Press and Sun-Bulletin from Binghamton, New York • Page 1

THE BINGHAMTON PRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 13, 1945. JohnRourke 1 Prison Camp 'Alia Mistake Says A ckley In Frisco Jail; Claims Wife Felt Undertaking Too Grim By JANE COCHRANE International News Staff Writer San Francisco Donald C. Ackley, 30-year-old former Binghamton undertaker, charged with leaving five bodies in his establishment and then leaving town asserted today that it was all a mistake. State Probes Death Of 30 Tons of Fish Found in Otsego Lake Binghtimton Press Bureau Oneonta The New York State Conservation Commission is conducting an investigation in the death of more than 30 tons of fish in Otsego Lake near Cooperstown. Assemblyman Leo A.

Lawrence of Herkimer, chairman I of the State Assembly conserva I mm i -lUPJf Mm i By a Binghamton Press Photographer. 'WOW! 60 DAYS'-Second Lt. James P. McNally of 69 Chestnut Street is spending a 60-day leave with his wife, Lorraine. Lieutenant McNally was liberated April 29 from Stalag 7-A by the 3d Army.

'Too Horrible to Write About? Says Sgt. Robert J. Mahoney After Seeing Buchenivald Camp "Too horrible to write to a fellow's loved ones" is how Set. Robert J. Mahoney of Sidney described the torture de vices used at the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp.

Liberation Is Family Affair Lt. James McNally Freed by Unit "Headed by His Cousin From Utica It was strictly a family 1 affair when 2d Lt. James P. McNally was liberated from stalag T-fi in Ger many. Heading a liberation unit of Gen eral Patton's 3d Army on April 29, 1st Lt.

Bernard McNally of Utica inquired upon entry to the camp: 'Is there anyone here by the name of McNally?" That me, shouted James and two cousins were reunited after many months of separation. James, a former locomotive engineer, is at home now at 69 Chestnut Street with his Lorraine. After 10 months of Nazi imprisonment the officer smiled when he said: "I didn't have it so tough, think of the fellows who were interned three years." Bails Out Over Reich Lieutenant McNally, with other officers and men of the "Amazing Mazie" B-17, was forced to "hit the silk" somewhere over southern Germany last August. "That," said the lieutenant, "was the start of all my misery." Lieutenant McNally Was first taken to Stalag Luft 3, an officers' encampment. "Public opinion has it that these quarters were somewhat of a coun try club," he said.

"Some one was greatly misled. We found just as many odd things in our food as the next fellow." Later he was moved to Stalag 7-A where he remained until his liberation. Wears Purple Heart "I lost 40 or 50 pounds," assert ed the lieutenant, "but I've got most of them back." Lieutenant McNally wears the Purple Heart for wounds received when he was reported missing in action, on his ninth mission. Jle also holds the Air Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation and the Euro pean theatre campaign bar. Commissioned at Albuquerque, N.

Lieutenant McNally received his training at bases in Texas and California. He entered military service in January, 1942, and was sent overseas last July. He served with the 15th Air Force in Italy. Following h.s 0-day leave, Lieutenant McNally will report to the redistribution center in Atlantic City, N. J.

He intends to stay in uniform until V-J Day. Sage Will Fill Council Post Binphamton Press Bureau Norwich Earle R. Sage, engi neer with the Norwich Knitting and a past president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce here, was appointed Third Ward Councilman Tuesday night at a meeting of City Council. Mr. Sage was nominated for the office by Alderman William Leahy and William Merve for the re mainder of this year, filling the vacancy created by the death of Lewis M.

Donaldson. An alder man to complete the term of the late Third Ward councilman will be. elected in November. Mayor James W. Flanagan pre sided at the regular council ses sion last night at which the city decided to sell two building lots on Locust Street for $200 each and voted to ask for sealed bids on the former George Ganley resi dence in Griffin Street.

