davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
TO CLEAN STREAM

Fishermen of the lower Delaware
river section plan to take action to put
stop to the pollution of the Delaware.
Now that the question has been brought
up by the yachting organizations at
Chester and Philadelphia, the fisher
men, who have heretofore been unor-
ganized, will hold joint conference at
which their views can be expressed and
plans adopted for action.
For the past few years the fishermen
have been making complaints about the
pollution of the river on account of the
damage it caused the fishermen's equip
ment, as well as causing falling off in
the catch Of all fish on the Delaware.
The coal tar, oil and grease. drawn to
and fro by the tides, settles along the
shores and sinks to the bottom. At
some places it is several inches in thick
ness, where large spots are to be found
in the marshes. The gunners attribute
the falling off in the number of reed
and lail birds to the fact that the feed
ing grounds have been injured by the
oily scum which has settled on the
marshes and has actually killed many of
the weeds.
Delaware City, Port Penn and New
Castle fishermen lost as much as week
at time last season when they hap
pened to strike large section of oily
scum on the river. Not only did the
fishermen lose the time required in
cleaning their nets and boats. but the
strength of the net was weakened and
at the close of the season it was not
worth while to keep the net for the fol-
lowing season.
The problem has become so serious in
New Jersey that fishermen on the trib-
utaries of the Delaware have even
complained of the pollution affecting
their catch of fish.
Now that the Pennsylvania State
Fisheries Department has taken up the
problem, the Delaware and New Jersey
fishermen are in hopes that action will
be taken in the other two states on the
Delaware. There are laws in all three
states which prohibit the placing of
pollution in the river, under heavy
penalty. Owing to the difficulty Of
securing actual evidence,of violation, it
has been impossible to make any arrest
to break up the practice. The session
of the General Assembly which meets
in January in this state will more than
likely have some pollution legislation
placed before it in an effort to save the
fishing industry on the Delaware river.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
Receives Gifts of Books

A valuable gift of los books in the
fields of Agriculture, Education, French
and German Literature, Marine En-
gineering and Military Science was
made recently to the Delaware College
Library by Alexander F. Williamson Of
the class Of 1874. Through the years
since his graduation Mr.. Williamson has
retained his interest in his Alma Mater,
an interest which is now shown in 80
practical a manner. This gift of books
is the third Of such gifts during the
last year by members of the Sons Of
Delaware Of Philadelphia.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
BETHESDA CHURCH NOTES

Sunday. December 9th, 1920.
$50 A. VI. The Sunday morning
devotional meeting in charge of the
Brotherhood.
1890 A. NJ. Morning worship with
special program, in the interest of gen.
eral education ..... -
11.45 A. M. Sunday School.
6.4OP. NJ. Junior League meeting.
7.3O P. M. Evening worship with
sermon by Bishop w. F. Mcdowell, D.
D., of Washington, D. G.. This will be
a great treat, not only for Methodists,
but for all the people of Middletown
and vicinity. No one, whether an at
tendant or not, can afford to miss this
splendid opportunity, to hear one Of the
great leaders OF Methodism. Invite
your neighbors and friends. Special
music.
Owing to the death of Prof. VIM. N.
Thomas on last Tuesday morning, the
revival meetings were discontinued for
this week. The death of Brother
Thomas was a great shock to his many
friends of Middletown. He was q
clean cut, conscientious, hard working
Evangelist and a delightful singer OF
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He told
the Pastor number of times. II Ger.
tainly love the people Of Middletown.' y
Only short time before his sudder
death, he was heard praying, "Mak<
me Blessing to this people and may
many souls be saved at Middletown. >
May God comfort his many friends anG
loved ones.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
'$2,5OO,000 CANAL
Large Appropriation Recommended
by Secretary Of War Baker
GREAT SEA-LEVEI WATERWAY

