davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-05-19
canaan Called
'Be!|igerent, Left
With Secrecy
BY WALTER HERMAN
Int New. s.rve. staff Correspondent,

NEW YORK, May 19-The
Egyptian steamer canaan was
classified as belonging to bell
ligcrent' by the British-Amerlcan
Ambulance Corps and her sailing
was given all the secrecy afforded
the ships of Britain and her allies.
Yet despite those precautions,
the canaan. with pol passengers
aboard, l20 of them Americans,
was repeatedly at the bottom of
the south Atlantic today-myster-
iously sunk
The "belligerent" status given
10 the canaan by the ambulance
corps was termed "a stupid bull Of
the publicity department" by c. V.
Ruxton. president of the corps.
Egypt is not a bellIgerent,"
RuXton said 1.-THE canaan was
neutral ship"
Another stupid bull" accord
ING 10 the RuXton. was the mailing
Of letters 10 parents of the volun-
teer ambulance drivers aboard the
canaan indicating that she had
cleared Capetown and was en-
route TO Mombassa.
The British Amhu-
lance Corps, which was sending "a
ambulance drivers and equipment
10 Mombassa, kenya, sent memo
to every New York city editor and
picture editor, before the Zamzam
sailed from Jersey City.
TEXT OF MEMO
The memo follows;
Because the 8. 8. ZamZam
Ia an Egyptian ship. and
therefore belonging to bel
ligerent. use of the ships
name. destination and sailing
date In the attached story Is
only for your aid In covering
the story. Please adopt usual
procedure OF emitting ships
name and destination"
In accord with the request.
international News Service re-
ported:
Aunt Of the volunteer
British American A m b u lance
Corps was en- route today to
the Free French forces" OF
Gen. Charles de Gaulle, now
brigaded with British colonial
troops"
PLANNED TO JOIN FRENCH
The release itself had read:
Twenty four a m b u ance
drivers In n special volunteer
unit formed by the British
American Ambulance Corps de-
parted today Mt noon on the
Egyptian steamship canaan for
Mombassa. Kenya, In Africa, To
Join the "Freen French" forces
OF Gen. Charles DE Gaulle."
The Ambulance Corps heard
little from the canaan after that.
but on May l. on the assumption
that she had reached Capetown
safely, the corps office in New
York wrote TO parents OF the
volunteers: ea
I'VE have heard that the
canaan has safely crossed the
ocean and already has left Cape
town for Mombassa- When
writing the boys, you should
address letters tn them care OF
Thomas Cook e. Sons, Ltd, Box
SIS, Mombassa, kenya Colony,
Africa"
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-05-19
The Weather

The sun wAl set A. 7ta ? m. today.
snd rise TOMORROW a. a.07 8. m
Ths moon sst TO-DAY A. - ?. m, and
rises tomorrow tt.77 a. m
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-05-19
TANKS DESTROYED

"Our air forces destroyed some
tanks i'm the desert.
Enemy planes flew. over Bag
dad and dropped bombs on the
Raschid troop camp, causing mi
nor damage.
at was confirmed that Cap
tain Klub. alias Abu Neik, was
killed In action at Ambla."
French quarters in London
stated that an Italo-German
commissioner in Syria, with the
aid Of French High Commits
sioner Gen. Henri Dentz. has
been moving all modern war
equipment, including mechanical
units and the latest planes, IN
Syria 10 the IraQ border.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-05-19
FRENCH DISARMED

