davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19
Lester NiSWander
Acquires Main st.
Business Block
Old Murray Building Once
Housed Interurban Office
And Post Office

On of Bluffton's business landmarks
changed hands Tuesday when Lester
Niswander, newsstand and delicates-
sen owner, acquired the Murray
Block on South Main street, former
location of the ticket office of the
Western Ohio interurban lines and
onetime site of the Bluffton Post
Office.
The transaction was completed
Tuesday following several days of
negotiations during the past week.
Mr.. Niswander said that his pre-
sent plans do not call for moving his
own business into the premises. The
building was acquired for investment
purposes. Presently the building is
occupied by the Vida-Vidella Shop
and Horseshoe Grill on the first floor
with Christian Science room ana
apartments on the second floor. Until
recently it also housed the Perrine
Realty office.
The two-story brick building was
built around 1919 by Gid Locher and
Henry Zehrbach. The latter was a
brother of Fred Zehrbach. Previously
brick house stood on the site. When
it was torn down, much of the brick
was used in the building during its
construction.
Shortly after its completion the old
Western Ohio interurban lines leased
part of the building for ticket
office. At first the company
had a spur in the alley alongside
what is now the Bluffton Meat
Market. Later this was moved to the
opposite side of the building. A.
freight office was at the rear of the
building.
About the same time Dave Flick
opened an insurance office above the
present site of the Horseshoe Grill.
In 1926 William Iutzi went into the
insurance business in the rooms and
in 1914 Leland Diller took the busi-
ness over. Perrine Realty Co. was
the last to occupy the rooms.
Early in the history of the building
Harvey Jones had real estate office
in the top floor as did Herbert
Marshall.
Prior to the time Dave Riser ran
the restaurant Bud Martin and Perry
Bailey were located in that spot.
Before the Vida-Vidella Shop was
established Helen Wells and Sybil
Close Mollett, Mrs. Paul Clark,
Charles Irwin and Dick Davies all
operated hat shops in the north room.
During the war the Triplett Electrical
Instrument Company used one room
for assembly work.
Niswander purchased the building
from Tom Murray, Findlay, a Bluff
ton native, who acquired its owner
ship from his mother, Olive Jean
Murray. Mr.. Murray is a retired
Findlay business man. The Murrays
purchased the building from the
owners in the late 193Os.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19

and the Ohio Power company will
show the public through the home
from 1 to 9 p. m. Officers of Bluffton
Eastland in addition to the president
are Harvey Burkholder, Vice presi-
dent, and Edwin Rice, secretary
treasurer. Paul Geiser is construction
superintendent.
The adjoining Swank home will
feature Electromode Dashboard heat
ing and wood panelling in all rooms
and ceilings. This home is planned
for completion by September L.
Completion of the Swank home will
open the way for a start in exca-
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19
Don Bddertscher With
Artillery In Japan

Pvt. Don L. Badertscher, son of z1r.
and Mrs. Ralph E. Badertscher, 356
S. Jackson ST., Bluffton, Ohio, has
been assigned to the 583rd Field
Artillery Battalion in Japan.
A craftsman in the battalion,
Badertscher entered the Army last
November and completed basic train
ing at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He
attended Bluffton College.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19
William I'll. Hannum
Released From Army

William H. Hannum, son of the
Rev. and Mrs. William ]. Hannum,
was released from service with the
U. S. Army this week and is at home
with his parents for the first time
since Rev. Mr.. Hannum took over
the pastorate of the First Presbyter-
ian and Rockport Presbyterian
churches.
A graduate of Wooster college, Bill
was inducted into the Army shortly
after commencement and while his
parents were still living in Fort
wayne, Ind. After taking basic train
ing at Ft. Knox, KY, he was sent to
Germany, where he served for IT
months in Stuttgart.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19
Firemen Answer Call
At High School Sat.

