People and events from November 1939 from the top: Arthur Williams of Ithaca brought home the really big game from hunting season. His moose, bear and deer were all shot while hunting in Canada; the death of Perrinton Civil War veteran John Beckwith now meant that according to the news, only one Civil War veteran remained in the county; Thanksgiving approached and anyone not eating dinner at home could find a dinner at the State Sweet Shop in Alma – for only 45 cents; Hitler and Stalin claim do they do want war with each other – history will prove otherwise.

The harvest season was over, the holidays were approaching, and life continued in Gratiot County. Most of the news centered on how people lived in the county. The Depression went on – a second world war was going on in Europe.

It was November 1939 in Gratiot County.

The Depression Moves Along

Dr. Francis Townsend, the father of the Townsend Movement, planned to speak in Saginaw, and many Gratiot residents went to hear him. Townsend advocated the idea of an old-age pension, so Townsend Clubs sprang up across the nation. Gratiot County Townsend Club members who sought to hear “the apostle of the old-age pension plan” were urged to attend this meeting – and many did.

Members of the Gratiot County Social Welfare Commission waited for the results of an audit to know how much money existed in the state books of the Emergency Relief Administration. On December 1, the commission took over the responsibility of ERA, and the county audit had to be approved by the Gratiot Board of Supervisors to know the status of funds. This commission consisted of C.J. Chambers, Dan McCuaig, and Earl Davis, and the three men had been overseeing the costs of the county’s poor farm since November 1. Now, they were responsible for all emergency relief cases and hospitalization of indigents. As a result, the state and federal law changes all meant more responsibility on the county level concerning welfare.

By the end of November, 46 young people in Gratiot County had employment with Michigan National Youth Administration work projects. Statewide, a total of 10,917 youth were involved. These youth, between the ages of 18 and 24, had part-time jobs such as working on road and street improvements, in educational buildings, on and around public grounds, working on recreational buildings, sewing,  resident projects, nursery schools, and homemaking, to name only a few. Gratiot boys aged 17 to 23 could also apply at the Gratiot County Welfare Office at 614 East Superior in Alma for enrollment in the Civilian Conservation camps. Interested boys needed to apply by early December.

War News

As the war continued in Europe, Captain Charles E. Hixon of the Military Department, Field Artillery, Michigan State College, came to Ithaca to discuss defense preparation. Hixon wanted to address how the ROTC planned to play a part in national defense. His talk took place at the Ithaca Mason Temple.

A recruiting party from Fort Wayne visited Gratiot County November 8-10 at the Ithaca Armory. The War Department, with the support of President Roosevelt, now wanted hundreds of young men to be enlisted. One local volunteer, Harold L. Overmier of Ithaca, joined the Navy. The War Department’s goal was to raise army strength to 227,000 nationwide.

Gratiot County lost its next to the last Civil War veteran when John Beckwith of Perrinton passed at 88. Beckwith, then from Muir, joined the Grand Army of the Republic at 13 and joined Company E (re-organized), Third Infantry, on September 15, 1864. Although Muir did not see the most challenging part of the war, he served in Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas – where he mustered out on May 25, 1866. Beckwith had been a resident of Perrinton for 52 years. This death left only Jasper Norton, age 94, of Elm Hall as the county’s last tie to the Civil War.

Holiday Seasons Arrive

The holidays were in the news in November 1939, even though it rained and snowed on Halloween in Gratiot County. However, in Alma, a Halloween celebration occurred at the Alma Fire Department as youths downed 1,800 doughnuts and drank 100 gallons of cider that Tuesday night. Initially set for Tourist Park, city leaders moved the fire to the fire department, and it went off without a problem. At the fire station, a long line of youngsters came in one door and exited another, and they could eat and drink all they wished. Over in St. Louis, the city still held a costume parade led by the high school band. The St. Louis City Council provided refreshments. In Ithaca, another Halloween parade occurred, and afterward, youths met at the high school auditorium to listen to the high school music department provide music while they received their treats. Station PHEW broadcaster Duane Mellinger oversaw the ceremonies for several hundred boys and girls who came. Halloween parties also took place in other places. The Gratiot County Junior Farm Bureau held its party at the Beebe Hall. At the same time, the Northside Jolly Neighbors in St. Louis met at the M.J. Ingold home on North Seaman Street. A total of 25 attended the party. Mrs. Hugh McLaren won first prize for best costume.

