The Syracuse Journal, Volume 29, Number 30, Syracuse, Kosciusko County, 19 November 1936 — Page 1

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VOLUME XXIX

HUNTINGTON ST. CROSSING NOW PROTECTED BY NEW AUTOMATIC SIGNAL UGHTS

Tests Prove Warning Device at B. & O. Tracks Satisfactory Work has been completed upon the installation of an automatic warning light and signal at the Huntington street grade crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad here, according to Town and Railroad authorities. This crossing, in past years has claimed several lives and caused serious injury to a number of other individuals. — Last summer, following a fatal accident upon this particular crossing, when Maxwell Cullen, twenty year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry * Cullers waa killed as his motorcycle was crushed by a fast passenger train, public opinion was aroused and The Syracuse Journal began a campaign for signals or crosaing protection here. / The Town Board/of Syracuse contacted officiate of {he Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, *Ad representatives of that company/ called at the offices of The Journal and upon town officiate to investigate the request and demands for protection. At that time relief was promised by the company and since then, enginery made • survey, designed the type of warning apparatus believed the most effective here, and a few weeks ago began installation. The signals have been tested and proven satisfactory. They are clearly visible from either approach to the crossing, flashing red as long as their is a train on the block. Motorists are warned to stop when the signal is operating, and to take no chances. It is ateo advisable to exercise caution at this and any other crossing at all times, whether the signal is operating or not. AFTERNOON CLUB HAS TALK ON AUSTRALIA Interesting Papers Read as Group Meets at Home of Mrs. Fred Self The Wednesday Afternoon Club met this week at the home of Mrs. Fred Self. During the discussion, Mrs. Otto Stoelting urged the membership to cooperate wjth other clubs of the district in promoting and supporting the programs of Public Safety and Child Welfare. The membership heard the report of the recent rummage sale and expressed their appreciation for the patronage and the good results of the project. Proceeds from this event are used each year to provide a Christmas treat for children of the community. The club expreeed its gratitude, particularly to Mr. C. C. Bachman for his liberal contributions from his store. Mrs. John Harley, substituting for'Mrs. Bowser gave a paper on “Social Development of Australia”. She commented upon the low type of natives who possess the intelligence of primitive men and rank as the lowest in mentality of all people of the earth. The slogan of the Australian government, which is nominally under the British crown, but is patterned somewhat after the United States government, is “A White Australia”. Strict immigration laws prevent the entrance of other races. This continent, it was shown has '■ the best health record of all continents. Its cities are modern, its schools are adequate, but their are very few rich people and few very poor people. Mrs. Self Read an article on “Industrial and Political Development of Australia." She explained that before the World War, Australia exported only raw material, depending upon Great Britain for manufactured goods. During the war it being followed by the government. STUCKY HELPS PRODUCE COLLEGE CHRONICAL Naperville, IB'., Nov. 19—James Stucky, son of Ebner Stucky, Syracsee, Indiana, was circulation manager of the freshman edition of the College Chronicle, student paper at North Central college. The special issue of the paper, published Tuesday, waa dedicated to the dess of IMO. Stucky worked with twelve other freshmen to turn out the issue which was appropriately printed on green

The Syracuse Journal

NORTHERN INDIANA’S BEST AND NEWSIEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ELECTION NEXT TUESDAY --- The Syracuse-Wawasee Community Chamber of Commerce will meet Tuesday evening at 6:30 p. m. for the purpose of electing officers for the new year. The meeting will be held in the Wawasee Restaurant and dinner will be served before the business section. Every member is urged to attend by the executive committe, as the election is regarded as am important phase in the continued progress of the organize* ■ion.