Purchase of new snow removal equipment will be investigated by the Building Committee and Street Commissioner Sherman L. Rife Alderman Joseph Letson of the Park Commission reported that playground equipment will be in top condition for the season by the end of this week. Plans for the cleaning of gravel from the Cortland Street play eround dooI were approved. Coun cil also, approved the purchase of 50" gallons of asphalt, 400 bags of chloride and a carload of stone for the annual dressing down of dirt streets in the city. The Romans practiced rain-making by spilling water from a large jar taken around in procession on a cart.

llCEtAGAKU Pocono Pines. Pa. Boys 8 to to. 20th Season. Mountain camp; 2.000-acre estate on Lackawanna R.

Ft. Cabins, Lake. Beach. Experienced Counselors. Boating, Tennis, Hiking, Riding, Crafts.

Physician. 4 Weeks $100 -8 Weeks $190. NAWAKKA fm GIRLS opp. shore of lake. B.

Camp Chtckagaml, Porono 4 AM. Booklet Killed When Hit by Train Binghamton Press Bureau Owego Dr. Kennedy F. Rubert, a Tioga County coroner, reported today that John Rourke, about 50, of Smithboro, was killed around midnight last night when he was struck by a train at Smithboro. Mr.

Rourke's' companion at the time of the accident, Michael Gorman of Smithboro, also was struck by the train and is reported in critical condition today -at Tioga General Hospital, Waverly. The engineer of the train apparently did not know of the accident since the train did not stop, Dr. Rubert said. The coroner said it is not known whether the two men were struck by an Erie or Lehigh Valley train. The victims were walking along a section of roadbed on which tracks of both railroads are laid.

The victims were discovered by passers-by shortly after midnight. Dr. Rubert and Sheriff Douglas L. urant were investigating the accident tqday. Eaton Legion Board Elects' Binghamton Press Bureau Norwich Three directors, each to serve for a three-year term, were named at the annual meeting of the Lt.

Warren E. Eaton DSC, American Legion Memorial, Inc. Chosen were Charles H. Pfianz, S. K.

Johnson and M. H. Newcomb. The nine directors" organized after the election and the following officers were elected: Charles H. Pflanz, reelected president; Ward Moxley, vice-president; Edward Erickson, secretary, and Ray L.

Smith, treasurer. Members of the post named Howard C. Rounds a member of the county committee. Ralph Perkins and Vernon Parks were chosen as alternates. A report of the last paper salvage pickup was presented by Chairman Pfianz of the salvage committee.

The drive netted $900 for the Legion welfare fund. Members heard a letter from Otis A. Thompson, chairman of the Chenango County War Finance Committee, thanking the legion for their effort in behalf of the successful showing here of th U. S. Treasury War Bond show, "Here's Your Infantry." Legion members setSunday, Aug.

12, as the date for their annual clambake to be held at their Chenango Lake property. Delegates and alternates chosen to the county convention wer named as follows: Delegates: Commander M. W. Osborne; Adjutant Charle Gregory, S. K.

Johnson, J. Wllham Kepner. W. T. McDowell.

Cordon Taylor, M. II. Newcomb, William Ubbens, Joseph Fama. Robert Stratton, Clyd Weeks. Milton HoRera, Edward F.

Devine, Neil Curley, Max Figary. George Trlnrier, Lorenzo Balcom and Charles H. Pfianz. Alternates: Kdward Waite, Edward VanTlne. William l-emley.

Malcom Robb. William Rhcil. Floyd Smith. Vincent Cleary, Fred Sturdevant. Edward Erickson, Hugh Clark, Oscar Weigel, Chester Smith.

Orlando Weigel. Walter Wright. William Gal- pin, Howard Brown, it. j. crowns and Anthony Funaro.

The first bathrooms known to man were found in ruins of the Labyrinth in Greece, more than 4.000 years old. ARROWHEAD CAMP Y. M. A. Boys Camp 8-to-17 Yeara of Age BOYS' PARADISE July 1 to August 28 For Camp Booklet.

