Syracuse-Wawasee Journal, Volume 41, Number 15, Syracuse, Kosciusko County, 8 February 1946 — Page 1

Entered as second class matter at the postoffice at Syracuse, Ind. under act of Congress of March 3, 1879. "

VOLUME 41.

Will Rebuild Pickwick Building

Fire Loss Is $400,000 A $500,000 fire swept the Pickwick Block, and ultra-m<dern business building block th Syracuse, the northern Indiana summer resort town, Saturday. The flames one-fourth of the city’s business district. ; ' Flames of undetermined origin broke out at 4:30 a m , and, fanned by a hUh wind, spread rapidly. Soon the blaze was beyond control and Are departments from surrounding cities and towns were summoned. Firemen battled the blaze In 15-above zero weather.

Fire Spreads Rapidly When the lounge was closed at about 1 am., the bartender stated that he smelled something burning. Town Policeman C. J. Kline was called In and a thorough search made of the building. Mr.Kline, and Ous Penagos, manager of the lounge, neither could detect any odor, or evidence of a fire. At about 4:40 a.m., however. Joel Wilt detected smoke in his = apartment and phoned in a fire alarm. At what must have been approximately the same time, Mr. Klipe saw the blaze from the street. Mr. Wilt telephoned for help from surrounding towns and Kline went on a run first to the telephone office and then back tq the station to get the truck. He brought the pumper to the front of the lounge, where an effort was first made to stop the -blaze with the small hose. Mr. Kline, and others, state that the blaze was in the second and third booths when he first saw it. By the time Mrs. Wilt got downstairs (before the pumper arrived) flames had leaped to the front of the building. Keith Cripe. Jim Mench. Lloyd Disher. and Joe Rapp, all say that the fire was almost stopped at one time but then seemed to gain momentum and spread to other parts of the building through the attic and the ventilating system. The theater was thought to be saved for some time, but flames went down through the roof and through one door. The Journal office was the last of the main building to catch fire, and it was not until nearly two hours after the Hre was discovered that the roof oh this section caught. However, since there was no built-up second story over this office, the firemen put out the fire almost as it fell, and at the end of the Saturday am. fire the entire first floors were standing in good condition. THE FIRE LOSS Theater $45,000. Lounge $30,000 Bowling alleys $12,000. Art Gallery $35,000 Journal office $12,000. Building and other equipment $150,000. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Grieger, a total of $6,000. Mr. and Mrs. J. D Wilt, total, $12,000. C. C. Mason, playroom equipment. SIO,OOO. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Blank. SISOO. * The building cost originally $231,000. To this is added the cost of equipment, supplies, etc. W. E. Long, of Chicago and Lake Wawasee constructed the block about 10 years ago. He sold it to James J. Gregory, and others, of Chicago 14 months ago. - We have not criticized the local fire department at any time. It is this “volunteer” system that is wrong. Those fellows on the fire department (as we have said at several other times) are doing a g udjob with little pay, at freit personal cost in clothing and in time and in health. Our position has been before (read The Journal two weeks ago) the fire, and still is that there is TOO MUCH at stake to run a fire department to protect some $15,000,000 worth of property by volunteer effort. A paid 24-hour service, that makes ' fighting fires a business, Is what The Journal is advocating, and did for weeks, and years, before this latest fire. Who’s home will bum next? Or what block of buildings will go next? Or do you think “it can’t happen here?” COME IN AND SEE the ww Gibson Freezer Shelf Refrigerator and Gibson KookaU Eleetrie range now en display. Place year order new.—Syracuse Hardware Ce.

Sy racuse-Wawasee Journal

NO. 15.

