davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
FOUR KILLED IN AUTO
MISTIAPS IN DELAWARE
DURING THE HOLIDAY
State HighUay Toll Reaches IO6 As Autos Claim -Four
Lives; Boy Takes Fatal Ride On Christmas Gift
Bicycle Near Milton; Late Shopper Killed Near
DOuer; TlCenty-tlDo Persons We're Injured

at the time of the collision between
his wagon and Sipple's automobile.
He was pronounced dead at the Kent
General Hospital. Dover. Sipple was
arrested by state police and held in
$2.500 bail pending an inquest this
afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rash's grand
sons were slightly injured.
Mrs. DENLY received her injuries
the night of Dec. IL as she was
crossing Pennsylvania avenue, Will
mington. She suffered a compound
fracture of the right leg and a frac-
ture of the skull.
Motorist Under Arrest
Flaherty was struck on Harvey
road near Claymont shortly after he
had alighted from a bus. Johnson,
operator of the automobile who wit
nesses said could not avoid the acci-
dent. was arrested by state police
and is under bail pending an inquest.
Flaherty's body was claimed at the
morgue Sunday by his sister, Mrs.
Mary L. Hyland, of Baltimore. Coro-
ner William Smith. Jr., will send the
body to Baltimore today for burial.
Among those injured over the week
end were Martha Rench, IL years
old, of near Dover. who received
fractures of both legs when she was
struck while roller-skating on the
highway by a car operated by Ed
ward Stephens of Rehoboth. She was
taken to Kent General Hospital.
Stephens was held under $4,000 bail
by Magistrate W. d. Burton to await
the outcome Of the child's injuries.
Irving Burton. "a, Of Angola, son
of w. D. Burton, Sussex County Levy
Court commissioner, was injured in
an automobile accident Christmas
Day when the car he was driving on
the Lewes-Rehoboth highway struck
a culvert and threw him 40 feet into
an adjacent field. The car was de-
molished. Burton was taken to the
Beebe Hospital, where he is being
treated for cuts and bruises.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
DELAWARE PARK
RACING OPENER
SET FOR JUNE 7
Associations Board OF Di-
rectors Will Act on Ten
tative Date January 5.
NAY BE CHANGED
$4,000 Spent For Plant
improvements; Lawn
Has Been Graded.

Tuesday, June z, is the tentative
date for the opening of the second
meeting at the states new million
dollar race track, Delaware Park, at
Stanton.
This date is subject to final ap-
proval by the board of directors of
the Delaware Steeplechase and Race
Association at a meeting Jan. 5.
a Date May Be Changed
The opening may be shifted to
some other day in the same week,
possibly the following Saturday.
Whether one long meeting will be
beld, as this year, or whether two
shorter meetings will be held is
still an open question. Should the
meeting open June z, it is reported
1t would be arranged to give five
Saturday programs in addition to
holiday bill on July 4.
1t is also undecided whether to
complete a projected addition to the
grandstand before the spring meet
ing, But already $4,000 worth of
improvements have been put on the
plant since the first meeting last
spring.
Officials of the association said
they could not comment on the
plans in advance of the boards
meeting, but it was pointed out an
additional 800 seats have been pro-
vided and improvements in front of
the grandstand AFFORD standing space
for 5000 more persons.
Lawn Has Been Lowered
The space in front of the grand
stand has been regarded to give
It greater pitch, improving visibil-
ity. 1t has also been extended nearly
800 feet and has been concreted.
The new seating arrangement Is
designed to avoid congestion on the
grandstand steps where crowds ha-
bitually gathered impending move
ment mp and down the. steps. A
tier OF seats has been built In front
of the grandstand and the steps have
been SO constructed as to prevent
anyone standing on them during a
race.
More than $4,000 wort of work
has been put on the steeplechase
course. The first steeplechase races
will be run at the coming meet. The
course now is in excellent condi-
ton.
tT.rn TO Page 3. P,>a,s1
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31

