davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1933-02-10
WOMAN KIDNAPPING
ADMITTED BY TWO
Former Convict and Woman
Confess Abduction of
Teachers Wife.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
LOS ANGELES, February 10-A de-
tective's soft voiced but persistent
lecturtng of suspect about treating
an old lady so roughly" provoked a
confession early today, police said,
which cleared up the mysterious kid
naping Of 65-year-old Mrs Mary B
Skeele.
Police said the confessions were made
by Miss Luella Pearl Hammer, 35, and
w. P. Howard. 80, her hired man, "
identified by officers as paroled ex-
convict from San Quentin Prison
Detective Chief Joe Taylor said he,
in long grilling of Howard, was
criticizing treatment of Mrs. Skeele,
wife Of Dean Walter F. Skeele of the
University of Southern California Col
lege Of Music.
Taylor reported Howard suddenly
said: I'VE didn't treat her rough at
all"
The detective said Howard then told
complete story conforming to facts
already unearthed by police, and Miss
Hammer. confronted with Howard's S
statement, also confessed.
The pair also confessed, Taylor said,
to an attempt to abduct Miss Isobel
Smith, Pasadena school teacher.
$4,000 Was Demanded.
Mrs. Skeele was kidnapped last Sun
Gay night and note demanding
$4,000 ransom was found. She was
yeleased near her home the next night,
shortly before time specified for pay
ment of the money.
Detectives quoted Howard as saying
the ransom note first was intended for
use in the kidnapping of Miss Smith,
but when the attempt failed, because
the teacher became suspicious, Miss
Hammer suggested they abduct Mrs.
Skeele
Officers quoted Howard as saying they
wanted the money to raise mortgage
ON a house owned by Miss Hammer, a
graduate of the Music College Of which
the victims husband is dean.
Miss Smith formerly was president
Of the student body of the Music Col
1ege, of which she is graduate. Her
father. Rev. Merle Smith, Pasadena
Methodist pastor, is trustee OF the
university.
Detectives yesterday took Mrs. Skeele
to the Hammer residence and she
identified several things indicating it
was the place she was held captive.
Later portable typewriter was found
hidden in a bed room closet of a house
formerly occupied by Miss Hammer
Police experts said it was the machine
on which the ransom notes were written.
Had Elaborate Plans.
Mrs. Skeele also partially identified
Howards voice. She was blindfolded
most of the time she was held
The accused pair denied they had any
accomplices. They were booked on
charges of kidnapping.
Miss Hammer, detectives reported,
was inclined to view her predicament
and events leading up to it as something
of joke. She said, however, she wanted
to apologize to Mrs. Skeele.
Both Miss Hammer and Howard eX-
planned to officers, the latter said, that
they planned to be married, but could
not do so until the house mortgage was
lifted.
As Taylor quoted Howard, the latter
said he contrived plans for series of
abductions and Miss Hammer was to
single out the victims. They believed
their first intended victim, Miss Smith,
would net them sufficient funds in
ransom to enlarge their kidnapping plans.
Evening star., 1933-02-10
Will Complete All Year Book.

HERNDON, Va, February 10 (Spe-
ciaD The Herndon All Club will meet
In the Home Economics Cottage tomor-
row at 2:30 pm. At this meeting the
club will arrange the subject matter for
the completion of the year book. The
book will contain a complete outline
the work and social activities >of the
club for the present year. Mrs. George
r. Bready will assist the girls in this
work
Evening star., 1933-02-10
TEMPERANCE MEETINGS
PLANNED, BY ORDER
Eagle Tent No. of Rschabites
Will Hold Series of Gath
erings.

Eagle Tent. No. 2, Independent Order
of Rechabites, has laid plans for a
series of meetings at which they hope
to get temperance pledges. Arrange
mentS were made recent meeting,
when a special committee was appointed
consisting of John R. Mahoney, John
B. Hammond Charles Bean, j. Raymond
Schmidt, George B. Jackson and Charles
Williams. The meetings will be held In
various churches throughout the city.
report was made of the recent
hearing on prohibition held at the
Washington Hotel, where the Recha-
bites were represented by Mrs. Jessie
Nicholson, Canon Sheafe Chase and
John B. Hammond.
Plans are being made for Eagle Tent
to hold a Valentine social February IA.
Evening star., 1933-02-10

