davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
Girl in GGrdenios

Two white gardenias, over each
ear. scored prize at Interiors
Halloween Frolic for dark-eyed
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
Inky Fingers, Mutters

Good-natured curses and cpl.
thets floated through the air the
other day in Post Office when
Director Robert Fechner ordered
that his entire clerical staff, some
IS workers, go through the finger
printing routine already in proc
ess for CCC enrollees. Even Fech-
ner submitted, it is reported. {.
Chief protest was that the gooey
ink couldn't be removed from
fingertips, resulting in much soil.
ing Of typewriter keys, handker-
chiefs and Sundries.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04

that one), is with National Parks
"A native HyattSville, and en-
tered the service almost four years
ago. Says no career whatever
would tempt her away from the
Government Likes to play
basketball and swim.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
Maritime Leaders

Officers, new Maritime Commits
sion Age lodge: Roy H. Morrill,,
president; Walter c. Hopkins, vice
president; Henry H. Clement, sec
rotary: Alva E. Homage, treas
urer. Responsible organizer, God
frey Wickware, Charlie Stngle'S
executive assistant.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
They'll Get Less

Flash: Government Printing OF.
fees intermediate force" being
taken on to handle extra business
while Congress is in special ses-
sion, will work three seven-hour
shifts This is 35 hours, other
GPO workers putting in 20 per
week Joker, however, is that
PAY will be for IS hours also,
thus compensation is sliced by
more than IL per cent for this
group.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04

w. ~. p. Michael and Rose
Marie Jackson are also enrolled
at the nearby seat of learning
Lucie M. Wiltshire participated in
the many diversions that may be
had at the Homestead, Hot
Springs, Va.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
'Twas Welcome

One Yea Ago Today: GAO re-
vealed it had received sufficient
cash to retain its 1900 emergency
fo1k
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
To Discuss DriUe

Membership committee, Local 2,
NFFE, meets today, 8 p. M ITO
Fourteenth, NV.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
Legion Dance

Government Printing Office
Post 80, American Legion, will
hold its installation of officers Fri
day in Harding Hall, 8 p. M, fol-
lowed by dancing at 10. Those to
be installed are as follows:
Commander, MaSSie w. Blankin-
ship; senior vice commander, Roy
s. MuSick; junior vice commander,
Edward r. Newman; chaplain.
Joseph Toussaint: finance officer,
Harold Hampshire: historian,
Penn Howard; sergeant at arms,
Peter Stretz: color bearers and
guards, Frank Bruder, AL Clarke,
Peter De RoSSelli, Claud Wood;
executive committee, william ].
CaSsiday, Edward r. Dixon, Louis
C. Vogt and Mary N. Wright. Russ
ClarkSon and his Melodeers will
furnish the music, while the Gov
eminent Printing Office band Of
AZ pieces will render several selec.
lions during the installation. VIII
ken is now directing.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
FiUe-Day Idea Backed

Jacob Baker, UFWA president,
has offered the White House use of
his research staff in carrying out
the study for establishment Of q
five-day week in the Government
=. Expressed his qualification and
informed Mr.. Roosevelt that
UFWA has prepared a bill for the
purpose to be introduced in this
months session Of Congress. Will
speak regarding the five-day pro-
gram at GAS p. m. Tuesday,
WJSV.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04

News Tir Prize To-day: "Au-
gustus" (PAL).
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-04
Don't Miss This

News tip prize today: 'KS."
Evening star., 1937-07-18
MOTORISTS COULD SPEED SAFELY ON A SUPER-HIGHWAY

