Battle Creek Enquirer from Battle Creek, Michigan • Page 17

00 I the the SECTION TWO THE BATTLE CREEK Pages 17 to 26 ENQUIRER AND NEWS SPORTS PAGES CLASSIFIED LII-NO. 235 BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1947 PRICE SINGLE 5 CENTS CITY'S JANUARY RETAIL REPORT LEADS IN STATE 53 Percent Gain Over 1946 Total lew U. S. Census Service Covers 10 Cities in Michigan. Battle Creek retailers reported January sales 53 percent higher in; 1947 than in January 1946, according to the second monthly retail trade report of the new state-wide service inaugurated by the U.

S. census. local increase was the highshown among the 10 cities now participating in the newly-established monthly survey. The average increase for the state was 31 percent. The list of cities now reporting includes Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Dearborn, Detroit, Flint, Highland Park, Saginaw, Jackson, Grand Rapids and Pontiac.

Other cities may be added Second to Dearborn Battle Creek's retail business in January also showed a smaller decrease from December (the big shopping month) then the state average. The local decrease was 18 percent compared to 21 percent for the state, with only Dearborn with 11 percent making a better showing than Battle Creek. These data are based upon reports from 2,111 stores in the state, exclusive of department stores. The Battle Creek report is based upon returns from 70 local retailers. Reports from 26 department stores in Michigan crease of 17 percent for January compared with a year ago, while sales for last January were 53 percent lower than those for December, 1946.

10 Percent over Best Battle Creek retailers' 53 percent gain for the month over January, 1946, is 10 percent greater than that reported by any one of the other nine Michigan communities participating. Saginaw 'and Highland Park both reported 43 percent gains, but decreases of 29 percent were reported for Saginaw and 40 percent for Highland Park from the December business. Ann Arbor and Dearborn retail business was 34 percent up over January, 1946. Detroit reported a 26 percent gain, and Flint an increase of 16 percent, while Jackson was at the bottom of the list with only eignt percent gain. 56 Percent Drop Flint Decreases from the December high level ranged from 11 percent in the case of Dearborn to 56 percent at Flin Decreases for the other cities fr December included Ann Arbor.

31 percent; Detroit, 34 percent; Grand Rapids, 41 percent; Jackson, 47 percent, and Pontiac, 47 percent. The retail reports providing accurate up-to-date measures of the flow of consumer spending are now available from the Bureau of Census office at 429-30 Post building, Mrs. Edna S. Marshall, census district supervisor, announced today. Census representaitves are visiting business places in Battle Creek now to acquaint additional businessmen with the details of the service.

Through cooperation from the Chamber Commerce extended by Rudolph Haberman, its secretary, the local census bureau hopes to increase the number of participating retailers to close to 150. When this is accomplished, the bureau in Washington will be able to provide also a summary of sales trends for the various types of businesses. Checks on Trade Trends By providing a comparison of current-month sales or receipts with those for the previous month and the previous year, the trade reports enable the individual merchant to keep up with changing trends, and furnish him an improved factual basis for business decisions, Mrs. Marshall pointed out. THE WEATHER FORECAST Lower Michigan Snow flurries and colder tonight and Saturday.

TEMPERATURES IN BATTLE CREEK Max. Min. Yesterday (midnight to midnight) 45 34 A week ago today 31 16 year a ago 67 48 Low last night 8 a. m. today 32 Noon 32 Precipitation (noon to noon) .02 The sun sets today at 6:16 p.

m. and rises tomorrow at 6:54 a. m. The moon rises tomorrow at 2:56 a. m.

and sets tomorrow at 11:45 a. m. TEMPERATURES ELSEWHERE Highest Low of yesterday night Alpena 35 32 Bismarck 29 Brownsville 72 47 Buffalo 52 39 Chicago 46 Cincinnati 52 Cleveland 47 42 Denver Detroit 44 Duluth 32 Grand Rapids Houghton Jacksonville Lansing 33 Los Angeles 60 Marquette 28 Miami Milwaukee 29 Minneapolis New Orleans New York Omaha Phoenix Pittsburgh Sault Ste. Marie 32 St. Louis 54 30 San Francisco 74 48 Traverse City 42 32 Washington 54 47 WHERE TO GO AND WHEN KELLOGG AUDITORIUM- Wildlife, K.

Bovey p. REGENT "Razor's Edge" 1:12, 3:52, 6:32. 9:12. BIJOU- Reckoning" 1:20, 3:20, 5:54. 7:28, 9:32.

MICHIGAN 'Susie Steps Out' --1. 3:15, 5:30. 7:50. 10, and "Over the Santa Fe 4:25, 6:45. 9.