At.ten.shun-all you dashing young juniors! If
you're seeking thrill-just drift into our Junior
Miss Shop tomorrow, 11:0O to 4:OO-where eight
young hi.school lassies will parade newest fash
ions. A glorious collection of frocks suits, coats, N
everything will make you positively green with
envy! And so we say-"Hi There look!"
Evening star., 1933-02-10

These clever hats fit though they had been made
to your measure-clinging stretching your head
size requires. Made of Lastex-that spun elastic
yarn-with permanent supply of elasticity The styles
smart and youthful and becoming. Black, brown,
grey, beige, blue, white red and mint green.
SECOND FLOOR
Evening star., 1933-02-10

You'd gladly walk a mile in
this comfortable sport oxford-and
like it better with each step! Tan
elk-skin with the popular kiltie
tongue.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
CARD PARTY AT
 PARISH LYCEUM
Lively Contests at Several Tables Took Place
 Last Night

Among those who attended the card party at St Patrick's parish lyceum last night were: Mrs M. J. Kitchen, Mrs J. Kelly, Miss Ryan. Mrs P. Tyrrell, Mrs J. Temple, Mrs J. Brickner, Mrs G. Jackson, Margaret Taylor. Miss Mary O'Don- nell, Miss Helen Fitzgerald, Mrs D. J. McGrath, Mrs Mary Martin, Mrs Joseph Farrell, Mrs Katherine Kelly, Miss Alice Kelly, Mrs j.. Cowett, Albertine Grassler, Mrs James Keefe, Richard Wilkinson, J. Reibenwolff, Mrs w. Fitzgerald, Mrs Morris Fitzmaurice, Mrs Kath- leen Wrenn, Mrs Margaret Keane.
 Mrs Timothy Cronin, Mrs John Dunphy, Alice Daily, Mrs Thomas Fitzmaurice, Mrs John Carbine, Mrs w. Brennan, Mrs M. Donovan. Mrs. c. Ottinger, G. Ottinger, Jr., Mrs Thomas Edmunds, Miss Ella Wallace, Miss Mary Wallace, Miss Anna Wurzinger, Miss Angeline Pascucci, Mrs Thomas Grady Miss Helen Shanahan, Mir Herbert, King Altman, John Fitzgerald and Robert Lynch.
 The committee in charge in- cluded Mrs James Cronin, Mrs James R. Lawlor, Mrs w. Bren- nan, Mrs Arthur Cuisse, Mrs Richard Wilkinson, Mrs Michael Lawlor, Mrs John Temple, Mrs Harold Simpson, Mrs Mary O'Don- nell and Mrs Joseph Shopis.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
CITY MADE ITS
 FIRST TAX SALE

(Continued from Page 1.)
 concerning the auction. The man owing the taxes is 8 well known cattle dealer, so the sheriff figured that he would be on hand to do a little bidding.
 Sure enough. the sheriff found his man present among the many prospective buyers. He immediate ly served the alias tax warrant on the delinquent and invited him to take a ride to the county jail.
 The delinquent, however, hustled around among his friends and finally scraped enough together to satisfy the city and to save himself from becoming guest of High Sheriff James w. Geddes. The amount due was $157.29 and 1t was for taxes on an automobile over a period of several years. The old- est bill was dated 1928.
 Sheriff Roach stated that there are many others who are seeking to avoid being served with the warrants but that he will be right after them in the next few days unless the tax bills against them arc settled at. Collector Ennis office.
 Under the law. on the. seizure of the West Main street property, the sale must be advertised one day week for three consecutive weeks. The sale cannot take place less than nine weeks or more than 10 weeks after the date of advertising. This means that the sale will take place on February 18th unless the bill is settled up in tho meantime
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
CONTROLLER OF
 CITY EXPLAINS

(Continued from Page 1)
 rowing the entire $1,500, 900 right now the city Is avoiding any future rate in interest prices, which is bound to occur as business condi- tions improve. Ono broker told him to-day, he told the commission CTS, that a fair rate this morning would be four and one-half per cent. However, Controller Leary negotiated to-day's loan q couple of weeks ago and, thereby, saved the city much money in interest.
 The loan approved to-day wil, mature on June 18th. In other words, tho city is not wasting any days on interest. To-day is Dec 18th and the loan is to be made to the day, June 18th, covering tho six-month period.
 Controller Leary pointed out that he does not anticipate any future borrowing. at least until af- ter the 1894 May taxes come in. If the back tax collection drive con- tinues as efficiently as 1t has dur ing the past few weeks, he added, possibly the city will be able to avoid borrowing from the banks.
 For the past several weeks tho city has been carrying on" with out any floating indebtedness, which is also something new for the municipality. The temporary loans owed by the municipality were all cleaned up few weeks ago leaving the city free and clear"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
Apartment Tenants Sleep Soundy As Cellar Fire Rages
HANS LUTHER IS
 AGAIN HECKLED
Was Making an Address in Columbia University
 as Students Protest

