Thursday, October 23, 2025

10/20/1955

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, October 20, 1955   Vol. C538


LOCAL NEWS


‘BIG CHARLIE’ CAUGHT AND RELEASED


East Farewell – The mystical “Big Charlie”, the largest bass ever seen in Lake Charles, has been realized by local fisherman, David Gettingsomwear, last week when he caught the elusive and historic fish after a forty five minute battle. The fish had become a legend among local fishermen after he was sighted jumping in the middle of the lake back in 1938. It was estimated that he weighed from fifteen to thirty pounds depending on who you talked to. ‘Big Charlie’ was stalked and sought for decades with only occasional sightings and rarer hooks. He was always able to get away and would defiantly jump out of the water as he swam away, as if to mock the hunters. Several photos exist of ‘Big Charlie’ taken by local fishermen but no one had been able to reel him in until last week.

            David Gettingsomwear is a lifelong East Farewell resident and an avid angler. He has fished Lake Charles all his life and is well versed on the history of Big Charlie. “I heard about him way back in the thirties but I never saw him until the summer of ’42. I was with my buddy, Jimmy C., and we were way up at the end of the lake. Jimmy got this big hit and then he said he hooked something big. Well, he fought it for a while and the this giant bass jumps out of the water, I knew it was Big Charlie as soon as I saw him, then he yanked on Jimmy’s line and it snapped, just like that. The next thing we see is Big Charlie jumping again and flapping his tail on the water. He was like showing off or something. It wasn’t until just the other day when I was back up at the end of the lake with Buddy O. and I hooked something giant. I worked it for almost an hour and got him to the side of the boat. Buddy happened to have a camera and he snapped a picture, I don’t know why, but he did. As I was going for the net I looked down and knew it was Big Charlie, I just knew. I reached down and grabbed him by the gills and tried to pull him up but he looked at me like he was saying ‘Come on, give me a break’ I just couldn’t drag him in. I looked at Buddy and I said, ‘I’m letting him go.’ And Buddy just nodded. I let go off him and he swam away. About twenty feet away he jumped and slapped the water. Buddy and I laughed; I bet Big Charlie was laughing, too.”

            It looks like the legend of Big Charlie lives on in Lake Charles.  It will just have another chapter added with a picture the make it even more real.





           Big Charlie saying goodbye                                David Gettingsomwear with Big Charlie

 


SPORTS


COUGARS LET CANARIES SING FOR HOMECOMING



Slate Mountain – The Cougars made the Slate Mountain Canaries Homecoming a very happy and exciting event last Friday. Besides losing 24-21 to a mediocre team, they lost in the last minute on a come from behind scoring drive topped by a closing second field goal.  In the last three minutes Canary defensive back, Joe Regal, intercepted a tipped O’Conner pass and returned it for a score, tying the game. Then a rare fumble by running back, Davey Wilson, let the Canaries drive in to the seven and kicker, Walt Emerson, kicked a field goal, straight and true.

            “This was not our game, I know these kids and they can play much better than they did today. They were one step behind all game,” said Coach Burcowitz after the game, “I know we are much better than that. Those Slate Mountain kids played a great game but we certainly helped them along with our mistakes. There will be a lot to talk about next week at practice.”

            Next week the Cougars host the Sun City Eagles for the Cougars Homecoming. The game will begin at 1:30 on Saturday. A bonfire and pep rally will be held on Friday night on the Fairgrounds. There is also the Homecoming Dance scheduled for Saturday night.


 NATIONAL NEWS


WILLIAM WOODWARD JR. SHOT BY WIFE BY ACCIDENT – GABLE EXPECTING CHILD – DEMILLE’S SECRETARY DIES IN TRAGEDY


William Woodward Jr., wealthy owner of the racehorse Nashua, was killed by a shotgun fired by his wife, thinking he was a prowler. When she switched on a light and discovered what she had done, Mrs. Ann Woodward called police screaming and sobbing. The couple had been married 12 years. Nashua beat Kentucky Derby Winner “Swaps” in an August race in a $100,000 match. The couple had spent the evening at a party for the Duchess of Windsor at a nearby estate. 

