Card Bombs, advising sand, dry buckets, and careful handling to avoid explosions. He warns on gas warfare types and wartime risks.
The revised air raid warning plan designates three key centers for direct warning from Boston. Portsmouth becomes the eastern center with Concord covering southern, central, and western areas, and Woodsville handling the North country. Berlin and North County may link to Portland, Me, for better communications. Governor Blood says the state will fund center operations while local towns cover local report centers costs.
A civilian defense meeting is planned for Sunday evening at the Hampton high school auditorium at 8 o'clock. Chief Air Raid warden Alexander M. Sulloway called the gathering to discuss further civilian defense plans.
Portsmouth War Disaster Relief committee forms for a 16000 dollar national Red Cross appeal to aid civilians bombed by Axis powers. Notables include Rear Admiral John D. Wainwright and Rev. Paul A. McDonough among 20 plus officials aiding the drive, with 15 percent locally retained. Roosevelt approves funds to aid civilians and armed forces during World War II.
Miss Elizabeth A. Mitchell of 371 Islington Street died early this morning in Portsmouth. Born there to John and Sarah Walker Mitchell, she lived most of her life in the city and was in her 82nd year. Survived by two nieces, Mrs. Elmer F. Cutts and Miss Alice M. Mitchell, and a nephew of Tilton. She belonged to the Women’s Guild of the North Church.
Portsmouth police and the Defense committee warned a Pleasant street merchant identified as the first blackout violator. They alleged the neon sign outside his establishment remained lit after closing time, prompting the warning last evening.
Mrs Esther Ray Or Leary, wife of Joseph A O Leary, died this morning after a brief illness at her home 934 Rockland Street. A native of Nottingham, she had lived in Portsmouth 35 years. She was 60. Survived by husband, one daughter Mrs Alden Horton, and son Joseph R O Leary, both of Portsmouth, and two sisters Mrs Tila Leach of Eliot and Mrs Ste.
In Hartford on December 13, a young woman told a state employment service interviewer she wanted a munition or gun job because her husband is in the Marine Corps and stationed on Wake Island. She started work that day.
Portmouth authorities close Daniels street from Bow to underpass at Memorial bridge from dusk to dawn each night amid state of emergency. Mayor Stewart E Rowe signs the proclamation with City Clerk Edward J Hopley, Jacksonville Fla. Dec 13 AP. Army and Navy posts blackout radio stations off air 5:30 am to 7:15 am EST after report of unidentified planes off the southeastern coast.
AP dispatches report British destroyers sinking an Italian cruiser and allied advances near Gazala while Tobruk area forces press encircled Axis troops. War declarations shift alliances as Bulgaria and Romania align with Axis. Tokyo signals Thailand cuts ties and seizes assets. Hong Kong withdrawal plans acknowledged, occupation unconfirmed.
U S fighter planes engaged waves of Japanese bombers above Manila as Lingayen troops on Luzon were reportedly wiped out. Anti aircraft fire aided defense while several invading planes were shot down. US authorities pledged to stay in the fight as heavy enemy forces pressed along the coast north of Manila.
Boston reports an early morning aircraft alert across the New England coast. Army headquarters said the warning was precautionary and an all clear signal was sounded before dawn.
An order from the Civilian Defense committee requires extinguishing the dump fire during the emergency. Residents must separate rubbish into combustible and noncombustible, burning material going to the incinerator and not the city durop. Refusal forfeits city collection privileges and will be reported to the Civilian Defense committee by the Board of Street Commissioners.
Ninety eight North Hampton school children received a defense stamp at a Christmas party in Centennial hall hosted by the North Hampton PTA. Mrs John MacKenzie led the event with help from third and fourth grade mothers Open Hobbs of Kittery. Brothers Oliver W Ranger Eliot and Roy L Ranger Haverhill were noted among attendees.
The Kittery Point Fire Department under Chief Byron Frisbee prevented damage to military gear when a fire destroyed a wooden farm on a partially completed defense tower on Gerrish Island. A canvas cover over the cement structure ignited from an oil barrel of coal used to keep cement from freezing. only the tower’s framework was demolished while the wind remained intact. The blaze’s glow prompted Chief Frisbee to call for a large response.
The State Aeronautics commission ordered removal of all air markings in New Hampshire that name cities and towns. A federal order for partial discontinuation of airway beacon lights is expected by officials in New Hampshire.
Urgent appeal for volunteers to staff the Air Observation post at Straws Point Rye. Call Dr. Philip H. White or visit his addresses on State and Pleasant streets. Civilians volunteer two hours daily. meeting planned at Legion Hall Sunday at 7 30 pm for observers not on duty.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.