davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
GREENERY and
LIGHTS PROVIDE
CHRISTMAS AIR
Laurel Arches and Colored
Lights Span Streets of
Business Section
Santa Claus to Make Second
Appearance Here on Satur-
day Afternoon

Providing an attractive setting for
the Yuletide holiday season, colorful
Christmas decorations are going up
this week in Buttons downtown
business district.
Arches of laurel rope have been
put up across Main. Church and
Cherry streets, and lines of colored
lights will be strung at intervals to
highlight the decorative theme
Garlands of laurel also will be
wrapped on boulevard light standards
throughout the business district.
Santa Claus win make his second
appearance of the pre-Christmas
season here on Saturday afternoon.
The holiday decorations are spon-
sored by the Bluffton Business Mems
association, with Arthur Amstutz and
James West heading the committee
in charge of the program. Erection
Of the lights is being handled by
regular crews Of the municipal light
plant.
In the meantime, the Christmas
shopping trade rush is being ex-
perienced in Bluffton stores, which
last week began remaining open on
Thursday afternoons, until after the
Yuletide.
Stores also will be open until 8
p. M during the week Immediately
preceding Christmas. All places of
business plan to close at 6 p. m. on
Christmas eve, Saturday, Dec. "a.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Former BLuftOn Man
Industrial Executive

Wilbur Lauer, Jr., former Bluffton
college student, has been named a
vice president of Sharpe & Dohme,
Inc, a Philadelphia drug and chem
ical company of which he was di-
rector of industrial relations, it was
learned here this week. A photo
graph of Lauer appeared in re-
cent edition of the New York Times
in connection with his elevation to
executive position the company.
Lauer and his family reside near
Lansdale, Pa, a Philadelphia sub
urb. Mrs. Lauer is the former Lu-
ellie Niswander, daughter of DR.. and
Mrs. w. M. Niswander of South
Jackson street.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Hiram Kohl Buys
Choice MerinO Flock


Hiram Kohl, north of Bluffton,
one of the leading Merino sheep rails
ers of the Midwest has purchased
one of the choice Merino flocks in
the east from John M Stickney of
Whiting, VT.
This is the last flock of Merinos
in Addison county, Vermont, which a
century ago produced more wool
than any other county in the coun-
try in proportion to its size, it was
reported here.
Harold Webster delivered the flock
to Kohl who was an old friend OF
Webster's father, the late L. A
Webster, fosss edit<g of the Amer
lean Sheepbreeder and livestock art
list.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Trucker Overcome By Gas Topples Unconscious
Out OF Cab Onto Street I'm Downtown Section

Metz received her B. S. NJ. degree
from Bluffton college in 1888. She
is a member of the Toledo choral
society.
Contralto-Marian Pugh Blake
man, Toledo, a graduate of Heidel-
berg university. She is a private
voice instructor in Toledo.
Bass-Samuel Burkhard, Colum-
bus, who graduated from Bluffton
college in 1927. Burkhard is minis
ter of music at Indianola Presby-
terian church and an instructor of
voice at Capital university.
BLIND TENOR
Tenor-Carlton Eldridge, blind
singer from Springfield, H., who will
be making his third solo appearance
here in "The Messiah" An out
standing professional singer, FL
dridge also is professor of music
at Springfield Junior college.
Prof. Russell A. Lantz, head of the
Bluffton college department of mu.
sic, will be director Of the produc,
ton for the Goth time in this years
rendition.
Assisting will be Mrs. Pear
Mann, who for % years has beer
piano accompanist for the rendition
Laurence Burkhalter, Of the college
music staff, will direct the orchestra
As orchestra director he replaces tn,
late Sidney Hauenstein who for 81
successive years appeared as orches
trail leader for "The Messiah"
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
TWO AGRICULTURE
COURSES OPENING
AT BLUFFTON HIGH
Regular High School Course In
No-Ag Is Reinstated
Thursday
Night Classes For Veterans
Open This Week Under
Federal Program

