davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
INSTALL OFFICERS
Mrs. Jerry Hurlock Name Head
of Daughters of America

officers of the Daughters of
America were installed after a
turkey dinner served at the Anch-
or Inn Tuesday night. Visitors
from Wilmington were Mrs. Ethel
Dawson and Mrs. Alma Britting-
ham. The officers installed were
as follows: Mrs. Jerry Hurlock,
councillor; Mrs. Pearl Hutchins,
associate councillor; Mrs. Margar-
ct Walton, vice councillor; Mrs.
Cora Conner, associate vice coun-
cilor; Mrs. Doris Knox, junior
past councillor; Mrs. Iva Potter,
associate junior past councillor;
Mrs. Mary Seward, assistant re-
cording secretary; Mrs. Ida Mae
Chambers, financial secretary;
Mrs. Louisa Reichelt, treasurer;
Mrs. Doris Clark, conductor; Mrs.
Leona Keen, warden; Mrs. Kay
Thornton, inside sentinel; Mrs.
Elizabeth Barnes, outside sentinel;
Miss Cora Ford and Mrs. Sarah
Turner, flag bearers; Mrs. Mary
Westfall, pianist.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
JAYCEES NAME
THREE JUDGES
Johnson, AXE, Price Selected
To Judge Community Top
Farmer Contest
ENTRIES NOW ACCEPTED

The judges who will select the
community's Outstanding Young
Farmer of 1857 have been named
by w. Smithers Snow, Jr., chair
man of the Smyrna-Clayton Jun
ior Chamber of Commerce com
mittee for the project. They in.
clude Harry c. Johnson, past
master of the Delaware State
Grange; Walter AXE, head field
man at w. L. Wheatleys; and
Warner w. Price, Jr., president
of Warner w. Price Company
Inc. Any person in the commun-
ity knowing an area outstanding
young farmer is asked by the loc-
al Junior Chamber of Commerce
to nominate him for possible
awards and recognition as the
Jay ycee sponsored Outstanding
Young Farmer project got under
way. Nomination blanks are now
available at Wootten's, Vance
Coles, and from Smithers Snow
Jr., chairman. Window displays
have been arranged at Wootten's
and Vance Coles to center inter-
est on the contest. All farmers
aged 21 through SO years, not be-
coming SO during 1857, are elig-
ible for nomination. The nomin-
ees may be land owners or rent
ers and may be any type of farm
er as long as he derives two
thirds of his income from farm
ing. The local search is part of a
nationwide effort now taking
place in some 1900 American
communities, sponsored national
ly by the American Petroleum In
stitute, committee on agriculture
and the U. S. Junior Chamber of
Commerce. The nominations close
on Feb. 8, and the presentation of
awards will be made at a dinner
to be held at The Paddock on
Tuesday, Feb. IL at Z pm. After
the community judging, the Jay
Gees will enter the local winner in
the state finals where he will be
eligible to represent the state in
national competition. 1t is sug-
gested that the name Of the local
chairman for the project not be
submitted in the contest.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
DEVELOPMENT
HEAD TO VISIT
Col. c. B. Shaffer, New Dept.
Director, Addresses Smyr-
ma Rotary Tonight
DUTIES JAN. 81

The Smyrna Rotary Club will
have as guests at their dinner
meeting tonight at The Wayside
Inn, Mayor George M. Blendt and
members of Smyrna Town Coun-
Gil. The speaker, who will be in
troduced by Clarence S. Collins,
Jr., will be Col. c. B. Shaffer,
former mayor of Rehoboth Beach,
who joined the Delaware Develop
ment Department to organize its
industrial division in December
1851. The State Development De-
partment is charged with the re-
sponsibility to collect and distrib-
ute data to inform the public of
Delaware's commercial, industrial,
and recreational opportunities.
On Jan. 81, Col. CHATTER will as
sumo additional duties as acting
director of the department, sue
ceeding Miles L. Frederick, who
recently resigned as director Also,
on Jan. 81 Col, Shaffer will as
sumo the title and duties of Sec
retary of the Committee to Pro-
mote Delaware, Inc, a non-profit
organization seeking the industrial
expansion of Delaware. In his
work with the Development De-
partment Col. Shaffer devotes his
effort to the industrial angle,
gathering information for dissem-
ination without the state and To-
eating possible sites for business
es interested in coming to Della
ware. During World War II, Col.
Shaffer commanded the Marion
Engineers Depot, Marion, Ohio,
and after retiring to the honorary
reserves, U. S. Amy, he settled in
Rehoboth Beach, where he was
IContinued on Page Fourl
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
CLAYTON MARCH OF DIMES
Mothers March on Polio VIII Be
Conducted Thursday, January 80

