davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
CLAYTON MAN
is EXONERATED
Constable Hazel EXOnerated
by Dover Jury for Shoot
ing of Elmer Ross
WAS PERFORMING DUTY

Exoneration of Constable j. Ell
mer Hazel, special officer at Clay
ton, who fatally shot Elmer Ross,
II years old, following the burglary
of a Clayton store in the early
hours of November 10, was recon-
mended by a coroner's jury last
Thursday afternoon. Testimony at
the inquest, conducted by Coroner
Herman Johnson, developed that
the town board of Clayton had en-
gagged Hazel as special night
watchman because of a great num-
Der of robberies two weeks before
the shooting took place. The jury's
verdict was that Ross came to his
death from a wound inflicted by
and while Hazel was performing
his duties as special officer" It
added 1--WE think he should be ex-
onerated."
Saw Boy Go Through Transom
Hazel told the jury that he saw
Ross, following two companions,
climb through the store transom.
The other two had reached the
ground and ran. AS Ross started
running, the officer said he called
to him to halt, but instead the boy
ran faster. Hazel said he fired,
but did not know shot hit the boy
until he found him lying in a va
cant lot. At first, he said, the boy
denied he had been in the store but
later admitted it and asked the of-
ficer to get a doctor.
Buried Cash, Officer Says
Investigation by state police
showed that while Hazel was seek
ing a physician, the boy buried
about 81 in small coins which al
legedly had been taken from the
store. Among them was a slug
that had been passed on the store.
The boy also had, according to the
testimony, a f1ashlight and gloves
taken from the establishment. Ross
refused to divulge the names of his
companions, the officer said. Fol-
lowing the death of the boy, the
day after the shooting, state police
placed a technical charge of man
slaughter against Hazel and Mag
istrate Edwin w. Hutchison, Smyr-
ma, fixed his bail at $500 for the
action of the grand jury
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION DONATES
FINDS FOR NEEDY FAMILIES

are as follows: DR.. c. ]. Prickett,
DR.. Ralph B. Jones, Davis H. Bell,
William Kenworthy, and Louis
Caras. Proceeds will be turned
over to the Kings Daughters for
distribution. The Business Asso-
citation will donate S55.85 to the
Citizens Hose Company to be used
for Christmas baskets to needy
families. AS an incentive for fes-
tive Christmas decorations in the
town, the Association is cooperat-
ing with councils electric rate re-
duction by offering prizes for the
best decorated residence and place
of business. Six prizes will be Of
fered. two $40, two S5, two So and
two So, one set for homes and the
other for business places in the
town.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12

A Canned Goods matinee will be
given at the Roxy Theatre on Fri
day afternoon, December goth, at
1.3O D. m. The civic committee of
the Smyrna Business Association
in cooperation with Mr.. Harry Au-
mack, manager of the Roxy, has
announced that all proceeds from
the movie will be given to under
privileged families in this commun-
ity. Admission will be canned
goods. or any foodstuffs, such as
can of peas, corn or tomatoes,
can of soup, bag of potatoes, or
fresh fruits and vegetables. The
show will be planned to appeal to
both adults and children stated
Mr.. Aumack. The food will be col
lected at the door by the Business
Association civic committee, who
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
FARM PROGRAM BROADCAST
Program From Dover Includes
Land Use, Rural Planning

Radio listeners who are tuning in
each Wednesday afternoon for the
programs which are being broad
cast from Dover over station
WDEL are invited to tune in next
Wednesday, December 18, from L
to 1:30, when a land use and rural
planning program will be broad
cast under the direction of the Ex-
tension Service of the University
of Delaware in connection with the
Delaware Farm and Home Hour.
The farm news portion of this
radio program will be given by W.
H. zipf, extension editor, and
panel discussion of this land use
and rural planning program will
be led by Russell E. Wilson, county
agent, Miss Hazel H. Darrell, coun-
ty home demonstration agent, and
John E. H. Lafferty, state repre-
sentative of the Bureau of AgTicul-
tural Economics of the United
States Department of Agriculture.
The Kent county land use planning
committee will be represented on
this program by Isaac Thomas,
Marydel, chairman, and Mrs Virgil
Frazier, FELTON,, vice-chairman and
representative of the county home
demonstration clubs. Musical Sc
lections on this program will be
furnished by the Dover Century
Club Ensemble under the direction
of Mrs. Glenn Gildersleeve.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
NEW YEARS BALL AT DOVER
Young Peoples Annual Affair;
Large Crowd Expected