Clark Gable and his wife, the former Kay Spreckels are expecting a baby. It would be the first child for the movie actor.

Mrs. Rose Jones Finigan, personal secretary to film director C.B. de Mille, dies from the result of a tragic mistake in which she and a neighbor drank from a wine bottle that apparently contained termite exterminating fluid 


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.


 

 

Thursday, October 16, 2025

10/13/1955

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, October 13, 1955   Vol. C537


LOCAL NEWS


DOES LAKE CHARLES HAVE ITS OWN “NESSIE”?


Lake Charles – All the recent talk in the news about a SONAR finding of the “monster” in Loch Ness has started rumblings and rumors around town about Lake Charles own beloved “monster”.  It is believed that the rumors started in the High School when several seniors said they saw what they thought was a serpent like head bobbing along out towards the north end of the lake. This area is very secluded and widely recognized as a Lovers Lane of sorts. According to the teens, they were on an “adventure” and in the twilight they saw the serpent moving south a quite a clip. They did not have any cameras and were unable to photograph the scene. The teens reported the sighting to their parents who, after inquiring about their reasons for being in that secluded location, went to the police with the tale. The police were unimpressed. Apparently, there have been other sightings followed by investigations that proved fruitless. Still the rumors persisted. The High School was abuzz with the tale and special groups were formed to take watch over the lake in hopes of spotting the serpent.

            After two weeks high school science teacher, Mr. Bud Farrell, had had enough. He called for a general assembly at the high school and invited the press and local officials. On stage the dapper Farrell stood on stage with several big maps and pictures on easels and presented a program that debunked the entire possibility of any serpent or monster living in Lake Charles. His points were crystal clear and his facts indisputable. His main fact was that Lake Charles was only a thousand years old at the most where Loch Ness was millions of years old. There would be no way any ancient, prehistoric creatures could have lived, much less survived in the lake. He added that the Lake was far too shallow to sustain such a creature. He pointed out that Loch Ness had an estimated depth of over a mile in spots and Lake Charles was only about 300 feet deep at its deepest. Once Farrell had completed his presentation he opened the room up for questions. There were many questions about the Loch Ness monster that Farrell declined to comment on citing his unfamiliarity with the subject.

            The presentation put a clear, scientific end to the debate but as Farrell said as he left the building when asked if he thought the rumors would die, “You can’t stop people from thinking what they want. If they want a “Nessie” in Lake Charles, they are going to see one, even if he or she isn’t there. I love the irrepressible imagination of a young mind and I will always have time to listen, not always believe but always listen.”

1934 Picture of Loch Ness Monster


SPORTS


COUGARS MEET CORNING FOR GRUDGE MATCH


East Farewell – The Corning Devils came to town with a chip on their shoulder last week. They were looking for redemption for a very hard fought last second loss against the Cougars last year, 23-21. The Cougars were waiting in anticipation. The game was played and cold rain that somehow seemed appropriate for the match. It was a very chilly 54 degrees at kickoff with a little rain falling. Charlie Cox was able to connect on the kickoff and drive it to the Devils 20 where Johnny West took it out of the air and started up field. He had a great wedge in front of him and had to slow down so as not out run them. They worked their way up to their own 45 but were stopped by a determined Cougars defense. The rain and cold all but grounded the passing game and the majority of the action came on the ground. The Devils were known for their aerial proficiency and were at a distinct disadvantage but they were determined to move the ball. The ball was moved down to the Cougars 15 but an attempted 25 yard field goal fell short. The Cougars took over on their own 15 and handed the ball to junior fullback, Will “Tank” Brown again and again. Between Tank and the other junior running back, Davey Wilson, the Cougars were able to move the ball on the ground. Their first drive ended with a five yard Brown plunge for the score. Cox added the extra point, but more importantly the Cougars ate up almost the whole first quarter in the drive.  After the kickoff the Devils regrouped and worked their way down the field again and this time they were able to score with a short screen pass the tight end Miles Davenport, one of the only seven passes completed all day. The first half ended in a mud soaked tie 7-7.

