davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
LEADERS ARE
APPOINTED AT
STATE NORMAL
Miss Bette Harcum, Of Sails
bury Is Announced AS
Queen Of The May
NAMES CHOSEN FOR
THE MERIT AWARD

At the All College Night held at the
State Teachers College on Friday,
april "a, the following campus lead
ers for 1886 were announced:
Queen of the May, Miss Bette Har-
cum, a sophomore; and Miss State
Teachers College, Miss Helen Smith,
senior at the college. Miss Har-
cum is the daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
II. L. Harcum Of Park Ave-, Sails
bury. Miss Smith is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. George Smith of Hollen
Road, Baltimore. Mr.. Ardie Winters,
sophomore, so nof Mr.. A. w. Win
tiers of Smithburg, was selected as the
best all round man. The Queen of the
May is chosen for her poise and
charm as we'll as her beauty. Miss
State Teachers College and the Best
All Round Man are the boy and girl
who represent the highest ideals of
the college in character and leader
ship.
Other campus leaders announced in
Guided the most handsome man, Mr..
Arthur Williams, sophomore from
Salisbury; the most literary, Mr.. Ray
mond Jump, a senior from Easton;
the best woman athlete, Miss Leslie
Purnell, sophomore from Salisbury;
and the best man athlete, Mr.. Lee
Burton, freshman from Cambridge.
The names of the nine students
who have been nominated for the Mer-
it Award were also announced at this
time. The standards used in MAX
ing nominations for this award in
clude cooperativeness, dependability,
leadership, high moral principles, mi
tiative and outstanding scholarship.
The students selected are Misses Clo-
tide Drechsler of Westminster, Flora
Hawkins, of Pylesville, Helen Smith
of Baltimore, and Mr.. Raymond Jump,
of Easton, all members of the senior
class; Mr.. Jerome Fletcher of Waldorf
and Miss Bette Harcum, of Salisbury,
both sophomores; and Messrs. Lee
Burton and Robert Doenge, two fresh
men from Cambridge.
The All College Night program con-
sisted of special entertainment by the
Glee Club and Mems Chorus; an ath-
letic exhibition; a play, and recep-
ton and dance. The program was at
tended by delegates to the Student
Conference being held by the college.
Miss Anne Matthews was the gen.
eral chairman of this conference.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
"Chnps'' ~
from the
Democrats Pen
from the

Well, Sir, had one or two persons
to stop me on the street this week
and ask me whom I was referring to
in this column last week as baseball
lunatics.
/ didn't answer right off the bat,
because 1 didn't like the looks of my
questioners very much. They looked
like lunatics "sho' 'nuff", and l was
afraid they might rumple my coun-
tenance. 1 called into service all my
diplomacy, assured a neutral POSITION
and managed to back away with no
bones broken.
Maybe you'd be surprised to know
that these were the very ones l had
in mind when I padded up for Chlrps.
They were suspicious of me, and I'm
here to tell you 1 was suspicious OF
them. and it was miracle that rev.
olution didn't occur right there and
then It sort of made me feel that
I'd like a vacation for awhile, so that
nv think tank could kinda settle down
TO normal, as IL WERE
Consequently, I'm going to let you
folks read some of the philosophy OF
Joephus Bush, who writes, confidenti-
ally for one of the Norfolk, Va, dali
les. 10 has some real entertaining
views sometimes, and in the follow
ing he writes to Mr.. Hoover, extend
ing sympathy for the decline and fall
of the Constitution:
81 don't blame him for worrying
the fix this country is in," said JOS
ephus Bush, gloomily, signing letter
and reaching for an envelope.
Whom do you mean, Mr.. Bush
Mr.. ROOSEVELT"
"No, indeed" Mr.. Bush replied. Il
mean Mr.. Hoover. He's the one who
is worried, and why shouldn't he be?
Isn't President Roosevelt destroying
our confidence in the future? Aren't
we in danger of initiation? Isn't the
budget unbalanced ~ And ,are1G we
undermining the Constitution?
IT have written Mr.. Hoover letter
/ think we ought to let him know we
sympathize with him in his sorrow.
Here, look over the letter. It's lit
tie blurred in places where my tears
fell on it, but he will understand. Here
it is:
Dear Mr.. Hoover: l take the lib
erty of writing to you to say to you
that l, too, have suffered. You may
Continued on Page 12)
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
FARMERS OF
SOMERSET CO.
STUDY SOILS
A Series OF Meetings Conducted
By County Agent, c. Z.
Keller
PROGRAM DESIGNED TO
BENEFIT ALL FARMERS