Six hundred persons from all
parts of the state are expected to
attend the annual young people S
New Years Eve dance in the arm
ory at Dover. l.. d. Shank, Jr.,
is chairman of the general commit
tee for the affair. Henry Shapley
will be in charge of tickets in this
town. The dance will be held from
10 d. m. until a. m. with music
bv Chuck Gordon and his band,
philadelphia. Sale of tickets Will
close December 28, the general
committee has announced. Each
couple buying ticket is entitled to
invite two couples from outside
Kent County. One hundred tickets
for couples will be sold. Commit
tees include: Floor, Benjamin F.
Johnson, chairman, and Guy II.
Bowdle: refreshments, Karl d.
Dorzback, Jr.; decorations, William
Henry: music, Miss Jennie Satter-
field. chairman, and Mrs. Frank K.
HAYES and Andy B. Clements;
tickets and invitations, Mrs. l.. u.
Shank, Jr.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
CLAYTON FORMS
NEW CIVIC CLUB
Sponsored by Clayton Lions
Club, New Organization Will
Sponsor Town Projects
COMMUNITY SPORTS

The Clayton Lions Club is spon-
soring a movement for the forma-
ton of a civic organization in the
nature of a recreation club. Rep
resentatives from the following or
ganizations met with the Lions
Club at the Clayton School last
week to formulate plans: Method
list Church, Episcopal Church, St.
Joseph's Catholic Church, the Cen
tury Club, Home Demonstration
Club, All Club, Parent-Teacher
Association, Town Council, school
board, Clayton firemen, and the
Clayton Gun Club.
Purpose is Civic Welfare
The purpose of the club will be
to foster community welfare. COM
defense, and civic improve
ment. Committees will be appoint
ed to cover community sports, the
arts, publicity. Among the aims
will be the establishment of a
school playground, the serving of
free lunches at school to under
privileged children, a safety cam
paign, and plans for town beautifi-
cation.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
5 5CHARGED WITH
THEFT OF CORN
Man With % Bags of Corn,
Stolen From Clayton, Hooks
Ride on Freight Train
THREE HELD FOR COURT

Among the five defendants in
magistrates courts in Kent County
last week charged with corn thefts,
was a Virginia itinerant who is al
legged to have developed a novel
transportation system for big scale
operations. Getting away with %
bushels of corn without the aid Of
a truck is no easy task for a man
whose only means of transpOrta-
tion are his legs. Sam Neal, SO
years old, according to state police
of No. station, therefore decided
that if man could hook a ride on
a freight train there was no reason
why he couldn't take his cargo
with him. Sam admits, the police
say, that he took the % Oushel
bags of corn, still on the cob, from
a farm about half mile north of
Clayton, and then bided his time
until a freight train stopped for
water near the farm. He loaded
the corn on the train and climbed
aboard with it, he admits. At
Bridgeville, Sam says he showed
the bags from the freight car, but,
with the train failing to halt, he
had to ride on to Seaford. Walk
ing back, he was soon in custody,
as his act had aroused suspicion.
Neal is in Kent County Jail in de
fault of $500 bail fixed by Magis-
trate Walter S. Cubbage on a
charge Of larceny. The three other
alleged corn stealers arrested by
state police have been held for
court by Magistrate Hutchison and
a fourth will be given a hearing in
Juvenile Court on December 20.
Held for court are Daniel Washing
ton Mitchell, 20, Kenton, $1,000
bail on three charges; his brother,
George Mitchell, Is, Smyrna, ST.
0OObail, four charges, and William
Henry Bleen, 21, Smyrna, $500 bail
on three charges. The other is a
16-year-old brother of the two
Mitchells. Bail in his case is $3.50
on one charge.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
JUNIOR CLASS PLAY FRIDAY
To Present 3-Act Play "Going on
Seventeen" Tomorrow Night