An appropriation of not less than ST.
5OO, O,OOO, with continuing contract
authorization of 81, 500, 900 in addition,
to widen. and deepen the Chesapeake
and Delaware canal, with the idea of
finally making it a sea, level waterway,
is recommended in the annual report of
Newton D. Baker, secretary of war,
made public. Monday. Eventually the
canal. +" said MIR. Baker, "should be en-
lareed and its depth increased to Is
feet.s but the appropriation which
recommend will enable us rapidly to
make this canal a most important and
valuable addition to the commercial ia
cilities of Philadelphia and Baltimore
and adjacent country and a useful in
land route for minor naval vessels of
the sort now used in such numbers in
war. The canal certainly affords
very short. quiet and safe water route
between the great cities of Baltimore
and Philadelphia. Along the head
waters of both the Chesapeake and
Delaware bays and along the route of
the canal and the adjacent rivers, a
great truck gardening area is developed
and supplies food products for several
million people,. Land routes are neces-
sarily roundabout. by reason Of the
deep water bay projections which Inter-
sect the land. while the connection by
sea involves the long trip from Cape
Charles to Cape Henlopen with the
added length of the two great bays.
Prior to its taking over by the United
States March 2, 1919 the condition of
the canal had been allowed to deterior-
ate until much Of it is in dilapidated
condition. The protection for its banks
is unstable and in many places washed
away. The estimated cost of main
tenance for the next year is $3.50, 1000,
but when the improvements now pro-
vided for are completed this cost will
be much diminished"
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
ODESSA.

| Frank Webb. of Philadelphia, spen
Sunday at his home here.
Edward Rose, of Chester, Pa, visite
George Pote over Sunday.
| MI. Ammon Heller, of Wilmington
visited Mr.. Henry Heller recently.
Mr.. Columbus Watkins, of Whining
ton, spent Sunday with his brother
here.
Miss Blanche West, of Wilmington
spent the Thanksgiving holidays will
her parents.
Mr.. Burton Hall, of New York City
visited his aunt, Mrs. Lidie Morris, OF
Thanksgiving.
Miss Elizabeth Sparks, Of Whining
ton, is visiting her parents, Mr.. a.
Sparks and wife. y
Mrs. Charles K. Gibson, of Williams
port, Pa, is visiting her uncle. Mr.
Thomas Middleton.
Mr.. and Mrs.. Calvin Stidham. of Viii
mington, spent last week with Mrs
Catherine Stidham.
Bishop Philip Cook, of Wilmington
was entertained at the home of Mr.. A.
P. Corbit last week.
John F. Morris and Richard Light
cap, of Lebanon, Pa, spent last week
at their homes here.
Mrs. Walter v. Woods left on Wed.
nesdsy for Langhorne, Pa. where she
will spend the winter
Miss Minnie Armstrong, of New
Brunswick, N. j.. spent the holidays
with her mother here.
Mir. Isaac Lightcap, Miss Mary Light.
cap and Mr.. Richard Lightcap spent
Thanksgiving in Wilmington.
Marian and Roland Heldmyer, of Mid
dletown, visited their grandmother,
Mrs. John Heldmyer, last week.
Mr.; and Mrs. Harvey Milburn, of
Wilmington, spent last week with her
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. William Phillips.
Little Elizabeth Heller, daughter of
Mr.. and Mrs. Joseph Heller, is recover.
ing from a severe attack of scarlet
fever.
A. Lee Orrell and J. K. Orrell at
tended the funeral of their aunt, Mrs.
Annie Goldsborough, at Smyrna, on
Sunday.
The M. E. Sunday School is rehears-
ing its Christmas music. Everybody
welcome to Sunday School every Sunday
at 2 P. M.
Mr.. William Turner vacated the house
recently purchased by Mr.. Frank Webb
and has moved into the home purchased
by MIR. Hurd.
Mr.. and Mrs. William Rose and
daughter, Madeline, of Wilmington,
were guests Of his sister, Mrs. o. C.
Stevens, on Thanksgiving Day.
Mr.. and Mrs. Richard Rhodes and
Mr.. and Mrs. Kenneth Rhodes, of Will
mington, were guests of their parents,
MIR. and Mrs. George e. Rhodes, on
Thanksgiving.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
DR.. Frank Virdin

