davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
RAGING PIGEONS
 .UNSUNG HEROES .OF THE ALLIES

Moline, H., May ii-SUpl-Hom- ing pigeons, the tingtlng heroes, are playing e prominent part with their messake carrying in the war. 'r
 Leslie O.. Swanson Of Moline, Ill.,. author of two books and number of magazine articles on the subject of homing or racing pigeons, has compiled Q list of accomplishments of the Allies feathered warriors which include such things as: Bring ing help to flyers downed at sea or in isolated sectors, flying tnforrna- ton from Occupied Europe to Eng land and serving as comHnurlica. ton link with advance forces. Pigeons are also used by dirigibleS and planes to provide data on the location of submarines when radio messages would have served to warn the prey.
 Develop 2-Way Flying
 War developments are likewise affecting the pigeons, vast changes having been introduced in the meth. ods of handling them. Such inllo- vatiorls as two-way flying and night flying birds are Q product of World War II. Whereas birds in World War I could fly only one way-9rori1 the point of liberation to their home loft t-pigeons now carry messages back and forth from two points. Q hitherto unheardp of operation. How 1t is done is 6 carefully guarded military secret.
 Despite recent exaggerated claims that pigeons are flying 300 miles an hour, MT. Swanson reports that the speed of the average bird is 42.5 miles an hour, more or less, depending upon wind and weather conditions. With a tail wind c Detroit pigeon recently set Q record of 80 miles an hour.
 Thousands Donated
 Much credit for the success of the U. s. Army's Pigeon Service is due to the civilian fanciers, who do- mated thousands of birds to the government and contributed e great number of men from their ranks to handle them. Although the govern ment offered to purchase the birds when the Pigeon Service was or- ganized, the civilians in most cases showed their patriotism by donating some of their best birds.
 Mir. Swanson emphasizes that the pigeons are correctly called homing or racing pigeons and not carrier" pigeons, a common error of the pub- lie and many magazine and news paper writers in discussing this type of pigeon. According to MT. Swanson the carrier" pigeon Is an entirely different type of bird and does not carry anything, being a bird used largely for exhibition and fancy purposes. The misnomer of carrier" was probably attached to the homing pigeon because 1t "car- ries" messages.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

Monday-St. Ann's, Merriman Washington, Maloney, St. Francis Mulcahy and Hopeville-Average of about 3.9 pounds per pupil.
 Tuesday-Tinker, Duggan, Beg nal, Barnard, St. Joseph's, Russell Bunker Hill, and Roosevelt-2.85 pounds per pupil.
 Wednesday-Bishop, Notre Dame St. Thomas, Driggs, Kingsbury Sprague, and St. Margaret's-3.l pounds per pupil.
 Thursday-St. Mary's, Sacred Heart, Hendricken, Anderson, Chase, East Farms, East Mountain. SS. Peter and Paul-4:67 pounds per pupil.
 Friday-Walsh, Wilson, Slocum, Webster, Bucks Hill, Abbott-2 pounds per pupil.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
28 Children In State Drowning
 Victims In 1943

Drownings caused the deaths of 28 children to exceed the deaths of 17 youngsters killed by motor vehicles as the leading cause of 67 accidental deaths among school-age minors during summer vacation months in this state last year. according to the Connecticut Safety Commission.
 Most of the drownings oc- cured when the children were at bodies of water without proper adult supervision. the Safety Commission explained today in commenting on a survey of the tragedies as recorded by the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the State Department of Health. In- formation about the highway &C., cidents was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the commission stated.
 The average age of all 67 &C., cident victims was about nine years each. while the drowned children averaged approximately six years apiece. The Safety Com mission reported that II children were drowned in June, twelve (l0 in July, three (3) in August and two @ in September; l943, in Connecticut.
 Firearms accidents killed four youngsters and suffocation ac- counted for the deaths og three babies to place these mt4haps third and fourth respectively as major causes of the violent deaths of Connecticut children within the four-month period. Burns, scalds. falls, lightning and playtime haz- ards were responsible for the re- maining deaths, the Safety Com mission survey indicated.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