(This material, according 10
this source. has now moved into
Iraq for the use of lraq and
Troops against the Brit
ish. French quarters in London
remarked that this 'tacitly dis
arms what has been described
as a most efficient French colo
NAL army
Intimating that French troops
and airmen may be sent into ac'
ton against France former ally
if ROYAL Air Force attacks on
Syrian airdromes continue, Cen
eral Dentz in Beirut radio
speech also warned the Free
French" middle east forces against
Invading Syria. He declared:
"My task is to defend the
skies and the soil Of Syria.
am determined tn fulfill my
duty. I am prepared 10 meet
force with force.
Raj ATTACKS
England has seen ut TO at
tack airdromes In Syria on the
pretext that these airdrome> are
at the disposal Of Germans. As
n matter Of fact, German planes
have only flown over Syria"
AS Dentz uttere d his grave
warning, the first Frcnch-Brltlsh
aerial clash over Syria was re-
ported. Three British Bristol-Blen-
helm bombcrS ralded the strategic
inland town of Palmyra on The
Iraq-Syrian petroleum pipeline and
were said 10 have been engaged
by French fighter planes.
The duel. according 10 this re-
port. was brief and ended with
the British bombers fleeing back
10 Palestine and no casualties on
either side.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-05-19

be available to all nations with
out discrimination.
international agree m Q n
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Red Cross First-Aid
Classes Begin Jan. !
Miss Sara GrIers Mrs. Joseph j
Peace Acting As Go.Chairmen


Mrs. Wallace McFaul has as
signed Miss Sara Grier and Mrs.
Joseph ]. Pearce to act as co-chair-
men in forming first aid classes for
the Milford district of the Ameri-
can Red Cross. The first rs per-
sons who notify Miss Grier or Mrs.
Pearce will constitute the first
class Mrs. Neal Stevenson, who is
supervisor of nurses at the Milford
Memorial Hospital. and has had a
lot of experience in Red Cross first
aid work, has offered her services
as an instructor The class will
meet every Thursday evening, start
ing January 1, 1942, in the COM
munity building, at 1880 o'clock and
win last two hours. Text books are
priced at 60c each and can be pur-
chased from the chairmen. The
course consists of 10 weekly meet
ings of two hours each. After COM
pleting 20 hours instruction the Of
fetal certificate for the Standard
First Aid Red Cross course will be
issued. The national slogan is
Nine out of ten for defense" and if
first aid is your choice notify either
Miss Grier, phone 1872, or Mrs.
Pearce, phone 23S.
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Presbyterians Will
Hold Xmas Service
Pageant 20 worship The King" TO
Be Presented Sunday Evening

Sunday evening, December 81, at
7:30 O'Clock, the choir of the First
Presbyterian Church, under the
direction of Thomas zerbe, will
present short recital of Christmas
anthems after which a pageant en-
titled 20 Worship the King" will
be given by members of the Sum
day school under the direction of
Mrs, James Deputy.
The choir will sing: Czech carol,
"Sleep Baby Sleep" Polish carol,
"Hark, Bethlehem" and French
carol, N"Ding, Dong, Merrily on
High Special solos will be sung
by Joseph Thomas Of Georgetown
and Thomas E. Zerbe.
The pageant is three part
sketch. Part one depicts-the endur-
ing hope of the people of Bethle-
hem that Saviour will come. Part
two reveals the enthusiasm OF the
Wise Men who are preparing for
their journey. Part three pictures a
Christmas party committee Of mod
ern boys and girls who decide to
give their time, talents and lives in
Christian service.
[Turn to Page 8. PieaseI
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
ColilliOn Dance
Will Be Held
December. 31st
Joe Hudson And Orches-
ira Will Furnish Music
For Gala Affair In
New ArmOry Hall.

It was announced today that the
members of the Kent and SUSSEX
Cotillion Club will hold their an
nuai dance on New Years Eve in
the new Armory Hall on North Wal
nut street.
James Raughley, dance chairman,
is being ably assisted by DR.. James
R. West and Cecil Davis, music
committee; Philip R. Jacobs, tick
cts and program; Granville Sny-
der, decorations.
Joe Hudson and orchestra from
the Hotel dupont will furnish mu-
sic for the dance which will begin
with grand march at 10 o'clock,
and end at 2.
The newly-elected officers of the
association, who together with the
aforementioned committee, have
been working hard to make the
dance a success are: President,
Milbourne Berridge; vice presi-
dent, DIR. James R. West; treasur-
er, Paul Monroe; secretary, J..
Spencer Willis, Jr.; honorary pres
ident, Edward M. Davis.
Prior to the dance and during
the midnight intermission, several
parties are planned by the mem
bers. 4
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Christmas Service
AT Ayenus Church
Splendid Service Prepared Despite
Gloom Created BY War News

