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Newspaper
Shafter Press
Location
Shafter, California, United States of America
Date
Apr 27, 1944
Page
1
A partial open letter urges Lt. Governor Houser to represent the “little people” before the May 16 primary. The note criticizes what the writer calls the New Deal era forces and big city bosses, urging true representation and warning of influence loss.
Delightful entertainment from Shafter high school students at the Shafter Kiwanis Club Wednesday noon at the Shafter Hotel. Dudley Steele and Paula Raney performed instrumental numbers while Elizabeth Daniels sang. Gwendoline Ummel provided piano accompaniment with Har ry Wilkin and Carl Stocking of Taft in support.
Shafter Volunteer Fire Department announced acquisition of carbon dioxide mass firefighting equipment led by Fire Chief Frank Russell to boost storm and blaze response capabilities.
Henry J. Neufeld was named mayor of Shafter at the first meeting of the new term, succeeding William Lachenmaier. The council appointed Glenn Nay police, Joseph W. Frizzell health and sanitation, Lachenmaier streets and parks, T. V. Little sewerage and utilities. They granted W. H. Hill an alcohol service station and J. T. Hourigan a taxi license as part of city expansion.
The Mennonite Brethren Church youth group celebrated its 25th meeting anniversary on Sunday April 23. John Reimer, the oldest member, was honored. Longtime residents sang, Rev Marvin Dick spoke, and J H Becker closed the program with an offering for Home Extension Missions.
Kern county assemblyman Thomas Werdel told Shafter Rotary that the U S government has become a pressure group dominated system. He warned that one third of the population lives off the government and urged action to avert catastrophe. O T Olson presided. visitors included Lee Withite and George Suman.
Mr and Mrs C E Christopher of Alhambra are visiting Shafter to spend time with their son and daughter in law Mr and Mrs Chet Christopher.
Friday night high school students present The Fighting Littles a lively comedy about a typical American family. Cast spent six weeks rehearsing to deliver a humorous look at teenage life and parental banter. Tickets 60 cents. Seating redesigned for better visibility.
Kiwanis Boy Scout Troop 44 served chili and beans at Fuqua’s cafe Tuesday night with Scoutmaster Chuck Christopher presiding. Afterward the scouts moved to the fire house where Fire Chief Frank Russell demonstrated the resuscitator.
The California Farm Bureau held a mid year delegate conference in Fresno focusing on modernizing by laws to match fast moving agriculture. Attending delegates included A W Eckman of Shafter with Mrs Eckman Earl Weller of McFarland and E G Buerkle of Bakersfield.
Paul Harris of Shafter received a 90 day sentence in the county road camp on Tuesday. Judge Frank Shaw sentenced Harris after fictitious checks totaling $70 were charged in Ed Warren's establishment in Shafter.
Mrs. P L Arnold announces the Wednesday Afternoon Club meeting on May 3 at the Women’s club building. Guest speaker is Mrs. Grace Ward of Taft, a county probation officer, speaking on Youth Problems. Mrs. Arnold plans musical numbers for the program.
Mrs H L Annis departed Shafter last Friday for Chicago to visit her sister Mrs Gladys Updegraff. She intends to stay about a month.
Stringham Business president Earl Weil named president and Rev Wm re elected secretary. A 1943 movement to obtain a Labor office in Shafter culminated with an office for harvest season. The blackout system recall aimed to curb store robberies. The club reports $40 contributed to the Observation Post. An essay contest drew 275 high school submissions. six winners received prizes and published essays. Sheriff and Woollames named Deputy to improve patrols with a two way ratio in the car. Landscaping and water system updates, seating added, and county land near the Club House redeveloped.
Neuman Bowling Alley official reopening announced by Robert Neuman after a yearlong closure. The Shafter recreation center resumes operations to serve local clubs and organizations, with all four alleys to be used at full capacity and clubs meeting at Shafter Motel during the transition.
The county war service organization led by Alfred Sie plans meetings to assist inductees with business and personal affairs. The first North Kern session will be May 4 in the Wasco high school auditorium.
Shafter residents attended the opening of the Christian Service Center in Bakersfield at 1919 Eye Street. Sponsored by the Gideons, the center is run with cooperating churches. Rev. C. C. Gish leads the center.
Mrs Myrtle Osborn of Bakersfield spent last weekend in Shafter with her son and his wife. The brief visit highlighted family time and regional ties within Kern County communities.
As the 1944 potato harvest approaches, Shafter potato growers and shippers protest a Santa Fe railway decision to handle all shipments, arguing potential disruptions to product flow and market timing ahead of harvest commence.
Lieutenant Governor Freder ick F. Houser, candidate for United States Senator, speaks at Pro-America events in Bakersfield and Taft. He portrays Federal land ownership in California as 45 percent and calls for a stand in the U S Senate to halt encroachments, citing impacts on local taxes and property owners. He notes his role on the State Lands Commission and urges support from civic leaders and voters.
Rev Arthur Wenger and Dar Day were named assistant Cub Masters to aid Cubmaster J W Gwin for the coming year at a Cub Pack meeting at Richland cafe ter ia. Committeemen include Bootster J H Fuller Glen Crampton and Mrs J H Fuller with Den chiefs John Griffith Lee Wilson James Thompson and Jimmy Youell. Mrs Riley Marsh heads the refreshments committee for the coming year.
Pfc. Elmer Richards of Camp Roberts spent three days in Shafter last week visiting his family. Kenneth Howell recently returned to Shafter after nine months in Canada. Saturday evening Mr and Mrs Howell were guests of Sgt and Mrs James Osborn for a Spanish dinner.
Mothers of service members in Shafter will be adopted by service members and WACs for a May 14 Mother’s Day event. Mothers with sons or daughters in service should register at the U S O Hall by May 8, 4 to 11 p.m., except Sundays. First fifty registrants earn an invited community dinner and program.
The twenty fourth annual convention of the Sunday school and Christian Endeavor conference of the Mennonite churches of California will be held in Shafter from April 28 to 30. Vernon Neufeld of Shafter presides with Rev A D Wenders directing programs over the three days. The schedule includes junior conventions, a Bible quiz on the Gospel of John, migratory mission work by Rev and Mrs Chris Ummel, Christian Endeavor hour with Elmer Friesen and speakers from Los Angeles, and musical numbers by local performers.
Sonja Patch, 1942 Pacific coast champion in the 2 year old class, is a heavy favorite for open trot events on May 6 and 7 at Kern County Fair grounds during the Highway Patrolmen's Rodeo. Lachenmair Trotter will ride his own horse and enter Jessica Scott in the mile pacing race driven by Addie Hull. Other trotting entries include Jimmy Lea driven by Shorty Wright Buena Vista driven by Vernon Hancock El Tra Abbe driven by Gromer. Pacing entries feature Louis Gratton driven by Jehninne Miller.
Maple School invites the public to a thready program in the auditorium featuring class pieces and a festive program. Miss Irene Neuman will present her piano students in a Kern Academy recital Saturday night at 8 15. Mrs Anderson spends weekend at Santa Ana as Mr and Mrs H C hosted relatives.
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