davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Montrose Park C|ings to Its Historical Past
Down to Last Gas Lights and LompIighter
Mechanical Device
Now Eases Task for
Company Veteran, 50
By ChorIes J. Yorbroueh

Montrose Park, where Richard
PARROTS rope factory made last
stand against British torches in 1914,
is going to hang on to the past
down to its last lamplighter.
Croquet balls still click. children
romp and softened "reminiscences
carry on under the parks II gas
lights, which were once the pride of
the Capital
Every Friday, in the same city
where electric eyes open doors at the
nudge of a shadow, the last lamp
lighter trudges along park paths,
climbs his S-foot ladder and cleans
the lamps.
He is good-natured, 59-year-
Frank Cittadino, who was doing it
the same way in 1885, when they
removed gas lights from in front of
the Smithsonian Institution.
Device Has Taken Over.
A small black clock-device has
taken Mr.. Cittandino's place, not
that he cares particularly, but not
quite successfully hides a spot of
sentiment over the passing of life's
work.
The lamplighter. am iron-gray
grandfather, who is as nimble as a
steeplejack on his ladder. shifts some
disdain at the mechanical lamp
lighter The clock mechanism tells
the gas supply when its dark, steals
"a flame from the always-burning
pilot light in each lamp and gas
light comes back to Montrose Park.
But the clock doesn't work right
all the time" Mr.. Cittadino ventures.
Il did a better job"
Montrose Park on r street, at
Lovers lane NV, has been his
route since the modern age squeezed
the gas light era down to II sem
tinels. 1t first appears in Washing
ton city history about the time
Richard Parrott built his rope walk.
where cordage was manufactured by
hand He renamed it Elderslie and
built a home there in 1869 and
saw the rope works burned to the
ground few years later when the
British wreaked their only major
damage in Georgetown.
Became Montrose in 1887.
The rolling, tree-shaded area
which backs up to Rock Creek be-
came Montrose when it was pur-
chased in 1887 by Mrs. E. NICE.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
|MoryIond CouncIWM Take Up
SeorchondSeizure Act CHANCES
ton of criminal law and constitu-

ton of criminal law and constitu-
tional rights
Makes Gun. Carrying a Felony.
OF the Ave possible revisions dis
cussed by DR.. Everstine, one includes
a suggestion not heretofore discussed
in open sessions of the council or
its committees 1t would accomplish
the same purpose on Statewide
basis as now applies only to Balti-
more County, making the carrying
OF concealed weapons felony.
Prosecution under the law there
after would be entirely removed from
the Bouse Act and evidence obtained
could be admitted regardless of its
source" DR.. Everstine reported
Other potential forms of action
suggested were:
/. Strengthen the act and give it
wider application to include felonies
and treason cases.
2. Continue the act in its present
form applicable to misdemeanors.
In felony trials Maryland would
continue to permit such evidence 10
be admitted.
3. Repeal the act to conform with
about three-fourths of the States
which hold that evidence may be
admitted in criminal cases without
question as to its source.
4. Modify the act to give it a more
restrictive application as to types OF
misdemeanors or for nighttime
cases.
Other items to be included in the
Legislative Councils deliberations
include: Baltimore City's fight fol
more representation in the Genera.
Assembly: a recommendation by the
Game and Inland Fish Commission
for a license for fur trappers anc
buyers. and hearing for barber.
| tomorrow afternoon
Evening star., 1948-07-07
by the Associated Press