The services for the Christmas
Festival at the Avenue Methodist
Church will be particularly lovely
this year. The nation is at war and
the Christmas festival will be need
ed even more than usual. In spite
of the gloom about us, the splendor
of Christmas can be yours. The
Christmas services at the Avenue
Church have been musical and will
be continued this year.
Mrs. Edward T. Hurley will be
heard again with pleasure in three
delightful numbers on the George
H. Hall memorial organ-"The
Heavens Are Falling" from The
Creation, by Hayden; "The Offer
tory" by Chopin, and 1.-THE Post
lude, Religioso," by Gounod.
The young peoples choir will Of
fer two anthems and a soprano solo,
"The Star of Bethlehem" by Wal
ter A. Shawkers; "Come and Adore
Him." by E. S. Lorenz, and a solo
by Miss, Nettie Whaley, "Cantique
de Noel" Charles Curtis Williams
will direct the choir.
iT.sn to Page ., Pleasel
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19

approximately 15O persons re-
sponded to the call for mass meet
ing to discuss problems Of civilian
defense held here in the commun-
ity building on Tuesday evening.
The meeting was called by Mayor
Edward @. Evans at the request OF
state and national civilian defense
leaders.
: After an explanation of the pri-
mary purposes OF the meeting
namely to acquaint the peopls of
Milford community with the gravity
of the situation confronting the
nation at the present time. Volun-
teers for the following civilian de-
fense units were requested; "a
Auxiliary Police and Warden Unit.
the co-chairmen Of this unit are
Captain Wilson w. Moore of the
local police force and Conner Nit
ten, an employee of the L. d. Caulk
Company; t2) The Fire Company
Unfit, with City Manager Charles E.
Banning and James g. Holzmuel-
ler, chairmen; ls) The Medical
Unit. Franklin NAPLES. chairman.
lTurn TO Page g. Risase1
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Pierce Bldg. Damaged
BY Fire Last Saturday
Defective FIue Blamed For Blaze
Discovered During Dinner Hour

Fire, believed to have been caus-
ed by defective fiue, seriously
damaged the store and apartment
building owned by the Pierce
Hardware Company on South West
Front street last Saturday evening
The fire was discovered by Clar-
ence Derrickson, proprietor of a
restaurant on the first floor short
ly after six o'clock.
Attempts were made to extin-
guish the fire with hand operated
fire fighting equipment, while the
fire company was preparing for
action, but the blaze which had evi-
IDENTIFY been smoldering for hours
had too much head start to be
knocked out with chemicals.
The Milford firemen, we'll ac-
quainted with the building, having
fought fire there little more than
a week ago, went to work with
will and in short time brought
the threatening fire under control.
The apartments on the second
and third floors of the building
were unoccupied
The loss amounted to approx
matelay $4,000, partly covered by
insurance.
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Red Cross Makes
NeIO Appeal For Aid
War With Casualties And
Attendant Relief VIII
Take Additional Funds

Because of the lately declared
war, with its casualties and those
which will be coming, and the re-
lief that must be carried on to dis
tressed families at home, the Red
Cross is making another appeal for
aid in these measures. Delaware
has been given the quota of $3.50, 900
Of the fifty million that must be
raised nationally. No house to
house solicitations will be done at
this time but businesses, compan-
les, church groups, clubs and civic
organizations are asked to gener-
ously contribute at once. State
Chairman Lammot DUPONT is count
ing on the local branches to bring
in 100000 of the quota and the
will help. Benefits of
various types have been suggested
as one way Of helping. Should local
send checks to the Red
Cross headquarters in Wilmington,
the checks should be made payable
to A. Willis Browning, and the local
branch will be credited with the
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Century Club Holds
Christmas Meeting
Fine Christmas Program Presented
At Last Meeting In 194I