R. C. HOWARD STARTS NEW BUILDING PROJECT

Electrical Contractor to Construct New Shop and Store For His Business Work has started on another improvement to the business section of Syracuse. Roscoe C. Howard, well known electrical contractor and appliance dealer has acquired the vacant lot on Huntington street, between the State Bank of Syracuse and his brother’s place of business the Wallace Howard Plumbing Shop. He plans to construct a modern store room and shop where he will store his equipment and ateo display electrical appliances and fixtures. The building will be constructed of brick and concrete block along the most modern lines, and will be a fine addition to the growing business section here. A crew of workmen are excavating on the lot for the basement and furnace room. CONSERVATION CORPS STUDY NEW FILM Jesse Butler, Traveling Projectionist Visits Neighboring CCC Camp Jesse Butler, popular travelling ECW projectionist, agarin brought knowledge and entertainment to residents of the neighboring CCC Camp when he recently showed informative films depicting forest and game conservation and the beauties of CCC life. Mr. Butler, who, too, is a member of the progressive organization, visits every camp in the strte of Indiana. His presence at the local camp on November 11, 12, marks his second trip to that camp this year. The primai • purpose of his visitation to each CCC unit is to impress upon the minds of CCC enlistees the importance. of preserving the nation’s forests, soil and game. To an eger and attentive audience of camp officiate and members, who assembled at the company recreation hail, the motion picture operator presented “Highway Beautification” “The A B C of Forestry” and “Forests Save Man” on November 11th. The following evening he showed the “The Horse in Motion", “We Can Take It”, a film of CCC camp life, “Lest We Forget” and “Forest Fires or Game." FORMER RESIDENTS SON DIES FROM BURNS James J. Masters, Aged Three Years, Scalded in Home at Hartford City James J. Masters, aged three and one-half years, son of Rev. and Mrs. William Masters of the Nazarene Church, Hartford City, Indiana, died at 3 o’clock Sunday morning, in the Blackford county hospital, from burns sustained Saturday afternoon at his home, Hartford City. The child was badly scalded when he fell into a pan of hot water which his mother had placed on the floor for cleaning the kitchen. The child is survived by Ms parents and one brother William Masters. aged seven. Rev. Masters formerly lived in Syracuse and graduated from Syracuse High School. Funeral services were held yesterday at Hartford City.

SYIUCUSe. INDIANA, IN>W NormUr ». I’D

THEATER PROJECT CONTINUES

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Shown above is a view of the business block on Main street, here, being remodeled by W E. Long. The block when completed will contain a motion picture theatre and several modem store rooms and offices. Frank W. Hartzer, South Bend contractor states the building will be completed about May 1, in time for next summers vacation season.

LOCALS WIN FIRST GAME PLAYED HERE

Syracuse Defeats Leesburg by Score of 28-16 -Play Atwood Friday In a fast game last Friday night, Syracuse High School basketball team defeated Leesburg High School team, at the high school gym here, to open the 1936-1937 season. Taking the first home game, fans are enthusiastically awaiting the visit of Atwood High School this Friday night, and the team is looking forward to its second victory. When Leesburg marched out on the floor Friday night, a munner of dismay went through the crowd of home fans. Every man on the Leesburg squad looked to be about twice as big as any man on the local team, and in reality, did out-weight the local squad about 20 pounds or more per man. The spirited local boys adopted the slogan, “the bigger they come, the harder they fall”, and only twice in the first half of the game, was the score even close. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 9 to 4 in favor of Syracuse. At the half the local team led by 16 to 10 while at the third quarter mark, the score was 19 to 12. The final whistle left the tally sheet reading Syracuse 28, Leesburg 16. Fast, accurate and deliberate passing, shooting and foul shooting put the local boys out in front. The local team played a splendid game, with every player in there fighting against the larger and more experienced opponent until the final round. The team work of the local boys is something to write home about. There was no attempt by any (Continued on Last Page)

