davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-07-23
Knox and B|andy Deny
Delay in Production
OF Naval Ordnance
Guns UsuoIIy Ready
As Ships Are Built,
Admiral Declares

Secretary Knox and Rear Admiral
w. H. p Blandy, chief of the Ru-
reau of Ordnance, both denied to-
day that the Navy has difficulty In
producing ordnance in large guam
titles because "it can't make up its
mind on what type to adopt"
Admiral Blandy was asked If in
ability of the Navy to decide was
holding up heavy production, and
he said he had not heard any such
report. The admiral was reporting
on ordnance at Secretary Knox's
press conference, and the Secretary
came to his defense, saying produc-
ton was going ahead.
Admiral Blandy then illustrated
the method of producing naval
ordnance by saying that when a
design is approved and frozen for
heavy production it is not disturbed.
However, he also said that new
models are being studied and de-
veloped. They do not hold up
production of the set designs. he
pointed out. comparing the whole
program to a stock company where
the actors are presenting one play,
rehearsing another and boning up
on the lines of a third
Foreign Designs Adopted.
Illustrating further the policy of
the Navy in getting necessary goods
under heavy production, Admiral
Blandy said that sometimes when
foreign design had been found to
Evening star., 1941-07-23

six months, only l,547 actually were
delivered.
The Senate passed and sent to
the White House bill authorizing
a $685. 100000 expansion of naval
shipbuilding. ship repairing and
ordnance manufacturing facilities.
The Senate approved, and sent
back to the House, an amended
measure authorizing establishment
of a special civilian guard force TO
combat existing or threatened
espionage or sabotage in the Nays
shore facilities.
Evening star., 1941-07-23
Star Staff Photo.

colonel In the United States Army
and placed on the retired list under
a bill introduced yesterday by Sen
ator Mcclellan, Democrat, of Ten
nessee Sergt. York now lives at
jamestown, Tenn.
Evening star., 1941-07-23
Hull Fit as Fiddle
He Says at Resort
BY the Associated Press.

BY thS AkSDCIHIbu FTShh.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, w.
Va, July 23.-Secretary of State
Hull, resting In this mountain re-
sort since June %, made his first
appearance on the golf clubs putt
ing green yesterday and described
himself "as fit as a fiddle"
Secretary Hull appeared to be
fully recovered from the mild ILL
ness which prompted him to take
a rest from Washington duties. Mrs.
Hull watched him practice puts
Evening star., 1941-07-23
CoIoneIcy Asked for York

By the Associated Press.
Sergt. Alvin c. York, famed for
his single-handed capture of a
large group of German soldiers In
the World War, would be made a
Evening star., 1941-07-23

for an hour. The Secretary didn't
indicate when he might return TO
Washington.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Name Committee
For Motor Survey

In cooperation with the War
Department, which has ordered
that the survey of buses and
trucks be completed by Jan. 81,
Ira T. Johnston, county chairman
of civilian defense: has appointed
the following committee in con-
nection with the survey in Ashe
county: chairman, Austin Jones,
West Jefferson; T. G. Duncan,
Earl B. GRAPHICAL and ]. B. Hens
ley, all of West Jefferson and Mrs.
c. A. Segravcs, of Lansing.
In connection with the National
Defense Survey, questionnaires
have been sent to all owners OF
trucks and buses to be filed out.
Motor vehicle dealers and others
who will do so are requested to
assist owners in filling these out
so that the survey may be COM
pleted.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
NEW YEARS DAY is
PROCLAIMED AS "DAY
OF PRAYER" IN u. S.

New Years day has been
proclaimed by President ROose-
welt as a "day of prayer" and
the Ashe county civilian defense
committee is requesting ev-
cry minister and every per-
SON in the county to cooperate
in this timely observance.
1--WE are confident in our de-
votiOn to our country, in our
love of freedom, in our inheri-
lance of courage, but our
strength, as the strength of all
men everywhere, is Of greater
avail as God uphOlds u.s." Pres
ident Roosevelt stated.
Chairman Ira Johnston and
Rev. p. w. Luke yesterday
stressed the need for Observ-
ance.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
BIedsOe Bound
To High Court
Is Charged With Involuntary
Manslaughter In COnnec-
ton With 2 Deaths.

