davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
PEDESTRIANS GIVEN
POINTERS ON SAFETY
Safety Council Offers Suggestions To
Protect Walking Public

The Delaware Safety Council of
fers. a few suggestions to those Ol
you who are pedestrians. The fail
ure to obey these rules constitutes
the cause of many pedestrians being
killed and injured in accidents.
1. Obey traffic officers and traffic
signals. These two methods of con-
troll are being used TO divide the
time between conflicting movements,
II the motorist who is facing red
signal is willing to let you cross
when your light is green, you should
be willing to stop when conditions
are reversed.
2. Never rely entirely upon the sig
nal or officer. Always look 10 see if
the vehicles are obeying them before
you start across the street.
3. Never step out from behind a
parked car or other obstruction to
the view. It is easy for you to see
a car which is large. but Il is hard
for the motOrist TO see you. Always
step into the street from locations
where the view is good.
4. Be particularly careful at night.
With present headlight equipment. it
is very difficult for the motorist to
see a pedestrian.
5. Give the motorist enough time
to stop. II you step out too quickly
1t may not be possible for him to
stop. This is. particularly true in
wet weather when quick stops are
s. Walk so that you face On-coming
(Tuvn TO Paee J. PlsAsel
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
SUSSEX MAN SHOOTS
SELF WITH SHOTGUN
Elmer ShOckIey, 81, OF Near George
town, Suicide Sunday

Elmer Shockley. aged s2 years, son
of George W. ShcSsieys living near
Georgetown. committed suicide BE-
tween 9:15 and 9:S0 o'clock in the
home OF his brother, Allie, in Collins
vile, Georgetown, last Sunday night,
by using a shotgun. He shot a por-
tiOn OF his head on. No motive can
be ascribed for his act other than he
is said TO have been out OF employ
ment and had been worrying about
job and funds. Officers. however.
believe that there is something back
OF the suicide that has not been re-
vealed. but may be diyulged within a
few days. II is understood that he
had been talking with his brother a
short time before he committed the
rash act. They retired early last
night, following the conversation
with his brother. But, however, be-
fore his brother had gotten to sleep,
II is said. he heard the report of the
shotgun and rushed into the room TO
find him with portion Of HIS head
shot on.
Officers we're called. an investigal
tion was made and It was determined
to be case Of suicide without any
motive, insofar as the officials are
able to ascertain. He did not reveal
10 anyone that he was In mental dis
tress or that he was worrying over
present or future. His
rash act Is surprise to everyone In
the Georgetown section.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
INDIAN RIVER INLET
OPEN TO NAVIGATION
S44S,OOO Improved Waterway Now
Ready For Use

The untiring efforts of Delaware
ans for more than half a century to
gain a permanent opening of Indian
River Inlet. near Lewes, were re-
warded recently when the S443,00
improved waterway was reported
ready for use by the U. S. Engineers
office.
With more than 100 jubilant resi-
dents lining the banks of the inlet
the engineers 125-fOot yacht Vidette
sailed through the reopened link on
the final inspection trip. Later Mai.
c. w. Burlin. U. S. division engineer,
announced that the strip of water
was open to navigation.
Victims of the whims of shifting
sands for more than so years the in
let was closed and then opened a
number of times by nature. Later
came a long drought in Delaware
and the inlet was closed for the last
time. The fish. oysters. clans and
crabs that abounded in Indian River
Bay began to die on as the once
sparkling waters became green with
slime and pollution. Dredging was
" q VI tAAhCo " hNSR
the waterway open until finally the
government stepped in and began
construction for a permanent open
ing.
The dream of navigation through
the narrow strip became a reality as
the 125-foot yacht, drawing IL feet
Of water. pointed its way through the
inlet past the long steel and rock
graded jetties that have been erected
to keep back the shifting sands. The
inlet was navigated with ease.
Aboard the Vidette were U. S.
Senator John G. Townsend. Jr. who
had been active in the fight for the
project, state officials. and business
men. The yacht was in command of
Capt George Quillen Of Ocean View.
Crrn to Pare }. PIsass)
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
XMAS PAGEANT AT
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Entertainment Wnl Be Held On
Christmas Night

