davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
Communal Farm Experiment Fails AS Substitute For Share Cropping
By s. BURTON HEATH NEA Staff Correspondent

Pine Bluff, Ark, Aug. 10- Lake Dick, across the Arkansas river from here, is the latest place where human nature-the love of farmer for 40 acres and mule that he can call his very own-has made Marxism look very, very silly.
 Five years ago Rexford Guy Tug well, then head of the Rural Reset clement Administration, founded Lake Dick as an experimental and demonstration project to bring hap piness to the underprivileged through socialization.
 Today the experiement has failed, the demonstration has boomerang ed, and the communal Utopia of Lake Dick has changed so that mo- body could recognize it.
 Of all the mutitudinous approach es to rural resettlement in this country Lake Dick was the most unorthodox, the closest to the Com munistic. For that reason it has been attacked bitterly by those who favor private ownership.
 OWNED PERSONAL EFFECTS
 But it is not a victim of reac- tionary persecution. It failed be- cause the American farmer, how ever poor he may be, never loses his hope that some day he may hold title to his own little acreage, his own COW and mule and brood SOW and chickens and few work ing tools.
 The peculiarity of Lake Dick was that it never even pretended that its co-operators would have the privilege of owning their own homes, livestock, implements. It was con- pletely and permanently to be con- munistic.
 Uncle Sam owned, and proposed to continue to own, everything in Lake Dick except the cooperators' furniture and such personal pos sessions as clothing, toilet articles and bric-a-brac.
 The farmers lived in a govern ment-owned village of some 70 houses, built in a sem-circle on the shore of Lake Dick. They were not buying the homes.T hey just lived there. They had running water. bath rooms, electricity, washing machines,fi and for a time electric refrigerators which later were re- moved.
 WORKED TOGETHER
 Daily they went out to work on the communal farm. Each worker was not assigned to personal patch which he could think of as his own, but all worked together in communal fields as though for an absentee landlord.
 They worked with community mules, community implements. They drank milk from a community dairy
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

and ate pork fro community pigs. They made repairs in a community shop. They ginned cotton, cured po- tatoes and meat, canned vegetables in community plants. They bought food from a community store, at- tended a community association,
 It was called cooperative. But this was not the voluntary cooper ation of independent souls working together for mutual benefit. It was completely communal.
 For their work in the field the tenants were paid 10 cents an hour, raised last year to IS cents. Skilled workers on some jobs drew two and half cents more. At the end of the year communal profit, after government charges, was split up on payroll basis.
 GOT SUBSISTENCE WAGE
 Wages plus divided profits just about kept most families going. Their savings consisted of an un- divided interest in the commune, which could be realized only when and if the experiment should some day be liquidated.
 Well, 1t has been liquidated now. The original tenants, who were very carefully selected to get the cream of the underprivileged crop, drifted away. They could get more money income in war work, so some went there. They could have a chance to own their houses, lands, livestock and implements in other resettlement projects-so some went there.
 Last winter the whole idea was dropped, the last 54 families moved out and accumplated equities were distributed. The few who had been here from the beginning received
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

more than -2,500 each, a goodly amount as compared with anything they ever had possessed before.
 It cannot be contended that Lake Dick was a flat financial failure. But it was failure sociologically because it did not give the under privileged, whom it was supposed to help, anything that they consid- cred worth holding onto. They &C., cepted its material benefits until something better came along and then gave them up without second thought.
 WHY IDEA FAILED
 Moreover, it was failure because 1t could not, with all the backing of the Wealthiest government in the world, get away from share-crop- ping any more than can the South ern landowners who would like to find some other practicable system.
 When the last white tenants moved along, the FSA, which had inherited Lake Dick from MT. Tug well, brought in 54 negro families. But no attempt was made to con- tinue the communal experiment.. The negroes were urged to bring their own personal possessions; they were assigned individual land plots, and they were put onto the much damned share cropping system - half to the farmer, half to the land- lord! To be sure. the landlord is the FSA, and the farmers will divide the landlords profits each year. But that is not the signifi- cant feature.
 What does matter is that in Lake Dick government agency, con- mitted to finding an alternative for hare-cropping, has felt itself ob- liged to return to share cropping after five years of experimentation
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Saroyan's saga of the Macauley family "The Human Comedy" produced by oGoldwyn Mayer, has won the BOX OFFICE Blue Ribbon Award for July. Thus picture with typical American home motif voted the best release the month for whole family entertainment Editors, radio film commentators and clubwomen serve the National Screen Council and select the picture to be honored each month by BOxOFF1CE modern picture ing pictures that not only outstanding but suit able for enjoyment by all members of the family Mickey Rooney, Frank Morgan and Fay Bainter have dramatic roles in this picture which introduces child star, Jackie Jenkins Clarence Brown was both producer and director
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
POLICE CHIEFS
 TO HEAR HICKEY
State Commissioner Listed for Panel Discussion at
 National Convention

