davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
BY THE OUT EASTER


William F. Grouden OF 1856
Chestnut avenue, q retired city
fireman, died during the week. His
funeral took place Thursday morn
ing.
We knew Willie Grouden on ac-
count Of his long connection with
the department. He grew up in
the fire service Of Waterbury, be-
cause he was only a young fellow
when he Joined in 1905, and left
less than two years ago. Just
like other forms Of life, the young
fireman lives on until eventually
he becomes one Of the older lot
Of the roster. That's Just what
will happen to the younger MEM
bers Of today, for the fire depart
ment must continue, regardless Of
death, and as time hys, the years
roll on, and before one hardly
knows 1t, he finds himself classed
as one Of the older members Of
the force.
Willie Grouden was a fireman
Of the extraordinary type. He
was quiet and soft spoken; he was
never known to have become ex-
cited to the extent Of losing his
self control; he looked to his on
GERS for guidance, and followed
their instruction. He never wished
to offend, and apparently didn't,
for in his long years. he had the
distinction Of never being arraign-
ed before the board Of commits
sioners for any indiscreation. And
in his early days Of membership
now and then we used to read Of
appearance Of firemen before the
old board Of public safety. But
that was in the days Of the a
hours Of service. Sometimes we
have often wondered how these
men were ever able to undergo
the strict discipline Of that time,
and the surprise is that more did
not have to appear before the
board. You must remember their
only time on duty were the two
days a month allotted to spend
with their families.
The old Burton street station to
which Willie was assigned, carries
q historic record in the annals
q the fire department, but this
came about entirely from early
days. Now, Il functions and has
for years IN the same capable way
Is Tire Uszsr good stations Of the
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
Mississippi
River Threatens
BY United Press

The Mississippi today threatened
to surge over levees in southern
Illinois and 500 families residing In
three areas have been evacuated.
Evacuation was advised last night
by Col. L. B. Feagin, district en-
gineer Of the q. s. Army, and H.
r. Keisker, manager Of the mid
western office of the American Red
Cross, when 1t became evident that
the levees were in danger Of crum-
bling or Of being overtopped by the
Mississippi.
The river at Chester ILL.,, was IS
feet high and still rising. Flood
stage is q feet.
Showers continued today in KAN
sas and Missouri and rain was
forecast in Indiana and Illinois
tomorrow, but the weather bureau
at Chicago said it would not be
heavy enough to affect the flooded
areas. No heavy rains were antici-
pated for at least five days, the
weather bureau said.
The floods have inundated more
than, 100000 acres in six mid
western states, destroyed crops, i'm
paired communications and caused
the deaths Of at least 10 persons.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28

Hartford, Conn, April % - Con-
necticut farmers cooperating with
the Farm Security Administration
increased their milk production by
1,486 200 pounds during 1943, FSA
State Director Wilfred G. Purdy
said today, on receipt of official ma
tional records compiled by the
agency.
The total production of 1922, 100
pounds in 1943 represented a 10 per
cent increase over the preceding
year, Purdy said.
To determine production figures,
Purdy explained, 90 random cases
were individually examined and on
the-farm record books used to COM
pare 1912 and 1943 production.
The survey covered all phases OF
production and also the acreage
under cultivation. To eliminate pos
sible inaccuracies, Purdy pointed
out, only farmers who had full
two-year production record We're in
cluded.
Other figures which the survey
brought out included 6 per cent
increase in acreage under cul@iva-
ton; a 6 per cent decrease in pro-
duction OF chickens amounting to
1890 pounds, an 10 per cent boost
in egg production tabulated at d.
900 extra dozen and per cent in
crease in meat output, matter OF
5000 pounds.
Frankly, after the splendid rec
ords thehe small growers made in
1912, we had no idea they could
continue to step up their produce
ton. These records show however,
that they are able to expand their
operations still further under the
spur of war demands" Purdy said.
II am sure the small farmers OF
the state could have made an even
more notable contribution to the
nations fod supply If funds had
been available to meet the needs OF
all farmers asking for loans"
I'VE ran out of money at the
peak of the spring loaning season
In 1943," he recalled, and were
forced to turn down many appeals
for help from farmers who could
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
SENIOR CHOIR
TO SEE MOVIE
st. PauI's Church Singers
Being Entertained By
Vestry Tonight
WATERVILIE
Correspondent. Alice MacMul.
len, Phone S-7217

