The Mercury from Pottstown, Pennsylvania • Page 1

THE WEATHER Eastern Pennsylvania! Generally fair and continued cool today and tomorrow. New Jersey; Generally fair and continued cool today and tomorrow. Western Pennsylvania: Generally fair and cool. (Temperatures in Column One.) Pottstown VOL. 9, NO.

300 TELEPHONE 2263 CENTRAL PRESS ASSOCIATED PRESS POTTSTOWN, THURSDAY to ymvt I mmw UNIVERSAL AUTO 10AH CO. tom. MMM lilt MORNING, SEPTEMBER 12, 1940 ALL TIMES IN THE MERCURY ARE DAYUOHT SAVING TIMES UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED TWO CENTS A COPY TEN CENTS A WEEK British Blast Nazi Channel Fleet; Invasion Attempt Expected Hourly London Defenses Flower Garden? No, Wrong Repel A ir Raiders Be Wary! ir ir ir ir Keep Your Crossed Friday the 13th By Associated Press LONDON, Sept. 12 (Thursday) Great Britain lashed back fiercely at Germany by land and sea last night and early today, her Navy repeatedly hitting Nazi preparations to invade England. At the same time her anti-aircraft forces threw up a tremendous barrage which dulled the edge of the fifth successive Nazi massed aerial assault on London.

Firing began at dusk in both theaters of on the coast and over London. Official secrecy cloaked the success but in London it became apparent as dawn neared the British change of aerial defense had confined the German air raid to scattered bombings and apparently little damage. Instead of waiting to spot the attacking bombers with searchlights, the anti-aircraft defenses of London opened at full cry when the first night raiders appeared and kept going at an unprecedented rate. Two Nazi bombers were brought down in London itself and the crew of one captured. Another bomber was shot down south of London.

The Air Ministry said at least 90 German planes had been destroyed yesterday at a cost of 17 British craft. The sustained anti-aircraft fire had a heartening effect on the civilian tion of the largest city. Twice the German planes approached the city in massed formation ready to deal death and destruction and each time the thunderous barrage, fired with the aid of only a few searchlights, scattered the Germans. German dive bombers and long-range guns united in a heavy bombardment of the English coast to protect Nazi ships maneuvering in the Channel in apparent preparation for the now hourly expected attempt to invade Britain but the British beat the offensive to the punch. The Admiralty officially announced light British naval forces had begun and repeated offensive against Nazi shipping movements and ports which those days, so be wary if you're the least bit superstitious.

FRIDAY, THE 13th. a com- bination which is supposed to be unlucky, For past commanders of George A. Amole post of the American Legion, it will be the signal for one of their periodic, bang-up parties. The group meets only when Friday falls on the 13th of the month. It always meets in Green Gables inn, where it will gather again tomorrow night.

Expected at the dinner, which will begin at 9 o'clock, are J. Russel Reifsneider, James V. Gleason, Horace Y. Seidel, Joseph Burdan, Allan Peterson. Harry J.

Ginther, Walter Hutt, Leroy Johnson, Harold Eppe himer, William Wagner, Herbert Jones, Henry Hausmann, George Lappas, all past commanders, and Ralph Guest, post commander. Boro Asks Prices On Parking Meters Committee Interested in Combination Penny-Nickel Machines, Says C. A. High last night moved one step nearer to seeing parking meters on its downtown business section streets. Police committee of Borough council heard rtierita of four different parking meters explained from installation to collection of the coins dropped in the slots by motorists who would pay 1 for parking.

The past commanders meet again until December. won't the 13th Press Photo First glance might make you believe this is a hothouse. Surely, it will be no bed of roses at some future time if a foreign power decides Uncle Sam can be conquered. The picture shows thousands of cylinders, lying row upon row. in an airplane engine factory at Hartford, Conn.

This company is working day and DHTADIAWC night to make $27,000,000 worth of plane motors for the United States government. The man amid the I nUIAnlAnib And you. if you're one to cross Angers and spit over your left shoulder if a black cat crosses your path, have to worry until then. For the next Friday comes in that month. cylinders is an inspector.