Christmas night at s. o'clock: the
Presbyterian Church will be the
scene Of a lovely Christmas Pageant
and entertainment which will be open
TO the public. The program will open
with a Candle Professional and a
.girls choir composed OF rs voices
singing old Christmas carols. A
Pageant entitled "The Coming OF the
King" written by Miss Eleanor Gil
more, will be presented by cast of
thirty-seven Mrs. Floyd Williams,
who has a lovely soprano voice, will
take the part OF Mary. Music for the
pageant will be furnished by young
women's choir, the Junior choir with
q number of solos and duets. The
cast has been rehearsing for the past
four weeks. and this entertainment
promises to be one Of the highlights
OF the Christmas season. Lovely cos
tunes have been designed and made
by Miss Gilmore and her co-workers.
Mr.. J. 1. Bowman, superintendent Of
the Presbyterian Sunday School. has
made footlights with beautiful and
unusual combination of colors.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
LEGION AUXILIARY HERE
! AIDS CHARITY WORK
COoperates with "King's Daughters"
In Spreading Christmas Cheer

The Ladies' Auxiliary, American
Legion, Unit No. 3, OF Milford, met
last Monday night at the home Of
Mrs. Myrtle T. Mitten, on North
Walnut street, Milford. With a fair
ly good attendance present, the regu-
lar business Of the month was trans
acted. Mrs. Helen Lynn. president,
presided.
Plans for spreading Christmas
cheer in the community we're dis
cussed and acted upon. A check was
sent TO the Kings Daughters of Mil
ford, to assist with the great humani-
tartan work they are doing among
the needy.
Arrangements we're made 10 send
baskets Of fruit TO veterans and their
families. Needy families in the COM
munity were not forgotten and will
receive baskets Of groceries direct
from the auxiliary
President Lynn requests all men,
bers not present at this meeting to
make their contributions to this
Christmas spirit of good citizenship
at once. direct to Mrs. Anthony Sum-
mers or Mrs. Maude Frick
Preparations are being made for
the winters activities. which prom
Uses to he very interesting.
Unit No. 3 is a going organization
that is destined to go 30 the top in
American Legion circles.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16

DEDICATE new
LODGE HALL
MiIford's Most Progress
sive Order Now Meet In
Beautiful Room.
LADIES WORK HARD

Last Saturday evening was. the
most outstanding night ever known
in the history Of Ionic Council, No.
10, Of Milford, when they dedicated
their new lodge hall. which was re-
Gently purchased from the M. E.
Church. The building was formerly
used as a church chapel. BY the ac-
quisition OF this building ionie Coun-
Gil leads the Pocahontas in the State
OF Delaware by being the first cou1-
ell to own hall of their own. This
organization is now known as Mil
ford's most progressive fraternal or
ganization, with the members look
ing forward to new ventures under
the competent guidance of Pocahon-
tas Emma Bennett who In every way
has helped with her assistance to
make the lodge a helpful meeting
place. The members are in COM
plete harmony with each other and
through their combined efforts and
initiative have fulfilled their ambi-
tion of having a hall of their own
Their lodge room can be classed as
being one of the prettiest ones in
the State, second to none in Milford.
Great Sachem Roland A. Parker of
the Great Council of Delaware, I'm
proved Order Of Red Men, officiated
at the dedication, assisted by the
following members of his staff: Geo.
H. Marshall, Great Senior Saga |
more; Curtis W. Ennis, Great jun
for Sycamore; Russell A. Mayo, act
ing Great Prophet; Charles C.
Great Sannat: w. ID. Filings
worth. Great Minshinawa; Freeman
J. Bennett. Great Guard of Wigwam;
George d. Cook, Great Guard of For
est; Ed. MacIntire, Great Chief of
Records. Harvey Hansherry was
chief of ceremonies.
Ionic officers assisting we're Poca-
hontas Emma Bennett, Winona Nell
lie Lynch. Powhatan Lulu Coffin,
Ruth Mariner. Scouts,
Louise Higman and Helen Wright;
Ella Stevenson. Marie
Vina Maloney, Clara
Palmer; Councillors. Edith NJ. Hall
md Nora Jefferson; Runners, Cora
killen and Ella Rogers; guard of
epee. Anna Prettyman; guard of
orest. Serena Hayes; keeper Of
Records, E. n. Hall; collector Of
Lulu Walls; keeper of
Lillian Parker.
crurn to PAGE .. Pleasel
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
ANNUAL All BANQUET
HELD IN KENT COUNTY
ll2 Club Members Attended AFFAIR
At Frederica

