davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
Decline in Pear Crop

A big reduction is shown in the pro-
duction of pears by Delaware fruit
growers in the last ten years, according
to figures of the Census Bureau from
the 1920 census.
The total productions of pears in the
State in 1920 totaled 97,703 bushels, as
compared with los, ,357 bushels in 1909.
There was also decrease in the num-
ber of bearing trees in the last ten
years. On January l, 1920, there were
249,375 bearing trees in the State, as
compared with 449, 692 in 1909.
To offset the decrease in the produc-
ton of pears the departments report
shows a considerable increase in pro-
duction of plums. Growers of the
State reported for 1920 the production
of SO, SCI bushels of plums as against
22,5 597 in 1909. There were 1l8, 1888
bearing trees in the State in 1920 and
III, ,667 in 1909. There were 35, 189
plum trees not of bearing age in Della
ware in 1920 as compared with SO, 127
in 1909.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

pupils with whom they recite. regard
less of the distance they live, the
grades they have reached, the kind of
teachers they have, or any other in
f1uences."
Then when the end of school comes,
and pupils are promoted, those who
have not attended regularly have lost
out again. Many pupils stop school be-
cause they are discouraged by having
ormer classmates 60 ahead of them.
The State also loses by non-attend-
ance. 1t costs the State as much to
run the schools on so per cent. attend
ance, as on 100 per cent. In 1920, Della
ware spent one and quarter million
dollars for schools, and one-third of
that amount was lost through non-at-
tendance. The States are doing all
they can to remedy this defect. Our
State has given out Good" and "Per-
fect' attendance cards to the pupils,
and also, State flag for each room
that reaches 80 per cent. in attendance.
This shows that the State is trying to
remedy it and the parents should feel
it their duty to have the schools attend
ed regularly by their children.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
Need More Highway Police

Increasing the paid police force for
the protection of highway travellers
from speed fends, was one Of the i'm
portant questions that came before the
members of the Board of Highway
Commissioners at a meeting.
With the completion of the DUPONT
boulevard running the length of the
state, and the fact that motorists are
being attracted to the highway more,
because of its being practically COM
pleted, has caused those who are greedy
to break speed laws to multiply
throughout Delaware.
Reports from several sections indi-
cate that, many serious accidents have
been narrowly averted and some have
occurred, but few with fatal results.
The citizens who obey laws have been
aroused by the wilful violations of
others, and for some time have been
demanding better protection for them
selves and families.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
MARTIN B. BURRIS

Martin B. Burris, Esq, President of
the Middletown School Board, is we'll
known member of the New Castle
County bar, and is deeply interested in
all educational matters in both State
and County. In 1897, MIR. Burris was a
member of the State Constitutional
Convention and the following year was
nominated by the Republican State
Convention for Governor, but declined
this honor to create harmony in the
party and was later nominated and
elected to the office of State Treasurer,
which position he filled for four years.
In 1916 he was again honored by his
party, when he was elected to the
Delaware Legislature.
Resides enjoying lucrative practice
in the law, Mr.. Burris finds sufficient
time to devote to all matters pertain
ing to the growth and prosperity of
the town and the surrounding COM
munity.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
Horticultural Meeting

The Executive Committee of the
Peninsula Horticultural Society has
decided to hold the annual meeting in
Berlin, Nd, beginning November 29th.
the following premiums have been
offered, which it is thought will bring
out quite a display, as there is some
fruit in all parts of the Peninsula:
For the best display of apples, 5000,
$3.50. 500. For the best single box,
competition open to the world, $50.
The best single box of apples, S25, SIS.
and $40. For the best three boxes, SIS,
$40 and SIS. For the best five boxes,
$25, SIS and $40. Best ten boxes, $50,
$25 and $50. Best single box of Deici-
Gus, Grimes, Jonathan, King David.
Nero, Paragon. Rome, Stayman, Stark,
Winesap, York Imperial, first, SIS,
second, 50, third, So. Best hamper,
first. So, second, 81. For the best ten
hampers, first, $40, second, S.. For
the best three barrel collection, first,
500, second, SIS, third, IS. For the
best barrel of the following varieties,
first, SIS, second, So: Ben Davis, Grimes,
Jonathan. King David, Paragon, Rome,
Stark, Stayman, Winesap, York I'm
perial. Best five plates of each of the
following varieties, first. $40, second,
IS, third, So: Delicious, Paragon, Stay
man, Winesap.
Prizes will also be offered for plates
of large number of varieties.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

