davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14

Insurance coverage of the Richland
Township Farmers Mutual Insurance
association climbed to a new record
total of $4,303, $50 during the past
year.
This condition reflects continued
prosperity on the farm and its result
ant effects on the value of homes,
barns and farming equipment, it was
demonstrated at the annual meeting
of the progressive local insurance
organization last Saturday afternoon
in the council chamber of the town
hall.
The $4,303,130 figure of policies in
force at the close of 1853 mirrors a
gain of $33,235 over the previous
years coverage, which also had
established a new record for the
mutual insurance organization.
An impressive total of 542 policies
was reported at the year-end, a gain
of % over the $50 figure of last year.
Eleven new members were added to
the roles of the organization during
the year just past.
Aggregate losses for 1853 were
twice as heavy as in 1852, the report
showed. Losses in the past year
amounted to 81, 909.31, as compared
with SCOTIA for the preceding year,
and a loss of only $524.84 in 1851.
Breakdown of 1863 losses is as fol-
lows: Wind, $2,020.35; Fire, 1870. "a,
and Lightning, $518.32. All three
were up from the preceding year.
Balance on hand as a treasury sur
plus at the close of 1863 was report
ed at $10,637.14, down slightly from
a figure of $11,193.59 a year earlier.
Alfred Mueller was elected a
director for a three-year term at last
Saturdays meeting, to succeed him
self in an office he has held for many
years. Continuing as directors were
Walter Hochstettler and Ezra r.
Moser.
Also reelected were Quinten E.
Burkholder, treasurer, and Marden E.
Basinger, appraiser, both for one
year terms. Rawleigh Moser was
elected an appraiser, succeeding
Wayne Zimmerman.
In organization of the board at a
meeting Monday night, Walter Hoch-
stettler was reelected president;
Ezra r. Moser, vice-president; and
Earl L. Matter was re-appointed
secretary.
Organized in 1885 and Incorporated
in 1886, the Richland Township Farm
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14

Bluffton residents, who grumbled
from behind their mufflers Tuesday
when the mercury fell to seven
degrees and a sharp wind drove
the cold through heavy overcoats,
were reminded by old-timers of what
is claimed by many to have been this
areas worst weather on the very
same date, January II, of 1913.
On that day-"the worst in Bluff
toms history"-the local farm Their
mometers are said to have fallen
to 20 degrees below, and accompanied
by a driving 50-mile-an-hour wind,
a heavy snow piled up high in drifts
over the countryside. One Orange
township man recalled that the wind
packed the drifts so tightly in places
that a horse could walk on top with
out breaking through. ..#
Ray Burkholder, local weather OBJ
server, verified the stories with a
report that his records showed that
the Official temperature here fell to
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14

A public statement, issued follow.
ing Tuesday nights meeting OF
council and signed by five of the six
members, sought to clarity reasoning
behind their action in asking prepare
ton of legislation to sell out com
pletely Buttons electric power
facilities.
The statement follows:
W. have taken this action as
a means of clearing the way for
the earliest official town-wide
vote possible on the question as
to whether residents of Button
want to sell out completely, or
whether they prefer to buy cur
rem wholesale and retail il to
local patrons.
I'VE believe a town-wide vote is
necessary in settling this very
controversial subject. We want
such a vote to take place. And we
assure You We will be bound by
the majority sentiment expressed
by the vote.
Butt is impossible to hold
an official vote earlier than next
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Delegates From
.45 Legion Posts
Meet Here Sunday
Button LegiOnnaires Hosts
To Mid Winter Conference
Of District