Evanston, H., August 10. - Commissioner Edward J. Hickey, of the Connecticut Sate Police, and Chief w. A. Sandstrom, of the West Hartford Police Department, was slated to take part in panel dis cussion on Operating a Police De- partment with Limited Personnel at the 50th annual conference o1 the International Association of Chiefs of Police to be held at the Hotel Statler, Detroit, August 9-1l.
 Ted Watson, of the Yale Bureau of Street Traffis Research, is an- other Connecticut man on the pro-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
ACUTE SHORTAGE.
 OF LABOR HERE.
City Placed in Group 1 in Latest Survey Conducted
 By Federal Government

The latest reclassification by the War Manpower Commission of every city in the country with a population over 25,000 reveals that Waterbury is one of five Connec- ticut communities listed in Group I-areas where there are acute la bor shortages.
 Others in this Connet ticut group
 are Bridgeport, Hartford, Bristol, and New Britain.
 In Group II-areas in which a labor shortage may be anticipated in six months-include Meriden, Middletown, New Haven, New Lon don, Groton and Stamford. NorWalk and Norwich are in Group III-areas in which a gen. eral labor shortage may be antici- pated after six months.
 In Group IV-Where thehe is an adequate labor supply and no short age is anticipated - are Danbury and Torrington.
 There Is reason for concern at Waterburys listing in the critical labor shortage area, because local manufacturers realize that such WING classification is tantamount to turning federal government pro- curement agencies to other cities when contracts are to be let. It is also claimed that cancellation of existing contracts has resulted when labor conditions in areas have be- come so bad as to endanger plant production.
 Naturally 1t is of extreme import ance to businessmen in war manu- featuring areas that their communi- ties not be classified in Group I. Due to fluctuations in the labor market and the efforts being put forth in the critical areas to pro- vide sufficient emergency war hous- ing, the WING reviews its clasSifica- tions monthly an dmakes such changes where they are necessary.
 In recent weeks there has been a decidd change in the attitude of federal housing authorities with re- spect to the Waterbury area and it is now generally understood that the local program is to be revised up- wards. The fact that approximately 265 new units will be made avail able next mont hfor war workers and converted units are expected to come on the market att he same time in good numbers are factors which local industrial and business leaders hope will allow Waterbury to be reclassified in a group where the stringent labor conditions do not prevail.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
SCOVILL COMPANY
 TO CHANGE PLANS

Discussion of the proposed action of the Scovill Mfg. Co.,, to convert the former laboratory of the late Chief Two Moon into a barracks for men will be conducted by the East End Community club at meeting tonight. A compromise plan may be presented. it has been indicated.
 Since the organization raised ob- jections to creation of the barracks in the residential district. company officials are said to have halted plans, with one semi official source revealing the project may be aban- doned.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

There's something about boat, big elaborate hotel afioat. There's music in the engines chugging Stewards ever busy lugging Bags and boxes to and fro Just before a-sailing we go There's a thrill in the first motion Which finally leads out into the ocean, The friendly crowd at the deck rails Waving to landlubbers with cries and halls. There's something about the corridors long, The deck games the shuttle board, the png-pong The important purser, starched and stih, Smoking rooms cafes, with familiar Whif1, Lounges, drawing room, and dining saloon Where gala night you bat balloon. Speaking of boats like Normandie and Queen Mary From crows nest to kitchens handsome and airy Telephones electric clocks, every luxury at sea, The finest of appurtenances for afternoon tea Playroom with panels of The Three Little Pigs, Kiosks and shops where you can buy new rigs. There's something indeed about big boat That gives the urge for journey afloat.
 FEM EM.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
COMMUNITY CHEST
 ADMITS COUNCIL