Bluffton's Volunteer Fire Depart
ment was called to extinguish a
smoke fire at the Bluffton high school
library at 7:30 p. m. Saturday.
According to Lester Niswander, a
member of the department, there
was short in a light switch which
would smoke when the lights were
turned off.
There was no damage reported.
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
OF "FIRSTS"
Ru EunIurn CAosnnr
By Evelyn Steiner

The first fire department, organiz-
ed in 1874, was voluntary organiza-
ton of up to fifteen members of the
younger set" 1t was somewhat So
cial in organization, with its men,
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19

man cities from alumni now living
in Frankfort and Berlin. In Frank
fort Mr.. and Mrs. Darrell Yoder were
Continued on page 12)
The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1956-07-19
William N. Gaife Named
BIuffton Chief OF Police
Former Grocer To Succeed Lee Coon
Also As Street Commissioner, Sexton

William n Gaffe former grocer who served different
times as special patroman, has been appointed
H. Lee Coon as Buffton chief of police commissioner
and sexton of Maple Grove cemetery.
1he announcement made this week after village
confirmed Mayor David Risses appointment at recent
Evening star., 1956-12-30
Can't Buy Freedom

/, too, would like to add my
word for gallant Hungary.
There have been many fine
commentaries on Hungary,
but l think Constantine
Browns article December 25
was one Of the finest. The
world response TO Hungarian
refugee relief has been won
derful. showing that disgust
and horror Of Soviet meth
DDS is worldwide. But giving
money and materials is not
enough. Why are we so afraid
Of the Soviets? Little was said
about the danger Of starting a
World War III when the
French, British and Israeli
forces marched on Egypt. II
would seem thai when a ma
tons economy and trade are
in danger Of being jeopardized.
the danger Of war can always
be rationalized. We are al
ways talking about how we
value freedom for everyone.
but IL "a . long time since we
fought for II a. the Hun
Esrians have. You can't buy
freedom!
Frances Ferris.
Evening star., 1956-12-30
Our Aid and YuqosIuviu

Although 1t apparently would like to
have licenses from the United States to
build American Jet planes, the Yugoslav
government has indicated that it does not
need military aid from us at this time.
At any rate, Marshal Tito's Defense Min
ister-General Ivan Gosnjak-has sug-
geSted to the Parliament in Belgrade that
the situation in Europe, although less
favorable" than a few months ago, is
mot so alarming" as to require special
shipments of arms from us.
This is interesting in view of Presi-
dent Eisenhower's decision last October
to continue extending economic assist
ance to YugoSlavia but to withhold ship
mentS Of jet fighter aircraft and other
heavy armament equipment until the
situation can be more accurately ap-
praised" AT that time there was some
adverse comment from Belgrade, but the
remarks just made by General Gosnjak
suggest that the Presidents course has
been sound. For the general, while de-
claring that his country is grateful to
the United States for sending military
help when we needed it," has given the
impression that such help is not essential
now.
Apart from our economic aid, which
Is continuing, our military assistance to
Yugoslavia has been of special value in
bolstering that country during the years
OF Stalins bitter campaign against
Marshal Tito. THAT campaign came to
an end last year when the Bulganin-
Khrushchev mission went TO Belgrade to
work out a reconciliation. The recon-
ciliation, however, has suffered severe
strains within recent weeks, especially
because OF Titos outspoken criticism OF
Soviet policy IN connection with such sat
elite countries as Poland and Hungary.
But the strains, judging from what Gen.
sral oosniak has said, have not reached
point where the Yugoslavs must cope
Evening star., 1956-12-30
Fond Farewell

Before we leave the United
States permit us to express
our gratitude for the warm
hospitality with which we were
received in your city when we
visited it recently to study
housing and construction de-
velopments. AS members OF a
team of five connected with
Polish building. the first Pol
ish delegation Of its kind in
the United States, we travelled
across your country, stopped
in IA cities. and learned a great
deal which will serve Poland
in its effort TO expand and i'm
prove its housing.
We we're more than happy
TO have the opportunity to in
spect building sites and to ex-
anime American construction
techniques. The high technical
level Of American building is
an accepted fact throughout
the world. The skill Of your
construction workers. the
achievements Of your architects
and engineers need only be
seen TO arouse lasting admira-
ton
But while our visit was tech
meal in nature. II also gave US
the chance TO meet and speak
with many Americans. The
kindness with which We we're
welcomed everywhere brings
home once again the truth that
the traditional friendship be-
tween our two peoples con-
tinues with vitality and
strength.
To all who made our tour q
success. in particular your De-
partment Of State, the Hous-
Ing and Home Finance Agency
Evening star., 1956-12-30
SeveHon Brown