would be there everyday. Bad roads,
poor transportation and even the
whims of the big schoolhouse stove
governed attendance. To-day it is not
so. With good roads, excellent trans
portation, improved methods of heating
our buildings, there is no reason why
good attendance should not be possible
Methods of teaching have developed so
rapidly that good attendance is no
longer merely hoped for, it is expected.
Why shouldn't good attendance be a
requirement 1t has been proven that
the pupil who ranks first in his class
is the pupil with the highest attend
auce marks. This fact should be
enough to insure good attendance.
Good attendance ranks above all in
importance. Therefore it should be as
much of requirement as the subjects
English or Languages. Not however
until the pupil receives some mark for
this, will good attendance take its proper
place in the schools of to-day.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
JURORS DRAWN

Petit jurors for the Court of General
Sessions and Superior court, to Sit
commencing October 10, have been
drawn by Jury Commissioners Joseph
G. Lawson and John R. Lambson, as
follows:
First Representative District-Joseph
Conley, Stephen Coverdale:
Second-Thomas Maloney, George
Cameron.
Third Harry T. Foulk, Harold r.
Sheppard, Michael F. McGonigal, J.
Albert Er sman.
Fourth-W w aldman Hawke, Rober,
Mccoy, John Halter, Charles Kyle.
Fifth-Timothy j. Mooney, Frank
Dickey. Henry ). Dasher, Robert +.
slxt',-R Raymond X. Lloyd. William
J. Robinson.
Seventh-Jacob L. Hoover, Frank c.
Cole, |. Chandler Eastburn, Thomas NJ.
Bullen.
Eighth-George Husler. Ferris J.
Yearsley. ,,.
Ninth-Rufus R. Roberts, Milford
Morris. 49,
Tenth-Wallace L. Cannon, John J..
McDevitt, Patrick McGrory. Joseph
Barnes. M
Eleventh Richard Brown, Theodore
j. Laws.
Twelfth-David Money, Albert Law
renee.
Thirtsenth-Harvey Moore. Joseph
H. Denney. u:,
Fourteenth-William Foreacre, Viii.
liam C. Deakyne.
Fifteenth-Samuel J. Durnall. Sam
uel L. David.
ADDITIONAL JURORS
First Representative District-Johr
Schuyler. Jr.
Second-Elwood Davis.
Third-John M. Haley.
Fourth-Oscar Morrison.
Fifth-James L. McDermott.
Sixth-Joseph W. Clark:
Seventh-Everett B. Hollingsworth
Eighth Herbert S. Eastburn.
Ninth-Arthur l.. Beale.
Tenth-Robert W. Newlove.
Eleventh-John X. Butler.
Twelfth Francis Holiday.
Thirteenth-George %. Rhodes.
Fourteenth-James Grier.
Fifteenth-George Jones.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

First: When the pupil loses a day
occasionally, or several days in success
sion, he misses the teachers explana-
ton of his lessons. In mathematics,
for instance, he may miss the explana-
tion of an entirely new kind of prob
lem; or in English, he may miss the
teachers explanation of new classic,
the author. circumstances. and reasons
for the writing of the book. All this is
important when the time comes for
monthly tests or mid-term examna-
tions. This does not mean that the
pupil should attend school and attain
high marks merely to be exempt from
final examinations, but the record a
pupil makes in school either helps or
hinders him in later life.
Second: In losing class recitation,
he loses the view point of the other
students. This is very important, for
seeing only one side of any subject,
one naturally becomes narrow-minded
on that subject. Therefore, to be pres
ent in class every day, makes him
predetermined.
Third: The forming of habits plays
an important part in any young persons
life The habit of promptness and
regularity of attendance, is the most
valuable habit that one can acquire. 1t
impresses the teacher, so that she is
ever ready to recommend highly the
pupil who has practiced promptness
and regularity of attendance, of the
most valuable assets that may be at
tanned in any walk of life.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
FRIENDS AND VISITORS