Button will be host to representa-
tives from 45 American Legion posts
in the Second District at a mid
winter conference, opening at 2 p. m.
next Sunday in the local Legion hall.
Preceding the afternoon conference,
all pastp post, county and district COM
manderst ARE invited to a breakfast
in the LOCAL Legion quarters, begin
ming at 10 a. m.
Garnetta Foltz, member of the
Bluffton past and Second District
Commander,N will preside over both
sessions of the Sunday meeting. John
Carder, commander of the Button
post, will give the address of well
come.
Speaker of the day will be Vie
Wick, Ohio department membership
chairman. Rev. Paul H. Cramer,
formerly of Bluffton and Second Dis.
trict chaplain, viii speak on the
Legion's Divine Guidance program.
Second district sergeant-at-arm:
and assistant both are members OF
the Button post, Gerald Huber and
Berdell Huber.
Committee chairmen will report al
the district conference on ~rehabilita-
ton, A~mericanism, uniformed groups,
public relations and post activities,
child welfare, education, athletic and
national security.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Warren losses Hat
Ring For
Commissioner Job
Orange Township Man Named
Candidate In Hancock
County COP Primary

Clyde Warren, widely known
Orange township farmer and auction
eer who lives two miles southeast of
Button, has announced his candidacy
as a member of the Hancock county
board of commissioners, subject to
the Republican primary election next
May 4. S.
Petitions now are being circulated
in his behalf throughout the county.
A lifelong resident of Hancock
county, Warren is a graduate of
Bluffton High school and a member
Of the Bluffton Presbyterian church.
Me is widely known Throughout
HaecoeA county as an auctpne& and
as Adre6$or d\theV Hanco4 County.
Fair BeardN He NlsA is a director of
the HAEeockN Cdhng FAgmers Club.
warf\ is AArriSh and has four
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Cold Wave Recalls TOWn s
Worst Weather. Of 1918

low of II degrees below and never
rose higher than 10 degrees below
all day. With II inches of snow
on the ground when the winds began,
the drifts piled up four to 10
feet high.
The cold weather early this week
was in contrast to conditions on
Saturday when the mercury ros to
a high of 40 degrees. But Button
did not receive the heavy SHOWS that
were falling early this week in the
East and elsewhere in Ohio.
The temperatures during the past
week were as follows:
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
BtMftOR Boy Scout
Set-Up Nay Change

Bluffton's Boy Scout Organization
may be placed under the jurisdiction
of the Put-Han-Sen Council with
headquarters in Findlay instead of
the Shawnee Council of Lima. if
plans of the local troop committee
are completed.
Members of the troop committee;
it was learned this week, have made
application for transfer of the
Button troop activities. and are pre-
sently awaiting approval of the Put
Hansen executive committee.
Possibilities are that the Bluff
ton organization may include an Ex-
plorer troop for older boys and Cub
Scout activities for younger ones
under the proposed set-up.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Public Statement Clarifies Action
OF Councilmen On Electric Proposal

fall, except through action such
as We now are taking in passing
legislation. This opens the way
for a vote by early spring, if a
referendum petition is filed by
those who may not agree with
action taken by council.
eve have voted to sell out in
the belief that a majority of the
residents of Button want the
matter handled in that manner.
However, the board of public af-
fairs is i'm disagreement with that
Continued on page 81
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Six From BIufftOn
Selected To PLau
In FindIay Concert

Six Button high school music
students have been selected to play
in the regional high school orchestra
concert to be given in Findiay High
School auditorium, it was announced
this week by Earl Lehman, local
music instructor.
The group viii practice with other
high school musicians making up
the orchestra all day Saturday in
preparation for the evening concert.
Those selected from Button for
the honor are Wilma Jorg, Trlene
German and Anita Klassen, violins;
Nancy Steiner and Miriam German,
v~iolas; and Nan Schmidt, cello.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Garbage Cooking
Ups Handling Cost

Handling Buttons garbage has
become more costly, perhaps by as
much as Is per cent, since state laws
require cooking the refuse before it
is fed to Orange township hogs,
Mayor Wilbur A. Howe reported to
municipal council at its meeting
Tuesday night.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Traffic Light Installation Completes
Second Phase OF School Safety Program

A traffic light was in operation
this week in front of the grade
school building during the time chill
dren were going to and coming from
school, completing a safety program
launched in early winter as a mutual
project of the Button Parent Teach
er ASSOCIATION and municipal council.
Location of the new school light
is at the Jackson-C Church street inter-
section. Controls for operation of
the traffic signal are located inside
the school building.
Installation of the light at the
grade school location was recommend
ed to council by the PARENT Teacher
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14