ROSS OSBORN DWELLING DAMAGED BY BLAZE

Loss From Fire Confined to Outside—Water Injures Furniture Fire damaged the home of Ross Osborn, local hardware merchant, Tuesday morning. The fire, according to local volunteer firemen was caused from sparks from the flu, or an overheated flue. The roof and one side of the building was damaged, and a part of the interior and contents were damaged by smoke and water. No actual estimate has been placed upon the loss, but there is partial fire insurance coverage. Roas Osborn is out of town on a hunting expedition. Members of hte family are here however, and discovered the blaze. ESCAPES INJURY IN AUTO CRASH ON ROUTE 13 A sedan belonging to Clark Green of Syracuse was badly damaged late Sunday night, when it struck a parked car on state Mghway 13, four miles north of U. S. highway 30. No one was in the car which was parked. The parked car had no lights burning. Green was uninjured.

SCHOOLS TO CLOSE FOR THANKSGIVING DAY

Students to Have Holidays Thursday and Friday of Next Week School will be dismissed next Wednesday evening for the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no school Thursday and Friday, but school will be called as usual Monday morning after the vacation period. Students are having many activities to keep them occupied between now and the first of the year. Tonight, the dramatic group will go to Milford to compete in the county’s one-act play contest. The play was presented before the student body Wednesday and has a splendid chance of winning an award in the contest members of the faculty believe. Plan Operetta The date has been set, and talent partially selected for the annual school opqsetta to dx held here this season. The affair will be in the high school auditorium, Thursday evening, December 17. Visit Dairy Studenty of ninth grade Home Economic Class .went on a short excursion Monday, and visited the Jones Dairy near here. The group evidenced much interest in the cleanliness, sanitation system and other features of the milk plant. The pastuerinxing apparatus was of particular interest. To See New Pictures The Primary grades will have a motion picture program Friday. Pictures of Switzerland will feature, followed by other subjects. The sixth grade saw colored pictures of New eZaland, Monday. Unit four, containing a Western feature and a reel on Health, a reel on Geography and a reel on Science will be shown the school this week. JUNIOR LADIES CLUB ADDS NEW MEMBERS Miss Lucy Bachman Entertains Young Social Group at Her Home The Junior Ladies met last Thursday night at the home of Lucy Bachman, with Martha Jane Kern as assitant hostess. After a short business meeting, Martha Ann Thornburg gave a talk on “Football.” Grace Reinbold led a discussion on “What to Wear at a Football Game.” Refreahments were served and the meeting was adjourned. Virginia McFarren was initiated into the club. Other members were initiated at the last meeting which was held at the home of Jean Emerson. The membership list now includes Lucy Bachman, Annie Causer, Kathryn Dillon, Jean Emerson, Martha Jaane Korn, Christine Kline, Virginia McFarren, Meredith Mench, Lucille Osborn, Doris Rein bo Id, Grace Reinbold, Priscilla Rhode, Eloise Richart, Wilma Robison, Martha Ann Thornburg and Anne Weatherholt. The next meeting will be held at the home at Martha Ann Thornburg. ROSS OSBORN HOPES TO BAG DEER SOON Roas Osborn, local hardware marchant and beer distributor left last week for Mio, Michigan, with a party of friends to hunt deer. A card received yesterday from Ross states he te having a sp landiil time and will probably stay until he bags a deer.

YACHT CLUB TO BROADEN ACTIVITIES

Plan Winter Program and Additional Boats On Lake Wawasee

Plans are being formulated for a bigger and better sail boat and yachting season on Lake Wawasee next year, according to Merle Harkless of the Wawasee Yacht Club, who attended a recent meeting of the organization in Ft. Wayne. With a large percentage of the membership living in Fort Wayne, the organization will hold alternate meetings there and here throughout the winter months. Irvine Bishop and Merle Harkless represented the local division of the organization at the meeting, which was held following dinner at the Ft. Wayne Y. M. C. A. There were a number of visitors present from other sport clubs and organizations, and considerable interest was expressed in winter sports on Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee this winter as well as boating and water events next summer. There will be a fleet of about thirty snipe boats here next season, according to a report of the club. A number are ordered and several yachtsmen are building their own crafts. Several Fort Wayne residents as well as local fans have purchased iceboats, and are awaiting the freeze of the lakes to get them in action. The Yacht Club te planning a club house at Bishop’s Boat Service and have bids from William Rapp and the Syracuse Lumber Company. The club rooms will serve as headquarters in both winter and summer, and will permanently establish the organization on Lake Wawasee.

