Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 61, Number 258, Decatur, Adams County, 1 November 1963 — Page 1

VOL. LXI NO. 258.

63 Persons Are Killed In Tremendous Explosion At 1 Coliseum At Indianapolis

Gas Blast Is Given Blame

INDIANAPOLIS (UPI) — Investigators poked through tons of shattered concrete today seeking the cause of a mighty explosion which ripped a section of box seats at a gala opening night Halloween ice show, killing 63 persons and injuring at least 341. Gov. Matthew E. Welsh and Marion County Coroner Dr. Dennis Nicholas ordered an immediate thorough investigation to determine the cause of the blast, unofficially blamed on compressed gas ignited in a concession stand section beneath the seats of the big Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Officials once listed 70 dead but later revised the number downward to 67, then to 65 and 63. They said some bodies were counted twice in a makeshift morgue set up on the ice of the coliseum and at hospitals. The accident, worst Indiana disaster since a 1925 tornado killed 70 in the Evansville area, cast a pall of gloom over the state. The blast occurred a few minutes before the “Holiday on Ice” pageant ended its first show before a crowd of more than 4,300 in the big auditorium on the city’s northeast side. The coliseum seats nearly 16,000. Skaters were whirling into the grand finale of the opening night performance of “Holiday on Ice” when the explosions tore through the concrete flour beneath a section of $3.30-a---ticket box seats—the finest in the house. It was “Shrine night” at the ice show. Bodies were hurtled 40 and 50 feet through the air onto the ice where chorus girls had pirouetted a moment before. Mink stoles lay among torn bodies, crumpled popcorn boxes and empty beer containers. In point of numbers killed it was the greatest tragedy in Indianapolis history. Gov. Matthew Welsh and Coroner Dennis Nicholas promised an unstinting investigation until the cause of the blast is discovered. Welsh called it “a great tragedy” which “saddened the entire state.” Plenty of Clues Investigators indicated they already had plenty of clues. The box seats, many of them occupied by prominent Indianapolis area residents, were directly above the concession area which is located in the basement of the barn-like state fair Coliseum. At least one Coliseum worker said he saw a gas tank topple over there moments before the blast. Cordons

Seven Persons Dead In Drug Store Blast

MARIETTA, Ga. (UPI) — An explosion shattered a neighborhood drug store Thursday night at the height of a Halloween costume judging contest killing seven persons and injuring scores of others. Rescue workers pulled the seventh victim from the rubble of Atherton’s Drug Store early today. He was identified as Terry Carter, 7. He had last '' been seen entering the store with his father. “They Were holding hands when they walked in,” said the youngster’s uncle, John Carter. They were going to buy Terry a mask.” The boy’s 33-year-old father also was killed by the blast. The explosion, believed caused by gas leaking from a heater located in a shallow basement near the front of the Store, sent splintered glass, chunks of concrete and other debris hurtling across the street toward the square. People standing on the side-

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

of police guarded other gas tanks and warned spectators to stay away after the disaster. To the stunned city of Indianapolis, the reasons why seemed secondary for the moment. The shocking and most important fact was a sheet of ice starred with dead—mothers, fathers, a few children; a holiday Halloween night which became a real nightmare while a band played jazztime music; the double row of covered bodies laid out in the Coliseum under the merry eye of a pasteboard chorus girl which had served as a prop for the show. Tell Their Stories Those who lived through it told the story: Policeman Jack Ohrburg: “It’s the first time I’ve ever had a 3-year-old girl die in my arms crying ‘Daddy, daddy’.” Richard Crowell, 20, college student, who dragged - his girl friend from the rubble and struggled towards safety: “There was a popcorn concession stand beneath us. . .all over us. I carried Karol. I could see people screaming and running. Legs and arms were sticking out of the rubble. On the way out we had to cross people I believe were dead. One man had his head sticking in the flames.” John Williams, Columbus, Ohio, a member of the company of “Holiday on Ice:” “No performers were hurt but some were knocked off their feet from the impact. Fire and flame followed immediately. People ran onto the ice. They didn’t know what to do. They ( were slipping on the ice. The people were just like cattle. They came across the ice and got out of there.” Police Chief Robert Reilly: “I thought I had seen death, but I guess I was wrong. I don’t care if you have seen five wars.’.’ . Coliseum worker Robert Engle, 20, offered one of the best clues as to what happened and why. He was in the concession area underneath the south stands when “I turned around and saw this gas tank fall over. There was gas coming out of it. Shorty (a fellow worker) said to scram. That's the last I remember.” Among the dead were two Indianapolis doctors: a former mayor of West Lafayette, Ind., home of Purdue University; and at least five children and teen-agers aged between 5 and 18. . Continued on Page 8)