The seventh annual All Club ban
quet which was held in the Frederick
Community Hall on Friday evening,
December 9th, was, according to the
142 club members and friends at
tending, the most successful banquet
which the All clubs have held. The
affair was sponsored by the Kent
County Chapter of the Link, with w.
B. Simpson, president Of the organ
ization, acting as toastmaster. The
group was welcomed 10 Frederick by
Richards Sipple, local leader Of the
Frederick 4-H Club.
David Green. principal Of the
Frederick schools, was the guest
speaker. He emphasized the fact that
club members. to grow physically.
mentally and spiritually, must per-
severe in carrying out the precepts
of the 4-H pledge, Il pledge my Head
to clearer thinking. my Heart to
greater loyalty. my Hands to larger
service and my Health to better liv-
ing for my club. my community and
my country" -r
The remainder of the program WAS
BY the young people. A bass o..
chestra with Frances Sarde and Phyl-
lis Coverdale of the wildcat Club.
Jesse sChatto and Richard Clark,
played appropriate Christmas selec-
tions. Gertrude and Lillian Harris
of the Houston Junior Cardinals en-
tertained with songs with accordion
Ann and Hazel Sapp
Of the same club played their guitars
and sang. Following reading by Is
abella Ward Of Dover. Jennie Kiel-
basa and Bruce Frazier. who recent
ly returned from a week spent in Chi
cago at the National All Club Con-
gress as state winners in national
contests, gave accounts of the high !
lights Of the trip. They both stressed !
he importance of club members |
keeping accurate records of their i
projects and submitting them on /
ime.
49,.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
MERCHANTS ARE
PLEASED WITH
XMAS BUSINESS
Thousands OF Shoppers
Are Visiting Milford
Daily, Returns Pleasing.
CITY rs BEAUTIFUL
All Stores Now Open Eve
nings For Benefit Of
Out-Of- Town Shoppers.

A statement was made by this
paper last week that the majority OF
the Milford merchants believed that
this years sales would top those OF
1887. This statement has been care
fully checked and it has been found
that with a very few exceptions this
holds true, and in some cases sales
have increased $50 over last sea-
sons figures.
Every day and night the beauti-
fully lighted and decorated streets
and stores of this city are thronged
with happy holiday shoppers. This
year the shoppers who have made
Milford their headquarters come
from every town on the Peninsula.
All have been favorably impressed
by the splendid values and square
dealing they have received from Mil
ford merchants. The merchants this
year are displaying stocks Of new
merchandise, the equal of any on
display In stores in the larger cities.
In every case the, merchandise on
display is of the finest quality OBJ
tainable Larger stocks are being
carried by the merchants. fnsurIng
the buying public of being able to
obtain what they want in Milford.
All the. stores in Milford will re-
main open evenings until. Cni istmas.
Especially attractive this year and
deserving of special mention is the
beautiful community Christmas tree
in the Plaza Square. Trimmed with
hundreds of eolored lights the tree
itself illuminates the square. The
street decorations, consisting Of
thousands of red and green lights,
dwined in miles Of laurel, turn the
main business thoroughfare into a
spectacle of warm glowing beauty or
as person was overheard to say on. /.
the street. a real Christmasy effect
is produced, The huge Illuminated
arches also lend dignity to The deco
rations.
! The merchants of Milford again
ask you 10 visit them. Many have adj
vertisements In this paper. Read
them then come to Milford and en-
Joy the merchants hospitality.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
C. E. JESTER IS
NAMED STATE
GRANGE HEAD
Milford Man Unanimous
Ly Reelected at Session
Held In Laurel.
All Other Officers RenGnl-
ed; Installation FOIEOIO-
ed Election.

