23 Dec 1947
Page 1
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Newspaper
Shafter Press
Location
Shafter, California, United States of America
Date
Dec 23, 1947
Page
1
In 1947 the American dream is described as a perpetual Christmas projected globally to counter communism. The piece recalls World Wars and Europe’s upheaval, arguing that only by extending liberty and opportunity to free nations can the U.S. safeguard peace on earth and sustain hope for a full life and freedom of worship and speech.
The Shafter Public Utility District accepted John Nuveen and Company of Los Angeles as the winner of a $250000 bond sale for an enlarged sewerage and water system. Nuveen bid 3 percent on $20000 water bonds and 4 percent on $230000 sewer bonds, beating Bank of America at 4 percent on both. Bonds will be delivered within 30 days, financing a system for 15000 people. Plans by Quentin Engineering Co of Los Angeles. construction to start by March to handle potato-season demand. An 18 inch main will run from Five Points to the sewer farm 2 1/4 miles. the sewage disposal plant will be rebuilt and expanded. The district has been preparing the 120 acre sewer farm to reduce mosquito hazards.
The Richland School staged Why the Chimes Rang on Thursday to a large crowd. Two casts performed with Charles Wright Rolf Jacobsen and Martha Holt in the evening lineup. Frank Wells played the Priest throughout. The Richland Glee Club directed by Miss Martha Gloeckler accompanied the show along with the Band led by Mr. Fred Curtion.
After the performance at Richland School on Thursday evening, Mr and Mrs Fred Hasty hosted all the teachers who helped make the play a success at their home. Mrs Hasty served refreshments to the many guests later in the evening.
Postmaster George Guenther and staff at the Shafter Post Office handle a record daily volume of about 24 000 Christmas cards and letters and 4 000 parcel post packages since December 15. The small office runs 7 a.m. to 9 30 p.m. with four extra men added to manage outgoing and incoming mail. The office will stay open Christmas day 7 to 10 p.m. and the rush is expected to continue through New Year as eastbound trains flood the region with mail.
A 1947 Chevrolet truck owned by Jess Smith of Bakersfield ignited from a welding torch gas line leak in front of Frank Russell's Blacksmith Welding shop on Pacific Avenue. City and county fire units arrived, controlled the blaze, and extinguished it with minor damage and no injuries.
Gunnarson's Jewelry welcomes Frank Flores, new watchmaker. Flores, formerly of Bakersfield, is a Los Angeles School of Watchmaking graduate with several years of repair experience and began work last Friday.
The Shafter 20-30 club and community residents deck the town for Christmas with lighted trees Bethlehem scenes and Santa displays. Judging occurred last night and results will appear in Friday Press.
A Christmas scene on the Richland School Cafeteria roof, designed by Miss Beulah Bartlett with the evening art class and custodian staff, depicts Bethlehem in a black silhouette on a silver background. The display is commended for its time and craftsmanship.
Pasadenans Mr and Mrs Harry L Koening visit from Pasadena as house guests of Dr and Mrs O G Ohls in Shafter.
Boy Scout Troop No. 77 of Maple School collected and repaired broken toys for Christmas gifts. They canvassed Shafter districts and delivered almost a pickup truck load to the Salvation Army in Bakersfield for distribution to the needy. Scout master Reuben Siemens led the effort and the troop seeks local recognition.
The Richland School Glee Club was invited indoors at Bakersfield Court House and City Hall for Christmas carols. Under director Miss Martha Gloeckler the eighth grade group delivered refined performances enjoyed by a large audience.
Mrs Ada Meleta Patrick died of natural causes Thursday December 18 while en route to Bakersfield hospital She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital Services were held Sunday at Flickinger Jansen Mortuary Reverend B E Andrews officiating Her body was shipped to Gould Oklahoma for another service Surviving are two sons Elby and Henry Patrick of Shafter two daughters Opal Finnel Loyalton CA and Jewel Locke Shafter a sister Mrs Willie McDaniel Texas and nine grandchildren She had lived in Shafter and Kern County for five years born October 21 1890 in Texas employed as a farm laborer
Dorothy Schirmer of Beverly Hills visits her brother Herbert in Shafter for the holiday season, accompanying family members for the stay and reunion.
At a regular meeting held early this month the City Fire Department elected officers for 1948. Fire Chief Melvin Parrett, Assistant Chief Ed Bender, and Secretary-Treasurer Lincoln Goddard were re-elected. Don Little became publicity chairman. Dutch Newton resigned for other duties and became an honorary member.
The Los Angeles Times ran a front page second-section feature with photos about the new cotton seed strain developed at the U S Experimental Farm near Shafter. It highlighted Kern County cotton production, naming Shafter and Bakersfield and several leading agriculturalists, dedicating substantial space to the topic.
Sunday dinner guests at the Robert Burnquist home in Shafter were Mr. and Mrs. Edwin LeValley of Bakersfield.
A compact bakery brief notes Joe's Tepper Bakery offering a tempting array of desserts and confections for patrons seeking treats. The notice highlights bakery items and the inviting shop atmosphere.
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