Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 26, Number 308, Decatur, Adams County, 31 December 1928 — Page 4

PAGE FOUR

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT Published Every Evening Except Sunday by THE DECATUR DEMOCRAT CO. I H. Heller Pres. and Gen. Mgr. A. R Holthouse Sec'y & Bus. Mgr. Dick D. Heller ..VicePresident Entered at the Poetoffice at Decatur, Indiana, ae second class matter. Subscription Rates: Single copies I .01 One week, b} carrier— .10 One year, by carrier....-..™--—..— 6.00 One month, by ma 11....—... .85 Three months, by mail —— 1.00 Six months, by mail..— — 1.75 One year, by mail.... — 3.00 One year, at office 8.00 Prices quoted are within first and second zones. Elsewhere, 83.50 one year. Advertising Rates made known by application. National Advertising Representatives Scheerer, Inc., 85 East Wacker Drive, Chicago 200 Fifth Avenue, Nev York Charter Members The Indiana League of Home Dallies

Your year will be a happier one if you have the Daily Democrat coming each day. Now is the time to renew. It is quite probable that you won't have to complain about the mild weather during tne rest of the winter. Good-bye 1928 with all your joys and sorrows. Helio 192!) with all your promises and hopes. Last call to join a Christmas Savings club and start the New Year off with a thrift habit that will mean much to you in all the years to come. The police confiscated a thousand quarts of Scotch in a raid at Fort Wayne anil thus saved the folks who wete planning to drink in ten thousand headaches for New Year s day. The Chicago University ought to believe in Santa Claus. A gift of ten million dollars to that institution has just been announced, the donor requesting that his name be not divulged. Do a good turn every day next year, it will bring so much happiness to you and those who are helped. All totalled together for a year Would make the finest of a showing. Fort Wayne claims a population of 118,000 as the year starts. They ought to begin to soft pedal on these claims as the time approaches for a census, else they may be classed among the ‘'four flushers.” Attorney General Gilliom is fighting (he ease against Dr. Shumaker up to the very last minute of his term, thus showing a bull dog tenacity, but there are those who feel he might have devoted his ability to some cause of greater importance. Over at Canton, Ohio, they plan a Stephenson case as a result of Wilbur Heidmau's admission that while taking his wife to the sheriff’s office after she had confessed murder, she killed herself. That ought to be good news for the lawyers over there for they are assured of plenty of business for tlie next several years, provided of course that Heldman has a roll. David Pugh, a deputy state treasurer of Utah stole SIIO,OOO and admits he lost it all playing the "bosses.” Guess it can be lost that way but what a fool a man who has reached such a position of trust is to do it. He gained nothing but headaches and heart aches and now must pay and pay and pay the rest of his life. From what can be learned the members of congress are not nearly so close together on the Kellogg treaty, farm relief and the big navy as they seemed to be during the campaign when every public speaker knew just what the country needed and promised it in strong terms. Indications are that a filbuster will start soon which will tie up the session until March 3rd when it closes. And so ends 1928. Tonight we watch the old year lade out and the infant 1929 appear. What will the year bring? Os course there will be the regular grind but always there happens the unexpected. If we will step out and make the effort there is every indication we can make it a whopper

TODAY’S CHUCKLE Brooklawn, N. J. —(UP)— Because he refused to give his fire chief’s uniform to his successor. William Jones, former chief, was held under $ 100 bail for'granA jury. He is charged with "Illegal possession” of a fire chief’s uniform.

of a year in every way. Clean the alleys, get rid of the ashes and cinders and keep the city looking a* good as possible. Street Commissioner Fisner is an earnest worker and desires tlie streets and alleys kept in first class condition. He is doing that about as good as it can be and he is entitled to the cooperation of all citizens. A lot of people in this county are curious to know just how those who are expected to pay $170,000 will receive that much in benefits, by the dredging of the Wabash. We do not doubt that such an improvement will be of great aid to Ohio farm owners but if it is not beneficial to this county the assessments seem high. However it is to be duly beard in court and perhaps all these perplexing questions will be solved to the satisfaction of every one concerned.

Indications are that Harry New will be continued as postmaster general in the Hoover cabinet, which probably takes care far as big jobs are concerned. This makes it a little tough for the boys who did the job in this state but they were of course working for the good of their party and the country rather than for themselves and so they can keep on sawing wood at the old stands. The five headliners to occupy the time of the coming legislative session will be: the state police, their duties and salaries; the primary law, whether it shall live or die or alter; automobile taxes, license fees and drivers examinations; public utilities; the city manager law, whether it shall be strengthened or repealed. Others may develop which will overshadow these, but at present, indications are that these are the subjects which will be most carefully considered. Your representatives will appreciate it if you will write your opinion of what ought to be done about them. The city of Decatur closes the year in excellent financial condition, perhaps the best it has ever been. All bonds due and ail accounts have been paid and there is sufficient cash on hand to take up every outstanding bond if this were possible. The city is out of debt in other words and we can all feel mighty good over it. From now on will come reductions in rates and taxes aud the time is near when this will be recognized as a mighty fine place in which to live and in which to conduct business and manufacturing. Much credit is due the administration for after all it is some business proposition to so operate that bills are paid and we have no debts. We have been building towards this for some years and it is fine to know that we have arrived. The city plant is also in excellent condition and is one of the best to be found any where. It is important that it so continues.