Finances supplied to the Water bury Nutrition Council by the Wa terbury hospital and the Visiting Nurse Association will be secured hereafter by the Community Chest, which has admitted the council as an organization member. Funds will continue to be supplied by the City Welfare Department, how ever, it was announced.
 The nutrition agency serves priv ate and public health and social units of the city, giving advice on food and diets. Miss Eloise Keche- foth of Boston today assumed du- ties as nutritionist for the council, succeeding Miss Margaret Kennedy.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
V F. w. CONTINUES
 RECRUITING HERE

At the weekly recruiting session for the Army Air Force held at Vic- tory House on the Green last night by Wheeler Young post, VFW, seven young men applied for admission as aviation cadets.
 Amerigo Ventresca, 1o, son of MT. and Mrs. Ercoli Ventresca, 458 Bald win St., is the first of 20 youths re- cruited by the post to complete all preliminary examination and be ac- cepted for service in the air corps, Bernard Reilly, chairman of the program announced. Ventresca re- ports today at Brainard field in Hartford.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

but 1t also will afford the people of this state the long-sought op- portunity to have Connecticut re- presented again amon- the fighting ships of the United States Navy This campaign will be challenge to the people of Connecticut"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
COLORED COP. IN
 PLEDGE OF SUPPORT

Young Colored Republican club last night pledged its support to the Republican party in the coming city campaign. at meeting held in the rooms of Wilson American Legion post on Bishop street. Presi- dent Hampton Steward presided.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

If your auto engine won't start and you suspect that the battery is getting weak. stop and let 1t rest - don't put water into the cells but check the posts and connectors to make sure they are clean and tight.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
DR. WARREN GUEST
 OF KIWANIS CLUB

At the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis club at the Elton on We'd nesday noon, Dr. Franklin A. War ren will speak on visual Train ing"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Four of the candidates who filed election petitions for public office in Oklahoma last year were named VIII Rogers.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Kathleen F. Burns of Catherine Avenue is among the very prominent people who born August 10. Ditto for MOie Stoddard of Fox Street and EX-Pres- ident Herbert Hoover MT. and Mrs. Leslie Brown of East Main Street celebrated their second wedding niversary yesterday They're blessed with son, Rch- ard who will be year old August 22.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

It's all right to think what you will if you have will enough to keep some of your thoughts to yourself Htlers physician reports der Fuehrers health is very bad. We suggest a warmer cmate-much, much mor! We've noticed that little kids don't take sides in baseball games. They're on the fence OPA has al lowed the wholesale ceiling price of sausage to go up And it's the little pig who jumps the moon Politics makes strange bedfellows-a using the same bunk.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Oto Pueger 33 of 87 Garden Circle is being treated at the Bradley Memorial Hospital in Souhngton for n juries sustained Friday night when his auto tore up few fence posts before ramning tree at Dckermans Corner Rabbi David Polish presented Rabbi Harry Z Zweling former president of the Connecticut Zionist Re- gon with inscription in the Golden Book of the Jew ish National Fund in Palestine his impending depar ture to the armed forces chaplain before 2,O00 bers of the Connecticut Zionist Region at their memorial meeting in Hartford Sunday night.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT BOAT Fighting" of the Nomndie Onete Floating
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10
Commissioner