James J. Gregory president of the Syracuse Amusement Corp., owners of the Pickwick block, stated here Tuesday to The Journal, that the «er.tire block will definitely be rebuilt? The theater and all the present rooms will be replaced. Mr. Gregory stated that an architect will b‘gin plans at once, and that actual construction will start as soon as a contract can be let, labor securer and material purchased. Mr. Gregory also stated that labor and materials must be supplied from kcal sources. A priority can be secured to secure materials for replacing buildings destroyed by fire, 1: is said. Town Board Meets The three members of the Syracuse town board, Wade Zerbe, Fielden Sharp and Floyd Brower, met in regular session Monday night, with about 25 citizens present Town clerk Ernest Buchholz was not present on account of 111naaa The three members agreed to a tentative plan as suggested by R. C. Howard and <L F. Jones at a meetinc four wefts ago. This involves putting in s new 8-inch water line to the .oath part of town. An engineer will be present at the next session of the Board, where additional pirns will be discussed. The Board also told of their effort to buy a new- fire fighting truck. The Board has made preliminary plans to buy a Howe pumper. The only difficulty now is obtaining a truck chassis. To clear up any misunderstanding, the Board had decided on this move several week: ago. The new pumper wj’l cost about $5,000. On a question from J. B. Cox to the Board abou; their attitude toward hiring full time firemen, Fielden Sharp was most emphatic in opposing it. Mr Zerbe and Mr. Brower did not voice an opinion. Mr. Sharp gave as his reasons in opposing any sue!) plan, that: “Responsible men Absolutely cannot be hired for anj such purpose, that it would take three men. in 8-hour shifts, at salaries of $2,000 each. And that such a plan would double the present tax rate.” In answer to this’ we make the following statement: There are from five to ten mln seeking employment at local factories every day, some of who.it are “responsible.’’ The present salary of two city policemen is jar below any $2,000 per year fig’tfe, and it is our personal opinkin that $1,500 will hire a good man for 12-hour duty. This would mean a total of $3,000 per year in salaries. As to the statement that hiring of three additional men world "double the tax rate,” we point cut that at the present rate of about $2.50, the town in 1945 receive over $27,000. It was then suggested by several citizens present. George Bryan, George Lamm, A. L- Miller, R. C. Howard, and perhaps others,'that it might be possible that Turkey Creek township gcMM pay part of the salary of fiemen. M. F Jones, who was present, quickly agreed that if the law would allow him to do It, tnch a plan might be worked >Ut. Mr. Jones * is having his attorney .investigate this angle thoroughly. The value ■ of property in tht township is, of i course, higher than that in town. I and any tmprovcEient in the fire 1 fighting service lg/re is o! benefit > to citizens at Waeasee or in the ) township, as well as in Syracuse. > It would appear now that some • plan may be warded out The Board will meet again in two weeks, at width time those interested will agzir be present r The Town Board is entirely willr Ing to meet any eiUsen at its regu- » lar meetings, am welcomes any r suggestion in a most cooperative manner

SYRACUSE HAVANA, FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 1946.

NOTES ABOUT THE FIRE The office safe of the Pickwick lounge went through the fire in good shape. Paper and some of the currency was only slightly scorched. In the theater film booth, the films of a recent show were in good shape. They were stored in steel boxes, and the film booth Is constructed of concrete. The rest rooms of the theater went through the fire in perfect shape, as did the furnace room of the theater. Liquor stored in the lounge added flames—and the noise. It was noted that Syracuse volunteer firemen were the only firemen present who had no protection against the water and the cold, except their own clothing. Other outfits had rubber boots, helmets, coats, etc. With taxable property in this township at seven million dollars and in the town at one million (true value three times that) there are those who say that the people “can’t afford” to have a paid fireman on duty all the time. The equipment of the Journal, in the basement rooms, was absolutely undamaged in the fire of early Saturday morning. There was about a foot of water in the basement, but NO fire. The floors of the two upstairs rooms were in good condition, and were inspected about 4 pan., by local firemen. Saturday night, when flames broke but on the floor of The Journal rooms, night officer C. H. Kline phoned three members Os the volunteer firs department, none of whom responded. He then went to the station himself and brought up the truck. The fire had by that time got out of hand and $12,000 worth of machinery was lost. We are not "blaming'* anyone in particular, but we- are saying that the volunteer system too many times proves a complete FAILURE. The boys had on Saturday worked hard all day in freezing weather (for 2 bucks)— and we know they were dead. We DO say that a paid fire chief would have made it his business to see that the property was kept safe, after it was saved once, in the big fire. Every owner of property In the township will feel a RISE in cost of his Insurance rate, when the next payment comes due. Thinks to those kind friends of the Journal who helped in getting our office furnature out. We will never forget seeing Mrs. Fred Clark pushing a 500 lb. office safe across the street! She dood it! The Journal is being printed at the office of The Cromwell Advance, thanks to our good friend Don Robbins. Offers of help also came from the Ligonier Banner, the Clark typesetting company at Ft. Wayne where Dick Gray is employed, the Milford Mall, the Mentone printing •• company, the Warsaw Times-Union, and from F. A. Miller of the South Bend Tribune. We do appreciate this and other help. THE JOURNAL WILL SOON BE IN OWN BUILDING Within a matter of a very tew weeks, The Journal will again be in our own building. The parking lot, owned by the Syracuse Amusement Co., has been leased by The Journal and with the help of A. L. Miller (who also will have an office there) we are securing a prefabricated building which will be used until the Pickwick block is completed. Thanks to Mr. Miller for his most active help, and to James J. Gregory, of the Pickwick company. As far as we can tell, all of the machinery of The Journal was ruined In the Saturday night blaze, but new equipment will be secured in a matter of weeks. NOTICE ADVERTISERS AND SUBSCRIBERS The card index system containing names of all subscribers was saved. Addresses of men in UJL service were all lost The only account book we lost was one containing business done in our job department in January. Those who obtained work here during January, and still owe for It, will do us a favor by reminding as of what was received and amount. HALLMARK VAIAJTHNEB at the Tbomburg Drug Co.