walk watching the festivities were knocked over and the body of one victim was hurled into the sjtreet. Twenty-seven persons were treated for injuries at Kennestone Hospital. Nine were hospitalized in serious condition. The blast happened at 6:25 p.m. Thursday during the after-working-hours shopping rush in this suburban town of 25,000 and brought fire engines and ambulances rushing into the square where masked youngsters were competing in a costume contest. “It was like a jet breaking the sound barrier,” said high school student Barry Hill who was sitting with some friends in a car near the store when the blast occurred. “Oh, it was 50 times louder than that. “We all ducked our heads and glass from the windows in the store embedded in our car. When we looked over there, there was nothing.. .everything just collapsed.. .it all collapsed on people.”

Berne Band Tops In I Halloween Parade The paraders were dampened but not the spirit of the occasion, as Decatur’s annual Callithumpian parade was held Thursday evening despite a much-needed shower that came at an inopportune time. The first rain in many, many weeks began falling late in the afternoon, let up just before the parade began, and then turned into a downpour as the parade was on its first sojurn through the downtown area. A huge crowd still turned out, however, as people stood under every protection they could find up and down Second St., and those in the parade showed their appreciation by making a return trip despite the heavy rain. Hie Berne high school band s participation was worthwhile despite thoroughly soaked uniforms, as they copped first prize of SSO in the band division. It was also a worthwhile evening for Adams Central and Ossian bands, as they won second and third prizes, respectively, of $25 and sls. The two Decatur bands, among the nine that participated, plus two junior bands, were not eligible to win the cash awards. Only the Southern Wells high school band failed to make an appearance, despite the rain. Majorette Awards _ Berne also copped first prize of $5 in the drum major and majorette competition, with Parkway. 0., winning the $3 second prize and Monmouth the $1 third prize. Girl Scout troop 178 of Decatur won the SSO first prize in the float - division for their float depicting the title of the “Old McDonald Had a Farm” record. The Monmouth high school F. H. A. float, “Grandma's Lye Soap,” won the $25 second prize and Girl Scout troop 269 of Decatur won third place money of sls with their “Shine on Harvest Moon” float. Winners Listed Numerous cash awards of $3, sponsored by the retail division of the Chamber'of Commerce, in the various masked categories, were won by the following: Daniel, Lou Ann and Pam Bleeke, Decatur, best decorated toy wagon or tricycle; Sandra Faurote and Mary Faurote, Decatur, best kid clown; Jimmy Lee, Decatur, best fat boy; Terry Myers, Decatur, most original girl; Dean Boltz, Decatur, best adult clown; Debra Knipstein, Hoagland, most original adult; Mrs. Raymond Fickert, Ohio City, 0., best fat girl; Greg Hartwig, Decatur, most comically dressed pet. Other winners of $3 were: Tommy Hartwig, Decatur, best ghost (from Mars); Steven Sapp, Rockford, 0., most original boy; Cynthia Gehrig, Decatur, tallest man; David Myers, route 3. best decorated pet drawn toy vehicle. Cub Scout Pack 3064, of jhe St. Joseph school, won thd $3 first prize for the best animal impersonation. Two $6 prizes were awarded to Sandy Hullinger and Dan Baumgartner, Decatur, for the best masked couple, and Pam, Mike, Carol and Patty Gallmeyer, of Hoagland, as the best masked group of three or more. Judges for the masked categor--1 ies were provided by three local' women’s organizations: Mrs. William Hutker, Psi lota Xi; Mrs James Cowens, Tri Kappa: and Miss Lucille Beavers, ot the Business and Professional Women's club. Democrat Meeting Here This Evening All Democratic precinct committeemen and workers of Decatur are invited to attend a “Smoker" at Democratic headquarters at 8 o’clock this evening. All Democratic city will be introduced and some are expected to speak briefly. Gerald W. Vizard, former county chairman, will be the principal speaker.

