davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

week TO the next. With Randolph gone, there
would be no more wages No more money
and the children had to eat. You couldn't Dor
money because most folks didn't have a
nickel more than they needed themselves.
and the storekeepers wouldn't give you credit
when they knew there wasn't any steady
money coming in every week. Yes Mrs. Davis
hoped TO get some Government money, but
she didn't know what TO do about getting it,
a report of the death of Randolph Davis
duly sent in by the local WPA officials
to the proper Federal Authorities however
and thus an effort was made to get compen-
sation for Mrs. Davis and the children if the
case was considered eligible. Whf1e this mat
ter pending, she received a small amount
Of relief. some food and 4esr-erocery orders
from the local township authorities, but appar-
emily no report Of the case was made to the
county or state relief organizations,
Her brother-in=aN,- Sam Davis tried to
help all he could did other relatives and
neighbors but none of them could do much
So the weeks went by waiting to hear about
the Government money.
During this time however. one man came
forward with surprising offer of help Joseph
Walker, the old sharecropper who was their
next door neghbor. who in the past had moth
ing but sour looks for the children, came TO
call on the Widow Davis directly after her
husbands funeral. He invited the whole fam
lily to move over and share his farm He and
his wife were alone. They had enough food
and some to spare. On the face of it, this
seemed a most generous offer But the Davis
children SHE'D away from this grim old man
whom they had always feared, and Mrs. Davis
apparently instinctively felt that there was
something queer about the proposition and
about the man himself. The invitation was
refused but that did not seem to discourage
Walker. He kept "a-comn and "a-talkin.'
Why did Walker make this offer? That is
one Of the mysteries Of this story. Did he
simply crave company? Was he tired Of living
alone with his old wife and her perpetual
smile? Was he personally attracted to Mrs.
Davis?
Only Walker could answer these questions
and perhaps he would not really know the
answers. II is my belief that strange char
acters Of the back country like Walker do not
think or reason things out as more fortunate
and more enlightened people do. because years
of poverty and the total lack of mental stimu-
lus have deprived them Of that power.
believe they act mainly upon instinct.
Perhaps in this case-Waker had been listening
CONTINUED on Page ~
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

and their helpless, unhappy mother.
THE story related in the courtroom of Chan
ceor Judge Ben Stevens at Mendenhall,
Mississippi was a mosaic of contributions made
by Mrs. Davis the four Davis children their
uncle Sam Davis and other witnesses.
Even when all these separate bits Of evil
dence are pieced together and the results Of
later investigation added, the pattern of this
drama of the back country does not come out
entirely clear II is obsCmed here and there
by circumstances which are not easily
planned. The outstanding feature of 1T how
ever-the fact that the Davis children and
their mother suffered a terrible ordeal stands
out in glazing colors.
1t all started in that hot Summer of 1889,
when Randolph Davis aged 80. was "a-workin'
on WPA on the hospital project" Apparently
Randolph did not stand the heat very well He
came home on June 27th feeling pretty sick,
though the temperature was only eighty-siX
that day. The next day he was much too sick
10 go to work and his illness was reported to
his foreman. On June Both he died. Sun
stroke." the neighbors said, and Mrs. Davis
thought so too. shed oughta be able TO git
some money outa the Government" the neigh
bors said Mrs. Davis, with her pathetic brood
of four fatherless children. no doubt hoped she
could get some Government money soon
THE Davis family had always been poor
Most families are poor down there in the
Delta country. They are used TO being poor
Randolphs wages from WPA were meaRer,
but they were probably more than he had ever
earned at any other job. Still with four little
mouths to feed, they lasted only from one
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

"Whose baby" asked the Sheriff
Its mine - and hisn," said Mrs Davis.
pointing to Walker.
THIS was a discrepancy, and the Sheriff
looked toward Adolph, who had not men
toned the existence of any baby But the boy
stood shamefacedly staring down al his muddy
feet So the Sheriff decided TO omit further
questioning on the subject for the moment. He
read the charges which stripped of their legal
phraseology were that Walker was accused
of kidnapping and holding prisoner against
their VIII Mrs Cora Lee Davis and her four
children. He ended with the formal question;
What say we, guilty or not guilty?"
Not guilty" snapped the old man, dis
charging stream of tobacco juice. "'Tant
true. jest helped EN-, that's an
But Mrs. Davis spoke ups looking at
Adolph, who still hung his head
It's tr1le-an' he's the father of that
baby He's the meanest dirtiest old man
ever lived tell you plenty more" but
she caught Walkers eye at that moment and
stopped abruptly.
Don't be afraid to speak" encouraged
Sheriff De Breton
mot here" she replied with a shudder.
Il won't be afraid to tell the truth when 1
git to court i know l won't ~ but not here"
shes allyn on me-" growled Walker
That's for the Judge to decide" De Bret
ton told him. I'VE will have TO take you into
custody"
But Walker had learned thing or two
about the law There was a shrewd CLEAN
in his old eyes as he asked:
"You-alIs Loosana sheriff, amt ye?"
nv American Weekly Inc Great Britain Rights Re,
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

