davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19
Culture of Muskrats i'm State

A representative Of the Del
aware State Game and Fish
Commission has been credited
with the statement that Della
ware has 10000 acres of
marsh land where muskrats
are caught. This gives some
idea of the Importance of the
muskrat industry. The rev.
enue fro mthe catches, which
is considerable, goes to the
owners of the land as well as
to others who pay for catch
ing privileges. Commenting
on this the Middletown Tran
script says:
Zone may sometimes hear
it deplored that there is SO
much marsh land in the state
which seems to serve no use
full purpose. Some Of our low
land has been reclaimed and
used for agricultural or other
purposes. Where muskrats
abound, however, it is of eco
nomic Importance to keep the
marshes as they are and place
about them such safeguards
as may encourage the musk
rat industry. Many farms in
the vicinity of Middletown de-
rive a sizeable income from
muskrat hides and meat, and
they are naturally concerned
with every movement to en-
hance the numbers and value
of this local source of supply
for the furindustry."
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19

town, Md, was operated upon for
appendicitis. She is recovering
nicely.
DR.. and Mrs. Clarence v. Hud-
gins, of Northampton, Mass, and
his sister, Mrs. w. S. Burris, of
Biggs, Va, were recent guests of
Fred c. Numbers.
Walter M Woodall, of New York
City, is visiting his mother, Mrs.
John E. Woodall, for some time.
Miss Marcella Williams, of Pitman,
N. j., and Mrs. Lester Woodall and
son, Lester, Jr., of Houston, Texas,
spent last week with the latter's
mother, Mrs. Woodall.
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19
Mustard Gas Is Still
King of War Chemicals

EDGEWOOD. MD.-A generation
Of researchers have passed since the
Germans first used mustard gas
against the British in April. 1917,
but that blistering weapon remains
the king" Of chemical warfare,
army chemical experts said today.
1t is in the field Of devising de.
fenses against that scourge that the
army's chemical warfare service
has been most effective since the
World war.
However, the nation does not lag
in making and method of using toxic
gases. Members Of the American
Chemical society. who inspected
the arsenal recently, were assured
our army holds an enviable position
in regard TO chemical warfare.
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19
MILLINGTON
Items of Personal and Social In,
terest Cleaned From the Vicinity

Millington, Md, Oct. 10 Mrs.
Edward F. Comegys, 80, daughter
of the late James E. and Mary
HURT, died in Baltimore, Md, on
Tuesday of last week and was bur
led Thursday with services at
Shrewsbury Church, the Rev. DR.. c.
L. Atwater in charge. She is sur
vived by one daughter, Mrs. Nor
ton Dukehart, of Baltimore, at
whose home she died, and two
brothers, Edmond HURT, of Locust
Grove, and DR. Harry HURT, of
Washington, also by three grand
sons. The deceased was born and
raised at Woodland Hall, near Lo-
Gust Grove, and her late husband,
at one time, was engaged in bust
ness in Chestertown, Md She was
well known to a number of Mill
ington folks.
The district meeting of the Wo-
mems Home Missionary Society
was held in Union Church, Will
mington, on Thursday, October IL.
Those attending from Asbury
Methodist Church, Millington, were
Mr.. and Mrs. Norman A. Wallen,
Mrs Mary E. p. Smith, Mrs. Char
les S. Church and Mrs. w. Leo
Gale.
Mr.. and Mrs Fred G. Numbers,
Jr., Of Williamsburg, Pa, and Julian
C. Numbers, of Lower Delaware,
were recent guests of their father,
Fred G. Numbers.
The Millington Homemakers'
Club held a flower show in Com
munity Hall, on Friday afternoon
and there was a great display of
beauutiuful blooms. Some of the
exhibits drew for their owners
more than one prize The day was
perfect and there was large at
tendance.
Mrs. John E. Woodall spent a
visit in Philadelphia last week with
friends.
Mrs. James Skinner of Galena,
has returned home after spending
some time with her daughter and
son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. w Leo
Gale.
Miss Betty Hollett, Of near town,
who was taken suddenly i'll recent
ly and was rushed to the Kent and
Queen Anne's Hospital at Chester
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND
EVERY DAY LIVING
F. b. Gebhart