BALTIMORE. July Five pos
sible changes in the Bouse Act,
which prohibits illegal search and
seizure of evidence in misdemeanor
cases, are to be taken up by the
Legislative Council in its three
day session opening today. 7til
The suggested revisions. which
would be made by the General AS
sembly, were contained in report
by DR.. Carl N. Everstine, assistant
director of research of the Depart
ment of Legislative Reference.
The act stemmed from liquor law
prosecutions during the prohibl-
ton era. 1t was amended in l947
to make evidence obtained by illegal
search in concealed weapons cases
admissible in Baltimore County.
Move Failed Last Year.
An effort to extend the applica-
ton of Baltimore County's "frisk-
ing" amendment to the rest OF the
State failed at the special legisla-
tive session last November when
Senator Balch, Democrat, of Tai
bot County began fllibuster
against it. A similar Statewide
amendment is scheduled to come up
for a vote in the Legislative Coun-
Gil this week after favorable re-
port by it's Judiciary Committee.
The Everstine report, however, had
this to say of the act ITSELF.
In general. those who have fa-
vored its repeal have been persons
actively concerned with the enforce
ment of criminal laws, while those
who have favored retaining it tor
even making it stronger have been
persons who have not had the direct
responsibility of enforcing laws and
who, therefore, have had more
academic interest in the whole ques-
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Cost Of Construction
OF Fairfax Schools
Rises S3,500,000

Fairfax County's proposed school
building program will cost approx
mately s7,5O0,0O0 instead of nearly
S4, 900 900 as was anticipated last
January when details of the pro-
gram were made public.
This was disclosed at meeting
of the School Board yesterday after
architects estimates on each of the
new buildings and additions were
read by School Supt. w. T. Wood
son.
The $7,5OOO00 program includes
only one new school and one new
addition which we're not listed in
January. They are the new Gum
Springs colored school. estimated to
cost s172 500, and the addition to
the Oak Street School, Falls
Church, which is to cost $115,000.
The other increase Of approx
mately s3,2O0.O00 in the estimated
cost of the program represents costs
which are nearly double what was
expected.
The school board agreed to fur
nish its new estimate to the North
ern Virginia Emergency Citizens
School Committee which is study
ing the possibility of school bond
issue. The s7.5000O0 figure in
cludes s150,O0O for sites and about
100000 as a cushion fund in case
construction bids run higher than
anticipated.
A breakdown of the total shows
that the cost of new schools at
Holm Hall, Weyanoke. Sims Cor
ner, Tyler Park and Penn Daw will
be s431 $50 each instead OF $3.50 900
each. The cost of new school at
Bailey's Cross Roads rose from
$3.50, 900 to s534.OO0 in the new es-
innate
Other new cost estimates accord
ing to the architects are: New
Fairfax Elementary Colored School,
$4,000: Floris Colored, $4,000;
Burke addition. $143.750; Groveton
addition, 500: Annandale addi-
ton. $23O.OOO: Fairview addition,
s57 300; Mount Vernon High addi-
ton. s575,OOO: Falls Church High
addition. s632 900: Franklin Sher-
man addition. S40,25O: Herndon
High new unit to be added to old
plant, s862, 500: Oakton, $57 500:
Franconia, $4,000; Forestville,
S172 500: Dunn Loring, S1l5,OOO;
Woodlawn. $57,500.
Mr.. Woodson pointed out that IN
many cases the architects had been
instructed to cut corners in order
to reduce the cost of the program
as much as possible The original
estimate for the program of So
929.250 was prepared in January
when the scnool board hoped to OBJ
tain funds from the State Literary
Loan Fund, which since has been
exhausted.
F. w. Robinson was reelected
chairman of the school board and
Alex L. Haight was elected vice
chairman. w. Clement Jacobs was
renamed clerk to the board and
Miss Mary La Due was chosen dep
utv clerk.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Is Housewives Nominated
For Mrs. FairIinqton' Title