taking buses of other roads and
forcing them to use the toll highways
2. Most of the thousands put to
work would be from the low-wage
group.
3. The superhighways would make
it possible to provide low-cost housing
in localities where land is cheap with
the highways furnishing speedy trans
portation to industrial centers.
4. Auto travellers would be able to
visit vacation spots cheaply and
quickly without blocking other traffic.
5. A Federal toll road authority
would have control of the roads. 1t
would have powers like those of the
Interstate Commerce Commission over
the railroads.
6. The superhighway would be con-
structed through the means of private
capital and not at public expense.
The tolls derived therefrom would pay
the carrying charges on the money
borrowed and provide for amortiza-
ton over period of about 80 years.
After that period the roads would
revert to the States or the Federal
Government and become free roads.
Ultimately the system would be ex-
tended, looking toward the eventual
construction of several East-West
highways from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, with North-South cross con-
Meeting lines from Canada to the
Mexican border to be built as traffic
warranted.
DR.. Drew, in the course Of his prac-
tice, covers from SO to so miles by
automobile each year, and has long
been prominent in the good roads
movement in Pennsylvania. His per-
sonal interest in the road problem
has kept him busy collecting facts
and figures and consulting with
friends among the engineering fra
ternity for more than 10 years past.
The basic trouble with our road
system says Representative Drew,
Us that it just grew, like Topsy. We
inherited it from England Counties
and States did the road construction.
This was very fine as long as horse
drawn local traffic was all that had
to be served. But when the auto
mobile appeared upon the scene in
large numbers our roads got into
difficulties, and they have been in
chronic difficulties ever since.
THIS is because, in the modern
automobile and truck era, two
sets of demands have to. be met. The
local population demands the right
to have its roads built 80 1t can get
Evening star., 1937-07-18

ing the closing days Of the Veteran
Volunteer Firemen's Association. when
the funeral cortege connected with the
reinterment of Maj. L'Enfant was
passing the old Union Engine House
the bell was tolled solemnly out OF
respect for the memory OF the great
French engineer who designed the
Nations Capital.
This bell is reported to have been
cast in 1885 for the Northern Lib
erty Fire Company. after which, ac-
cording to DR.. James Dudley Nor
gan, "it sent out its grim warning
until 1864, when the fire alarm
went into service. The bell was then
lent to St. Theresa's Roman Catholic
Church of Anacostia and for years
called that congregation to prayer and
praise. Finally in 1895 it was loaned
to its present custodians and since
then has paid its tribute of respect
to many noted ones among the Ma
tons dead"
1t would be very interesting indeed
to learn what became of all the bells
that performed so many functions
during the early days of Washing
ton Today We depend upon the news
paper extra to learn the startling
news OF the day, but in the early days
it was the tolling of the fire bell or
the town hall bell that gave us the
information that something out OF
the ordinary had happened-good or
bad, and it was usually bad
Several of the volunteer fire COM
panies had their own bells, as did
the Perseverance Fire Company, which
was formed about the same time as the
Union. Its home was in what was
then the center of the lines OF Eighth
street, on the south side Of Pennsyl-
vania avenue, where is now the Ma
tional Archives Building, IN house
said at the time to be "a fine i'm
provement tvo-story brick with
hall. surmounted by a f1ne-toned bell
and cupola.
This bell, in addition to its other
functions, was the citv's town crier
For many years it was its curfeW
bell and at 10 O'Clock nightly in Sum-
mer and 8 O'Clock in Winter an
nounced to all the colored people of
Washington, both slave and free. that
the hour had arrived when they should
be in their homes. Indeed, many of
the white families, We are told. made
it rule of their households that
the bell should determine the hour
Of retirement. children especially be-
ing expected to be in the house when
the curfew rang.
ODDLY enough, for a brief period
.during the wear 1898. the Fire
Evening star., 1937-07-18

investigation of the plan he discussed
with us seven years ago and which he
now sponsors. But 1t Is no longer q
dream. It IS a necessity which must
be realized II We are to enjoy any
semblance Of peace and comfort on our
highways in the years to come. Al
ready it has found widespread favor
and support both in governmental
circles and among the leaders Of
American business and finance.
DR. DREW says his plan for ma
tional system OF super highways
would:
l. Solve the trafic problems of the
congested East.
2. Provide employment for 100000
men on the first link alone.
3. Promote national defense.
A. Aid in providing real low-cost
housing
S. Make trailer vacations safe and
pleasant.
6. Bring safety and speed to the
highway at no expense to the public.
Evening star., 1937-07-18