Mrs. T. S. Fouracre spent Friday in
Wilmington.
Mrs. Julia Cam, of Philadelphia. is
spending sometime with Mrs. Adella
Green.
Mrs. H. A. Pool has returned home.
after spending several weeks st Re-
hoboth.
Mrs. Frank Nowland, of Philadelphia,
has been the guest of Mrs. w. S.
Letherbury.
Mr.. and Mrs. Corbit Vinysrd have
returned home after spending several
days at Trenton, N. J.
Mrs. Carl Harrington, of German
town. Pa, was recent guest of her
sister, Mrs. Julian H. Foard.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Diehl, of McDon-
ough, spent last sunday with her sister
Mrs. H. D. Ratledge near town.
Mr.. and Mrs. James B. Lockwood, of
Germantown, Pa, spent the weekend
with his mother, Mrs. G. w. Lockwood.
Mr.. and Mrs. L. V. Davidson and
daughter, of Atlantic City, N. j.. were
recent guests of Miss Eugenia Beasten.
Mrs. Harry dempsey. of Whining
ton, was a Sunday guest of her par
ents, Mr.. and Mrs. George Echenhofer.
Miss Bernice D. Metten has returned
home from visit with her sister, Mrs.
George +. K"ehner, at Bethlehem, Pa.
Mr.. and Mrs. George H. johnson and
daughters, of W ilmington, were recent
guests of Mr.. and Mrs. Paul Il. Mes
sick.
Mrs. William R. Cochran and daugh
ter, Miss Eliza, of EIwyn, Pa, were
guests of Mrs. Edward Reynolds last
week.
Mr.. and Mrs. Norman P. Crouch and
Mr.. and Mrs. Jay LeFevre, If Will
mington, spent the weekend with rela-
tives IN town.
Mr.. and Mrs. Harvey l.. VosheIl and
little daughter, of New Haven, Conn.
are guests of his mother, Mrs. D. R.
Rees, near town.
Mrs, E. R. Marker, of near Mt.
Pleasant, entertained on Tuesday, Mrs.
w. R. Jacobs, of this town. and Miss
Eta La RIVE, of Aberdeen, Md.
The Transcript is pleased to be able
to state that the condition of Mr..
Carlton D. Pepper, who has been at the
Delaware Hospital, for several weeks
is very gratifying to his friends. and
his early recovery is hoped for.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

10th Grade-Gladys Gabriel, John
Pool, Edward Hart.
9th Grade-John Spicer. Elizabeth
Clayton, Helen Hates, Norma Pyle,
Elizabeth Brady, Grace VanDyke,
Dorothy Ratledge.
9Th and 7th Grades-Leland Sinex,
Charlotte Donaghay, Francis Maloney,
Esther Gabriel, Edna Spicer, Anna
Alfree, Catherine Conley,. Mary Steele,
Virginia Johnson, Katherine Davis,
Helen Fouracre, Catherine Hopkins,
Eunice Horsey, Helen Moore.
9th Grade-Mary Hynson, Horace
otweII, Charles I Hopkins Robert
Gabriel.
5th Grade Cassie Denney, Mabel
Fouracre, Blanche Messick, Helen
Ceaver.
4th Grade Leroy Hall, Ralph Hyn-
son, Howard Gabriel, Dorothy Steele.
Sd Grade-Herbert Dugan, Virginia
Truitt, George Lindale.
I'd Glade-Mary Elizabeth Grill,
81, Nolo
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