The death of Sevellon Brown, native
WaShingtonian, has robbed the American
newspaper fraternity of one of its most
distinguished and most dedicated men,
bers. Before, during and Immediately
after the First World War, he served here
as correspondent. But his real work
began when he moved to Rhode Island
in 1920 to become managing editor of the
Providence Journal and Evening Bulletin.
His career from that point on started and
continued to attract respectful and ad-
miring journalistic attention not merely
locally but nationally as well.
Over the years. especially during his
long and fruitful tenure as both editor
and publisher Of the Journal and Bulletin,
Mr.. Brown developed an exceptional per-
sonal devotion to the idea of constantly
trying to improve and strengthen the
American press as the chief bulwark
of our national freedom To that end, in
running the fine Providence newspapers,
he was an often severe and exacting
taskmaster-but one whose innate kindli-
ness and engaging personality won more
than little loyalty and affection from
all who ever worked closely with him.
Mr.. Browns influence, however, ex-
tended far beyond the confines Of Rhode
Island. In his dedication to the cause
Of our country's journalism, he carried
his message, with good effect, to editors
throughout the Nation. His crowning
achievement in that respect came in 1916
when he succeeded, as the projects prime
mover, in bringing into being the Ameri-
can Press Institute at Columbia Univer-
sity. The institute, which has come TO
thrive as force promoting ever-improv-
ing newspaper techniques and standards,
stands now as an enduring memorial TO
him. Nothing could seem more ntting.
Evening star., 1956-12-30
Davis Report ChoIIenqe

We believe that in the long run the
Davis report on integration in Washing
TONS public school system will turn out
10 nave been more helpful than damaging
In its results.
Certainly that will be true If the re-
port Is accepted for what 1t is-a verv
defnite challenge. It is a challenge that
cannot be evaded by attempting to dis
credit the motives of the investigators
or by calling the report biased. OF course
the investigators were bent on showing
that tntegration Is failure in the Ma
tons Capital And of course the report
Is biased. But such criticism should not
be permitted to obscure the unpleasant
truths contained in the report. For If
1t Is permitted to have that effect
Mr.. Davis and his colleagues will have
been helped toward their objective of
showing that integration will not work.
The conditions in Washington schools
following integration, as pictured in the
report, are on the whole true. It makes
no difference whether the conditions are
described by pro or anti-segregationist
The detailed assembly in the report of
tests, for example, are not the Davis
committee statistics. They are the school
system statistics. And they are shocking,
they are intolerable and they present
situation that threatens to debase educa-
tional standards in the Washington pub
lie schools. These and other conditions
In the schools should become the subject
OF vigorous action designed to correct
them, not the subject for apologetic ex-
planation as to what may have caused
them.
The Davis committee majority, and
its report, are biased. But they are
no more so than some of the Davis COM
mittee's critics. The report lacks the
balance Of objectivity. But objectivity
has never been the hallmark of con-
gressional reports. Where the report
errs-and the error is doubtless inten-
tional-is in attributing to integration
all Of the conditions pictured in the re-
port. That Is not correct. For while
integration has exposed many Of these
conditions, 1t did not cause them. They
existed in the segregated system, but
segregation concealed them from general
knowledge. Now that these conditions
have been exposed by integration, the
intelligent effort should be to correct
them. This is going to cost money, 1t is
going to require patience and under
standing. But 1t also requires a candid
recognition of what is wrong with our
schools today, regardless of whether
these wrongs are exploited by the cham
NJ 1aA AAxv
not lie in return to segregation. The
remedy lies in meeting the problems ex-
posed by integration.
Evening star., 1956-12-30
For q Stronqer Commission