The occupants Of the house filed out Of
the dungeon-like interior into the light OF day,
the first an elderly woman with strange
fixed smile on her face
rs that your mother" the Sheriff asked
Adolph.
No She's his wife" said Adolph. She's
allus a-sminn' like that"
a thin, white-faced. hopeless looking
younger woman in a patched cotton dress, fol-
lowed.
That's my mom." Adolph told the Shetff.
\ glance OF anxious recognition flashed be-
tween mother and son. but other greeting.
Then came Charlie aged - who could
only gaze at his big brother in open-mouthed
dismay. with "now-you ll-catch-it" express
sion. Eight-year-od Lizzie tagged along close
20 Charlie, her thumb in her mouth. Gussie,
- years old. came last. She wiggled her
bare toes in the mud and managed shy smile
at the officers. The smile faded instantly into
a look OF fear as she noticed her older brother.
Evidently the whole family expected the light
ming to strike Adolph. AS the Sheriff looked
over the pathetic group a wailing sound from
within caught his ear.
What's that" he inquired It was
Adolph's mother Mrs. Cora Lee Davis, who
replied
IT'S a baby"
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

That's right. I am, Dc Breton
admitted.
We'll, this here island is in the
sovereign State Of Mississippi and
you amt got no jurisdiction what
somever."
Are you sure about that?"
asked the Sheriff
"Sartain sure" crowed the old
man, triumphantly, getting rid of
his chew Of tobacco.
That's what we thought" De
BRETON agreed. so we brought
along a Mississippi sheriff. Mr..
Martin. we ale -all-gRdeF- your
orders"
A man who had not spoken be-
fore, stepped forward and took
command. The tyrant of Cow Is
land. glaring but subdued, followed
along without resistance as the
party left this dismal spot which
was the scene Of so much torture
for the unfortunate Davis children
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

appearance. Neither did ne suggest a Simon
Legree. nor any sort Of fanatical patriarch
who had lured this little band Of followers
into the wilderness. At first glance. he seemed
just another OF the usual "potato-faCe' back
country type The man looked somewhat
younger than his years
a high brow, instead Of a brutal low one,
about five days stubble instead of a patriarch
al beard bulbuous nose and fabby pendu-
lous lips were the main characteristics OF his
expressionless face. He took in the group be-
fore him with little sign of interest or surprise
until his glance fell upon Adolph. Then there
was change. The potato appeared to be turn
ing 20 flint
The boy did something which the officers
failed TO understand at the time. He held
out to the old man an old shingle which
they had seen him pick up as he had
stepped out of the boat. Walkers eyes blazed
and his flabby lips frightened over muffled
curse.
WHEN the Sheriff had introduced himself
w and stated his business, Walker invited
the party into the house After one whiff Of
the aroma in the penumbral gloom within, the
Sheriff decided that he preferred the mud-flat
atmosphere outside, and requested all inside
TO come out where he could see them better
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

Joseph Walker,
Sharecropper,
and Ruler Of Cow
Island, Who Was
Arrested After
His Self-Ap-
pointed GUAR
dianship" of Mrs.
Davis and Her
Fatherless
Children.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29

CONTINUED on Page ~
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-29
PluCkULittIe Ad0lph Saved
His Family Fr0nnB0nda@e
in the BaCkW00dS
Louise Armstrong. Soei oIogi.
Describes the Captivity Of Widowed M

Davis and Her Chill
dren on the Share
troopers DesoIofe IS
land. and inferPrefs
the Story Of Their
Plight and Rescue as
a Distressing Example
Of the Needs Of Better
Laws. Education and
Protection Of the
SoufhIond's Forgot
ten People"
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-08-24

DACK a lunch and hike to the hilltop
L -. pile the baskets into the family car.
or just set up table in the back yard.
Then satisfy lusty fresh air appetites with
Heinz delectable, nourishing ready-to-
serve foods. They're as much part of a
picnic as the great outdoors itself
When you start with Heinz Tomato Juice,
everyone enjoys its fresh of-the-vine flavor!
Remember fully prepared Heinz Home
style Soups! No need to add thing. Just
heat over the campfire and serve Or you
might bring your favorite kind piPing-hot
in a vacuum bottle. And don't forget that
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-08-24