As Thanksgiving neared, the state turkey tour visited ten turkey farms in Gratiot and Clinton counties. A highlight was a stop at the Clark Howland farm in Newark Township, which featured a short talk and dinner. The 75 turkey growers on the tour saw 12,500 turkeys.

By the end of November, places like Alma and Ithaca prepared for Christmas. Santa arrived in Alma on Friday, November 24. Crowds of children lined up in front of the Strand Theatre an hour before Santa appeared. Soon, St. Nick appeared in a sleigh mounted on a red truck, and a police escort had to get him through the crowds and inside. Every seat in the theatre was occupied, with children even sitting on the steps in the aisles. Santa happily gave out free “noise makers” to each in attendance. Then, the audience watched a series of free cartoons courtesy of Strand Theatre manager Victor A. Jaeckel. Starting soon after Thanksgiving, Salvation Army kettles appeared on Superior Street on Saturdays. The city also prepared to help needy families at Christmas as organizations and people gave for Yule Benevolences. Mid-West Refineries gave $50 for Christmas baskets and asked for the names of twenty families to provide gifts for Christmas. Others, like the Alma Teachers’ Club, gave $25, while the Alma Red Cross gave $50 to buy 20 pairs of new shoes for those needy children.

Ithaca began the Christmas season by planning for its Home Lighting and Decorating contest. Roland Crawford headed a committee establishing rules for participants in the 1939 Christmas season. All residents participated in decorating their homes with pleasing displays. The Ithaca Chamber of Commerce planned to decorate the downtown area with individual Christmas trees, each having strings of 24 lights. A large lighted “Merry Christmas” sign greeted visitors on East Center and North Pine streets. The annual Window Night program occurred on Friday, December 1, and a fire whistle blew at 7 o’clock to signal everyone downtown to turn on their Christmas lights. A program took place that night at the bandstand, located east of city hall. Here, Santa arrived, led by the Ithaca High School band. Following a Community Sing, those in attendance were eligible for up to 50 prizes given away by area merchants. Also, at that time, the Ithaca Santa Claus Club prepared to help those who might not have a Christmas. The club asked for new and discarded toys and clothing donations, which could be left at Ginther’s Garage.

The Long Arm of the Law

In November 1939, Gratiot County heard about criminal behavior, from more minor crimes to those that shocked the community. One only needed to read the county newspapers to find out what crimes occurred.

L.E. Grice and his wife were arrested for violating the Horton Trespass Law. Grice cut across the corner of the Nathaniel Thibaudeau farm in North Star while looking for bittersweet. The two were reported and cited for trespassing. L.E. Grice paid $10 and costs. Game violators faced different charges that fall. A group of ten officers from the state conservation department put up a blockade on US-27, two miles north of Ithaca. It resulted in finding two men from Tecumseh who had dressed venison, a result of shooting deer out of season near Beaverton. They paid fines and costs of $58.85 to avoid jail time. A River Rouge man was found with dressed hen pheasants. He paid $16.85 in penalties and fees.

Then, there were other types of arrests. Cornelius W. Eichorn of Beebe had his driver’s license revoked for six months after hitting a tree between Alma and Ithaca. Due to insufficient funds, Beatrice Piggott of St. Louis was arrested for passing a bad check to Alfred Wolansky of North Star for $14.20. She was scheduled for trial on December 2. George Dickerson of Sumner Township refused to buy a license tag for his dog for $1. When told that he had to pay $2 for being late, Dickerson went to Isabella County to buy a license for a lesser fee. Gratiot officials refused to honor the Isabella license, arrested Dickerson, and he had to pay $10.15 for fines, penalties, and a new license. Failure to do so meant Dickerson faced ten days in jail. Dickerson paid the fine.

A family of four in Washington Township made the news because of charges of concealing stolen property. Jesse and Retha Goins and their two sons were arrested for concealing stolen property from the Beck Farm in Clinton Township. Gaylord Beck discovered that the Goins family had 16 crates inside their kitchen with his name on them. When police investigated, they found 71 crates in a shed, with another 200 empty crates packed overhead. The stories about the existence of the apples told by each family member varied, and the sheriff arrested Jesse Goins and his oldest son. The bond was set at $200.

