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Newspaper
Shafter Press
Location
Shafter, California, United States of America
Date
Dec 18, 1941
Page
2
A short publisher notice lists Olive H. G. Comfort as publisher and indicates five cent copies with advertising rates on application. It notes second class matter entered August 1 1985 and registration under a state act in Shafter California.
A civic call stresses the importance of blackout preparedness and the creation of efficient defense committees. It argues that even if bombs do not strike California, a single light could reveal a city or airfield, risking many lives, and urges every resident to support local home defense efforts.
Residents and groups in the Shafter area advocate naming the Army Air Corps Basic Training school east of Shafter after General William R. Shafter. Supporters cite his Civil and Spanish American War service and view the name as fitting honor for the field.
Congressmen and local groups discuss dropping pressure to name the Shafter airfield. Officials state the field name will be decided by the air corps and army, with the war focusing attention on more urgent matters while local sentiment remains in favor of the original name.
Dr. Arthur Taylor of the University of California argues that Mother Goose verses hide deep obscurities and borrow from ancient cultures. He cites links to 2000 year old origins and suggests London Bridge is Falling Down reflects an ancient foundation sacrifice.
Air corps men at Ellington Field Texas donated a pint of blood each and received a date with a hospital nurse as a reward. The nation faces a wartime wool shortage with an expected need of 1,000,000,000 pounds for 1942, far above civilian demand.
Patent number 2,260,654 issued to Mark Barnett of Writing Indiana covers a type mixing spoon equipped with two rotating blades that turn during beating to improve mixing. The device aims to enhance efficiency in stirring and blending ingredients.
A local grower offers simple guidance for cotton planting focusing on soil moisture depth and timing. The column notes a science feature about a rotating barber chair that lets barbers stay seated, reducing fatigue and foot strain.
A Shafter reader denounces the revived We Only Heard column and ridicules its author. The letter mocks the writer as self-centered and remarks on perceived lack of quality and character in the humor column. The reply notes the letter was discarded but preserves the exchange as a local humor incident.
City Councilman Glenn O Nay injured after falling from a roof near his garage. Mayor Phil Channeson noted Nay was not critically hurt and recalled his own mishaps as the town processes the odd accidents trend. Nay's brother bowlers offer support while hoping for a speedy recovery.
A collage of reader opinions notes fast thinking for wartime planning and morale. The Reno Gazette argues pro athletic programs aid morale while the New Yorker recalls Camp Davis training and a sharp salute lesson.
Elvin Schmidt recalls opposing women's suffrage before marriage and quips about renewing the campaign. The column also notes questions about blue and green car lights during a blackout and reports various tech and defense notes from the era, including a plastic helmet and an aerial bomb concept. It ends with a correction about a car owner named F. H. Janzen and a Santa Fe incident.
English newspaper ad offers Baker's business for sale in Montreal talking of a good trade a large oven and the present owner having run it for seven years with a good reason for leaving.
A playful local item notes that an opti mist is a man who, after planting grass seed, buys a lawnmower, reflecting small town humor in Downs Kansas.
San Francisco's Foreign Commerce Association earned the silver plaque from the American Arbitration Association for distinguished service in advancing arbitration in foreign trade.
Clara Eston, a Los Angeles waitress, recalls fearing a Japanese bomber during an air alert. She initially believed she saw heavy aircraft overhead, then realized the shape suddenly flapped its wings and she recognized it as a seagull.
SABURO KIDO states, Berkeley prescribes loyalty to the United States for Japanese Americans. He asserts the duty is clear and that they are for America, signaling unity as the die is cast. The message underscores patriotic resolve amid wartime tensions.
The article notes Marie L Foster, identified as music director, quoting a man who sings in the bathtub to bolster his day and shed inhibitions, revealing his innermost feelings.
Governor Olson states that American sentiment would improve if the nation withdrew recognition of the Vichy government and recognized the De Gaulle Free French movement. He emphasizes shifting alliance toward Free French forces and the Allied cause.
The Shafter area enjoys a festive season with Old Santa making appearances at Saturday events, handing out gifts and candy. A turkey shoot by the American Legion nets homes with holiday meals, while Shafter High School plans two new wings to expand facilities and reach four‑year accreditation. Deputy Hodson’s jail anecdote and a lively Wednesday Afternoon club update reveal local life’s seasonal bustle.
Richland P T A convened its regular meeting last Friday evening in the school auditorium with Mrs. Henry Janzen serving as president.
Arthur H. Garland California state commissioner of corporations asserts no difficulty in financing new corporations. His office claims to have blocked millions in potentially worth less stock from being foistered on Californians as a Christmas gift to the public.
Talkie pictures reached Wasco on Wednesday night with Gold Diggers of Broadway at the Wasco theater. A large group of Shafter residents attended, sharing a spontaneous eager reception as the colorful reel played for two nights, packing the big playhouse to standing room.
The Harold Porter company brings a new program with fresh actors and gear to Shafter for a holiday week. After years of presenting in the area, the show promises royal entertainment as the town adorns itself in Christmas colors and toys.
Ted Voth is home again after spending time in a Bakers field hospital where he was treated for injuries to his foot from the cotton gin incident. Mr and Mrs Dutch Wittmayer hosted a Tuesday evening gathering at their home for their first wedding anniversary with guests including Mr and Mrs George Wegum, Mr and Mrs Bill Lachnmaier, and Mr and Mrs Roy F Jumper.
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