will get a pretty good estimate of the
cost Of our failures to the State. Fifty
per cent. of this in all likelihood could
have been prevented had the children
been kept in school regularly and to the
close.
|. The cost to the State is small COM
pared to the cost to the parents, which
may be the earning capacity of the
pupil for one year upon leaving school.
The greatest cost after ALL. is not to the
State directly. nor to the parent, but to
the student who fails. He may become
discouraged and stop school as soon as
the law permits, enter upon career
unprepared and fail. 1t may mean the
difference between happiness and misery
to him; difference between a home
with comforts and a home without
them; difference in his earning ca
pacity of thousand dollars year for
forty years.
To-day we have 1926 pupils in school.
Is it too much for US to hope that your
child may be one of three hundred to
make good or perfect attendance rec
ords With your cooperation We be-
lieve this goal can be reached.
Last year liz children were kept out
of school, 1904 days for agricultural
and other work. 1T children were
kept out, 292 days to make out-of town
trips or visits. 36 stayed at home or
were permitted to be out of school. lob
days because of parental Indifference.
While there are other causes, such as
bad weather and illness, large per
cent. of the absences due to the above
causes can be prevented.
| Therefore, in the interest of each
child and the school that is trying earn
estly to serve you and your children,
we ask you as parents and patrons to
make every reasonable sacrifice neces.
sary to keep your children in school
regularly, and to see to it, in so far as
lies within your power that each child
does his or her work we'll.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
18th Grade-John Carey, June John
son.
1lth Grade-Anna Bingnesr.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
Two Mules Killed

D.iring the severe electrical storm
which pass I'D over this section Fridav
afternoon, lightning struck and Instant
ly killed two valuable mules owned bv
Mr.. Benjamin Dillinger, who resides on
the George F. Wilson farm, two miles
west of Middletown. A son who had
been working team in the field, was
driving the mules to the stable when
the lightning bolt struck the animals.
Young Dillinger was knocked to the
ground and badly stunned, but soon re-
covered.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
MADE PERFECT RECORD ATTENDANCE

Daniels, Esther Hutchinson, Cassandria
1saacs, Olivia johnson, Mabel Marker,
Linda Martin, Esther Money, Sarah
Pearce, Mary Watts, Edwin Donaghay,
Harris Mcdowell. Irving VanHorn,
Dorothy Caulk.
9Th Grade-Virgfnia Hopkins, Beat
rice Conner, Clark Burge, Lester Burge,
Harry Pearce, William Pennewill,
Harry Sinex, Ida Dugan. Mildred Rat
ledge, Gladys Carey, Lewis Collins,
Margaret johnson.
7th Grade-Henry Howell, Bayard
Wilson, Harry Isaacs, Walter Krone
mier, James Conner, Walter Lee,
Bertha Chance, Francis Harris, Mary
Alfree, Elizabeth Hufnal, John Voshell.
9th Grade-Catherine Bedsten, Fan
ME johnson, Gladys Mayor, Mabel
Shahan, Julia Atwell, Beulah Ratledge,
Julian King, Joseph Beaston, John
Donohue, Edmond Moore, Lewis Stew
art, Reynolds Money, James Stanton,
Boyd Armstrong.
5th Grade-Ethel Ratledge, Margaret
Crothers, Helen Bryan, Myrtle Council,
Arthur Williams, Godfrey Newsome,
Winfred Wagner, Oscar Brynes.
4th Grade-Willlam Hamburg, AL.
meta Spicer, Charles Pope. Anna
Money, Jay Davis, Roland Heldmyer,
Margaret BAKER.
Sd William Alfree, John
Howell, Rubin Otwell, Alice Reed,
Gladys Baker, Fannie Bradley, Alice
Carey, Marion Heldmyer, Mollie Harris,
Edith johnson, Lena Leager, Anna
Marker, Lillian Moorehead, Elsie Reed,
Erma Otwell, Harry Brady.
, I'd Grade-Grace Hopkins, Grace
Morris, Katherine Mullen, Ethel Steele,
Elizabeth Swain, Mary Thornton, Leots
Wilson, Alvin Batten, Robert Brynes
Albert Buckworth, Clark Buckworth
Malcolm Cochran, Robert Cochran
Clarence Crossan, Everett Walls, Ear
Wilson, Thelma Spear, Helen Spicer
Addie Bryan.
LIST Grade-Ernest Truitt, Ernes
Baker, Eugene Thornton, Vernon
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