By now the story of Bng Crosby his many success @f f and diversified activities has entered the realm
 ollvwood legend so consequently, it only natural
 that eventually all of Bngs resources of proven SaGw manshp would day be concentrated m Prooucslon init of his own With Crosby president the toTma ton of Bng Crosby Productions, Inc, was recently & announced with United Artists the releasing agent M Great John L." the usty story of John L. sullivan VIII be the organizations initial production Both HOLY wood and exhibitors throughout the country welcome this modest pipe-smoking guy in the production ranks Bngs interests are many: films radio records sports Army camp tours His war work is tremendous to tne extent of organizing at his expense
 units of his own to tour Army camps Associated With Crosby in his new enterprise are Frank Mastroy ana James Edward Grant, who will function as co-producers Grant is nationally known magazine writer ana scIpter of such screen successes as "Boomtown and tommy Eager. They both bring to the organization back ground of sound and proven ability. Frank Futile has been chosen director of The Great John L. Creolteo with the discovery of Alan Ladd Futile is currently max ing extensive tests of prospects for the cooru
 of Sullivan All the nostalgia the gay music, of the robust era in which Sullivan lived will be brought to the screen in "The Great John L." according to company executives. Production is expected to start 1n June
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
By s. BURTON HEATH (NEA Stan COrrespondent)

Tulsa, Okla May lT-Estimates of the amount of petroleum remain- ing under American ground vary from 90 billion to 100 billion barrels from IA years supply to 200 years supply. Either we are approaching dangerously close to the time when we will have to import most of out petroleum from abroad, over seas where enemy warships range in time of war, or else there is so great a supply that probably we shall be using atomic energy before we have any need to worry.
 Known reserves amount to 20 billion barrels. Both the American Petroleum Institute and govern ment experts agree on that. This is the amount upon which we can count beyond reasonable doubt. It is equivalent to about IA years sup- ply at pre-war usage.
 Unquestionably there is much more oil in the United States, but the amount Is anybody's guess. Wallace E. Pratt, chief geologist for Standard of New Jersey, estimates reserves at 100 billion barrels. MT. Pratt is an outstanding expert, whose associates in rival companies praise him highly. But his estimate, they insist, is nothing more than an intelligent guess, which may prove rather accurate, grossly exaggerated or ridiculously low.
 Sl .0OO. GOO PER WE'LL
 Only continual exploration by trained geophysicists plus specula- tive-"wildcat" can locate new fields. It may be that ever deeper wildcat drilling will bring only successively less productive pools. until 1t becomes impossible to recoup the cost of discovery. Or, 1t is possible that tomorrow, or the next day, some wildcatter risking his last penny on ten more feet of depth will bring in a bonanza.
 The petroleum industry will spend more than $l0,000,000 this year searching for new sources of petro- leum. If the price were fixed high CT, 1t would spend twice as much for the purpose.
 One expert with whom I have been talking estimates that 1t costs about $1,000, 900 for each producing well that is found. Thus 10 pro- ducers might be brought in during 1944. There is no way of even
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
'shouId President Roosevelt be

should President Roosevelt be Reelected for a Fourth Term" will be the subject of round table discussion over radio station WATR by the Taft School Debating Society this evening May Ie, from e:3O to 800 o'clock. This is the second appearance of the WateFtOwn debaters the air this by three members of the Senior class: Day Brigham Ol Plttseld Mass, and Donald CO0ns and Peter ROsen baum of New York City The negative will be pre- scented by three members Of the Upper Middle class Peter JOhI of GrotOn, Conn, Frederick H0lboFn of Washington D. C., and William Covington of Lake Forest nI Taft School Is also scheduled tO present another half hour program over WATR May 25 at s:s0 ?. m. During this program, the Lower School speaking contest will be held EliminatiOns for this contest will be held tomorrow evening ln the Bingham Auditorium of Taft School. These elimination speeches are part of the Alumni Weekend program
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
ST. FRANCIS SALE
 CONTINUES FRIDAY

Naugatuck, May l8.-Donations for the rummage sale which was held by the Altar society of St. Francis church today may be left at 100 Church street. The sale started at a. m. today and will continue through tomorrow.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

guessing how much oil these might ad dto the national supply.
 add to the national supply.
 "A year ago." said this man, If you had asked me about the Elk Basin in Wyoming should have said 1t was of no significance. It had been producing for a long time and had dropped of to 15 per cent of its original yield. Tn 194l,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