Effective citizenship depends en-
tirely upon the citizens understand
ing of present-day social, political,
and economic relationships. How
can we best develop such vital ap-
precautions In everyday life we
interpret all that we see and hear
through the medium of our past
experiences and knowledge. His
tory broadens our vicarious exper-
ience and knowledge thereby illum-
mating present-day problems and
ideas. BY the study of history we
discover the relations of past ex-
periences to present-dsy living.
Isn't Hitler's youth movement,
which stresses physical develop
ment and pays little or no heed to
mental or moral development, SIM
liar to the old Spartan teachings?
The accomplishment of any task
depends in part upon the tools of
the craftsman and his ability to
use them. The job of good cit
izenship is no exception to this
rule. The ability to use books,
newspapers, maps, graphs, and
charts, the recognition and analys-
is of propaganda in books, news
papers, movies, and radio programs
are tools of the good citizen. With
these tools we develop the ability
to form sound conclusions based
upon impartial investigation of
facts. It is the duty of all to ac-
quire these tools and to use them
not accept the interpretations of
others.
Every citizen should: (1) Earn
his own livelihood, (2) Know and
obey the laws, (3) Vote intelligent
ly, (4) Be Of service to his COM
munity. How does social science
help to prepare citizens for these
duties? In history and civics we
learn the fundamental principles
and laws upon which our civiliza-
tion is based, in order that we may
understand our role in the life of
our community, state, and nation.
What are the rights and privileges
of citizen? What do we owe our
government? What should we ex-
pect from them? Only study of
American History and Government
can answer these questions.
What great problems today face
America? Delaware? Smyrna?
Anyone can make list of them
how many understand them? In a
democracy elected representatives
have the task of solving our press
ing social, political, and economic
problems Candidates for Office
should represent programs for the
curing of our social ills. On cleo
tion day the public votes for one of
several schemes for solving our
problems. Obviously, Improvement
of our society depends upon a we'll
informed electorate. Through So
cial science we constantly strive to
improve the quality Of the elector-
ate by probing social phenomena
to learn the fundamentals upon
which our national ideals and insti-
tutions are based.
Assuming that citizens have the
tools and the ability to be effective
in our society, we still face our
greatest obstacle, namely, the de-
sire to participate in movements
which will improve the general
welfare of society. Do our better
citizens run for public Office? Do
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19
MASSEY
Items of Personal and Social In,
terest Cleaned From the Vicinity

Massey, Md, Oct. 19-Clarence
Decker, who recently took a posi-
ton in Baltimore, has been spend
ing a brief visit here.
Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Holt have
moved from the farm to their
home in town.
Miss Helen Price has accepted a
position as waitress at the Check
er Inn in Smyrna, Del.
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19

Published Every Thursday Morning. by
r. D. HOFFECKER, Proprietor.
Founded by Robert d. Hoffecker. July s.
1854. Editor and Proprietor until Feb
ruary 10. 1907.
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19
CORRESPONDENCE
CONTINUED From Page Eight)

The Ever Ready Bible class of
Odessa Church, will have an cleo
tion Of officers at the meeting soon
to be held at Mrs. Clara Phillips.
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19

Entered at the Post Office at Smyrna. Del
aware. as Second Class matter.
Subscription price. s1.50 per year. strictly
in advance.
Smyrna times., 1939-10-19

Church's 213th Anniversary
Observance on Sunday Of
the 213th anniversary of the
Cool Spring Presbyterian
Evening star., 1939-01-22

Manufactured ice
hos put Washington
on skotes. Mild win
ters of this un-kissed
cline ore no longer q
Dor to the popular
winter sport. Artificial
rinks ore the answer.
ond here's the woy
skoters ore crowdin9
the ice. Youngsters
and oIdsters olike ore
tok;ne their bumps,
and liking 'em.
Evening star., 1939-01-22
= 20 sssz

Smiles Of joyful an
ticipotion as skotes
ore put on for O whirI
on the rink. Mrs. {.
F. Pierce comes oIonq
with daughters Polly
and Nancy and seems
to be pretty keen about
the sport herself.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
BIG HELTON NEWS

The farmers of this community
were well pleased with the fine
rain Saturday afternoon and they
are getting along fine with their
tobacco crops in spite of the
scarcity of plants here.
Mr.. Fard FISHERMAN attended
the carnival at West Jefferson
Saturday night, June 8.
Miss Ruby Blevins and Ruby
Denny attended the baptizing at
Landmark.
Mrs. Sarah Jane and Miss Min
ME Paisley were guests of Mrs.
Justin and Flossie Gambill Sun
day.
Mrs. Denzil Paisley and small
daughter Kathrine were guests of
Mrs. Edd Blevins Sunday after
noon.
Misses Lois, Ilena and Mary
Della West spent short time
with Miss Ida West Sunday.
Messrs. Louis and Ida Blevins
Paul Gambill and also Misses
Lois West and Ruby Blevins at
tended the meeting conducted by
Rev. Arthur Ashley at Little
Helton.
Miss Viola Gambill spent Sat-
urday night with Miss Ruby BE
wins of Helton.
Mrs. M. S. Duvall has been
seriously i'll but is slightly i'm
proving.
|. Misses Lois and Ilena West
spent Sunday night with their
uncle Mr.. M. M. West.
Miss Viola Gambill was a Sun
day dinner guest of Miss Lois
West.
Mrs. Elite Waddell, Mr.. and
Mrs. G. H. Hash and Mrs. Ina
Senter spent Sunday afternoon
with Mrs. C. H. West.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Lives OF 80 Men Are Lost In
Worlds Worst Sub Disaster
TREETOP NEWS

