davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Ashe Man Heads
Big Air Station
Captain Marshall r. Greer Is
Now In Command Of Nor
folk Naval Air Station

Captain Marshall R. Greer, a
native of Ashe county and
graduate of the U. S. Naval Aca-
denny, class of 1918, has recently
taken over the command of the
Norfolk Naval Air Station.
The record of the new air sta
ton commander shows service at
Pensacola, Fla; Cavite, P. l.; the
Naval War College; the naval air
craft factory in Philadelphia; the
Wright Aeronautical Corporation;
the office of the Chief of Naval
Operations, and the headquar-
tiers of the Commander in Chief,
U. S. Fleet.
The Air Station now embraces
10 auxiliary stations and the
Coast Guard Air Station at Eliz-
abeth City, N. c., administration
of which was consolidated with
that of the local air center during
Captain Shoemaker's tour of du-
ty.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Ashe Turkeys Sold
On Christmas Mart
Bring Record Price
Around 5000 Turkeys Are
Sold For Approximately
$13,O0O.OO

Ashe county farmers, who
raised turkeys for the market
this year, were we'll rewarded, as
these prize fowls brought an un-
usually high price here this past
week and averaged SO cents per
pound.
While the Christmas market
was much lighter than usual,
since most of the crop raised in
this section was sold, Thanksgiv-
ing, and a much smaller number
than usual held over for Christ
mas, those sold here the past
week end brought the ceiling
price of 36c per pound. 1t is es-
tirnated that around 5000 turkeys
were sold, weighing an average
of around IL pounds. Unofficial
estimates from dealers placed the
income to growers at around $12,-
10000.
Continued on Page ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Record Prices
On Boone Mart

Sales at Mountain Burley ware
houses, in Boone, were closed
yesterday for the holidays and
will reopen again, Monday, Jan
3, officials announced.
The warehouses, however, will
be open to receive tobacco, during
the holiday season, beginning
next Tuesday, and those desiring
may bring theirs in, in order tc
have it there when the sales re-
open, Jan. 3, officials point out.
So far, the Boone market has
made a record for sales and TOP
market prices. The many Ashe
and Allegheny farmers who have
carried their tobacco there have
been well pleased.
Roscoe Coleman, supervisor Of
sales, said yesterday that the
Mountain Burley warehouses haC
already passed last years entire
season in poundage and in prices
being paid.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Public Asked To Help Make
Christmas Safe This Year

"A safe Christmas on the
home front should be the inter-
est Of every citizen as the season
Of increased travel and addition
al winter highway hazards ap-
proaches', declared Ronald Ho-
cult, Director of the North Car
Dina Highway Safety Division,
today.
GAS the Christmas season ap-
proaches, when North CAROLYN
ians strive to keep alive the trad
itionS our sons are fighting to
preserve-we must all feel a deep
concern in keeping ourselves and
others alive for this Christmas,
and other Christmases in a better
WORLD, Mr.. Hocutt continued.
Gold Stars in many homes at
test the sacrifice of life that has
already been made on the battle
fronts to preserve our Nation
but there are no Gold Stars for
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23

in the last minute rush.
Taxes, subsidies, wages, and
mustering-out pay for servicemen
are high on the calendar of un-
finished business.
Already passed by the House,
the tax bill, cut to a mere shad-
ow of what the Administration
asked in the way Of revenue,
awaits Senate disposition.
Hanging fire in that branch al
so is a House-passed bill boosting
ceiling prices on crude oil in the
face of Administration conten-
tons it will blast hole in the
anti-inflation dam.
The Senate's gifts to the House,
not to be opened until after
Christmas, include legislation
boosting by eight cents an hour
the pay of incorporating railway
workers and providing up to
J Continued on Page ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Blow On HeIs
Fatal To The
Man; PailHeld
Clarence Dent Balm Dies
In Hospital Mond After
Being Hit SuAy