Waterville, April %. The
senior class of st. Paul's church
will be feted at a theater party
tonight. A supper will be served in
the parish house at 8 o'clock fol-
lowed by the downtown movie.
This is being Sponsored by the
vestry in appreciation of the mu-
sic the choir has given in the past
year. Miss Alice Lorenson is di-
rector, and members are Ruth
Batchelder, Naughton Totten, Alice
MacMullen, Audry Wooster, Jean
French. Gloria Sheldon, Betty Lier-
sing, Betsy Ann Grain, Jane and
Barbara Cookson, Marion Rasmus-
son, and Peggy Lethbridge.
Brush Fire
The vile fire station has been
called to quite a few fires lately, the
latest a brush fire on Perkins ave-
hue on property owned by the Chase
Company.
Bob Wilcox of the Army is home
on leave with his parents on Shelf
field street.
The Senior Choir of Grace Meth
odist church will rehearse tonight
at 7:30.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
William, F. Grouden
Few Men in History of Local Fire Department
Enjoyed Respect, Esteem Held by Late
Member = Served Many Years With
Marked Loyalty - Admired for
Character, Disposition.
Character, Disposition.

city.
There are some people who hold
that a fireman's life Is far from
being a happy one. But the life
Of Willie Grouden proves to the
contrary. He was a happy and
well satisfied person during his
long reign In the department. He
lived an exceptional life. His as
sociates all declared they never
heard him utter one profane word.
He was born clean, and never va
ried from this sort Of living. As
a Christian, he was a regular at
tendant at church service, and
adhered entirely to the teaching
Of the religion he followed. He
loved the church, and all that
went with 1t. He may not have
had many close friends, but the
friendship he formed in young
days remained throughout, and
the friends Of those days were
the ones he kept close to him dur
ing his lifetime. Abrigador born,
he was brought up In an atmos-
phere Of kindness and goodwill.
Fellows born up that way were
noted for this kind Of makeup.
They were loyal, good hearted,
kind, and thoughtful. Willie Croft
den was always on hand when a
fireman or other friend died. He
took time of for the purpose Of
showing the respect ne held for
the deceased.
But at the funeral we noticed
"a marked absence Of the acquaint-
ances Of yesterday. Perhaps, they
were too busy: everyone is busy
today and death Is Of little account
to some people. Times have
changed, anyway, and it may be
Just as well to forget the dead.
Service in a large church with
few in attendance appears to us
as somewhat out Of place. But
the custom will 60 on, we suspect.
because there must be g church
service.
Willie Grouden, we bow in sor-
row at his death.
He is bound to join the good. for
the fine and true life he led dur.
ing his period Is q living person.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
|DONAHUE FAMILY
AWARDED $500
Four to Share Judgment
Based on ThOmastOn
Avenue Accident

Damages Of $500 win be pald TO
John M. Donahue and three other
members Of his family as the result
Of an accident April ~, 1913. On
Thomaston avenue, 1t was disclosed
today when Superior Court Judge
Edward ]. ulnlan entered Q 1udg-
ment by stipulation.
The family'S $4,000 civil action
against the Standard Express Co.
had been scheduled for jury hear
ing last Wednesday, but q settle.
ment was reported at that time.
The Judgment was divided as fol-
lows: John NJ. Donahue, $2,z60; Mrs.
Fanny A. Donahue, $2,450; John w.
Donahue, seven years old, 800;
Lawrence D. Donahue, I'VE years
old, $500.
The plaintiffs were driving In
car, operated by the father, when
1t was allegedly struck by Q truck
Of the defendant concern near a
bridge railroad underpasS on Thorn
aston avenue. They claimed the
truck first struck the bridge and
then bounded back and ran into
the front Of their car.
Mr.. Donahue claimed the vision
Of his right eye was affected as a
result Of the accident, and that his
nose, chest, head and legs were in
jured. His wife alleged her body
was bruised and she suffered from
an injury to her kneecap. The
younger son sustained a neck wound
which required five stitches to close
and injuries to his tongue, face and
forehead, while the other sons back
and head were injured, the COM
plant stated. The father claimed
further that the car was demolished
and its salvage I1etted only $125, as
compared to its previous $1,325 value.
Attorney william K. Lawlor APP
peared for the plaintiffs, while the
firm Of Pond, Morgan & Morse of
New Haven represented the defend
ant.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
(NEA Telephoto)

Buy War Bonds and Stamps
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
MARRIAGE INTENTIONS