Mrs. Florence Mix suffered fractured ankle last week. Barron Knechtel took comedy Elizabeth Smith as his bride in pretty ceremony last week in Salna, Kansas. Ralph Pascucci has arrived in Cal ifornia after long term of service in the Pacific. new plaque in honor of parishiOners in the armed forces will be dedicated by Rev. Joseph F. C. Johnson, Advent Christian Church pastor next Sum- day morning.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

to be precise, 1t had produced a total of only 11,40o,000 barrels and was then down to @ rate of 700 bar rels day.
 "Now exploration has discovered another l50,o00, 900 barrels. which are being taken out at the rate oi l5,000 barrels a day. By July l when two new lines are completed the output will be stepped up be-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

Yale graduates who liked to eat at Monrys in New Haven will regret the passing of Henry B. Rosenrock, better known as Henry of Mornys, well known steward there He had been associated with the famous unver sty eating place for thrtytwo years and was the friend of countless students who not only matrculated at Yae but at Monry's well. Henry died Monday in the New Haven Hospital
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
LILAcS
Good Evening.

Along a very sweet-scented way Iilacs wish us all good day. In hedges and clumps see them all, Heavy-headed as if about to fall. Sweet llacsl inside old picket fence, This season we say of them, how denseI Sweet liiacsl inside an old stonewan, - HOW gracefully they bend as though about 70 Iall No poet loftier poem will push u Than yours or your neighbours lilac bush! Ai" Ell"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
MURDER AS AN INSTITUTION

Colonial governments in Africa have officially banned head hunt ing, but scientists state that the practice is likely to survive, since it is so deeply entrenched in the culture of some tribes.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

The gun that wasn't loaded isn't in it with the liquor that was pure It's this spring weather that makes lot of people have the object in feobect to work Remember when congressman used to send any and everybody free SeedSn the hope that theyd raise votes?
 It's swell to be waving Old Glory, but better still to be doing your full share toward saving it. An optmist is a man who plants watermelons alongside the highway
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

Dorothy Minaka has been declared Girl of the Week" at the Waterbury Tool Out-ot-toWners nave become residents of the Brass City for various reasons tut few can match the of Dorothys arrival One moonit evening in Scranton, Penn, blonde Dorothy was the pertinent question: So the young couple simply closed their eyes, put their fingers the map, and up popped Waterbury, Here they married found work ana gence Service at Camp Wheeler, Ga. Before her mar rage, Dorothy managed a variety shop in Scranton. She has been at the Tool for over year Bubbng with vitality and deeply interested in fe Dot declared with determination she believes in getting the most out of life and living She writes John every night and tee phones him every Sunday Her one burning ambition IS to have home in the country when Johnnie comes marching home.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

Marian Anderson, noted soprano received the hon. Orary degree of Doctor of Music at the commencement exercises at Smith College, Northampton, Mass Tues day of this week. Another honorary degree con- ferred 0s Captain Mildred H. McAfee, president of Wellesley College and commander of the WAVES, that of Doctor of Laws.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
-FOUR CORNERs-"L LORE

Our expression "the four corners of the earth" is . throwback to days when some races believed the earth and universe to be shaped like a pyramid
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

Bernie Mullen has joined the sales staff at Fitz- gerald & Platt Patrolman Joe Cavanaugh was an interested spectator at the Yankee Stadium Tn New York City last Saturday afternoon where he saw the World Champions wallOp the Cleveland Indians Rev. Thomas H. Dwyer, Washington Hill native, was ordained four years ago this morning
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18
Banned In Boston" Usually Harbinger Of a Best Seller
BY SALLY MIRLISS United Press Staff COrresnOndenf

Boston May lTlUP)-By-lne literary Banned Bostons refusal them.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-05-18

pected to give ''enthuslastic support Co Governor Baldwin at the na. tionai convention.
The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1944-12-18
Book
Lovers

There are probably still some
CHS who would not give their last
cigarette or blanket to Ernie Pyle.
But nothing that any CT. can
scrounge from another is too good
for him." This glowing tribute to
The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1944-12-18
Decorate GOrhGnl
iUith Third Oak
Leaf Cluster