OHLY DAILY NXWSPAFBR HI ADAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Friday, November 1, 1963.

Adolph Schamerloh Dies Thursday Night Adolph Schamerloh, 77, of 1010 West Monroe street, prominent retired Adams county farmer, died at 11:47 o’clock Thursday night at the Adams county memorial hospital. He had been in failing health for the past year and hospitalized for three months. A native of Union township, he was born Aug. 26, 1886, a son of William and Anna Bienz-Scham-erloh. He was married to Martha Bultemeier Oct. 23, 1910. Mrs. Schamerloh preceded him in death May 4 of this year. Mr. Schamerloh farmed in Un-, ion township until retiring in 1940 and moving to Decatur. He served for many years as a deputy assessor in this city. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran church in this city. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Robert (Margaret) Ashbaucher of Decatur; two sons, Arthur Schamerloh of Fort Wayne, and Frederick Schamerloh of Decatur; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Otto (Adele) Hoile of Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p. m. Sunday at the Zion Lutheran church, with the Rev. Richard C. Ludwig officiating. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran church cemetery, northeast of Decatur. The body was removed to the Zwick funeral home, where friends may call from 7 p. m. until 1p. m. Sunday. The body will lie in state at die church from 1:30 p. m. Sunday until time of the services. TWO SECTIONS Winteregg Speaks At Rotary Meeting Elmer Winteregg, Jr., local mortician, spoke to the Decatur Rotary club Thursday evening, giving a classification talk on his profession. He gave a brief history of the development of the profession, starting with the ancient Egyptians, who, through the elimination of bacteria and the close winding of fine linen could preserve bodies for centuries. He told of the three branches. ,pf the business — first the embalmer, then the funeral director, and finally the mortician. The term “undertaker” began in the days when there was no organized profession and a friend or neighbor “undertook” to prepare the body for burial. To be able to use the title of “mortician” a man must through . examination prove his proficiency in the other two branches. e Winteregg, a native of Berne, is a graduate of the Indiana Institute of Mortuary Science and has been a member of the profession for 23 years. After graduation he spent some time in Florida, worked for five years in Fort Wayne and then spent 12 years as a partner in a local firm. In 1962 he and Dick Linn purchased the former Black establishment. He told of the strict regulations of mortuaries by a state agency, and how a rigid inspection is held periodically to insure that high standards be maintained. He stated that of the present population of the United States, two percent die annually. The cost of funerals was disthat in a national survey of cussed and the speaker stated 100,000 cases the average expense was $755.00. He said that for any veteran who dies $250 may be obtained from the government, SIOO from the county and 5255 from social security to help defray funeral expenses. He pointed out that like any other business of profession, the costs of operation have greatly increased in the past 15 years. Roy Kalver was program chairman.