A blow he received che head,
Sunday, while loadin.t tobacco,
proved fatal to Glance Dent
Baldwin, 33, of the Gsv Creek
section of Ashe countand as q
result, Dewitt Franci.and his
seventeen year old 81 Ira. are
oelng held in Jail, perng pre-
llminary hearing.
The accident Occult on the
Baldwin farm followilan argu-
ment the group had or loading
some tobacco. BaEin was
struck on the head wi a tobac-
co stick and, apparety at the
time, felt no serious illries. The
alteration took pie in the
morning and later on hen Bald
win became unconscis, he was
brought to the Ash hospital.
Here it was discover that he
mad a clot on the brai8 He died
on Monday afternoo, there.
Both Dewitt Franc and his
son are being held inhe county
Jail, charged with assault with a
deadly weapon, pendlg a hear
ing. Chief Deputy CsI B. Gray
'beal said that both 81 and IA
Their claim to have suck Bald
win. Besides the paies involv-
3D. Grady Eastridge, driver of
the truck on which he tobacco
was being loaded at he time of
the accident, was tho only wit
ness.
Funeral service or the de-
ceased was held at tn. home yes
Continued on Fage ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Bernard Miller
Making Record
Ashe College Student Is List
ed In Who's Who Among
Students

Bernard Miller, son of Walter
w. Miller and the late Mrs. Mil
Ter, of Clifton, who will receive
his B. S. degree in the field of
education from Appalachian
State Teachers College in the
spring, has recently been elected
to Who's Who Among Students
In American Universities and
Colleges. This is an honor to any
college student.
Mr.. Miller is president of the
Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton of the college campus. He
was a leading member and a min
or officer before he was elected
president. This is one of the most
outstanding organizations on the
campus. He is on the staff of the
college paper, The Appalachian,
and he is also very outstanding
in all intramural sports of the
campus. AS a junior in college,
Continued on Page ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Quiet Christmas
Expected To Be
Observed Here
Stores To Be Closed On Sat-
urday And Monday; Report
Record Business
CHURCH PROGRAMS

Christmas is expected to be
quietly observed in Ashe Satur-
day, with the cessation of BUSH
ness, and according to advance
reports, will be a generous one,
judging from the amount of gifts
purchased.
The shortage of gas and tires
and other war conditions will
keep most people ct home, where
they will enjoy an old fashioned,
quiet Christmas.
Most of the business houses,
stores and some offices will be
closed both Saturday and Mon
day. The tax collectors office
will also be closed these two days.
The county health department
will be closed on Friday and Sat-
urday. The offices of the regis
ter of deeds and clerk of the
court will be closed on Saturday,
but open on Monday.
The Northwestern and the First
National Banks will be closed on
Saturday, and probably on Mon
day, it was announced.
Local stores report a record bu-
siness here during the holiday
Continued on Page ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23

the more than 700 traffic deaths
on our highways this year. The
pity of this death toll on our
highways is it's uselessness. Traf-
fic accidents are preventable and
serve no purpose-but defeat"
'"The call of our country on the
home front is to conserve and
produce. Every hour lost from
injury or death in accident is lost
in production. Every vehicle da-
mayed or demolished is lost to
conservation and transportation -
'"The December fatality rate on
our highways is high and unless
it is stopped, what Yuletide hap
piness can emerge from a back
ground of war, will yet be shad-
owed in many homes by high
way casualties on the home
front"
North Carolina must reduce
Continued On Page Four)
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
18th Congress .Adjourns For
Christmas; Will Meet Jan. 10

Washington 49, The 18th Con-
gress headed homeWard yester-
day to learn, during the next
twenty days, what the voters
think of nine-months first-ses-
sion record of about co-opera-
ton with the war effort and
sporadic but successful onslaughts
against the Administrations
home front program.
Routine proceedings in the Sen
ate and the House closed the
books on a session that marked
loss of Administration legislative
control for the first time since
Franklin D. Roosevelt became
President in 1892.
Returning on January TO- for an
election-year session that threat
ems to be spanked by Partisan
battles, the lawmakers will face
a heavy docket of highly con.
troversial legislation sidetrackec
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Army Deserter
Caught By Deputy

Clayborne Blevins, of the Bina
section, who has been missing
from the Army since August,
1912, was picked up at the home
of his father, Freeman Blevins,
Tuesday night, by Chief Deputy
Carl B. GRAPHICAL.
Blevins, who was missing from
Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, had
not been in Ashe all of his
lengthy leave, however.
When asked why he failed to
return to duty he replied that
liquor and another man were the
cause of his desertion, officers
said. Blevins admitted that
while in Ashe he had been stay
ing in the woods most of the
time.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Russians Are Making
Important Gains; 20
Jap Planes Bagggged
Heavy Fighting In Italy:
Slavs Open Up Offensive
10 Against Nazis