IL is estimated that by next December
the present standby equipment will
be capable of producing only two
thirds of demand.
Because of the shortage of stand
by production capacity, the board is
concerned whether or not to grant an
already overdue turbine inspection by
the Hartford Insurance company. The
inspection would put the primary
turbine out of operation for five days
to two weeks. The question is, will
the two remaining older turbines be
able to safely carry the load during
the inspection period. If the inspec-
ton is not granted, the board fears
that its insurance will be cancelled.
Another problem is what to do
about new construction on the distri-
button system. The board will not
want to spend money if the system is
to be sold, yet some portions of the
system will be inadequate within a
year, it has been reported.
Vyrl Neeper, newly elected presi-
dent of the board of public affairs,
said that these are among the prob
lens which fall to the new board for
consideration Friday. Neeper was
elected to the presidency of the board
at its organization meeting last Fri
day. James Benroth was elected vice
president and Forest Mumma was re-
appointed clerk. Carl Lehman is the
only hold-over member of the board.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14

association, as a safeguard for
kiddies. In addition to the light, the
P.T.A. also recommended employ
ment of a special police officer to
be on duty at the Main and Cherry
street intersection during the time
in which kiddies are on their way
to school or enroute home.
Assignment of a special policeman
at the street crossing went into
effect nearly a month ago, with
the employment of Richard Jordan,
a college student who is working
part-time on the crossing patrol job.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
LIONS TO HEAR MURRAY

A. B. Murray, superintendent of
Bluffton schools and a member of the
Bluffton Lions club, will discuss. one
of his favorite subjects as principal
speaker of the evening at the clubs
dinner meeting Tuesday evening at
the Walnut Grill. Nh. Murray's sub
iect will be, Gardening, the Ideal
Hobby"
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Birdcages Sought
For Shut-Ins

The Allen County Bird club has
issued an appeal to residents of the
Button area for unused bird cages.
The club is prepared to give several
canary singers to shut-ins Of this
area, but are short of cages for the
birds. Anyone having n to con-
tribute for this use is urged to leave
it at the w. II. Gratz Shoe Store.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14

legislative body authorized City
Solicitor John Rooney to prepare the
necessary legislation for disposing of
al municipal electric power property,
including transmission lines.
The motion for selling out, how
ever, included the following qualifica-
non: "'such action being predicated
on a feeling it will lead to an early
official vote on the matter through
referendum petition"
Voting for the start of legislation
TO dispose completely of the local
electrical system : We're Councilman
Delbert McGinnis, Clay Henderson,
Francis Reichenbach, Arden Baker
and Gerald Swank. The motion was
put by Baker, and it was seconded by
Swank. Councilman Gerhard Butler
passed.
Seek Vote On Issue
In discussion before voting it was
pointed out by the five councilmen
mat they were voting for the sell-out
procedure Gin the belief that a major
jty of the residents of Bluffton want
the matter handled in that manner"
They explained that the board of
public affairs is in disagreement with
that conclusion, however, and that
because of this uncertainty in Of
5cial opinions, we feel the best ans
wer will be the official vote"
As the outgoing council was told
by City Solicitor Romey last fall, the
earliest possible official vote or the
question can result from legislative
action by council, this to be followed
BY a referendum petition from those
who may not agree with action taken
by council Only about 10 signatures
Il qualified electors would be required
on such a petition.
The procedure taken by the new
council was the same as that attempt
cd late last year by the outgoing
council, but the form of the legisla-
tive action was entirely different.
In contrast to the new councils
decision to vote for completely get
ting out of the power business, the
preceding council had voted to pur-
chase power wholesale and distribute
il through town-owned lines. Both
actions, however, were designed to
bring the matter to an official vote.
B. PA, Attends Meeting
Although not agreeing with the
majority council opinion that power
facilities should be sold out entirely,
members of the board of public af-
fairs, also in attendance at the meet
ing, expressed satisfaction that
council has seer fit to emphasize its
belief that a town-wide vote will be
the best way to decide the difference
in opinion.
In response to a question from
Councilman BUTLER, BPA members
said, before a vote was taken, that
early action on the power question is
imperative, one way OF another.
Behind their request for the earli-
est action possible was the fact that
present standby capacity is insuffici-
emit for the demand load, repairs and
maintenance must be started soon in
some phases of operation unless an
early decision is forthcoming, and
that the plant cannot risk going into
another winter season with the exist
ing overloaded condition.
At the council session for the board
were President Vyrl Neeper, James
Benroth and Carl Lehman.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
MARKETS
Wednesday Morning