S. S. Convention Banquet On Nov. 9 All Sunday school officials, teachers and friends, are reminded that all reservations for the annual Adams county Sunday school banquet must be made by Monday. A number of Sunday schools throughout the county have already indicated they are. sending their officers and teaching staff to the first session of the convention, the annual banquet, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Nov. 9, at the Decatur Youth and Community Center. - All -Sunday school- superintendents have tickets for the banquet, and they are reminded to mail reservations no later than Monday morning to Earl Chase. The youth fellowship of the Union Chapel E. U. B. church is preparing programs for the banquet, and the youth fellowship of the Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren Will decorate the hall. The Ladies Aid of the Pleasant Dale church will serve the banquet, which will be prepared by the Center staff. The Rev. Gerald Gerig, pastor of the First Missionary Church of Decatur, will preside aS toastmaster. Special music will be provided by the trumpet trio from the Adams Central high school, the S. and H.. quartet from the Decatur Church of the Nazarene, and chorus singing will be led by Mr. and Mrs. Do n Gerig. Dr. John D. Huffman, of Wheaton, 111., will be the speaker. Well known throughout the United States, Dr. Huffman has made several tours of the Holy Land. He is president of the .summer Fuller seminary sessions at Winona Lake. A large display of Sunday school literature will be shown at all sessions of the convention. Announcement will be made later regarding the Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening sessions. Plan Menial Health Survey In Decatur Members of the Decatur Business and Professional Women’s flub will soon visit Decatur, citizens to complete a 1963 mental health survey questionnaire, consisting of 10 questions, which will take only a few minutes to complete. There are no obligations involved. Mrs. Betty Bucher, chairman of the public relations committee of the BPW club,.states that this project was adopted at the October meeting and it is hoped that all c’tizens visited will give full cooperation. Mrs. Bucher said “this 'is one way each individual can help a person suffering from mental illness, just by answering the few questions. “The Adams county Mental Health Association has a tremendous job to do, which they cannot do alone — they need the help and understanding of everyone.” Mrs. Bucher stated that any one having questions, should contact her or a member of her committee — Helen Johnson, Ruth Winnes, Mary Howard and Irene Zwick. * Baker & Schultz Low On Bridge Projects Baker & Schultz, Inc., of Decatur. was low bidder on two bridge projects in bids opened Thursday by the Indiana state highway commission. The local firm submitted the low bid of $146,575 on a Delaware county bridge on 1-69 over Kilbuck creek north of Indiana 128, and also the low bid of $lB3, 592 in Huntington county over 1-69 on county road 90-S northeast of Indiana 218. The state opened bids on approximately $lO million worth of road and bridge construction projects.

The state opened bids on approximately $lO million worth of road and bridge construction projects.

Some Os Election Workers Are Named Election board workers for next Tuesday’s city election were relee sed this morning .by county clerk Richard Lewton, who receives them from the precinct committeemen. All Democrat workers for the eleven city precincts have been turned in, but Republican workers for four precincts, 1-C, 2-B, 3-B, and Decatur-Root. were not submitted yet this morning. The workers are as follows: 1-A: inspector, Beatrice E. Melchi (Di; judges, Lucile A. Kallenbarger (D>, Marjorie Daniels (R); clerks, Bertha M. Zqlt D', Kathryn Bonifas (R); sheriffs, Magdeline E. Butcher (D>, Ruth Strickler (R). 1-B: Inspector, Joan Eloise Hoffman (D); judges, Helen K. Cowens (D), Charles Burke (R); clerks, Marcia Louise Manley (D), Kathryn E. Dawson <R); sheriffs, Mathias P. Minch (D), Ira G. Bodie (R). 1-C: Inspector, Mary V. Baker -(D).; judge, Francile S. Mclntosh (D); clerk, Elizabeth M. Hersh (D); sheriff, Alberta C Colchin <D). No Republicans yet named. 1- Inspector, Martha F. Rawley (D); judges, John R. Eichhorn (D), Mary Della Cochran (R); clerks, Alverta T. Massonne (D), Nida Deitsch (R); sheriffs, Evangeline Witham (D), Forrest E. Brown (R). 2- Inspector, Margaret M. ■ Braun tD>; Judges, Elizabeth J. Boch (D), Charles C. Langston <R); clerks, Mary M. Winteregg <D), Jennie Edwards <R); sheriffs, Francis J. Schmitt (D>, Willie Flag (R). 2-B: Inspector, William C. Dellinger (D>; judge, Fred Hancher (D); clerk, Anola E. Crist <D>; sheriff, John Beineke (D). No Republicans named. More Workers 2- Inspector, Frances I. Bohnke <D); judges, Gretchen Krueckeberg (D>,‘Mary E. Girod (R)-; clerks, Clarissa N. Garner <D>, Frances S. Borders (R); . sheriffs, Clarence Dersch ID', Leßoy C. Hawkins (R). 3- Inspector, Rose P. Nesswald <D);*judges, Cecile Ehini»er (D), Lola Gould <R'; clerks. Charlotte A. Schafer <D), Edythe I. Lankenau sheriffs, Charles A. Weber (D), Carl V. Gatt- .” shall - ( -r-.. -.... . 3-B: Inspector, Alvy Buffcnbarger (D) ; judge, Flossie Bogner <D>; dark, Katharine Ochsenrider <D>; sheriff, Charles Beineke <D). No Republicans named. 3-B: Inspector, Ethel Foor <D ; judges, Clifford Steiner (D), Eileen Rice (R); clerks, Irene Schafer <D», Mildred Von Gunten (R); sheriffs, Josiah E. Sheets (D>, Gertrude E. Dickerson <R'. Decatur-Root: Inspector, Edith M. Walters (D); judge, Dorothy Sheets (D); clerk, Ruth Nicodemus < D>; sheriff, Howard B. Eley <D>. No Republicans named.