AN EIGHTH AIR FORCE BOMB
Err STATION, ENGLAND-Techni-
cal Sgt. Edward F. Gorham of Tren-
ton, Bit Flying Fortress radio
operator with the 35lst Bernhard
ment Group. has been decorated
with a third Oak Leaf Cluster 10
his Air Medal for "meritorious
achievement" on more than a score
of bombing attacks on enemy in
Stallations in Europe.
The citation accompanying the
award read In part: The courage.
GOODNESS and skill displayed by 4
enlisted man upon these occasions
reflect great credit upon himself
and the Armed Forces Of the
United States.
Sgt. Gorham, 20, was graduated
from high school in Riveryiew in
1912 and entered the Army April
30 of the same year. His parents
are Mr.. and Mrs. Fred Gorham OF
643 West jefferson avenue, Tren-
ton.
The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1944-12-18

head-and among the litter and de-
bris, thousands of sheets Of blank
letter paper, on which the men had
planned to write home about their
first visit to France. He tells in
Vulnerable heroic exploints; among
his brave men, was the wounded
English flier, pinioned for eight days
under his plane, whose first remark
to his rescuers was an apology for
the trouble he was causing them.
But there was one glorious mo-
ment: IT had thought that for me
there could never again be any ella
ton in war, but I had reckoned
without the liberation of Paris.
The streets of Paris are very wide
and they were packed on each side
The women were all brightly
dressed in white or red blouses ano
colorful peasant skirts. Every.
The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1944-12-18
FDR Dedicates
Birthday 70 r
Twelfth Year

Defeating his birthday for the
twelfth consecutive year TO the fight
against infantile paralysis, Presi-
dent Roosevelt, In q letter released
today. declared that the fight
against this vicious disease enemy
"is a fight to the finish and the
terms are unconditional surrender"
mot until we have removed the
shadow of the Crippler from the
The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1944-12-18

future Of every child can we furl
the flags Of battle and still the
trumpets of attack" the President
stated.
His letter, written to Basil O'Con-
nor, president Of The National
Foundation for Infantile Paralysis,
approved the latter's request for
centering the 1945 Embarrassing
Appeal Of the National Foundation
around the celebration OF MIR.
Roosevelts next birthday, January
30, 1915. The period for the Fund
Raising Appeal and the March Of
Dimes to The White House will be
January 1881, Mr.. O'Connor an
nounced.
Pointing out that the 1914 cpl
demic was the second largest In the
history of the disease in the United
States, Mr.. OConnor wrote the
President that the voluntary con-
tributions Of the American people
had made it possible for the Ma
tional Foundation to put the larg-
est polio fighting army in history
into the field to battle it.
due in large part to this fact,
far more than half Of those whom
infantile paralysis struck down this
year will again be going about their
tasks with faith and hope and con-
fidence, because their fellow-Amer-
leans have made it possible" wrote
Mr. O'Connor. Further, while every
one afflicted by infantile paralysis
is assured the best of medical care
and treatment, at the same time
there is going on a vast program
of research to find preventive and
cure Of this disease.
"Unremitting research will provide
the key which will unlock the door
to victory over infantile paralysis.
The faShioning Of this key takes
time and money and the talents
of host Of eminent scientists. That
work is going on conStantly-sup-
ported by National Foundation
grants operative in more than fifty
institutions throughout the country:
that work is going on by virtue Of
the mandate of the american peo-
pie who, aware of the threat OF
recurrent epidemics, are resolved
that this disease must be con-
quered."
In reply, President Roosevelt
wrote:
The work of The National Foun-
dation for Infantile Paralysis and
its Chapters CLOVIS as one of the
brightest pages in the history Of
how a nation of free people, work.
ing together, seeks to assure for its
children the priceless gift Of health.
1T is good TO know that while
the infantile paralysis casualties OF
1914 and former years are receiving
the aid they need. there is going on
apace an eVer-eXpanding program
OF research seeking the prevention
and cure Of the disease. I feel as
you do that the value Of this re-
search cannot be over-emphasized
Treatment, no matter how adequate,
cannot win this war against a dis
ease aggressor; but scientific re-
search put in motion by the Amer
lean people through their support
of the National Foundation will I'M
questionably conquer this disease
1--WE face formidable enemies at
home and abroad" wrote the Pres
ident. Victory is achieved only at
great cost-but victory is inpera-
tive on all fronts Not until We have
removed the shadow of the Crippler
/ from the future of every child can
! we furl the flags of battle and still
! the trumpets of attack The fight
J against infantile paralysis is fight
} to the finish, and the terms are
! unconditional surrender.
The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1944-12-18