missed some days from school, attemp~
ed later, to take College entrance ex-
animation, only to fail in the work that
had been given in high school during
the days he had been absent. Such
cases, however, are exceptional.
Pupils who do not attend regularly
are not capable of doing the quality of
work that is done by the regular at.
tendants, which is only natural. Mr..
S. H. Reavis. of the Maryland Depart
ment of Education says, Pupils at
tending schools fewer days. do an in
ferior quality of work. ranking below
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
Farm Land Needs Draining

There were on January l, l9zo, 1oo'-
a31 acres of farm land in Delaware pro-
v;ded with artificial drainage, according
to figures from the 1920 census, an
nounced recently by the Bureau OF the
Census.
There were at the time of taking OF
the fourteenth census 6S. .969 acres of
land in the State needing drainage. of
which 1867 acres needed drainage only.
and 81 .OO2 acres needed drainage and
clearing. The percentage of improved
land in the State provided with artificial
drainage was g. s per cent.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

soon to give the valedictory speech ?
l think not. and yet, how little the
parent thinks of the one thing that has
sent the pupil to the top, and that is
Good Attendance.
How often have we heard the story
of the country school house, usually
red, with big cord wood stove in the
back of the room. The girls were the
only ones who could attend the whole
year. The boys usually had tasks on
the farm that kept them at home until
the first snowfall. In those days it
was highly improbable that the pupil
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL MADE GOOD RECORD
AZ Pupils Made Perfect Records and 1913 Made Good Records
in Attendance Last School Year


The Middletown Schools made an ex-
cellent record last year in attendance.
During the year 345 pupils were enroll
ed; 263 in the elementary school and 81
in the high. Of this number Al made
perfect attendance re ords, and 1893
records of good attendance, making a
total of 245 who won either good or
perfect attendance certificates.
The attendance for the elementary
school for the year is S9.1 per cent,
while the percentage for the high
school is 91.u.
This is splendid showing as COM
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
Delaware Legion's Officers

The American Legion convention
elected the following officers: Stat.
Commander, Captain H. J. Pettyjohn
Milford; Vice Commander, DR.. r. R
Spahr, Middletown; National Commit
teeman from Delaware, Thomas W
Miller, Wilmington; State EXECUTIVE
Committee, Captain H. H. Haneon
Dover; Harvey Closner, New Cast,a
and John Lindsay, Milton,
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

and other states makes him a valuable
asset to the Middetown Board. He is
deeply interested in all educational
matters, and for several years has
served as a member of the Trustees of
the Academy and the local school board.
Mr.. Shepherd has devoted great por-
ton of his valuable time in the past to
matters concerning our school interests,
and is heartily in accord with every
movement to improve our state school
code. He is a member of the Philadel
phia Commercial Exchange and con-
ducts one of the largest grain broker
age businesses on the Peninsula, and
these in conjunction with his other
large business interests makes him an
exceptionally busy man.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
DANIEL w. STEVENS

Mr.. Daniel w. Stevens, the Junior
member of the Board like his associate
members has many business interests
which frequently cause him to burn the
midnight oil, but he finds sufficient
time to serve as secretary to the Board,
and render other valuable services in
school matters. Besides serving in the
capacity of Middletown's 'lone judge, :"
he fills the position as Town Clerk,
Secretary to the Light & Water Com
mission, Secretary of the Building &
Loan Association, Director of the
Peoples National Bank, and has various
other duties. Mr.. Stevens is one Of
our most progressive townsmen, and a
staunch supporter of advanced educa-
tional school laws. The Board is very
fortunate in having him as its secretary
and member.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
THE SCHOOL BOARD