New York, Dec 1S-(UP)-Ger- man Ambassador Hans Luther was heckled and booed while making an address fin Horace Mann hall. Columbia university, last night. On the campus outside detachments of police battled 2,000 students and sympathizers attempting to stage a demonstration against the Nazi government.
 Dr Luther was heckled during the first part of his address on world disarmament. Cries of "Why did they burn the homes of exiled professors?" mingled with general shouts of Down with Hitler." Po- lice removed three women heck lers, ushers silenced more, and Dr Luther proceeded in quiet. Only once again was there Interruption. When he said Hitler had submit tod to the vote of the people fol- lowing the recent election. showing a democratic idea n Germany. there was loud laughter.
 He said that Germany was will ing to disarm to tho .last rife" if the rest of the world was willing to do so. The demonstration outside was turbulent. Police used clubs and fists freely and the demonstra- tors. mostly students. fought back. No arrests were made.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
D. A.'V. AUXILIARY
 ASSANTACLAUS
Will Give Presents to Cflil- dren at Columbus Hall
 Saturday Night

With the auxiliary of the Water bury chapter, D. A. w., playing host next Saturday afternoon Santa Claus will distribute presents to 250 or more children in Knights of Columbus hall. The youngsters will be invited to the party through their fathers, who comprise the ac- tive membership of the local chap ter of the Disabled American Vet erans.
 All members of the auxiliary are asked to meet tomorrow evening in the American Legion home to as- sist in arranging the lists of little guests and to aid Santa Claus rep resentative in arranging the pack ages of games, toys and candies. Refreshments will also be served to the children on the occasion of the visit of their popular friend.
 A meeting of the Waterbury chapter will also be held tomor- row night in the legion home to arrange for the Christmas party which will be held under the aus pices of the organization next Sat urday evening in K. of c. hall. The purpose of the social is to provide funds for the kiddies' party. It is the chapters annual Christmas cheer fund. The committee of ar rangemcnts includes James F. Martone. chairman: Adjutant Will liam Murray, Walter Overton, James Barry, John P. Barry and Amedee Payeur.
 All active members interested in obtaining invitations for their chil- dren so that they will be remem- bered at the party next Saturday afternoon are asked to attend the meeting tomorrow evening in the legion home.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
FUNERALS

Funeral services for Mrs Row land Dreschler were held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the home, N. Lewis officiating. Burial was in the Independent Lutheran ceme- tery.
 The funeral of Mrs Sylvester Blinstrub will be held tomorrow morning at 8:3O o'clock from tho home, 235 Wilson street, to St Jo- seph's church, where a high mass of requiem will be sung at 9 o'clock. Bu1ial will be in Calvary cemetery.
 Funeral services for Mrs Solo, mon Rahhal will be held to-mor- row afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home. 69 Ward street, with Rev Moses R. Lowell officiating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.
 Funeral services for Miss Lillian Cass, former resident of this city, were held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the home in Walling- ford. Burial was in Wallingford.
 The funeral of William Meara took place this morning at 8.:30 o'clock from the Lunny funeral home, 25 Central avenue to the Immaculate Conception church where 8 solemn mass of requiem was celebrated at 9 o'clock. A special program of music was rem dered by Professor Frederick Har- mon with Mrs J. R. Mahon of Hamden, niece of the deceased, as soloist. Burial was in old St Jo- seph's cemetery. The pallbearers included: Dennis Shea,< Francis Donnelly, Martin Sweeney, Michael Hayes. John Horrigan, and Michael Griffin.
 The funeral of Robert Francis Ventresca, infant son of Mir and Mrs Anthony Ventresea, will be held tomorrow morning at 8:15 from the home, 32 Sylvan avenue, to St Francis Xavier church where the snrvice of thc Holy Angels will be held at 9 o'clock. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
BREWERS SESSION
 AT HOTEL ELTON
Met Last Night and Urged People to Patronize
 Conn Output

