Letter to the Editor

Reader remembers days gone by

Monday, January 19, 2009

To the Editor:

This is a letter about the old days.

May 1949 -- Tornado kills nine people at Shelburn, 25 homes destroyed, 125 damaged, heavy damage at Palestine, Ill., and Cape Girardeau, Mo. (UP).

May 23 -- Washington, D.C. (UP), Defense secretary leaps to his death. James Forestal leaped to his death from Bethesda Naval Hospital on May 22, leaving a shocked nation who wrote killed in action across his name. President Truman proclaimed a period of national mourning until Forestal is buried.

Tornado sweeps across Clay County. Twister moves up Eel River Valley, wrecking homes. Terre Haute man killed on fishing trip on east bank of Eel River.

Clay County Red Cross and hospital staff well organized for disaster.

Car is wrecked. Dr. John Palm, 27 E. Church St., miraculously escaped injury or possible death in an accident on State Road 59, Saturday night, May 21. Palm was treated for a scalp injury, concussion and shock.

He is expected to be back at his practice in a few days. His car was demolished in a ditch beside the road.

Chamber of Commerce Alumni Dance scheduled for Saturday night, June 11, at Brazil High School from 9-midnight. Music will be furnished by Jimmy Holler's Dance Band. Tickets $1.50 per couple, table service 50 cents. Tickets can be secured from any Jaycee or the following sponsors, Liefheits, McLeans, Men's Wear, Wienland's, Mendenhall's Pharmacy or Cokehaven.

American Legion Band captures first place in parade at Mooresville, sponsored by Clay County Post.

Emory Jenkins directs summer park playground. Roy Brann in charge of baseball activities.

Cannes, France-International news and sound photo -- Rita Hayworth will marry Rich Indiana Prince Aly Kahn on May 27 at luxurious Chateau De L'Horizon.

Movie ads for May 22-24 at Lark. Thirty-five cents and 12 cents Family Honeymoon from Universal, Cooper 35 cents, 12 cents, Untamed Breed in Cinecolor from Monogram. Also Fighting Fools with Leo Gorcey and Bowery Boys from Monogram. Beverly 30 cents, 12 cents, Lady from Cheyenne-Realart.

Fox was closed temporarily.

That's all for now. I will be writing more old day articles in the upcoming letters about news, store ads, movie ads, etc.

Some will be about Brazil, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Shoals, etc.

Some from 1945, 1948, 1949, 1957 and possible other years.

Until next time, take care and be fair.

John Weddle,

Brazil