Two vocational agriculture courses,
one for high school students and the
other for veterans interested in
farming, have opened at Bluffton
High school during the current week.
Reinstatement of high school
classes in agriculture after their
suspension in 1948 became effective
last Thursday with Lorain Basinger,
of near Columbus Grove serving as
the instructor.
Basinger was hired early this
month by the board of education at
a salary of $500 a month for the
remaining seven months of the 1949-
90 agriculture school year.
Large Enrolment
A total of "a boys is enrolled for
the course, a larger class than two
years ago when instruction was dis
continued, school officials pointed out
this week.
Basinger is a former agriculture
instructor at Willard High school,
and is veteran of World War ii.
Night courses to provide training
in agriculture for ex-service men
opened at the high school on
Monday, with class of upwards Of
20.
Course For Vets
Ralph Marshall, formerly of Rock
port, will be instructor for the
course. Marshall, graduate of the
college of agriculture at Ohio State
university, has been for several years
manager of large farm near Dom
nerail, KY.
He and his family have moved
from Kentucky to Rockport, on the
farm of his parents, Mr.. and Mrs.
Herbert Marshall, who are living
near Alger where they operate a
large farm.
The veterans course will be con-
Quoted in the high school agriculture
department which has sufficient
equipment and facilities for instruc-
ton, according to Supt. of Schools
Aaron B. Murray.
To Set Time
First meeting of the group was
held at s p. m. Monday. Meeting
nights for the course will be est
ablished to suit the class. Under
the program, the class will meet
two nights each week, two hours
each night.
Courses under the program run q
minimum of two years in standard
setup now offered by many Ohio
schools. Registration is open to
veterans only.
All costs are paid from federal
veterans administration funds thru
the state department of vocational
education.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Sharp Price Drop And Scarcity
of Muskrats Cut Into
Trapping Here
Surplus of Raccoons Continues
As a Problem, But Price
For Pelts Is Low

Trapping and coon hunting done
extensively thruout the Bluffton area
during the war years have ebbed to
near an all-time low this winter be-
cause of a combination of sagging
prices, muskrat shortage and un-
favorable weather's effect on the
condition of furs, few of which are
in the prime class.
In addition to being far below the
peak prices paid for furs in 1914
and 1945, pelts this year also are
bringing considerably less than last
season.
Muskrat prices this year are at
about 81 pelt, and they must be
prime at that. Last winter the price
was S1.75, in comparison with the
1916 high of $3.50.
Muskrats Scarce
Muskrats also are scarce, and
veteran trappers said muskrat broods
need replenishing. The combination
of scarcity and low prices is keeping
many trappers out of the field this
winter, for except for high schoo
youths there is the feeling the III,
come is not enough to pay for tn
work.
Raceoon, the other principal fur
bearing animal taken in this area
are very plentiful but the price ha!
dropped to low of 81 pelt, ant
these must be prime furs which vii
stand shearing. Last YEN the rae
coon price was s1.50. In 1916 tn,
pelts brought S3.25.
Coon hunters have been doint
we'll, for the animals are plentiful
Some of the hunters, however, ar
going out just for the thrill of tn
chase and once the coon is tree,
they call off the dogs and start look
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Hiram Wenger Attends Reception For
British Consul General On Texas Visit

len, former residents south Of town
until they moved to Texas three
years ago.
Mr.. and Mrs. Wenger returned
from Texas last week after a visit
of month with their sons, Harold,
in Houston, and Donald, in Merce-
des. Harold is proprietor of gro
Gerry store in Houston and Donald is
superintendent of a school for vet
erans at Mercedes. Both formerly
lived here.
On Tuesday of this week, Henry
Steiner, at whose home the reception
was held, visited in Bluffton with
relatives, including Mr.. and Mrs
Wenger. He is here on a short bus
mess trip.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Orange Township
Ditch Work Asked

Improvement of the Lee Main
ditch in Orange township was petit
toned last week by Stanley c. Weld
man, with Friday, Jan. 6 set by
Hancock county commissioners as the
date for hearing on the proposal.
Cleaning, deepening and widening
of the ditch, repair of tile and con-
struction of additional drainage
structure are asked in the petition.
The project would begin on a farm
owned by Charles and w. Bormuth
and continue thru a farm owned by
Emerson and Marie Lugibihl, then
downstream to the outlet in Tawa
creek.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Plan Deer Hunting
Trip OUer Weekend

Four local area hunters will spend
the weekend in Pennsylvania on a
deer hunting expedition. They are
Roy Rogers of Bluffton and Lehr
and Merritt Green and Ray Peterson
of Mt. Cory.
They expect to be on hand for the
close of the season which ends for
bucks on Friday. In some counties
where a surplus of game exists there
will also be one-day season on does
Saturday. They will return Sunday.
The party will make headquarters
at Tionesta, Pa, about 265 miles
from BIuffton where a hotel has
several thousand acres of hunting
territory under lease for guests.
Two weeks ago the same group
spent two days hunting deer in
Forest and Warren counties, Pa.
During that time they saw % does
and spike horn bucks which are not
legal game. A spike horn is year
ling, the hunters explained.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
POLICE FIND man
LYING in path OF.
0NC0MING TRAFFIC.
Truck Careens to Stop as Driver
Remembers to Set Emergency
Brake
Fumes from Motor Seeming in
to Cab Held Responsible
for Accident