Mrs. Ethel Melvin has been
named Clayton chairman of the
1858 March of Dimes. The chair
man-elect has announced that a
Mothers March on Polio will be
conducted from until pm,
Thursday evening, January 80.
Those residents participating in
this drive are Mrs. Virginia Cub
bage, Mrs. Mary Louise Conley.
Mrs. Esther Orvis, Mrs. Ruth
Wright, Mrs. Betty Shckley, Mrs.
Ruth Ann Jones, Mrs. June Short,
Mrs. Carroll Van Pelt, Mrs. Sadie
Voshell, Mrs. Lena Hutchinson,
Mrs. Peggy Carson. Mrs. Mary
Melvin, Mrs. Nancy Darrell, Mrs.
julie Mast, and Miss Patsy Lang
rell. Any person who has spon-
sored a coffee hour in or around
Clayton may make their returns
to Mrs. Melvin any evening after
6 o'clock.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
Death of AIpheus p. Little

Alpheus p. Little, 60, died in
Smyrna on Jan. 10. He was the
son of the late William G. and
Anna McCallister Little. Funeral
services will be held at FAIRIES
Funeral Chapel on Thursday, Jan.
%, at 1 pm. in charge of the
Rev. o. c. Jones, pastor of the
First Presbyterian Church. Inter
ment at White Clay Creek Gene
terry, near Newark. He is survived
by his wife, Mrs. Mary A. Little,
Wilmington; one son, William G..
Little, Smyrna; also, one grand
son. He had lived in Smyrna
for fifteen years.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
Celebrate 10th Anniversary

Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Reed, north
DUPONT Highway, Smyrna, cele-
brated their fortieth wedding an
niversary Sunday with a dinner
given in their honor. The affair
was arranged by their children
Mr.. Reed, a well-known brick-lay-
er in this area, and Mrs. Reed
were married in Newark, Del. Jan.
10, 1918. They have seven child
ren and twelve grandchildren.
Those attending the celebration
were Mr.. and Mrs. Thomas Dixon
and children, Mr.. and Mrs. Willis
Martin and children, Leonard and
Harvey Reed, Mr.. and Mrs. Reg
inald Henderson and children, Mr..
and Mrs. Ernest Reed, and Mr..
Clarence Phillips.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
FIRE co. LADIES AUXILIARY
Ladies Conduct Business Meeting
in Fire House Monday Evening

Members of the Ladies Auxil-
iary of the Citizens Hose Com
pany, No. l, conducted a business
meeting in the fire house Monday
evening. Mrs. Connie Morris, past
president, presided. Seventeen
members were present. Mr.. Lex
FAIRIES and Mr.. John Dukes at
tended the meeting to discuss
plans for the forthcoming State
Firemen's Convention to be held
in Smyrna next September 1920.
Mrs. George David was appointed
general chairman for this event.
Committees will be named later.
Announcement was made that a
meeting of the Kent County Aux
iliary will be held at Leipsic on
January %, and that members of
the Delmarva Ladies Auxiliary
Association will convene in Parks
ley, Va, this Sunday, January 26.
1t was decided that a fried oyster
and chicken salad dinner be spon-
sored on Sunday, February %.
Mrs. Fletcher Truax will serve as
chairman.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
TRIBUTE PAID
CYRUS TAYLOR
New Englander Cites Work
OF Former SmyInian in
Letter to Editor
DESIGNED MACHINES

