09 Dec 1961
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Somerset Daily American
Location
Somerset, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Dec 09, 1961
Page
1
The Hartford hospital fire trapped many on the ninth floor as flames and smoke moved through the wing. Fifteen people including patients visitors and staff died and hundreds were evacuated amid dramatic rescue efforts using stairs and few elevators.
The Communist party of the United States pleaded innocent to 12 counts charging failure to register as an agent of Russia. Trial set for Feb. 1 in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Matthew F. McGuire. Party leader Gus Hall present. attorney Joseph Forer waived reading of the indictment.
George Cassett post master announces holiday schedule with extended hours to handle the surge in outgoing Christmas cards and gifts. The stamp and parcel post windows stay open to 5 p.m. on Dec 16 and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec 18 through 21 before returning to the regular schedule.
Heavy snow burdened the Northeast with up to two feet near Lakes Erie and Ontario. Roads were hazardous, I-81 briefly blocked by jackknifed trucks, and plows struggled to keep pace. Five thousand Erie County students missed school as another storm formed in the Rockies.
The Somerset unit of the American Cancer Society held a brief executive board meeting on West Patriot Street. Vice president George Scull Cook presided in Dr. Eugene Katz's absence. Reports from Bedford delegates Harry Kinney and Herbert Wagner outlined last month’s conference. The group discussed plans for 1962 crusade efforts, education talks in schools, and public talks to explain cancer research. A second screening device was authorized to project two films at different venues. Cancer dressings remain free to patients, with office numbers provided for needs. Weather kept attendance fair.
Charles Pletz age 48 died Friday after being caught between two rollers at Cresford Paper Co in Reading. He worked as a paper processor for the plant.
Secretary of State Dean Rusk outlined efforts by the United States and allied nations to provide more assistance to South Viet Nam. He spoke after the State Department released a 159 page White Paper warning of a clear and present danger of a Communist takeover. Other nations are involved in consultations, though names were not disclosed.
The South District of the Adm. Robert E. Peary Council, Boy Scouts of America, aims to raise 12000 next year to support Scouting in Somerset county and surrounding areas. Co chairmen Judge Thomas F. Lansberry and William J. Schilling note past Community Chest shortfalls and outline gift emphasis, with campaigns running Jan 15 25 and Jan 25 Feb 12, assisted by a regional leadership gifts committee listing local volunteers.
Secretary of State Dean Rusk says Katanga secession could plunge the Congo into civil war and open the door to Communists. He backs UN effort to stabilize Congo and notes Berlin crisis will top NATO talks in Paris. He urges allied unity and pledges U.S. support for the UN mandate.
President Kennedy remains intent on a four day goodwill trip to Puerto Rico Venezuela and Colombia with a final stop in Caracas despite anti U S demonstrations. White House aides monitor events and confirm preparations continue.
East Germany added metal crossing gates at the seven remaining East West Berlin crossings and exempted military vehicles from border checks. About 200 soldiers moved both ways on the life line highway as U S and Soviet backed troops prepare for a planned two way convoy exchange. Major Joe A Amberger leads Co B 1st Battle Group 19th Infantry in the Berlin crossing.
Pope John XXIII, aged 80, spoke at the Basilica of St. Mary Major on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and expressed concern for all Christians including those who do not venerate Mary. He noted ecumenical hopes and described hardships for bishops in communist lands as he prayed in Rome's Piazza di Spagna.
Edgar Fritz was elected president of the Keystone Club of Somerset County during a Friday night meeting. Robert Keim was chosen first vice president and William Orban second vice president. George Jennings is secretary and Edgar Sechler recording secretary. P. C. Marenna treasurer. Grant Thomas and Fay Sechler trustees. Officers to be installed January 12. Plans discussed for 1962 and upcoming gubernatorial and senatorial elections.
A Thursday morning robbery occurred at the Quick Wash and Dry Laundry on Main Street, misreported as North Center Laundromat in Friday's paper. The error stemmed from treating Laundromat as a generic term rather than a trade name.
County advisory committee meets to hear about the Joe Berg science seminar program in Westmoreland County. F Emerson Kauffman describes support from industry and education and Penn State and Pittsburgh resource speakers. Somerset plan runs 2 1 2 hours each Saturday at 9 30 at Somerset Area High School with applicant screening January 26.
Acting Secretary General U Thant charged Friday night that Union Miniere copper and cobalt firm in Katanga made bombs and armored cars used against U.N. forces. Thant spoke amid Belgian protests over U.N. actions as Elisabethville sees ongoing fighting. The UN also reported gains and noted its fortifications with British bombs supplied for defense.
Harrisburg AP reports Pennsylvania highway safety will use Lights on for Safety as the Christmas campaign. Traffic safety commissioner C. D. Shipley urged motorists to turn on headlights during daylight hours from December 22 to 25 and December 29 to January 1 to remind others to be safety conscious.
U.N. transports resume flying hundreds of troops and equipment to the growing U.N. army as mortar blasts and sniper fire hit outskirts of Elisabethville. Swedish Irish and Indian troops report progress in clearing outskirts while central city remains stubborn with two main strongholds. Tshombe claims barbaric Allied bombing while Congolese students in Leopoldville show pro Kennedy sentiment.
Shade Township Supervisors act on a petition from Reitz No. 4 with signatures from 80 percent of residents in a one street section. Engineers survey property frontages for a 10 year contract with Rockingham Light Power and plan per foot rates while Reitz No. 2 will soon have lighting restored. A second topic covers tax ordinance reenactment and sewerage grant prospects with March 1 1962 deadline for applications.
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