Delaware's automobile death toll
for the year was increased to 10t
over the Christmas holiday period
or 20 more than the total Of fatali-
ties in all Of last year. Twenty-Five
persons were injured, several SER
iously.
The dead:
Joseph Leon Smith, II, son of Mr..
and Mrs. Daniel Smith, of near Mil
ton, killed Christmas Day. when his
bicycle was struck by an automobile
operated by Fred Jensen, Of Milton,
on the Milton road.
Martin Rash, SIS. of Marydel. Md,
killed Friday near Dover in a colli-
sion of his wagon and an automobile
operated by Nathan Sipple. of Viola.
Mrs. Lena DENLY. Negro, SO, Of
Wilmington, who died at IL A. M.
Sunday in the Homeopathic Hospi-
tai from injuries received Dec. IL
when she was struck by station
wagon operated by Junius P. Rey-
nolds, Negro, also of Wilmington. A
manslaughter charge was placed
against Reynolds Sunday.
william Flaherty, 5s, of Harvey
Road, who died at midnight Saturday
in the Delaware Hospital from in
juries received Thursday night when
struck by an automobile operated by
r. A. johnson of Gordon Heights.
Boy Trying New Gift
Police said that the Smith boy
was riding on a bicycle he received
for Christmas when it got out OF his
control and crashed into tJensen's
Jensen took the boy to
the Beebe Hospital at Lewes. The
boy died three hours after being ad-
mitted.
Coroner Howard E. Hardesty held
an inquest and exonerated Jensen.
Rash had gone to Dover with two
William Wright. II, and
Harry Walls, is. for some late Christ
mas shopping and was driving home
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
PROF. DETJEN SUGGESTS
IMPROVED ORCHARDS
University of Delaware Experts
Look Over The Fruit Situation

Fruit trees that are only boarders
and not producers are often the
cause of low economic returns from
orchards.
So said Prof. L. r. Detjen, of the
University of Delaware Horticulture
Department In urging all fruit grow
ers to make careful surveys Of their
orchards In order to check up on
variety and tree condition and to
eliminate, without further delay, va
rieties that do not meet present day
requirements.
Present economic conditions de-
mand high yields per acre to insure
reasonable profit from fruit pro-
duction," Prof. Detjen emphasized.
This means that every tree on ev-
cry acre should produce its proper
tionate share of the total crop If it
is to be retained as fruit produc-
ing unit. Furthermore" he pointed
out, market demands are changing
with the result that some of the
older varieties should be discarded
In the commercial orchard II 1t Is to
be maintained on a profitable basis"
There are several ways to in
crease returns from orchards" Prof.
Detjen said. "old trees which have
passed their usefulness should be
removed. Poor producing trees IN
general may be removed or the
younger, more healthy trees which
do not produce may be rejuvenated
by top grating. Production often
may be increased by thinning out
over-crowded orchards. thus permit
ting the remaining trees to have
more air, light, and root-feeding
area. Diseased and worm-ridden
trees should be removed or doctor
ed back to health. Poor soil condi-
tions should be rectified or the or
chard abandoned II the location is
bad or the soil condition is such
that correction would be unprofit-
able out-of-date varieties should be
and replaced with newer,
more profitable kinds"
Peach orchards that have been
In the past because of
poor varieties or low elevation are
not likely to be profitable in the fu-
ture." he said. "The sooner such or
chards are replaced, the better 1t
will be for the owners and the peach
industry In general. III summer va
rieties of apples are not longer pro-
Iitable, such trees should be removed
or top-worked to more profitable
sorts"
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
ANNUAL XMAS
DANCE HERE IS
HUGE SUCCESS
Many Out-of- Town Guests
Were Present At Gala
Affair Monday Night.
MUSIC EXCELLENT