A Christmas program was on the
calendar for the last meeting in
1941 of the Milford New Century
Club. Mrs. Frank E. Conlin, chair
man of program, presented the en-
tertainment for the afternoon
Christmas carols, old favorities like
20, Little Town of Bethlehem .
20 Come All Ye Faithful" "Hark,
the Herald Angels Sing" and ISL
lent Night" were sung by the mem
bers. Mrs. F. Burgette Short read
the Christmas story from the Bible
found in the, second chapter of
Matthews. Mrs Conlin read Beth
lehem as it Will Appear ON Christ
mas Eve 1941." The Christmas
message from the national presi-
dent of the federated clubs, Mrs.
John L. Whitehurst, was read by
DR.. M. Dalema Draper. The final
number for the afternoon was a
prayer for peace read by Mrs. Clara
Deputy. Gifts for the members of
Delaware Colony were brought to
the meeting and placed under a
white Christmas tree. They will
later be taken to Stockley by Mrs.
Robert Griffith for distribution.
Mrs. G. Marshall Townsend, the
president of the club, wished the
members and their families happy
holiday season before the meeting
The next meeting will
be held on January 5, when the
members will meet in the club
rooms at two o'clock before going
to Plaza Theatre where they will
be the guests of Mrs. F. Burgette
Short, chairman of motion pictures
for the state and club and Manager
G. Evans.
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Howard Nye
Heads Kent co.
Firemen's Assn.
Bowers Beach Man Is
Elected President To
Succeed Emory Webb
OF Houston.

The 133rd meeting of the Kent
County Firemen's Association held
in Frederick last Thursday night
somewhat resembled a political
convention wheni during the time
that additional nominations were
being made to the nominations
made the previous month, Chief
Tom Baker made dramatic plea
for the support of Harry Lindale of
Milford for second vice president.
Previous to this speech, George w.
Swain urged the support of Mil
ford man for the office in the in
terest of fair play, since Milford
has never been honored with the
office of president William Chand-
Ter of Milford, had been nominated
in November, but for business rea-
sons was unable to attend last
Thursday nights meeting. When
President Emory Webb called the
assembly to order, about rs fire.
men were present to enjoy the de-
licious dinner served by the ladies
auxiliary. John Darby welcomed
the firemen and Harry C. Tee of
responded. The Rev.
Harry H. Conner offered the invo-
cation. With a hundred per cent
representation, this was the first
time this had occurred in several
All of the officers were
present. However, only one of the
FIVE directors, was in attendance.
The report of the schedule com
mittee was adopted New schedules
will be ready in January.
fTurn tojPage 3. Pleased
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Warren Moore
Elected Head
Of Tall Cedars
Harrington Man Named
Head OF Evergreen
Forest At Recent Con-
cIave In Milford.

At a recent meeting of Evergreen
Forest No. 49, Tall .Cedars of Leb-
anon, held in Milford, Warren T.
Moore of Harrington, former state
treasurer, was elected Grand Tall
Cedar, succeeding howard w.
Bramhall, attorney of Georgetown.
A. Edward Stevens, secretary of
the SelbyYille Manufacturing Com
pany, of Selbyvi1le, was elected
senior. duty tall cedar, and Garrett
L. Grier, Milford merchant, was
elected junior deputy tall cedar.
This meeting following so close
on the savage attack by Japan, was
different from any ever held by
Evergreen Forest. Members were
thinking Men We're. -sarious dis
cussing the problems that lie be-
fore our country. The entire eve
ming was marked by intense pa
triotism that is characteristic of
true American people.
Colonel Edgar s. Slayer, of Re
hoboth, made an address on local
defense that was right to the point,
the need Of proper organ
ization, what every citizen must do
and what not to do. The Colonel,
a retired army officer, is a man of
wide experience and knows what it
is all about. He delivered his ad-
dress in such a forciable manner
that brought rounds of applause as
he concluded.
ITufn 70 Page J. PIeasel
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
|Xm as Business
PrOnlises 70 Be
The Best In
Recent Years
Majority Of Milford
M er ha nts Report
Gains Over Last Year;
Stores Remain Open
Late Each Evening.

