NEWS: Items from the Altoona Tribune, February 1, 1919, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Jessica Orr Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ DOUBLE TRAGEDY AT EHRENFELD STATION Joseph, Pa., January 31.-Joseph Finan, of Ehrenfeld, shot and instantly killed his wife while she was waiting for a train at Ehrenfeld today; and then put a bullet through his own head, dying instantly. The murder and suicide occurred in view of a large number of people waiting for the same train. The man had been drinking and the mother had placed their two children in the care of her parents at South Fork. She had purchased a basket of food to take to them just a short time before the tragedy. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 1 PARENTS NOTIFIED THAT SON IS DEAD Special to the Tribune. Lewistown, Jan. 31.-Mr. and Mrs. William M. Henry are in receipt of a telegram from the war department announcing the death of their son Bertram Henry, chief farrier at Fort Sill, Okla., January 28th from an attack of influenza. The telegram from the war department and a letter from the young man arrived at the parental home within an hour of each other, the letter stated that he was sure he was getting the flu when he wrote on January 25th. The letter also contained the intelligence that the young soldier was planning to wed Miss Mary Mollenkop, of Lorraine, Ohio, and come home on his wedding trip in March. A telegram received too, says Henry died from injuries sustained in a stampede of unbroken horses. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 1 SOLDIER RETURNS TO FIND WIFE MARRIED Special to the Tribune. Lewistown, Jan.31.-Private Hoover Henry, company M, 112th U.S. infantry, arrived home from France yesterday to find himself a modern Enoch Arden, his wife having accepted the official report of his death as a release from marital ties had remarried and even old friends whom he expected would greet him at least friendly appeared to shy off in a manner that indicated something out of the ordinary. It was only after diligent inquiry that he learned they suspected him of being a ghost of their old time acquaintance. While Private Henry admits that "Heinie" had him on the toboggan for the happy hunting Grounds on four occasions he finally "beat 'em to it". Henry was wounded twice and gassed twice and is now in a weakened condition from the affects of the last gassing and says he will cause his wife no trouble as she evidently believed the official report and had a right to remarry. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 4 ALTOONA VOLUNTEER NURSE WINS PRAISE Miss Minnie Keagy Commended by Secretary of War Baker for Generous Service. Miss Minnie Keagy, of this city and a clerk in the office of the adjutant general at Washington, D.C., has won praise and distinction by her generous act of nursing an official of the Interstate Commerce Commission through a serious illness. For her act she was commended by Secretary of War Baker. The following newspaper item concerns her commendation by Secretary of War Baker: "Miss Minnie Keagy, of Altoona, Pa., a clerk in the adjutant general's office, has received a personal letter from the Secretary of War commending her for voluntarily nursing an official of the Interstate Commerce Commission who was seriously ill. This young lady is a member of the War Department Emergency Aid association, organized by Miss Turner to take care of the physical needs of the 4,500 employes of that department. The association co- operates with the surgeon general's office, and the members do not confine their services to War Department employes, but look after those of other departments in emergencies. "My attention has just been called," said Secretary Baker in his letter to Miss Keagy, "to the generous service which you have rendered recently to one of the officials in the Interstate Commerce Commission, by nursing him when he was stricken with double pneumonia and pleurisy, at a time when it was entirely impossible for him to secure proper nursing attention through the usual channels. To have voluntarily undertaken this responsibility at the conclusion of your day's work in the department, and to have brought the patient safely through the critical stages of the illness is an accomplishment in which you may take very deep satisfaction. I wish to extend my own personal congratulations and appreciation to you." Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 4 BELLWOOD Some twenty representative men of the Chamber of Commerce and Excelsior Fire company were present last evening at a meeting in the Fireman's parlor to discuss the proposition of a memorial in honor of Bellwood's soldiers and sailors. There is but one opinion as to the doing, but a number of schemes as to what to do. The arch project does not loom large in favor, a more lasting memorial being advocated. Ralph Taylor was chosen chairman of the meeting and Jonathan Cornmessor secretary. Brief addresses were made by T. P. Gheer, J. M. Lupfer, J. C. McFarland, Harry Wiley and others. A memorial hall was discussed, but in-as-much as the Y.M.C.A. will be completed in the near future, the hall was not thought advisable. The discussion crystallized into a resolution which was adopted that a ways and means committee be appointed by Chairman Taylor, himself to be an ex- officer member thereof, to formulate definite plans for adoption or rejection by the audience at the next debate. The committee will be announced in a few days. J. E. Baker, of York, yesterday visited his sister, Mrs. W. McK Reilly, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. W. Lowther. Ralph Taylor, of the First National bank, is receiving congratulations on the arrival of a boy at his home in Orchard place. The young man will vote for president in 1940. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 4 DUNCANSVILLE Professor T. S. Davis, county superintendent of schools, was here on Thursday, visiting the borough schools. Clarence Eckard has returned to his home from Vancouver, Wash., honorable discharged from the service in the Spruce division. William Wisler has purchased the Albert Harker property, into which he will move in the near future. Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Beisecker, of Edgewood Park, were recent guests at the home of George Beisecker. Robert Shaw has disposed of his property to Edward Magill. George Delozier, of Juniata, was a guest of his mother, Mrs. Catherine Delozier, one day this week. Mrs. A. J. States, of Altoona, and Mrs. Gladys States and son, of Juniata, spent Tuesday here visiting friends. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 5 TYRONE Mrs. Richard Beaston would like to have all children at class today, February 1st, who are going to take part in the benefit dance for the blind soldiers. She wants to practice the fancy dances. F. G. Albright the well known Pennsylvania avenue merchant, sold his estate stock to the M and M store, Miller Bros., proprietors. The coming Sunday will be observed at the First Methodist church as "Ingathering Day " especially for the young people of the Sunday school, but also for all others. Persons will be received into the church in preparatory membership and also by letter or on confession of faith. Merchants' Schedule The business men of Tyrone held a meeting in the Municipal building Thursday evening, at which time the closing hour was discussed and decided upon as follows same to become effective February 1, 1919: To close each day at 6 p.m. except Saturday s. Tyrone Division first pay days and each night before a legal holiday. Except from Tyrone division first pay day in December till December 25. To close each Thursday afternoon in June, July, August and September. Get His Ride It has always been the custom with the Pennsy when one of their employes join the ranks of matrimony to give the "Victim" a ride. John Clark who is employed as clerk in the superintendent's office Tyrone division and who was married last week, got his ride last evening. As soon as the closing whistle blew Johnny, well surrounded by office employes was escorted to the entrance where an artistically decorated buggy stood in waiting. He took the joke good naturedly and seemed to have enjoyed his ride at the end of the trip. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 7 TRANSFERS OF REAL ESTATE RECORDED The following realty transfers were placed on record in the office of Recorder of Deeds George C. Irwin, at Hollidaysburg, yesterday: Katherine O. Bowers to Sarah L. Markley, 217 and 219 Willow avenue, Altoona - $1800.62 Rebecca J. Sprankle to Martha M. Fries, Lakemont - $200.00 Martin A. Lingenfelter and wife to John W. Fries, Greenfield township - $120.00 John W. Fries to Ella Fries, Greenfield township - $1.00 Ella Fried and husband to E. H. and B. Claar, Greenfield township - $250.00 J. Edward Goneman's administrators to E. H. and B. Claar, Freedom township - $1000.00 Emma J. Hoenstine and husband to E. H. and B. Claar, East Freedom - $500.00 Emma J. Hoenstine and husband to E. H. and B. Claar, East Freedom - $1000.00 Essington H. Claar and wife to E. H. and B. Claar, East Freedom - $1.00 Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 9 CIVIL COURT ENDS HEAVY TRIAL LIST Last Case Results in Verdict for Defendant-Auto Collision Accidental. The January term of common please court with its sixty-five cases progressed with great speed with two judges presiding; Judge Singleton Bell, of Clearfield county, assisting Judge Baldrige in the trial of the cases during the week. The term ended yesterday evening at 5 o'clock when the jury in the case of Edward S. Furry, of New Enterprise, vs. Russell A. Meck, brought in a verdict in favor of the defendant. This case was placed on trial late on Thursday afternoon. The plaintiff brought suit to recover damages alleged to have been sustained to his automobile when he and the defendant collided on the Plank Road as told in yesterday's Tribune. Furry, who is a farmer, took the stand yesterday morning and said he was on his way to Altoona with a load of produce when the accident occurred. According to the testimony of both the plaintiff and defense, it was a foggy morning and the defense attempted to show that the accident was purely accidental and that Mr. Furry was running in the middle of the road, while Meck was to the extreme right of the road and proceeding at a slow rate of speed. The jury in this case went out at 11 o'clock and was six hours in reaching the verdict. New Suits in Litzinger Cases. Soon after court re-convened yesterday morning, a compulsory nonsuit was entered in the case of the Litzinger Brothers vs. Andy Basal, Robert McCloskey and Swanson Nelson, this action having been brought by M. T. Litzinger and brother, Aaron, who claimed they suffered loss of their positions as coal miners at the Sugar Run Coal mining plant, as a result of a "Clique" composed by the defendants. The case was taken up yesterday in Judge Bell's court. The Litzinger Brothers were plaintiffs, however, in another and similar suit that was tried yesterday morning before Judge Bell. The defendants in this case were Robert Crawford, Charles Knee, James Adams, Christ Mulhollen, Reghtoe Bartolo and William Counsman, employes of the Bradley Coal Mining company where