Fifteen darlington housewives
have been nominated by their
neighbors to compete for the title OF
Mrs. darlington" during a Fair
lington night" cruise at $50 pm.
Tuesday on the S. S. Mount Vernon.
The cruise is being sponsored by
the darlington Association. Mas
ter of ceremonies will be Matt War
rem, program director of Station
WEAM. Winner of the contest will
be selected by Daniel A. Dugan,
Arlington County Board chairman;
Patrick Hayes of the Hayes Concert
Bureau. and Bill Brundage, radio
sports commentator. Prizes will be
donated by Harrington Center and
Shirlington merchants.
The women nominated for the
contest are Mrs. Nav Wymore, Mrs.
C. w. Linden, Mrs. Clark Tate, Mrs.
Lindley Beckworth, Mrs. Stanley c.
Hedstrom, Mrs. Allan Dean, Mrs.
Richard Engelman, Mrs. Andrew
Carrico, Mrs Willard Fazar. Mrs.
Gordon M. Larson, Mrs. A. M. Monk.
Mrs. E. Howard, Mrs. A. E. Nc
Caskey. Mrs. Randolph Avon. Mrs.
r. F. Tomlin, Mrs. George Robinson.
Mrs. P. C. Ward, Mrs. James Burns
and Mrs. E. Carsons.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Prince Georges Board
Studies Standards for
Street Construction

Minimum standards for street and
road construction in Prince Georges
County were under study today by
the county commissioners.
n Copies of the proposed regulations
were submitted by the commission
ers yesterday by County Engineer
Arthur w. Tayman, during their
weekly board session at Upper
Marlboro. The commissioners are
expected to take action on them
next Tuesday. .,.
Besides controlling minimum spe-
cifications, the new regulations also
include provisions that developers
provide an adequate storm drainage
system in new subdivisions.
Mr.. Tayman said roads and streets
of the county, outside of those in
Incorporated areas and including
those in special improvement dis
tricts. would be accepted as county
roads if they meet the proposed
standards and are certified to that
effect by the county engineers Of
fee
An application for permission to
operate a trailer camp near Pts
Getaway, submitted yesterday to the
commissioners for the second time
in two months, was referred to SAM
tary Engineer Charles L. Wood for
study. The application was filed by
White Hall Manor. Inc, whose petit
ton for such a permit was rejected
by the county heads May l8 when
more than 40 persons of the area
protested.
Attorney ]. Nicholas Orem, jr.
who submitted the petition yester-
day. said the application now con-
forms with the new trailer camp
regulations authorized by the Mary.
land Legislature during its special
session in May.
The East Takoma Citizens AS
sociation of Takoma Park. in a let.
ter to the commissioners, reported
it was in accord with the proposed
master zoning plan, as recommended
by the Maryland-Na Capita
Park and Planning Commission
The commissioners will consider
adoption of the plan as 1t concern!
Prince Georges County at public
hearing in Upper Marlboro at 2:3(
pm, July 20.
The Beltsville Volunteer Fire De-
partment was granted permit tt
hold an outdoor carnival on Odel
road, near the Washington-Balti'
more boulevard, Beltsville, from
Monday through July II.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
zoning Violation Charged
In Alexandra Rail TrestIe

The Washington & Old Dominion
Railroad and proprietors OF the Po-
tomac Coal Co. were to face charges
in Alexandria Civil and Police Court
today of violating the city's zoning
ordinance by rebuilding a 50-year-
old trestle in residential zone.
The railroad and Arthur F. Camp
bell and Charles Stephenson, own
ers of the coal company, will appear
in court to answer charges brought
bv the city attorney. Scheduled to
appear as a witness is City Mana
ger Nicholas A. Colasanto.
They are accused of erecting a
railroad trestle in an A residential
zone, in violation OF the zoning code
Mr.. Campbell said today the rail-
road trestle and siding have ex-
isted in the Del Ray section OF the
city for more than so years. The
property has been operated as 8
coal yard for nearly 80 years ano
existed before that section OF the
city became a part of Alexandria.
Police were sent to the coal yaro
today to prevent any further re-
building of the trestle.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Virginia Court Ruling Asked
On British Divorce Costs
By the Assoeioted Press