Conferees Drop 60-Day Draft Delay; Age Bracket Set 21-35 16,500,000 Men Are Liable to Immediate Call for Service Draft Boss (Continued on Two) Churchill Sees Invasion Try At Any Moment LONDON, Sept. 11 unrelenting bombing of London civilians has kindled a flame in British hearts that ultimately will destroy wicked Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared in a broadcast today as he girded his nation to expect a Nazi attempt to invade this fortress island, perhaps within the week. full-scale invasion may be launched at any time now upon England, upon Scotland or upon Ireland or upon all he warned. The next week may be the most critical in long history, he added, and, like Admiral Nelson of old who broke invasion project, he said he expected every Briton do his is the time for everyone to stand, to hold firm, as they are he said. German barges and convoyed ships are moving down the Continental coast from Norway to Southern France, he said, intermittently pounced upon by British bombers and warships, but mainly moving close to shore under protection of German shore batteries in France, this invasion is going to be tried at all, it does not seem that it can be long delayed; the weather may break at any he said.

By The Associated Press WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 1 A joint Senate and House committee approved tonight a compromise version of a peacetime conscription bill making approximately I 6,500,000 men from 21 to 35 years old, inclusive, immediately liable to call for a military training. The revised measure to be polished up finally by the committee tomorrow, goes first to the Senate, with action predicted there Friday. The House then is expected to give final legislative approval Adolf i before the end of the week. Both Houses previously ha, pa-sed the bill in different forms.

Striking out a House provision to delay the draft for 60 days while attempts were made to fill the quota of 400,000 trainees by voluntary enlistments, the joint committee voted to fix the ago limits of those subject to the draft at from 21 to 35, inclusive. The House had adopted a 21 to 44 age bracket after the Senate DEFENSE WORK IS ADVANCES BY MINUTE MEN BORO TO DRAFT OWN HOUSING PROJECT ACT JOIN IN COUNTY MEET Pottsto wn will go to Plymouth Country club today for the annual reunion of clubs in Montgomery county, Golf, tennis, softball, quoits and other sports are on program which will begin at 1:30 p. m. Permit Is Issued For New Industry Construction of a new plant by Robinson Clay Products company, Akron. Ohio, at Mill Park, yesterday received the formal approval of the borough.

A permit was issued for construction of one of the plant buildings fry Inspector Arthur S. Kepner. The estimated cost of the structure, according to the permit, $190.000. Complete construction of the industry, however, has been placed at $750.000. Yesterday's permit issued to Barclay White company, Philadelphia, the general contractor.

Excavating for the main building was begun the past week. TRUCK DAMAGED BY RAIN AND COOL WEATHER C. A. High 1 Borough committee on low-rent housing last night voted to reject the enabling ordinance submitted to it for adoption by the Montgomery County Housing authority. Tf decided, during a brief mittee meeting In Borough hall, to draft simpler and more com- Minute Men, Cham- ordinance and present it for Continued cool weather and heavy rains of the past week have caused considerable rotting in tomatoes and small truck crops, a survey of this The dinner meeting wifi begin action showed last night, at 7 p.

m. i The Federal a marketing Conshohocken Rotary club will report said a delayed be host for the affair. Local trans- Spring, and unseasonable cold or portation has been arranged by rainy weather late this Summer, Andrew E. Vaughan Jr. caused an overlapping of the Sum- (Continued on Page Two) UPHOLSTERY REPAIRS Suites Rebuilt Like New Finks, 148 High Phone 1835-W ber of Commerce affiliate, yesterday furthered plans for their national defense program.

Progress was revealed by Davis C. Knauer, chairman of a special three-man com- mittee appointed to delve into the matter at a luncheon meeting at the Brookside Country club. Knauer, in his report, put forth I a three-point plan. It proposed: 1. Enabling experienced members of Company A.

