15 May 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 28 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Winchester Evening Star
Location
Winchester, Virginia, United States of America
Date
May 15, 1940
Page
1
President Roosevelt advances a $976 million defense program as war fears rise. Officials say rapid congress approval is likely but full adoption may stretch to weeks. The plan includes a navy build up and troop deployment, with emphasis on national defense financing.
A country town game draws strangers asking for the judge Cy Hostetter. He sits in the grandstand then heads to the ice cream parlor where he entertains traffic violators as the town’s unofficial court. The heat keeps them loyal customers.
The city will seek bids for a Winchester armory with a $48,000 projected cost from a bond issue approved in 1938 and a $15,000 state contribution. Advertisements appear in The Star on May 16, and bid opening date is to be announced. W. A. Baker notes bonds not yet marketed as steps are taken in New York. City Manager Grant was informed that detailed plans and specifications will be mailed and should arrive by tomorrow morning.
The Federated Council of Church Women and the Winchester Ministerial Association urge Christians across Winchester to pray regularly for peace in war torn Europe. They urge prayer in homes and workplaces, and offer a suggested prayer to be recited at 7 a.m. with Lutheran Grace Church named among participants.
The will of the late estate bequeaths real and personal property to her daughter Miss Frances McNeece Whittle Jones. On motion of Miss Jones, she was appointed executrix with her official bond set at zero without surety. Ap John C. Woolfolk.
Brief item reports a missing or stray female hound pup in need of a home or owner. Contact details are provided in the final notice, urging readers to respond with information or take the pup in.
Governor James H. Price issues a proclamation urging residents to support the American Red Cross as it seeks $10,000,000 nationally, with Virginia's share set at $175,000, amid war and global distress. The appeal stresses generous response to the humanitarian relief effort.
Ed ward McC Williams of Berryville will deliver the Memorial Day address in Stonewall Cemetery. Officers of the Turner Ashby Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy announced the plan. Williams, a young Winchester lawyer, is well known locally. The chapter met May 14 at 3 PM, with Miss Lola Moore presenting on early Atlanta and its five universities.
Residents gathered in Greenville for a side show by Arthur Wooten of Greenville D C who performed on guitar banjo and fiddle simultaneously. Using pedals to run the devices he displayed a three instrument act and played old favorites including Wabash Cannon Ball Red River Valley Birmingham Jail House and The Mocking Bird as he joked about the setup and planned further appearances on WSM station and regional venues.
The editorial argues America remains largely opposed to war but acknowledges rising pessimism about intervention. It warns a Nazi victory would threaten the United States while maintaining the paper’s pro Allied stance and urging the U.S. to avoid involvement despite sympathy for small neutral nations.
Gunfire rang out near the mouth of the Humber river as Britain reports “highly successful” air strikes behind German lines. Berlin broadcasts heighten Britain’s anxiety and prompt call for a home front army to deter possible Nazi parachute attacks on Harwich and eastern ports.
Police say two men in a five-car caravan claimed bargain coats and oriental rugs were smuggled imports. The group, posing as British sailors, toured Winchester and Hayfield camps selling cotton rugs and coats at low prices. Vehicles carried Illinois Tennessee Texas and Indiana plates as officers pursued leads toward Roanoke.
Buster Norris, 19, of Front Royal, injured in a single car crash a mile south of Kernstown last midnight, is reported improved at Memorial Hospital. He suffered extensive facial lacerations and possible skull fracture after a car driven by Reese Lemuel Hammock, 22, of Riverton, overturned. Hammock and two passengers Ralph Ruffner and Roy Kendall escaped injury.
The Daily Express editorial says if Germany wins in the Low Countries Britain loses Atlantic control and invasion of America becomes possible. It urges Americans to prepare on a scale never seen before.
Berlin reports the German high command declares Nazi forces pierced the Meuse Sedan sector extending the Maginot line with heavy losses for French counterattacks. A parallel thrust targeted Namur fortifications, indicating a major advance in the Sedan Meuse sector and Belgium border area.
R T Marsh Jr assistant vice president First and Merchants National Bank Richmond will speak at Zone Cs dinner meeting in Berryville Monday May 20 at 7 pm at Skyline Terrace Restaurant Front Royal Ralph N Ware vice chairman said attendance will include informal roundtable bank talks and committee announcements by Fred Maphis Strasburg local chairman and no specific subject is set for the address
Paris report says about half the German forces crossing the Meuse were driven back in the Battle of the Meuse. The war ministry noted that roughly 20 divisions per side, about 600000 men total, were engaged in heavy combat near Sedan with French counterattacks following Nazi pressure south of Sedan.
Amid the war’s milestones, German forces push forward across Europe in a sweeping early 20th century style, signaling a potentially decisive clash. The article notes grave stakes and an impending major engagement, heightening the conflict’s gravity.
Potsdam dispatch notes relief among the Hohenzollern family as former Kaiser Wilhelm at 81 years old sends a laconic telegram via Wilhelm Dommes stating goal reached and all is well.
Alexandria May 15 Egyptian authorities order a partial blackout of the country continued indefinitely and called up an unspecified number of retired army and navy reserve officers amid Italy's uncertain intentions.
Paul Van Zeeland, former Belgian prime minister, told President Roosevelt goodbye and hurried home to join Belgium's fighting forces, saying I can't stand it any longer.
Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita filed a strong protest with Peru's charge d affaires in Tokyo over a Lima anti Japan demonstration. He called the incident extremely regrettable and noted official concern.
Montgomery reporters say an investigation into a mysterious fire at Alabama's National Guard arsenal ordered by Adjutant General Ben M. Smith seeks sabotage leads. The blaze destroyed about 1.5 million dollars in equipment and the 42 500 arsenal building last night.
Sheriff Robert W. Buckner of Clarke county remains in critical condition at Memorial Hospital after his revolver slipped from his holster and discharged Tuesday afternoon at Berryville. The bullet traversed his lung and lodged in the shoulder, leaving his status much the same as yesterday.
An elderly man visiting H L Good’s blacksmith shop asked for a hoe to be sharpened and received it free. Roy Mason Jr. 7, recovering from a baseball injury with stitches on his face, is not in serious condition. The City Clerk’s office has new linoleum, files, blinds and desks. County Clerk Julian Baker’s antique clock won’t run. supervisors consider buying a new one amid public interest.
Nazi sources say a great air offensive will begin at the exact moment it is most uncomfortable for England. The Dutch surrender gives Germany airports within range, with Hamburg papers noting 125 miles from Holland to Harwich and 156 miles from Viissingen to Harwich.
May 15 report says German forces sweep toward a Belgian triangle where Allied lines hold. Armies armored cars and parachute troops press on as Dutch resistance collapses, threatening vital channel ports and England. Allied air power holds some edge though anxiety mounts among Tommies as German shellfire intensifies.
A sale of Martha Bowman household effects is scheduled at 10 o'clock at 6108 Vernon Street. The notice provides the auction time and location for the listed items.
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