WOrSted. WOOlenS are SORT,
fluffy, spongy, and their wearing
qualities depend on the twist of
the yarn and the weave of the
material. Worsteds are more
wiry and free from nap. and
provide excellent wear. although
they tend to get shiny after con-
tinued use.
1t is reassuring to learn that
the labels which are made man.
datory by this new wool-labeling
law must state both the kind of
wool. the proportion of it, and
the proportion of any added ma
terial or wool substitute. Here
is the way some Of these new
labels read on clothing articles
featuring a popular and fine
quality of wool textile used in
making coats and dresses:
"a XXXXX Woolen-
$50 Virgin Wool
1877 Angora Rabbit Hair
(2) $50 Virgin Wool
5e6 Pure SILK Decoration
(3) 95Ct Virgin Wool
So Angora Rabbit Hair
and so on with other mixtures
and proportions.
During the course Of the pro-
cecdings and efforts to bring the
present law into force, a dra-
matte presentation was made TO
the Congressional committee by
a pioneer in the wool-labeling
movement. He appeared with
what seemed TO be three identical
suits identical in every detail of
spinning, weaving. dyeing and
finishing. Yet the difference
between them was vast. for one
was made entirely Of virgin wool,
the second Of 80 per cent virgin
wool and 80 per cent reprocessed
wool. while the third suit was
made entirely of reprocossed
wool.
While the onlooker or the buyer
copld not distinguish any visual
differences. laboratory charts
showed and proved that the
virgin wool suit could stand sew
oral years of hard. abrasive wear
and use; that suit number two
stood up to only half of that
wear. while the third suit had
broken apart after only one-fifth
of the wear withstood by the 100
per cent virgin wool garment.
II is important to point out
that this new wool-labcling law
docs not prohibit the use of
either reused or reprocessed
wool. cotton, or other substitutes.
1t merely requires that any gar
mcnt. blanket or other article of
which wool forms a part must
carry a single label showing the
percentages Of different fibres
employed in such manufacture.
This law is a law for fiber
Identification" so that the con-
sumner may know what she is
getting. and what values she is
paying for Naturally. there are
all levels Of budgets and not all
of us can purchase supreme first
quality at all times in woods or
autos.
Watch the label. too. on the
next blanket you buy. Good
blankets have a square or size
able tag sewed into the top seam
or binding. This tag should state
the wool proportion, and may
also give the name Of some In
stitute by which such blanket
is tested or approved. The
American Institute of Lander
ing, for instance, lends its APP
proval in some such words as:
THE Textile Approval Seal on
this xxx blanket insures sat
isfactory laundering and longer
wear"
The points to watch for in
buying a blanket are: virgin or
"all-wool" fibres; close. firm
weave; thick. soft nap; no shrink
age; pure, true colors: smart
original styling; quality bind
ings; perfect laundering.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-08-24

hamburgers and hot dogs are az their
best when blessed with Heinz Tomato
Ketchup-made with Pedigreed tomatoes.
Heinz Vinegar, imported spice. Men say
it's the greatest condiment on earth!
Pickles? Heinz packs them all-sweet
pickles sour pickles - mixed pickles -
diIls-and crisp, cool, fresh cucumber
pickle +. >. every one made TO time tested,
old-fashoned recipes. Right now grocers
everywhere are featuring Heinz ST picnic
foods. Take advantage of weekend
specials to stock your Picnic Shells.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-08-24
How tOBuYW
BY Mrs. Christine Frederick,
The Distinguished Authority Household Efficiency.