*««*4>«*o**«*a • TWENTY YEARS AGO * * From the Daily Democrat Filo • ♦ Twenty Yeare Ago Today • Dec. 31 —Charles P. Taft and Senator Foraker withdraw from the senatorial race in Ohio and Burton will win easily Jess Butler, 84, pioneer here, died from heart attack while seated in the Scheimau und Butler livery barn last evening. L. L. Baumgartner will retire today as county surveyor and C. D. Lewton as auditor. C. C. Ernst and H. S. Michaud succeed them. Wai Wemhoff appointed city clerk, succeeding Thomas F. Ehinger who resigns to assume place with Decatur Filler Company. Judge It. K. Erwin speaker at dedication of new Elk’s Temple at Fort Wayne. True and Runyon announce a 12-day January sale. .Decatur bowling team opens the new Elk's alleys at Fort Wayne. Brice True and Ted Sowars are visiting in Berne. William Reppert gets four road contracts in Wells county.

INFLUENZA IS PREVALENT IN ADAMS COUNTY Local Physicians Making Many Calls Daily To Aid In Curbing Epidemic ONLY FEW DEATHS HAVE BEEN REPORTED Influenza, pneumonia and severe colds are prevalent in Adams county. Local physicians report numerous cases, some of which are said to lie very serious, and they have been working almost unceasingly to curb the annual winter "spree” of influenza and its accompanying diseases. Only a few deaths have been reported due to influenza and pneumonia in the county and it is thought that the epidemic, which has played havoc all over the middlewest, is practically curbed in this community. This year’s invasion of influenza presents ftsell in a pecu iar form, according to physicians. After a few days of illness, the patient feels apparently well and then in most instances a severe set-back is apparent. Physicians say that it is the second attack or set-back, which is causing the trouble this year. Health authorities are urging everyone to aid in curbing the disease. Several new cases were reported today, but none of the late cases are reported to be very serious at present. The epidemic is not nearly as severe in Adams county as it is in neighboring localities where the death toll has been heavy. Health officers of Decatur and Adams county are asking that all persons suffering from colds, visit their physician at once and make every effort to assist in halting the spread of the disease. Other towns in Adams county are said to be harder hit by the epidemic than Decatur and several cases have been reported recently in the rural districts. Berne, Geneva, Monroe, Pleasant Mills and Preble all have reported several cases of influenza and ' ~ i colds.

*•**««***«*•* • BIG FEATURES • * OF RADIO • . £¥*¥¥¥* MONDAY’S FIVE BEST RADIO FEATURES | WEAF —and Network 8:30 pm. Gener- ' al Motors hour, with Frieda Hem- 1 pel. Soprano, and orchestra. ! WOS —Jefferson City (476) 9 pm. An- ( niversary program. ' . WOR—and network 9pm New York's I New Year's eve celebration. WEFA—WJZ and net work 11 pm | Trinity Chimes. WWEAF—and network 11:13 pm. New Year dance. o DECATUR, INDIANA The population of Decatur at the opening of 1929, nine years after the last decennial census, is 5,714, compared with 4,762 in 1920, an increase of 20.0 per cent, according to a survey just completed for the Daily Democrat by the Newspaper Feature Bureau. The population of the city and adjacent urban territory is estimated at 6,500. An interesting feature of the survey is the occupations for gain. Os the 4,595 persons over ten, there are 2,456 breadwinners, 1,942 being males and 514 females. Characteristics of the Decatur population are: 1920 1929 Population 4,762 5,714 Males 2,356 2,827 Females 2,406 2,887 Persons over 21 2,853 3,424 Males 1,380 1,656 Females .... 1,473 1,768 Persons over 10 3,829 4,595 Males 1,865 2,238 Females 1,964 2,358 Occupied for gain. 2,047 2,456 Males 1,618 1.942 Females 429 514 Families 1,241 1,489 The survey is based on statistics from local sources giving the city's gains since the 1920 census in the factors essential to population growth: Excess of births over deaths in the city since the 1920 census, number 410. Increase of 10.0 per cent since 1920 in the number of Qualified voters in the city. Increase of 15.0 per cent, since 1920 in the number of youth of school age. Increase of 16.0 per cent since 1920 in the number of active domestic water services. Estimate from Mayor George M. Krick of more than 5,600 population for the city at the close of 1928, and 6,500 for the city and adjacent urban territory. —, A o CLEARANCE SALE—To make room room for Spring Hats. My stock of Winter Hats will be closed out at a great reduction, regardless of cost. MRS. MAUD A. MERRIMAN, 222 S--4tb st., Decatur, Ind. 306 t. —— Get the Habit—Trade at Home, It Raya i 5

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT MONDAY. DECEMBER 31, 1928.