            It looked like the weather would clear a little for the second half but it was a just a tease, in the middle of the third quarter the heavens opened up again and further stymied the Devils air game. The Cougars took advantage of the inclement conditions and were able to muscle Tank Brown down for another score. In the fourth quarter the Devils got down to the Cougars fifteen but an attempted screen to Davenport was read perfectly by defensive end, Pat McKean who picked of  the screen and was able to return it all the way for another Cougar score. This set the score at 21-7 and that was the way it ended. The Devils had to return to Corning unfulfilled and could only look towards next year for revenge. The Cougars, on the other hand, looked forward to their next opponent, Slate Mountain (North) at the Canaries Homecoming. The game will be at Slate Mountain on Friday beginning at 4:30PM.


 NATIONAL NEWS


IKE FIGHTS CRIME – WILSON FIGHTS WASTE – TREASURY SEES DEBT


President Eisenhower approves a six-point program to combat crime and improve the handling of federal criminal cases.

Defense Secretary Wilson unveils a nine-point program designed to cut $500 million and around 68,000 from the defense payroll.

The Treasury Department reports that government went almost $4 billion in debt in the first three months of the current fiscal year.

Radio news - Don’t miss the British import radio show - “The Goon Showfeaturing Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan. It debuts on stations this week.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.



Thursday, October 9, 2025

10/6/1955

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, October 6, 1955   Vol. C769


LOCAL NEWS


CIRCUS IS BACK IN TOWN


East Farewell – The world famous “Greatest Show on Earth” rolled into town late Saturday night. They set their huge, three ringed big top on the Fairgrounds, as they have for the last three years. The animal pens were located by the siding used for “parking” the train cars that carries this incredibly complicated and superbly organized operation around the country. The Mighty Keystone Railroad rents the siding to the circus so they have a safe place for their cars, now numbering 15 take up a lot of space and their safety is of the utmost importance to the circus management.

            The opening and the now traditional parade down Main Street took place Sunday and it was spectacular. The parade was led by Ringmaster Dwight Bigalowe followed by a menagerie of clowns in tiny cars, sequined trapeze artists, loin tamers who were followed by cages of fierce, wild animals, more clowns and finally the elephants. The crowds love the elephants. The parade made its way down Main Street turned on Lake Shore Drive headed around the lake and back up to the Fairgrounds. Just like the Pied Piper, townspeople followed in behind and made their way right into the Big Top for the first show. The Midway was also opened and was crowed from the start. The circus will run all week with two shows a day, in the afternoon and evening, and matinees on Saturday and Sunday.  The Midway is open from 10:00AM to 11:00PM every day. The shows have been sold out and the Midway has been packed. The weather has been very helpful with warm days and mild nights. Once again the circus has been a great highlight for the town in the early fall.

The Elephants parade down Lake Shore Drive  


SPORTS


COUGARS TAME WILDCATS


Riverview – The Cougars traveled to Riverview to meet the Wildcats in a much anticipated defensive clash after last year’s grueling battle where the Cougars came up short 21-22.  This year the Cougars were determined to make a statement. They did make a statement but it wasn’t a roar, it was a strong show of defense that was punctuated with a fine, albeit sporadic, offense in a 14-7 win. The Wildcats played a strong game but were not able to get past the stringent Cougars defense. They were able to get one score after a long, time consuming drive that ended in a short pass over the middle to tight end Jerry Wilkins.

            The Cougars were able to score in the first quarter with a long pass to Mitch “Mercury” McMaster for a forty yard score followed by a Cox extra point. That was the only real offense in the first half for the Cougars as both teams went back and forth between the twenties. Just when it looked like one team was getting some momentum the other team would shut them down and take over. Finally in the fourth quarter the Cougars took control and marched down the field ending in a five yard end run by halfback, Billy Reilly for the go ahead score. Charlie Cox sealed the win with his continued record setting extra point score. He now holds the league record for 33 extra points in a row, not only a school record but now a league record.

            The Cougars are home next week as they meet the Corning Devils. The game begins at 4:00 on the High School field.