THE Government has just
passed a most important
new Wool Products Label
ing Law, designed 10 give more
information and added protection
to the buyer The law now pro-
vides that wool" means virgin,
or hitherto unused wool, just as
the fibres are produced by nature
on the sleeps back. The indi-
vidual fibres Of virgin WOOL are
relatively long. unbroken, and
resilient or springy.
These characteristics are of
importance because they give the
fabric or blanket woven from
them warmth, lightness, absorp-
ton, and, very important, ex-
cellent cutting or tailoring quail
tiles Because virgin wool"
fibres are unchanged, they give
utmost protection against tenn
perature changes. a virgin wool"
garment holds it's shape, does not
wrinkle readily. and presses TO
its fine original lines.
Now. the next term in the wool
situation IS "reprocessed WOOL"
which means a wool which has
never previously been used in a
garment sold TO the consumer.
These "reprocessed woods" are
woolen-mill neutrality-suspicious.
OF weaving, just as every dress
maker knows how, in making n
dress. she has small pieces of
clippings and lcft-ovcrs in her
cutting So these "reprocessed
woods" are fibres which naturally
arg shorter, broken, and consc-
qucntly Of less strength To the
garment made from them, al
though they are of some value
IN certain kinds of wool products.
The third term used in this
specification Of wool Is REUSED
wool" meaning a fabric pro-
duccd from renovated or treated'
old coats. suits. sweaters. old
wooden rags. etc, assembled by
lunk-dcalers and various social
agencies, and sold 10 the factory
TO be entirely sterilized and re-
made Here. too, the fibres are
short, worn. have lost their
springy quality and, as a con-
sequence, their accompanying
virtues Of good namely,
warmth with hghtness and long
wear.
I'm addition 10 these three
clcarly-statcd definitions, as laid
down IN the present Wool Label
ing Law, the consumer should
remember that large or small
percentages Of other fibres
rayon. cotton, silk-have been
added 20 wool fabrics in the past
years. often. these combination
fabrics. as "silk-and WOOL dress
materials, are beautiful and with
unusual possibilities in taking
colors and dyes
One other point on which every
buyer should be alert, is the
difference between "woolen" and
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-08-24
Recipes from
Our Menus
Picnic HOecakeS.

kIOISTEN sailed cornmeal
wi with scalding water or milk
and let 1t stand an hour. Form
into little fiat cakes. using 2 or
3 teaspoons of the batter in each
cake. Cook on hot CREASED grid
die until brown on one side. Turn
and brown on the other side.
Serve piping-hot.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-08-24
Baked Beans Picnic styIe).

Baked beans (Picnic Style).
TILL a large casserole dish with
baked beans. Sprinkle gener-
ously with brown sugar, dot with
bits of bacon and cover with a
thin layer of sliced onions. Bake
in a moderate oven, or at about
$50 degrees. until bacon is done
and onions become tender and
brown.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-08-24
Hush Puppies.

AJAX and sift 4 cups sifted
wi water ground cornmeal. 4
teaspoons bahng-powder. and 2
teaspoons salt. Add about y
cup water and IL cups milk and
2 finely-chopped canned pimien-
toes or green sweet peppers
(The peppers may be omitted).
Form into little round cakes and
fry in hot fat. Serve piping-hot.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
Carries Prayerbook

Miss Getler carried an heir
loom prayerbook of white fooled
leather which had been carried
by her great grandmother on
the latter's wedding day. 1t was
showered with stephanotis, and
placed on the top of it were
three large pure white orchids.
The orchids formed the corsage
bouquet worn with her going
away costume.
Just as her great grandmother
had done Miss Getler chose for
the something blue tiny blue
satin shoes.
The maid OF honor wore a
model of hydrangea blue pompa-
dour taffeta woven 10 simulate
the antique material OF the
brides gown. II was made with
a very full skirt and a long
fitted bodice which had a broad
shaped neckline and elbow
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
Jenkins
Ensstrom
Vows Read
MISS JUNE LOUISE

MISS JUNE LOUISE
Ava JENKINS. daughter OF Mr..
and Mrs. Donald X. Jenkins Of
Lenox avenue. became the bride
of John Edward Engstrom at
the Jefferson Avenue Baptist
Church, Saturday afternoon.
with the Rev. J. p. Henderson,
officiating.
Mr.. Engstrom Is the son of
Mr.. and Mrs. Albert A. Eng
strom of Beaconsfield avenue.
The brides gown was of white
satin fashioned on classic lines,
long-sleeved and made with a
rich lace in floral design at the
round net yoke.
A small cap of tulle trimmed
with rows of seed pearls held
in place the long, full veil Of
tulle.
The bride carried an arm
bouquet Of white gladioli, gar
denias and stephanotis.
Miss Doris Jenkins, sister OF
the bride, was mad-of-honor
and wore ivory satin with a net
skirt and carried American
Beauty roses.
Mrs. Thomas hamburger Jr..
OF Alexandria, La, as matron-
of-honor, was gowned similar to
the honor maid.
The bridesmaids, Miss Phyllis
Graham and Mrs. Frank Anglin.
also wore frocks of ivory satin
and net and carried American
Beauty roses.
The bridegroom's father was
best man and the ushers in
cluded Leroy Bornhauser, Ray
lie Roy and Duane Engstrom.
A reception at the Whittier
followed the ceremony after
which the young couple left for
Northern Michigan by motor.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
Enormous Skirt