Russia Still In Moon Race

WASHINGTON (UPD —President Kennedy believes that Russia is still very much in the moon-space race despite recent statements by Soviet Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev — and so is the United States. ‘‘l would not make any bets at all upon Soviet intentions,” he told his news conference Thursday. ‘‘l think that our experience has been that we wait for deeds, unless we have a system of verification, ancT we have no idea whether the Soviet Union is going to .make a racp for the moon or whether it is going to attempt, an even greater program.” ’■,, ■ The President said hd did not interpret Khrushchev’s “cautiously worded" siatement on the Prussian space effort last weekend to mean that the Soviet Union was abandoning the race to the moon. “The fact of the matter is that - the Soviets have made an intensive effort in space, and there is every indication that they are continuing and that they have the potential to continue," Kennedy said. “I would read ... ihisJ remarks very carefully. I that he said ■> before anyone went** to the moon, there should be adequate preparation. We agree with that.” The Chief Executive said the U.S. space program was “easential” to the nation’s security, not merely because of the moon race itself, but because it is vital that the United States "have "the competence" to master the space environment. On other subjects at the news conference: Force* — Kennedy moved to calm ’ West German jitters

REDDY FEATHER SAYS: AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE "TODAY'S DECATUR BOY SCOUTS v COMMUNITY FUND „ 5 V TOTALIS GIRL SCOUTS K $16,623.62 CRIPPLED CHILDREN SOC. LITTLE & PONY LEAGUES The Goal Is U S °’ $28,993 SALVATION ARMY &gKr MENTAL HEALTH - ’ F-d COMMUNITY CENTER YV Still Needs AMERICAN RED CROSS -JU/' $12,369.38.’? Give The United Way

Coup Staged In Viet Nam

SAIGON, South Viet Nam (UPD — Rebellious Vietnamese marine, army and air force units staged a coup,_today aimed at overthrowing President Ngo Dinh Diem. (A few hours later United States forces in the- Pacific were ordered 1 to start moving toward South Viet Nam to protect American lives if necessary. 'Die forces are primarily part of the 7th Fleet, but might also include some air and even ground units. The United States already has an estimated 15.000 troops in Viet Nam. President Kennedy met for 45 minutes in Washington this morning with his top diplomatic and military advisers on the Vietnamese uprising. Aides said there would be no immediate White House statement.) Fierce fighting raged in the streets of Saigon, and Diem's special forces “palace guard" was reported routed. Heavy -casualties were feared. Radio reports said Diem had taken refuge on a naval vessel in the Saigon River. There was no word on his brother and chief adviser, Ngo Dinh Nhu, head of the secret police. Some elements of the army and the navy apparently remained loyal to the, government. (Insurgent radio broadcasts monitored in Singapore and Tokyo identified the leader of -the uprising—as Maj. Gsn. Duong Van Minh, 40, * a former member of the Vietnamese general s°taff. The reports said 14 generals and 10 colonels have announced support of the rebellion, which Radio Saigonssaid was prompted by the Diem regime's “treatment of the Buddhists and the students" and his alleged plans to “make a deal with Communist North Viet Nam." *' (The broadcasts added that U.S. Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge conferred with Diem shortly after the uprising started. The announcements added