Christmas business in Milford
for the past week has shown a
marked increase over the corre-
spending period Of last year, ac-
cording to information obtained
from several representative busi-
nessmen.
Thousands of happy holiday
shoppers, determined to keep their
chins up during the duration, are
finding Milford a beautiful and
ideal place to do their Christmas
shopping Every town on the PEN
insuia is represented in these gala
throngs. To meet the demands OF
this great influx of out-of-town
shoppers, the local merchants have
left nothing to chance, and in every
case the merchandise on display
and for sale is of the finest quality.
Larger stocks have been carried
by the storekeepers this year, in
suring the buying public against
disappointment. and enabling them
to obtain in Milford, the same
things carried in the stores In the
Metropolitan areas
Especially attractive this year
and deserving Of special mention is
the STORY Book House in Plaza
Square. Here old st. Nick has es-
tablished his Peninsula headQuar-
ters, and has CHEEKY greeting and
a gift for each small child, This
attractive display was made poss-
fble by the cooperation Of the Mil
ford Merchants Association and the
Chamber Of Commerce
The street and home decorations
were never more beautiful and
elicit words Of praise from all Wis
itors to the city.
All of the stores in the city are
open late each evening to take
care of the shoppers who are un-
able to visit the city during the
daytime.
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Holly Needed For
Fort Decorations
Owners Urged To Contact
Fort Salisbury Com
mandant At Once


This writer was advised today
that the soldiers stationed at Forts
dupont, Salisbury and Miles, de-
prived of their Christmas furloughs
by war orders. would appreciate II
immensely il they could procure
holly for decorations from some
farmer or farmers in this vicinity,
The men will come with truck
for the holly, which viii be care
fully removed without harm to the
trees.
II you have holly to spare and
want to do good turn for the
soldier boys who must spend
Christmas Day away from their
loved ones, call Fort Salisbury and
ask for the commanding officer, tell
him what you have to offer, to-
gether with directions on how to
reach your woods.
This holly will be used at all
three forts for decorative purposes.
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Geo. S. Welcll,
First WarHerO
LaudedByCOv.
Wilmington Youth Cited
BY Army For Shooting
Down Four Japs Dur
ing Hawaii Attack.

Governor Walter w. Bacon join
ed all Delawareans last Sunday in
acclaim for the states first hero
of the war with Japan-Lieutenant
George s. Welch, 906 Blackshire
Road, Wilmington.
The 23-year-old Air Corps officer
was cited in army communicates as
the hero of the surprise Japanese
attack on Pearl Harbor after he
bagged four enemy planes in his
first actual aerial combat. He is the
son Of Mr.. and Mrs. George l..
Schwartz.
In a statement issued last SUN
day, Governor Bacon praised Lieu
tenant Welch and Private Stephen
Kilt, 20-year-old son of Mr.. and
Mrs. Michael Kilt, 1103 Brandywine
street, Wilmington. A War Depart
ment telegram to Kits parents
said he was wounded in the attack
on Hawaii, where he is chief cook
on the seth. Field Artillery, Scho-
field Barracks. while acting in de
Tense OF his country
StHte IS TrOua
delaware is proud Of both Sec
ond Lieutenant George s. Welch
and Stephen Kilt" Governor Bacon
said.
@Their gallantry exemplities the
spirit Of the youth Of our nation
and state.
Our youth is peace loving and
freedom loving. But, our youth also
is always ready to defend the demo-
cratic principles of government
which have been handed down
through the years.
"Welch and Kilt are doing their
part well for their country. 1t is the
lighting spirit of young men like
them which will spell the downfall
Of Axis brutality and ruthlessness.
while not advised yet OF the ex-
tent of Kits injuries, ! hope they
are not serious and that he will be
back with his buddies to continue
to do his part in the great struggle
in which we are involved.
(rurn 70 Page 6. Pieasel
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Irnmunize Children
Against Diseases
Health Board Advises Move Al
Defense Measure