The following marriage certih-
Gates have been filed with the
ONCE Of Vital Statistics:
Walter C. Reynolds, 20 Cottage
place and Annette II. Barriault,
ia Grove street.
Joseph r.. Richard. COS South
Main street and Dorothy ID. Bar
riault, ia Grove street.
George Fehrs, 10 Rose street,
and Catherine Ann Nastri, 56
Lydia street.
Frank UngarO, IS Chatfield ave-
nue. and Antoinette CaragiulO, IS
Chatfleld avenue.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28

But his outstanding character
istics include q sure knowledge Of
human souls and an earnest desire
to bring them to a love and APP
probation OF the pillar and ground
OF all truth, which Is the church.
These are the characteristics Of q
great religious teacher, especially
when they are coupled with a
God given and earnestly devel-
oped skill in the supreme art Of
the priest which Is awakening Joy
and fervor in the knowledge and
the love of God. Manifold though
his deeds and works may be, and
as they truly are in the case OF
Bishop McAulife, they still remain
the admirable fruits OF life de-
voted essentially to the spiritual
care, instruction and edification OF
men, the life Of a teacher.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
LATE REALTY NEWS

The following realty deeds have
been filed with the Office Of the
Town Clerk:
Warranty
Julia r. HawIey to Walter G.
Fem and Anna A. Fem. Prop
erty on BOuley avenue.
Quit Claim Deed
Irene e. CustOdiO to Joseph p.
CustOdiO, property ON southwest
side Of Lemay street.
Mortgage Deed
Walter G. Fem and Anna A.
Fem to First Federal Savings &
Loan Association. Property on the
easterIy side Of BOuley Manor.
The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1944-04-28
ERUPTION $50 MILE HIGH"

Four and one-half cubic miles of
earth and rock shot into the air
when the volcano Krakatoa In the
Dutch East Indies erupted in 1883.
Years later, the volcanic dust was
sti1 observed 80 miles In the air.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
HEADS OF DEPT.
 HOLD CONFERENCE
City Officials Exchange Views on Administration
 Work; Suggestions

In addition to Q discussion on pension questionnaireS being sub- mitted to city employees for com- pletion of the required information, yesterdays meeting of all depart ment heads dealt mainly with in- ter-departmental relations and sim liar routine business procedures.
 Urging a more immediate request for supplies rather than waiting for a time just previous to when the supplies are needed, city purchasing director requested all department heads to apply immediately through his office when in need of supplies As an example of the length of time required to meet such demands, MT. Bowling outlined the lengthy procedure which every request must be put through before final pur- chase.
 A request for better lighting in the basement of the city hall also was suggested ct the meeting. It was poined out that the baSemen now houses many offices neceSsiat- ing better lighting that was provid- cd in the original construction plans of the hall.
 Mayor John s. Monagan praised the department heads and their employees for their splendid show ing in their recent acquisition of the Treasury Mlnute.Man pennant for 90 per cent or better participation in payroll deduction bond buying. At present city employees, who were the first of their kind in the state to receive this honor, are partici- paing 94 per cent total employees.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
WORRIED FATHER
 TAKES OWN LIFE
Augustus 0atIing in nl Health for Weeks; Pas.
 tor Pays Tribute

Augustus D. 0atling 6S. 60 Ab. bolt avenue, a deacon in the A, M. E. Zion church, was found hanging by a clothesllne rope from a bath room rafter at his home last night Dr. Edward H. Kirschhaum, medical examiner, termed the death sul. eide.
 The body was discovered by MT. Gatling's son, Martin, according to Detective Sgts. Charles McWeeney and Joseph Reilly. The detectives said MT. Calling had been in i'll health and depressed . for some time, and was worried over his son, Pvt Joseph 0atling, who is in the army.
 Rev. Sailsman w. Weller, pastor of Mount Olive A, M. E. Zion church, informed of the death, said, He served acceptably as @ deacon, class leader, and trustee"
 Born in Sunsbury, N. O., Mir. Calling came to Waterbury ~ years ago. He was a well known flg- ure about town, as for 30 years he carted trunks and bags from the railway station in a horse and wagon, retiring in 1889.
 Besides Joseph and Martin, he leaves another son, Harry, and three daughters, Mrs. Lillian MinisS Mrs. Minnie Jones, and Mrs. Dorothy Scott, all of Waterbury.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
VINCENT BRUNO .:r Y DANCE HEAD
Brooklyn League Hop
 March g; Title Game b, Thursday