The approach of Christmas
sees fighting intensified on all
fronts and the Allies gaining,
which is an indication that peace
arr. -ieto4y is not as far distant
as it was.
Russia's Baltic army, storming
down from Newell toward the vi
tebsk-Propoisk rail line, has cap
tured more than 100 populated
places, killed 1900 Germans and
reached to within 20 miles OF
the German defense bastion OF
Vitebsk - Now menaced from
two sides-Moscow announced
yesterday.
At the same time the Russians
announced the liquidation of g
German bridgehead on the south
bank of the Dnieper across from
Kherson, near the great rivers
mouth.
Air actions in which the Jap
anese lost 20 planes for sure and
six more probably against six
lost to the allies in New Guinea
were reported by Gen. Douglas
Macarthur, yesterday.
Most of the aerial activity oc-
Cured in connection with attacks
Continued on Page ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Funeral Today
For J. E. Long

Funeral service will be held
today at two o'clock p. M, at the
Apple Grove Baptist church, for
Joseph Erris Long, 86, of White
top, Va, who died on Wednesday,
December %. Rev. Mr.. Howell,
Rev. Mr.. Miller, and Rev Mr..
Dickson will conduct the service.
Burial will follow at the church
cemetery.
Mr.. Long, who was a we'll
known farmer from this county,
is survived by his wife and three
children, Mrs. Cecil Hash, Louis
ton, Pa; Mrs. Tom Reedy, White
top; and Emmett Long, Of Mari
on, Va. He is also survived by
one sister, Mrs. Sarah Hudler, of
Grassy Creek.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
SCHOOLS OBSERVING
A WEEKS HOLIDAY

The Ashe county schools are
observing a weeks holiday
this week for Christmas, but
will open, as usual, next Mon
day, Supt. A. B. Hurt explain
ed.
This is a shorter vacation
than usual, but due to the
longer term of nine months
this year, efforts are being
made to conserve time.
Most of the schools had pro-
grams or Christmas trees last
Friday, when they closed for
the holidays.
There are still a large num-
Der of cases of measles, flu
and colds, but most of the cas-
es are i'm mild form, according
to reports.
Only one school, RivervieW,
found it necessary to close for
a short time early this month,
on account of measles preva'
lent in that section.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Rotary Has Big
Christmas Party
Ladies Are Special Guests;
Music And Quiz Program
Are Enjoyed

Members of the Jeffersons Ro-
tary club, Rotary=anns and guests
celebrated at thei4 annual Christ
mas party at the community
building last Thursday when il,
addition to a novelty quiz pro-
gram, special music was featured
Mrs. D. J. Whitener, of Boone
accompanied by two outstanding
pupils, Miss Cynthia Styles and
Mr.. Stanley South, gave a most
enjoyable musical program.
James Hare, ST., well-known
West Jefferson comedian, acted
as Professor Quiz, and aided by
Rotarians, tested the knowledge
of several in quiz program. All
of the proceeds from this were
turned over to the crippled chill
dren's fund.
w. B. Austin acted as program
chairman.
Christmas decoration and 9
beautifully lighted tree added tc
the festivity of the occasion
The holiday color scheme was
also carried out in the table
decorations and delicious menu
Each Rotary-ann was presented
an attractive gift from the club
It was announced by the presi-
dent, Ira T. Johnston, that the
club would not meet this week
because of Christmas.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Funeral Is Held
On Saturday For
Julius C. Speers
WelI-KnOwn A s he County
Man Died AT The Age Of
"a, Thursday

Funeral service was held at
the home at Beaver Creek at II
o'clock Saturday morning for
Julius c. Speers, "a, well-known
Ashe county man, who died
Thursday evening at his home,
after a month of serious illness.
Revs. Tom Houck and C. r.
Wagner were in charge of the
service and burial followed in
the Beaver Creek ce5:Ietery.
The deceased, who was a ma
tive of Salem, spent his early
days in Jonesville, but had made
his home in Ashe county for the
past so years and was actively
engaged in farming until recent
ly. He was the son Of the late
Newton J. Speers and Susan
Tomlin Speers.
Mr.. Speers had remarkable
knowledge of the early history of
Northwestern North Carolina and
could relate many interesting
events connected with the Civil
War. His friendly disposition
won for him friends everywhere.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Nellie Hardin Speers and two
daughters, Miss Virginia Speers
and Mrs. Elizabeth Barlow.
Pallbearers for the funeral
were: DR.. R. C. Ray, E. A. Ray,
Fred Ray, W. E. Mcneil, Hugh
Robinson, Walter Burkett, R. R.
Griggs, Walter Burkett and Eliza
Cooper.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
AIR FORCE TO GET
FLYING FORTRESS