DR.. Frank Virdin, formerly of
Kenton and for 10 years a practicing
physician in Wilmington, died suddenly
on Saturday morning, Nov. 9th, at the
John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md. :,
where he had gone to receive expert
treatment for q serious heart trouble.
Funeral services were held at IL
o'clock on Tuesday morning at his home
in Wilmington, Rev. Ur. Carlisle L.
Hubbard conducting them. A large
number of the Doctors relatives and
friends, from Wyoming, Dover, New
ark, Kenton, Philadelphia. Denton,
Md. and elsewhere, were present, be-
sides host of appreciative patients.
ne ghbors and acquaintances, come to
pay their last respects to his memory.
DIR. Virdin, was held in the highest
esteem by all for his noble character
both personally and professionally. Al
though extremely modest and unassum-
ing. he was a very able physician, and
exceptionally successful in his practice.
He was but 54 years old, and just be-
ginning to receive that fuller recogni.
ton due his great knowledge and skill,
when he. was struck down by sudden
heart trouble due inrpart to an attack
of the flu several years ago. Interment
was made in Forest Cemetery, Rev.
Van P. Northrup of this town, offici-
ating at the grave. where many rela-
tivas and friends were gathered.
A number of handsome floral offer
ings from the Wilmington Medical So
ciety, of which he was a member, and
many friends, were laid upon the
casket. His wife Mrs. Margaret NJ.
Virdin, daughter of MIR. and Mrs.
Joshua NJ. Arthurs. of Kenton, a
daughter. Miss Marjorie M. Virdin. and
little son of II, Frank Allen Virdin,
survive him. 80
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
The SCHOOL,. SYSTEM
Is a Wonderful Improvement Over
The Old One
GOOD RESOLUTIONS PASSED

That the present school system of
the State is an improvement over the
old and should, with a few needed
changes. be retained; that there should
be State bond issue of 81, ,0OO, 900 to
build new schools in the three counties
and that special district school superin.
tendents be done away with and their
duties transferred to the members of
the county boards, were the outstand-
ing features of three resolutions passed
in the Wilmington High School Tuesday
at public meeting called to consider
whether any changes in the new school
code were necessary.
The meeting was one of three held
simultaneously in the State, the others
being held at Georgetown and at
Dover. The resolutions passed will be
put before the Legislature when that
body convenes.
No definite action was taken at the
meeting in Georgetown as this gather
ing had been but lightly advertised and
was slimly attended. Another meeting
will be held next week when the matter
will be taken up again. From the
tenor of a number Of speeches which
were made, however, the sentiment in
Sussex county is the same as in New
Castle county. that the present school
code be retained with few slight
changes. The same attitude seemed to
prevail at the meeting in Dover.
The resolution for state bond issue
was placed before the assemblage by
DR.. Thomas 0. Cooper, a member of
the Wilmington Board of Education.
The one asking few changes in the
school code and pointing out methods of
raising the necessary taxes, was sug-
gested by Eugene H. Shallcross,
member of the County School Board.
WANTS TAX ON STOCKS
The resolution by Mr.. Shallcross
follows:
ut is the consensus Of opinion of
this meeting that the present s,hool
system of the State of Delaware is
decided improvement over the old sys-
TEN and with some needed changes in
the present school law, it will be
acceptable.
1--WE believe the present great OBJ
lection to the school law is the high
rate and basis of taxation with the
possibility of the tax increasing above
the present rate. We believe tax of
stocks, bonds, mortgages and other
forms of investment as well as real
estate, should be levied for school pur-
poses. The present income tax should
be continued and the present exemption
lowered.
"A uniform capitation tax should be
levied on all persons of voting age at
the rate Of at least $6 per person. We
believe that the State should pay fifty
per cent. Of the operating expenses of
the school and the county fifty per cent.
and that there should b. State issue
of bonds to cover the building pro-
gram"
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
ST. ANNE'S CHURCH NOTES
EPISCOPAL