Grain (bushel prices) - Wheat,
$1.98; corn, S1.45; oats, 75c; soy
beans, $2.85.
Eggs-Large white, 42c; large
brown, Ale; medium white or brown,
36c; pullets, Soc.
Poultry-Heavy hens, 20c; leghorn
hens, Ice; White Rock fryers, &c;
Leghorn stays, light OF heavy, 12c.
Butterfat-No. /, &c; No. 2, Sic.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
MAKES ONU HONOR ROLL

James Henry, a junior in pre-law
at Ohio Northern university, was
liscted on the honor roll for his high
scholarship during the fall quarter,
James is the son of Mr.. and Mrs. L,
Paul Henry, Rt. /, Button.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
WHEELS TURN FOR CITIZEN VOTE ON ELECTRIC ISSUE
ReOrganized BPA To Tackel Growing
Problems At Special Meeting Friday

Several major problems will be discussed by the new board
OF public affairs at a special meeting Friday evening to determine
the best course of action during the boards wait to see what dis
posal is to be made of the municipal power system.
The continuing increased demand for electric power hit a peak
in December, Ii per cent higher than the previous high demand.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Farmers Mutual Insurance Go.
.COyerage Climbs To New Record In SO

ers Mutual Insurance association has
been in continuous existence here for
nearly three-quarters of a century.
Principal emphasis in the insurance
coverage of the organization is on
farm property in the ~fonr-connty area
served by the companI These
caunHes are Allen, Putnam Hancock
and Hardin.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1954-01-14
Acts For 'Sell-Out'
To Get Question On Ballots
Referendum Offers Quickest Method
OF Bringing Issue To Head At Polls

Although municipal council Monday night took the initial
legislative step designed to sell out Buttons electrical power
system Observation-Disclosures it at the same time asked for an
official town-wide vote on the controversial issue before it goes into
effect.
Bv a majority vote of five, with one councilman passing, the
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18
ended the regular Arkansas BYP

tended the regular Arkansas BYF
state convention, held in Hell
ena. The session was an enjoy
able one. The theme was Jesus
calls, we must" Among the Of
ficers elected were, Miss Valo-
dine Bradford, LIST president OF
Red Circle. Miss Mosetta Smith,
historian and Miss Verta M. Pitts,
secretary of VIVA auxiliary .
Rev. d. d. Dent and Supt. Nose
Pitts. were delegates to the State
Baptist SIS and BTU congress, al
SO held in Helena, with the New
Hope NIB church, Rev. q. X,
Mazique, pastor Mrs. Carrie
Howard is on the sick list ,
Rev and Mrs, V. Nelson attended
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18

r. ]. Jones, and Rev. w. M. Nj
ehols, all of Pine Bluff, were
visitors at the First Bapt. church,
Sunday Isiah Pitts, Ben
Strivers. Mrs. Marie Moseley, Mrs,
Sallie Knight, and Mr.. and Mrs
Archie Montgomery, attended the
funeral services at St. Ollie
church, Sunday The family
reunion Of the Brunsons was
held in Stuttgart, June 2, at the
home of Mrs. Ruth Hayes. Those
attending were Rev. and Mrs. o
II. Brunson, Mr.. and Mrs. James
Brunson, Mr.. and Mrs, Moses
Pitts, Doretha Smith and chill
dren and the family of this city
Mrs. E. c. and M. Smith at
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18
Booker Homes