Thievery was always a problem for the law, and safe robbery, which was common in Gratiot County gas stations, continued. Two filling stations, one each in St. Louis and Breckenridge, were hit nearly simultaneously, and $285 was missing. At Bottum Brothers in St. Louis, the safe, which weighed 700 pounds, was hauled to a doorway and then abandoned. The thieves then sought to chisel off the door and saw off the hinges. At Breckenridge’s Hi-Speed Station, thieves got in through a ventilator next to the lady’s room, tore away a York safe, and pulled it off the wall. The criminals then rolled the safe to an alley, where the thieves loaded it. The safe was located two miles north of St. Louis a day later. Justice was delivered in another case where detectives in St. Louis and Mt. Pleasant arrested two Gratiot robbers. Gerald Brown and Archie Clawson robbed a gas station in late 1938 and made off with $54. The station owner, who tried to stop the robbery, was slugged from behind. After being apprehended, the pair awaited trial in Clare County Circuit Court. Two boys, one from Seville Township and another who lived near the Gratiot County line, were arrested and given a week in jail for breaking into the toolbox on a tractor that belonged to the Gratiot County Road Commission. James Cobb and William Pratt made off with $40 worth of tools. The court ordered the two to make restitution, and probation was deemed conditional until the boys paid for six sheep they stole from the William Moody farm near Forest Hill in August.

Crimes of a sexual nature also appeared in the news. A new Michigan law dealing with criminal sexual psychopathic cases meant that Judge Kelly Searl ordered two men to the Michigan State Hospital Commission. The two men, one from Vestaburg, arrested for criminal sexual assault, and the other from Wheeler, charged with indecent exposure, came before Judge Searl. Under the new law, both men were sentenced for no specific period or institution. The two remained in the Gratiot County jail until called by the commission. An Elm Hall man was also charged with committing a crime against nature, and his bond was set at $300. He remained in the county jail. A Mexican worker from Beebe received one year’s probation for a charge of rape. He petitioned Judge Searl to return to Texas and was granted leave.

Harvest, End of Season, Hunting, and Gratiot County

Although harvest season ended in the county, farm-related activities continued. Charles Krepps of Wheeler hosted an organizational meeting at his home to form a Farm Bureau Chapter. After a mixer, some talks, and a fine potluck meal, the new South Wheeler Community Farm Bureau pledged to meet regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The group elected Krepps as its president.

Several Gratiot County Agricultural Conservation farm reporters spread across the county to determine how much wheat acreage would be planned for 1940. The survey also helped the county to determine how many farmers would be eligible for 1940 wheat parity payments.

The sixth annual meeting of the Production Credit Association took place on October 27 at the Strand Theatre in Alma. Three hundred sixty-one people elected three directors and listened to talks by PCA special representative from Minnesota and C.P. Milham, Gratiot County’s agricultural agent. Leon Tolversen, the special representative, held a surprise quiz program for ten selected farmers from across the county. The farmers formed five teams, and the one who answered the correct questions about PCA’s operation received a prize of five dollars.

The Alma Chamber of Commerce offered its annual Alma Farmers Institute program at the Strand on December 7. Mayor Earl Walker and Chamber Vice President Rex Babcock planned to speak to an estimated 600-800 people, followed by talks by C. P. Milham, county extension agent. The Ford German Band, provided by Ford Motor Company,  provided entertaining music, and attendees watched a recent Michigan-Michigan State football game film. Each person who attended the institute received a ticket for a free dinner provided by one of several Alma restaurants.

In other farm-related news, Gratiot County 4-H members raised or processed over $12,000 in products from summer clubs with a net profit of nearly $4,000. Harry Johnson of Ithaca moved Johnson’s Power Farm Equipment Store from the Nelson Produce Building one half mile east to a new location. The new store sat on 160 acres of land purchased from George O. Davis, also called the old Long Farm. This new building measured 40 feet by 88 feet and consisted of double tile. Harry Johnson’s three sons, Woodrow, Lyle, and Randall, all who worked with him in the business. Balmoral Patricia, an Ayrshire owned by James S. Davidson of Balmoral Farms, Ithaca, came home safely from the New York World’s Fair. Balmoral Patricia was one of the performers in Borden Company’s World of Tomorrow.