James Mash, 25, Cleveland, COM
mercial truck driver for the Mohawk
Lines, overcome by carbon monoxide
motor fumes leaking into. the cab OF
his truck was saved from possible
death by the prompt action of Night
Policeman A | b ert Reichenbach
Thursday morning at o'clock Main
street in downtown Bluffton.
The Bluffton police officer found
the truck driver lying unconscious in
the middle of the highway directly
in the path of oncoming traffic
seconds after he had seen the huge
transport truck skid to a crazy
emergency stop.
On regular patrol, Reichenbact
was near the southbound truck wher
its wheels suddenly locked with 6
loud squealing of brakes. The
vehicle swung to a stop with the
huge trailer we'll out in the street
No One In Cab
Approaching from the sidewalk
Reichenbach found no one in the cal
when he reached the vehicle. On the
other side of the truck he found the
driver lying unconscious in the
street.
Dragging the man to the walk
Reichenbach moved the truck to The
curb; then got the driver to the
mayors office in the town house.
When revived there, the driver
said that he felt the effect of ths
motor fumes just as he was goint
under. He recalled jerking the air
brake emergency lever and reaching
for the door handle, but eoult
remember nothing else.
Thrown Into Street
Apparently he had also released
the handle of the door and topplet
out into the street as the trucl
careened sideways to a stop.
Shortly after reviving, the drive
again lapsed into Inconsistencies
and Reichenbach called DR.. F. d
Rodabaugh who provided treatment
The driver had been unhurt by th'
fall into the street.
The truck operated by Mohawl
Truck Lines was taken on to TIL
Lima terminal by substitute drive
brought from Lima by the manager
The overcome driver was taken t
Lima by the manager in his car. H
was reported fully recovered on Fri
day.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
TREE SNAPPED OFF
AS TRUCKS CRASH
ON lain STREET
Both Trucks Damaged as Re-
suit of Collision on South
Main Street
One Trucker Arrested and Fined
for Failure to Have
Drivers Permit

Rluffton's second accident in two
days on South Main street occurred
Thursday morning at $50 o'clock
when a large transport truck collided
with Lima roofing concerns work
truck as the latter attempted to turn
into an alley between the properties
of Frank Patterson and Jesse STRAIT
ton.
Both vehicles were northbound,
with driver of the small Lima truck
claiming he gave signal before at
tempting to turn left across Main
street into the alley. Driver of the
larger truck, who had pulled out to
pass, told Investigating officers he
saw no signal.
Force of the impact carried both
vehicles diagonally across the street
and over the curb where large
maple tree was snapped off in the
boulevard lawn strip in front of the
Jesse Stratton residence, next doc,
to the Patterson property.
A large limb on a tree in front OF
the Stratton house also was broken
off in the mishap.
Trucks Badly Damaged
Altho both drivers escaped injury
the two vehicles were badly damaged
in the crash. The smaller Lima
truck was wedged under the loaded
transport truck. It was afternoon
before the small truck was pried
free, and the larger trucks load was
not transferred until late Thursday
night.
The small truck, owned by the
Asbestos Roofing and Sheet Meta
Co., of Lima, was driven by Howard
Quickle, 32, of Lima. Driver of the
large truck, owned by Bridgeway.
Trucking Co., Detroit, was driven By
Clifford Peterson, AZ, Detroit.
Patrolman M. T. Hedleston, of the
state highway patrol, who investigat
ed, arrested Quickle for failure tx
have a drivers license. The Linn;
man was fined $40 in Blufftol
| mayors court, with $40 of the fin,
| suspended on condition that a licens
be obtained promptly.
A well-equipped farm shop serve!
as the center of activity for grea
variety of farm repair and construc
ton jobs.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Return From, Month
Trip To California

Mr.. and Mrs. Forrest Steinman of
South Lawn avenue have returned
from a months western trip attend
ing the National Retail Lumberman's
convention in San Francisco.
They also visited Canadian scenic
spots including Banff and Lake Lou
Use, lumber mills in Washington and
Oregon, Yosemite National park,
Carlsbad Caverns and the Grand
Canyon. Enroute they spent several
days visiting at the home of Mrs
Steinman's sister, Mrs. Stanway
Jacka in Platteville, Wis.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08