Milford's annual Christmas dance
held Monday night, December127, in
Vsrney auditorium in the Milford
Community Building, according to
all reports, was a splendid affair
Many guests were present from out
of-town.
The auditorium, beautifully deco
rated in keeping with the Yuletide
season, ELECTED much favorable COM
ment from all present. The commit
tee had charge of the decorations
and are to be congratulated for the
perfect appearance of the auditor
ium.
The dance began promptly at $3.50
o'clock and continued until a. m,
with an intermission at 1880 until
12 o'clock for refreshments. Mrs.
Lester o. Adkins was in charge of
the refreshments which were de-
lightful and satisfying.
Music for the gala affair was fur
nished by the "Rhythmaires" of New
York and Philadelphia, and was ex-
cellent. The following ladies acted
as patronesses: So
= Mrs. William c. Smith. Mrs. Wal
ter L. Grier, Mrs. Remson C. Bar
nard. Mrs. s. M. d. Marshall, Mrs.
G.. M Townsend, Mrs. C. E. Ban
ming, Mrs. J. P. Hammond, Mrs.
Davis r. Grier. Mrs. c. D. Holz-
mueller, Mrs. I. D. Short, Mrs. H. H.
Mulholland, Mrs. c., Edgar Wood.
Mrs. John Burris, Mrs. G. F. NAPLES.
Mrs. F. E. Brereton, Mrs. Lester o.
Adkins, Mrs. John B. Baker, Mrs.
James X. Pettyjohn.
The dance committee was COM
posed of r. C. Barnard, John Burris,
Fl. H. Mulholland, G. F. NAPLES. F.
E. Brereton. C. E. Wood, G. L. Grier,
DR.. L. o. Adkins. DR.. J. B. Baker, ].
p. Hammond and J, X. Pettyjohn.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
MOTOR VEHICLES
GAIN In STATE
DURING YEAR 1887
Registrations For Eleven
Month Period Reveal
1890 Increase.
SAYS C. L. TERRY, JR.

There were 1880 more pleasure
and commercial vehicles registree&
in Delaware for the first IL months
of this year than were registered FOR
the entire year of 1886, Secretary of
State Charles L. Terry, Jr.. acting as
commissioner OF motor vehicles, said
this week.
For the first II months of this year
there were 1880 pleasure aud COM
mercial vehicles registered compared
with $3.50 similar vehicles for last
year. Taking into consideration the
increase of 266 trailers and tractors
up to Dec. 1, the total increase
amounts to 1906 over the 1885 fig
ures, covering pleasure, commercial
vehicles, tractors, and trailers.
These figures do not include regis
tration of motorcycles, hearses, or
dealers. Mr.. Terry said.
Mr.. Terry pointed out that for the
eleven-month period of this year &c.
900 pleasure cars were registered
against $500 pleasure cars for 1886
and 10,460 commercial vehicles we're
registered up to Dec. l, compared
to 1O,010 for last year. These figures
represent an increase of 1880 plea
sure cars and 450 commercial We
hicles.
For the first IL months of this
year there were 2,460 trailers reg
istered compared to 2,227 for 1886,
an increase of 233 and up to the
first of this month there had been
2S3 tractors registered while for
last year there were $50 tractors
registered, an increase of 33.
Mr.. Terry said that he believed
the increase was due to more per-
sons coming into the state and al
so because of improved business
conditions. He said that he would
be unable to give any financial fig
ures on the 1887 tag sale increases
until after the first of the year.
Estimating unofficially the average
sale of pleasure car tags at s12 and
a commercial vehicle tags at an aver
age of $40, the increase this year OF
the 1880 pleasure and commercial
vehicles would result in a gain in re-
ceipts of s226.200.
There were 5000 special 1888 tags
issued up to Dec. 1, Mr.. Terry said.
This represents the number of per-
sons who requested that the same
tag number be issued them next year.
The number of persons having oper-
ators' licenses in Delaware will not
be ascertained until March when Ii
censes are renewed.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
w. E. MILLER GUEST OF
MILFORD ROTARY CLUB
Director OF Music In Local Schools
Entertained Service Club.