REX Whistle Stop' 2:05. 4:15. 7:25. 10:05, and Comes Flying Home' -1. 3:40.

6:20. 9. POST 'Thrill of 4:01, 6:48. 9:38, and "'Trigger Fingers' 5:49, 8:38. STRAND- The Gentleman from 1:50.

4:43, 7:29, 10:23, and 3:24, 6:10, 9:04. Mother Charges Threats to Boy Prosecutor Disclaims Witness in Trial for Deputy's Slaying. COLDWATER-The mother and two cousins of Lawrence Crandall, 17, who is on trial for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Alfred S. Reed, have testified that before the shooting on January 13 the boy told the deputy had threatened his there. The boy's mother, Mrs.

Frank Crandall, was the witness stand in circuit court here yesterday afternoon and most of this morning. First called to the stand by Prosecutor Jack Southerland as one of his 41 state's witnesses, the prosecution quit questioning here yesterday after she testified that Reed was a "sexual maniac" who had dominated her son's "every activity" for tWO years. After Judge Theo T. Jacobs on found her to be an "adverse witness," defense attorneys kept her on the stand. Mrs.

Crandall declared that the outset of Reed's acquaintanceship with her son, the deputy sheriff told her he was pleased to know her son because he liked younger boys and was glad of the opportunity to have his friendship. She said Reed later threatened her On the night of the slaying, Lawrence left the house in a "highly nervous state" to meet Reed, Mrs. Crandall testified. After the killing. she said, Lawrence appeared "greatly relieved." Also on the stand yesterday afternoon were Max Crandall and Roy Crandall, cousins of the defendant, and Max' wife, Winifred, who testified that Lawrence had expressed fear of Reed and told them the officer had threatened to kill him.

Deputy Sheriff Neil Post testified that Reed did not live at home with his mother but maintained a bedroom above the county jail where he frequently entertained boys until Sheriff William Burns put a stop to their visits. New Hitch Reported In Airport Transfer Commission to Meet to Study Surprise Federal Action. Advised by WAA officials in Detroit this morning that the federal government has withdrawn from the property at Kellogg Field being released to the city the large apron area at the northwest portion of the airport, Mayor Godde stated he plans to call a special commission meeting Saturday morning to study the matter and consider the letter of application the city is to submit to WAA by Monday. Notification of the withdrawal of the concrete aircraft parking apron area, which is located on city-owned land, was received by Naseeb G. Damoose, director of public works.

Since no explanation for the action could be given by WAA officials in Detroit, Mr. Damoose this afternoon is trying to contact authorities in Washington to learn the reason for the eleventh hour change. Last Monday the property, including the apron area, was advertised as surplus by WAA and the city received a letter of application to submit for the property it has been seeking for more than two years. A portion of the area the federal government withdrew today is contained in the section the city has agreed to make available to the Michigan national guard air force and the army air reserve. It is expected newly created airport board may discuss the matter at its meeting this evening at the city hall and possibly have some recommendations for the city commission at its special session tomorrow morning.

RAIN TURNING TO SNOW IS FORECAST FOR STATE Rain changing to snow is expected to move in over the state this afternoon with lower temperatures, the weather bureau reported at East Lansing today. Cloudy, rainy weather prevailed throughout the state yesterday, although the downpour here totalled only .02 inch. Conference Will Reappraise '3 Rs' in Modern Education The "Three Rs" will come in for scrutiny at Ann J. Kellogg junior high school tomorrow when Kalamazoo and Battle Creek teachers; school administrators and parents meet for a language arts conference, one of a series of special teacher meetings. Dr.

Dora Smith of the University Minnesota and Dr. W. C. Hoppes of North Michigan College cation, Marquette, will be speakers. Dr.

William M. Alexander, superintendent of schools, said that th the conference was made possible through W. K. Kellogg Foundation cooperation. Representatives of Battle Creek elementary schools, all of the city's English teachers, and junior and senior high school principals will attend, Dr.

Alexander said. An invitation has also been extended to the Kalamazoo public schools to send representatives. The general session will open at 9 a. m. with Miss Mertace Canan presiding and Dr.

Smith will discuss "Responsibilities of Language Arts Teachers." At 10:15 a. the elementary and secondary groups will meet with Miss Margaret Ely HIS Enquirer and News Photo. CAR STRAYS FROM BEATEN PATH-This automobile went over the curb, through a small fence and crashed into the porch of Mrs. C. J.

Cole's home at 316 Main yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Esca B. Rogers of Kalamazoo, driver of the concrete? pictured here surveying the damage. The impact cracked the steps.