Officers of the Delaware State
Grange were all reelected for two
year terms at the closing session of
the annual meeting Wednesday in
Laurel Centenary NJ. E. Church.
The new officers are: State mas
ter, Clarence E. Jester, Milford; /;
overseer, A. Bailey Thomas, Wyom-
ing; lecturer, Robert Yearsley, Hook
essin; steward, Bailey Maull, Reho-
both Beach, chaplain, Howard R.
Moore, Milford; treasurer, Robert P.
Robinson, Wilmington; secretary,
Harry C. Johnson, Smyrna; gate
keeper, William H. Naudain, Mar
shallton; Ceres, Mrs. Pearl E. Mills,
Greenwood; Pomona, Mrs. Helen B.
Thomas, Wyoming, and Flora. Mrs.
Nettie F. Jester, Wyoming.
Officers will be installed later this
week.
Changers Tuesday heard State
Master Jester report gains in mem
bership with 1873, a gain of 151 over
1887. He also reported organiza-
ton Of a unit at Hartly, known as
Bethesda Grange, with a membership
of 81. Hartly also formed a Juvenile
Grange with 30 members.
FaVOrs Balanced Budget
Reviewing the platform of the Ma
tional Grange. Mr.. Jester said the
Delaware State Grange endorses its
provisions.
The grange, he said, fayors income
tax in every state and issuance of no
more tax-exempt securities; eontin-
ued private ownership and operation
of railroads; uniform traffic regula-
tions on highways; an effective ma
tionai flood control program without
the surrender of state power; en-
of farm cooperatives;
more stringent liquor law enforce
ment and extension of temperance
education, and nationwide educa-
tionsl campaign against the sale Of
all narcotics.
Opposes Tax Diversion
Balancing of the federal budget;
and efforts to prevent
activities in this coun-
fry; adequate appropriations for ru-
raj electrification; continuation of
Crurn to Page 9. Pieass)
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
XMASPROGRAM
AT HIGH SCHOOL
NEXT FRIDAY
Complete Musical Pro-
gram Arranged by Prof.
William E. Miller.
VISITORS WELCOME

Next week on Friday, at one, the
Milford High School will have its
Christmas Assembly. This week a
program has been nicely worked out
by William E. Miller, director of mu-
sic in the high. school, and has the
earmarks of the best arrangement
yet given by the pupils of the school
Decorations have been done by Miss
Mary Kinder and her home room pu-
pills Lighting effects for the pro-
gram will be done by Crerar Bennett.
The best known and loved carols are
being used in the program. They
will be interspersed by Christmas
stories. A space in the balcony is
being reserved for visitors. who look
forward to this assembly from year
to year. Some distinguished guests
are expected. so Friday. the twenty
third, will be a red letter day in
the school. The program follows:
/. Chimes.
2. Carol, Joy to the World.
3. Milford High School Mixed
Chorus - Halleluiah Chorus from
Messiah"-Handel.
4. The Story of Christmas-Joyce
Wilkie.
5. CaroEHark! the Herald Angels
Sing.
6. The Development of the Carol
in England--Lucy Rumpstitch.
Z. Milford Junior High School Girls
Glee Club - Deck the Hall - Old
Welsh Carol.
s. Soprano Solo. Cantiaue de Noel
Adam. Sung by Charlotte Ryder,
accompanied by Violin Quartet
Florence PeaFee, Doris Sockrider.
Margaret Williams. Adele Warren.
William Hitten. piano.
g. The Story of Bethlehem-Jean
wilkins.
10. Carol-O. Little Town of Beth
lehem.
CTum to Page 8, Please,
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
ON REA HELD In KENT
Questions Regarding Rural Electrifi-
cation Project Answered At Sessions