The current survey of jurisdictional
attitudes toward strengthening the Inter-
state Commission on the Potomac River
Basin has revealed strong support for
enlarging the commissions functions.
But 1t has become evident that proposals
for giving the antipollution body enforce
ment powers will encounter vigorous
opposition in States having representa-
ton on the commission.
Under its original interstate compact,
the commission has been restricted to
advisory and educational activities in
behalf of a cleaner Potomac. It has been
given only limited funds to carry out its
mission, but nevertheless has accom-
plished great deal. There is a growing
sentiment now for enlarging the COM
MISSIONS authority so as to make it a
more effective instrument against river
pollution. One recommendation was that
1t be provided with adequate funds to
survey the whole basin and prepare
master plan for control of erosion and
flooding and for abatement of sewage and
industrial wastes. Another-and highly
controversial one-was to clothe the
commission with regulatory powers of the
kind already exercised by such State
agencies as the Virginia Water Control
Board and Maryland's Water Resources
Board. These State agencies are jealous
Of their prerogatives, however, and it is
indicated that they would resist any en-
croachment on their respective domains
by any other agency-even an interstate
body with State representation.
The need for a stronger Interstate
Commission on the Potomac River Basin
is generally recognized, however. The
survey now under way is designed to find
out the extent to which a functional
expansion would be feasible and accept
able to the various Jurisdictions involved
The final decision will be made by Con-
gress and the State legislatures, for it
is only through such Joint action that
the ICPRB pact can be amended.
Evening star., 1956-12-30

of the solution? 1t seems that
the marvellous extension of eye
and ear which characterizes
our time conspires to rivet
constant attention on the vast
screen of these agitated times.
Movies, television, radio and
that queer phenomenon called
comics, give SO much to look
at outside that any serious
look at the locker is never
thought of.
The symbol Of our day is an
eye and ear turned outward.
The late Fred Allen prophesied
that in another generation we
will have eyes as big as can
taloupes and brains the size of
a split pea. Well, honor bright!
What use is there for brain
in the presentations to which
daily the eyes and ears of mil
lions are tied? They gaze at
skits sandwiched between silly
commercial rhymes which are
assumed to fit the mental stat
ure Of most of the soap-box
public to which they hawk
their wares with ditties which
make the nursery rhymes seem
like classics. All this makes it
the easiest thing in all this
distracted world to hide from
oneself, even while one may
boast that he is a world citi-
zen.
Rather than look at herself
Queen Bess. in the days Of
Merry England" got rid Of
the mirrors in the palace. In
the days Of the present win
some Queen Elizabeth, to lose
ourselves we bring in the mir
rors in which the whole planet
lie ro0arfad THE aGaak &. 49,
Evening star., 1956-12-30

same: The one thing not seen
is our own face.
The psychiatrists whose
offices are haunted by multi
tudes who are for some rea-
son maladjusted complain
that one of the chief diff
culties is to get patients to
face themselves. They dodge
the revelations and accusa-
tions which come out Of
realistic confessions and re-
fuse to incriminate themselves.
Those who come with discords
which are spelling life's music
will turn in any direction
rather than face themselves.
When one person is for
mally introduced to another
the conventional acknowledge
ment is II am happy -" or
Il am pleased to meet you"
But the trouble is that people
are not pleased to meet them
selves. And always that is
the chief need. Every person
carries around with him his
principal problem-himself.
The One in whose name the
New Year is baptized is still
ahead of all our frantic at
tempts to face these times
which are out of joint. For
as He fronts the deepest needs
of the individual and of So
ciety, He insists always you
must be change d." born
again." He called it. The only
channel through which any
help can be given to others
is ourselves. The gifts that
count do not come from us,
but through us. In the last
analysis we cannot give to the
world what we ourselves do
not have.
There is much talk of a spir-
itual renaissance. That is the
supreme need. But it must be
higher and deeper than polit-
ical. diplomatic and economic
levels. where so often is found
just a frustrated, mechanical
shuttle of the same old cards
of fate. 1t becomes increas-
ingly clear that the funda-
mental essential is changed
hearts, changed desires,
changed attitudes, changed
motives, changed objectives in
individual lives. Studdert-
Kennedy, whose practical re-
ligion meant always that a
man must come to himself.
looks US squarely in the eye
as he says that, when one
comes to the final bar Of the
judge Of all the earth, God
will ask just one question:
well, what did you make Of
yourself? What did you do
with you?"
You will meet the new year.
Will you meet yourself?
Evening star., 1956-12-30