Tomorrow night, Friday, Decem-
Der 13, the Junior Class of the
John Bassett Moore High School
will present a three-act farce
Going on Seventeen, written by
Hilda Manning. The play is the
story of a 16-year-old boy, who
with his two colleagues, attempt to
gain success through the publica-
ton of a small town magazine.
The production is under the direc-
ton of Robert M. Brown and will
feature Robert Lower, Betty Eich-
holz; John Long, Clifton Bickling,
Alice Rosengren, Jack Francis,
Eleanor Burke, Shirley Blechman,
Louis Conaway, Lillian Craft, En-
ma Pearce, Dorothy Badur, Fran
ces NayIor, and Harry Beck. The
proceeds, received from the sale of
tickets, will be used for the annual
Washington trip. The performance
will begin promptly at SIS. Tick
cts may be purchased from any
member of the Junior Class.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
CHURCH YOUTH
HEAR SPEAKER
Rev. GOOdhand of Christiana
Addressed Methodist Youth
on Temptations"
DRIVE NETS NEARLY $50

The December meeting of the
Methodist Church Young People of
the surrounding communities met
at Bethesda Methodist Church,
Monday evening.
There were 130 young people in at
tendance. Rev. V. Myers Good
hand of Christiana was the prin-
cipal speaker of the evening. The
of his address was THE
Way of All Flesh" He reviewed
this famous book which was shown
as movie at our local theatre a
short time ago, and compared the
temptations which were portrayed
in this movie to the temptations
which face the young people. The
phrase Hearing the song and
tasting of wine l turned Christ out
in husk and swine" was used fire.
quently in his brief address. Many
were heard after the meeting
praising the word brought by Rev.
Goodhand Rev. j. @. Handy then
spoke briefly on the personal value
Of making others happy at Christ
mas, the main point being that
there is greater joy in giving than
receiving. Rev. Handy gave ex-
amples of this Christian ideal from
his own life. During the business
session the ways and means COM
mittee reported that the special
drive in the nearby communities
had netted nearly $50 with Clayton
and Odessa not having completed
their drive. A motion by Bob Bell,
Smyrna, and seconded by Gordon
Casson, Cheswold, to give $40 to
the Strawbridge Methodist Home
for Boys, SO that they might enjoy
a better Xmas, was unanimously
passed by the group. Mr.. B. G.
Scott, general chairman of the ev-
ening, assisted by Miss Ruby DaW-
son, both of Middletown, took
charge of the refreshments Fol
lowing a lively song-fest led by
Howard Deakyne, Smyrna, the
meeting was adjourned. The Jan
uary meeting will be held in Odes-
sa and the date set was January
goth.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
BOY SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Held on December 18th in School
Auditorium; to Award Badges

The Smyrna Boy Scout Troop
has planned a program for the
next two months. The first thing
on the calendar will take place on
December 10th, when the parents
of the Scouts and the people of the
town are invited to a Court of
Honor to be held in the High
School auditorium at Z o'clock.
The following boys will be given
awards at this time: Second Glass
Guy FAIRIES, Harry T. Ennis, Will
liam Kenworthey, Jr., and Jack
Walker; Merit badge awards
Jack Garis, James deFord, Edward
Tucker, Jack Griffin, Wells FAIRIES,
Frank Badur, Francis Bramble and
Francis O'Neil At the next Dis
trict Board of Review, honor will
be given to three Star Scouts
Jack Garis, Wells FAIRIES, James
deFord, and two Life Scouts
Buddy O'Neil and Francis Bramble.
Smyrna should be proud of these
boys when they find that in the
whole town of Smyrna, only about
five men who were past scouts
have advanced so high in Scout
ing" said Scoutmaster Ellery
Ward. The last of January will be
given over to a Board of Review.
The main attraction for the next
month TO all Scouts and Commit
teemen will be the preparation for
the Second Annual Father and Son
Banquet to be held during Boy
Scout Week, February 7-13.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
iE.R. DICK SPEAKS
BEFORE ROTARY
Talked on Relationship of
North and South America;
Stressed Unity of Americas
XMAS PARTY DEC. 18TH