RICHMOND. Va. July 7.-Rich-
mond's Law and Equity Court. Part
2. has been asked to decide whether
an English court has jurisdiction
over an American citizen.
William Barraclough, decribed as
a bank official of Warrington,
Lancashire, England, is suing Edwin
Langdon Bergh of Richmond, for
s265. These were the costs assessed
against Mr.. Bergh as the result OF
the divorce suit in Manchester dis
trict, England.
Barraclough won his divorce from
the former Mrs. Barraclough and
named Mr.. Bergh as correspondent.
The former Mrs. Barraclough mar
ried Mr.. Bergh last January.
Under English law, the respondent
and the correspondent must bear
the court costs of divorce action
if it is won by the plaintiff.
Mr.. Bergh contends that he Is not
under the British courts jurisdiction
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Body Of Fairfax Man
Recovered From Potomac

The body of Donald Dasher, q,
Fairfax Station, Va, who drowned
Monday in the Potomac about a
mile north of Great Falls, was
recovered near there last night.
DR.. F. J. Broschart, Montgomery
County coroner. issued certificate
of accidental death by drowning
The body was recovered by Frank
Councilman, Potomac, Md, in about
8 feet of water, police said.
Mr.. Dasher was canoeing with his
brother and sister-in-law, Mr.. and
Mrs. Noel Dasher, when the craft
tipped and began to swamp. Donald
Dasher, who could not swim, leaped
overheard. His brother tried to help
him, but was unable to reach him
Mrs. Dasher remained in the half
submerged canoe until it drifted to
shore,
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Bids Asked on Repairs
To MARYLAND State House
Nv the Associoted Press

BALTIMORE, July 7.-State En-
gineer John B. Funk today asked
for bids by next Tuesday on more
than s500,oOo worth of repair and
overhaul work at the State House
in Annapolis.
The project includes a $4,000
tunnel under State Circle between
the State House and the Court OF
Appeals Building. Mr.. Funk hopes
that work may be started on 1t
within a few weeks so it will be
ready for next January's regular
session of the General Assembly.
The recent special session OF the
Legislature approved bond issue
for the construction.
One of the main purposes Is TO
improve the ventilation and acous-
tics of the Senate and House cham
bers. Another is to provide indf-
vidual Offices for members OF the
Senate,
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Dutch Bergman
Named Armory
Hall Manager
Former Grid Coach
Of c. U. Appointed
To $4,000 Post
BIG COMMUNITY ARENA planned
by Bergman. (Story and picture
on Sports Page)
By Jerry OLeory, Jr.

Arthur j. Dutch" Bergman.
former Catholic University football
coach and now a local radio sports
commentator, has been appointed
manager of the Districts National
Guard Armory drill hall at $1,000
a year. The appointment was an
nounced late yesterday at the Dis
trict Building by the three-man
Armory Control board: Commits
sioner John Russell Young. Brig.
Gen. Albert L. Cox, and Attorney
Leonard P. Walsh.
The board in selecting Mr.. Berg
man for the post, indicated the
choice was not unanimous but de-
clined to give a breakdown of the
voting. Jack Espey, former general
manager of the Washington Red
skins and the Baltimore Colts, was
reading candidate for the job.
To Begin Duties Soon.
Mr. Walsh said the Armory man
ager will assume his new duties as
soon as possible.
| Mr.. Bergman has long colorfCl
record of sports activity. He was a
star backfield man at Notre Dame
80 years ago and later coached at
Minnesota and Catholic Universe
ties. His career at Gu was climaxed
10 years ago when his squad was
chosen to play in the Orange Bowl
Later, he was coach of the Redskins.
Currently he hroadcasts program
of sports commentary six days a
week for Station WRC.
As manager of the Armory. Mr.,
Bergman will be given as free a
hand as possible, Mr.. Walsh declar-
ed. He will meet with the board at
10 am. Friday to discuss plans for
development of the Armory as a
headquarters for sports events, con-
ventions and other public affairs.
Seating Conference Slated.
Gen. Cox, the National, Guard
commander, said the board will dis
cuss with Mr.. Bergman means OF
expanding the Armorys seating ca
pacity from the arbitrary 1925 per
son limit now required by District
fire regulations. The Commissioners
have evolved three plans since last
January for expanding the capacity
by creating new fire exits, but no
action has been taken.
Mr.. Walsh said it would be neces-
sary to determine the public's de-
mand for space before considering
how to increase the supply.
Mr.. Bergman said he plans to
give serious consideration to the pos
sibility of bringing legitimate thea =
ter productions to the Armory some
time in the future. When the Ma
tional Theater completes its summer
season, Washington's last legitimate
Itheater will be thing of the past
because of the segregation policy in
effect at the National.
Since there is no segregation rule
at the Armory, Mr.. Bergman said
and inasmuch as the acoustics for
theatrical performances at the Arm
ory are good, there is no reason why
such performances should not be
brought there.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Red Cross Unit to Meet
Mondoy in Arlington