Write or Call 185 Washington Street Biaghamton, N. y. Dial 2-7245 MEN'S Dungarees 61 and up FOR THAT BOY GOING TO GAMP Gabardine SHORTS L-Plaid Flannel SHIRTS Gabardine BATHING TRUNKS .1.69 1.98 1.49 SNEEX POLO SHIRTS- 590 up 2-PIECE PLAY SUITS Associated Press WIREPHOTO. HELD This photograph of Donald Ackley, Binghamton undertaker, was taken after his arrest by police of San Francisco, at request of local authorities who are preparing to go after him. He is charged with grand larceny.

ing to Binghamton to handle the burials when children discovered the decomposed bodies and detec tives began their investigation of the strange case. After they were identified, the bodies were buried by a Bingham ton undertaker at request of Cap tain Krause. The detective head said the Owego undertaker turned over to him the $100 he had re ceived from Mr. Ackley. District Attorney Robert O.

Brink said he does not understand what Mr. Ackley meant when he referred to a bond in the inter view. He explained no bond or bail has been fixed. "That will be a matter for the court to handle upon Mr. Ackley's return, he said.

The grand larceny charge Mr. Ackley faces was filed March 3 by Captain Krause. He alleges that when Mr. Ackley was paid $200 last December for a July, 1944, fu neral and burial, the undertaker falsely represented that the services had been provided. Abbey Restorating To Require Year London U.P.) It will take at least a year: to restore the estimated over half-million dollars damage Westminster Abbey suffered during London't air blitzes, it was recently disclosed by Westminster's Dean, Dr.

P. de Labillicre. Despite the heavy damage done by Hitler's bombs, the Dean said, "the Abbey has not lost a single feature of historic interest. Five of the Abbey houses were lost, including my own, and the Cloisters and Little Cloisters suffered, as well as the buildings of Westminster School and the Choir School." Dr. de Labillicre said that the Abbey's worst night was that of May 10, 1941, when 30 incendiaries fell on the roof all but one of which were extinguished.

The one incendiary fell in an inaccessible place and set fire to the roof. The first woman's club in America, the Minerva Club, was organized in 1859 in New Harmony, with a membership of 13. OPEN TILL MIDNIGHT Public Service Garage Car and Truck Service Wrecking Service) 24 Hours Dial 2-3481 100 Washington Street tion Commission, visited Coopers- town and saw the thousands of Otsego bass, pickerel and other species of fish floating on the lake's surface. He described the situation as serious, and referred tne case to the State Conservation Depart ment in Albany. As a result of this he has received a reply from Vic Skiff, deputy commissioner at Albany, which read: "This will confirm and some what amplify our telephone con- ersaf.ion regarding the recent "kill of Otsego bass in Otsego Lake which you called to the attention of the department.

Shortly after you called the first time. Dr. Senning, in charge of our Biological Survey here, and Dr. Louis Wolf, our pathologist at the Kome Fish Hatchery, con verged on Otsego Lake and started trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the killings. Fish on West Shore At the time they made their check a week most of the dead fish were concentrated on the west shore "at the head of the lake, particularly in Hyde Bay, be cause of the prevailing winds.

"The kill consisted principally some white fish (Otsego bass) with a few pickerel in a ratio of about 20 to 1. They also found sunfish and minnows. "It appeared that the fish have been dyang for at least two weeks but at the time the inspectors were there, no fish actually were in the process of dying, which prevented the state men from getting fresh specimens which could be used for microscopic examination. "The theory was held by some of the local residents that death was caused by sand plugging the gills, which did not seem plausible Gi mucous on dead fish normally picks up sand and no more than an expected amount was noted. No Parasites Found "Examination of the fish failed to disclose the presence of mien scopic parasites which could have caused the kill.

Stomachs were empty in the white fish but pick erel contained some food. "The men are suspicious that since this kill is something which has happened every few years over considerable length of time there may be some kind of a food relationship, that periodically there is not enough food to go around and killing takes place. There seemed to be no pollution indi cated. "The men are still on the job since the kill is continuing and Dr. Wolf hopes to pick up some fresh specimens for further ex amination.

If he is successful and finds anything of interest we'll immedi tely transmit his findings to you. Help Being Sought Binghamton Press Bureau Oneonta Field Representative Edward H. Bresnahan of the United States Retirement Board at Albany, who is cooperating with the office of the U. S. States Employment' Service here in filling railroad manpower needs, said yesterday that the National Production Agency has placed railroading in a No.