Il
Sunday, Dec 5th, 1920. The q
Sunday in Advent.
Services: 1890. Sermon and Holy
Communion.
11.45. Sunday School.
7.3O. Evening prayer and address.
Meetings: The Parish Guild will meet
on Thursday afternoon at two o'clock,
at the residence Of Miss Mary L Price,
West Main street.
The regular monthly meeting of the
Woman's Auxiliary. will meet at the
Rectory on Friday afternoon at 2. 30.
'Am l a iona. :" One reason why
Christianity is conquering the world SC
slowly is that there are SO many Jonahs.
For not all whom God calls to serve
Him respond and obey. Many make
excuses and flee. Perhaps they try to
propitiate God by Offering some lesser
service while they flee, but sooner or
later they discover. that they cannot
flee from the presence Of the Lord.
For He pursues them. A Jonah is a
bit of the universe out of place. like a
splinter in the flesh. He maddens the
elements. Eventually he confesses or
betrays himself, and is thrown over
board. being a liability, not an asset.
The most pitiable creature in the world
is man or woman who is called to the
privilege of aiding God but who counts
the cost and spurns the glory. Jonah
came to realize that he was a fool and
he repented and when God called him
the second time he obeyed. What is a
call 2, When Wa become convinced that
it is our duty to enter the holy ministry
or to give our lives to some other form
of service, we are called. So we are
when the church lays upon US specific
duties and responsibilities. God does
not call all OF US to the highest service.
but He does call all of US to some SER
vice. Let US stir eur consciences to-
day. now, and on our knees let US ask
God, "Am Jonah p
The offering on Thanksgiving Day
for the Rabies Hospital and Bay.
Nursery, Wilmington, amounted to
S2l.06.
Again the Advent call comes to all
In many parishes the Nation Wide
Campaign is to make canvas again.
This campaign may be summed up in
just two words, prayer and service but
which are not two separate and distinct
things for prayer is a form of service
and there can be no service which does
not come out Of prayer. We hope to
kindle in the hearts of the members of
the parish, zeal, eagerness, enthusiasm,
earnest, serious determination to do
something for the advancement OF the
Kingdom of God. AS the Nation. Wide
Campaign in this parish was made for
the period of three years it will not be
necessary to undertake it again this
year. But it is time to renew all
pledges made last Advent both in con-
tributions and service.
A hearty>welcome is extended to all
attending the services in St.. Anne's.
If you are not identified with any other
congregation, we shall be pleasedsto see
you among our regular attendants and
cordially invite you to make your
church home with US.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
Pinder-Stahulak Weddins

Miss Katherine M. Stahulak, of Pana,
ILL.,, and Mr.. Francis D. Pinder, son of
Mr.. and Mrs. George E. Pinder, of this
town, were married by Rev. J. A. Max
well, pastor of The First Baptist
Church, of Chester, Pa. last Saturday
afternoon. at 2. 80 o'clock.
Immediately after the ceremony the
couple left for short stay in Philadel-
phia and Atlantic City, and upon their
return will reside in White Haven, Pa, i,
where the groom is employed by the
White Haven Printing Company.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04

OBITUARY
Prof. william N. Tboma.