 NATIONAL NEWS


JAMES DEAN KILLED IN CAR CRASH – TITO WANTS COEXISTENCE – SURGEON GENERAL CONFRIMS POLIO VACCINE WORKS


Actor James Dean (24) is killed in a head-on collision in Cholame, California - 19 miles east of Paso Robles. He was on his way to road races in Salinas from Hollywood. His mechanic, Rolph Wuetherich, who was also in the Porsche Spyder - suffered a fractured jaw, fractured hip and cuts over his body. He’s described as being in “moderately serious condition.” A physician says the actor died from a broken neck, numerous broken bones and lacerations all over his body. Dean just finished completing the movie “Giant.” Elizabeth Taylor, who co-stars with Dean in “Giant” said, “I can’t believe it. I’m just stunned.” Unmarried, James Dean leaves his father - Winton Dean - a dental technician.



 









                   James Deans crashed car                                 James Dean

Yugoslav President Tito is said to be holding out against a second Russian effort to persuade Yugoslavia to accept a role of passive coexistence, or Austrian-type of neutrality in world affairs. Tito rejected an initial attempt to lure this Communist nation into a quick return of the Moscow-led camp. Tito was reported to have declared his country wants to play a leading part in uniting nations, which are opposed to dividing the world into two ideological groupings.

Surgeon-General Leonard Scheele announces that the government has confirmed the safety of all Salk polio vaccine, but there was no immediate indication of when the stalled immunization program would be resumed.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.



Thursday, October 2, 2025

9/29/1955

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, September 29, 1955   Vol. C768


LOCAL NEWS


ANOTHER PARADE FOR THE TRAVELERS


East Farewell – The town came out in force on a crisp afternoon to cheer their heroes of summer. The Travelers, fresh off their championship game against Mountain View, were honored with a parade down Main Street and Lake Shore Drive ending on the Lakefront Plaza where they displayed the Championship Trophy for a huge, adoring crowd. The Travelers have dominated the early part of this decade with a total of three championships in five years. The lineup has remained fairly constant through their reign and the players have all become local heroes but have remained very accessible to the fans. On almost any given day one or two can be spotted in town shopping or dining and they all will stop and chat with fans and neighbors.

            The parade started at the top of Main Street near the Iron Works and proceeded south to the intersection with Lake View Drive and took a left and headed straight down to the Lakefront Plaza where a stage had been erected with a PA sound system. When the parade arrived the Plaza was already nearly full and as the people following in after the parade flowed in it became downright crowded. Luckily, everyone was in a great mood and there were no incidences to ruin the festivities.  After the Trophy was shown off, each of the players got to say something to the crowd. Most of their comments were obscured by the loud cheers from the crowd. Each player seemed to have his own fan club and when each player would take the podium his respective “fan club” would erupt and continue until the next player came up, which in turn would galvanize another group. It was all in good fun and the players seemed to really enjoy it.

            The future of the Travelers looks bright. The new, lighted Travelers Field is one of the best in the league and is always on the top of the players list for fields to play on. The lineup has been together for six years and all the players are still young. The oldest is the much beloved home run king, Johnny Cloos who is 29. “I think this team has at least two more titles in it,” said Cloos from the podium, driving the fans crazy.

1955 League Champs Parade


SPORTS


COUGARS OPEN SEASON AGAINST MINERS


EAST FAREWELL- The Regional High School Cougars started their season with a win over arch rival Slate Mountain on Friday, 21-14.  The Cougars were led by senior quarterback Jimmy O’Conner and junior running backs Davey Wilson and Will “Tank” Brown who combined for all three scores.  Senior kicker, Charlie Cox, started out where he left off last season connecting on every extra point.  His high school record is a school record that he extends each time he scores, stands currently at 32 extra points in a row.   Coach Burcowitz was happy with the teams’ performance and said the team was young and with the exceptions of seniors O’Conner and Cox had a lot to learn on the field.