1 priority. Mr. Bersnahan said that the ur gent requirements at this time are for men as carpenters, mason helpers, signal maintenance, telegraphers, car repairers, machinists and trackmen. He stated that the D. II.

Railroad is in need of 100 trackmen in order to maintain the rails to keep the stock rolling and prevent accidents. He will be at the Oneonta Em ployment Service office on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. However, information may be obtained at the employment office at any time for those inter ested. The age requirements for the positions are from 18 to 45. However, Mr.

Bresnahan stated that students from 16 to 18 can apply to work as trackmen during the summer months. 0 1 1 1 mmm www A The dark, plump undertaker, who has waived extradition and is awaiting removal to Binghamton says he can explain everything. Mr. Ackley was interviewed as he sat behind the bars of the prisoner's cage in municipal court. He told a tale of the woes of an undertaker in the winter time and of a wife who said his business was "too grim." Mr.

Ackley was arrested after a nation-wide search that began in February when the five unburied bodies were found in his Bingham-ton establishment. When arrested lie was serving as night manager of a downtown San Francisco restaurant. "My. wife left me, taking our two children, and got a divorce," the unhappy undertaker said as he waited, his hearing, in court. bne saia my nusiness was 100 grim.

I loved her very mucn ana I wanted a reconcilliation so I sold the business." He sold the business and all equipment which he presumably thought included the five bodies as well to Floyd Richards (Tioga County undertaker, he said. The sale was made, Mr. Ackley asserted, with the understanding that Mr. Richards would continue the lease and take over the burial of the five bodies remaining in the establishment. Binghamton in the winter, Mr.

Ackley explained, is cold and stormy. We sometimes have to wait severat months to be able to bury a body," he added. "My establishment had a cooling unit in which bodies were kept until the ground was in fit condition for burial. It wasn't the least bit unusual to have five bodies around, waiting for the snow to melt. There wasn't any other choice.

"I meant all the time to go back and answer all those charges because it's all a misun derstanding. I can straighten it out as soon as I get there. The 200-pound undertaker is charged with grand larceny in ac cepting payment for the burial of the bodies of four adults and one child from relatives. After he sold his business to Mr. Richards, Mr.

Ackley said he joined ins wiie auu iwu innuicu in Florida and then went to Los Angeles where he intended to open a restaurant. His wife, he said, had some money and some bonds. He and his wife, he added, would be reconciled when the restaurant oDened. He was just about to oDen the restaurant, he said, when he was informed oi tne cnarges aeainst him. "I wanted to go back but the bond was too high," he said.

I told my attorneys to try to get the bond down and i a return. "When this trouble broke around my neck I insisted Mrs. Ackley take the children and leave town as there was no use dragging them into this mess." Mr. Ackley left Los Angeles alone, coming to San Francisco to work in a restaurant. He refused to reveal the whereabouts of his family except to say they are near San Gabriel in southern California.

Mr. Ackley said he is willing to return to answer the charges "which I am very anxious to get straightened up." "I was amazed when I found there was a warrant out for me as I wasn't conscious of having done anything wrong. I thought I had left everything straight be hind me," he said. Bodies in Funeral Home For up to Two Years Detective Capt. Otto J.

Krause Dointed out today that the five bodies found in the vacated Ackley Funeral Home had been there for periods ranging from five months to two years. He said the Floyd Richards men tioned bv Mr. Ackley in the inter view is an Owego undertaker who was Daid $100 in January by Mr Ackley to bury the bodies after the latter left the city. But, Captain Krause added, Mr. Richards claims he thought the bodies were of persons who had died recently and did not know they were decomposed.