Mrs. Howard GRAPHICAL has re-
turned from the Baptist hospital
in Winston-Salem and is improv-
ing splendidly.
Mrs. Fred Payne, who has been
sick for some time, is still quite
sick.
Every one should be interested
in a hospital in Ashe county.
There have been 6 different per-
sons from this community since
Easter in hospitals. They are:
Mrs. Elizabeth GRAPHICAL, Miss
GRAPHICAL, Miss Bertha Mae
Payne, daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
Fred Payne, Misses Jewel and
Jean Killen, twin daughters OF
Mr.. and Mrs. j. r. Killen, Mr..
Bruce Rotten and Mr.. Charlie
Willen, son of Mr.. and Mrs. Abra-
ham Willen.
The many friends and relatives
here are sorry to learn of the
death of Charlie Wil1en. He IS
survived by four brothers, one
half sister, parents and a host of
friends and relatives.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Many Requests For
Aid Reach Welfare
Agencies Of State

Approximately $4,000 persons
/ applied to local welfare depart
ments in North Carolina in the
six months ending the last of
April, 1899, involving over 65,-
900 men, women and children in
requests for government finan-
cial aid, Mrs. w. T. Bost, State
welfare commissioner announced
today.
Monthly expenditures now run
in the neighborhood of $525,000
for the 100 county welfare de-
partments for all types of assist
ants grants from Federal, State
and local funds to aid at least
/ $4,000 families.
During April, 1888 blind per-
sons were given an average grant
of $14.64 to bring the monthly
Statewide total expenditure to
| $28, 298.18 under the program ad-
ministered by the State Commits
sion for the Blind, according to
figures compiled by J. S. Kirk,
Statistician for the State welfare
department.
To 32,385 old people went an
average payment during April of
$685. with the total expenditure
amounting to $309.47; while
North Cardinals average grant to
families of dependent children
was 1882 a family or 1882 for
each child on the rolls requir-
ing a total outlay of $125,32492
to 8,075 families representing 21,-
534 children.
Director of Public Assistance,
Nathan H. Yelton, pointed out
that the average North Carolina
payment to recipients under that
phase of the program administer
ed by the State Board of Chair
ties and Public Welfare, is climb
! ing few cents each month above
the average for the preceding
thirty-day period.
From local relief funds alone
1880 persons comprising 6,123
families received $34,79980 at an
average grant for April of $3.50
family.
During the month, 446 cases re-
ceived $6,433,62 for pauper bur-
ials, boarding home care, and
other items, and 1877 persons re-
ceived disqualification at an ave-
rage cost of $500 from the $18,-
577.02 total spent for this type
of aid by the counties, Kinks fig
ures showed.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Sunk Last Thursday. Only a
Saved. Much Criticism.
Prayers Offered.

LONDON, June 4.-Prayers for
the souls of the SO men who per-
ished miserably in the submarine
Thetis mingled tonight with an
cry demands for a full inquiry
into the tragedy as Britain took
stock of the worlds worst sub
marine disaster.
Churches throughout Britain
offered prayers for the dead.
More than 10000 home fleet sail
ors attended special memorial re-
ligious services ordered by Com
mander in Chief Admiral Sir
Charles Forbes.
Every London newspaper de-
manded an explanation of the
tragedy and when Parliament re-
convenes tomorrow the admiral
ty and the government will be in
for an embarrassing time. The
government will urge Parliament
to await the outcome of naval
board of inquiry-which ordi-
narily sits in secret-but Com
mander Robert Bower, conserva-
tive, announced that he would
demand a full parliamentary in
quiry into the Thetis disaster and
the rescue attempt, which ma
ny charge was bungled by the
navy.
Tugs At Work
The new submarine went down
on it's first test dive and stuck
into the mud at the bottom OF
40 of water in the Irish sea last
Thursday afternoon. There were
1O3 persons in it and only four
of them were saved. Slowness
and inefficiency on the part OF
the navy were criticized. In the
Squalls, 80 of SO were saved.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Sussex News