JF~ ““ ——— , - I %IBIE * II ' j. r-nm. ~ * ; **** rx **~' ...

ANNUAL REPORT TOWN OF SYRACUSE, INDIANA Far the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1945 GENERAL FUND Receipts Cash on hand Jan. 1. 1945 $10,429.74 Co. tax distribution 11,559.65 Kzclse tax 1,466.67 Miscellaneous receipts .... 75.00 Total receipts with bal. $23,531.06 Total disbursements 10,591 JO Bal. Jan. 1, 1946 12,939.26 Dtsbunezsents Trustees and other official salaries 800.00 Salary of town marshalls 1,748.80 Salary st. coasmissioner 810.00 Compensation of firemen 204.00 Compensation of street employees 583.15 Other compensation 200.00 Communication and transportation 60.38 Heat, light, power, water 4J22.74 Printing and advertising 87.19 Office supplies 5115 Other supplies 9024 street, alley Ac sewer .... 1,413.65 Insurance and official bond premium 520J0 Total ...» $10,591.80 STREET FUND Receipts Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1945 4 2,91448 County tax distribution 2.825.72 Gasoline tax - 1,827.16 Miscellaneous 40.74 j Total receipts with bal 7,608.00 Total disbursements 4,766.17 Bal. Jan. 1, 1946 $2,84183 Disbursements Sal. street commissioner 13240 Wages of st laborers . 2,988.00 Other compensation 600.00 Repairs to equipment .... 24.50 Supplies 389.60 IfafrrlaJ 69147 ?• $4,766.17; WATER MALNTENANCE Receipts Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1945 J 7.272.39 Hydrant rental 1,800.00 Water collections 3,563.53 Other receipts — ... 225 38 Adjustment Total receipts with bal. 12,90845 Total disbursements 5,479.40 Bbl. Jan. 1, 1946 7,429.45 Disbursements Bal of lawn manhall and pumper 1492J0 tabor - x 579.95 Sdatertals 69248 Office supplies 26.00 Other supplies — 199.94 Repain to equipment .... 19944 Repaln to equipment 12340 tai 14645 tad Ctoeae toceme Tax - 2334 Cozuniarion cm water eoDectioni 250.00 Chlorine -J M.4A WWMwUng tax deduction 20230 Transportation, drayage 23.59 VWtttD-T <l9B tantaai <f ml estate.. 15834 Compensation for extra clerical work 12540 Repaln to stand pipe „ 1J4035 New electro rust equipment for stand pipe — 4M.QQ