The committee in charge of the Brooklyn "" League dance to be given March 9 at the Brooklyn "" met last night to complete it's plans. Chairman Vincent A. Bruno heard reports on the ticket selling and suggestions for decorating the gym.
 Final plans for presentations of awards in between the halves of the game between the league all-stars and the champions were also ar- ranged.
 The champion of the league will be decided Thursday as the Cavores and the Indians tangle at 8 D. m. Coach Joe Salcito has been work Ing his charges hard and furiously for the past week and reports his men will be ready for action. He expects to start Bruno, Gentle, Rudy Lacilla, Jim Pinelli, and Joe Russo, with Del .Buono eagerly waiting on the sidelineS.
 The game is the talk of Brooklyn and an exciting tilt is in the offing. The winners will face the All-Stars coached by Chet Montagano.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
Rome BIitzed Report Says

London, March 14.-(UP) - The Rome radio reported that four.mo- tored Allied bombers attacked Rome shortly before noon today.
 At II o'clock this morning strong formations of American four-en- gined bombers raided Rome," the Nazi- controlled broadcast said. Bombs were dropped"
 The report was not confined inl- mediately. Rome broadcasts fre- quently have reported attacks on the citp when the Allied targets were well outside Rome itself.
 If the enemy report is borne out 1t will mean the fourth raid of the war on Rome by American heavy bombers. Tn each case the targets were rail bottlenecks used by the Germans for supplying the fighting fronts to the south, together with Nazi air bases.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
SERVICE RIBBONS
 TO BE PRESENTED
Col LOckhart of New Haven to Pay Official CAP
 Visit Thursday

Lieut.. Col. Thomas II. Lockhart and members of the Connecticut wing staff of Civil Air Patrol, will pay an official visit to Waterbury squadron at it's meeting In the state armory Thursday night. Colonel Lockhart will award service ribbons to B members of the squadron, Q decoration recently authorized by the War Department.
 The evenings program will include drill, inspection and review of the squadron Air Force enlisted reserv ists and Civil Air Patrol Cadets.
 Plans will also be discussed for the flying day at Bethany Sunday at which 1t is expected 100 enlisted rservlSts and cadets will be given orientation flights. The program is being arranged by Capt. William T. Gilbert of the New Haven squadron and Lieut.. Gerald M. Monaghan of Waterbury squadron. Young men who may be interested in enlisting in the Air Force are invited to at. tend squadron meetings at the ar- mory any Monday or Tuesday even ing at 7:30 o'clock.
 Lieut.. Nancy H. Tier, Waterbury training and operations of- ficer, Es arranging weekly flying days for the cadets, proepeitcve cadets and prospective WACS. Four prospective WACS were flown at Mcriden airport last Saturday and eight cadets week ago. The flights are without cost to the young men anu women in planes loaned to the wing by the Army Air Forces. Plans have been made for similar weekly events.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
Harmless Lond Mine Kills IA GI's

Little Rock, Ark, March l4.-(UP) An Army board of inquiry at Camp Joseph R. Robinson today inc vcstigated the explosion yesterday Of a supposedly harmless land mine which killed l2 soldiers and injured l4 others, four of them seriously.
 Ten men were killed instantly by the blast which occurred during demonstration of mine installations and two others died later. Details of the explosion were withheld pending the investigations
 All the material used in the dem. onstration, which also included in- structions in handling and remov- ing mines and booby traps, was sup posed to be relatively harmless.
 The men were members of tho 652nd battalion, comnnnaded by It. Col. Gerald D. Albrecht, Jackson. Tenn, which was transferred from Louisiana last month.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
LOCAL SEADEE'S DEATH REPORTED
Chief Petty Officer William DOran SuccumbS in New
 River Hospital

Chief Petty 0mcer William Doran, Naval Seabees, of 704 Hamilton avenue, died at the Inited States Naval Hospital, New Iiver, North Carolina, yesterday
 fter Q brief Illness.
 He was born in Waterbury, the
 on of William and Mary (scad- len) Doran and resided most of his lie in the East End.
 He was a graduate of Sacred Heart parochial school and attend- ed Wilby High school. At the time of his enlistment he avs employed at the Federal Housing Project as a rigger.
 Besides his parents he leaves his wife, Laura (Beausoleil) Doran; two daughters, Doris and Laurette; one son, william and one sister, Mrs. Joseph Sargent, superintendent at Lamar Countyj hospital, Paris, Texas.
 The funeral will be held from the Mulville funeral home, 270 West Main street. Funeral arrangements are incomplete pending the arrival of the body from North Carolina.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
ELL0RA K. IVES
 BURIED MONDAY