city was brought here from Philadel-
phia, and William Dickson-or Bill
Dickson, as We used to call him-was
placed in charge with a corps OF ex-
perienced men to handle it, and the
Union Engine House, at Nineteenth and
H streets, was taken over by the Fed
eral company, the Union Company
moving to new frame house on a lot
on the south side Of Pennsylvania ave-
nue. between Twentieth and Twenty
first streets. OF the coming of MIR.
Dickson and his more modern equip
ment, the late Albion K. Paris has
said:
The multitude of infammable
buildings, erected during the war be-
tween the States. called for additional
fire protection, and so the Hibernia,
Meigs and Rucker engines. newly so
named, were brought here from other
cities. The suction engine and hose
Of the Union Fire Company were
moved to a new frame house on lot
on the south side OF Pennsylvania
TWenty-first streets. and the Hibernia
to our Unions quarters, at H and
Nineteenth streets, now occupied by
the Association Of Oldest Inhabitants
Many doubtless remember Bill
Dickson, who was foreman of the
Hibernia, in his red shirt, with his
sleeves rolled up He became a factor
in local Democratic politics here after
the war and during the remainder Of
our voting days. A pretty lively crowd
OF i.'e fighters were these men. and
it was all our parents could do to
keep us away from the Hibernia crew
and their rough talk and unrefned
Jokes"
When the paid fire department in
its complete form was ushered in on
July !, 1864. the house for fire pur-
poses was abandoned and the lower
floor for a while became a mess room
for the INDECENT poor Of that part Of
the city. From early accounts it
would appear that the upper floor
was freely used, especially from 1912
to l645, for the discussion Of the free
school question, and addresses we're
here made by members of Congress
and other distinguished men, notably
John Quincy Adams, who always drew
large audiences. Mr.. Justice Wood
bury, associate justice Of the United
States Court: Caleb Gushing, Charles
Hudson, Rev. S. G.. Bullfnch and
Rev E E. Hale were also among
those who spoke in this old building.
In 1859 the upper floor became a
public school, the first teacher as
signed here being Miss Mary J.
Mills. When the fire department
moved out, both floors were used for
educational purposes and continued
at least until 1881 and probably later,
when Fanny L. Reeves, Jennie L.
Bickford and Grace Cauldvell are
mentioned as teachers.
ITO THOSE Of us whose families
have lived for many years in the
District of Columbia, it is especially
Evening star., 1937-07-18

The roads would be under the con-
troll of commission or authority, set
up by the United States Government,
which would be empowered to author
ize new construction, supervise trafic
and regulate tolls.
The first link would be Boston-to-
Washington SUPER highway. which
would cost approximately $4,000, 900
and provide work for 100000
Tentative routes for 1900 miles east
of Pittsburgh also have been chosen
according to demands Of trafiic and
Typography. These are at present ap-
proximate, as no surveying has been
done.
This system, its sponsor figures,
would cost somewhere between $780,
100000 and s350,0o0,0OO and give
employment to about 100000 men,
and as the need developed the super
highways. could be extended beyond
Pittsburgh. ....
The Boston = to Washington high
way would bypass Hartford, Water
bury. New York City. North Jersey
Evening star., 1937-07-18
Philadelphia Congressman
Proposes Solution for
Eastern Highway Con.
gestion.
Toll Roads Would Connect
Big Cities Without Goinq
Through Them.
By Joseph Marian

wv pr -'s WI sN"
IN THE Summer of 1880 we sat on
the roof garden Of the Hotel WAL
ton in Philadelphia with our
L good friend, DR.. Ira Drew, and
listened attentively but skeptically
while he envisioned a plan which, If
carried out, would prevent our high
ways and city streets from becoming
the scene Of the greatest traffic snarl
in history.
The picture he portrayed was to us
just beautiful dream that would
never come true.
He spoke Of through highways, con-
Meeting cities Of large population. but
built through undeveloped sections,
by-passing all large cities and COM
munities. Each highway would con-
sist of two four-lane concrete strips,
separated by central parkway, and
all roadbeds would be at a minimum
grade and so constructed as to carry
any predictable weight without dam
age to the right of way
Under his dream" plan, traffic on
all lanes of these super highways
would be strictly regulated. Probably
the outer two lanes would be for slow
traffic, meaning from 80 to IS miles an
hour. On the third lane from IS to so
miles would be allowed, while on the
inner lane, vehicles would be re-
quired to keep moving between so
and 70 miles an hour. Neither loiter-
ing nor speed in excess of the estab-
lished limits would be permitted.
There would be no grade crossings,
and entrance would be by toll-gates
established at appropriate points along
the way. Police patrols would be es-
tablished to insure safety and the
observance of regulations.
And now, DR.. Drew. elected to Con-
gress from Philadelphia 8 blue stocking
Germantown district, has introduced
a resolution in the House calling for an
Evening star., 1937-07-18