Printing, advertising 8.00 $5,479.40 librAry fund Receipts Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1945 2,34935 County tax distribution 2340.69 Petty cash (income from fines, etc.) Total receipts with bal. $448643 Total disbursements 2,10728 Bal. Jan. 1, 1946 42.778J5 Dtsbuneuaente Salary of librarian 41,13040 Janitor servicel2o.oo Other labor maintenance 6040 Books, subscriptions 466.81 Fuel ? ; 8747 Lights <r - 53.16 Water service 1040 Telephone rental — 44.88 ■ Supplies — 2331 Repairs 45.00 Insurance 61.00 Printing, advertising 25.75 $2,10728 &OND FUND , Receipts Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1946 $ 38630 ! Co. tax distribution 1,76647 Total receipts with bal. 2,134.87 Total disbursements 1,45730 ■■ -n.—S* Bal. Jan. 1,4946 67737 Disbursements Payment of sewer bonds 1,000.00 Payment of Interest on sewer bonds 45730 SEWER AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL PLANT FUND Receipts Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1945 $ 1,903.58 No receipts or disbursements.. Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1946 $ 1,903.58 South Main Street Pavement Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1946 71.16 Huntington Street Pavement Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1946 8544 Harrison Street Pavement Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1946 142.49 South Main St. Sewer Found Cash on hand • Jan. 1, 1946 832 Special Assessment Dellnquincy and Deficit Fund Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1946 31.72 RECAPITULATION OF ALL FUNDS J Cash on hand / Jan. 1, 1945 — Total receipts — 27,73425 Total receipts with bal. 52,972.49 Total disbursements 24,40245 $2847034 Cheeks Owtotatatag AfiOGen. fund. Number 304, amount $25.00. Street fund. Number 307 amount $1931; number 333, amount $10.40. Library fund, number 109, amount, $330. Withholding tax fund, nuzfozr 342, amount $23210. * Total $29031. DEDUCT— Federal withholding tax, fund overdrawn, amount $82.00. Total $20931. Cash balance January 1, 1946.

DON’T LAUGH: At Use Size of The Journal. —lt has been a “littlfc” difficult tab week. Better next time.

WAWASEE POST 223 r WILL HOLD BIG PARTY Members of the American Legion post 223, and all veterans whether discharged, on terminal leave or on furlough, are expected to attend the cafeteria style dinner to be served at the Legion hall here on Friday, Feb. Sth. The dinner will t>e served between the hours of 7 to 8 pan. Officers of the post say it is just one of those old fashioned, informal get-togethers for tlhe G. L’s, where they will have a good time and hear some interesting facts about the organisations past, present and future. The post Drum As Bugle corps will give the entertainment and several follows from the national and irtate Legion Department will give the talks. Ralph Greggs, national judge advocate, National Committeeman Pat Malonney. Isadora Levine, nationally known state speaker. State Commander “Hank” Siebenmark. and others. G. Ik Jo’s are urged to remember the date—and come. REV. PURDY WILL SPEAK BEFORE LOCAL C. OF C. The Rev. Travis Purdy, former pastor of the Syracuse Methodist church and who served as chaplain Jm the U. S. army in England and Europe, will be the speaker at the meeting next Tuesday night of the Syracuse-Wawasee Community Chamber of Commerce at the Wawasee restaurant. Rev. Purdy was a major at the time of his discharge from the army. BIRTHS A daughter was born to Mr., and Mrs. Arthur Coy, of Syracuse, at the Goshen hospital, Feb. 4th. SALE OF ABANDONED SCHOOL BUILDING Notice is hereby given that the undersigned. Trustee in and for ■ Turkey Creek township, Kosciusko counity, Indiana, under authority ' vested by Acts of Indiana General | Assembly, 1907 and amendments ■ thereto, does hereby offer for sale the following described property situated and described as follows, to-wlt: iln abandoned school building, commonly known and descrft>ed as the Tamarack school building, located on a tract of land in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 18, Township 34, Range 7 East. Terms of sale will be cash, and for not less than the two-thirds (2-3) appraised value. The sale of above building will be held in my office located in the basement floor of the Grade School Building, In the town of Syracuse, Indiana, commencing at 10 ai. hl, Monday, February 25, 1946, and from day to day thereafter until sold. MADISON F. JONES, Trustee Turkey Creek Twp.

Respectfully submitted ERMBT O. BUCHHOLZ Town Clerk-Treasurer TWs report approved by the Board of Town Trustees of the Town of Syracuse, Indiana, at a regular meeting on January 15, 1M«,

$1.50 A YEAR