Hiram Wenger, Of kibler street,
was a guest at a. reception in Nc
Allen, Texas, for British Consul Cen
eral and Mrs. ]. Thyme Henderson,
of Houston, last week during the
time Mr.. and Mrs. Nenger were IN
Texas for visit with relatives.
The reception for the British con-
s,3lar official was at the home of
Mr.. and Mrs. Henry Steiner, former
Lima residents, who now live IN
McAllen. The British Consul Gen
eral and his wife had been guests
during the week at the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Steiner.
Also at the reception were Mr.
and Mrs. Dennis Brauen, OF Meal
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Trapping Activity Says In Area AS
Fur Volume And Prices Fall Off
ing for another trail.
Many Racc0on

ing for another trail.
Many Raccoon
One of the reasons for the abund-
ance of raccoon in this area is at
tributed to the extensive restocking
programs carried on in past years
Their numbers already are great
enough to present a problem for
farmers who the last several years
have reported heavy damage to
young corn and garden crops.
Behind the increasing depreda-
tions of raccoon is a change in the
fashions, for women no longer wear
raccoon furs, and the slap-happy col
legians who 20 years ago sported
raccoon coats long have disappeared
from the scene.
In those days, top raccoon furs
brought in excess of $22 per pelt, q
decided difference from the 81 price
quoted this year.
Slower Fur Demand
Lower prices for furs generally
represent the slipping demand fol
fur coats. High costs of living have
left little money for luxuries these
days and the fur coat market has
felt the pressure.
In addition many persons shy
away from the fur coat purchase:
because of a tax situation which
finds a 90 per cent federal tax ant
three per cent sales tax represent
ing roughly one-fourth of the fina
cost of coat.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
BluftOn Minister Is
Supply At Arlington

Rev. J. Paul Clark Of South Main
street has been designated as supply
for the Arlington Methodist church
until a new pastor is obtained, it
was announced this week.
Rev. Hugh Liggett, former pastor
of the Arlington church has been
transferred to Toledo.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Births

The following births at Bluffton
hospital:
Mr.. and Mrs. Albert ingalls,, Bluff
ton, a girl, Cheryl Lynn, this We'd
nesday morning.
Mr.. and Mrs. Harland Swank,
Blutfton, a girl, Candace Sue. last
Wednesday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Doyal Butler, Leip-
sic, girl, Diana Lynn, last Wednes-
day.
Mr.. and Mrs. Kenneth Marshall,
Pandora, boy, Dana Michael, Sat
urday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Wayne Grismore,
Pandora, boy, Gary Dean, Taes-
day.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Rites In Findldy For
MattheU e. WaHL

Matthew E. Wahl, 65, equipment
maintenance man for the American
Telephone and Telegraph Co., died
of heart disease at his home in
Findlay, Saturday. He had been
seriously i'll for more than year.
Wahl, well known here, married
Lydia Kohler, formerly of this place,
on Nov. %, 1921. There are no
childreI
Funeral services were held Mon
day in Findlay and burial was at
that place.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Eastern Star Leader
Is Mrs. RuuenbUhIer

Mrs. HERNIA Rauenbuhler has been
elected worthy matron of Bluffton
Eastern Star chapter with George
Rauenbuhler as worthy patron.
Other officers are: associate ma
tron, Evelyn Steiner; associate pa
tron, Clayton Harkness; conductress,
Louella Stauffer; associate conduct
ress, Donna Henderson; treasurer,
Emma Studler; secretary, Charlotte
Marshall; trustee, Carolyn Auker-
man. Officers will be installed De-
cember 90
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Real Estate Deal

Lorain Basinger of Col. Grove,
new instructor in vocational agri-
culture at Bluffton high school has
purchased the residence of the late
Otto Bigler on South Main street
and will occupy the residence.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Duck Dinner Thursday
By Sportsmen's CLUB

A covered dish duck supper open
to the public will feature the annual
rally of the Blnffton sportsmen' S
club at 7:30 p. m. this Thursday
in the Legion Post club rooms in
the town hall.
Forty-one roasted mallard ducks
will be served at the dinner. Wild
life motion pictures also will be
shown.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Business Mems Assn.
Elects NeU Officers