Pennsylvania National Guard, to retain their posts in time of war service. 2. Organization of a home defense unit. 3. Reporting subversive activities of local persons to the local post of the American Legion approval to the county authority.

Explained Horace Y. Seidel, Ninth ward councilman, chairman of the councilmanic housing committee: felt the ordinance given to us for adoption by the county authority was too elaborate, too cumbersome. So we decided tonight to draw up our own The committee's action last night was the first development in i low-rent housing proj: ect in a week. The past week the Montgomery county commissioners I told Seidel thay had decided further funds for surveys in the project would have to come from the bor- ough or other interested parties, Borough council voted, by the close margin of 9-6. to adopt a Fed Meeting place for those who go will be High and Beech streets.

Members register as they leave at different times during the day. FOREMEN TO RESUME SESSIONS SEPTEMBER 20 Press Photo LT. COL. L. B.

HERSHEY PLYMOUTH The for '41 now on display. KRAUSE LUDWICK, Third and Hanover Sts. Pottstown Fine Watch and Jewelry Repairing High and Hanover Sts. PEACHES PEACHES Elbertas and Hales Ringing Hill Ringing Hill READING FAIR TICKETS Four for $1 Pottstown Automobile Club CAFETERIA SUPPER Friday, Sept. 13 Fellowship Hall, First Methodist Church.

p. m. erally-financed Knauer recommended dropping project. Qhuiler house, a contemplated plan which called. Homes would be constructed to Ravmon() plersoi will direct a for training of young men tor mill- families from sub- on lhe presidential third term issue.

Expert Watch and Clock Repairing Jewelry Store, 210 High £1. Expert Watch, Clock, Jwlry. Repairs A. E. Willauer, 217 High St.

BAVARIAN BEER Call 2205 Mercury Antics Local temperatures yesterday and early this morning were: 4 a. 5 a. 6 a. m. 55 7 a.

m. 54 Sx 8 a. 52 9 a. m. 53 10 a.

55 11 a. m. 57 12 m. 60 1 2 p. m.

62 3 p. 64 Sun Rises 6:38 a. m. 7:11 4 p. 1 6 p.

m. 62 7 p. 62 p. m. 60 io rn, 11 p.

55 12 p. 0 1 a. m. 53 2 a. 52 2:51 a.

m. 3 a. ..................50 F. D. Approves Drafting Of Balky 9 Industries tary positions.

He said his committee found the plan inexpedient at present. we really need, the chairman said, a plan for the training of young men for aviation positions. We found there is a decided lack of experienced help for not only airplane manufacture but also for the operation of planes. Allentown, I believe, has obtained Government aid for such a project, and there is no reason at all why Pottstown be given heip, The Minute Men decided to enlarge committee by two men and asked for a survey to show how the group's recommendation could be carried out in a practical manner. Fred K.

Kendall. Minute Man chairman, was in charge of the meeting. standard houses. A preliminary survey showed there were more than 300 substandard homes in the borough. mer and Fall farm seasons, i In the Pottstown area, J.

H. Hal! derman. veteran Pottstown Landing farmer, said most of the damage was confined to the truck crops. has not been damaged. In fact, it is gaining headway steadily.

believe potatoes will not be damaged and will not he affected by the cool and rainy declared Halderman. Filling of silos was underway, wilth Laurel Locks Farms, one of the largest In this section, engaged in that activity yesterday. Halderman Morris Deturk, Douglassville, operating the former Mensch farm, planned to start silo filling operations today. Halderman said. As cool weather continued yesterday, with a top temperature of only 64 degrees, the crop service report said the past week was RESUME MEETS MONDAY more favorable for door work and vegetation than in previous week.

The average temperatures, however, ranged two degrees below normal the past week. For today, the weather bureau predicted generally fair and continued cool conditions. Tomorrow, the forecast said, will be fair with little change in temperature. YMCA sponsored and club will inaugurate its 1940-41 season with a dinner meeting in the association building Friday, Sept. 20.

at 6:30 p. m. Speaker will be Dr. Ralph L. Lee, representative of a Detroit, automobile concern.