The farmers of Somerset county
have had the opportunity to hear the
new soil conservation program dis
cussed, at series of community meet
ings conducted the past week by
County Agent c. z. Keller.
Details of the program were men
toned and it was emphasized that a
farmer must fill out a work sheet if
he is to be eligible to apply for a
grant.
Arrangements are being made to
provide the farmers of Somerset Co.,
with definite information as to the
application of the program to their
particular farms. 1t will be the aim,
to provide for all farmers who desire
to make out the necessary work
sheets and in planning their indivi-
dual farming operations, SO as to con-
serve and build their soil and qualify
for grant under the new act.
The program is designed to benefit
all persons engaged in farming and
the government is sharing with farm
ers the expense Of improving the fer
tility of their farms. The way in
which an individual farmer can con-
tribute to the program is by familiar
izing himself with the conditions and
by engaging in a soil-building pro-
gram on the land which he himself
farms.
The program provides for reduc-
ton in the soil depicting crops harvest
ed in 1886. The crops listed as soil
depicting are as follows-corn, wheat,
oats, barley, rye, sudan, millets, soy
beans, cowpeas, Irish potatoes, sweet
potatoes, coming crops, truck crops
and strawberries.
If the total of these soil depicting
crops are reduced in 1886, an average
for the United States Of $1,000 per
acre benefit payments will be neces-
sary to seed the land to soil conserv-
CONTINUED on Page g.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
AN OPOSSUM STRAYED
FROM ITS NATIVE HEATH

An opossum which had evidently
gone sight seeing, was captured at the
corner of Second and Vine Streets,
last week by two men, Woodrow Dor
sey and Ralph Long, of Pocomoke vi
entity.
Whether these young gentlemen car
ried the animal to a restaurant in
town and accidentally on purpose let
it loose therein, cannot be definitely
stated but the fact remains this opos-
sum was loose in said cafe and created
considerable CONSERVATION by its
playful, or otherwise, pranks.
1t was finally retaken and the re-
port is it was humanely carried off
from its urban surroundings to its
more natural rural habitat and there
allowed to resume it's life in the
woods.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
REHEARSALS FOR
WHO'S WILDE"
HAVE STARTED
Big Show Sponsored By Local
Lions Presented For Chart
table Purposes

Rehearsals started this week for
"Who's Wilde" Pocomoke's big local
show which is to be presented under
the auspices of the local Lions Club
at the Marva Theatre for two per-
formances, matinee and night, May z.
Mrs. Wheeler of the well known
Wheeler Producing Company, who is
to personally supervise the production,
arrived in town on last Monday, and
an organization of the cast was held
on that evening, large number being
present.
The cast will number around 200 of
Pocomoke's best dramatic, singing,
and dancing talent, and the production
is to be deliberately presented with all
special costumes, scenery and electri-
cal effects. The Riddles, who are al
ways a feature with the Wheeler
shows, are again to have prominent
part in the show, nearly 100 of them,
many of pre-school age, taking part
in a beautifully costumed pageant,
entitled, "Springtime."
"Who's Wilde" by the older folks,
is the Wheeler's latest offering, a
combination of the best in comedy,
music and dancing, real up-to-the-
minute musical comedy with a we'll
defined plot, an abundance of clean
cut and hilariously funny comedy sit
uations, pretty and attractively cos
tuned singing, and dancing chorus
numbers, solos, duets, and ensembles.
The music is all of the late popular
variety and all in all Who's Wilde"
bids fair to Guido the big success of
the Lion Clubs first production, "Mix-
ed Pickles" last year.
The speaking parts will be taken
by Mrs. Alice Evans Broadbent. Mr..
Howard Jennings, Miss Margaret Hol-.
land, Attorney William Miller, Mr..
Roger Vincent, Jr., Mrs. Thos. Corbitt
and Mr.. ]. A. Davis.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
MAY MEETING OF The
WOMAN'S CLUB MAY 6