cation Project Answered At Sessions
For the purpose of answering
questions regarding the rural cleo
trificaticn project, and discussing
the selection and use of electrical
equipment in the home and on the
farm, eight community educational
meetings were held in Kent county
during the past year under the di-
rection of County Agent Russell E.
Wilson in cooperation with the Del
aware Rural Electric Association
and the Rural Electrification Admin
istration.
At each Of these meetings the
proper utilization OF electricity in
the home was discussed by Mrs. Ell
va S. Bohannon, home electrifica-
tion specialist, and the practical
use of current on the farm was pre-
sented by Lee G. Priokett, agricul-
tural engineer. from the Washington
office, both of whom spent several
days in this county assisting the ex-
tension agents and officers of the To-
cal association in promoting this
project. These meetings were attend
ed by All rural people, and Il Is es-
tinlated also that various local lead
ers throughout the county spent at
least two months in aggregate time
in making farm surveys and contact
ing other farmers with reference to
their securing this electric service.
It was explained also at these
community meetings the necessary
steps to be taken to complete sur
cRurn h Pase }. passsss
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
CONTROVERSY RAGING
OVER FIkEMENS STATUE
Vandals Pulled Down Firemen's
Memorial, Dover Mayor Says

Mayor J. Wallace Woodford, Mon.
day, branded as absolutely false and
unwarranted" an accusation that
Dover officials we're responsible for
- or melted" destruction of the
! firemen's memorial there.
Wrecking of the monument, he
declared, was an act of vandalism
which merits severe censure."
The charge Of official responsible
ity had been made by members of the
Delaware State Volunteer Flremen's
Association. ss.
Demanded Inquiry
The association a week ago de-
manded an investigation by Dover
officials within 10-days. The statue
was smashed the night before
Thanksgiving.
Dover, Mayor Woodford said. has
"all the respect in the world" for the
firemen's association. but the statue
was "a caricature of the firemen we
all respect and admire
The city had asked that the gro
tesque figure" be removed. but we
do not condone the manner in which
It was removed"
Mayor Woodford said he UNDER
stood the figure was "cut by tomb
stone maker" and not by sculptor.
Issues Statement
His full statement follows:
''The criticism of Dover officials,
voiced by some members of the Della
ware Volunteer Firemen's Associa-
tion over the destruction of the
figure on the firemen's monument on
Dover's City Plaza. calls for an
answer.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
Santa Claus Vas
A Milford Visitor
On Saturday Last
Patron Saint OF TOyI0nd And Children Came By Air
plane From The Frozen Confines Of The North
Pole To Lead Parade OF KitCGnis And Merchants
Through The Business Section

Jolly Old st. Nicholas. patron
Saint Of childhood. and Royal Regent
Of Toyland, left the great frozen
North last Friday evening. by air
plane. and arrived in Milford last
Saturday afternoon.
Santa landed at the Draper farm AZ
the Western entrance of Milford: !:
there he was officially greeted by
the officers and members Of the
Milford Kiwanis Club and Merchants
Association. and escorted through
the business section of the city.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
REPUBLICANS
NAME ZEBLEY
HOUSESPEAKER
Elmer E. Benson, Dover,
Caucus Choice AS Floor
Leader.
SCHROEDER CLERK
Attaches List Withheld
Until Senate Republi-
cans Name Their Slate.

Rep. Frank R. Zebley of Whining
ton will be speaker of the House OF
Representatives at the next session
of the General Assembly. Republican
members OF the lower branch decided
Tuesday night in caucus.
The caucus also agreed on Rep.
Elmer E. Benson of Dover for major
ity floor leader. Representative Zeb-
ley was Republican floor leader in
the last session when his party was
in the minority in the House.
F. w. Schroeder Chief Clerk
Heading a list Of Is attaches from
New Castle County. also agreed upon,
was Frank w. Schroeder of Delaware
City in the post of chief clerk.
Kent and Sussex county members
in the caucus said they would with
hold their lists of attache selections
until after the Senate Republicans
hold caucus next Tuesday night.
Tuesday lights caucus was at
tended by Republican State Chairman
Ebe H. Chandler Of DagsborO and the
three Republican county chairmeh-
Albert Stetser. New Castle county;
D. d. Wharton, Kent, and William
]. Swain. Sussex.
Besides Schroeder. the following
attaches were selected from New
Castle. county:
List of Attaches
Document clerk, Harry Newlin.
assistant document
clerk. Mrs. Amy Wigglesworth.
Hundred; bill clerk,
Mrs. Mildred TOmlinson. Wilmington
Sergeant-at-arms. Robert Groves.
chaplain. the Rev. L.
2. Windsor, Wilmington; floor lead
Hr's clerk. Mrs. Clifford Ellis. Bear
Station: earetaker. ]. Corbit Reyn-
olds, Blaekbird.
CTTm to Pags 8. Pisassl
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16