Prof. William N. Thomas, the we'll.
known singing evangelist, died suddenly
TUESDAY morning, at the home of Rev.
| ". P. orihrup, pastor of the M. E.
:! Church, where he was a guest Death
was due to heart trouble.
On Sunday evening he sang with
great enthusiasm and spiritua: power
! his favorite song entitled 1.-The Hero of
the Cross" and several others among
which was ''Take. the Name of Jesus
! with YOU" AS he was emphasizing
precious Name" in the chorus, he told
the story of the death Of his younger
brother who, when dying, called for
this hymn, exclaiming,. Precious
;; Name, O how sweet - Brother Thomas
also spoke of the recent departure of
Charles M. Alexander, the great Cos
pei singer who accompanied Rev. Will
bur J. Chapman around the world in re-
vival meetings. In all the services here
Brother Thomas mind seemed dwelling
upon the glory land and the glory song.
At the close of his last meeting on
Monday evening, he said to a friend,
1.-The Lord is calling us all; calling me
to greater service" How much great
er and glorious he now knows. as an in
habitant of that country about which
he loved to sing.
Prof. Thomas had been here since
Saturday, having arranged to assist Mr..
Northrup with special services for the
ensuing two weeks. He oficiated at q
meeting in the church Monday night
and appeared to feel well when he re-
tired, though he complained of short
ness of breath. He had been afflicted
in this manner ever since last summer,
when he was operated upon in q New
York hospital. However, he arose
Tuesday morning about o'clock, and
was dressing for breakfast, when heavy
breathing was heard. An investigation
showed that Mr. Thomas was i'll. Medi-
cal help was summoned, but the patient
was too far gone and expired at 7.5O.
Prof. Thomas was one of tile best
known 'evangelists in the country. He
had led the singing at Brandywine Sum-
NIT campmeeting for the past eight
years. He was in demand at revival
meetings all over the Peninsula. Before
coming here he had been at New Cas-
tie, and he was to assist Rev. W. E.
Greenfield in an all-day meeting at
Brandywlne Church, Wilmington,
Thursday. His home was in Pen Argyll,
Pa. He is survived by his wife and she
was notified at her home in Pen Argyll,
to which place the body was sent.
Deceased was q native of Cornwall,
Eng. where he was born about 60 years
ago, coming with his parents, to Can
ada. when he was years old. He SUBJ
sequently came to Pennsylvania, where
he was employed in the slate quarries.
In early life be developed the talent for
q singing evangelist, and for the past
Is years had followed that calling with
marked success.
Funeral services will be held at his
late home this Saturday morning.
Rev. Van P. Northrup will attend.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
FRIENDS & VISITORS
Personal Items About People You
See and Know
THOSE THAT COME AND GO

THOSE THAT COME AND &C
Mrs. A. Fogel spent Tuesday in Phila
delphia.
Miss Sarah Kates spent part Of las
week in Philadelphia.
| DR.. H. B. Mcdowell spent severa
days of this week in Wilmington.
Miss Mary H. Hutchins, of CAM
Meade, Nd, visited friends in town thi'
week.
MIR. Robert Douglas spent severa
days last week with his mother Mrs
Julia Douglas.
Miss Amy R. Piser, of Washington
D. c., visited her sister Mrs. J. Wilson
Merritt last week.
Miss Violet Chesser, of Baltimore
Nd, spent the week. end with her aunt
Mrs. Alice Peterson.
Miss Eta Peters, of Atlantic City,
N. J, visited Mr.. and Mrs. B. F.
Gallagher this week.
Miss Letitia Pool, of Newark, spent
the weekend with her'parents Mr.. and
Mrs. Howard A. Pool.
Mrs. Charles Jarvis and little daugh.
ter. of Wilmington, spent the weekend
with her mother, Mrs. Julia Cosden.
MIR. J. Ringgold Richards, of Clay.
mont, is spending two weeks with his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Richards.
Misses Grace and Esther Williams,
of Baltimore, spent Sunday with their
parents Mr. and Mrs. Tolbert Williams.
Mr.. and Mrs. J. E. Walls and son
spent part of last week with her sister
Mrs. Elizabeth Hastings at Allentown,
Pa.
Mr.. and Mrs. John D. Gill and daugh-
ters, of Philadelphia. were guests of
Mr.. and Mrs. T. S. Fouracre, over the
weekend.
Mrs. Jesse A. Sharpless. of Whining
ton, is spending this week with her par
ents, Mr.. and Mrs. Harvey Jewell, near
Mt. Pleasant.
Mr.. and Mrs D. W. Stevens enter
tained on Sunday, Mr.. and Mrs. John
Stewart, of Chester, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Moody Stevens. of Media, Pa.
Mr.. and Mrs. Parker Fennemore, of
Wilmington. and Mr.. Raine, of Penns-
grove, N. j., were guests of Mrs. Aleck
Maxwell on Thanksgiving Day.
Mr.. and Mrs. W. B Hall had as their
guests last week Mr.. and Mrs. Burton
Hall, of New York City. and Mrs.
Frank G.. Lesser, and son, of Olney,
Pa
Mr.. and Mrs. Joseph Berkman enter
tanned on Sunday, Mr.. and Mrs. Lester
M. Shestack and Miss Ethel Waronker,
of Philadelphia; and Mr.. and Mrs. Les
ter H. Harris, of Chester, Pa.
MIR. Caleb ]. Freeman, editor of The
New Era, met with painful accident
on Thanksgiving Day, by falling down
the cellar steps at his office on North
Broad Street. In the fall he sustained
a lacerated scalp. and injured his hip.
At this writing he has improved con-
siderable and we hope may be seen on
our streets again.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
Dr.. Loui. Levinson, veterinarian.
Graduate Of University Of Penn
sylvania. Middletown, Del Bell
Phone l19. North Broad Street.
Appointed By The Governor