His topic will be and What It Motion pictures of the automobile industry will be shown. Head of the organization is Byron S. VanHorn, TOASTMASTERS club of the YMCA will swing into its Fall activities The committee, meeting in Bor; ough hall, received salesmen from com- panies; 1 a ence A. 11 High. Ninth! ward council- man and chair; man of the com! mittee, told the this: definitely are interested in parking meters.

We feeL they are necessary in Pottstown but we have reached no decision on the quantity or on As each salesman was ad- mitted to the committee room, he was told emphatically: committee wants your best price within a week. By that we mean that no offers will be made later if your company gets the tract as we understand is not un- common in other communities. We want your best, your first and your last After the fourth meter company representative had finished his sales talk the committee session ended. High explained no actfcn would be taken at least another until the committee could study proposals of the various companies. All four salesmen offered virtually the same terms; Each company offered to install the meters on a percentage basis receiving its pay for the machines through part of the monthly collections.

The borough, under those would pay nothing down. Prices of meters displayed last night ranged from $37.50 to $65. Various types shown and operated for the councilmen included penny and nickel meters. The committee. High told the salesmen, this was interested in a combination penny and nickel machine.

A motorist. using that type, would be able to park for 12-minute intervals for one cent or an hour for a nickel. At the session were: Horace Y. Seidel, Ninth ward; William A. Griffith, West ward; Leonard A.

Hatfield, Fifth w'ard; Lewis Sweeney, West ward and president of council! William H. Reifsnyder, Sixth ward; Edmund W. Critchley, borough secretary, and C. Edmund Wells, borough solicitor. low-rent housing Monday night at 6:30 o'clock when a dinner meeting will be conducted FOOT COMFORT DEPENDS ON FOOT BALANCE Come in, consult our orthopaedic shoe fitter, in attendance daily.

Exclusive agency for Red Cross Shoes for Women Edwards Shoes for Children TUBBIS SHOES 253 High Street X-RAY FITTING SERVICE New president of Henry T. Schneider. the group is YOUR OPPORTUNITY For all the family nytex Tweed- Weave printed stationery. There's a size to suit them all and a price sure to bring forth ah', and For a real value any time. And in September twice as big a value! For all during September on sale in DOUBLE THE USUAL QUANTITY at the regular price of $1.00 200 Single Sheets or 100 Double Sheets, 01 100 Monarch Sheets and 100 Frvelopes printed with your Name and Address, See samples today at The Mercury, Hanover and King Streets.

TWO WOMEN HURT AS AUTOS COLLIDE NOTICE! Members of Philadelphia Fire company who will not parade Sat- WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 UP) Flatly approving the conscription of non-co-operative industries for National defense purposes, President Roosevelt delivered a major address of his 1940 campaign tonight and made of it an appeal for the support of organized labor. He spoke, in the first place, before a convention of the Teamsters union, which earlier in the day had endorsed him for a third term. He recited the gains for labor which he contended were the result of New Deal legislation and. emohaticallv, he asserted National defense needs require no relaxation of these reforms.

am he said, a breakdown of existing labor and social legislation would weaken rather than increase iiur efforts for defense. Continuance of them means the preservation of the efficiency of labor. Jt means the return to uork of several million still Mr. Roosevelt noted that Congress was about to pass a law for the conscription of men, and added "on the same principle, no reasonable person can object tft giving the Government the power to acquire the services of plants needed for the production of defense items, if the owners of those plants is only in the rare, Isolated case the owner oi a plant will refuse to deal with his Government in a fair he said. all of these plans for national defense, only those who to play upon the fears of the American people discover an attempt to lead up into war," he continued.

