27 Feb 1917
Page 1
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 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The West Virginian
Location
Fairmont, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Feb 27, 1917
Page
1
Freight train struck an express train that was stationary at a station. No injuries reported as crews investigated the derailment and assessed damage to cars and tracks. Local authorities coordinated with railroad officials to manage the scene and safety measures.
At least five people died when the east Hann Mercantile express collided with a fast freight train near Mt Union, Pennsylvania. The crash telescoped passenger cars, sent freight cars tumbling down a 40 foot bank, and left a list of identified victims including Maud Minds and A Minds Jr. The railroad blamed engineer J Cook of Harrisburg for failing to observe a signal as the carrier investigated the disaster. Maud Minds Jr. was a football star for the University of Pennsylvania.
A local Buss Men Association dinner drew numerous reservations with Trevey Nutter as secretary and Jewel Raymond set to deliver a lecture titled The Billy of Business. The event generated wide attention with front page American daily papers noting Ray’s remarks as complimentary and unsold.
An early morning storm tore down high tension wires in Bagemont at five o clock delaying power restoration. Tractlog company electricians worked from bed to repair the damage, but lighting remained off until nearly eight. Citizens faced darkness at home and in shops while some establishments closed or delayed work. Power to key plants along the river and streetcars remained operational.
Report of Cris Eppert purchasing whiskey at a backroom joint on Jackson Street for $1.50 and landing in county jail after a drunken spree involving rat poison drinks and mislaid memory. Mention of Andy Hodel from Independence drinking at Daisy Shelton’s on Water Street, his disorienting intoxication, and subsequent arrest. Also notes 102-year-old John Dixon of Wheeling, a longtime resident, died of paralysis.
A spring day scene near Grant Town unfolds as Nick Cravis and an unnamed friend exchange thefts and money. The helper, paid $200 for a day of work, vanished with cash amid a prior bank loss of $600 at Citizens Deline Savings. Authorities search for the thief while Nick defends the unpronounceable accomplice’s anonymity.
In Charleston West Virginia on February 7 members of both House of Delegates and State Senate finance committees held meetings to compare general appropriation bills before the 1917 session. They anticipate a possible compromise after reconvening as differences exceed 600000 dollars yet salary cuts and building accounts may yield adjustments. Adjt. Gen. Bond’s forthcoming communication outlines National Guard needs for 1918 and 1919, including armory rents, encampment pay, uniforms, clerical allowances, salaries, and equipment costs.
Speedo Howard Woodward from the fire department drove Maxine, a 48 built Stutz racer, in a street test for the Madison street hill climb next winter. Maxine reached about 300 wheel revolutions per hour in the run. The City of Fairmont plans to turn the Ford sot over to the U.S. government in wartime, a proposal supported by most but opposed by car owner David Dean who favors government control for military use.
Officials confirm American deaths on the Laconia torpedoing and call it a Lusitania case in principle. President Wilson seeks authority from Congress to counter the submarine peril but plans no immediate extra session if avoidable. Republicans urge action, while the President hopes extra measures may wait.
London dispatch reports eight American crew members died of exposure after the Laconia sank near Queenstown. Mrs Mary Hoy and Miss Elizabeth Hoy buried at sea. Embassy lists survivors including E P Gibbons and Rev Joseph Wareing. Total aboard 284 with 281 rescued. six hospital cases described as not seriously ill.
Cal Hooks and Taber, both of Annabelle, faced Squire M. R. Musgrave after being accused of forgery and attempting to obtain money on false pretenses. They allegedly sent for a kitchen cabinet to Spear and Company in Pittsburgh and paid $4.50 down. Hooks forged Taber's name, left the state, and was charged as the cabinet was claimed delivered but not paid. railroad detectives pursued, leading to dismissal as they agreed to settle with the railroad and each other.
A stockholders meeting named J M Hartley as president and J B Jacobs as vice president of the newly organized hospital board. Other officers include R M Hite treasurer and M R Frante secretary. Directors inspect ongoing repairs delayed by the Oli Elevator Co failure after the recent fire.
British forces press on toward Bapaume as German lines waver on the Somme front. German positions retreating slowly while British operations continue with high strategic importance. At Marshall College Huntington coeds organize Red Cross unit and train in first aid, dressings, and patient care led by Marguerite Sloan.
The West Virginian notes an explosion of nominations and votes for the Golden Festival. Corrections to vote tallies will appear in tomorrow’s paper and three times weekly thereafter. Active daily workers gain ground while sporadic supporters lag, signaling shifting momentum across contestants.
Washington February 27 details of the Laconia destruction and the death toll prompt intense debate in Congress. Committees consider authority to arm ships and regulate munitions, with Senators Stone and O'Gorman among supporters while officials urge restrained action. No formal action taken as adjournment looms and discussions focus on potential commissions and administrative stance toward the president.
Reports from the gas authority indicate that gas from city mains, exposed to tests, loses value compared with gasoline extracted from the same source. Tests across southern stations show a significantly lower heating value after processing. Government tests confirm higher British thermal units for the plant outputs, with figures surpassing local readings in nearby cities.
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.