Daniel w. Stevens has just received
his commission and been re-appointed
by Governor John G. Townsend, as
Justice of the Peace and Notary Pub
lie for Middletown. Mr.. Stevens COM
mission expired Nov. 3Oth, and bis new
appointment is for a term of four
years.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
Wilson---Cochran Weddipg

Miss Katherine s. Cochran, daughter
of Mr.. and Mrs. John P. Cochran. of
Warwick, Nd, was united in marriage
to Mr.. E. Amos Wilson, son of Mr.. and
Mrs. 8. D. Wilson, of near this town.
Wednesday evening, at 8 o'clock, at the
home of the bride. The ceremony was
performed by Rev. C. M. Cullum, Of
Warwick, and was Witnessed by the
immediate families and number of
intimate friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson will reside on
farm near Middletown.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
Your favorite stars at the movies
next week, Monday, Ses.ue Haya-
kawa; Tuesday, Charles Ray; Wed
ne.day, Robert Warwick; Thurs
day, Vivian Martin; Friday, Justine
Johnstone; Saturday, Shirley Ma
Rebate Date Passed

Tuesday was the last opportunity to
receive the 31 discount on county
taxes. The face of the tax bill will be
charged this month and penalization Of
taxables will begin January l.
Middletown transcript., 1920-12-04
Lester M. Naylor

NOt In many years mas M10OletOWn,
McDonough and all the country around
been so deeply shocked and panied as
at the sad news of the death of Mr..
Lester N. Naylor in consequence of an
accident while cunning about two weeks
ago.
His funeral services were held at his
late residence near McDonough on We'd
nesday afternoon at half-past one
O'Clock, by his pastor the Rev. Van P.
Northrup, assisted by the Rev. George
P. Jones, of Townsend; the Rev. A. J.
Tippett, of Odessa, pronouncing the
benediction at the grave in Old Draw
yers cemetery where his remains found
sepulture.
The high esteem in which Mr.. Naylor
was held by a wide circle of friends
and acquaintances, not only in his own
neighborhood, but also throughout che
whole hundred, was evidenced by the
very large attendance at his obsequies,
his being; it is said, one of the largest
funerals ever held in this section.
When quite young man he married
Miss Hattie Carpenter, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Carpenter of
near town, who still survives him. He
was in every way abreast of the times
in the matter of modern farming hav.
ing for several years with great sue
cess practiced that useful occupation on
the "Sugar Loaf Farm" near McDon-
ough. His knowledge of improved
farming and his practical illustrations
of its benefits makes his loss all the
greater to the farming interests of his
state.
MIR. Naylor was an honorable. kind
hearted gentleman, whose pleasing per-
sonality made him deservejly popular
wherever he was known. He was q
consistent member of the Bethesda M,
E. Church in this town.