A pair of barn fires took place in the county that November. Donald Oakes lost his large barn in Lafayette Township and its contents for a total loss of $3500. He had insurance to cover $2600. Fortunately, the Breckenridge Fire Department saved the house and other buildings. The fire was deemed to be of undetermined origin. Harold Sandel of Elwell lost his two-story frame house in a fire from a defective chimney. The ten-room house quickly rose in flames, but neighbors helped Sandel retrieve most of his household items.

On a lighter note, it was hunting season, and many Gratiot residents went after wild game.T. Jefferson Hoxie and George Hart enjoyed a pheasant dinner at the Fuller home west of Alma. Bigger game meant that most Gratiot hunters went north to get their big buck. James McWilliams of Ithaca, Morris Eastment of Alma, and Rollie Teachworth of Emerson got deer on opening morning in Roscommon and Midland County. Arthur Williams of Ithaca came home with the real big game – a moose, deer, and a bear – all shot while hunting for five days in Canada. Williams showed off his collection to the Gratiot County Herald office. Two pheasant hunters brought in the first reported red fox of the season. Cyril Tugan shot one on the old Cutter Farm southeast of Ithaca, while Paul Beck got one south of North Star on the Mike Reeb farm. One of the animals possibly escaped its enclosure on Bob Budge’s farm a week earlier. Orrin Moon of Pompeii shot a third one south of Pompeii on a Sunday. A resolution was made by the Gratiot County Council of Churches and Sunday Schools to end Sunday hunting and headed to the Gratiot County Board of Supervisors. Unfortunately, the only way that this ban could occur would be if the Board took up an enabling act after a referendum vote and approval by the state legislature. Gratiot County hoped more local hunting would happen as the state planned to set up a wildlife restoration area in eastern Gratiot and western Saginaw counties. A public hunting area of 19,000 acres would be mainly acquired from tax-delinquent properties.

And So We Do Not Forget…

The Ithaca High School Senior Class performed “Wings of the Morning” on December 6 in the gymnasium. Admission was 25 cents…2,100  Alma School children enjoyed Thanksgiving Break from Wednesday afternoon through Thanksgiving weekend. Many teachers were expected to leave Alma to return to their families for Thanksgiving…Alma Postmaster Joseph L. Winslow urged the Alma public on November 23 to mail Christmas tokens early for those who lived out of town…the Middleton Ladies Aid Society planned their annual December fair. Mrs. Orville Miller led a group in creating ready-to-wear aprons…Pastor Albert J. Anthony of First Presbyterian Church in Alma spoke about his military service during the World War at the Alma Rotary Club…A Riverdale family experienced thirteen cases of smallpox. Dr. William Guinard, village health officer, believed that the outbreak was under control and milk delivery to Riverdale continued. Guinard urged anyone who did not have the smallpox vaccine to visit their physician and obtain a precautionary treatment…Rathbone pioneer E.M. Becker died at the age of 88. Becker lived in Lafayette Township for 74 years, held nearly every township office during his lifetime, as well as postmaster. He also helped to build the first church and school in Rathbone…the Alma city commission agreed to remove the Pere Marquette railroad bridge over the old mill race at State and Woodworth Streets. A sidetrack to Home Lumber and Fuel Company would remain intact…Alma High School students listened to an Armistice speech by Dr. W.E. Kaufmann from Alma College.

The Alma Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution urging the creation of a community center. Reid Brazell, Paul R. Cash, and  Rex A. Babcock led the discussion and resolution…a large Red Cross appeared on the Alma clock tower inset with brilliant red bulbs. The emblem was to be displayed at night until the Red Cross roll call campaign concluded on November 30….the J.J. Newberry store closed for one hour on  Friday, November 10, in respect for the passing of Charles T. Newberry, the brother of the founder of the company. The funeral occurred in Tarrytown, New York…extensive remodeling of the former Delavan house on State Street in Alma continued. Jennie Miner, the new owner, ordered a new stone foundation porch in front, a new two-car garage, and a new steam heating system. Extensive remodeling continued inside. The house had ten rooms…No state interference was present concerning Alma’s continued use of angle parking downtown.