Claude Richardson Bledsoe, of
Todd, driver of the truck involved
in the accident which happened
near Fig, Nov. Is, when two Ashe
county men, Martin Davis and
Robert J. Cox, of Hemlock, were
killed, was bound over to high
court here on Monday morning
following hearing before Judge
H. G. Tucker. He is charged with
involuntary manslaughter.
John Baker, of Warrensvi11e,
who was brought before Judge
Tucker charged with driving a
car while under the influence Of
an intoxicant was fined $50 and
cost and had his license revoked.
Ed Taylor, of the Beaver Creek
section, was fined S. and cost for
public drunkenness.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Rotarians Pay
High TributaTo
Walter Ell. Worth
Local Clubs First Deceased
Member Eulogized In Spe-
cial Program.

The life of Walter H. Worth
was eulogized at the weekly meet
ing of the Jeffersons Rotary club
last Thursday night. Beautiful tri-
butes were paid to the clubs first
deceased member by Rotarians W.
B. Austin, Ira T. Johnston and
Lester Segraves.
Because of Mr.. Worth's DEATH
the clubs annual Christmas par
ty was postponed and Raymond
Francis arranged a program, dedi-
Gated to this prominent banker
religious, civic and educational
leader.
Ellis life exemplifies as much
as any man who ever lived the
true motto Of Rotary, Service
Continued on Page Four)
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Window Prizes
Are Announced

The windows of the West JEFF
ferson merchants have attracted
much attention during the Christ
mas shopping season by their un-
usual display.
After careful consideration the
group of judges composed Of pro-
fessional men, decided on Smith
ey's as the first prize winner;
Belk's, the second; and Goodman's
the third.
Those to receive honorable
mention were Graybeal's Drug
store, Central Hardware company,
Rhodes Furniture company, w. J.
Parts company and Blackburn's
department store.
Checks will be mailed out to
these winners by The Skyland
Post. The contest is sponsored
each year by this paper in the in
terest of the local merchants.
The judges pointed out that all
of the above windows were un-
usually attractive and the win
ners were finally selected on the
basis of typifying Christmas.
Smithey's window has a com
plete Christmas scene with ST.
Nicholas approaching a lighted
house amid the snow covered for
est.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Registration OF Men From
Is To O. Ordered; 10 To A
Group Is Subject To Draft

Plans are now being made in
Washington to hold registration
throughout the nation of the 3d.
100000 men, from age 18 to 81,
inc usive, who are not already
registered under the Selective
Service Act.
Last Friday Congress passed the
new draft bill, requiring all men
of these ages to register and max
ing those from 20 to A, inclusive,
s. "+ to military service.
raj weeks will probably be
q, ! to complete plans for con-
Quoting this registration.
Added to the 17,500,000 who are
already registered, this will give
the nation a total of 41,000,0OO
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Needy Families
Are Remembered

The unfortunate of Ashe coun-
ty are to be remembered by a
number of more fortunate indi-
vaduals as we'll as groups who
are sending gifts of clothing, food
and toys.
The American Legion and Aux
iliary are giving boxes of gro
ceries, fruits, nuts, clothing and
some toys to the members of
needy families of war veterans.
The members of the Wesleyan
guild of the West Jefferson Meth
odist church have sent boxes to
a number of needy families.
The Woman's Club members
are making Christmas merrier for
members of tubercular families
of the county Their gifts were
brought wrapped and ready to
deliver at the meeting on Friday
and were distributed this week
by Miss Ruth Tugman.
Other groups as we'll as indi-
viduals are entering into the
Christmas spirit by helping those
less fortunate than themselves,
this Christmas.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25

Dorothy Neal, "a,
Killed Instantly
Near Statesville
2 Grassy Creek Young Men
Injured. Dickson In Ashe
Hospital.