Mr. Richards was waiting for a break in the weather before com HEADQUARTERS FOR and Lowe Bros. PAINTS EtNAPP'S Wholesale and Retail 765 Washington Street NUPTIALS RUMORED FOR FONTAINE-BRENT Joan Fontaine recently rumored to be engaged to Walter Abel and two other handsome swains-seems very much engaged with George Brent these days! Then, they say, the beauteous Joan doesn't know how to whenfa handsome man comes her way making quite a riotous affair of Paramount's'The Affairs ofSusan'-theHalWallis production that's coming to theT RIVIERA TOMORROW 4i SPEAKER Mrs. Charles W. Weis, Rochester, former president of the National Federation of Women's Republican Clubs, who will be guest speaker at the meeting of the Tioga County Federation of Women's Republican Clubs tomorrow in the Owego Country Club at 1:30 p.

in E. B. Pendleton Dies in Norwich After Illness Funeral Will Be Friday for County Highway Superintendent Binghamton. Press Bureau Norwich Edwin B. Pendleton of 3 Fairview Avenue, Chenango County highway superintendent for the last 28 years, died in Chenango Memorial Hospital here last night at 6:45 o'clock after a critical illness of seven weeks.

Born in this city July 18, 1875, the son of Hadlai and Adelaide Fitts Pendelton. his education was in the Norwich schools. Mr. Pendelton remained here until eaily manhood. For a period of five years after leaving this city, he was associated with the Snare and Trieste Construction Co.

of New York. Mr. Pendelton later became associated with the Newport Con struction serving as superin tendent. In that capacity, he was the builder of the Norwich-Oxford state highway, the Kings Settlement Road and nearly all roads leading out of this city. He returned to his native city 38 years ago to become a per manent resident.

In 1917 he was named county highway superin tendent and under his administra tion practically all of the county roads were built. He was president of the Che nango County Town Superintend ents Association and a past pres ident of the New York State County Highway Superintendents' Association. He was a life member of the First Baptist Church of this city. Active Masonry he was a mem ber of Norwich Lodge 302, F. A.

Norwich Commandery 46, K. Harmony Chapter 151. R. the Masonic Club, and Kalurah Temple, Binghamton, of the Shrine. Mr.

Pendleton also was a member of Norwich Lodge 1222, B. P. E. He was married to Rose Fer guson Dec. 31, 1913, at her home in Taberg.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a brother, I. H. Pen dleton of Pittsburgh, two sisters, Mrs. Harry Carman of Binghamton and Mrs. H.

A. Jewell of this city; also several nieces and nephews. Mr. Pendelton's body is at the family residence, 3 Fairview Ave nue, where friends may call. Serv ices will be from the First Baptist Church, Friday afternoon at o'clock.

The pastor, the Rev. Har old S. Knight, will officiate. Burial will be in the family plot in Mt Hope Cemetery. Delaware Hits 77 of Quota Binghamton Press Bureau Sidney E.

B. Guild of Walton chairman of the Seventh War Loan drive in Delaware County said today that to date 77.1 per cent of the county total has been reached. The goal is Through the bank in Sidney individuals have bought bonds to the amount of $325,439. Of tnis number 5.124 have bought bonds amounting to $282,426. At the Post Office 171 individuals have bought $7,686.50 in bonds.

"Twenty-one business days to go to make our quota of to individuals," said Mr. Guild. "Reports for the last week show sales of $235,035.80, an average of $39,170.96 each day. we can continue this average we will go over the top with flying colors." of member of the 5th Victory Reprinted From Yesterday's Late Editions Early Freed From Nazis SSgt. Raymond M.

Early, 31, has been returned to military con trol, according to a War Depart ment telegram received by his wife, Grace, of 5Vt Mygatt Street. Sergeant Early mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Dore, lives in Norwich. Father of a 4- year-old son, Ray- William, Sergeant Early served as a nose gunner aboard a B-24 Liberator based in Italy. From army sources Mrs.

Early learned that the bomber made a forced landing in enemy early territory in 1944, after being hit by enemy fire. Later she learned he was a prisoner of the German Government and was in terned at Stalag Luft 3. Sergeant Early entered the army in April, 1941. He received his training at Miami Beach, a Tt r- mggs iciu, ana ci I'asu, Tex. He had completed 12 mis sions.

Wounded Oneontan Recovering in England 162nd General Hospital Wounded by an enemy machine-gun bullet as his company fought to take a town near Siegburg. Ger many, SSgt. Harry W. Robbins, 21. or 161 East Street, Oneonta, is recovering at this United States Army general hospital in England.