Erwin Dick, a member of the
Smyrna Rotary Club, presented a
most timely talk on the relations
of North and South America at the
weekly meeting of the Club last
week. Mr.. Dick, as representa-
tive of large American chemical
firm, has had first hand contacts
with many of these business firms
in other lands, and because of this
fact what he had to say was found
ed on experience. One of the most
startling points was that the num-
ber of potential buyers in South
America has never attracted the
North American manufacturers
The European countries on the
other hand, notably Germany, has
seen the possibilities for many
years in a vast commercial expan-
sion. Young men are vigorously
trained in the customs of the coun-
tries of South America by living
with the inhabitants. 1t is thus
possible over a period of time to
absorb the different cultures. The
ability to understand just what to
do and when to do it in relation to
the cultures of other peoples is the
foundation of sound business rela-
tionships. Another factor that may
hinder the progress of amicable
business relations with these coun-
tries is that many of the products
of South America are not needed
by the United States. In many
ways America is a keen competitor
of South America. The road to the
building up unity in the Americas
is a difficult one, but not an i'm
possible one. Mr.. Dick stressed
the point that we in the United
States had let many opportunities
pass by that would have helped to
bind the Americas in inseparable
bonds of friendship. G. Leland
Harmonson responded. President
George R. Miller, Jr., presided. The
Christmas party of the Club has
been set for Thursday, December
26th
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
ADULT COURSES
START JAN. 9TH
Registration Will Take Place
i'm Office at j. b. Nj. School;
S1.00 Fee is Required
TO HOLD s MEETINGS

Superintendent George R. Miller
has announced that registration for
the many adult courses to be offer
ed in the John Bassett Moore
School will begin Monday, January
9Th, at 100 p. m. This date mas
been set for the opening of the
courses. Registration will take
place in the Office. Each registrant
will be required to pay fee of one
dollar to help defray the expense
of lighting and heating. A list of
the offerings appears below
Woodworking. basketry. weaving. etc.
Chemistry for every day use.
Typing.
Interior decorating, household arts.
Recreation for Business Men.
Salesmanship, window dressing, show
card writing.
Public Affairs.
Effective English.
Fundamentals of English.
Understanding Children's Literature.
Higher Mathematics.
Mathematics for every day use.
Modern Foreign Languages.
Modern Drama or Poetry.
There will be eight meetings dur
ing consecutive weeks excepting in
the course in salesmanship. This
course will run for twelve weeks
Much credit is due the members OF
the faculty for their willingness to
donate their time and energy
gratis. The teachers who will par
ticipate in the program are Mr.
King, Mr.. Brown, Mr.. Hagerty, Mr.,
Doerr, Mr.. Ward, Mr.. Hynson, Miss
Breme, Miss Filters, Mrs. Lambden,
Miss Start, Mrs. Vogel, Miss Mar
shall, Mrs. Harrington, Miss Raugh-
ley, and Mrs. Kocher. Others in
the elementary school have offered
their services also if there is a de-
mand within their fields. These
offerings are a real challenge to
the people of Smyrna and neigh
boring communities. There is no
other community in the State that
is Offering such a wide variety of
opportunities for improvement.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
XMAS MUSIC AT ASBURY
Concert to Be Given BY Junior and
intermediate Choirs of Church


A Christmas concert will be CIV
en- by the intermediate and Junior
choirs of Asbury Church, Sunday
night, December 18th at 7.30
o'clock Following is the program:
Babe of Bethlehem ...-......... Geibel
Intermediate Choir
"Fairest Lord Jesus" ......... Volkslieder
Junior Choir
His Natal Night .......-....... Hall
intermediate Choir
Scripture reading by Callie Diacumakos.
Peace and Goodwill .......... Wilson
intermediate Choir
Opened Gates of Heaven" Geibel
Junior Choir
Birthday of King" Neidlinger
Intermediate Choir
Scripture reading by Callie Diacumakos.
Song of the Magi' .............. Miles
Intermediate Choir
Come With Shepherds Dowly".. Meredith
Junior Choir
Star of the East" ............... Miles
intermediate Choir
Heavens Refrain" ............ Meredith
Junior Choir
"Jesu Bambino" .............. Pietro Yon
Intermediate Choir
Observation-Disclosures Fidelis.
SoIoists-Intermediate Choir
Mary Louise Porter George Thawley
Dorothy Short Howard Deaxyne
Evelyn Robinson Robert Deakyne
Rettv Jones Bernie Grier
Christine Diacumakos
Junior Choir
Sylvia Harris Marie FAIRIES
Rohbv Carrow Roma Welch
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
BODY RECOVERED IN CREEK
Body of Middletown Man, Missing
a Week, Found i'm BlacIbird Creek