One Ashe county woman, Miss
Dorothy Neal, of Jefferson, was
instantly killed in an automobile
accident near Statesvil1e late
Monday afternoon and two youths
of the Grassy Creek section, Dale
Dickson and Bill Davis were also
painfully injured, at almost the
same hour when the the car in
which they riding overturned be-
tween Grassy Creek and the
Mouth of Wilson road.
Miss Neal was enroute to States
vile with Corporal George Me-
Cornell, D.. of the United States
Marine Corps when their car
turned over several times on the
N OFT h Wilkesboro Statesville
highway, on curve near Snow
Creek, ten miles north of States
Vile. She was instantly killed
when thrown from the car. She
received a skull fracture and 9TH
er injuries. Corporal Mcconnell,
of near Mooresville, who was
driving, was injured and taken to
the Davis hospital. His condition
is not thought to be serious, how
ever.
Miss Neal, the only daughter
of c. F. Neal, of Jefferson, was
brought back here for burial.
Plans for the funeral were not
completed in time for publica-
ton due to the fact that her bro
Their had not arrived. 1t is expec-
ted that services will be held
sometime Christmas day.
The deceased, who was "a years
old, is survived by her father and
two brothers, John c. Neal, of
Port Clinton, Ohio, and Joe Neal,
Of the U. S. Navy. Her mother
died several years ago. I4,S. (ng
also is her grandma e Ms.
Charlie Ray of this county and
number of other relatives and
friends. Her friendly disposition
made her well liked by all who
knew her.
A report stated that the car was
either travelling at a rapid rate
of speed or that the driver sud-
denly lost control of it and failed
to make the curve, causing the
machine to overturn. Two SOL
diers, on a furlough, were also
reported to be passengers in the
car, but escaped serious injury.
Unconfirmed reports from
Statesville stated that Miss Neal
and Corporal Mcconnell were to
have been married on Tuesday.
Continued on Page Four)
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Churchill In L. s.:
Hitler Fires Gen.;
Japs Land Forces
Knox Says u. S. Successful
Against Subs: British Vic
torious in Libya.

Hitler assuming command of his
armies and Prime Minister Chur-
chill's arrival in Washington for
a parley with Roosevelt were the
two biggest highlights of the war
during the past week, because of
their far-reaching consequences.
The Russians reported continued
success on the Moscow front as
did the British in Libya. And
fighting in the Pacific speeded up
with the japanese making every
effort to capture Hongkong and
Malaga and to gain a foothold
near Manila.
Monday, heavy force of Jap
anese sea-borne troops, support
ed by airplanes, landed at Santo
Tomas, northwest of Manila, but
Gen. Douglas Macarthur reported
that the Americans had the sit
uation we'll in hand.
Axis subs, mostly japanese,
have been thick off of the Cali
fornia coast for the past few days,
but have done little damage, ac-
cording to official reports. Secre-
tary Knox reported this week that
the U. S. Navy had been success
full in bagging at least ii subs
and probably damaged several
others.
Reports from the Netherlands
show that during the past few
days their forces have sunk three
more japanese troop ships off of
Borneo. This brings the total to
13 japanese transports which the
U. S. and Dutch forces have sunk
so far, in the Far East.
Italian papers are admitting
that the victory Of the British in
Libya may be a decisive turning
point in Italy's part of the war
since she has engaged practical
ly all of her forces here and ''on
their fate depends the fate of
Italy,.
In Germany serious trouble and
speculation arose over the fact
that this week Adolf Hitler cast
aside Field Marshal General Wal
Continued on Page Four)
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
TOBuild Another
Power Line Into
West Jefferson
Resolution Passed by REA Co
Oh Directors. Whiteway
Plans Approved

The town of West Jefferson IS
now getting its electric current
supply from the REA coop sub
station in Caldwell county and
plans are now being made to
build another high tension power
line from North Wilkesboro into
West Jefferson so that the town
will have an unlimited supply
available at all times.
A resolution providing for the
erection of such a line was passed
at the regular meeting OF the
board of coop directors held in
Lenoir last Saturday morning. 1t
was pointed out that there will be
less loss in transmitting the current
from Wilkes, than from Elkin and
around by Sparta.
The directors passed another
resolution which provides that
members will not be required to
pay more than one membership
fee, regardless of the number OF
meters, provided they are operat-
ed in the same locality.
At the meeting Supt. Messick,
who had just returned from
Washington, announced that REA
had approved West Jefferson's
and Blowing Rocks applications
for whiteway. Construction will
start as soon as materials are
available.
Directors from this county at
tending the meeting were j. C..
Goodman, r. E. L. Plummer and
A. 3. Hurt.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
RedCrOss Needs
Your Contribution

Less than $4,000 of the $500
war relief quota have been raised
by the Ashe county chapter of the
American Red Cross and every
person in the county is urged to
send contribution to Chairman
L. P. Coward, Jefferson, at once.
This money will be used to pro-
vide relief for Americas wound
ed soldiers, to aid their families
and to relieve distress on the bat
tlefronts.
It is highly important that Ashe
county raise it's quota. This is one
way that every person can help
win the war and relieve suffer-
ing. Solicitors in each community
are also needed.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Mrs. Criffiths
Takes OwnLife;
Buried Saturday
Funeral for Well Known Hell
ton Woman Attended by
A Large Crowd.