A Middleton home was placed in quarantine when a case of infantile paralysis occurred in early November. Colleen Glazier, age 11, was the daughter of Leal Glazier, the owner of a general store in Middleton. Citizens noted that Gratiot County had no effective organization to deal with an outbreak of the disease…the North Star Cemetery Association elected three officers for the following year. E.S. Riest (president), Vern Parling (clerk), and Abbie Mellinger (secretary) planned to serve in 1940…a two-hour movie, “The King of Kings,” was played nightly for one week at the Alma First Methodist Church. No admission was charged for the movie sponsored by the Alma Council of Churches…Morris Johnson, formerly from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was hired as the new night clerk at the Wright Hotel…the Strand Theater attempted to offer a local news service two nights a week. Bob (Scoop) Jones was out taking pictures of people and events that took place. Manager Victor (Doc) Jaeckel said he shot events on 16 mm film.

The St. Louis Football team scored four touchdowns and defeated Chesaning by 33-0. Elbridge Wolfgang, a senior tailback, scored all four touchdowns…in Republic Truck history, on October 1, LaFrance-Republic “Sales” Corporation became known as “LaFrance-Republic Division, Sterling Motors Corporation.” The company moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1932. However, the service organization was still in Alma…the State Street Sweet Shop received new steps leading to its cellar, and the kitchen was getting new flooring. More remodeling was planned…E. D. Russell of Alma operated an auto repair shop on Woodworth Avenue. In late November, he received a booklet from the Philippines sent for the inauguration of Bienvenido M. Gonzalez, who was to become the new President of the University of the Philippines at Manilla. Russell met Gonzalez in Baltimore, Maryland, in the early 1920s when both families lived in the same apartment complex. Russell worked as service manager of the Baltimore branch of Republic Trucks. Gonzalez did research work at Johns Hopkins University. The booklet was published in October for the inauguration of Gonzalez as President…Keith DeMott, age 21, of Washington Township, married Naomi F. Smaltz, age 25, of Fulton Township…Mildred Packer, age 10, of St. Louis, would probably lose sight in her left eye due to a BB gun accident. Another student was shooting at a tree, and Packer was on the other side. Packer went to St. Marys for treatment…St. Louis High School and businessmen from the city held their annual community fair starting on November 30, sponsored by the FFA, Home Economics, and Manual Arts departments. The program is from Thursday night through Friday morning… Jake Sattler purchased D. K. McDonald’s implement dealership in Middleton.

All teachers in Gratiot County were reminded again to take their oath of allegiance as part of Act 54 of the Public Acts of 1939 of the Michigan Legislature. The oath could be administered by a justice of the peace, notary public, circuit court commissioner, judge, or any court of record…Perrinton High School held Alumni Day on Saturday, October 28. Alumni classes of 1934-1936 played against the Classes of 1937-1938. The latter won, and 73 people attended the banquet in a church basement. Over at Middleton, 75 guests participated in a dance there on October 28…a notice appeared that Arthur Fowler of Sumner passed away. Fowler was noted for his role in buying the grist mill and property from Henry Hyde. Fowler improved the mill, which was said to be unlike any other in the state and an essential industry in Sumner… Mrs. Francis Clifford of Perrrinton was shocked while visiting the Fredricksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park museum. While looking at old Signal Corps photographs, she noticed the image of her brother, Josiah P. Hackett. The photo was taken after the second Battle of Fredericksburg; her brother was from Maine. Officials at the museum announced that this was the first time a visitor identified someone in their old photographs…the Thompson Home Library was open two hours each evening during National Book Week. A display of Cizek Children’s colored paperwork done in Vienna was on display. A list of new books was also available to visitors…Ashley High School seniors planned to put on an amateur show. A cash prize of $3 would be awarded to the first-place winner. George “Elmer” Schleder served as announcer.

And that was November 1939 for Gratiot County During Depression and War

Copyright 2024 James M Goodspeed