gram. He will take part in panel discussion on Police Responsibility in Highway Transportation"
 The conference will bring to De- troit the nations leading police executives and high government of- ficials, as well as law enforcement officials from England, Canada and Hawaii. The three-day program will feature addresses and panel discussions on wartime law en- forcement problems and anticipated post war problems.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Mrs. Joseph A. Brennan of 66 Willow Street, comedy wife of 'Brassco Joe", efficient swimming year older yesterday. Last evnng she royalty feted at surprise party at the home of Eliza beth .lagis of Central Avenue and her many we'll wishes showered her with gifts galore, It party she'll long remember
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Young Michael Begnal son of MT. and Mrs Henry Begnal of Oakdale, Conn., formerly of this city, who injured a few weeks ago when struck by taxi in front of his home, is greatly improved and has turned to his home from a New London hospital Mi chae is the grandson of Mrs Henry Begnal and Mrs. Thomas Kilmartin of this city.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Enough gasoline to drive 500 au- tomobiles for 8 year is lost when & tanker loaded with gasoline is sunk by submarine
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Joe McNels of Middlebury is year older today Chief Petty Officer James Smith recently enjoyed 30day furlough here after participating the Afri campaign Michael Russo has completed six months basic training in the Army Air Corps at Miami Beach, Florida and is stationed at Avon Park, Florida
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Aviation Cadet Edgar James Jackson, son of MT. and Mrs. Thomas A. Jockson, 116 LounSbury Street has entered the advanced Navigation school at Seman Field, Monroe La. He attended the University of Con- nectcut Before entering the service he employed by the Chase Metal Works in Watervile
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Dr. Rudolph Damiani of Cooke Street and Wolcott of the cys most up-and coming young medicos is
 proud father for the first time. Last Thursday the Longegs Stork left his lovely better haf the former Jeannete Long of Giles Street. daughter at St. Marys Hospital. |. . Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Forte of Wolcott the arrival of Vincent John Forte Jr at the Waterbury Hospital last Wednesday. The proud Momma is the former Ann Rozdlski.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

Mary Kackowski of Union City and her two lovely children, Buddy and Binnie enpoyrg two weeks of nothing but sleeping, eating and swimming at Silver Beach Milford Mr. and Mrs. Elwocd Norton of Todd Hollow in Terryvlle the arrival of last week at the Waterbury Hospital
The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-10

John E. Garrity of 46 Coe Street sophomore at Providence College, reported to Fort Devens Aver, Mass, today private in the Enlisted Reserve Corps. Coe of sixteen Providence College stu dents 10 of whom graduated last week to report for basic training before completing their medical studies.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1943-10-21
With Our Men
In the Service
PARENTS HONOR ROLL

Cor 3 or More in Service)

G., M. 71or,. 1ordor Oakland
Five Howard Miller. Bloomington;
Mr. and Mrs. John Nazelrod. Deer
Pa,.l,
| Four-Nr and Mrs Arthur Lawton,
lOakIand. Mrs Nav Lewis near Oak
i1ard. Nh. and Mrs George Raw. Kitz-
miIIa,. Mr. and Mrs Edward Wolfe.
mean. Oakland. Mrs Simon Orendorf
GrantsviIIc. v l. Blocher. Grants
willie ? sons and daugbter); Mr.. and
Mrs Charles Ross. Jennings; Mrs.
Jennie RYAN Kcmpton: Mr.. and Mrs.
| Charles Miller. Kempton; Mr.. and
Robert G. Rurton. KitzmiIler: Mr.. and
Mrs John r. Friend. near Swanton;
! Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Beachv. Bit
tinger. Mr.. and Mrs. Henry Skipper,
Deer Park. Mr.. and Mrs. A. C. Lewis,
of Lake Ford near Cranesville; Mr..
and Mrs. Bruce Yommer, Jennings;
Mr. and Mrs. Grover Tranum. Kitz-
miller. Mr.. and Mrs. c. w. Bowers,
GrantsvjIlIe.
Nh. and Mrs lanes p Treacv Oak
land
oo-Nr and Mrs William I,obr
hooido,+. Nh, and Mrs RoInb Weber
Oal,Iand. Nv and Mrs Cuv w Hine-
ba,nb Oakland. Rev and Mrs f. O.
Tos@ardon MI Lake Park. Mr. and
0Irs H,,,v Lewis CrcIlin. Mrs,
Cooraia Fabo,tv CreIIin. N. G. Meth
Ion Oakland. Nv and Mrs Howard
Miller NcHonrv. Mr. and Mrs Earle
Coddinnton FriondsvjIIe. Mrs MYRTLE
Wilson Kitzn,iIIor Mr. and Mrs
Irtl,o,. Cornan CroIIir. Nh. and Mrs
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1943-10-21