Thousands of happy. eager children
were on hand to greet the jolly old
fellow during his sojourn in the
Garden City, and from his mighty
pack Old St Nick passed out candy
and oranges.
Kris, in an interview with Chron-
icle reporter, said that unless some
thing unforeseen occurs he will be
very much in evidence here on Satur-
day night. December 24th, and all
the little boys and girls who made
his visit to Milford a pleasant one
will be remembered.
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
H. ". BRAMHALL
CHOSEN AS HEAD
OF TALLGDARS
Georgetown Attorney Sue
ceeds Grand Tall Cedar
George s. Grier.
PROGRAM WAS FINE
Major James w. Cannon,
OF Milford, Elected AS
Publicity Chairman.

At the ceremonial of Evergreen
Forest. No. 40, T. C. L.. held in the
Community Building last Wednesday
night, the annual election of officers
took place. Acting upon the recon-
mendatiOn of the nominating COM
mittee, Charles ]. Holzmueller. Will
liam V. Sipple and Robert ID, Pretty
man, the Forest unanimously elected
Howard w. Bramhall, of Georgetown,
Grand Tall Cedar; DIR. Willard r.
Pierce, of Milford, Senior Deputy,
and Warren T. Moore OF Harrington,
Junior Deputy; c.. ID. Holzmueller,
Scribe; Edwin Messiek, Treasurer.
and James w. Cannon, Publicity
Chairman.
The officers-eIect were immediate
ly installed by A. B. Cr0ll, district
representative of district No. IA,
comprising Milford, Salisbury and
Cambridge. Grand Tall Cedar Bran
hall will announce the new commit
tees in January.
II was with extreme regret that
the membership was compelled TO
accede to the request of Grand Tall
Cedar Grier. to not consider him as
a candidate for reelection. Grand
Tall Cedar Grier was present and
opened the meeting. His address con-
veyed his feelings toward Evergreen
members in such manner that 1t
touched the heart of every Cedar
present. The membership accepted
his decision as a great losss
The business dispensed with, a
evening of hilarious fun took place.
The stunt club under the direction OF
Capt. George Atkins administered
the first rites to Howard Cook, an
attorney of Georgetown, in the pre-
vailing holiday spirit Of give and
lake. Howard was on the take end.
(Tun to Page g. PIesssl
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
Recredtiondl Travel Brings
$IO,2OO,OOO Into State In 1888

The sum of s1O,2OO.OOO was
brought into Delaware in 1888 by
recreational travel, according to a
statement issued this week by w.
Purves Taylor, secretary Of the AS
sociated Petroleum Industries Of
Delaware.
These figures have Just been re-
leased by the federal government" "
Mr. Taylor explained, "and indicate
that Delaware has protited largely
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
WEEKLY WEATHER
REPORT FOR MILFORD
From Wednesday, December 2, To
Tuesday, December Is, Inclusive

Charles J. Holzmueller, local wea-
ther recorder, reports the following
atmospheric conditions for Milford,
from Wednesday, December z. to
Tuesday, December 13, inclusive:
TemDerature
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16

by tourist business.
"our private research reveals that
the expenditure was divided as fol-
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16
Temperature

Total Rainfall ... 40
The following winds and condi-
tions prevailed during the same
period:
Milford chronicle., 1938-12-16

(TuEn to Pass .. PIeasel