Professor William E. Miller, direc-
tor of music in Milford Schools, was
the guest Of the Milford Rotary Club
at their weekly dinner Monday even
ing at the Hotel Windsor. Prof. Mil
Ter accompanied by Miss Charlotte
Ryder, Hayes Dickerson, Major Sock
rider and Henry Latchum, put on a
splendid musical program for the
group. Solos were rendered by Miss
Ryder and Mr.. Miller and group of
Christmas carols were played on
wind instruments by Prof. Miller,
Hayes Dickerson, Major Sockrider
and Henry Latchum. A very fine and
worthy tribute was paid Prof. Miller
at the close of the program by Past
Rotary President, Charles e. Var
ney. Guests were present from
Texas. North Carolina and Milford.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
COTILION CLUB
DANCE WILL BE
HELD TONIGHT
Fourth Annual New Year
Ewes Fete To Be Held
In Community Building
IN THE AUDITORIUM
Earl Williams And His
Detroit Harmonizers To
Furnish The Music.
IN THE AUDITORIUM

Final arrangements have been
completed by the Kent and Sussex
Cotillion Club of Milford for their
fourth annual New Years Eve dance,
which will be held this evening, FRI
day, December 31st in the Varney
Auditorium in the Milford Commu-
nifty Building. The music committee,
composed Of DIR. James West, Har-
wood Jamison and Harry W. Jester
has secured Earl Williams and his
Harmonizers" from Detroit. Will
liams and his boys come to Milford
direct from a successful season at
Convention Hall, Atlantic City. Mr..
Williams will bring his full band of
eleven pieces. Besides the orches-
ira, Mr.. Williams is also bringing
girl soloist.
The other committees which have
worked hard to make the dance this
year huge success are as follows:
Invitation Committee-Philip r.
Jacobs. chairman; Alfred Nutter, Jr.
Decoration Committee-Roy Kemp
chairman; Paul Monroe, Harry May
hew, C. d. Holzmueller.
Refreshments Committee-Thomas
E. Jefferis. Jr., chairman; William
John Burris.
Publicity Director - Robert H.
Yerkes.
The officers OF the club who were
elected at a meeting held recently
are: Edward NJ. Davis. president;
DR.. James West, vice president;
Philip R. Jacobs, secretary-treasurer
Prior to the dance. the President,
Philip r. Jacobs, will entertain his
co-workers at a banquet at the Ho-
tel Windsor.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
G. R. MESSICK SPEAKS
AT CRYSTAL FOUNT
Past State Chaplain And Veteran
Odd Fellow Guest Speaker Monday

Crystal Fount Lodge No. 10, /. O.
o. F. had the pleasure of enjoying q
rare treat on Monday night when G.
Roland Messick, treasurer of The l.
d. Caulk Company, made an address
before that body, as their guest
speaker. Following the regular bus
mess meeting William p. Dickerson,
Past Grand, acting chairman of the
entertainment committee, introduced
the speaker.
MIR. Messick began his address
with a vivid description of a recent
visit to the southland In which he
described the wild life and game of
a particular section he was in. This
was followed by an inspiring heart
to heart address on the principals
of Odd Fellowship and what 1t means
to all. His knowledge Of Odd Fell
lowship has been gained by life
long membership In that body, coup
led with actual work that gives him
first hand knowledge. He is a men,
ber of Union Lodge No. 3 OF George
town. and past grand chaplain Of
the staff OF Past Grand Master VIII
liam Hobbs.
Since moving to Milford = few
years ago he has been a frequent
visitor to Crystal Fount Lodge.
where he receives a hearty welcome.
G. Roland Messick is an eble
speaker who commands the respect
of everyone. He lives Odd Fellow
ship as well as breaches II. The
members of Crystal Fount who were
present last Monday night feel well
repaid for their attendance.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
Increase During 1888 OF
S32O,OOO Predicted By
Tax Commissioner.
Fear Of ReUenue Loss I'm
founded, Says James p.
Truss At Club Meeting.