in keeping Americas flying fortresses
in the air.
Pvt. Lawrence Riley, L. S. Army,
has completed a three-wceks' course
at City College, n. Y, and has been
sent to Boston University, Boston,
Mass, for a three months course in
engineering. He is son of Mr.. and
Mrs. Paul Riley, Wilson street
Pfc. Raymond Bittingcr, Fort
Tilden, N. Y, visited his wife and
family at Meadow Mountain over the
weekend on three-day furlough.
$3.50
Pfc. George Stewart, stationed with
a ground crew Of the Army Air force
at Camp Keans, Utah, is spending
a short furlough here with his mother,
Mrs. Sylvia Stewart. Upon his return
to his base he will undergo period
Of overseas training.
Pfc. Edward Smouse. L. S. Army.
stationed in New York City at pres
ent may be preparing to leave for an
overseas assignment He notified his
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Frank A.
Smouse, on Monday that he had been
given an 80-hour furlough. Mr.. and
Mrs. Smouse met him in Washington
on Tuesday.
&#*
Mr. and Mrs. j. +. Kitzmller have
received word from their son, Pvt.
Earl H. Kitzmiller. that he has been
transferred from Camp Shelby, Miss,
to Shreveport, La. He is on detached
, service in an ammunition supply ord
nance unit.
Pvt. Joseph L. Rice has returned
to Camp Ellis, Illinois, following a
brief visit with his family in Oak
land.
Pic. Robert |. Rlce, who has been
based in Greenland with a coast ar
tillery unit, is home for visit with
his parents, Mr.. and Mrs, William f.
Rice.
Corporal Kenneth L. Lawton, who
is attached to an Army Air force re
pair squadron somewhere overseas,
has been advanced to the rank Of ser
geant. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ar
thur Lawton, Oakland, are under the
impression that he is now in Sicily.
/ ###
Maurice Treacy, in the t. S. Naval
Reserve was graduated from Loyola
college, Baltimore, last Sunday and
arrived in Oakland on Monday to
spend several days with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. James P. Treacy,
awaiting his orders to report for duty.
Treacy was awarded the BIS. degree.
Attending the graduating exercises
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1943-10-21
Delegates Elected

Ernest Spoerlein, president of the
Garrett County Teachers Associa
ton, was elected by the county teach
ers at a recent meeting, to head their
representatives at the state teachers
association meeting in Baltimore,
October %.
Other delegates named were Merle
Frantz, vice-president of the associ-
alton; Viola Broadwater, Grantsville;
B. 0. Aiken, Accident; Edwin A. Elias
and William Grimm, GrantsviIle.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1943-10-21

Aza Stanton, son of Mr.. and Mrs.
A. c. Stanton, who is located at Camp
Peary, Williamsburg, Va, studying
camouflage with a unit Of the Navy
Construction Battalion, was recently
given rating of seaman second class,
an action not usually taken until an
individual has completed his basic
training. Stanton still had four weeks
of basic to complete when given his
advancement.
Richard Dutch" Turmey, son of Mr..
and Mrs. Harry C. Turney, of Mt.
Lake Park, has been transferred from
Camp Pickett, Va, to somewhere with
the northwest service command.
Private Glenn Ashby has been
moved from Fort Riley, Kansas, to
Camp Hale, Colorado, transferred
from an armed infantry division to
the regular infantry.
Y =
Pfc James W. Sweitzer, stationed
with chemical company at Camp
Pickett, Va, arrived on Wednesday to
spend ten-day furlough with his
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Frank P.
Swetzer, at Mountain Lake Park
***
Pfc. William McRobie, who is with
an ordnance unit of the U. S. Army
stationed at Camp Santa Anita, Cali
fornia, has been promoted to the rank
of corporal, his wife has been in
formed.
Corporal Lorraine Weeks, with U
S. Army training unit, stationed
in New York City, spent the week
end here with his family, and his
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. H. NJ. Weeks
Mt. Lake Park.
Pfc. Fay D. McCrobie, stationed al
pCiIl LAlllOuIO, 1GAdS, Will JIlC al III y
Air corps, returned to his base OF
Sunday night after spending a ten
day furlough with his wife, the for
mer Miss Wilma Browning, anC
infant son; also his mother, Mrs
McCrobie, at Baltimore. Pfc. Nc
ROBBIE has orders to sail upon his re
turn to camp. He has been in the
service eight months.
Pfc Clyde Dahlgren, who is sta
toned with an infantry unit at CAM
Campbell, KY, was visiting friends il
Oakland for several days while OF
furlough, He is former principal o
the Oakland Elementary school,
Pvt. William A. Truban, son O.
Mrs. S. B. Cooper, of Gormania, w
Va, who recently completed a course
in aviation mechanics at Amarillo
Tex, is home on furlough prior t.
being sent to some air base to assis