Members of the state brewers association, meeting at The Elton last night, voted to urge Connecti- cut people to drink beer made in this state. An advertising campaign will be launched along these lines. pointing out that New York state beer comes here tax free while beer from this state is taxed in the En- pire State.
 Brewers pointed out that they are entitled to support in the state since they employ several thousand workers, pay town and state real estate and beer taxes, and spend much money in this state.
 James Weibcl of New Haven pre- sided at the gathering, which was attended by brewery owners and their representatives from all parts Of the state.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
COMPENSATION
 CASES IN COURT
Three Claims for Damage Caused By Injuries Set
 tied To-day

Emerson Atwood of Woodbury who fcll eight feet while attempt ing to put up a storm door on Novmeber 15, will be paid $12.38 weekly during his incapacity with a broken heel bone according to an agreement filed today at the office of Commissioner r. M. Will Hams.
 Tn another fall accident, Arthur Lawson of 279 Piedmont street will receive $17.74 weekly from Laube Interstate, Inc, for injuries to his foot sustained when ho fell from the rear of truck. Tho Mutual Aid Unemployment Fund, Inc, will pay $5 weekly to Frank Polera of l75 Phoenix avenue during his in- capacity with hernia.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
North Main Street Block Turned Into
 Veritable Inferno
Potential Danger Traced to Steam BOier-First Floor Occupant Aroused and Notifies Headquarters
 -Firemen Marvel at Occupants Escape

tinued to function and the dry boil CT became so heated that when firemen arrived 1t had been warped out of shape. It collapsed into a melted mass within a short time, indicating the intensity of the heat. It is remarkable that the flooring above the boiler was not ignited. Bremen marveled at the escape the tenants had from being hustled out of their quarters by q fire that had possibilities of developing into something serious. The Neat was so great also that persons standing a few feet away in an adjoining alley-way could feel the heat of the walls of the building. Chief Henry H. Hoffman, who answered the call remained on the scene to watch the outcome of an unusual occurrence.
 The boiler instance is significant in fire circles, because 1t furnishes splendid proof of the campaign that officials have been conducting for sometime past. All boilers with oil burning equipment they have been claiming should have an auto- matic shut off to check the heat when something becomes defective with the boiler. A low water shut off has been contended as being absolutely essential for the safety of the occupants of any residence or building in which they are in- stalled.
 The incident was investigated later in the day by the office of the fire marshal. The building is owned by William J. Verriker.
 Shortly before the call came fin for the North Main street incident two alarms had been registered within q few minutes of each other for a chimney fire in the Lithu- anian Merchandise corporation. The alarms were recorded at 2:43 and 2:45 o'clock this morning.
 An automobile ire on Thomas ton avenue at 6:53 o'clock and a small blaze caused by a pan of grease in the residence of Richard D. Ely, 157 Hillside avenue. at 11:55 this noon were among the calls of busy morning.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
Broom More Operant
 Sometimes Than Cop
So Testifes Woman To-day in $lO,OOO Alienation of
 Affection Suit-Judge and Jury Hearing Case

the influence of liquor and refused to leave the premises. even though she theratened to call a cop.
 On cross examination by Attor- ney Patrick Healey, Mrs Levas said she did not call cop, but in- stead went to the kitchen and came back with broom with which she attained better results
 "why didn't you call the police man?" asked Attorney Healey.
 Because sometimes Q broom is better than a cop," came the re- ply.
 The case is expected to take the rest of the day and most of to- morrow with the jury probably getting it for deliberation late in the afternoon. Attorney Michael V. Blansfield and Attorney Sidney s. Cassel appear for thes plaintiff. Attorney Frank T. Heaiey is as- sisting Attorney Patrick Healey in the defense of the suit.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13

tCOUIlDucQ rom EdR0 l. Murphy.
 Without waiting for a reply he added:
 'In general, I have no sympathy with communistic activities"
 The students, undecided by this sudden turn of events, tried to pro- test that they had not come to ar- que or discuss communism.
 T listened to you and know you win listen to me-" retortcd Mur- rhy. "or if you don't wish to the door is open."
 The students remained.
 This strike was called by the Union, and that is a communistic Federation of Labor," Murphy, a vice-president of the Connecticut Federation of Labor told the pro- testing Gordon.
 t..There arc lots of people like you students who butt into things tkey know nothing about, and sometimes trouble results. The students of Yale can find much bet ter fields of activities if they want to do some good work" Murphy told them. 1T am sure those ar- rested will receive fair trials Fri day. As to discharging an officer. you will have to see the police com mission"
 The delegation left.
 An hour or so later Gordon was arrested at the scene of the strike. Police charged him with disturbing the peace. He was fined $25 in po- lice court today and an appeal bond set at $200.
 Dean Clarence W. Wendell, of Yale; stated this week that the university was not in sympathy with students who became involved in outside controversial matters.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13

