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Newspaper
Washington Evening Journal
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jun 15, 1939
Page
1
Mervin Warren Gilliland, nine months old, perished Wednesday afternoon in a fire that consumed his parents Warren and Mrs Gilliland’s cottage at Waterloo near the northeast city limits. The mother had left the infant sleeping and gone to work in the garden when she heard crackling and found the home aflame.
A four member committee appointed by Mayor H F Willenbrock resumes efforts to reduce water rates. They will hold conferences with Iowa Water Service Co officials after a petition for rate action was blocked at a city council meeting. The company demands at least 800000 dollars to sell the local plant and equipment.
A movement at the Iowa State Federation of Labor convention in Dubuque favored President Roosevelt for a third term. A resolution endorsing Roosevelt circulated during the afternoon, gathering hundreds of signatures and a clear majority of delegates, making formal adoption likely.
Hom er A Benjamin of Des Moines was elected grand master of Iowa Masons at Sioux City on Wednesday, succeeding Realff Ottesen of Davenport. W F Earhart Stuart named senior grand warden and Marion D P Wood Des Moines grand treasurer. C C Hunt Cedar Rapids re-elected grand secretary. E F E Lowe Cedar Rapids elected junior grand warden and John T Ames Traer elected custodian. All other officers are appointive.
Ames report says recent rains helped control chinch bugs in southern Iowa but many fields still suffer damage. Dr. George C. Decker, ISU entomologist, cautioned that survey covered only parts of the infested area and cannot represent the whole region.
Secretary of Commerce Harry L Hopkins announced he leased for two years a 388 acre farm three miles north of Grinnell with an option to buy. The Aetna Life Insurance Co. owns the property and will grant immediate possession. Hopkins arranged with current tenant A J Grosenbach to remain as tenant. The Spaulding farm was owned by the late H W Spaulding of Grinnell, a pioneer buggy manufacturer and state senator.
A light comedy tonight at the State called Zenobia promises fun and pretty sentiment. The show targets frequent laughter seekers with a clear humorous package for those who seek amusement.
Des Moines reports William Longcor twenty falls to state agents confessing an extortion attempt against A. K. Heinrich of Maxwell hatchery. He sought 256 dollars with notes threatening dynamite and gunfire to extract payment before his planned departure to Nevada.
Washington centennial plans dominated the Congress hotel gathering with Whisker club members presenting a growing 6522 membership and a goal of 1000. Speakers outlined history hunts windows displays booster trips parades and publicity efforts to spread news to distant towns ahead of August 9 and 10 centennial events.
Commander Ed Squire of Leon Beatty post named Dale Atkinson George Birney and George Baker as the nominating committee to propose a slate of officers for next year. The committee report will be voted on at the next post meeting July 11 when officers are to be elected. The commander delayed announcing the appointments at Tuesday night’s meeting.
A 1887 grading job by John Davis for the Great Westernright of way near Athelstan Iowa is revisited by Davis in June. He prepared to view the grade before returning to Hopkins Missouri, about ten miles from Taylor County, where the project lies.
Whiskered friends craft a playful sonnet as Hanson’s centennial millinery show features sunbonnets. The humor ties whiskers and color to celebrate the long-running display with whimsical style.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Rh. Denison were conducted at the L A Jones funeral home with Dr. F W Eastwood in charge. Burial followed in Elm Grove cemetery. Pallbearers named Everette Jarvis Will Shannon Bob Shannon Lester Orr Harley McCreedy and Charles Denison.
Cloid Willits announces plans for a general Chamber of Commerce meeting likely July 20 at the Country Club. Ladies may wear sun bonnets and men wear conventional whiskers. Centennial details to be discussed with a fun program under consideration.
Manager Ralph Pratt announces improvements at the State Theater including a new acoustical ceiling, smoke and water–damaged drapes and wings cleaning in Des Moines, partial redecorations, and a new canopy with neon lighting in colors of orange, green, and lavender. The theater will close briefly for ceiling installation and front exterior renovation.
In Cleveland at the National Catholic Social Action congress Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney of Wyoming tells delegates he favors tax cuts to encourage business in its proper sphere of production and exchange of commodities.
The United Presbyterian church daily vacation Bible school will present a program tomorrow evening at 7:50. It will feature Bible songs stories memory work and a display of Bible handwork with motion pictures of the school in action. A free will offering will be received and the public is invited.
In Indianola on June 15 40 an estimated 1700 people took part in the first open fishing season at state owned Ahquabi lake. About 200 boats dotted the lake with four persons per boat and hundreds lined the shores. Most anglers reached the legal twelve fish limit in two hours while many bass under twelve inches were released. Bluegills crappies and bullheads were plentiful. Ahquabi is one of three state owned lakes opened today Springbrook Guthrie county and Swan lake Carroll county.
Washington seeks funds to install an illuminated fountain in Central Park as a centennial memorial. The Bruner Electrical Co. of St. Louis will supply a 36 foot diameter fountain ordered to ship in June and be installed by the August 7 dedication. Youth Administration workers will start Monday under supervisor Jack McKeone. The project faces a $1,500 funding gap with $1,000 already available from local funds and several gifts received.
Pressure led to a rapid signup as 553 Washington men join the Centennial Whisker Club. A 8:30 Saturday night sun bonnet parade follows a municipal band program reduced to a half hour, coordinated by Milo Sorden. Booster trip to Chicago deadline extended through Saturday evening with contact to Al Goddard at Coast to Coast store. New bearded members listed including Joe Duen Ralph Thompson Carl Jarrard Clarence Fulton and many others.
The funeral of Mrs. Henry D. Looney was held yesterday afternoon at Sherman’s funeral home. Rev. Vernon Carter conducted the service with grandsons Delbert Elwell Harold Elwell Arlo Jones and great grandson Robert Jones as casket bearers. Burial followed at Elm Grove cemetery.
Japanese tanks near the British concession border accuse British guards of forceful searches and strip searches. The blockade extends to Amor and worsens tensions as consulates investigate injuries and individuals held, including Roy Hoch and photographer Eric Mayell. Britain and France formally challenge Japan’s sovereignty over foreign concessions in China in London with warning of potential incidents.
In Berlin on June 15 the German government denied foreign reports of impending troop movements in Slovakia and of extending wartime rule over Bohemia and Moravia.
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