mems Insurance Co. Of this city, or
Zanized the same year as the Union
Company, in 1887, occupied a part of
the Perseverance Company's building,
and as this company is still in ex-
istence a brief word of its beginning
may prove interesting. Says an old
account:
THE Committee on Memoralizing
Congress to charter a f1remen's insur-
ance company and for the organiza-
ton Of a fire department held frequent
meetings. as also the delegates to
convention to urge the exemption OF
f1remen from militia duty. AS a re-
suit, Congress passed an act chartering
the insurance company, as also an
act exempting IS members from mil
ltla duty in a Campany which
possessed $500 worth of apparatus,
and 100 members. If their apparatus
was worth more than $1,000 1t also
passed an act for the formation Of
fire department, consisting of the
presidents Of the several companies
and for the appointment of an in
cPNNco1 Va oPpdi aus AL cdCl VI lIlp
three cities Of the District-Alexan-
dra being then included in the Dis
trict. The officers of the companies
had authority to enforce obedience
to the constitution and rules to pre-
serve order and summon aid to work
the apparatus"
On July l8, 1897, notice was given
that 5000 shares of the stock of the
company had been subscribed and the
several fire companies interested were
requested to elect directors. On Au-
gust 4. following. announcement was
made that the company was ready to
receive applications for insurance. and
on August 10. policy No. l was issued
to George w. Dom "on his two-storv
frame house, occupied below as a
cabinetware room and above as a pri-
vate dwelling, situated in square No.
SIS in the City of Washington, 'front.'
ing about 20 feet on the north side of
Pennsylvania avenue and running
back about As feet, adjoined on the
west by tTo-story house, part brick
and part frame, occupied as a tavern,
both covered with shingles; not ad-
joined on the east. Detached build
ings in the rear, occupied as cabinet
makers shops and for storage Of lum-
ber"
This property was on the north side
Of the Avenue between First and Sec
ond streets, and was close to the first
steam railroad station in Washing
ton, located At the northwest corner
Of Pennsylvania avenue and Second
street, and opened in August, 1895.
THE first claim paid by the Fire
mes Insurance Co. is dated May
!. 1888. and was for loss sustained by
Francis Marcoe. ir. for damage to his
personal property located in what is
now known as No 20l7 street north
west. The amount paid was s6l25.
Mr.. Marcoe. whose property was
damaged, came here in 1887 from
Pennsylvania and secured clerkship
in the State Department and quite
likely moved into this I street dwell
ing the title of which was transferred
to him In l840 1t was once the home
OF Cleveland Able. said to have been
the founder of the United States
Weather Bureau, and here resided
Evening star., 1937-07-18
Quail a Hungry Bird.
THE quail or bob white is a vor;

THE quail or bob white is a vora.
cious eater.
Investigations made by the Bio
logical Survey revealed seemingly tre-
mendous meals by these birds, which
are so highly priced when broiled for
the human table.
One quail was found to have eaten
IL squash bugs, 80 grasshoppers. 100
chinch bugs. 568 mosquitoes and 2,32s
plant lice. Another polished OF 1850
flies, another 1889 rose slugs and still
another 700 miscellaneous insects. of
which more than 300 usrs grass
hoppers.
Evening star., 1937-07-18