The U. S. Army Air Forces will
receive it's 1,0OOth Bit Flying
Fortress from the Douglas Long
Beach plant, in California, &C
cording to information received
here from Mr.. & Mrs. Butler Ed
wards and Charles Edwards, of
this county, who are employed
there.
The plane will not cost the Air
forces anything, because the BIZ
project members plan to present
it to them as a Christmas gift.
The Fortress will be produced in
December through the purchase
of Bonds, and will cost approx
mately 100000.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
New Gas Tickets
Available Soon,
OPA Announces
New Type Tickets Aimed To
Helping Stop Present Gas
Black Market

Ralph Campbell, clerk to the
local board, stated that the first
quarter gasoline rations for 1914
will be available after December
20. The coupons have been re-
vised and are now in what is
known as Theatre ticket rolls
Each coupon bears a serial num-
Der. Identification folders will
be issued with the coupons show
ing the highest and lowest serial
numbers contained therein.
'This should be an important
Continued on Page Four)
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Needy Are To
Be Remembered

While there are fewer needy
families in this county than there
have been in several years, &C
cording to reports, the less for
tunate families are to be remem-
bered at Christmas.
Individual and church groups
will distribute clothing and food.
Members Of the Woman'S club
will remember needy tubercular
patients again this Christmas.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
POST TO OBSERVE
XMAS, FRI, AND SAT.

The office of the Skyland
Post will be closed OH Friday
and Saturday in the cbserv-
iance of Christmas, but will be
open on Monday and will pub
lish the paper as usual next
week.
This paper takes this Occa-
sion to again wish all of the
readers Merry Christmas.
This is also the message OF
the advertisers in this issue.
Throughout this paper will be
found many greetings sent to
the readers as a personal mes
sage from merchants, ether
firms and individuals.
These greetings are being
sent to more than $500 sub
scribers and to around $4,000
readers. To all of them, along
with merchants, we again say.
Merry Christmas.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
Merchants To
Apply Now For
Ration Tokens
Will Probably Be Used Early
Next February, OPA
Announces

Ralph Campbell, clerk of the
local OPA board, said that there
had been some confusion among
merchants as to proper procedure
for obtaining their allotment of
tokens for change making pur-
poses in their store.
The local office has mailed to
all merchants doing business in
AShe county the necessary form
CONTINUED on Page ~
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
MORE FEED WHEAT is
RECEIVED BY AAA

It was announced yesterday by
the AAA office that another ship
ment of feed wheat had been re-
ceived and farmers interested in
securing this are asked to call for
1t at once.
The AAA office will be closed
on Christmas Day, but will be
open as usual on Monday.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
SERVICES ANNOUNCED

Services will be held at the
Beaver Creek Primitive Baptist
church on Saturday, December
Is, at HOO o'clock A. NJ, and on
Sunday afternoon at 800 o.
clock. Rev. Dewey Rotten will
conduct the services. The pub
lie is cordially invited to attend.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-23
CHURCH CASE CONTINUED

The hearing of Garrett Church,
scheduled before A A. Perry, last
Saturday in connection with rape
charges, was continued until
January Is.
Evening star., 1943-06-17
Martin>Kendall
Wedding Held

The marriage of Miss Virginia Lee
Kendall, daughter Of Mr.. and Mrs
Charles Hart Kendall of this city, TO
1t. Raymond Francis Martin. U. S
M. C. R., son of Mr.. and Mrs. Mat
thew E. Martin Of Peru, Ill, took
place Friday morning at 10 O'Clock
in St. Martins Church with the
Rev. Louis Miitenberger officiating.
The bride was escorted by her
father She wore a street length
frock of white chiffon and lace and
a small white hat with a short veil
She carried white orchid spray on
white prayer book and wore a
brooch set with diamonds, the gift
Of the bridegroom
Mrs Bernard Sebastian. sister OF
the bride, was the matron of honor
Her pale pink frock matched that
of the bride and with it she wore q
matching hat She carried an arm
bouquet of spring flowers.
Mr. William Espey served as best
man for 1t. Martin.
Following the ceremony recep-
ton was held at the brides home.
When 1t. and Mrs Martin left for
his base at Cherry Point, N. c., the
bride was wearing a pale blue suit
with violet accessories and a cor
sage of white orchids.
Out-of-toWn guests at the we'd
ding were Mrs. Matthew E. Martin
and Miss Mary Martin of Peru, Ill,
mother and sister of the bridegroom.
Evening star., 1943-06-17
Return From Trip