Delaware's revenues in 1897 show
a gain of S713,574 over last year,
State Tax Commissioner James P.
Truss said Tuesday in the first
summary ever made of the states
tax receipts at the end of a calendar
year.
Speaking at the luncheon meet
ing of the Lions Club in the Hotel
Dupont, Wilmington, Mr.. Truss said
he estimated that in 1888 a further
gain in revenues of 100000 will be
made.
Thrift of the good old Dutch and
Swedish type characterizes this
states government" he observed.
Mr.. Truss spoke before Gov. Rich
ard C. McMullen, former State Tax
Commissioner Pierre S. DUPONT, Al
fred L. Boning, who is in charge
of inheritance; State Auditor James
w. Wise, Deputy State Auditor,
Jesse Cooper, ]. Writ Willis, H.
Gregg Dandy, Arthur M. Potter,
Frank Gregson and others. Frank
]. Horty was chairman of the day,
and ]. Robert Frederick presided.
Fear of Revenues Loss Unfounded
The fear that Delaware might
lose its corporation business and
franchise revenue has proved un-
founded, he added. What amounts
to an important vote of confidence
was the recent chartering Of the
United States Steel Company's man
aging company under Delaware laws
he continued, especially since the
corporation itself has been char
tered in New Jersey since 1901.
The tax differential between Del
aware aud other states is drawing
new business and new people here,
he declared. explaining that the tax
es of all states eat up 10.6 per cent
OF the income while Delaware state
taxes claim only about 6 per cent
of the total state income.
Asserting that great laxity exists
in reporting revenue and expendi-
lures by local governments, Mr..
Truss said the public does not in
terest itself almost does not protect
itself by demanding simple intelli-
gent periodic reports which every
citizen may read and understand.
Every county and city and town
should have its account audited and
published in standard form, possibly
through some centralized agency, to
invite comparison, to spur efficient
collection and careful spending" he
continued.
At least the law should require
auditors to check and publish state
ments of conditions, he said. Ger
tain towns and counties now en-
ploy them. Find the facts and you
[Tnrs 10 Page 3. Pisass1
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN
ELECT In SUSSEX
Mrs. Addison b. Hudson, OF Days
bor0 New President OF Auxiliary.

Officers of the Democratic Wo-
mems Auxiliary of Sussex County
have been elected for the year, the
membership of whom are recognized
as the directing heads of the wo-
mems activities of the party in low
er Delaware: President, Mrs. Addi-
son B. Hudson, of Dagsboro; first
vice-president, Mrs. Lorenzo B. Brit
tingham, of loves Cross Roads;
second vice-president, Mrs. Ida Fer
guson, of Bridgeville; third vice
president, Mrs. Jacob ]. Minner, Of
Georgetown; fourth vice-president,
Mrs. Clarence C. Allen, of Seaford;
secretary, Mrs. John d. McCabe. Of
Rehoboth Beach; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. Pearl Jones, OF Geor-
getown; treasurer, Mrs. Granville A.
Lambden, Of near Georgetown.
This organization was formed in
1888 and since that time has been
functioning as an adjunct to the
Democratic party. This is the re-
cognized and always. has been. wo-
mems branch of the Democratic par
ty in lower Delaware.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
HALF OF CARS
LACKING 1888
LICENSE TAGS
Between 5000 And 10000
Have Been Sold to Date,
$4,000 Issued Last Year.
OFFICES KEPT BUSY
Application Forms Bear
ing Date Of 1887 Being
Changed.