The long, fitted moyen age
bodice had low, square neck
line with a narrow twisted fold
OF the material which followed
around the neck and ended in
two little fiat bows in front.
The sleeves were high at the
shoulders but stocking tight
through the arms. The hip
length bodice was attached TO
an enormous skirt ending in a
cathedral length train.
The wedding veil of ivory silk
illusion was very full and also of
cathedral length and was held
in place by a simple little round
cap of illusion worn behind the
pompadour.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
Osteopathic Club
Luncheon Tuesday

DETROIT OS OPATHIC
WOMEN'S CLUB will inaugu-
rate the 1941-42 season with A
luncheon Tuesday at 1890
o'clock at Western Golf and
Country Club.
Mrs. Lawson B. Coulter, pres
ident, and the following other
officers will greet the members
and discuss the years program:
Mrs. Lloyd Woofenden. first wee
president; Mrs. A. p. Warthman,
second vice president; Mrs. G.
Tracy Akens, treasurer; Mrs.
h. F. Kinney, recording secre-
tary. and Mrs. p. G.. Moorton,
corresponding secretary.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
c arc Margaret
FenIey TO School

THE MISSES CAROL AND
MARGARET FENLEY, daugh-
ters of the Greene Fenleys of
Edgemont Park, Crosse Pointe,
who last year went to Chatham
Hall, will be separated this year.
Miss Carol leaves September 10
10 return to Chatham Hall and
Miss Margaret leaves on Sep
TENDER "a to enter Smith Col
lege.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
Wears Orchids

Mrs Marker was smart in
tight fitting dress of lightweight
wool. in chamois shade, made
dinner length with a little mar
row pointed train. The bodice
and three-quarter length sleeves
were done all over with trans
parent beige paillettes.
Mrs. Markers stunning little
toque which came over in the
Clipper, was made of velvet
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
ChrysIer Girls
To Q pen Season

CHRYSLER GIRLS CLUB
will swing into activity Monday
evening. Members will meet for
dinner at the Colony Town Club
and afterward will adjourn TO
the Chrysler Conference Build
ing in East Jefferson avenue 10
discuss the Fall and Winter
program.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07

shading from chartreuse TO dark
green and wound with Grebe
feathers.
The costume was embelliShed
with three large orchids in
fuchSia shade.
A reception was held in the
Getier residence which was elab-
orately decorated for the occa-
sion, each room having an in
dividual floral treatment.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
Mesdames Currie
Muir End Visit

MRS. CAMERON CURRIE OF
Lewiston road and Mrs. w.
HOWE Muir Of Ridge road have
returned home following a brief
visit with Mrs. John B. Ford at
Harbor' Point.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07

length sleeves. A narrow sash
Of the self material was tied in
a bow in front.
An effective contrast was her
large Lady Hamilton type hat
of golden brown shirred velvet
trimmed with blue birds. She
carried a bouquet of all golden
brown orchids.
Mrs. Getler was distinguished
in a dress of powder blue crepe
with matching jacket and a chic
hat made of rolls of ice blue
feathers trimmed with brown
maline, with a bow and loops of
contrasting blue velvet in the
back.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-07
Suzanne
CetIer Bride
At Pointe
BY THE CHAPERoN

A BRIDE 10 remember was
n the former Suzanne Getler.
tall, slight and graceful in her
French court dress Of antique
pompadour taffets as she came
down the steps Of the rectory OF
st. Pauls Church. Crosse Pointe,
Saturday afternoon, following
her marriage 10 Philip Colbert
Marker Of Chicago.
The bride is the daughter OF
Mr.. and Mrs Charles Getler.
Whittier boulevard, Crosse
Pointe Park. and the bride
gsoom is the son OF Mr.. and
Mrs. Forrest W. Marker OF
Westchester road, Crosse Pointe.
Only the families and a few
close friends were invited 10
witness the ceremony, which
was performed at 4:30 o'clock.
Attends Sister
The wedding party stood
against a back aground OF
cybouum ferns in front OF which
were placed tall floor standards
filed with huge white chrysan-
themums and cathedral tapers
in candelabra.
Miss Marian Getler was her
sisters only attendant and Jack
Blay was best man.
The stiff ivory taffeta Of the
brides dress, mellowed with
age, had a luminous, plnkish
tint like the inside of sea-
shell. This almost priceless
fabric was imported from
France and was fashioned on
looms which were destroyed 40
years ago.