caused by reports of a U. S. troop reduction in Europe. “We intend to keep our combat forces in Germany as they are today; that is, more than six combat divisions." He added there were plans for some reduction of "non-comßat” personnel, however. Politics-— Kennedy went about as far as he could td'-quash rumors that Vice President Lypdon B. Johnson would . be dropped from the 1964 Democratic national ticket. Asked if he wanted Johnson on the ticket and expected that the Texan would be on the ticket, he replied “yes” to both questions. Cuba — Kennedy said he could not give a precise number of how many Russian troops were still in Cuba, but that the numbers have “steadily been reduced .. . and since the first of January there has been a marked decrease ~ . . ” He refused comment on Premier Fidel Castro's charge that agents of the Central Intelligence Agency had been captured in Cuba. . Wheat — Kennedy said negotiations for the sale 'of an. estimated 3250 millioq worth of U.S. surplus wheat to the Soviet Union were entering the “critical phase," and added, “I think we ought to know in the, next days whether we are going to be successful.” Birmingham — Kennedy said U.S. Steel Corp. Chairman Roger Blough had been “helpful” in attempting to ease racial tensions in Birmingham, Ala., where the company maintains a large plant. He said, < however, that Birmingham’s future "is not as happy as j we would hope it would be." f]

SEVEN CENTS

that all press cables from Saigon were being censored, and that all Buddhists, professors, school teachers and students jailed by the Diem regime had been released.' ' (The rebels said their forces had surrounded Diem’s palace and were awaiting orders to attack. They said rebellious marines had captured the national police headquarters and the Saigon radio station, while the navy and the palace guard had surrendered to other insurgents.) (The rebels appeared to be in virtual control of Saigon and other parts of the country ex-. cept for the immediate area around the presidential palace, according to reports reaching Washington. Heavy fighting continued around the palace. Diplomatic sources in Washington cautioned, however, that it still Was uncertain whether the coup was successful.) There was no immediate word about the fate or whereabouts of Ngo Dinh Nhu, Diem's brother and head of the government security police. Madame Nhu, the president’s controversial sister-in-law, i s touring the United States and currently is in Beverly Hills. Calif., with her 18-year-old daughter, Le Tuy. (The Japanese foreign office in Tokyo also said it had received a cable from its acting ambassador in Saigon reporting that Saigon radio announced the formation of a new government some time around 4 a.m, EST. The coup forces were belived to be pro-American. (A U.S. Embassy official in Manila said there had been fierce fighting. “One plane has been shot down and the president's palace has been surrounded.” the official sfld.) There were no immediate reports of casualties. 'Fhe United States has 15,000 troops in South Viet Nam and many of them are stationed in .the. capital. The - Vietnamese marines started the action by invading the national police headquarters. where students were held after anti-government demonstrations. It was believed they freed the students. Dissident army troops from a training camp outside Saigon then occupied the navy headquarters. It was believed the navy remained on Diem’s side. Navy ships in Saigon harbor were seen training their guns on Vietnamese air force planes. Navy headquarters was cleared after several truckloads of insurgent army troops arrived there from the Quant Trung military training camp. (Reports of fighting reached other Far Eastern capitals from Saigon. In Seoul, informed sources said the South Korean Embassy in Saigon reported government forces were battling paratroopers. (There was no indication of the strength of the insurgent forces.) \. BULLETIN Mrs. Pauline Smith, of 334 North First street, wife of Elmo Smith, Decatur druggist, died about 1 o'clock this afternoon at the iaitheran hospital in ForLWayne, following an extended illness. The body was removed to the Gillig & Doan funeral home? Funeraf arrangements have not been completed. INDIANA WEATHER Windy and quite cool tonight with temperatures a Htr tie below freexing by morning. Fair and cool Saturday. Low tonight 27 to .15. High Saturday 46 to 54. Sunset today 5:44 p.m. Sunrise Saturday 7:14 a.m. Outlook for Sunday: Fair and a little I warmer. Lows 22 to 34. Highs 50 to 60.