the plaintiffs sought and obtained work after leaving the Sugar Run Coal Mining company mines. A short time after the case was opened, it was brought to the attention of the court that two of the defendants were dead, James Adams, who was killed since the action was instituted in 1917, and Christ Mulhollen. The case was then taken up against the remaining defendants. It was shown that the whole trouble in both cases was due to the refusal of either of the plaintiffs to join the miners' union and pay the check-off or pay a certain sum per ton for the miners' weighman. M. T. Litzinger who resides at Gallitzin with his brother and his family testified that both he and his brother, Aaron Litzinger, had refused to join the union, and lost their jobs. The defense attempted to sow that the Litzingers quit their jobs and were not discharged as the plaintiffs intimated. Edward Knee of Bennington, assistant superintendent and mine foreman, took the stand and denied positively that he had discharged the men. The case was also non-suited, and motion made to "take off the nonsuit in both cases which matter will be argued later." HOLLIDAYSBURG ENTERTAINING LETTER FROM REV. J. R. WOOD George R. Curtis, of Gaysport, Gets a Fine Letter from Y.M.C.A. Worker In a highly entertaining letter written to his former parishioner, George R. Curtis, of Gaysport, Rev. J. R. Wood, formerly pastor of the Baptist church of Hollidaysburg, now a Y.M.C.A. worker in the American army overseas, states that he had a hike that would make Sherman's march to the sea look like an afternoon's stroll. The letter follows: 12 Rue D'Aguesseau, Paris, France, January 2, 1919.-Dear Mr. Curtis: While Paris is my post office address yet I assure you I am far enough away from Paris. We started from France on November 16 and had a hike that would make Sherman's march to the sea look like an afternoon's stroll. Over No Man's Land, territory shot to pieces by both allied and boche artillery, where nobody lived, through a part of France which the boche had held since 1914, then through the length of Lorraine, over a part of Luxemburg and, entering Germany December 1, we came across mountains, hills and valleys to the Rhine by December 10. Then down the Rhine about forty miles, past Coblenz, till we came to the place where it is our duty to see that Germany pays the price of her crazy Kaiser. We reached here December 16 and will probably remain here for some time, unless conditions shall demand our attention elsewhere. If there is any specially hard and dangerous work to do, we will probably be called on to do it. I would not be surprised if our troops would have to go even as far as Berlin to quell riots etc. It is hard for the soldier. He has his full pack to carry, and his rifle, reserve rations, etc. His pack includes not only the ordinary equipment of a soldier, but also a heavy, awkward gas mask, a steel hat and many things that you old Civil war veterans never dreamed about. The boche army was only about twenty-four hours ahead of us as they evacuated the territory, so the French, both in France and Lorraine, greeted us with flags and cheering, and the wildest enthusiasm. We have had a pretty nice Christmas season but hope for a better one next year. We had a young fellow named Shoenfelt from Duncansville in our regiment. He has been in the hospital and with another outfit since July, but he came back to us about a week ago. There are a great number who never will come back, however. I tell you we have seen some hardships since I wrote you from Paris in September. The Argonne fight was the severest of the whole year for the Americans. Our regiment was in the front line from September 29 to October 27, without any relief whatever. It was wet and cold; the boche worked his machine guns hard, fired his artillery at close range and had a cross fire for his long-range guns that kept us in a hot place all the time, and then the worst of all is his night raid with the bombing aeroplanes. I saw a hole made by one bomb that extended clear across the road and fully ten feet on both sides of the road. But we hope that this is all a thing of the past. Hope you are well and happy. Remember me to Mrs. Curtis, and to all friends and keep a sharp lookout for me coming home about the time the daisies are in bloom. Hope the "fin" has not harmed you in any way. Hope your minister keeps you in the straight and narrow way. Captain Gillette, Camilla Reed's husband, is sitting in the room while I am writing and is well. I am living in a lunatic asylum just now. It is so comfortable that I have no great desire to get our. Our "Y" is in a Dutch beer saloon, so you see what a mixup we are in. Cordially yours, J. R. Wood. PEOPLE COMING AND GOING William Birch, a well known Hollidaysburg young man, who has been in the engineering department of the army services for some time, located at Camp Custer, Md., has been mustered out of service and returned home yesterday. He was ill for some weeks with the influenza, which was all that prevented him being taken overseas for service. Having fully recovered from his illness, he has regained his former good health. Miss Alice Harter, of the Methodist parsonage, is suffering with a severe case of the flu. Judge Singleton Bell and Hugh Gaulin, the official court stenographer, of Clearfield county, who spent the week in the Blair county courts, yesterday took their departure for their homes. James T. Andrews and T. S. Billings, of Harrisburg, were business visitors in town yesterday. NEWS NOTES OF INTEREST New Victor Records for February on Sale today at Leedom's Drug Store. Mark's Bros. wholesale, all kinds of feed