Two passengers in the car were hurt. Ricketts Mentioned For Race Post Again Already Interviewed for State Job, Writer Says. City Commissioner Paul F. Ricketts was mentioned again today as the man in line for the job as Michigan's next racing commissioner. Mr.

Ricketts. whose term on the city commission expires next month, scheduled to arrive in Battle Creek tonight on another visit from his winter home in Miami, Fla. In his Detroit Free Press sports column, Bob Latshaw predicted that Mr. Ricketts would be appointed racing commissioner by Gov. Kim Sigler, already having been interviewed the job by one of the governor's assistants.

Mr. Latshaw said that William J. Dowling of Northville, present racing commissioner, whose term has expired, will remain on the staff as an advisor or assistant commissoiner. He was described as an "able official." Rumors Mr. Ricketts would take over the state racing post have persisted since the election of Governor Sigler, and his appointment was forecast earlier by a Detroit Times columnist.

Mr. Ricketts, a horse racing fan, has indicated that he would accept the appointment gladly and has made a private investigation of racetrack operations in Florida. He says, however, that he has not asked for the job. Governor Sigler has announced his intention that Michigan's horse racing "must be honest racing in which the people have confidence." His plans call for elimination of horse racing at the state fairgrounds in Detroit after 1948.00 Mr. Ricketts is expected to attend the city commission meeting Monday, his second since December 30.

He was at the February 3 meeting. He is not a candidate for reelection. In private life he is president and general manager of the Battle Creek Dog Food Co. Man Injured As Car Rams Parked Truck Robert E. Farnham, 28, of 83 Fairview avenue, suffered head injuries and cuts on his right hand at 7:50 p.

m. Thursday when his car rammed head-on into a heavily loaded tractor-trailer parked at the curb in front of 655 Northeast Capital avenue. He was taken to Leila hospital, where he remained today. Mr. Farnham, traveling northeast, hit the truck when he swung his car across the centerline of Capital avenue to overtake anotner car, driven by James E.

Carey, of 1159 West Michigan avenue. The truck, carrying a load, had been parked on the northside of the street by Robert Gailey of 172 West Manchester. It was unlighted. A light rain falling at the time was believed to have obscured Mr. Farnham's vision.

The front of the Farnham car was jammed under the higher bumper and frame of the truck and its motor was driven back into the body. Mr. Farnham's head struck the steering wheel and windshield with such force as to smash both. He is an employe of the United Steel Wire Co. Red Cross Campaign Nets $3,557 to Date Contributions to Battle Creek's Red Cross fund drive today amount to $3,557 with two divisions nearing their quotas, George P.

Aldrich, campaign chairman, reports. The Public Service "B' division headed by Robert Vermeer of the Junior Chamber of Commerce has raised $410, needing only $90 to attain its quota of $500. Contrary to popular belief, snakes are not repelled by any species of plant or their leaves. Mayor Race Has Two Candidates Ray Vance Files Petition to Oppose William Bailey. -Enquirer and News Photo.

NAUTICAL ILLUSION--After the camerman took this picture he discovered that side down you could turn it upand get much the same effect. The picture, taken yesterday, shows how water from the spring thaw preempted all of the roadway for about 150 feet on Wiltshire avenue, between Territorial road and Bidwell over sidewalks and into yards several spots. Pedestrians either had to wear boots street, forcing motorists to comes splashing through like stern wheelers on the Mississippi. The or get their feet wet. Towater had run day as the thaw continued the sidewalks were clear and the street was drying.

Because of frost in the ground and banks of ice which keep the water from running off, similar situations could be found in many suburban areas where there are no storm sewers. In some cases basements are absorbing trapped water. Burlington Caucus Ousts Supervisor Rev. A. W.

Wallis, in Office Five Years, Loses 63 to 48. The Rev. A. W. Wallis, veteran Burlington township officer, failed in a bid for renomination as supervisor yesterday in a spirited township Republican caucus.

Darol Bingley, operator of a farm on the skirts of the village of Burlington, won the nomination by a vote of 63 to 48. Some observers in the district laid the defeat of the Rev. Mr. Wallis in part a feeling among his rural constituents that he "voted with the cities" too often in matters before the board of supervisors. His stand on township fire protection also had been criticized by some.

Wallis was the only rural supervisor to vote "no" on placing the question of continuing the health department on the April ballot, and one of the two rural representatives who voted this week against placing an extra -millage proposal on the ballot to help finance the health department. Clyde Reed defeated the incumbent, Mrs. Josephine Watkins, for the nomination as clerk in a close vote, 58 to 51. Charles W. Worden was unopposed for nomination to his third term as treasurer.

