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 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Shafter Press
Location
Shafter, California, United States of America
Date
May 18, 1944
Page
1
While voting on a Tuesday afternoon a newly naturalized woman appeared deeply moved by her American citizenship, a moment that underscored the thrill of enfranchisement. The observer mused on voter turnout, political corruption, and the value of free speech and religious liberty in democracy.
Shafter high school students aim to raise fifteen thousand dollars in war bonds for an Army Air Forces training plane to bear the school's name. A kickoff booth opens May 19 at 8 p.m. during the gym concert directed by Mrs H K Thrasher. The program features band pieces, a short intermission, and performances by vocal and instrumental groups including a mixed saxophone section and a chorus of baritones and basses. The campaign trails by $643 with volunteers staffing a bond booth that night.
Ten students will receive diplomas at Maple Elementary School graduation exercises tonight starting at 8 o'clock. Graduates include Wondel Brock Bobby Grumbles Vernon Isaac Ruth Koenig John Nikkel Dorothy Rodgers Herman Seabolt Wanda Sneed Bernice Spohn and WanaLou Unruh.
Mrs. Mae Rayborn of Norwalk was killed instantly when the north bound Santa Fe Streamliner struck her car at a railroad crossing near Wasco. Lena McQuilliams of Shafter escaped unharmed as Rayborn’s car was hurled about 250 feet and damaged a maintenance building. Rayborn’s body was sent to San Bernardino for burial. her husband Joe Rayborn serves in the Army Medical Corps.
The intramural softball tournament nears its end with the final playoff to be held early next week between the top two teams by win percentage. Five eleven man teams were chosen from gym classes, with two from Seventh being notably strong. The season shows improvements in batting, fielding and running with standings led by War and Palomo among others.
About 45 children enroll in the Troop School for Christian Soldiers. Vacation Bible school organized by First Baptist and First Mennonite churches runs five mornings a week for two weeks.
C C Barnett, district supervisor, spoke to the Shafter Kiwanis Club about the E and J Resuscitator recently bought for the city. He noted its AMA approval and said it will do wonders in emergency care for the community.
Miss Helen Holmes returns to Shafter Sunday evening with Mr and Mrs Earl Roscamp of Cuyama visiting her sister Miss Verna Mae Holmes.
The Hicks family dwelling, occupied by Elmer Hicks a dairy milker, burned when children in the bedroom played with matches and candles. The fire destroyed the bed and much of the home, with losses around 1500 dollars and 1200 dollars insured for the building. About 400 dollars of bathroom fixtures and furniture were saved, with no insurance on the furniture.
Pfc Edward Gaede of the U S Army Air Force writes his parents that he earned a gold star for participation in the victorious Battle of the North Solomons. A Shaft er High School graduate, he served about a year and a half in the Army and has been in the South Pacific for six to eight months.
J. W. Frizzell was installed as district president for 1944 45 at a Kernville meeting of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs. Mrs T V Little received a past president pin due to wartime shortages, and 30 members plus seven guests attended the luncheon with floral decorations. Wagner’s Ring of Nibelung is noted as four dramas based on Teutonic legend.
At the Ram Sale in Galt California May 15 and 16, 239 white-face range rams sold. Two rams brought 190 each, bought by W R Anderson of Rio Vista. A pen of three Shafter High School rams sold for 60 each to T Timm of Dixon, with two headed to Colombia. Fred Starrh bred and raised some rams at Shafter High School Farm and received praise from Corriedale breeders and Agriculture professors. A single Corriedale ewe from Mal Wye Imports was bought for 75 for addition to Shafter High School’s flock.
The baccalaureate service for Shafter High School graduates will be held Sunday May 21 at 8 p m at the Mennonite Brethren church of Shafter. The program includes Now the Day Is Over by Barnby the Mennonite invocation by Rev E M Anderson of First Baptist Church doxology by the congregation Our Father by Kimball Mennonite Brethren choir Seabate Redan hex dae mel selected quartet prayer by Rev Wm Harper Union Congregational church God Is a Spirit by Scholin Mennonite Brethren choir
The Rev. H. D. Weibe with the Jubilee Quartet and Miss Mary Klassen visited Three Rivers Camp No. 107 near Three Rivers presenting gospel message and song in morning and evening services.
A brief note reports potatoes delayed by cold weather may push shipments or plantings into the following week, affecting local markets and growers.
Joe Frizzell, chairman of the Shafter Rationing board, says ceiling prices are now effective on used trucks and refrigerators. Bob Devlin is elected president of the Shafter High School student body.
Rev Arthur Wenger of the First Mennonite Church in Shafter leaves to serve as a chaplain in the Army. He plans to visit Aberdeen Idaho with his parents Mr and Mrs Frank Wenger before a farewell party at the church.
J. W. Lassiter, president of the local Unit, said yesterday she would not be surprised if more than double the usual number of Memorial Day flowers were sold. The poppy has become closely identified with the American Legion Auxiliary and with disabled men, and the service should continue indefinitely.
Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Werms announce the death of a close friend. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Herron and their son of Lomita were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. I. C. R. Codd.
Voters will elect one member to the Richland Elementary school board today in the music room of the Richland brick building. The ballot lists only M. L. Thomas as the official candidate, while J. Lachenmaier is being backed as a write-in by a local committee led by Mrs. Ed Brown and Bill Bestwater. Incumbent Orvin Mettler, serving six years, is not seeking re election. Two carry over members on the board include A. Peter Ohan-
Capt Rodgers visits San Francisco highlighting 14 miles of bridle paths in Golden Gate Park.
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.