Miss Virginia Everett and Miss
RED" Dickson are planning to
visit relatives and friends in Nor
folk, Va, soon.
Miss Edith and Madeline Pas
ley spent Sunday afternoon at
the home of Mr.. and Mrs. Abart
Paisley.
Miss Marie Blevins is spend
ing the summer with Mr.. and
Mrs. Fred Hubbard Jr.
Rev. and Mrs. j. G. Brown and
children of Darlington, Md, spent
the week end with relatives here.
Joseph Thompson of U. N. c.,
Chapel Hill, N. c., is spending a
week with his mother, Mrs. c. F.
Spencer before he returns to
summer school.
Miss Wane Carter of Helton
spent the weekend with her
grandparents, Mr.. and Mrs. G. N.
DeBoard here.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Halsey and
children also Mr.. and Mrs. Lester
Young and daughter Francis
spent Sunday with Mr.. and Mrs.
T. c. Handy.
Mrs. Mary Belle Breeze has
been holding clinic at Sussex
for several weeks on Wednesday
morning at ten o'clock.
Mr.. Blain Taylor is suffering
with broken ribs.
Joseph Thompson visited his
grandfather, Mr.. Isam Thompson
an aged citizen of this commune
ty, who has not been we'll for
some time.
Mr.. and Mrs. c. F. Spencer,
Doris Spencer and Joseph
Thompson of Sussex attended
services at New River Church
Sunday night where a fine SER
vice was held by Rev. Gwyn
Blackburn and Rev. J. G. Brown.
Dave Blevins of West Jeffer-
son spent the weekend with his
parents here.
Mr.. Lester Thompson and Lam
dis visited at New River Sunday
night.
Russell P. Handy, who gradu-
ates at State College this year,
spent several days last week with
his parents, Mr.. and Mrs. T. C..
Handy.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Ashe County Farmers Can Earn Nearly $4,000 This Yea,
rhen the children were awaken

when the children were awaken
ed.
Getting out of the house them
selves was the only thing they
had an opportunity to do. Their
clothes, their home and all fur
niture and food were burned to
ashes.
Mr.. Farmer died several years
ago, leaving his wife and four
children a small farm. Mrs. Far
mer had been carrying on" the
best she could, with the aid of
the children. Two or three of the
children are on the county's aid
to dependent children program,
but more assistance than that is
now needed.
NeighborS came to their rescue
in a commendable manner and
others are asked to help this un-
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08

feat that is too good to keep Sc
cret, and several citizens of the
Purlear community were wonder
ing what the game law authori-
ties were going to do with them.
A black bear was seen near
the home of Richard Vanney and
the alarm spread rapidly. Several
citizens with dogs and firearms
joined in the hunt and after sew
eral hours the bear was freed
and killed few miles from
where it was first seen. 1t weigh
ed 96 pounds when dressed and
the meat was divided out among
participants of the hunt.
After the hunt those who par
ticipated learned with regret that
killing a bear is a violation of the
game laws and that there is no
open season for bear hunting in
Wilkes. Homer Brookshire, coun-
ty game protector, this morning
was getting in touch with district
and state game officials to learn
what course he should pursue.
The six bear hunters submitted
to charge this morning before
Magistrate J. G. Wallace and the
total cost and fine amounted tc
$5O.38. They were Stuart Canter
Will Canter, Wrenn Cooper
Blake Cooper, L. L. McNeill anC
w. w. Kilby.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Each Farmer Must
Sign Individual
Farm Plans Now
Deadline Is June Is. Special
Drive Now Being Made
by G.. AS Office.
PHOSPHATE LIME