There were 113 township voters present at the caucus. Others nominated at the caucus were: Walter Derhammer, highway commissioner; Frank Converse, Ora Wood and Hervey Kent, justices of the peace; Victor Wells, Herman Platz, Floyd Bryant and Byron Hamma, constables, and Henry Pohlman, board of review member. Mr. Wallis, a retired Congregational minister, has been supervisor five years, and before that served as treasurer for six years. He said today that he will not run as a sticker candidate April 7.

Four years ago Mr. Wallis won on a sticker vote. Nomination at the Republican caucus means virtual election, unless a strong sticker ticket appears. No Democratic caucus is scheduled in Burlington township. Prisoner Resists, Lands In Hospital Donald Lake, 29, of 235 East Michigan avenue, is under treatment at Leila hospital for lacerations head injuries suffered in a fight with police officers while resisting arrest at 10 o'clock last evening at the home of a relative in Green street, near Elm.

The officers had called to serve a warrant on Lake charging assault and battery. The complaint had made by his wife, who had been treated Wednesday night at Community hospital. It was reported yesterday that she had been struck by a car in a Verona parking lot, but Mrs. Lake told Prosecutor Donald Gordon that her husband had struck her, and asked for his arrest for assault and battery. The warrant was turned over to the sheriff's department, but since Mr.

Lake is a powerful man of about 200 pounds, the sheriff's deputy got the assistance of four city policemen. As expected, a "scuffle" took place, police said. I If there are more than two didates for mayor in the March 24 primary election, a rush 11th-hour nominating petition will be sary. Three hours before deadline at 4 p. m.

today petitions for two candidates for mayor and seven for city commissioner had been filed at the city clerk's office. No others were known to be in circulation. Ray Vance, second candidate for mayor, filed nominating petition bearing 150 signatures at 11:15 a. m. today.

Maurice J. (Mike) Kelley, seventh commission candidate, filed his petition as the clerk's office opened this morning, and Jay B. Walton filed his petition at noon as a candidate for constable. Olan D. Erridge, who had announced his candidacy for constable in opposition to Pat Brattain, incumbent, had not yet filed his signed petition.

Mr. Kelley's petition was checked against registration rolls and found to meet the requirements. Mr. Vance's was to be checked this afternoon. Last year he filed a lastminute petition to run for city commissioner, but the petition was ruled out when it was found that only 72 of the 150 signers were voters registered in the city.

A minimum of 100 is required. Barring the possibility of last minute petitions, which seemed remote at noon, the city primary ballot apparently will carry the names' of the following candidates: for mayor, William V. Bailey and Ray Vance; for city commissioner, Frank S. Boies, W. Edmond Coombs, Mr.

Kelley, Peter M. McLean, Jerome E. (Jerry) Pugh, Jay W. Ridgely and Ernest H. Wolfe; for justice of the peace, William H.

Bibbings, incumbent, unopposed, and for stable, Mr. Brattain and Mr. Walton. Four candidates for the city. commission and both mayor candidates will survive the primary election.

On April 7, two commissioners and a mayor will be elected from the field. 2 Persons Hurt As Automobile Runs Into Porch Bulletins MOSCOW-(P)-Secretary Marshall bluntly told the conference of foreign ministers today that the United States does not consider a society democratic if men who "respect the rights of their fellow men are not free to express their own beliefs and convictions without fear that they may be snatched away from their home and family." Moscow reported today that Russia had agreed in principle to the consultation of small Allied nations on the peace treaty for Germany. Gen. Frank Parker, Custer Backer, Dies Veteran of 23 Years Overseas Duty Wanted Fort Here. Maj.

-Gen. Frank Parker, retired, 74. one of the early and most vigorous sponsors of the plan to give Camp Custer the status of a permanent military installation, replacing Wayne, died in Chicago last night of a heart attack. General Parker, who retired in 1936 after a military career of 46 years, won fame as co commander of the 1st Division in the closing weeks of the First World war. From 1929 to 1933 he was commander of the former 6th Corps area.

with headquarters in Chicago, and frequently visited Battle Creek and Camp Custer. He was guest of honor at a dinner sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at the Post Tavern May 19, 1933. On this occasion he reaffirmed his frequently expressed belief that Camp Custer should become a permanent fort. His last visit to Camp Custer was October 10 of the same year. He was commander of the department of the Philippines from November, 1933 to July, 1935.