Tribute was paid to the late
Cyrus Taylor, native of Smyrna,
who died in Connecticut in De-
cember, in letter to the editor
of The Hartford Times written by
Anton Van Veen. Mr.. Taylor was
born in Smyrna and frequently
visited his sister, Mrs. c. Ernest
Rowland. A copy of the letter
follows: ITO the Editor of The
Times: With the passing of Cy-
rus Taylor on Dec. 10, one of the
most brilliant development engin-
GERS has been lost to the world.
His knowledge of rapid produc-
tion automatic machine develop
ment work was sought far and
wide. His paper-cup-making mach
ines, designed for the Mono-Ser-
vice Company of Newark, N. j.,
and built by the Fem Manufac-
turing Company of Sewington, are
in use here and abroad. From his
drawing board came the first fish
scaling and fileting machine, den-
tai burrs hardening, iron pipe
bundling machines. and others. In
the same thorough and modest
ways as in his machine develop
ment work, he pursued his sci
entific hobbies, which were many
and varied. His self-made seis-
mographs recorded worldwide
earthquakes. His lucite-imbedded
coins and other articles, are mas
terpieces of perfection. His know
ledge of astronomy and electron-
les was outstanding. The loss of
our friend Cyrus Taylor, with his
interesting personality and de-
lightful sense of humor is felt
keenly by all those who knew
him." Signed, Anton Van Veen,
Canton Center.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
REPORT ISSUED
BY LOCAL BANK
Equitable Security Trust Co.
Marks Increases for 1857 in
Annual Financial Report
LOCAL BOARD NAMED

Equitable Security Trust Com
pany enjoyed 7 per cent in.
crease in gross operating earn
ings to a new high of $6,705,00C
for the year 1857. Net operating
income increased more than pei
cent from S977 ,763 in 1856 to ST.
057, ,702 in 1857 and equalled $6.01
per share on 10000 shares COM
pared TO $5.56 on $4,000 shares
in 1856. A detailed financial re-
port, as we'll as review of ex-
panded services, not only within
Delaware but also for those Gus
toners of the bank which reside
or do business in the nation and
throughout the world, were con-
tanned in the annual report to
stockholders presented by Edwin
P. Neilan, president. at the stock
holders meeting Tuesday after
noon. The increased earnings were
reflected in total dividend pay
ments of $425 per share, the reg
ular dividend of $500 and an ex-
ira dividend of 25 cents, as
against $4.00 for the previous
year. Mr.. Neilan stated that the
1857 dividends were the highest
in the history of Equitable Secur-
ity Trust Company or its pre-
decessor banks. Mr.. Neilan also
reported a growth in deposits. In
1857, Equitable Security's average
deposits were $116,000,000 COM
pared to 100000 in 1856. 1t
was pointed out that excluding
balances received as a result of
the Smyrna merger, average de-
posits were more than 81 100000
above the previous year. During
the year, the bank increased its
interest on savings deposits to 2
per cent at all offices and exclud-
ing the savings deposits added by
merger, the total savings increas-
ed almost 100000 for the year.
The report revealed that the trust
gross earnings ex-
ceeded the record figure of last
CONTINUED on Page Six)
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
CLAYTON FIRE
EVICTS FAMILY
Morris Family of II 0usted
By Blaze Which Destroys
Home and Possessions
AIDED BY CIVIC GROUPS