The body of James Earl Barber,
81, a trapper of Middletown, who
drowned in Blackbird Creek near
Taylor's Bridge, Tuesday of last
week, was found Monday night in
20 feet of water. The discovery
was made by John Shelter. with
whom Barber lived, and James
a neighbor. The two
men had searched and dragged the
river every day since Barber dis
Private Paul Miller of
the state police, William Grotis and
Russell Griffith, assistants to Cor
oner James F. Hearn, investigated
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
LICENSE PLATES JAN. 18TH
VIII Be Issued ON Request to Auto
Owners Desiring Old Number

License plates will be issued, on
request, to automobile owners de-
string old numbers after January
Is, 1941, according to a recent an
nouncement made. Issuing of the
old numbers will take place be-
tween January Is and January 81,
only. it was emphasized. After
that date, others can purchase
their tags, but they win not be al
lowed for use until after March 81,
the date on which the present tags
expire.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
N OF DELAWARE ELECT
p Dinner Held in Philadel-
phia on Saturday

7 Sons Of Delaware elected ].
pit Conner president at the or
z1On's annual dinner at the
Ts-Stratford in Philadelphia
xrday evening. The meeting
H torty-ninth for the group.
cheers elected We're: First
szdent, Capt. George H. An
p second Nce-president, John
sIan, jr.; secretary, John z.
is treasurer, Louis DuHada-
atoran, Albert o. H. Grier;
ss q the board Of governors,
y Snlthers, G. r. Lind, and
T. N. Taylor. There were
~21 for the Offices, for which
nns we're made at a meet
AOOer Y. The date Of the
was set to observe the
naiVesary Of the ratifica-
Ne Constitution by Della
ne society is an organiza-
q former residents Of DeIa-
sAo now live in or near Phil
Some Of the members are
Delaware residents The
q marked the principaI oh
e q Delaware Day. In this
-s'e We're no formal pro-
10 'SSnnenorating the occa-
y. 4aough some churches and
! n.la. .s.a services suggested by
a@sTe Day Committee
~ Dr. H. V. Holloway.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
Reduction in Town Electric Rates

The Town Council of Smyrna has
announced that a Is per cent re-
duction in electric bills will be Civ
en- to all stores and homes decorat-
ing the exterior Of buildings with
Christmas lights. This offer will
extend from December goth to
January 20th, and is applicable
only to those using lights for exter-
ior decorations.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
GUESTS AT
Club AFFAIR
,.r New Members
u.shands of Members
L'',,,tsiusd at Club House
90 MEET DEC. 10Th

-. hundred members ana
y aas la',dsd the reception at
smlse last Friday, given
y 4 of the faculty of John
b. Moore School, new mem
=, husbands of members
y y -oon was attractively
W with pine bOughs and
.,ssmums. Women Of the
!. nd new members were
L. with a corsage of carna-
/ Ts Grant Garis, club pres
/ .rerded a cordial welcome
rsich she introduced Mrs
!, naakyne. Mr.. Glenn King
4. noris Fearon, who pre-
t.,,ss DrOgran. Mrs. Howard
T.. ii IN the group singing
II. sIl heartily participated.
| gsn 5. King then INTRODUCED
/ -snAsrs Of the cast Of the
|. rsatre play, Progressive
f.sr." They were Mrs. Neva
en- Mrs. Louise Burslem,
| Glenn King, Mr.. Robert
4 NJ. Simpson Carrow' Mr..
n Nabrey. Although the play
E,lr each showed real talent
[rtaying his part and the aud
! moved thoroughly the sly
q aven the modern education
NJ Mrs. Doris Fearcn led
| sal group in two numbers,
| IrxOliua and God Touched a
! Both numbers received great
After program, refresh
! we're served by the hostess,
] Aired Tilghman, assisted by
J George Robinson, Mrs. Ken
! pnce, Mrs. George Scout,
! Auy Lower, Mrs. Joseph
3 Ms. V, Lay Phillips and
! ncmas Russell. On Decem-
! \ The meeting will be in
= d Mrs. Clifford Jones. A
n IS being prepared around
! |sdtons Of Christmas. Each
p i asked to bring a gift of
G canned goods for the
h Daughters. These gifts will
|rssnted as a part Of the pro
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
Two More Deer Bagged