He has been awarded the Purple Heart. His ward surgeon, Captain Paul W. Schanher, of Mt. Clemens, Michigan, said. "Sergeant Robbins is making very satisfactory prog ress." "We were going down the street Ito knock out a machine-gun nest, the platoon guide said, when the Jerries opened up first.

I was wounded in the left leg, but was treated right away by a medic. Sergeant Robbins was taken to an aid station and operated upon at an evacuation hospital. He was flown to England. His wife, Martha, one-month old-daughter, Patricia Ann, and mother, Mrs. Mildred Robbins, live at the East Street address.

He was employed at the Scintilla Plant in Sidney, before entering the army in February, 1942. He was trained at Camp Swift, Tex Sergeant Robbins has a brother, Howard, a corporal in the in Italy. Weather Post Duties Passed Father to Son Norwich The appointment of S. M. (Pete) Donaldson as official weather observer for this city was announced yesterday by the U.

S. Department of Agriculture. Mr. Donaldson succeeds his father, the late Lewis M. Donaldson, former Third Ward alderman who for several years served as weather observer for Norwich and vicinity.

During the several weeks' illness of his father the younger Mr. Don aldson carried on the duties. CASH FOR CATS Kirksville, Mo. (U.R) Cats just the plain alley variety brought a premium here. A man paid amazed Kirksville citizens top prices for at least 100 grown felines.

He said he represented a biological supply house in Sergeant Mahoney is a Armored Division, now stationed at Erfurt, Germany, He described the horrors of the Nazi camp in a recent letter to his family. The letter reads, in part: Yesterday I visited the famous but horrible Buchenwald concentration camp. "Clare Luce wrote an article In the papers about it, and what she said was true, but she didn't say enough of the horrors of it. 1,500 in One House "I have seen so many terrible things in the last year that I thought I was indifferent about death, but when you see a me thodical slaughter house for human beings, it sickens even the hardest. "I won't go into details about lt but can you imagine 1,500 people sleeping in one house? A little hall, about three by seven feet, housed six men at Buchenwald.

Sick and perhaps even dead slept together. I saw the crematorium and the stretchers that were car ried on belts run by machinery to deposit the bodies in the huge fur nace. "I also talked to a Polish guide who had been there and was one of the fortunate few to be alive when we captured it. He said the system there was to bring them in in trucks and send them out as smoke through the chimney. Reached France in '41 "There were other torture de vices worse than burning but too horrible to write to a fellow's loved ones.

I thank God on bended knee that onr country is not devastated and so full of horrors as Germany is today The 5th Division landed on the coast of France June 20, .1944. It raced across France, liberated Luxembourg, entered Belgium and was the first American unit to en ter Germany in September, 1944 It later went into Holland and back into Belgium Sergeant Mahoney division was transferred from the 1st Army to the 9th Army after crossing the Rhine early this spring. The ser geant wears six battle stars on his European service ribbon 'and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Mayfred Slimming Is Awarded Degree Newark Valley Miss Mayfred Stimming daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

William Stimming, graduated from Fredonia State Teachers College Saturday, June 9, with a Bachelor of Science degree in edu cation, having majored in music Stimming has contracted to teach vocal music in Grades through 9 at the East Pembroke School. She will begin her duties 'there Sept 3. ASH IH3 NEA Photo. tf, THE HEW VOBK STORE 125 CLINTON STREET 0PEH EVENINGS A large stock of work pants in. herringbones, coverts and whipcords.

MEN'S KNIT POLO SHIRTS ...790 Pinrs. Pa mm MEN'S SHORTS Jockey type, 79' elastic top, limit 2 to a customer CHILDREN'S PLAY OVERALLS rA( AND SUN SUITS a GIRLS' $1 1Q PLAY SHORTS I a 13 up CHILDREN'S PINAFORES- Large assortment of styles and colors. 39 up Just received a large stock of hard faced dolls and stuffed toys. Children's SIQOnp I BLOUSES I I Peasant and Tailored Styles I LADIES' xxx gi 49 Panties I MONUMENT TO NAZI INFAMY-The sign above, studied by a British soldier at the entrance to the notorious Belsen concentration camp, Germany, tells its own story. A similar sign, in German, was erected frtmnt tan's nearby..