A Clayton family of IL persons
was left homeless Monday after
noon when the house in which
they were living was completely
destroyed by fire. Clayton Fire
Company officials declared the
dwelling to be a complete loss and
stated that there was no insur-
ance coverage. David Morris, an
employee at Wilson Refrigeration
Company. Inc, his wife, and ten
children were the occupants. The
Clayton volunteers were assisted
by the Citizens Hose Company
and the Townsend Fire Company,
who transported water to the
scene. Various community clubs
and organizations have come to
the rescue and aid of the Morris
family with contributions of food
and clothing. The Smyrna PTA
has provided immediate clothing
for the members of the family.
Members of the Clayton Fire
Company are providing the child
rem with school lunches, in addi-
ton to food and clothing as need
ed for the entire family. EN-
ployees of Wilson Refrigeration
have also contributed articles of
clothing. Anyone wishing to aid
these fire victims in any manner
is asked to contact the Clayton
Fire Company Firemen who re-
sponded to the alarm were faced
with the problem of confining the
blaze to the house structure that
the nearby woods not be ignited.
They were on the scene for three
hours.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
FARMERS BANK
SETS RECORD
1857 Declared Greatest Year
In History of Organization
At Stockholders Meeting
TOP S100 MILLION

Total resources of Farmers
Bank of the State of Delaware
topped the $100 million mark at
$105, ,251 ,S12 on Dec. 81, 1857, Will
liam K. Patton, chairman of the
board and president, told the
150th annual meeting of the
banks stockholders last Thurs
day. At Dec. 81, 1856, total re-
sources amounted to $98,045,39
The first complete record of the
bank back in 1909 showed total
resources of 1896, ,524. Mr.. Patton
also told the stockholders that
earnings were the greatest in his
tory. Current operating earnings
for 1857 were $S,712,74o. operat-
ing expenses took $2,319,278,
leaving S1,993,461 net current
operating earnings before taxes.
Net security profits, after taxes,
were S140,866 and miscellaneous
credits $96,S45, resulting in a net
profit, after taxes, but before mis-
cellaneous charge offs and divi-
dends of 81, 1871 Reserves and
miscellaneous charges were $219.-
S12, leaving $917, ,948 before divi-
dends, or $91.79 per share. Divi-
dends paid during the year
amounted to $250,0O0 leaving a
balance of 1867, ,94S for credit to
undivided profits, bringing total
CONTINUED on Page Threel
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
STUDENT TODAY
is W.S.C.S. TOPIC
Asbury Women Study Student
Adjustment Necessary In
TOday's World
PASTOR PLANS STUDY

Mrs. j. Paul Slaybaugh, Dover,
was the speaker at the meeting
of the Woman's Society of Chris
tian Service of Asbury Methodist
Church held last Friday. Using
as her topic: 1.-THE Student in the
World Today" she told of the
problems of students making the
adjustment from high school to
college life, and also some of the
problems that the colleges face.
Students come from all walks of
life, from all kinds of religions
and no religion; from all kinds of
cultures and no culture, she said.
Three questions of deep concern
to the students are: what will I
do with my soul?", What will be
my life's work and who will be
my life's partner?", according to
the speaker. Mrs. Clay Bailey,
plSSiuSll, COliuuCleu litS DuSlliCSS
session, and devotions were led
by Mrs. William Hoffecker, spir-
itual life leader. The Rev. w. H.
Revelle, Jr., pastor, will conduct
a study course each Wednesday
evening during the month of Feb
ruary from 7:30 to $50 pm. The
subject of the course will be:
Christ, the Church, and the
Race" 1t was announced that
there will be- a zone meeting at
the Odessa Methodist Church on
Thursday, Jan. % at 7:30 pm.
The program subject will be:
Meeting Our Task To-day" Re-
freshments were served by Mrs.
Clifford Jones and Mrs. Joseph
Ennis, hostesses for Circle 5.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
CROWD HEARS
P.T.A.>CONCERT
Smyrna School Band Presents
Program at Monthly Meet
Of Local Group
RESOLUTION ADOPTED