Funeral service for Mrs. w. T.
Griffiths, whose tragic death re-
suited from a self-inflicted wound,
was Held at the Helton Methodist
church last Saturday morning by
Revs. Carl Sturgill and Rev. Jim
Startling, in the presence of a
large crowd.
Fear for the safety of her hus-
band, an employee of a powder
plant in Virginia, is believed to
have caused this young wo-
man to take her own life.
DR.. B. E. Reeves, coroner, con-
Quoted an inquest at the home of
the deceased in the Helton COM
munity. The investigation re-
vealed that Mrs. Griffiths fired a
22-calibre rifle bullet into her
heart on Wednesday. Her body
was discovered by her small
children and several hours later
by a neighbor. At the time of the
tragedy, she was said to have
been in the home with three Of
her small children.
For the past several months
Mr.. GriffithS has been working in
a powder plant at Dublin, Va,
and neighbors stated that they be-
lieved Mrs. Griffiths had been
worrying over his safety. How
ever, no letters or notes have been
found, explaining the action.
She is survived by her husband
and four small children, her mo-
Their, Mrs. Elzina Eller, 3 brothers
and s sisters.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25

men registered under the Selec-
tive Service Act, and pave the
way for a 4,OOO,OOO-man army.
Army of A Million
Although this new bill makes
possible a 4,OO0,OOO-man army,
there is no way of telling whe-
Their that many men will ever be
called to colors.
Both Houses speedily agreed to
a compromise amendment of re-
quiring the age 20 group to reg
lister. War officials said this
would make a total of 2,215,0OO
men available in the next few
months in addition to the 1,8O0,-
900 now in uniform. This includes
Continued on Page Four)
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Ashe Turkeys Bring Around
$4,000 On Local Markets

Ashe county farmers who
raised turkeys this year were
well rewarded for their efforts as
these fowls brought an unusually
high price on the market here
the past weekend averaging &c
per pound.
It is estimated that around g.
900 turkeys were bought by Ashe
dealers and sent throughout the
Atlantic seaboard to grace feast
tables on Christmas. The fowls
averaged a little more than IL
pounds and brought at average of
% cents per pound. Unofficial
estimates placed the income from
these to the farmers at around
$4,000.
Vannoy Produce company, one
of the largest concerns Of its
kind in Northwestern North Caro-
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25

lima, reported that Friday was a
record day in their produce de-
partment. Most of the turkeys
they purchased were shipped to
Baltimore, Philadelphia and New
York.
Among the other Ashe buyers
who shipped large numbers of
these Christmas turkeys else
where were Miller and Rotten at
Warrensville, Smithey's store at
West Jefferson and GRAPHICAL, at
Lansing.
The turkeys were unusually
good this season buyers pointed
out and there were probably,
more sold this season than in
many years, it is estimated. The
Ashe markets set records both at
Thanksgiving and again al
Continued on Page ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Christmas Is Expected To
Be Quietly Observed Here
All Stores, Banks, County And
City Offices to Be Closed
On Thursday.

In spite of unsettled worldwide
conditions, Christmas is expected
to be observed here in the usual
manner, with the event probably
being considered a little more
serious than usual.
This note will be expressed in
gifts in many cases as those of
this nature have been popular
this season. Merchants are all re-
porting an unusually good bust
ness and will be closed all day in
commemoration Of the 1941st
birthday of Christ. " -
Banks, city and county offices
as we'll as all other business firms
will be closed for the day. Most
of the county offices will be
closed at noon on Wednesday and
all day Thursday.
Many of the churches held
special programs over the week
end and others were held the
first of this week. Special pro-
grams were held at the West JEFF
ferson Methodist and Baptist
churches here, on Sunday. Christ
mas pageants were held in most
of the PRESBYTERIAN churches of
the county. These were held in
Jefferson on Sunday, and in West
Jefferson, on Monday.
All schools of the county which
have been closed drought the
week for the holidays are expec-
ted to opened again on Monday.
A number of soldiers are enjoy
ing visits with their parents in
the county and dinners and un-
formal gatherings will honor these
as we'll as a number of college
students who home for the holi-
days.
Santa spent the first part of the
week in town where he greeted
thousands of children and listen
ed to their plans for Christmas.
Most of the merchants reported
unusually good business through
out the holiday shopping season
here.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Boy Scout Drive
To- Be Continued
After Christmas
Total of $500 Raised to Date.
Goal for County At
Least 100000.