Decatur Has One Os Finest Plants And Youngest Owner In Cooperage Business In Entire United States

Just west of the Pennsylvania railroad tracks on West Adams street is the ofice of the Decatur Cooperage Company. To the not too careful observer, It is only a building, but to the man in the cooperage business It is known as the office of one of the most modern hoop manufacturing concerns in the country. C. O. Porter, president and general manager cf the Decatur Cooperage Co is the ypnngest owner of such a factory in tlie United States and the local concern is the only one in Indiana running full time. The output of the company is enormous, and in passing the factory, which is located just south of tlie office on five acres of ground, one would think of the plant as jus* a bunch of old buildings. The local plant has but one < ; nipeliton in Indiana and that is a plant at South Whitley, running only part time The Decatur concern is one of the two largest in tlie middlewest and the appraisal value of the buildings, machinery and land, withcut the business is approximately SIOO,OOO. Large Daily Out Put Every day the plant turns out 35,000 barrel hoops, an average of three car loads a week. In connection wit!) making the hoops, the cull lumber is made into poultry shipping boxes and centers, tops and bottoms for egg cases. The average annual output of the plant is 150 cars of hoops and 25 cars of cases and boxes. The products from tlie factory go to practically every state in the union and the hoops are made in three sizes.

The logs are hauled to the plant by ti ticks and on trains. This phase of the business is perhaps the most important insamuch as it is necessary to buy sufficient logs each year to keep the plant running. One or two times in the last five years it has been necessary to close the plant for a day cr two because of a shortage of logs. The logs are lifted by a derrick up to the second floor of the Cooperage mill, where they are sent through a circular saw and cut to the correct size. The annual average of log feet sent through the saw is 1,000.000 each year. The boards which are cut by this

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ILqiwm': -————— ———

DECATUR COOPERAGE CO. PLANT Above is the Decatur plant of the Decatur Cooperage Co., located on West Adams street. The picture shows the buildings and some of the ground. The hocps shown in the foreground are only a small part of the average supply carried for rush orders. ,

process are then dropped into large tanks of hot water. This process is called cooking. The boards are easier *o cut when they have been heated than when they are taken directly from the saw. The boards are then sent through A cutter, and are cut into the correct size. This is perhaps the most important part cf the process in the plant, as the hoops must measure a certain thickness and cannot vary the least fraction in measurement. Hoops Are Planned The hoops are then sent through the planer and then to a pointing machtn«>. They are still straight boards, at this process. They are put back in another heating tank and then coiled. The hoops are placed ten in a round bundle ready for shipment. Several buildings are used for storage and a laige part of the yards also is used for storage and drying purpose. A large drying kiln, which will

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hold two carloads of hoops is used for rush shipments. The poultry box and egg case plant is in a loom adjoining the liocp factory and furnishes an outlet for cull lumber. Another building is used for storing surplus bexes and cases. This part of the business is only a few years old. but it has grown considerably the last year. Twenty-five cars of this material have been shipped from the local factory this year. Running Fi ll Force The plant is imining full force at pi esent and has not been shut down for a day during the last year. The plant ciew is working now to bolster up production and plant managers say that in the next few days the output will be raised fiom 35,000 hoops a day to 40,000, which will lie a record production mark for the local plant. Mr. Porter became owner of the local plant five years ago, when the former owner John W. Vail died. He not

of Christmas and the usual first-of-the year bills. Below is a list showing what you deposit each week and the totals at the end of 50 weeks. If payments are made when due or in advance we will add interest at the rate of 4%. ,

.only conducts the business affair, the company but finds time f 0 #l) “ six hours each day in the Hunt i supervises production and Inlets i coming lumber. The local plant " know as one of the best hoop man „ factuiing concerns in the couhtiy Sold To Jobbers The output of the Decatur come™ Is sold to jobbers and manufactmeJZ of barrels and an average of three civ. a week iz shipped to all points In th. country. At present 45 men are employe! either as log haulers, plant employes or salesmen. Ten men are employee by Mr. Porter as log buyers and these men are constantly buying lumber for the mill. More than 75 percent of the lumber made into hoops is bought from Adams county farmers and lumber men, and practically all the money taken in by the concern stays in Adams county. The local manufacturing concern has two methods of disposing of its goods Salesmen me on the road selling the carload lots to barrel manufacturer, arid when the output gets ahead of the sahsmen, carload lots ate sold to commission merchants who dispose of the goods to manufacturers. Distribution Is World-wide Barrel hoops made in the Decatur plant go to every state in the union and some shipments go to foreign c'untries. The land owned by the local company holders on all three railroad, that pass through Decatur, A siding from the Pennsylvania railroad passe, between the plant buildings aud furnishes a direct shipping and receiving point. A day with the owner and manager is something like this: Arrive at office at 6:30; dictate letters on dictaphone; see that all employes are at work in plant; eat breakfast; finish dictating; inspect incoming lumber and see that hoops are correct measurements; take care of orders; spend remainder of day in factory until plant closes. Aud so after all the cooperage game isn’t such a snap, and the buildings on West Adams street which the shy young girl is afraid to pass by herself at night, are the means of the livlihood for half a hundred men in Decatur.

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