            Despite the youth the team came out strong and scored on its second possession when a six yard end run by Tank Brown capped off a seventy yard drive by the Cougars.  The Miners came right back and scored on the next drive with a well executed passing drive by Miners quarterback Sam Grant and receiver Joe Dolan.  Both teams then settled down into a tough defensive posture and did not let any more points until the fourth quarter, when the Miners scored early to make the score 14-7.  The Cougars went to work with only four minutes left in the game.  O’Conner handed off to Wilson who spun and danced his way to a fifteen yard TD to tie the game.  The Cougars held the Miners to two first downs and a punt to the Cougars twenty.  O’Conner, Wilson and Brown took the field and behind strong blocking from tackles Joey Watson and Derrick Rome and guards Devlin “Smitty” Smith and Walter Grogan the Cougars marched down the field in a running display that looked liked the team had been together for four years instead of four months.  The campaign ended with a beautifully executed delayed draw up the middle for a seven yard score by Wilson.  As usual, Cox was perfect.

            The next game is away at the Riverview Wildcats on Friday night.  This game should be a test of the Cougars running game because the Bears have an all senior defensive line and have been highly rated by local sports aficionados.


 NATIONAL NEWS


DC-4 CRASHES IN WYOMING – LIONEL HAMPTON’S BUS CRASHES – POP MUSIC THIS WEEK


In the worst airline crash so far, a United Airlines DC-4 plunged into the face of a mountain peak near Laramie, Wyoming killing 66.  The plane was headed to San Francisco.

Lionel Hampton and 15 members of his band are injured when their chartered bus plunges into a ditch in New Mexico. Hampton suffered a broken ankle.

The Brooklyn Dodgers win their first-ever world series – beating the Yankees 2-0 in the seventh game.

Pop music this week - “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” - Mitch Miller Chorus, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” - The Four Aces, “The Shifting Whispering Sands” - Billy Vaughn, “Tina Marie” -Perry Como, “Wake The Town And Tell The People” – Lex Baxter, “Ain’t That A Shame” - Pat Boone, “Gum Drop” – The Crew Cuts, “Song Of The Dreamer” - Eddie Fisher, “Same Old Saturday Night” - Frank Sinatra, “I Want You To Be My Baby” -Georgia Gibbs, “I Want You To Be My Baby” – Lillian Briggs, “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” - Stan Freberg, “Suddenly, There’s A Valley” - Julius LaRosa.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.


 


Thursday, September 25, 2025

9/22/1955

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, September 22, 1955   Vol. C765


LOCAL NEWS


RADIO REMOTE CONCERT MAKES ITS DEBUT


East Farewell- The debut broadcast of the Radio Remote Concert Series was broadcast live for Lakefront Plaza on Saturday night.  A live concert was performed by Jerry Tabor’s Swing Band along with the rhythm and blues band, Big Roy and the Magnificents.  In repeat performances of their knock out appearances at the East Farewell Music, Art & Country Fair both bands were just spectacular.  The broadcast was promoted by the East Farewell Business Association along with the Iron Works.  It was broadcast over the air waves on WPAZ, a local AM radio station from Corning.  The concert itself was a bit of a last minute idea thought up by members of the Business Association to give more exposure to the Fair and try to get some added publicity for the town.  It was reported that this was an historic first for the town.  This was not only the first remote broadcast from town it was also the first completely free concert at Lakefront Plaza.  The radio broadcast was a technical achievement for WPAZ engineers.  This was the first ever remote broadcast for the station.

            “We felt this was a great opportunity to show off our new technical equipment and give the station a boost in the ratings,” said chief engineer Sam King, “It was also a chance for the listeners to hear a great concert by some very talented musicians.  It sounded great and I’m sure the listeners were pleased.”

            This may be the start of something big.  While television is quickly becoming the hot new form of entertainment the radio is still king in the rural areas.  The live broadcast is not new but the outdoor concert is a twist on the event. Any live broadcast can offer many challenges to the engineering staff and can push the equipment to its limit.  All things considered, though, the technical staff of WPAZ did a great job and it was a fantastic event all around.


SPORTS


TRAVELERS CLINCH TITLE


East Farewell- The East Farewell Travelers clinched their third league title in five years with a convincing in over Mountain View on Sunday.  The Travelers won 7-3, beating Joe “Freight” Trane for the first time since early June.  Trane was not at the top of his game.  It was his first game back after being sidelined for two weeks with appendicitis.   He was able to pitch only seven innings and gave up four runs but struck out eight showing signs of his “freight train” delivery that made him famous.  While the Mountain View Cats were not in the running for the title they were trying to play spoilers in the race.  If they had won the Travelers would have been forced into a playoff with Corning.  The win not only sealed the championship but it also assured another pennant for the “Wall of Fame” which the center field fence has been come to be called. 