The drive to raise money SC
that the Boy Scout program in
this and the other six counties in
the Northwestern Council can be
expanded, got off to a fairly good
start in Ashe last week.
However, due to the Christmas
season, a number of solicitors, as
we'll as seven of the district high
schools, were unable to conduct
a campaign last week and the
drive will be continued the first
week of January. Every one is
urged to follow up the drive at
that time and turn in reports and
money to the treasurer of the
Ashe county Bop Scout commit
tee, Sharpe Shoemaker.
Contributions to date amount to
$1,000. The contributors are: Elk
land school, So; West Jefferson
school, 81; J. w. Gambill, SIS;
Belk's store, SIS; Ira T. Johnston,
$40; w. B. Austin, S.; Sheriff Ro-
land, SIS; L. P. Coward, S.; DR..
Hunter, SIS; Parkway Chevrolet
Co., $40; Mrs. Elizabeth Miller,
So; w. J. Parts company, S.; Ed
Anderson. $40.
It is hoped that at least $500
can be raised in the county. The
goal for the Council is $4,000. A
number of the other counties have
already raised large amounts, and
Ashe is expected to do it's part.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
PRISONERS TO HAVE
A BIG XMAS DINNER

Plans are now being made to
serve a delicious Christmas din
ner at the state prison camp in
Ashe county, according to an
nouncements by Roy Ashley, ste
ward and Supt. R. S. Lowe.
Nine big turkeys have been
purchased for the occasion. The
menu will include hot rolls, roast
turkey, garden peas, creamed po-
tatoes, potato salad, caramel cake,
peach pie, fruit salad, candy, ap-
piles, oranges, cigars and cigar
cites.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
Will Give Dance
For Red Cross

A dance will be given at Laurel
Springs school on Wednesday
night, Dec. 81, beginning at 8 o.
clock. The entire proceeds will
be donated to the American Red
Cross. Music will be furnished for
both round and square dancing.
The public is urged to attend and
help in this worthy cause.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
PHILLIPS is ARRESTED

Stokes Phillips, of Benge, was
arrested Tuesday by Sheriff Ro-
land and Patrolman Thomas on
charges of assaulting Ina Holla-
way and ZENITH Holloway, pub
lie drunkenness, and of threaten
ing others, including his mother.
He was lodged in Jail and bond
was set at 5000.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
CONGRESSMAN IN TOWN

Congressman r. L. Doughton
was in town Monday and stated
that he was planning to return to
Washington on Wednesday. He
said the war situation is very
grave and that every citizen must
do his part.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-25
SKYLAND POST WILL
BE CLOSED TILL MON.

In order that the staff of The
Post may enjoy the Christmas
holidays, the office will be closed
until next Monday.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-08-02
Three Sue DSR
For $4,000
Trio Charges
False Arrest

The DSR and one OF its bus driv-
ers, Joseph Berunt. we're named In
a $4,000 damage suit filed in Cir
cult Court Tuesday by Will WILL
ans. 26s Frederick, who charges
false arrest.
Last Friday Attorney Edward
Simmons. who filed the suit for Will
llams. filed suits for Mrs. Mabel
Burns, 6O9S Northfold, and Mrs.
Maude Mason. 6O4 +. Hendrie.
The three were among a number
OF persons held at Police Headquar-
ters last June 30 after the bus driv-
er charged that they had not paid
their fares. The plaintiffs charge
in their bill that they had paid
their fares.
The trouble started when a group
Of youngsters swarmed aboard the
bus. forcing a number OF passen-
gers past the driver. Because OF
the disturbance the driver called
the police and those In the bus were
taken to the Station.
The suits ask $1,000 damages
from the DSR and a similar amount
from the driver.
Some of those arrested were taxi
en- TO court the following morning.
but were dismissed when the driver
failed to identify any OF them.