MORE NEW PAVEMENTS COMPLETED ON MAIN ST.

WPA Crew Continues to Widen Driveway by Moving Curb Lines Back

The sidewalks of Main street business section with the exception of one block have been improved by the Works Progress Administration crew. This week, the project of moving back two feet in the block from the Grand Hotel to Thornburg’s Drug Store was completed. This gives a new appearance to the Post Office, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company and The United Telephone Company buildings, as well as the hotel building and drug, store. The sidewalks were leveled and made to conform with others on the same side of the street. Last week the opposite side of the same block was completed under the project, and next week, the project will be carried through the rest of the business section. Plans ateo include improvements to the school house wall, lot and sidewalk along Main stret, authorities say. Undergoes Operation George Steinberger, aged 51 of Dewart Lake is in a critical condition following a major operation st the Goshen Hospital. Dr. Fred O. Clarkof Syracuse is attending him, andstates Mr. Steinbarger has been ill for sometime.

JOHN BOWERS, NOTED ACTOR FOUND DEAD THIS WEEK IN HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA

DEPT. OF CONSERVATION WILL BUY WALNUT SEED According to a report from R. W. Erwin, Acting Superintendent of the local CCC camp, the Department of Conservation will buy 800 bushels of black walnut seeed without the hull at one dollar a bushel until their quota is reached. All interested persons are asked to contact Mr. Erwin at the local CCC camp. The seed will be planted through out the state next spring.

FORMER LOCAL EDITOR REPORTED CRITICAL

I Harry L. Porter, One-Time Owner of Journal is Seriously 11l Harry Porter, former owner and editor of The Syracuse Journal, who is now publisher of the Harding Independent, Elizabethtown, Illinois, is reported critically ill. Friends here received word several days ago of Mr. Porter’s illness. He and Mrs. Porter were visitors in Syracuse a few weeks ego, and attended a football game at Notre Dame, South Bend. Just before they left for home, Mr. Porter complained of not being well, and since his return his condition has grown worse. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have many friends in this section who join with us in wishing him a speedy recovery. MRS. SUSAN NICOLIA OBSERVES BIRTHDAY Members of Family and Friends Celebrate Her NinetyThird Anniversary Mrs. Susan Nicolai celebrated her ninety-third birthday at the home of her son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hinderer here last week. The guests included children, grand-children and great-grand children. ~ Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Alva Nicolai, Mr. and Mrs. Loui Nicolai, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Nicolai and two children, Nancy and Buzzy all of Elkhart; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nicolai, Syracuse; Mr. and Mrs. Artie Nicolai of Benton, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Nicolai and children, Mr. and Mrs. David Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Eston Clayton, and son David, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kegg Mr. and Mrs Roy Schleter and daughter Sandra, Mr. and Mrs. William Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hinderer and children, Nelson, Robert, Sara Jane and John Hinderer all of Syracuse; Mrs. Lowell Peffley, Churubusco; Otis Clyde Butt of Fort Wayne; Miss Alice Mann and Miss Nellie Mann of Syracuse. Mrs. Nicolai is one of the community’s eldest residents. She is a native of Montgomery county, 0., and moved to this state with her family years ago. She at one time resided in Benton and later at Wakarusa. Most of her lifetime howevre arusa. Most of her lifetime however