The annual meeting of the Ar
lington Red Cross Chapter will be
held at 8 pm. Monday at the Clar-
endon Methodist Church, Sixth and
North Irving streets.
C. Leo Wilhelm, OF the stan ol
the Eastern area Red Cross ONCE
win speak. Ofiicers and board mem
bers will be elected and motor serv-
ice drivers will receive certificates.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Budget Hearing Colled
By CheverIy Citizens

The Cheverly Citizens Association.
in cooperation with the Town
Council, will hold a public hearing
on the towns new budget at the
associations meeting at $50 o'clock
tonight at the American Legion Hall.
Citizens said the tax rate has gone
up from 67.5 to BIS cents per $l00
in the past year.
Evening star., 1948-07-07

there was big SnoWStorm on lnau-
guration day, he says.
II had to wade it with my ladder"
Each morning he went over his
route of about 1875 lamps and turned
them of; each evening he reversed
the process. Once each week he
cleaned them and installed new
mantles.
They changed mantles when the
United States was winning the war
with Mexico" he said, apparently
referring to Gen. Pershing's hunt
along the border for Paucho Villa.
In those days he was working for
the American Street Lighting Co.,
and has been with the gas company
more than IA years.
His chores, as far as lighting
90, have dwindled to the Friday call
to Montrose-which takes him about
two hours. The remainder of the
week he works at the company plant
on Thirtieth street NV. in George
town.
He lives with his wife at 3345
Baker street NE. He has two chill
dren in New York and one in the
WAC.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Richmond Women Gets
National Concer Post

Mrs. Fred M. Alexander OF Rich
mond has been appointed a ma
tional deputy commander OF the
American Cancer Society's Field
Army, Mrs. Harold v. Milligan, ma
tional commander, announced yes
terday.
Mrs. Alexander has been State
commander of the Virginia division
of the society since 1899. In her
new position, she will supervise
work done by the field arny's vol
unteers in Delaware, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio,
New Jersey and the District.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
| Star Movies

Community movies, sponsored by
The Star, the Recreation Depart
ment and The" Film Center are
scheduled for pm. today Pro-
grams of comedy, sports, cartoon
and travel shorts will be shown al
the following Fairgrounds and rec
reation centers:
Anacostia, between Eleventh street and
pennsylyania avenue Sc
Edeewood, Third and Evarts streets NE
Palisades. Dana and Sherrier places
NV.
Takoma. Fourth and Van Buren
Virginia Avenue, Ninth street and Yir-
einia avenue Sc.
Garrison. Twelfth and streets NV.
Lincoln, Sixth and l. streets Sc
Rose PARK. Twenty-seventh and o
osssts NV.
Evening star., 1948-07-07