The Ashe county agricultural
conservation committee and
County Agent c. J. Rich are now
making a final drive to get as
nearly every farmer in the coun-
ty as possible to cooperate with
the 1889 farm plan and thereby
be eligible to receive payments
in this years AAA program.
E. Y. Floyd, AAA executive Of
ficer of State College, this week
announced that Ashe county far
mers can earn $89,O4O in agricul-
tural conservation payments un-
der the 1899 triple-A farm pro-
gram.
Mr.. Rich said that farmers who
expect to qualify for these pay
ments should sign an individual
farm plan and the deadline for
this filing is next Thursday,
June Is.
Over 1000 farmers in the
county have already signed Mr..
Rich said, and announced that
workers are now canvaSsing ev-
cry farm in every township, ex-
planning the new 1889 program
and assisting in working out in
dividual farm plans. These AAA
community workers are also sign
ing up any applications for 1888
payments that have not been
signed already. In addition to
that, they are taking orders for
phosphate and lime, payment for
which can be made out of the
1889 payments.
In connection with the pro-
gram, Mr.. Floyd stated that spe-
cial emphasis is being placed up
on the phosphate and lime fea-
lures. Payments may be earn
ed for applying phosphate in
connection with the seeding of
perennial or biennial legumes,
lespedeza, crotalaria, or perma-
nent pasture, except in connec-
ton with soil-depleting crops"
he said. Limestone can be ap-
piled to any crop, except that ap-
plication of less than 1000
pounds per acre on peanuts, and
commercial vegetables will not
be counted. The triple-A is max
ing triple-superphosphate and
ground limestone available in all
counties as grants-of-aid; that is,
the material is being furnished
now with the cost to be deducted
from soil building payments next
year. County agents are prepared
to help all farmers obtain the
phosphate and lime as grants-of-
aid"
The township workers in this
county are: J. B. Pierce, Chest
nut Hill; J. c. Little, Clifton;
John Knox, Creston; j. T. Brown,
Elk; A. J. Blevins, Grassy Creek;
Fred Blevins, Hurricane; Howard
GRAPHICAL, Laurel; j. c. Craw-
ford, Obids; J R. Grubb, Old
Fields; Howard GRAPHICAL, Pond
Mountain; Howard Blevins, Pin
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Widows Home Is
Destroyed By Fire
Mrs. w. M. Farmer and Child.
rem Escaped in Night
Clothing.
TOTAL LOSS

One of the most pathetic ca
tastrophes ever known in this
county took place last week
when the home of Mrs. w. M.
Farmer in the Fig community
and everything in it were des-
troyed by fire.
Mrs. Farmer and her -four
small children miraculously es-
capped being caught inside of the
burning inferno. They were all
asleep when the fire, which was
believed to have caught from the
kitchen stove, started. The
flames rapidly spread over the
entire four-room frame dwelling
and two beds were even ablaze
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
CELEBRATED BIRTHDAY

Friends of Aunt Nelia Ray ga
thered at her home on Beaver
Creek on Thursday of last week
for a surprise birthday dinner
honoring her on her 82nd birth
day.
Those present for the dinner
were Rev. Wallace Gentry of
Elk Park, Mrs. Myrtle Payne and
grandchildren of Fig, Mr.. J. c.
Speers, Mrs. H. G. Robinson, and
Mrs. Callie Hardin of West JEFF
ferson.
Aunt Nelia is one of the old
est and best loved ladies in the
community, and every one wish
es her many more happy birth
days.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08

ey Creek; Ralph Tomlinson, Pine
Swamp; Rev. w. E. Denny, Wal
nut Hill and Melvin Campbell,
West Jefferson.
The names of the special work.
ers in Jefferson, Helton, Horse
Creek, Peak Creek and North
Fork who started to work this
week, were not available in time
for publication.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
fortunate widow and her child
rem become rehabiliated.
Wanted To Buy

At once for my CORRECTION q.
old money and coins Of all kinds
=. gold silver and copper. Also
Indian relics-tomahawkS, spear
heads, etc.
Will pay the following prices:
$1,000 up for $50 gold pieces
$500 mp for $40 gold pieces
$3.50 up for SIS gold pieces
1928 up for $3.50 gold pieces
Write or bring what you have for
sale to
GEORGE WALTON
Box GOA
Boone, N. C..
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-06-08
Bear Killed By
Wilkes Hunters

NORTH WILKESBORO, June
5.-Game laws or no game laws,
to kill bear is to accomplish
Imperial Valley press., 1939-02-22
NEW YORK STOCKS

NEW YORK, Feb. II. (UP) -
Stocks edged irregularly higher in
dull pre-holiday dealings today.
Traders showed little disposition
to add to commitments in view of
the Washington's birthday holiday
tomorrow when all United States
markets. except livestock centers,
will be closed. Selling. on the other
hand. dwindled.
Bonds were mixed in dull turn
over.
Firmness in rubber. silk and
sugar futures featured an other
wise soft commodity group. Cotton
and grains were steady.
Steel shares were aided by pri-
yate reports pla ting steel opera
tions for this week above last
weeks rate. u. S. Steel and Bethle-
hem were up around q point.
Rail shares were firm on small
gains. Support for the group was
predicated on indications for high
er carloadings and several hearten-
ing January earnings reports. Util-
tiles met good demand and clung
to narrow gains on belief that Sec
retary of Commerce Hopkins will
say something favorable for the
power aud light industry in his
speech at Des Moines Friday.
Aircraft shares recovered after a
period of early softness. Boeing
and Douglas were UP almost point
each.
International Nickel gained al
most point. Oils were steady.