The regular May meeting OF the
Woman's Club of Pocomoke City will
be held in the Social Hall of Bethany
M. P. Church, May 9Th, at 2:3O
o'clock. Mrs. J. T. Weller, President
of Garden Clubs of Norfolk, will be
the guest speaker. Mrs. Arthur Lank
ford is chairman of the program.
AS the election of officers will be
held at this time, the Nominating
Committee has prepared the following
slate: President, Mrs. R. Lee Hall ;
Vice-president, Mrs. c. c. Hall; Re-
cording Secretary, Mrs. Frances Cuff
Assistant Recording Secretary, Mrs.
Clarence Duncan; Corresponding Sec
rotary, Mrs. S. E. McMaster; Treas
urer, Mrs. U. P. Stevenson; Director,
Mrs. ]. K. Lang.
The afternoon will feature flower
show.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
DEPUTY SHERIFF
in SOMERSET CO.
CUT BY NEGRO
Officer Seeks To Prevent Escape
OF Prisoner And Receives
Fourteen SlaSheS
NEGRO ESCAPES BUT
is CAPTURED SAME DAY

Princess Anne was the location of
quite bit of excitement on Tuesday
last, caused by a murderous attack
Of negro upon one of the county
officials. The county official was
Deputy Sheriff, William A. Holland
and the negro was George Washing
ton, alias George White, probably
from Delaware. The charge against
the colored man was disorderly con-
duct at Rehoboth. His behavior there
consisted in singing and shouting, evil
dencing that he was seeking trouble
and didn't care how soon it came.
Sheriff William H. Dryden arrested
the man Monday night, and jailed
him. Tuesday morning, when the De-
putty who is also jailer, went to the
prisoners cell to carry breakfast,
White, or Washington, attempted to
make an escape by rushing the Off
Ger and trying to push him down the
stairway. Holland grappled with the
man who then drew a penknife and
began slashing the officer. An assis-
tant jailer thought it best to offer
an avenue of escape for the crazed
man and opened the room door. White
saw his chance and fled, leaving Mr..
Holland bleeding from numerous but
not dangerous wounds.
Whites liberty soon ended. Citi-
zens joined the hunt, and CCC Camp
boys and State police drew Gordon
around the fugitive and on the same
day he took leave he was captured
and carried back to prison. Then be-
gan rumors galore, and many heard
that lynching was on hand. Moth
ing happened, however, and there
was apparently no manifestation of
any disposition to wreak vengeance.
White was found near Princess Anne
in field where he had been hiding
since his escape. Some are of the
opinion that the negro is weakminded
and his sanity will be looked inc.
Outsiders, in small numbers, moved
into Princess Anne on Tuesday night
when there was some talk of ven
geance against Hollands assailant,
but everything was quiet, and the law
will be allowed to take its course.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
MARYLAND LOO.
F. CONVENED IN
LARGE NUMBERS
Three Hundred Members Meet
In Frederick For The 117th
Annual Session