The clinic from the city health
department is converting here in
the social room. It will run for
1 or more consecutive weeks,
starting each Tuesday morning at
y. We know that everyone will
take advantage Of this service
being brought to us and get their
children down on time to get
their immunizations for this sum
mer. We thank Nurse M. Davis
for coming to us. She worked UNI
tlringly last year, and is doing
the same this year The Good
Boosters club gave a tea at the
residence of Mrs. Ollie Mae
Smith, IS Pasadena drive. The
children of the neighborhood en-
joyed this little affair very much
They served punch and cookies
and was able to get little fl
nance from their effort. Harold
Montague is president, Lee Vim
son, jr. secretary and William
Montague, il, treasurer. Larvella
and Jimmy Smith are also mem
berS Flowers are in bloom
over all parts of the community.
would like to mention this
week, the array of flowers on the
extreme northend of GMC, at the
residences of Mrs. Parlee McKin-
ley, Mrs, Allison and c. Davis.
These three terraces almost join
each other, and flowers are ev-
erywhere. 1t is a beautiful pic
ture to see. On Pasadena, Mr.
and Mrs. Marshall Bull, also have
beautiful lawn. The gladiolias
circling a white stump are love-
| ly to look at. There are others,
which | will mention from time
to time. Drive out and look our
community MISS Allltdd
Harris, 70 GMC, returned home
Friday mite. She accompanied the
pastor and his family, Rev. and
Mrs. F. w Parker and Fred, jr.,
to Tampa, Florida. Others who
went were: Dolores Gordon, Shir-
ley Banks and Florence Carrigan.
| They saw many interesting sights
! and reported very enjoyable
time. Rev. Parker is pastor of
the Seventh D ay Adventist
church Proud parents this
week are: Mr.. and Mrs. Marion
Robinson, 7 Berkeley place, son
Thomas Ladell. born June S
weighing pound a Md ounces
Mother and son are doing fine
and to Mr.. and Mrs. William A
Hickman, 40 Burbank, a son
/ Lynn Alan, weighing pounds
and ounces Mother and son are
also doing fine That's al
for now, See you next week.
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18

tended and Sl770 was raised :.
Mrs. Mollie Blevins and chill
dren visited her mother of Delark.
Friday Mrs. Elizabeth Hall,
Miss Rubie Del Merrie. motored
to Fordyce, Friday Miss Hell
len Daley made a business trip
to Fordyce The baseball team
of this city played Curtis, Sat
urday Mrs Lou Vennia Lock,
spent the weekend in CraigtoWn
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18
Grady
Mrs. w. G. Carthran

Mrs. w. c. Carthran
Sunday was regular meeting
day at St. James AME church
Miss 10 Ann Holmes was mar
ried to Arthur Dell White at the
Mt. Pisgah church Willie
Motion and Robert Scribner, left
recently for st, Louis, where they
attended the ball game Of the
Brooklyn Dodgers Mt. Pts
gah AME church, rendered a
program Sunday, Willie P. Car
thran, sponsor For news
read the STATE PRESS.
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18

the Sunday school, BTU and the
Usher board congress held in
Blytheville, last week There
will be a Fathers day program at
the First Baptist church, Sunday,
3 p, m, sponsored by the singing
class. The subject to be discussed
why Fathers Do Not Take Their
Place in The Home"
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18

oNEGAS CHOOSE SWEETHEART-At its annual sweetheart
ball in Lawon, Oklahoma Psi Epsilon chapter Omega Psi
Phi selected Mrs E. A. Owens Omega sweetheart of 1853
81 Mrs Owens who is the wife of prominent city physi-
an won six other attractive candidates Each candi-
date sponsored by Omega brother after having
selected from the communtys outstanding business and
professional Baseus John Henry Nelson had the
honor sponsoring the winning candidate and presented
her with beautiful loving cup Each of the other candi-
dates presented flowers at inermsson Mrs Owens is
member Delta Sigma Theta sorority and well repre-
sented the Omega Ideal OF Womanhood. lamp
Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1954-06-18
Manning

Dean Hall
Mr., and Mrs. Joseph Hall and
family, visited his sister, Mrs.
Walker, Monday, also motored to
Arkadelphia There was a
dinner given in the home of Mrs.
Snorine johnson for the church,
Wednesday 1t was very we'll at