Silas DilIer has been elected presi-
dent of the Bluffton Business Mems
association for the coming year.
Other officers are: vice pres, Hi
ram Huser; Sec, Harlan Swank
treas, Albert ingalls,.
Committees: Publicity and bust
ness, Joe Swank; membership, Maui
rice Fett; grievance, Raymond
Greding; solicitation, Chas. Auker-
man.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
VIII Nap Winter
Recreation Program

Organization of the winter pro-
gram sponsored by the Bluffton
Recreation committee will be effected
at a meeting in the Bluffton High
school gymnasium, next Monday
night.
Everyone interested in participa,
tion in the winter schedule of events
is urged to be at the session, it was
announced by Ed Badertscher, presi
dent of the recreation group.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08
Accordion Band At
Pandora Saturday

The Zuercher Accordion band, a
Berne, Indiana, musical organization
of some forty performers will be
heard in concert at Pandora high
school Saturday night at $3.50
o'clock.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08

Farm workshops should be ar
ranged and equipped to systematical-
ly overhaul, repair and possibly re-
paint farm machines during the
winter.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1949-12-08

Germs that cause brucellosis in
livestock are responsible for undulant
fever in humans.
The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1949-02-17
MRS. SMITH MCNEIL
IN VA HOSPITAL

Word has been received from
Mrs. Smith P. McNeill who states
that she has been patient at the
Veterans Administration Hospital,
American Lake, Washington, since
early January. She is leaving to
accept hospitality of a childhood
friend and will continue treatment
in that area. She will avail herself
to the Veterans Administrations
Services at a later date and hopes
to make a full recovery from the
long illness she has suffered now
for over two years. Mrs. McNeill
is pleased with the help she has
received and wishes veterans and
those interested in veterans to
know that facilities are excellent
in VA hospitals.
She may resume treatment at a
later date in Kansas after contin-
uing present therapy prescribed at
American Lake.
The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1949-02-17
Modern Arts Club
Dance is Success

The annual Modern Arts VaIen.
tine dance which was held at the
Moose Hall last Saturday evening
was a success both socially and fl
nancially. The hall had been pref
tily decorated with heart valen-
tines on the walls and a balloon
cupid in the center. A large, banner
welcome sign was suspended above
the orchestra and this seemed To
set the friendly mood of the even
ing. Music was furnished by Les
Bloom and His Rondoliers
The cloak room concession was
taken over by the Peptomist organi-
cation of Libby High School.
The many attractive posters ad-
vertising the dance were made bv
Mrs. Jack Flemmer.
Committees for the dance We're
as follows: Hall and decorations
Mrs. Darrell Shaurette, Mrs. Raw
Croy, Mrs. Ray Kujawa, and Mrs.
Gunnar Larson; Tickets-Mrs. Fred
Maurer Mrs. Bill Darlington, Mrs
Fred Clark, Jr., Mrs. A. D. Morton:
Checking committee-Mrs. William
Heise. Mrs. Les Bloom; Advertising
Mrs. Ted Kessel, Mrs. Jack Elem.
mer. Mrs. Les Bloom took tickets
at the door and Inez Ratekin sold
tickets at the window during the
evening
The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1949-02-17
LARGEST YEARLY TIMBER CUT
IN NORTHERN REGION

Missoula Feb. 13:-Mr. Axel
Lindh, assistant regional forester
in charge of timber management,
stated TODAY that during the calen-
dar year 1913 the total timber cut
from all national forests in Region
One was 4l0,889,00 board feet, of
which 362.992,000 board feet was
saw timber and 47,897,O 900 board
feet other products, such as power
poles, pulpwood, fencing material
and mining timbers. This is the
largest cut of timber in any one
calendar year recorded in the reg
ion, which comprises II national
forests in Montana, Idaho, and part
of eastern Washington.
Douglas-fir and western larch
made up 48 percent of the total
cut of the saw timber, western
white pine 10 percent, ponderosa
pine 10 percent, grand fir 6 per-
cent, spruce, 4 percent, and all
other species. such as lodgepole pine,
hemlock and cedar, S percent.
In 1947 the Flathead National
Forest led all the others in the
region in cut of sawlogs, but this
year fell to fourth place The |
Occur d'Alene was first with cut
of 63,347, 900 board feet, Kootenai |
54,970,000, Kaniksu 53,17l 900, and |
Flathead 31,51l, 600
Stumpage receipts for all timber
cut in the region for calendar year
1948 were $1,627,O38.
Total number of timber sales in
the region for the period was Zip.
Mr.. Lindh said that this is about
the average number of sales per
year, and indicates the wide offer
ing of national forest timber to
ocal timber operators.