and flour, for sale at the right prices. Farmers and dairymen call to see us at 111 Allegheny St. Hollidaysburg. Bell phone 224. A beautiful clock now adorns the walls of the Pine Street Church of the Brethren the time recording instrument having been placed thereon this time piece is the gift of Mrs. Sarah week by Jeweler Claude L. Pruyn. The E. Metzker, widow of the late Isaac D. Metzker of Martinsburg. The gift was publicly received and acknowledged at the church service on Thursday evening. IT is a handsome one and is appreciated by the church people. Yesterday was the birthday of Mrs. Grant Smith, of Altoona, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham L. Stiffler, of Canoe Creek. To help the good Mrs. Smith to properly celebrate the day, a large number of her friends and relatives arranged a party on her. It was a daylight affair, and was featured by an immense birthday dinner. Mrs. Smith was the recipient of many handsome and useful gifts. Among those in attendance were Mrs. H. M. Sell, of Hollidaysburg, Mrs. Sarah E. Metzker, of Martinsburg and Mrs. James A. Sell, of Leamersville. The roof of the residence of Attorney Frank H. Fay on Allegheny street, that was badly damaged by fire recently, is being replaced by a new roof of composition shingles. The roof was patched up temporarily after the fire to serve until spring, but it was decided to do the work now on account of the fine weather. Tomorrow will be Ground Hog Day, which occurs on February 2nd. The cunning woodchuck will doubtless have no trouble seeing a beautiful shadow of his hairy self, as the beautiful weather is expected to continue. But even if he does, that does not say we will have six weeks of cold weather, as the groundhog is no more of a weather prophet than the mud turtle. The members of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school will meet with a pleasant surprise on Sunday morning. The Sunday School room was in the hands of a skilled wall cleaner from Pittsburg during the week. The walls now look as if newly frescoed. An itinerant broom seller, has been doing a good business during the past several days plying his business in the county capital. The brooms he sell are made by hand at Milesburg, Center county, and greatly out-last the machine-made dust gatherers. The man makes periodical visits to town, and has a number of regular customers here. He disposed of 35 brooms in town in half a day, at 1.25 each, which shows what a remunerative business he does in this line. The fine weather this winter has not only brought out the organ grinders, but the scissors grinders as well. One of these men came to town the other day, the familiar bell which heralds his presence on the streets, sounding very odd at this time of year. The umbrella menders are also in evidence one of these wanderers being seen lately sitting on a porch in the warm sunshine mending a broken rain stick with as much contentment as in the balmy springtime. The monthly meeting of the Hollidaysburg Borough council, will be held on Monday evening at 7:30 o'clock, in council chamber, Municipal Hall. VITAL STATISTICS RECORD The first month of the new year ended with fifty-two marriage licenses having been issued during that period from the office of Prothonotary Guy R. Lingafelt. One would have thought with the fine weather that prevailed all month the thoughts of more young people would have turned to marriage, as during January last year, when the ground was deeply covered with snow and the weather very cold, seventy licenses were issued, eighteen more than the corresponding month this year. Fifty-one were granted last December, one less than the record for January, the total number of licenses issued since the marriage license law went into effect in Blair county is 25, 924. The death rate in Hollidaysburg continues unusually heavy, chiefly on account of the prevailing of the Spanish influenza, and greatly exceeds the births, as is shown by the monthly statement issued by the local bureau of vital statistics during the month of January just ended. Thirteen residents of the county capital passed to the great beyond and five babes were born into the world. Over in Gaysport the death angel came twice and the stork made three visitations. In Allegheny township there were nine deaths and three births; two deaths occurred in Blair township and only one birth; Frankstown township there were three deaths and seven births. SOLDIERS RETURN Health Officer Charles Curran, of Mulberry street, yesterday received word from his son Howard, who three weeks ago arrived from France and has since been at Camp Dix, Wrightsville, N.J., that he had been mustered out of the army and would return home today. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Lynch, of Pine Creek, were taken completely by surprise Thursday morning, when their son, E. A. Lynch, walked in upon them while they were at the breakfast table. The young man had just returned home with an honorable discharge from the army, after having been in the service for the past twenty-two months as a sergeant in company A, Twenty-seventh machine gun battalion. He was located at Camp Funston, Texas, and was not allowed to go overseas because of his efficiency as an instructor. He was regarded by his superior officers as one of the most capable men in the service. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have a son, Harold, in company F, of the Eighteenth infantry, at Camp Logan. He expects to receive an honorable discharge soon. Horace, a third son, has not been heard from for some months. He has been in overseas service. NOTES FROM THE COURT HOUSE The two courts which were in session this week at Hollidaysburg completed their labors yesterday and an adjournment was taken until Monday morning. At that time a number of jail prisoners, either convicted or awaiting trial, will be sentenced, and motions and petitions will be heard. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 10 SPROUL Nothing very startling doing in this vicinity. H. R. Fickes is attending the state lodge of Masons at Williamsport this week. Lovina Burket, of Blue Knob, is visiting her son, George Burket, in our town. Mrs. G. M. Werner, of Queen, is visiting at John Walter's. Mrs. Henry Rhoades, of Claysburg, spent Saturday and Sunday with Mrs. Harry Fickes in our village. Thieves have been making things lively about our village, making a specialty of visiting the residence of Blair Feathers, who lives on the Herr farm. Several weeks ago it was chickens that were taken and a few days ago some one relieved him of several large hams, and also some sausage that belonged to his sister. Jackson Keith is rather seriously indisposed at this writing. He is living with his daughter, Mrs. Cloyd McCarty. Literary society was organized at the Claysburg public school Thursday evening. The first regular meeting will be held on Friday evening, February 14. Henry Rhoades, of Claysburg, is helping the family of H. R. Fickes attend to their store during the absence of Mr. Fickes while attending grand lodge. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 13 PRISONERS RELEASED Washington, January 31.-The war department announced tonight a list of Americans held by the Germans as prisoners of war who have been released. Names of three enlisted men of the army reported to have died in Germany were announced, one of them being Charles Olson, Windber, Pa. The following Pennsylvanians have returned to France after being released from German prison camps: Midio Bruno, Marcus Hook. Oliver Stewart, McKeesport. Frank Minnik, Tuckerman. Leo Burgin, Pittsburg. James Devlin, Reading. John P. Fahey, Old Forge. Thomas J. Elder, Philadelphia. Stanislaw Suminski, Everazan. Harold G. Lansberry, Philadelphia. Clarence O. Gamble, Tarentum. Emmet E. Minnich, Bolling Springs. Frank J. Olinsock, Staufer. The following seamen have been released from Bradenburg and sailed from Warnemnude for Aarhus, Denmark, December 8: Cecil G. Savely, Philadelphia. Edward B. Caskey, Jersey City, N. J. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 13 WILLIAMSBURG Lost-Between Shellytown and Williamsburg, a lap robe and green blanket. Finder report to J. M. Rearick. Mrs. H. A. Blackburn, Mrs. G. W. Brown and Mrs. R. R. Roller were Huntingdon visitors Thursday. Miss Edna Houck, of Altoona, is visiting among Williamsburg friends. Mrs. Rebecca Bechtel and daughter, Mrs. Cook of Hollidaysburg, were in town Thursday. Mrs. Bechtel returned to the county capital where she is spending some time. Dr. J. C. Frye has returned home after a visit of several days at his home in Punxsutawney. The Ladies' Aid society of the Methodist Episcopal church held an all day sewing session at the parsonage Thursday. An excellent dinner was served at the noon hour. The funeral of Mrs. Margaret Loose Lynn, who died of influenza Sunday at her home in Morrison's Cove, occurred Wednesday at her late home. The services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. Oyrus S. Nonemaker, of Lakemont. The death is a peculiarly sad one, removing the mother of seven small children. Interment was made in the Snively cemetery. W. A. McCormick, one of the town's best known and most venerable citizens has been confined to his home on Second street for the past eight days suffering from an attack of hiccoughs. He has been under the care of a physician under treatment for the malady but experiences slight relief. He is one of the Pennsy's oldest retired employes, now in his 83rd year, and has enjoyed remarkable health. His numerous friends hope for his recovery. Sergeant Joseph H. Irvine, of the ordnance department of national service, spent a two day furlough with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. James E. Irvine at the Presbyterian manse. Sergeant Irvine was formerly instructor of Latin at Altoona High school and is well known to many Blair countians. Miss Edith Mae Nissley, missionary to India, will speak at Snivelys Bethel Monday evening, February 3. Everybody invited. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 14 LOCAL BREVITIES Brief Notes of Happenings in and About the City. Fair today. Good weather for shopping. Many visitors were in the city yesterday. The day work system becomes effective today. The first month of 1919 has passed into history. Charles McVey, the local realty dealer, has opened an office at Mt. Union. An examination will be conducted at the postoffice next Saturday for unskilled labor desiring work with the government. Officer Harry B. Layton, city patrolman of Sixteenth street has his hat in the ring for the appointment as constable of the Fourth ward. Many residents of this city report having seen a large flock of wild geese flying north over the city on Thursday morning between 6 and 7 o'clock. Many citizens are looking forward to the next open forum session at community hall, Monday night, when the water question discussion will be renewed. The meeting is to open at 8 and conclude at 10 p.m. Referee Snyder, of this city, was compelled to terminate a claim for compensation yesterday when he learned that Stephen Rich, DuBois, the petitioner, had died earlier in the week. The hearing was scheduled for yesterday. Opportunity will now be given the family to bring the claim. The public school educational manuals for the year 1918-19 have been printed and were yesterday morning distributed among the teachers of the Altoona district. The manual contains names of teachers, with addresses, etc., together with the financial condition of the district. Billy Roberts, formerly physics instructor at the High school, has sent members of the faculty many fine Christmas cards from Germany, where he is a member of the army of occupation. He reports that there are many things even harder than teaching school. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 PERSONAL NOTES Items Concerning Persons Whom You May Chance to Know John Burley, of Pittsburg, is spending the week-end with friends in the city. Miss Marie Zimmerman, of 209 Walnut avenue, is the guest of relatives in Washington D.C. Miss Sadie Elder, of Pine Grove Mills, is visiting with friends in the city and Bellwood. Miss Rachel Shuey, of Bellefonte, has returned to her home after a pleasant visit with friends in the city. Joe Irvine, formerly Latin instructor in the High school, but now of Camp Meade, Md., is visiting friends in the city. Mrs. F. P. Robinson and niece, of 1316 Eighth avenue, returned home yesterday after an enjoyable visit with friends at Sunbury. Ivan I. DeSray has returned to the city from Pittsburg and taken the position of advertising manager for the G. W. Shaffer stores. While in the Smoky City he was connected with the Kauffman & Baer store. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 CAR SHOP BAND IS HEARD AT CONCERT First Annual Program Rendered for the Pleasure of Friends in High Auditorium. The first annual concert rendered by the Car Shop band to the car shop employes and their families drew a full auditorium at the High school last night. An excellent program was rendered and it included both solo and band numbers. Especially effective was the cornet colo [solo] played by Miss Frieda Schmitt, who received double encores. A youthful pianist, Master Frank Rossi, aged 13 years, played accompanist to his father, A. Rossi, in the English horn solo, which proved very effective, and received loud applause. Mr. Edward Sobarzo, for twenty-one years a concert stage musician, delighted the audience with several beautiful solos. The Car Shop band is composed of forty pieces, directed by Al Cornet. The concert was given in appreciation of the support given the organization by the employes and their families during the past year, and it is planned to stage these concerts once a year or oftener. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 MAIL ORDER HOUSES SELLING "DECORATIONS" Discharged Army Men Are Wearing Insignia Used to Designate Overseas Men Employment bureau authorities in this city and elsewhere in the state are learning that a few-not all-honorably discharged soldiers are returning home from camps in this country and wearing overseas service stripes and similar insignia given the men who are abroad. This is an entirely new sort of fakir, in uniform. It has been learned that large mail-order supply houses in the east and practically throughout the nation, are selling uniform adornments which may be acquired by army men who never left this country-not by any whim of their own, but due to circumstances over which they had no control. Yet, that fact does not alter the accusation that they are stealing the honors entitled to overseas men alone. Other charges made by employment officials are that some returned service men, now wandering over the country, have risen in their own esteem and imagination. They show this be brazenly taking the two-stripes of a corporal and wearing them, while others promote themselves to "sergeants." An applicant for a position here recently showed his fasle [false] hand, when he displayed his discharge papers. He lad a lapse of memory and erred, previously stating he was of this or that rank. But the papers gave him the lie. And papers issued by the army aren't easily altered. "Well, I was given a higher rank after my discharge was made out," was the pseudo-officer's attempt at smooth explanation. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 SEVENTY-TWO DRUNKS NABBED IN JANUARY City Officers Make 175 Arrests, Liquor Being Cause of Great Majority Drunkenness is not on the wane in the city, January police records show, and of the 175 arrests made during the month, 72 were those for common drunks and the great majority of the total was attributed to drink. Prisoners taken for various offenses numbered as follows: Drunks 72, drunk and disorderly 24, drunk and fighting 4, drunk and panhandling 1, drunk and openly lewd 5, drunk and vagrancy 1, drunk, disorderly and resisting 4, drunk, disorderly, fighting and resisting 3, drunk and insulting women 1, disorderly conduct 12, and Sunday selling 1. Four men were arrested for highway robbery; burglary and larceny 5, robbery 3, larceny 2, dangerous and suspicious and larceny 2, fugitive from justice 1, false pretense 1, pandering 3, panhandling 1, street walking 3, dangerous and suspicious 4, open lewdness 1, operating motor car while drunk 1, drunk, disorderly and reckless driving 1, soliciting baggage on street 1, desertion and non-support 1, escaped from Blair county hospital 1, violating sidewalk ordinance 1, operating motor car with one license tag 1, fighting 9 and violating coal weighing ordinance 1. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 ALDERMANIC COURT NEWS Cases Heard and Pending Before Magistrates of the City Riley McClelland will be haled before Alderman W. C. Shuff, Fourth ward, Monday evening at 7.30 o'clock to answer the charge of assault and battery preferred by Ernest C. Vanstan, of Tyrone. The decision in the case of larceny against Guy Buchanan has been reserved by the Fourth ward magistrate until Monday evening. The defendant is charged with the theft of two saws, two planes, two hatchets, and some jellies. The charge was brought by Annie Chevailer. The hearing of the case of assault and battery of Russell Charles against his wife, Genevieve Charles, will take place Monday night at 7.30 o'clock, before Alderman W. C. Shuff. C. E. Miller was held under $100 bail for court yesterday, for beating a board bill of $45. The defendant hales from Juniata and upon failure to secure the necessary bail, was lodged in jail. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 SOLDIER AND HIS PAL ARRESTED FOR THEFTS Taking of Cap, Sweater and Overcoat at Hotel Brings Difficulties for Youths. Roy Dugan, a recently discharged soldier in the regular army, and his pal, James Belanchik, of Wilkes-Barre, were arrested last evening by Sergeant McPherson, for stealing a cap, a sweater and an overcoat at the Crystal hotel. Commonwealth charges of larceny were preferred against the prisoners by George Robinson, bar clerk at the hostelry. He said his overcoat, the cap and sweater were missing when he went to get them last evening. Later he found the coat. He suspicioned Dugan and Belanchik and notified the police. The defendants were taken from a motion picture theatre to city hall. Dugan wore the cap and had pawned the sweater. Belanchik said he had nothing to do with the theft. Dugan, he averred, had borrowed his overcoat and when Belanchik asked for it learned the ex-soldier had likewise pawned it. The value of the cap and sweater is estimated at $13. Alderman Adam Leake, First ward, will hear the case probably today. From telegrams found in Belanchik's possession police learned that he had been here for some time. One of the messages stated his mother was dying and he should return home at once. On January 22 Belanchik's father wired him $10, told him to come home and that he'd send no more funds. A third telegram announced the death of the youth's mother last Sunday. It contained an order for $10 to be used as carfare. Still the son remained here and now is involved in worse trouble. A card providing a job for the Wilkes- Barre boy was among his personal effects, but he evidently failed to take advantage of the offer. It had been issued by the local branch of the federal employment bureau. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 MARRIAGE LICENSE RECORD. Peter Paffas, Springfield Mines, and Athena Woolis, 2006 Eleventh avenue, Altoona. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 LIETENANT MAGEE REJOINS COMMAND Altoona Physician Recovers from Being Gassed and Is With His Regiment Dr. Richard S. Magee, son of Mr. Richard Magee, of 709 Lexington avenue, a lieutenant in the medical corps overseas and the second physician from this city to be gassed or wounded in action, has rejoined his command, following being gassed in action on October 23. His unit is the Sixth infantry, Fifth division, now located at Traves, Germany . Lieutenant Ernest Hoover was the first local doctor in the service to be wounded. Dr. Magee enlisted after serving one year as an interne at the Altoona hospital. Charles H. Akers, of 204 Thirteenth street, received an honorable discharge from the service January 28, 1919. He had enlisted June 1, 1918, and served three months in the cavalry at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming. He was then transferred to the field artillery, September 7, 1918, and had served five months at Camp Knox, West Point, Ky. Thomas Gallagher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gallagher, of 2425 Sixth avenue, a member of the Eighty-fourth company, Sixth regiment, U. S. M., writes home that his division has received very high recommendation for its services overseas. He is in the Second division, to which a number of other Altoonans are attached. John Felty, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Felty, of 915 Lexington avenue, cabled home on Tuesday, January 28, that he expected to start for home in the near future, leaving there January 30. He is a member of the 103rd trench mortar battery of the Ninety-first division. He trained at Camp Hancock, enlisting September 17, 1917. Previous to his enlistment Private Felty assisted his father in the candy business. Private David H. Grazier, of Bellwood, in a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Grazier, says that he is in the best health. This is the first word the parents have received from their soldier son since he left this side in July. Floyd G. Hoenstine, of Windber, Pa., who is convalescing from wounds received in action while in France, when he took part in the battle of St. Mihiel as a member of the Fifty-fifth regiment of the Seventh army division, is on a visit with relatives in this city. He was shot in the hip and the arms. Sergeant Karl W. Elder, of Pittsburg, is visiting with his grandmother, Mrs. M. J. Elder, and his aunts, Mrs. C. R. Reeder, of 407 Walnut avenue, and Mrs. D. I. Gorsuch, of 1603 Seventh avenue. He has just been honorably discharged from the service, which he entered in March of 1918, going to Kelly field, Texas. He was later transferred to the 211th field signal bureau and was sent to Camp Meade, Md., where he was recently discharged. David Fleck, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Fleck, of Seventh avenue, arrived home Thursday night from Camp Hancock, Ga., where he was stationed for the past year in the U.S. service in the ordinance department. Another son, Aaron Fleck, is in France with the aviation service. J. Ross Foust, attached to the ordnance department of the U.S. army and stationed at Pib Point, Va., is enjoying a ten day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Foust, of Thirteenth avenue and Twelfth street. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 JANUARY BROUGHT 72 CALLS FOR FIREMEN Damage Wrought by Flames Will Approximate $5,000 for First Month of 1919 Seventy-two alarms, including fifty-eight stills and fourteen from boxes, were responded to by city fire companies last month, which is the largest number of summons for at least a year. Damage due to flames in the city in January will approximate $5,000, the greatest havoc being done last Saturday night at the American brewery owned by V. A. Oswald, the extent there being estimated at $3,000. Practically all the damage was covered by insurance. Included in the number of box alarms was one from a Pennsy alarm station. Fires occurred on every day in the month save the 14th, 17th, 19th, and 20th. All companies in the city and Pennsy departments were in action. Thirty-four flue fires were reported and four alarms proved false. Calls for companies were due to these causes: Roofs igniting from burning flues 3, overheated gas stove 3, unknown causes 3, thawing pipes 1, overheated furnace 1, partition burning from defective flues 2, floors igniting from burning flues 2, and burning rubbish 3. The sources of other alarms were occasioned by smoke coming from furnaces, burning ashes in cellars, gasoline explosions and burning paper. About $50 damage was caused to the roof on the residence of Levi E. Rigler, 1114 Seventeenth avenue, at 12:20 p.m. yesterday. An alarm from box 27, summoned companies 1 and 4 with truck B. Two hundred feet of hose were used and the contents of a chemical tank, to extinguish the blaze. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 LAD'S EYE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY COMPANION Stone Hurled in Game at Boy, May Result in Joseph Duva, 14, Losing Sight A boyish prank may cost Joseph Duva, aged 14, of 504 Eighth avenue, the sight of his right eye, as he is in Altoona hospital as result of being struck by a stone while indulging in a game at Eighth avenue and Fifth street, last evening. Duva was romping about with his companions when one of them seized a stone and playfully tossed it at him. He didn't see the missile in time to dodge it. The stone hit his right eye and inflicted a deep laceration of the eye ball. He was admitted to the hospital, and will be kept under observation. Leonard Brooks, aged 22, of 1908 Union avenue, and employed by the Pennsy on the Pittsburg division, suffered a serious injury to his right leg a week ago today, when a shaker lever fell and struck him. He was working at Gallitzin when the accident happened. It gave him so much pain that he was admitted to Altoona hospital yesterday. Stephen Muri, aged 23, 1543 Walton avenue, had his right arm abrased when it was squeezed in a piston extension guide at Enginehouse No. 3, yesterday morning. Clarence Yon, aged 18, 422 Twenty-first avenue, suffered a lacerated right ring finger at Machine Shop No. 1 when the member was caught in a machine. James Rockey aged 24, 2603 Fifth avenue, had his right hand contused when a piece of steel, weighing sixty pounds fell on it. All the men were treated at Altoona hospital dispensary. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 POLICE REVENUES ARE $757.25 FOR MONTH Fines Amounting to $331.25 and Forfeits Totaling $426 Derived from Offenders January expired with a fair amount of cash derived by the city through police channels, the department revenues for the thirty-one days, exclusive of what prisoners nabbed yesterday may produce at police court today, reached a total of $757.25. Fifty-nine prisoners left securities which amounted to $426, when declared forfeited. Twenty-one offenders returned to hearing and paid fines totaling $331.25, including the costs in several instances. With the general falling off in police work the income maintained itself in a rather surprising way during the initial period of the new year. Sentences were served at city prison and in the county jail by fourteen persons, who failed to pay fines. Fifty-two prisoners were discharged, either at or prior to hearings. Releases were granted to twelve others. Suspended sentences were allotted to several, among them being a number of pledge- takers. Twenty-one captives were turned over to city aldermen and magistrates in nearby towns during January, which indicates the number of cases that the department rendered assistance in to other authorities Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16 TROLLEY CAR WRECKS AUTO; TWO ARE HURT Felix Tadsh and Mrs. Mary Olmes Suffer Injuries in Seventh Street Mishap Two persons were injured, one severely, when a Ford car owned and driven by Felix Tadsh, of 1116 Eighth avenue, accompanied by Mrs. Mary Olmes, of the same address, was struck and wrecked by a Third avenue trolley car at Seventh avenue and Seventh street yesterday afternoon. Tadsh was driving on Seventh street at 3:15 o'clock, when the third avenue car, No. 121, in charge of Motorman J. E. Nash and Conductor Carl, appeared and struck the machine, demolishing it. The occupants were badly shaken up and Tadsh was tossed to the street. Both he and his companion were taken to the office of Dr. A. S. Oburn at that corner, but later went to their home. The woman received minor contusions. The driver did not escape so fortunately but was cut and bruised about the hands, head and body, it was stated. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, February 1, 1919, page 16