More than $50 parents and
teachers attended the January
meeting of the Smyrna Special
District School Parent Teacher
Association, where a report was
given that there were 276 men,
bers at that time, with more join
ing at the close of the meeting.
The first reading of the proposed
revised bylaws to meet state re-
quirements was given by Willis
Martin, chairman of the commit
tee, and there will be a second
reading at the next meeting,
Thursday, Feb. 20. Nelson S. Ev-
erhart conducted the business ses-
sion. Mrs. Lawrence ]. Ellery in
troduced Rodney Daniels, head of
the music department at Smyrna
High School. who presented an
instrumental program by students
There were four groups, the be-
ginners after eight weeks of in
struction; players with one year
or more instruction.; more advanc-
ed group; and the Smyrna High
School band, who played seven Sc
lections. The program for the
February meeting will be anoth-
er of the successful open house
programs held at the elementary
and high schools separately A
short session is conducted at the
elementary school, and then par
ents visit the homerooms in the
building where their children at
tend classes, inspect the equip
ment and plant, and have the
opportunity to visit the teachers.
The program closes with a coffee
hour in each school. The eXecu-
tive committee will meet at the
home of Brinton Reynolds, Jr. on
Monday, Feb. II. The following
resolution was adopted at the
meeting: Whereas, all Delaware
citizens are justly proud of the
public school system established
and maintained in the state by
the concerted efforts of many in
dividuals, organizations and the
legislative and executive branches
of the state government; Now
therefore, be it resolved, that the
members of the Smyrna Special
District School Parent Teacher
Association hereby urge that due
to the Importance of public edu-
cation that present standards and
services to the schools be main
tanned as previously approved for
public education by the 10th
General Assembly. Be it further
resolved that copies of this reso-
luton be sent to Governor ].
Caleb Boggs, and legislators re-
presenting this district,
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23

been associated for the past Six
years in the partnership operation
of the Smyrna Market, self
service grocery store, on Main
Street. Mr.. Edmondson will as
sumo his duties Immediately.
Council has announced that a
town election will be held on
Monday, Feb. "a, to elect two
councilmen for three year terms.
Citizens of the town are informed
that their taxes must be paid on
or before the close of business on
January 81 to be eligible to vote.
Election officials will be named at
a later date.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
CHURCH ELECTS TRUSTEES
Annual Congregational Meeting
Conducted by Presbyterians

At the annual meeting of the
congregation of the First Presby-
terian Church, two new elders
were elected to serve three years
each. They are Fred Wilson and
Carlton Blendt. Seven trustees
were elected as follows: Mrs. Jul
ia Slaughter, Avery Clifton, Ken
meth Mihills, Thomas Tyler, DR..
Ray Sammons, and Edwin Stow
ell, and Paul B. Grier. The Rev.
o. c. Jones, pastor, who presided,
reported that 80 new members
had joined the church in 1857. Re-
ports were heard from each of
the church organizations. The pas
tor congratulated the Young Mar
ried Couples Group and the Young
Adults for their interest and en-
thusiasm, and commended the
Sunday School superintendent and
teachers for their service. The
congregational meeting was fol-
lowed by meeting of the corpor-
alton, with Fred Wilson, president
of the board of trustees presiding.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
GUY EDMONDS0N, JR. NAMED TO
FILL COUNCIL SEAT OF A. MACK

AT a special meeting of the
Smyrna Town Council held Mon
day night Guy M. Edmondson. Jr.,
Smyrna resident and businessman,
was named to fill the unexpired
term of Alfred Mack who resign
ed recently when moving to Penn
sylvania. Two years remain of the
term. Edmondson, who lives with
his family at Hamilton Lane, is
graduate of Smyrna High
School and a lifelong resident of
this town. He is on the vestry
of st. Peters Episcopal Church
and is a past president of both
the Citizens Hose Company and
the Smyrna Lions Club. He has
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23

William K. Patton, chairman of
the board and president of the
Farmers Bank of the State of
Delaware, has announced that j..
Fletcher Truax, in charge of the
banks Smyrna Office, has been
elected assistant vice president.
Mr.. Truax is a Smyrna boy, born
and educated here. He graduated
from Smyrna High School in 1927.
During World War II, he was a
master sergeant.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
Ambulance Report for 1857

An annual report of ambulance
service to the Smyrna commun-
ity for 1857 has been tabulated
by o. F. Loose, commander, David
c. Harrison Post No. IA, Ameri-
can Legion. 1t lists 217 trips
made and 10,257 miles Travelled.
This figure represents an increase
of IL trips over that of 1856.
Special appreciation is extended
to all drivers whose services are
so valuable.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
Bull Injuries Kenton Farmer