Attended by approximately three
hundred members the 117th annual
session of the Grand Lodge of Mary
land l. o. o. F. convened in Frederick,
Md, Monday and Tuesday. This is
the first time in the history of the or
ganization the Grand Lodge has met
outside Baltimore City.
The address of welcome was made
by Mayor Cutler of Frederick. High
lights of the session included the an
nual ball which was held Monday even
ing in the Francis Scott Key Hotel
and tour of the interesting places
in and around Frederick on Tuesday
prior to the afternoon session.
The ladies were entertained Mon
day by Rebecca Lodge.
Grand officers elected to serve for
the ensuing year were as follows:
Grand Master, T. Earl Ewing, of
Easton; Deputy Grand Master, Ray
mond c. Hanson, of Ellicott City;
Grand Warden, A. Frank Miller, Mt.
Airy; Grand Secretary, William A.
Jones, Baltimore, Grand Treasurer;
w. H. Hostetter, Baltimore; Grand
Chaplain, Charles w. Bennett, Sails
bury; Grand Marshall, James C. Cow
ey, Easton; Grand Conductor, DIR. J..
T. Mock, Pocomoke City; Grand Guard
ian, Carl A. Nevins, Easton; Grand
Herald, Paul L. Wilson, Forrest Hill.
Those attending from Marva Lodge
in Pocomoke were: DR.. and Mrs. ]. T.
Mock and Mr.. and Mrs. George E.
Young.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
CHAS. S. HOUCK
LECIONAIRE AT
HIGH SCHOOL
Explains Meaning Of American
Legion And Also Of Its
Auxiliary

Mr.. Charles S. Houck, Jr., Depart
ment Commander of the American
Legion Of Maryland, visited the POGO
moke High School last Thursday
morning and gave a talk which will
remain long in the memory of the
students and members of the faculty.
He explained first the meaning of
the Legion and it's Auxiliary and
Just why such an organization was
formed in 1919. The subject of his
speech was "Americanism and the
Flag" Americanism is just one of
the twenty-three points of the pro-
gram outlined by the American Leg
ion. The meaning of Americanism
was clearly explained and the reason
why all should stand firm for the pro-
lection of our country and it's con-
stitution.
Commander Houck being a decor
ator by trade gave some most valuable
information about the Flag. How and
why the first American Flag came to
be made and why it should be re-
spected by all true Americans; the
proper salute; the advancement of
flags and how they should be hung
when displayed. At the conclusion of
his talk Flag code was given to each
child and they were asked to study
them.
This is the first time Department
Commander of the American Legion
has visited the school and given such
an interesting and instructive talk on
a subject which should be of vital in
terest to all. The school is grateful
to Commander Houck for his interest
in the youth Of the community. This
is one of the many good things, ac-
oomplished by the Worcester Unit
No. SO of Pocomoke, of which unit
Mrs. George S. Bunting is president.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
BERLIN EDITOR
DIED ON WE'D.
OF PNEUMONIA
A. r. HOlcOmbe, Of The east
ern Shore Tines, Succumbs
To Fatal Disease
WILL BE BURIED ON
SATURDAY, MORNING, 18TH

Mr.. A. R. Holcombe, who in 1881
bought "The Times" a newspaper
published in Berlin, this county died
at the Salisbury hospital Wednesday
night, his death being due to an attack
of double pneumonia. He was SO
years of age.
The deceased, before coming to Wor
cester County had had much exper-
fence in the newspaper business. He
entered the work in 1901 with the
Daily Picayune, now the Times Pic
ayune, in New Orleans. After leav-
ing this paper in 1909, he served in
turn with the St. Louis Republic and
the Cleveland Leader.
He moved to st. Louis and became
city editor of the Times there in 1914.
The following year he became man.
aging editor and served in this post
until 1919, when he went to the old
New York Tribune as cable editor.
He became night editor of the Tri-
Dune III 1JZI, anu COHClHueu Ill CHlS
post after the Tribune was merged
with the Herald. In 1926 he was ap-
pointed managing editor of the Her
Tribune. This was the post he
held when he bought the Berlin paper.
Mr.. Holcombe was born in Mobile,
Ala, in 1876, the son of Richard Spen-
Ger Holcombe and Sally Taylor Hol-
combe. He was graduated from Cen
tenary College, Jackson, La, in 1897.
In 1920 the college bestowed on him
the degree of LII. D. In 1899 he re-
ceived his A. M. from Vanderbilt Uni
versity.
After graduation he served as
teaching fellow in geology at Wander
bilt- and later was principal of the
Stanton (Tenn.) Training School.
He is survived by a widow and a
brother in New York. Funeral SER
Continued on Page y
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
GOVERNMENT IS
CONSIDERING BILL
FORICE-BREAKINC
Mr.. GOldsbOrOugh introduced
The Bill In The Early Days
OF The Session
CALLS FOR TWELVE NEW
ICE-BREAKING CUTTERS