            The Travelers took an early lead with Johnny Cloos driving in two runs in the second.  In the seventh Arty Archibald doubled off a fast fading Trane and then “Mean Richie” Lane bunted to advance Archibald.  It Ralph Francis’s long home run that did Trane in, scoring two more.  Frank Devon replaced Trane but let in three more runs. Two in the eighth, a triple by Dimero followed by a single by Brown and then a double by Archibald finished off the scoring by the Travelers.  The Cats scored in the eighth with a run by Gill and then again in the ninth with score by Wilson and Rome. 

1955 Central League Champs


 NATIONAL NEWS


IKE WANTS TO BALANCE BUDGET - NIXON SEES CHANGE IN CAMPAIGNS - AVA FLIPS CAR


The Eisenhower administration “will never put our desire to balance the budge ahead of our determination to maintain adequate military strength,” said Vice President Nixon.

Vice President Nixon predicts that the whistle stop form of campaigning in the 1956 Presidential battle will be “less used and less effective. He said he believes TV technique is most effective when a candidate’s aims and views are presented simply, unrehearsed and spontaneously and in a conversational tone. 

Argentina revolt - Rebel forces striking to overthrow President Peron have claimed control of much of South Argentina and Cordoba Province. Later - rebel armed forces held a threat of naval bombardment over Buenos Aires and demanded that President Juan D. Peron resign.

Ava Gardner flips her new Mercedes roadster over twice while driving to the Barajas Airport to meet some friends in Madrid. She’s OK.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.



Thursday, September 18, 2025

9/15/1955

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, September 15, 1955   Vol. C767


LOCAL NEWS


SCHOOL OPENS AT REGIONAL SCHOOLS


East Farewell – The school year started this week as all the staff warmly welcomed the eager students with all new educational supplies and freshly refurbished buildings and grounds. The school budget this year included reissuing all new books and completely refurbishing every building with new paint and new landscaping. The student body has once again set a record for enrollment. The total student body is now 849. This includes the two elementary schools, the Junior High School and the Regional High School. This year marked yet another record enrollment for the district and four new teachers have been hired, one for each school. New courses have been added to the High School curriculum. This year the students will be offered three new courses in the mathematics and science departments.  Advanced mathematics which includes college prep physics, geology and extended physical science have been added to the high school curriculum.

            The High School will host its largest senior class this year with a total of 157 students in the class. This is by far the largest class to pass through Regional High’s doors, but it will be surpassed next year and each year for the next four years if predictions of estimated student body size hold up. The large increase in students reflects the population increase in the East Farewell area. The town is becoming more than just a “Destination Station” along the Mighty Keystone Railroad. The town has enjoyed continuous growth for the last three years and it looks that things will keep moving ahead into a very bright future.

Fifth Grade Class in East Farewell Elementary School 


SPORTS


TRAVELERS ONE STEP CLOSER TO TITLE - COUGARS FOOTBALL BEGINS IN TWO WEEKS


Riverview – The Travelers moved one step closer to the title when they convincingly beat the Riverview Anglers on Saturday, 5-1. The Travelers seemed to have gained speed as they come to the end of the season.  They are cruising toward a first place position with the win and with a win next week they win cement their lead position. If the Travelers win the title it will be the third championship in the last five years for the team. This is an exceptional record for any team and the loyal fans are very appreciative.

            The game with Anglers started off as a pitcher’s duel with Travelers ace, Danny Lane closing down the Anglers for the first six innings and Anglers ace, Joe Finn keeping the Travelers in check for the first five. The Travelers bats finally came to life in the fifth with a three run surge capped by a long blast by Johnny Cloos, his league leading 27th. The Anglers came back in the sixth scoring their only run with two doubles by Wilson and Heart. That was all the Angler could muster but the Travelers were not finished, they went on to score two more in the eighth with four more hits by Francis, Dunham, Brown and Archibald.

