02 Jul 1953
Page 1
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Newspaper
Shafter Press
Location
Shafter, California, United States of America
Date
Jul 02, 1953
Page
1
Pyrotechnics will brighten Shafter's sky Saturday for the annual Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza. Melvin Basel and team will set off 102 aerial shells at Shafter High School stadium, naming displays such as Cascades of Colored Petals and White Chrysanthemum.
Agricultural and professions leaders in Shafter sponsor a two week Hi Neighbor contest by The Shafter Press. Residents identify faces in a cartoon spread on Pages 6 and 7 for a chance at $25 total prizes, including $15 first place. Rules on Page 7. Entries due noon July 13. winners announced July 16.
Shafter area growers donated 195 sacks of Long White potatoes to the Christian Rural Overseas Program. Purchasers included Los Angeles County Hospital and Safeway Stores, with proceeds used to fund nonperishable shipments overseas. The effort benefited CROP and featured free trucking by Ernest Adamson Trucking Co. Local shippers listed include Han del, West, Mettler and Sons, Bender Brothers, Neuman and Sons, and others.
W L Smith testifies before U S Senate and House agricultural hearings in Washington D C leading California cotton growers and Southwestern growers to oppose proposed acreage cuts. They warn reductions could remove up to 700 000 acres from 1953 production and cost up to 200 million dollars in agricultural revenue across the West and Old South would be less affected. Californians urge keeping the history formula or favor change to shield newer cotton regions from severe losses.
Committees form early planning for the 1954 festival with Ernie Hofman as secretary announcing tentative structures for Finance Publicity and Promotion and Entertainment. Co chairs Jack Janzen Nick Johnson Wes Staudacher and Joe Thompson lead groups with local clubs and civic groups named as members. Efforts aim to broaden participation including merchants and citizens and extend the festival.
Potato shipments were slowing as the 1953 harvest neared completion in Shafter. Agricultural Inspector Ned Smith said shipments may continue through July 16, but the number of sheds operating is dropping steadily with only eight sheds left to run and a tapering final week.
The playground recreation program will feature woodwork and carving led by Director Fred Mason with soap images and nicknacks, plus old fashioned wells made from coffee cans. Athletics instruction will cover football and daily activities include volleyball, croquet, basketball, badminton, ping pong and football. Sessions run 2 to 4 p m for instruction and 4 to 8 p m for other features. textile painting and basketball are also noted. The program closes Saturday for a holiday.
Lerdo School District plans a July 15 bid opening for a complete campus construction replacing Minter Village barracks. The facility for about 401 pupils will include 11 classrooms an administrative unit a kindergarten room a cafetorium kitchen and large playground. Funding relies largely on a state grant with a $95 000 bond approved to cover part of the costs and construction may not finish until fall 1954.
A carful of potato pickers and another load of cotton choppers collided at Kimberlina and Palm on Tuesday sending nine persons to Kern General Hospital. California Highway Patrol reported drivers were Willy Leatherwood aged 53 and Bill Reed aged 40 of Harris Court Shafter.
The Shafter Chamber of Commerce reports a rising membership roll as over 11 new members joined during a kickoff breakfast led by Ernie Hofman. The day-long drive under Paul C. Newell aims to expand support for the Shafter area with merchant outreach and community projects.
Organizations and individuals wanting to use the Veterans Memorial Hall next year must submit new applications when the Shafter housing committees has the proper county forms. Those needing access within the next two weeks may arrange it now. The hall calendar work is shifting to the Shafter Chamber of Commerce under Secretary Ernie Hofman. Albert Finkbeiner was named chairman of the local committee with members C. Earl Wick, Katieike, and Clara Sehnalne.
Earl Ditmore of South Shafter avenue asks highway traffic officers to halt drag races by youngsters in front of his home. He cites cars lined up and speeding past his property endangering children. Last Saturday a racer killed Ditmore’s one year old dog. The races occur on South Shafter avenue between Seventh Standard road and San Diego street.
Pvt Kenneth Wishon 20 son of Mr and Mrs W W Wishon 425 Prince Lane left Saturday morning for Camp Stoneman after two weeks leave at home. He is due to embark for overseas duty.
Growers of White Rose potatoes in Shafter Kern County and surrounding counties were urged to return ballots calling for a state marketing order. The measure would set minimum White Rose shipment standards and fund nationwide promotion through newspapers radio and magazines. A majority vote of voting growers is required for the order to take effect with non votes counted against. Don Maupin of the Kern County Potato Growers Association stressed broad advertising across dealer services and consumer outreach.
Shafter High School will field a largely new coaching staff next year due to transfers to North High in Greater Oildale. Athletic Director Dan Bledsoe returns to coach the varsity football team with a new assistant Thomas Lee from San Jose State. Don Murfin will coach football and basketball and assist in baseball.
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