Mrs. c. A. Camalear and her
daughter Lucille have returned to
their home on Lowell street after
spending two weeks at the Plaza
Hotel in New York.
Evening star., 1943-06-17
Alumnae Will Hear
Mrs. WOodhOuse

Opportunities open to professional
women will be discussed by Mrs.
Chase Going Woodhouse, adviser to
the War ManpoWer Commission, at
a dinner meeting of the Washington
Alumnae Chapter Of Phi Delta
Gamma, graduate woman's frater-
nifty. at 6:45 pm Saturday at the
Kenesaw. Sixteenth and Irving
streets NV.
Mrs. Woodhouse, who has the
distinction of being the first woman
elected secretary of state of Con-
necticut. an Cflce she held last year
Is a member of the faculty of the
Connecticut Women's College. New
London, Conn. and managing direc-
tor of the Institute of Women S
Professional Relations.
Miss Ora Marchino. president OF
the alumnae chapter, will introduce
the speaker Assistant hostesses will
include Mrs L. R. Wagner. Miss
Nina Booth, Miss Ruth De Groot
Miss Anne Bambery, Mrs. R. c
Dorsey and Mrs. U. V. Wilcox.
Evening star., 1943-06-17
Mr.. Cofman and
Bride to Return

Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Coff-
man, who are on their wedding trip.
will be at home after Sunday at
Sl3 Carroll avenue in rakoma Park
Their wedding took place in the
Takoma Park Seventh Day Advent
ist Church Thursday evening, June
3, the Rev. Roy Allen Anderson Of
ficiating
The bride. formerly Miss Esther
Virginia Brent, is the daughter of
Mrs. Adoniran Eustace Brent and
the late Mr.. Brent. and was given in
marriage by her brother. Mr.. Ed
mund Brent. Her sister, Miss Hazel
Brent, was her maid of honor Miss
Jane Baumgartner was bridesmaid
and Betty Sue Premier, young
daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. Douglass
Premier, was flower girl.
Mr.. John Coffman of Harrisburg
was best man for his brother and
the ushers included Mr. Robert Glib
son. Mr.. Walter Ost. Mr.. Charles
Seek and Mr.. Jewel Peeke
Mr. and Mrs. Coffman are grad
yates OF the Shenandoah Valley
Academy at New Market. Va, and
now are students At the Washington
Missionary College, Mr.. Cof1man
being a member of the senior class
Of the theological department.
Evening star., 1943-06-17
Miss Houghton
Is the Bride of
Ensign Torbert
Wedding Takes Place
In Annapolis Church
After Graduation

One of the attractive graduation
day weddings in Annapolis was that
of Miss Elizabeth Ann Houghton
and Ensign John Hallett Torbert,
which took place in st. Anne's
Church shortly after the exercises
at the Naval Academy.
The bride is the daughter of Mr..
Harry S. Houghton of Wellesley
Hills. Mass, and the late Mrs.
Houghton. She attended Dana Hall
in Wellesley, Mass. and the Uni
Versity of California. Ensign Ter
bert attended the University of Con-
necticut before entering the Naval
Academy. He is the son of Mrs.
John A. Smith of Alexandria.
A gown Of white lace was worn
by the bride. with Juliet cap of
lace holding her tulle veil, and she
carried bouquet of white roses.
A strand of pearls worn about her
throat was the gift of the bride
groom. She was escorted by her
father and given by him in mar
riage.
Miss Helen Church of Grass VAL
ley, Calf, cousin of the bride, was
the maid of honor, and the brides
maids were Miss infancy Smith.
Miss Elizabeth Turnbull, Miss Vale
RE Proctor and Miss Elizabeth Com
mander. They were costumed in
lace and net and carried bouquets
OF delphinium and sweetheart roses.
Ensign Kenneth Anderson was
best man and the ushers were En-
sign Richard Mears. Ensign Robert
Van Horne, Ensign Donald Jackson,
Ensign Douglas Munnikhuysen. Mid
shlpman Arthus Casey and Midship-
man Frederick Koch.