into nearby towns and out again on
pleasure and business
The local populace has the right
to demand just that. and our county
and State road boards gave them what
they wanted, AS it was right they
should They paid the taxes They
were the ones who should be con-
sdered, and our roads were designed
to meet their requirements.
But In the past Is years another
kind OF motor traffic has sprung up.
Business and commerce are now using
trucks and camions for long-d istance
hauling. Private automobilists are
making long trips with pleasure cars
and trailers These people are GER
tainly entitled to use the road. too,
but when you pile large numbers Of
them on top of the local traffic dur
ing the rush hours, they cause de-
lays, irritation and expense beyond
all counting.
Il visualize main trunk highways
that will be just as important to COM
merce and pleasure as the four track
main line of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road between Washington and New
York.
bring together many State systems,
and We must promote partnership
between private and public capital.
Such highways are coming; they are
in the air now. II we do not study
and guide them, We will have a costly
and unfortunate hodge-podge. Con-
gress needs to steer their development,
but it has no facts upon which to
base legislation or suggestions.
I'VE must hold public studies, CIV
ing all interests an opportunity to
present their plans and problems. I
have had preliminary survey made
by construction and highway engi-
neers which leads me to believe that
a feasible program can be developed.
Certainly now is the proper time to
do it. This will give us safe outlet
for our millions Of dollars Of idle capi-
tai and 1t will provide useful method
Of stimulating business. It will also
give decent, normal wage employ
ment to hundreds Of thousands Of
our men who want to get on relief"
The successful carrying out OF this
plan Of Representative Drew, who is,
by the way, relative Of the famous
theatrical Drews Of Philadelphia,
would make the ,motorist OF today
forget Sir Thomas Mores Isle Of
Utopia"
Evening star., 1937-07-18

James Monroe when Secretary Of
| State and later when Secretary of
| War, during President Madisons ad-
mlnistration, and it was even the
| home of the President for few
months after Mr. Monroe was inaugu-
rated and before he moved to the
| White House.
incidentally, the present president
Of the Firemen's Insurance Co., Will
liam M. Hoffman, is a member Of the
Association of Oldest Inhabitants.
The completion of the Union Engine
House at Nineteenth and H streets was
the cause for much rejoicing, and on
October "a, 1887, the celebration held
{ on that date included a grand process
sion which, as stated, started at the
new building and proceeded by way
Of the Avenue to Georgetown, return
| ing by way Of K street through the
city and the Presidents grounds by
way of Pennsylvania avenue to the
| Capitol. and thence to Eighth street
southeast, to Virginia avenue, and by
way Of New jersey avenue and Penn
sylvania avenue to the Center Market.
| A CCORDING TO James Croggon:
Those in line were the Columbia
Fire Company. with the engine, hose
| cart and hydraulion drawn by horses,
and so members wearing white badges,
headed by James Adams. president;
/ George Phillips, vice president: Will
liam R. TAFT, captain of engineers;
| Samuel Briggs, captain Of hosemen:
M. L. Club, captain of property men;
William Ingle, secretary, and Simeon
Bassett, treasurer.
The next company was the Vigilant
of Georgetown, o. NJ. Linthicum presi-
dent; Joseph Hilton, vice president,
| and rs members, the apparatus deco
rated with flowers and drawn by
| horses; the Franklin, with engine,
! hydraulion, hose cart drawn by horses
and 73 men in line. The Marine Band
| headed this, the mayors Of Washing
ton and Georgetown, the City Council
/ and officers and directors of the Fire
/ mems Potomac Insurance Co. being in
| carriages. The Perseverance Fire
Company came next, headed by j. H.
Goddard, with large and small fire
engine drawn by horses, with 73 men
in line; then the Anacostia. with
small engine drawn by horses. so
members in line. headed by John Davis
of Adele. president. and William Ellis,
vice president; next the Western Star
Company OF Georgetown, with 48
members in line. headed by George
/ Shoemaker, president, with the en-
/ CINE, suction and hose carriages drawn
/ by horses; the Union Company, 10
/ members in line. with hose carriage,
( tWo-Wheeled hose reel and new engine
4 drawn by horses led by position.
! This was the first firemens parade
which ever took place in this city,
| and along the route many places were
! decorated. in some as elaborately as
were the machines"
! A FTER the burning of the Infrmary
Hospital in Judiciary Square, on
| November 4. 1861. the need for up-to-
date fire apparatus in Washington was
clearly seen, and by order of Simon
| Cameron, then Secretary Of War, the
first steam FIRE engine located in this