Immediate immunizations for all
children not already safeguarded
against smallpox, diphtheria and
typhoid fever is advised by the
State Board of Health as a defense
measure against epidemics, in view
of the present emergency. Parents
are advised to take their youngs-
ters to their family doctors at once
for these treatments. For those
who do not have doctors, the coun-
ty health units and the clinics will
become immunization centers for
carrying on this emergency work,
ETurn to Page 8. Pleased
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Last Civil War Vet
Here Passes AWGy
Joseph Berry, SO Years
Old, Died Last Friday
Morning

Joseph Berry, SO years old, the
only remaining veteran of the Civil
War residing in lower Delaware,
died at his home in Milford last
Friday morning.
Mr.. Berry fought in the battle of
Gettysburg and also in the battle
of Petersburg. He was a volunteer
and served for three years.
He was the only remaining ne
gro veteran of the Civil War in
Delaware.
Funeral services were held Mon
day at st. Paul's Church, Milford,
at 1880 p. m. Interment was made
in the Greensboro, Md, cemetery.
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Choral Society Again
Presents Service
Candle Light Program Presented
At Georgetown Methodist Church

SauuAo AAShJ IhV6AahA AAVoOHeO"
At Georgetown Methodist Church
The Milford Choral Society again
very successfully presented the
Candle Light Christmas service,
this time at the Georgetown Metho-
dist Church in Georgetown, thus
completing the fall season. The five
members of the chorus from George
town, Mr.. and Mrs Chester Stroup,
Mrs. Dallas Dennis, Miss Aliene
Kitchens and Joseph Thomas did
grand job in preparing the church
for the service and making all nee
essary arrangements, and the CHOIR
us is most grateful to them.
1t is hoped that next year when
the spring season begins there
will be some new members from
Georgetown and also from Harring-
ton and other towns around this
vicinity.
After the Candle Light service at
Georgetown the chorus received an
invitation to repeat it at Selbyville
next Monday evening, but since it is
so close to Christmas and so many
LTum TO Page ,. Plsasel
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19

fantile Paralysis, Governor Bacon
declared:
"The work being done through
your committee is deserving of the
highest commendation and you
have my very best wishes for a
successful campaign"
The 1912 campaign will be
launched on January IL and will
[Turn to Page .. Pisasel
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
Auxiliary Hospital
Unit Needs Supplies
Cots, Mattresses, Etc. Needed AT
Once; Volunteer STAFF Required

The Auxiliary Hospital and Am
bulance Unit of Milford urgently
needs cots, mattresses, pillows,
sheets, pillow cases, and blankets
for equipping, at once, first-aid
stations to go into immediate ac-
ton.
Please supply everything you can
possibly spare. Each item will be
properly tagged to be returned to
you after the emergency is over
Trucks will collect this equip
ment on Saturday morning, Decem-
ber 20. Please call the city hall.
phone 1888. to leave your name and
address and your supplies will be
collected.
This is urgent. Remember Pearl
HarborI"
Auxiliary nurses must volunteer
Immediately for manning first-aid
stations and emergency ambu-
lTurn 70 Page J. Pleasel
Milford chronicle., 1941-12-19
HOW TO KNOW YOUR
AIR RAID WARNINGS

In order that the people of
Milford might become better
acquainted with the air raid
warnings the Chronicle, with
the permission of the Civilian
Defense Authorities, is print
ing the following warnings;
CAUTION = meaning that
planes have been spotted at
some point near Milford and
heading this way, long and
short blasts four times, and
repeated four times.
ACTUAL RAID-when planes
are at the edge Of the city,
eight or ten short blasts, re-
peated eight or ten times,
ALL CLEAR - when the
planes have departed, two long
blasts.