Five departments of the Govern
ment took today under consideration
the question of recommendations tc
be made with respect to the policy
which the Government should take in
providing adequate ice-breaking YES
sells for the Chesapeake Bay and other
waters of the United States.
This information was made public
by Representative Goldsborough
(Dem., Md, who introduced bill in
the early days of the session to au-
thorize the construction of twelve
Coast Guard vessels designed especial
ly for ice breaking.
The conference was held in the of
flee of chief of engineers, in which
representatives of the Treasury, War
Navy, Commerce and Coast Guard SCI
vice participated.
In a letter to Mr.. Goldsborougl
about the conference, Rear-Admiral
H. G. Hamlet, commandant of the
Coast Guard, said, "You will recognize
that this matter is one concerning
which the interested Federal agencies
are endeavoring to see to what extent
it is feasible for the Government to be
of assistance"
Following the introduction of the
Goldsborough bill calling for the con-
struction of the twelve new ice
breaking cutters, President Roosevelt
suggested to the delegation, includ-
ing Representatives Goldsborough and
Kennedy, of Maryland, and Bland, of
Virginia, that it might be possible to
find naval vessels, such as mine
sweepers, that have been placed out
of commission but that could be put
into service again as ice-breaking YES
sells.
So far as could be learned, no fur
Their report was made on the sugges-
ton.
Representative Kennedy also is
sponsor of bill to authorize two ice
breaking cutters for use in the Bal
timore harbor, upper Chesapeake Bay
and the Chesapeake and Delaware
Canal, at cost of $500, 900 each.
This measure also is still pending
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
MRS. M. E. CHELTON
DIED THURSDAY
AT "MAKEPEACE''
Member Of One Of SOmerset's
Best Known And Oldest
Family Circles

Mrs. Mary E. Chelton, a member of
one of Somerset's best known and old
est families, passed away at her home
at "Makepeace" Thursday afternoon,
April 10th, after an illness of a few
days, following a severe heart attack.
Daughter of the late William C.
and Sarah Jane Sterling she was born
December 18th, 1853. For more than
sixty years she has resided at make
peace" the old historical homestead To-
Gated at Asbury, near Crisfeld, and
erected in 1861.
Funeral services were held from her
home Saturday afternoon at o'clock
conducted by the Rev. J. T. Rowlen-
son, pastor of Asbury M. E. Church
and interment made in the cemetery
of the same denomination. Pallbear-
ers were six of her grandsons.
Mrs. Chelton is survived by thirty
six living descendants among whom
are eight children: Mrs. Bertha Law
son of Philadelphia, Mrs. Ella Pinto,
Mrs. Marie Sterling, Mrs. Daisy Will
son, Mrs. Sadie Sterling, Messrs. Ar
chic, Edmund and Elijah Sterling, all
of Crisfield. Her son4in-Iaw, Mr..
Pinto, was aide to President Roose-
welt on his tour of old historic homes
throughout Somerset County, his
tour including visit to "Makepeace".
Mrs. Norman Lewis of this city is a
niece and Mrs. Norman Matthews al
so of this city is a granddaughter.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
ODD FELLOWS WILL
MEET in CENTERVILLE