The local school board is composed of
three of Middletown's most progressive
professional and business men: Martin
B. Burris, ESQ.,, Jesse L. Shepherd
and Daniel W. Stevens. These gentle
men have been identified with the
affairs of the Middletown School for
many years, and their business training
makes them we'll qualified to look after
the important matters pertaining to the
local school.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

expect the ScnOOl TO rem. MARTlN B.
der the greatest service possible to the
youth of the district.
RELATION OF ATTENDANCE TO PROMO
TION
OF the 345 pupils enrolled 274 were
promoted. Of the II remaining, %
were transferred to other schools, leav-
ing 43 pupils in our system who will
have to repeat their grades because
they are not qualified to advance. 2l
of the 43 failures are chargeable to
poor attendance. To state it another
way 1873 per cent. of the failures last
year were due to the fact that the chill
dren were not there enough to have
fair chance.
In 1920 the average cost to the State
for keeping pupil in school year was
$63. So. Multiply this by 43 and you
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
THE VALUE OF ATTENDANCE
RY John C.. POOL

To all who are associated with school
work it is quite evident that pupils
must attend regularly in order to have
successful school year. They have
realized that when pupil misses day,
he loses one connecting link in the
chain of his work. Then when he does
return there is work to be made up,
which he generally does hurriedly and
with little interest, thereby deriving
from it, very little benefit. know Of
a case where high school student who
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
Goth Anniversary

The Goth anniversary of the First
Delaware Regimental Association will
he held in Seaford, October goth, 1921.
The meeting will be called to order at
1890 A. M. The ladies of Seaford will
nrepare "eats" for those who attend.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
GOOD ATTENDANCE
BY HARRY ROBERTS

Deep down in the heart of every
mother in this wide land of ours lies
the hope that her son or daughter will
stand first IN his or her classes, will be
leader. Is there anything that
pleases mother more than to see her
child seated on the platform at the
Commencement Exercises and to know
that the "only person on the stage" is
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03
JESSE L. SHEPHERD

JESSE L. SHEPHERD
The local school board is fortunate
indeed, in having as one of it's men,
bers Mr.. Jesse L. Shepherd. whose
large business interests in Delaware
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

Georgia Wiggin, Evelyn Price, Pearl
Wells.
10th Grade-Caroline Fouracre, Edna
REYNOLDS, Harriet Black, Margaret
Harris, Margie Records, Margaret
Clark, Harmon Reynolds, Walter
Beasten, Irving Armstrong, Gorden
Armstrong.
9th Grade-Hilda Cleaver, Grace
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

THE VALUE OF GOOD ATTENDANCE
BY CAROLINE FOURACRE
Regular attendance of school is one
of the greatest helps pupil has, tol
three main reasons.
Middletown transcript., 1921-10-03

AS1 ~ n OIL WV
1st Grade-For e s t
Gabriel.
GOOD ATTENDANCE
18th Gratie-JoSe-
phine Kohl, Edith Coch-
ran, Rogers Fouracre.
18th Grade Harry
Roberts, Clara Unruh,
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1921-11-18
EXPECTS JUDGE
NAMED SOON
Attorney-general Lemke Be.
lieves it Will be Miller or
" Richardson

Andrew Miller of Bismarck or
Seth Richardson of Fargo will be ap-
pointed federal Judge in North Dako-
to by president Harding in the opinion
of General Lemke, who re-
turned today from Washington.
He said that Senator McCumber
and Senator Ladd urged their res
pective candidates. Miller and Rich
ardson, and he expected that one of
the two would be named. He thought
appointment might be made by Presl-
dent Harding in the very near future.
Mr.. Lemke went to Washington TO
argue the state grain grading case, in
which the constitutionality of the law
is in question before the U. >.
supreme court The case now is finally
submitted, he said, Judge Simpson, OF
Minneapolis, appeared for the Farm
ers Elevator company of Embden.
He made motion to permit the I'LL
ing of brief in the Wisconsin rate
case, involving the Esch-Cummlns
law, which was permitted, he said.