Boyce, a relative of the Earls of
Montrose.
The Government and National
Capital Parks bought it in 1911 for
$4,000.
Mr.. Cittadino, as lamplighter, Is
as rare as the lamps themselves.
Washington Gas Light Co., officials
say the many thousands of lamp
posts were destroyed for junk.
They'd bring lot more now as
ornamental relics-and we have lots
of requests for them," one said.
The existence of the old gaslights
was pointed out by the gas company
in its Tooth anniversary celebration
book, Growing With Washington. y
The Italian-born Mr.. Cittadino
dates his lamp-lighting experience
by wars. Presidents or snowstorms
He came to the United States when
he was about Is: lived in Baltimore
briefly and came to Washington
when about 18.
Recalls Taft Inaugural.
He started touching of lamps the
same year Taft went to the White
House" He remembers because
Evening star., 1948-07-07
School BUILDING
Awaiting Bonds
In Alexandra
f, City Council Agrees
To Short-Term Loan
For FickIin Structure

Alexandria's school building pro-
gram today faced a new delay after
the School Board and City Council
ironed out their differences over a
contract for construction of one
new school.
The School Board last night agreed
that future school construction must
await issuance OF bonds and formal
approval by the City Council.
This means, it was pointed out,
that all work on architects plans,
advertising for bids and letting Of
contracts must wait until funds
actually are available.
Bonds Seen Ready in Fall.
Supt. T. C. Williams said 1t prob
ably will be fall before the bonds
are issued for a program costing
approximately $2S00,O00 Final APP
proval of the bond issue is expected
at the council meeting next Tues
day.
The Ficklin School, first to be con-
structed in the program, became the
center of controversy between the
Council and School Board when it
was charged that contract for the
school had been signed without first
obtaining approval Of the Council.
The School Board told the Council
it felt such approval had been given
at a meeting April IL, but the Coun-
Gil denied this. No minutes were
taken at the joint School Board
Council meeting April II.
The Council also pointed out to
the School Board members that the
Ficklin School contract had re-
suited in construction bills totaling
approximately $1,000 but that no
bonds has been issued or money
appropriated to defray this cost.
Report Is Approved.
Last night the Council approved
a report OF a special committee ap-
pointed to look into the Ficklin
School contract. The report recon-
mended the School Board should
in all cases submit to the City Coun-
Gil for the latter's consent and ap-
proval all of its proposals to expend
any monies above and beyond the
annual budget"
The. Council authorized the city
manager to float a short-term loan
not to exceed 100000 to pay for
the Ficklin School until bonds are
issued.
After adoption of the committees
report. the Council gave formal
approval to the S542,860 contract
for construction of the school, which
is to be built on Second street.
EverIy Heads School Board.
Joseph Everly was elected chair
man of the School Board last night
to succeed Mr.. Reed. John Bal
linger was elected vice chairman.
The board met after special ses-
sion with the Council.
The board was informed that the
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
would be willing to eliminate a pro-
posed reversal clause in turning over
d Parkfairfax school site provided
school is begun there within two
years and completed within flve.
The board decided this was ac-
ceptable. The Parkfairfax school Is
the last in the program.
The board voted to ask the City
Council to act favorably on its re-
quest to close Mount Ida avenue for
the Mount Vernon School addition.
A board of viewers has opposed the
street closing.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Clarendon Rebekuh
Lodoe to Induct Officers

Newly elected officers of the Clar-
endon Rebekah Lodge, No. %, will
be installed in ceremonies at pm.
tomorrow in the Lyon Park Com
munity House. Arlington, by Mrs.
Edna Simmons of Arlington, deputy
district president.
They are Mrs. Louisa Joy, noble
grand: Mrs. Thelma Smart, vice
grand: Mrs. Gladys Ross. financial
secretary and mistress of robes; Mrs.
Jennie Lee Smith. treasurer; Mrs.
GLADYS Monroe, recording secretary,
and Mrs. Eula Clements. degree di-
rectreSS.
Evening star., 1948-07-07
Montgomery Reports
No June Traffic Deaths

Montgomery County had perfect
trafiic record last month as far as
deaths we're concerned.
During June there were 81 acci-
dents, In which ~ persons were in
jured, police said.
In June, 1947, one person was
killed and 20 were injured In 81
accidents.