Thirteen Eastern Shore Lodges of
the Improved Order of Odd Fellows
will assemble in Centreville today fol-
the purpose of holding a grand Rally
at Centreville Armory. The Delaware
Lodge of Wilmington with their de-
gree team of 65 members will also at
tend and administer work in the First
Degree.
The visiting Lodges will be the
guests of st. Tammany Lodge, Cen
treville, which is one of the oldest of
the order on the Shore recently hay
ing passed it's one hundred and first
birthday.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
Amateur Contest
In Arn1ory Friday, IL

A big crowd of interested folks
attended the Amateur Contest, put on
by the American Legion in the local
Armory, on Friday evening of last
week.
Eight money prizes were given,
amounting to SIS. All the contest
ants acquitted themselves so well that
it was difficult for the judges to
grade them. After much delibera-
ton, Mrs. George Vincent, vocal So
loist, of Snow Hill was awarded first
prize of SIS; Master Jack Bull, of
Bloxom, 6-year old soloist, second, So;
Miss Catherine Sleigh, of Chincotea-
que, third So; and the following re-
ceived prizes of one dollar each: Mr..
Gum, of Pocomoke, soloist; Bloxom
High School Band; The Fulchers
String Band, of Sanford; Miss Norma
Lee Vane, of Pocomoke, tap dancer !;
Miss jeanette Dix, HAYWOOD, tap dan
Ger and The Hurdles, Chincoteague,
duet.
The whole affair reflected great
credit upon all concerned, especially
upon Messrs. James M. Mulvenna,
Post Commander, and Mr.. Franklin
Dennis, who, possibly, had the great
est burden to bear, and he was ably
assisted by Mrs. Dennis. L. Griffin
Callahan was major Bowes."
The judges we're Miss Beulah Jester
of Chincoteague, Rev. Mr.. Wooten,
DIR. F. w. Wilson, Hon. Clarence E.
Robertson and DR.. E. J. Clarke, all of
Pocomoke.
Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-04-24
STEVENS
DIED SUDDENLY
LAST MONDAY
Was Successful Educator In
Schools Of Delaware, New
York And Virginia
FUNERAL SERVICES HELD
AT HIS HOME WEDNESDAY

Prof. William S. Stevens, native
Of Pocomoke and for years, promi-
nent educator, died suddenly at his
home on Market Street, on Monday
last, April 20. Prof Stevens had been
in failing health for some years, but
had not given any indications OF un-
usual weakness before he was taken
The deceased was the son of the late
Mr.. and Mrs. Alpheus Sidney Stevens,
and was born in Pocomoke February
10, 1870. His early education was in
the public schools and afterwards en-
tering Washington College, he grad
uated with the degree of Bachelor OF
Arts at the early age of nineteen, TAX
ing high honors. He afterwards re-
ceived his M. A. degree from Wash
ington and also from N. Y. Univer-
sity. He had prepared himself for his
Dictor's degree with the exception OF
of writing his thesis.
His first school was at Milford
Delaware, in 1890; he and a fellow
classman took charge Of private
school in that city. In 1891 he went
to New York and took a position in
Barnard School and afterwards con-
nected himself with the public school
system of New York City.
In 1926, feeling the work just a
little too wearing on him, he resigned
his position in New York and accept
ed the principalship Of the Onancock,
Va, high school. Here he remained
until last year when he resigned, on
account of failing health, and located
in Pocomoke on property he had
previously purchased, looking to per-
manent home when he should decide
to retire.
Prof. Stevens is survived by a wild
CIV and one son, William S. Stevens,
,Jr., of New York. Also by brother,
A. Hartley Stevens, of Pocomoke; a
half brother, DR.. Brantley Handy of
the University of Richmond; two sis
tiers, Mrs. A. N. White and Miss Mary
S. Stevens, both of Scarsdale, N. Y:
and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted
from his home on Wednesday last,
riage with the deceased. The pail
CONTINUED on Page 12)