With approximately one-half Of the
car owners of the State still lack
ing their 1888 automobile license
tags, the Motor Vehicle Depart
ment expects one of the largest last
minute rushes In It's history today.
Between $4,000 and 10000 tags
have been sold so far this year. Sec
retary of State Charles L. Terry, Jr..
said Monday night, pointing out that
the exact number Is difficult to as
certain at this time. approximately
$4,000 were sold in 1887.
The difficulty in checking on the
exact number is due to the sale OF
about 5000 tags to persons who re-
quested the same numbers as last
year. AS these numbers range
throughout the total available, a
positive check cannot be made by
noting the numbers at the end OF
each days business.
The rush started In a mild form
at the motor vehicle offices in Will
mington, Dover, and Georgetown last
Monday and was expected to accel-
crate rapidly with the climax today.
Anyone driving without 1888 tags
after midnight today will be subject
to arrest.
Motor Department Officers Busy
The corridor Of the State House
at Dover was thronged on Monday
by persons waiting in line for their
tags and employees of the Whining
ton office were kept busy.
The magistrates Of Wilmington
and throughout the State also re-
ported a relatively busy week. in the
sale of the tags with the total sales
more than 500. They, too,
expected a rush business today.
Through an error of the printer
a number OF registration cards sent
otu by the department bore the date
1887 instead Of 1888.
The error was noticed after about
500 or 900 of the cards had been
Mr.. Terry said and most of
these were discovered and changed
when the applicant came in for his
license.
It was learned Monday night. how
ever, that a small number of the
dated cars have actual
ly been issued. officials of the de-
partment urge that all persons who
have received their cards look them
oyer. If their 1888 cards contain the
1887 date they should return them
10 one of the offices of the depart
nent at once and they will be given
properly dated cards.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
Delaware Despite Small Size
Ranks Well rs Farm State

900, including government payments.
For the United States as a whole,
with 2,973.776 50. miles of land not
under water, the total land from
which crops were harvested was
340,875 900 acres and the farm cash
income totaled s8.499. .941 900, in
cluding government payments.
While cursory glance at these
figures shows great difference be-
tween the totals for Delaware and
the nation, further study shows that
tTarH to Page s, Pieassl
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
STATE REVENUES
SHOW INCREASE
OF $713,54 IN 1887
NO TINE EXTENSION
WILL BE ALLOWED ON
1887 LICENSE TAGS

Word was received by the
Chronicle shortly before press
time, from the Motor Vehicle
Department at Dover, that
there would positively be no
extra driving time allowed on
1887 auto tags. All persons
who do not have their 1898
tags on their cars by midnight
tonight, Friday, December 81,
will be subject to arrest by
State police. The business Of
flee at Dover will receive ap-
plications until 4:30 this after
noon, and all applications re-
ceived until that time will be
taken care of before the office
force goes home. The office
will be closed all day tomor-
row, Saturday, January 1st.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31

That Delaware. in spite Of her
size, ranks well as an agricultural
state, Is shown In the General Crop
Report of the Bureau of Agricultural
Economics Of the U. s. Department
of Agriculture for December. 1887.
Delaware. with an area of 2,370
square miles. of which 1856 are not
under water, in 1887 harvested
crops from 368.000 acres or SIS 50.
miles and farmers in the State had
a cash income from their crops and
livestock products totaling s17,705,-
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
STATE POULTRY TRADE
s7,OOo,OoO INDUSTRY
Delaware Stands Today Unrivaled,
As Largest SBroiler Chick State

Delaware stands today unrivaled
as the largest "broiler chick state"
and since 1927 the poultry business
in this state has developed into a
$7,000.000 enterprise, according to
the Associated Magazine.
The article says Sussex county last
year shipped more than 100000
pounds of live chickens to New York
City alone. Hatcheries are busy ev-
cry month of the year except July
ITars 10 Page >, Pie4ss1
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
CHRONICLE OFFICE
WILL BE CLOSED
NEW YEARS DAY

The Milford Chronicle busi-
ness ofiice and work rooms
win be closed all day on New
Years Day, Saturday, January
1. The business office will re-
open on Monday, January 8,
for the transaction OF busi-
ness. All sale posters and
completed jobs we're placed in
the mail at noon on Friday.
Many of the Milford busi-
ness houses have signified
their intention of also being
closed on New Years Day.
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
WEEKLY WEATHER
REPORT FOR MILFORD
From Wednesday, December %, To
Tuesday, December 2S, Inclusfve

Charles J. Holzmueller, local wea-
ther recorder, reports the following
weather conditions for Milford, from
Wednesday, December %, to Tues
day, December 2S, inclusive:
Milford chronicle., 1937-12-31
Temperature
TOTAL Rainfall

Total Rainfall ..... so
The following winds and condi-
tions prevailed during the same per-
iof7.