            The Travelers go to Mountain View next week to face the Miners and their ace Joe “Freight” Trane. The game begins at 1:30 in Mountain View.


 NATIONAL NEWS


DYNAMITE TRAGEDY IN MICHIGAN – NIXON LIKES TV – IKE WILL NOT CUT MILITARY – COMO DEBUTS AGAINST GLEASON


In Mt Pleasant, Michigan, an angry husband carrying a bundle of dynamite with a sputtering fuse, walked into the farm home of his daughter and dragged his estranged wife into the yard just in time for the two of them to be blown to bits. Versal Dunn, a 50-year old factory worker from nearby Shepherd, had attempted reconciliation with his 39 year-old wife Blanche since Tuesday. A neighbor, Guy Brooks, said Dunn dragged his screaming wife into the front yard and was 10 feet from the house when the dynamite exploded, shattering windows in the house and blowing a hole six feet deep into the ground. 

Vice President Nixon predicts that the whistle stop form of campaigning in the 1956 Presidential battle will be “less used and less effective. He said he believes TV technique is most effective when a candidate’s aims and views are presented simply, unrehearsed and spontaneously and in a conversational tone.

The Eisenhower administration “will never put our desire to balance the budge ahead of our determination to maintain adequate military strength,” said Vice President Nixon.

Perry Como makes his debut on NBC-TV this week. He’ll have competition in a few weeks as Jackie Gleason debuts “Stage Show” with Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and “The Honeymooners” - a 30-minute pullout from the earlier Gleason sketches. Como’s show is one hour and airs Saturday nights.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.


 


Thursday, September 11, 2025

9/8/1959

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, September 8, 1955   Vol. C766


LOCAL NEWS


5TH ANNUAL MUSIC, ART AND COUNTRY FAIR HUGE HIT


East Farewell- The 10th Annual Music, Art and Country Fair took place over the Labor Day weekend.  By all accounts it was a tremendous success.  The Fair started officially on Thursday night with the now traditional Main Street Stroll where almost every person in town donned a sweater or light jacket, a smile and a mouthful of conversation and strolled up and down Main Street and Lakeshore Drive, warmly greeting each other and stopping for snacks along the way at the local eateries.  The crisp, late summer air was perfect for the casual event and the local restaurants had an informal competition trying to outdo each other with favorite local dishes.  The general consensus was that it was a tie and the real winners were the townsfolk who were the unofficial judges.  Some of the favorites were a spicy chicken wing sampler from the Lost Oasis and a dry-rubbed rib dish offered by Ben’s On Main.  The stroll went on until well after dark and the stores and restaurants stayed open for the duration.

            Friday saw the influx of vacationers coming in to celebrate the holiday.  The campground filled up early and may towns folk had out of town friends and relatives camping on their own lawns and backyards.  Traffic on Main Street was actually backed up from noon until almost five o’clock.  The traffic did clear up for the evening events down at Lake Fountains Park.  The Park hosted a standing room only crowd to hear music by several different musical groups and a fireworks display.  The bands styles ranged through swing, country and western, jazz, rhythm and blues, do-wop and even some of that new sound- rock and roll.  Leading off the evening was that new sound, a sort of rhythm and blues, country combination that they are calling rock and roll.  The group was a local bunch of youngsters calling themselves “The All Stars” They were very earnest and seemed to have lots of fun.  Local favorite, Jerry Tabor’s Swing Band followed playing his very popular hits like “Under the Silver Moon” and “Once In A While” Next up was country and western star Charlie Green, who sang his hit, “Crying Again.” Things started to heat up as a great jazz set was played by Gus Sloan and his quintet which led into a no holds barred rhythm and blues set by Big Roy and the Magnificents.  Finishing up the night was the mellow do-wop sound of the Crescendos.  A little bit of everything for everyone.  The park stayed full from the opening All-Stars all the way to the last note of the Crescendos lullaby, “Good Night”