one of our top war correspondents
was recently paid by Time Maya
zine, and from all We hear Ernie
Pyle more than deserves it.
His book on the African cam
paign, Here Is Your War;" sold
over a million copies, all told. His
new book, Brave Men," which COW
ers the war from the Sicilian cam
paign to the liberation of Paris, is
the Book -of-the- Month Club selec-
ton for December. A special fea-
ture of Brave Men: the author
lists every service man with whom
he talked and the name of his home
town.
Ernie Pyle hates war, everything
about it except the men who are
fighting it. He tells about it in all
its grimmest aspects: the thousands
of dead on the Normandy beach.
The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1944-12-18
body was throwing flowers"

Ernie Pyle says he didn't hear any
classic remarks when the American
troops entered France, such as the
famous Lafayette, We are here, "
of the last war. The nearest to it
was made by an ack-ack gunner,
sitting on a mound Of earth after
two weeks after D-Day, reading the
STARS and Stripes" All of sudden,
he said, Say, where's this Norman
dy beach-head 1t talks about In
here?" Pyle realized he was serious
and he told him, you're sitting
on It." The gunner looked up In
surprise, well, I'll be damned. ]
never knowed that" he said.
The Chronicle-star combined with the Moss Point advertiser., 1944-12-22
Nation Top War
Mother Helps On
War Loan Drive

Although the Mothers Com
memorative League voted her
Americas Number One War
Mother" on last Mothers Day,
Mrs. Leo Van Coutren of st.
Louis, Mo, says: Il don't want
to be known as the Outstanding
this, or the Most Distinguished
that, or even the Number One
anything. l prefer to be known
merely as the Mother of Twelve
Courageous American Children
interviewed at the Elks Fra
ternal Center in New York city,
where she is lending her II
vices to the promotion of the
9th War Loan, Mrs. Van Cou-
tren pointed with pride to the
attractive service pin on her la
pei, bearing twelve stars, and
said: This pin was presented
to me by some Of my friencs
who share with me the pride o.
knowing that all twelve o. my
children are serving in the arm
cd forces OF our country. 1t
would please me even more if
| knew that all the people OF
America we're supporting my
boys and girls b. supporting the
current War Bond orive.'
HHHH ~ EHH.UH
Mrs. Van Coutren was accom-
panied by her Oldest daughter,
Helen, Of the Women's Army
Corps, and Chief Petty Officer
Vincent, her son. who is on fur-
.ough after a tour OF duty in the
Pacific with The United States
Navy.
Two other daughters are also
members Of the WAC: Alden,
presently serving with the Ar
my in Italy, and Rita, now sta
toned in Washington. D. c. Leo,
the oldest boy, is PM. 1-c in the
Merchant Marine; Paul, Cyril,
Joseph, John and Victor, are
serving in the U. S. Navy; James
is a corporal in the U. S. Marine
Corps, and Thomas is a staff SER
geant in the Army of the u, s.,
now fighting in Leyte.
James R. Nicholson, chairman
of the Elks War Commission,
welcomed Mrs. Van Coutren on
behalf of the $50. 900 members OF
the patriotic order, congratulated
her upon the outstanding service
of her family, and expressed
pride in the knowledge that four
of her sons were members of
the BPOE.
The Chronicle-star combined with the Moss Point advertiser., 1944-12-22
Seniors AT Moss
Point High Honor
Juniors AT Donce

Reversing the usual procedure
of intramural hospitality the Sc
nior class at Moss Point High
school beat the members OF the
Junior class to the draw this
year when thev honored them
with a buffet supper and dance
Monday evening at the M o S
Point community house.
Members OF both classes gath
cred at the community house at
7 o'clock and were entertained
by Raymond Upton a member
of the senior class, who sang
white Christmas" accompanied
at the piano by joyce Pierce.
Raymond then led those present
in singing several Christmas
carols.
The community mouse was
decorated in red, yellow and
green for the occasion. The ta-
bles from which the students
were served dinner buffet style
were decorated in blue and gold,
the colors OF the senior class.
Dancing was enjoyed follow