Mrs. E:llora Kimberly ives, 77 wife of Fessenden l.. Ives of Co., shen, died Saturday at the home of her son. sherman K. Ives of Mor- ris, after Q long illness. She was born in Torrington, a daughter of the late sherman Kimberly, first master of the Connecticut State Grange, and Lorette Pendleton Kimberly, Mrs. Ives had been Q member of the Grange for 62 years. Besides her husband and son, she leaves a daughter. Mrs. Frederick L. Schofield, of Washington; Q sis- ter, Mrs. Nellie K. Wadhams of Torrington: Q brother, Kerrill K. Kimberly of Goshen; and eight grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday in the Congre- gational Church Goshen.
 Salvador has started It's program to develop It's hand industries,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14

Area WING Director Mary M Dewey said nine of the cases heard last night involved requests for re- ferrals to particular jobs. Denials had been registered by the U, s. Employment Service. and all but one were upheld by the WING. The one case in which the USES decision was reversed and Q referral grant, ed involved a health consideration, 1t was reported.
 The other two cases involved statement of availability petitions and the USES was upheld in both. Mrs. Dewey stated that the number of appeals for statements of avail ability has shown a decided decrease in recent weeks.
 She stated that in many instances workers would be unable to take the jobs they desire even if they were given statement and consequently they make no attempt to seek transfers. Since the priority sys- tenn of placement took effect re- ferrals have been sharply restricted and a noticeable change in the job transfer situation has resulted, it was reported.
 Hearings were held last night simultaneously in two different rooms in order to speed up pro- ceedings. Both labor and manage ment groups were represented at each Of the hearings sessions. Be- cause of the frequency of appeals hearings, several alternates were recently named to assist with ap- peals, but Q large representation of the regular labor-management com- mittee has been present ct all ses- sions, 1t was reported.
 The WING organization in Wa terbury, which early last year con- sisted of only a director, has ex- banded to include six staff members at the present time, with at least two additional workers to be named shortly. Appointments are under consideration for an assistant area director and an administrative of- f!cial, and 1t believed additional secretarial help may be secured later.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
AGED WAR WORKER
 DIES- OF INJURIES
Samuel J. Croft Struck By Automobile in Exchange
 Place Week Ago
(NEA Telephoto)

Samuel J. GrofH, 75, 70 Wooster street, died at St. Mary's hospital last night as the result of injuries sustained when he was struck by an automobile in Exchange Place last Tuesday. The death was the second fatal automobile accident in Waterbury this year.
 Driver of the car, Albert Spohrer, 57, Berwick, Pa, is being held un- der 5000 bonds pending 6 coron- CTS inquest.
 MT. droR was born in Remington, N. J., on November Il, 1888. He lived at Lakewood, N. J., until Q year ago when he came to Water bury to work for the Chase Brass & Copper Co.,, and made his home with Q daughter, Mrs. Harold Tar rington, 70 Wooster street.
 Survivors include Q son Theo- dore, Lakewood, N. J.: three daugh. terS Mrs. Robert Hayes and Mrs Warrington of this city and Mrs. John L. Noble of Lakewood, N. J,: three brothers. Alton of Bradley Beach, N. J., and Earl and Russell, both of Lakewood; four sisters, Mrs. Richard Gray, Holbrook, Calf, Mrs. William Meeker of Maplewood, N. J., Mrs. Iran Cottrcl and Mrs. Alfred Layton of Lake, wood, N. J., and five grandchildren. children.
 Funeral services will be held from the residence in Lakewood, N. J., Friday at 2:3O D. m. with burial in Woodlawn cemetery, Lakewood. Friends may call at the Alderson funeral home, 70 Central avenue, this evening from 2 to 9 o'clock.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
GAMBLING CASES
 OVER TO MARCH 28

Nineteen men nabbed in m Oak vile Saturday night on gambling charges were arraigned in town court In Watertown last night and granted continuances until March 28 by Justice Guerin Carmody.
 James Fischetti, 90, of 67 Wood street, charged with operating a gambling establishment, is free un- der $200 bonds, while le other men, l2 of them from this city, are free under $2S bonds each.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-03-14
HELP WANTED!

The Democrat at the present time has an opening for boy or girl to work full time, to do errandS and deliver messages. We also have openings in other departments. Call and llIl out an application at Busi- ness Office.