            Saturday saw the early morning livestock auction and show.  Ever since this event was moved to 8:00 AM Saturday it seems to have gained popularity.  For the last four years the event has been packed.  Spectators as well as bidders make up the crowd who squeeze into the staging area for a look at the beautiful horses, bulls, cows and pigs.  While an actual auction took place, most of the people were there to look at the magnificent animals.  After the auction the crowd moved over to the Fair Grounds where Town Council President, Tom Conally cut the ribbon at the gate to open the fair.  The rest of the day the fair held most everyone attention.  Many local artists and craftsmen showed off and sold their works.  Local landscape artist Wagner Strump showed exhibited his latest works along with woodworker Angela Boyle.  Local artist Monica Shippensport also exhibited her sculptures.  The midway was a popular area all day where the local restaurants again served up their famous wares.  Saturday ended with a concert by the High School Band and repeat performances by Jerry Tabor, Gus Sloan, Charlie Green, Big Roy and the Crescendos. 

            Sunday was baseball day in East Farewell and the Travelers did not disappoint the fans.  They came back to life and won a convincing game 5-1 over arch rivals Corning and closing in on the league championship.  See the article in the Sports section for more details.  The fair still drew many people but the game was sold out. 

            Monday saw the last day of the fair and the crowds did not wane.  The grounds were packed for a third day even though there was the third annual Lake Charles Boat Race taking place on the lake.  The race was won by local sailor, Max Rolls.  His 15 foot sailboat won the race by at least three lengths. The race is unique in that all the entries must be hand built and only boats that are stored on the lake are eligible.  Monday ended with another fireworks display.

East Farewell Country Fair 1955


SPORTS


TRAVELERS BACK ON TRACK - CLOSING IN ON TITLE


East Farewell- The game on Saturday was originally scheduled to be played in Corning but due to a Corning local conflict the game was moved to East Farewell, much to the delight of the Travelers.  The Travelers have enjoyed an at home winning ratio of 3 to 1.  The team did not disappoint the home town crowd who had some misgivings because the team had lost three out of the last four games and was in jeopardy of losing first place. The game on Saturday was as close to a must win as they have played all season.

            The Travelers started fast with a two run blast by Johnny Cloos in the second.  Pitcher, Danny Lane pitched a very tight game striking out four in the first two innings.  He went on the strike out a total of eight and except for one run in the sixth, a long home run by Coring star Russ Dawson.  The Traveler’s offense also came alive in the fifth and eighth when a show of good baseball execution brought runs in.  In the fifth a single by Arty Archibald was followed by a sacrifice bunt by Billy Sweet, moving Archibald to second.  A short, flair single by Ralph Francis put runners on the corners.  The speedy Francis was able to advance to third while Archibald scored on a long sacrifice fly by Dale Dunham.  A single by Watson scored Archibald.  Cloos flied out to end the inning.  In the eighth back to back doubles by Watson and Cloos scored the final run.

            The win all but locked the Travelers in first place and lined up to win the league title for the third time in five years.  Only wins by Corning and Slate Mountain and losses by the Travelers in the last three games could change the standings.  The next Travelers game will be Sunday against Riverview.


East Farewell- With school opening next week, it can only mean that Cougars football is on the way.  Coach Burcowitz says this year’s squad, while young and untested, is “very smart and ready to learn.”  The team this year is made up of mostly juniors and sophomores.  The only returning senior this year is kicker Charlie Cox.  The first game is scheduled for September 16th at the High School Field.


 NATIONAL NEWS


IKE WANTS LONGER SCHOOL - MARILYN MONROE PLANE? – ICE MISSILES POSSIBLE


President Eisenhower advocates lengthening regular high school and college courses to perhaps five years in this “complicated age. He also suggested that older folks are being required to retire from their jobs too early in life, which could explain the presidents personal popularity has slipped to 73% from 79%.

Marilyn Monroe plane? An aviation magazine says there’s a plane with a new fuselage design - like Marilyn Monroe - also called a coke bottle shape. Fred Hamlin, publisher of Aero Digest says the new fuselage design is “one of the major aerodynamic breakthroughs in the last decade.” First plane to use the design was the Grumman F9 Tiger, a carrier-based jet fighter. 

A meteoriticist declares that a “shrewd opponent” could wage an ice cube test war against this country with intercontinental projectiles made of ice. The object of the ice missile would be to determine effectiveness of range for the missile of the more deadly variety.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.