Two Smyrna men each bagged a
deer last week, making three deer
brought to town this season. Mr..
Harold H. Senger, Boulevard, bag
ged an eight-point buck weighing
$50 pounds, and George Jones, Mt.
Vernon Street, shot l5o-pound
doe Both deer came from Penn
sylyania.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
DEATH RECORD OF WEEK
Mrs. Gertrude j. Fleming Passed
Away in Wilmington Hospital

Mrs. Gertrude ]. Fleming, widow
of J. Frank Fleming, passed away
at 1920 Saturday morning at
Memorial Hospital, Wilmington af
ter lengthy illness. She was 80.
Surviving are: Fred c., of Linden
cold, N. J.; w. Frank, George T.
and James R. of Smyrna; ]. Wes-
ley of Seaford; ]. Paul of Whining
ton and Mrs. Bernard Fox of At
lantic City, N. ]. Funeral services
were held at her late residence on
Monday afternoon with six of her
sons as active pallbearers. Inter
ment was in Odd Fellows Gem
etery, Smyrna. Rev James w
Colona officiated
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
'"zEGYs SCHOOL BURNS
b Ps,a a'se 9 Public Library on
S' Destroyed by Fire

l, poas rublic Library on
n o'ad' Destroyed by Fire
! S~ssgys me Free Library, To-
II. .as .a'..t Old cOmegys School
y p"as p%alheast of Dover, along
ksrSs.sd, soad, was destroyed by a
h nslermined ns origin Monday
n. age !, was estimated at
y ~ |. $1,000. Several 'I1l hundred md %i
k,r.s ae building, which was
~ a' a public school four our
1 p so,s were burned. Members
p ~ %0olnS a Hose Company of f
p H. H.. When Y they arrived the he
ss.a..t0 ~, 0f the frame structure IRE
y ! sa. ss.. Firemen, who Were yer
k4 d tp'aln T. water except that
Fa sas.g ias engine booster tank,
h, :, r's'nine Z the cause Of
| = IN. n what part Of Of the -
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
FIRE AT THE WAGON WHEEL
Interior Quilted by Flames From
Hot Grease; Damage Put at $4,000

Interior Quilted by Flames From
Hot Grease; Damage Put at $4,000
The interior and fixtures of the
Wagon Wheel restaurant, on the
northbound boulevard here, were
badly damaged by fire Sunday af-
ternoon. The blaze started in the
kitchen when hot grease was spill
ed on the stove. Smyrna f1remen
battled the fire for two hours be-
fore bringing it under control. Po-
lice were forced to re-route traffic
during the blaze. The restaurant
is owned by Louis Caras. Damage
is estimated at more than $4,000.
Repairs and rebuilding have been
started, and the owner, hopes to re-
open for business before Christmas.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
Couple Quietly Married

Philip ]. Salter and Miss Paul
inc Dixon, both of Townsend,
were quietly married at st. Paul's
parsonage, Clayton, by Rev. j. c.
B. Hopkins, on Saturday evening,
December z.
Smyrna times., 1940-12-12
Draft Numbers Posted i'm Smyrna

'e oSsoo if N'tis 'hd
Thru the kindness of local Draft
Board No. l of Kent County, a list
of registrants has been furnished
the Smyrna Post Office Anyone
wishing to know his serial number
or order number may secure same
by calling at the local post Office.