with renewal Of stalinist pressures
against them.
But this is situation that could
change over night, in which case Marshal
Tito's government would have to look to
the United States for revival of our past
military help. The President, as made
clear in his October decision, has not
overlooked that possibility, for he left
little room for doubt at that time that
our arms shipments to Yugoslavia would
be resumed If conditions warranted
Belgrade has reason to regard this as
rather reassuring fact in world full Of
uncertainty.
Evening star., 1956-12-30
Newsmen in China

The State Department has moved to
penalize~three Americans, newspaper
reporter and two magazine representa-
tiveS, who have gone into Red China
despite an official ban on such travel.
The passports of the newsmen have been
invalidated, except for a return to the
United States, and their cases have been
referred to the Treasury Department "in
view OF the relevant provisions of the
Trading With the Enemy Act"
What is really at stake here is a
question of judgment. Our State De-
partment, as we understand its position,
believes there will be a better chance
of securing the release of 10 Americans
still held in Chinese jails if all American
news representatives stay away from Red
China. The three newsmen who have
gone in (as we'll as many others) do not
believe this policy will be effective. Pre-
Sumably they think that the chances of
securing the release of the imprisoned
Americans will not be prejudiced, and
may even be improved, by going into
China and reporting what they see there.
We do not know who Is right. OBJ
viously, however, the newsmen will ap-
pear vindicated in their Judgment If the
Chinese Communists should take this
opportunity to release some or all Of the
prisoners. On the other hand, If 1t
should be shown that these unauthorized
visits have interfered with efforts to OBJ
tain the release of the jailed Americans,
the three newsmen will be In most
unenviable position. Premier Chou En-
lai holds the key to the answer, and the
rest of us will have to wait and see what
he does.
Evening star., 1956-12-30
SPIRES OF THE SPIRIT
The New Year and You
BY DIR. FREDERICK BROWN HARRIS
Chaplain Of the United States Senate

An occupant Of the always
overcrowded seat of the scorn-
ful quipped, as changing bells
were ringing out the old
and ringing in the new, "He
who makes a resolution is a
fool" But life viewed through
unjaundiced eyes reveals that
ne who never puts his feet on
the ladder of stern determine
tion is doomed to failure; he
does not give success a chance.
Equally tinged with cyni-
cism, a warning adage has
been handed down from gen.
Grafton to generation. It's
haunting jibe for failing and
falling humanity is that the
way to perdition is paved with
good resolutions broken. That
proverb about the path to
Hades is but a dangerous half
truth. The other half is that
the road to heaven and
achievement is paved with
good resolutions kept.
The yearly changing of the
guard in the pageant Of
the months always raises the
pertinent question as to what
one is doing with himself. The
new calendar suggests a
searching inquiry as to domi-
nant personality trends and
habits. The pathway marked
by 365 numerals in II stages
across the year is vocal for
those with ears to hear. It
asks: Where will the road I
am now following finally bring
me? For it is solemnly true
that what I will one day be I
am now becoming.
New calendars, with all their
clever designs and colorful
adornments, are already upon
the walls as wastebaskets re-
ceive the crumpled ones as
obsolete as last years birds
nests. This yearly exit and
entrance of the old and the
new is to the wise the sum-
mons to a town meeting Of
the inner life. For this confer
ence the doors are all shut and
the blinds down. There is
only one present. without
such a closed meeting the
change of calendars may mean
nothing that matters. The
main question to be debated
has nothing to do with the
big buzzing confusion out
there on our street, in our
town. in our nation, or in our
world, which most Of the time
obsesses us with its deafening
contentious. The question be-
fore the house is ourselves.
OF course it cannot be de-
MED that the whole world
is one huge Interrogation
mark. But If any resolution