General Parker won numerous decorations for his fighting record in his lifetime of army service, which included more than 23 years in foreign lands. He wore the uniform in Puerto Rico, South America, Cuba, the Philippines, China and France. After his retirement Parker was an executive of a Chicago department store for one year. He served as consultant on national defense and during the Second World war he was executive director of the Illinois council of defense. Parker, who was born in Georgetown, S.

and from West Point in 1894, is survived by his widow and two daughters, Miss Kathryn Parker of New York City and Mrs. John Honeycutt of West Point, N. Y. Husband Confesses Killing of Wife, 42 DETROIT-(P)-Assistant Prosecutor George A. Gray said today that Octavia Finatti, 42, had admitted the bludgeon slaying his estranged wife, Marcell, Thursday.

Gray said he will ask a first-degree murder warrant against Finatti, who had been under questioning since the 45-year-old woman's body was found in her blood-spattered I apartment in Highland Park. Schools In Bedford Talk Consolidation Five Boards Take First Steps To Investigate Union. Representatives of Bedford township's five school boards, meeting at the Level Park school last night, made plans for a future meeting at which a vote will be taken to determine the advisability of appointing a fact finding committee to investigate the possibilty of a consolidated school. George Wright, secretary of the Level Park school board, reported nearly 100 percent attendance. Twenty-three of 25 members invited from the Bedford, Mamby, Kirby, Court, and Harmon schools were present.

While the Level Park school is not being considered in the consolidation plans, Mr. Wright said that the Level Park school was acting in a cooperative and advisory capacity. The group was unanimously in favor of investigating a consolidated school plan, Mr. Wright reported. In all probability, he said, a fact finding board would be appointed at the next meeting tentatively set for April 10 at the Bedford school.

Level Park's entire school board, composed Wright, Mrs. Mary Mills, president; Robert Allen, treasurer; Sidney Skellenger and Robert Mason, trustees, was present last night. Others invited were William H. Tungate, director; Eldon Harris, moderator; and C. A.

Crandall treasurer from the Court school: Raymond H. Davis, director, Marshall Douglas, moderator, and Emmons Lafler, treasurer, of the Kirby school; Willis F. McKeeby, director; Alex Leys, moderator, and Mrs. Erin Rabbitt, treasurer, of the Harmon school; Harley Emerson, director; Nile Tack, moderator, and Mrs. Alice Potwin, treasurer, of the Mamby school; and Albright, presiMrs.

Gladys Cook, secretary; Russell Stark, treasurer, and Harold Conklin and Mrs. Alice Putnam, trustees, of the Bedford school. An atoumboile which clicked fenders with a truck went out of control at 1:10 p. m. Thursday, climbed a curb and ran into the porch of the home of Mrs.

C. J. Cole at 316 Main, at the corner of Newark. Two persons in the car suffered minor injuries. Mrs.

Esca B. Rogers of Kalamazoo, driver of the car, told police her car brushed the fender of a Railway Express truck which had started to make left turn into Newark. Lloyd H. Chapman, of Kalamazoo, was driver of the truck. The injured persons were passengers in Rogers' car.

They were Janet Larkin, 15, of Union City, who swfered bruises to her knee, nose and forehead, and Mrs. Zella Collins, 59, of Union City, who suffered a sprained left wrist and bruises on her left knee, left upper arm and face. The police gave Mrs. Rogers a summons for careless driving. TEXAS TELEPHONE STRIKE ENDED BY MEDIATION PACT DALLAS, (AP) -Thousands of Texas telephone workers began returning to work today while awaiting decision by a fact-finding commission appointed by Gov.

Beauford H. Jester to investigate the labor dispute. FASTER HITS No. 1 on the Hit Parade! Black Patent Baby Dolls 3.95 Paris fashion FIFTH AVENUE STYLES white sole, SADDLES BROWN and WHITE BLACK and WHITE 3.95 Your Favorite Casual Is Back Again! shop 56 W. MICHIGAN and Miss Elizabeth Torongo in charge of the respective groups.

Addressing the elementary group, Dr. Hoppes will discuss "A Modern Reading Program for Elementary Schools." Dr. Smith's topic for the senior group will be "Language Arts in the High School." A complimentary luncheon will be served at noon in the Ann J. Kellogg cafeteria. Miss Elizabeth Hosking, elementary supervisor, will preside, and the group will hear an evaluation of the two divisional meetings.

Group conferences with Smith and Dr. Hoppes will be conducted from 1:30 p. m. to 3:30 p. announcing the language arts conference.

Dr. Alexander said: "This conference should be of exceptional interest to all parents. Education has come in for adverse criticisms on the basis of the 'Three Parents who attend the session tomorrow will gain an insight into the fact that the 'Three Rs' have never been dispensed with but are incorporated as an integral part of today's educational system. They are as fundamental now as in the days of the little red schoolhouse.".