A 71-year old Kenton farmer
was severely injured Monday af-
ernoon when the bull which he
was feeding wedged his hand
against the barn door. The farm
er, Ernest farrell, required treat
ment at the Kent Geneal Hospit-
al for a fractured right hand and
must undergo further examination
by his physician. FARRELL had en-
tered the stable to put straw in
to the bulls stall when the ami
NAL suddenly used it's head to
press the farmers hand against
the door which closed.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
BPW Discusses Right To Work

Mrs. Helen j. Deakyne, legisla-
ton chairman, presented the pro-
gram at the monthly meeting of
the Smyrna-Clayton Business and
Professional Women's Club last
Monday evening at the home of
Mrs. Katherine Bulger. There was
a group discussion of the new
tax law and of the Right to Work
bill. Mrs. June c. Anthony, pres
ident. conducted the business ses-
sion and served as co-hostess with
Mrs. Bulger. Ruth Ellen Reihm
was elected to represent the loc-
al club on the state federation
nominating committee. Plans
were discussed for the organiza-
tion's ninth anniversary dinner
meeting on February II at The
Wayside Inn.
Smyrna times., 1958-01-23
DWIGHT HOUSE
DEMOLISHED
Old Main Street Landmark
Razed to M Ike Way for
StOre-Apartment Building
MILTON LORD OWNER

The skyline of Main Street has
changed and a landmark has fall
en- to progress since the first of
January with the demolition of
what has been known as the
Dwight house. Located next to
the Post Office and in the bust
ness section of Smyrna, the more
than one hundred year old three
and-one-half story frame house,
with two-story addition, was TAX
en- down by Freeman Hoskinson
contractor, with the 'help" of a
large number of sidewalk superin-
tendents The work was started
on New Years Day and was COM
pleted in about ten days. The old
house has had a colorful history,
having been used as a home and
office by two physicians, part of
it by dentist, two BARRIERS, as a
private kindergarten. and at one
time for the printing of The
Smyrna Times. With the help of
old-timers, the following back
ground became known. DR.. Will
liam T. Collins practiced medicine
and lived there in the late 1850's
and during the 1860's, then re-
moved to Camden, N. ], DR.. Ed
ward S. Dwight, of New Haven,
Conn, lived there and used the
two-story addition as his offices
from about 1890 until his death.
After the death of Mrs. Dwight,
who suGyived him for several
years, the home was purchased
by the widow of George Carter,
formerly editor of the News
Journal papers. and was occupied
by her until her death. The wing
section was once used as a dent
lists Office by Howard Darrah,
who later moved to Wilmington.
1t was occupied most recently by
the late Mrs. William Broadway
and previously by the late Mrs.
Henry ID. Boyer. Through the
years there have been other color
full occupants, in addition to The
Smyrna Times. 1t was used as
a barber shop by Joseph HUM
and Jacob Stein. Mrs. Dwight
conducted a private kindergarten
there, attended in their youth by
many young matrons of the pre-
sent day. The demolition was an
interesting process, and many de-
tails were of interest to the men
who worked on the job. The lum-
ber in the original part of the
house had been rough hewn out
of trees and there were hand
hewn laths. The first floor was
all open joists originally, with
plaster put on later, a construc-
tion not seen here. There were
four chimneys and several fire.
places still in good condition.
Wooden pins had been used in
stead of nails, making the tearing
down a more difficult task, and
uprights were hand-ftted into the
framing, according to the con-
tractor in charge of demolition.
Walls We're one brick thick laid
between plaster for insulation. A
tin roof covered an older shingle
roof. An unexpected feature was
stairway which was found COM
pletely sealed in under the stair
way in the main part of the
house. An attractive brick patio
between the two-story addition
and the kitchen of the original
house was found. There were
brisk rumors of a skeleton when
a sealed-in portion of room up
stairs was found. but the space
fCon4;1,,o1 ou pao. EourN