Tenants of six apartments in a block at 21S-224 North Main street slept peacefully unconscious early to-day of the fact that in the cellar of their residence was veritable inferno. An eight-section steam boiler. which turned red and white with heat, but failed to explode be- cause of the fact that water had speed through crack, was the source of the potential danger.
 The smell of scorched asbestos aroused a tenant on the lower floor and led to an investigation of the cause. He telephoned fire head quarters at 2:59 o'clock this morning and two companies of fire apparatus answered. Bremen found the heat in the cellar ter rife, the smoke from the asbestos nauseating. Working their way Into the basement they discovered the cause and took prompt steps to prevent any possible fire result ting.
 The big steam boiler had an oil burner equipment. When the Wa ter leaked out there was no low water cut off to check the flow of oil when the water had reached the danger level. The burner con-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13


 ances and eleven showed evidence of eyestrain.
 Only three were found to be mentally deficient. Other defects found were: Cervical adentitis, g.; impetigo, 2; Anemia, 1: poor nu- triton. l; squint. l: suppurating ears, 2; blepharitis. 3; conjunctiv- itis, 2; scabies. ; impaired hearing, 3; miscellaneous, 6.
 At the pre-school clinic the doc- tors treated total of 1.279 school children. They vaccinated 4O1, gave toxin-antitoxin to 37, gave toxoid to 243, isued certificates to 237 and conducted 6 miscellaneous consultations. In addition special examinations were held at the high schols and 435 children were vac- cinated at the city laboratory. A large part of the vaccination work at the laboratory was done by Dr Godfrey, himself.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13

from the figures prevalent immedi- ately after repeal took effect but have not changed materially in the last few days.
 Speakeasies, according to an es- innate of Police Commissioner James s. Bolan, are rapidly dis appearing. He estimated that only 1928 are left of the 5000 supposed to have been operating two days after repeal. When Grover A. Wha- len was police commissioner he es- timated the city's total at 32.00O.
 Arrests for drunkenness have not shown any increase.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
posToEEICE RoRBED

Detroit, Dec. 13-(UP)- Regis tered mail, stamps i-nd cash total- linz between $3,000 and $4,000 were stolen from tn Alfred street branch postoffice 1t was revealed today upon opening. John D. Stackpoole, superintendent of mails, said the burglars obtained approximately s200 in small change in addition to a portion of tho stamp supply and one pouch of registered mail.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13

Sometimes a broom is better than a cop, according to Mrs Sofie Levas, one of several witnesses called to the stand in the $1O,OOO alienation of affection suit of Walter Madday against Sergi Niti- ko in common pleas court today. The case is being tried before Judge Elbert B. Hamlin and Q jury.
 Mrs Levas said she was awak- ened one evening and upon open ing her hall room door on Abbott avenue found the defendant and Mrs Madday locked in each others arms. She said they were under
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
BURGLAR FAILED
 AT BOWLING ALLEY

Burglars gaining entrance during the night to St Joseph's bowling alleys on Congress avenue tipped over tho safe in which the man. ager had placed the receipts of the establishments. The would-be yegg- man thought 1t would be sim- pie matter to bore a hole in the bottom of the safe, but finding it impossible, abandoned the task.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-13
CIVIL CASES IN i.
 SUPERIOR COURT
Twenty-Nine Motions in Short Calendar Next
 Friday Morning

Motions in 29 civil cases will be heard at the short calendar session of the superior court before Judge Newell Jennings Friday morning. One of the important motions to be heard will be the ruling of the court on the permission of the re- ceiver for the Merchants Trust company to sell Home Owners Loan Corporation bonds.
 Another motion to be considered is the request for compensation for services rendered by the receiver for the Sanditz &s Traurig and Kazemekas & Go banks.