C.W.HOWARDATTENDS AIR-CONDITION SHOW Spending Several Days at Dayton, Ohio, to Inspect New Unit Development C. W. Howard, local plumbing and air conditioning contractor is in Dayton, Ohio where he te attending the merchandising school of the Chrysler “Airtemp” Air Conditioning. Mr. Howard installed the first air-conditioning system in town at The Gift Shop a short time ago, and has the contract for the air-condit-ioning and plumbing work in connection with the remodeling of a large business block on Main street here, and a new motion picture theatre, now under construction. Before leaving to attend the show Mr. Howard stated he intends to inspect various types of air-condition-ing systems and determine the changes and latest developments possible for use here. He was accompanied by Mrs. Howard and before returning will visit relatives in Eaton, Ohio and Richmond, Ind.

'*■ 1 Coim ty

Number 30

Native of Syracuse, He Left Here About A Month Ago John Bowersox, aged 52, of Syracuse, known in the film and stage world as John Bowers, was reported drowned this week near the Malibu Beach film colony, Hollywood, California. < According to press dispatches, Bowers went to the beach Sunday in an effort to obtain employment, but had been reported missing soon after he left their. On Tuesday, a body, tentatively identified as that of Bowers, was washed ashore. The description of Bowers tallied with that of a man who rented a small sailboat at Santa Monica, Sunday. The boat was later picked up adrift, with the occupant missing. According to radio commentators, Bowers had taken a passenger boat to Catalina Island off the coast, where he applied for work. He was unable to find employment there, and boarded a boat to return home. He did not land however. Just which report is correct is not known here, however, members of his family identify the body that washed ashore as that of John Bowersox. For years Bowers’ was a New York stage actor under the direction of W. A. Brady. He entered pictures in 1916 and dropped out of pictures when talkies came and since that time had been unemployed. For a time he interested himself in avia- • tion and yachting, but suffered heavy financial reverses in the stock market. He had invested heavily in aviation companies, some of which failed. . He returned to Syracuse about a year ago and resided with his mother here, until her death in July. After settling her estate, he went to California about a month ago hoping to return to the stage or screen. He was residing with his sister Mrs. R. W. Bonyea in California. While here, Bowers interested himself in writing. He produced a number of short stories and several longer ones, some of which he sold. Several short stories were published under an anonymous name, but The Garret Clipper, Garret, Indiana just completed a serial, written by Bowers’, that has invoked considerable praise and comment. Shortly before he left here, it was known that Bowers' was writing a book on the “Lore of Lake Wawasee’.* The ' work was never finished. Last summer, John offered his help and knowledge of yachting to The Wawasee Yacht Club. He sailed in several races on Lake Wawasee and taught several local as well as visiting vacationers the art of sail boating. A brilliant character, John was mentally above those he talked too. He was versed on any subject and had the highest knowledge of mechanics, particularly air craft. He has been known to completely take down repair and reinstall motors in boats, autos and airplanes, and yet he followed this only as a hobby. He could talk for hours upon American or English litrature and his French was next to perfect. A careful reader and shrewd observer, his eye and mind quickly caught details around him. His vocabulary was that of a college professor, and his English, grammer and enunciation were admirable. He numbered many notables among his friends. While still in Hollywood Bowers was one of the first members of (he film colony to entertain Col. Charles A. Lind burg, with whom he flew on several occasions. His scrap book contains photos showing him with landburg and Mrs. Lindburg. He was often photographed with Douglas Fairbanks, another aviation enthusiast and is the only actor who attained the distinction of playing two successive roles as leading man to Mary Pickford. Here in Syracuse, it is probably correct to say that everyone knew John Bowers. It is also equally true that few persons understood him, and very few tried. John was the type of individual who mounted the ladder of fame and fortune quickly. He had been loved and admired by millions of movie-goers, and was always considered one of the most liberal and charitable of actors. In many communities he is remembered by American Red Cross Chapters, The American Legion and The Veterans of Foreign Wars for the many benefit performances he gave, to aid the needy and suffering during and after the War. But here in Syra(Continued on Last Page)