American people will reject that kind of propaganda of fear, as they have rejected similar types DRY GOODS Nylon Silk Hose Special, $1.15 per pair No Limit on Quantity Silk Dresses Special, 94c Annual Clam Bake and Roller Skaters Outing. Ringing Rocks park, Sunday afternoon. Fancy skating, prize waltz and other acts of interest. 2 to 5. BINGO TONIGHT, 8:15 BETHANY Beech and Grant Streets 4 cards, 50c; extra cards, 3 for 25c urdav at Ardmore return uniforms GAMES 75 EVERY GAME A SPECIAL Merry-Go-Round, value $4 Golden Ladder Ganr.e, value $6 ENGLES Homemade chocolates 1 lb.

50c Phone Deliver Han. Chester Pike by Friday noon. Company will leave Fire House promptly at 12 ATTENTION Be sure to order your coal this week. Prices will advance September 16. A.

B. SIESHOLTZ Phone 66-W Two women suffered slight cuts of their faces when their eye glasses shattered yesterday afternoon in a collision between two automobiles on High street, near Hanover. Injured were Mrs. Mable Malsberger, 126 Beech street, and Mrs. Florence K.

Liegl, 361 Beech street. Motor Patrolman Earl Rhoads said Mrs. Malsberger was driving one machine while the operator of the second car was George E. Boyer, 62 West Main street, South Pottstown. ROLLER SKATE OUTING Rocks Rink Sunday afternoon, when you will see all kinds of fancy skating, done by skaters from the R.

S. R. O. A. All the latest dance steps.

PLYMOUTH The for 41 now on display. KRAUSE LUDWICK, Third and Hanover Pottstown PEACHES PEACHES Elberta Peaches for Sale at Mauger's Also Apples. Phone 547-Rl, BEER Phone 2205-J Diamonds. Wedding Rings. Watches E.

R. WEIKEL, 10 N. Hanover St ELBERTA PEACHES Fruit Farm Fruitville DIAMONDS WATCHES Charles Longacre, Bahr Arcade ON THE MAIN DRAC Informal of doings, Comings, and Doings CENTRAL BINGO tonite 8:15. See adv. on Page 8.

OYSTER SUPPER Saturday Nile By Limerick Fire Company, Oysters prepared by Ollie Bechtel, Trappe. PLYMOUTH The for '41 now on display. KRAUSE LUDWICK, Third and Hanover Sts. Pottstown TURKEY SUPPER By Aid Society of Ref. Church, Obelish.

Satuiday, Oct. PEACHES! Belle of Georgia and Elbertas Rhoads Fruit Farm, near Halfway House. at Painting and Paperhanging Drop card, will call. A. B.

Yerger, 116 Rowland St. Buy Jewelry on Credit Jewelry Store, 210 High St. TONITE! THE VIBRATEERS Popular Band from VVEEU, Reading At The SIIAWMONT Watches, Diamonds, Wedding Rings A. E. Willauer, 217 High St.

(Continued on Page Two) SUNSHINE BEER Call 40-J WANTED: PEACH PICKERS Apply Lenape Orchards, Barto MY, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN BAD Wrong Walk Almost Dug Up ELBERTA PEACHES HiUcrest Road 35c Full Course Luncheon 35c MERCHANTS HOTEL Restaurant essary. heard, of course, about the hou.se wreckers who tore down the wrong house. With slight variation, almost what happened on North Evans street yesterday afternoon. Five WPA workmen, employed on the borough's sidewalk construction project, stood poised with picks and shovels at the home of Morris Estreicher, 817 North Evans street. C.

Russell Shively, 815 North Evans street, decided it was a case of the house wreckers. So he communicated with Charles L. Schulz, who owns the property. Schulz dashed to the scene and told the WPA workers: boys, but I order a new They checked their records, i found he was right and they were They were about to rip up the wrong, cement sidewalk and lay a new went across the street one although it didn't appear nec- where they were supposed to go in the first place. HARRY KEPNER swinging a box of cookies.

MRS. CLARA FRANCIS she could drive an automobile. MRS. KATHRYN JOHNSON an iron gate. GEORGE RITTENHOUSE with his arms full of packages.

ALFRED HAAS JR. along with his collar open. MRS. EVELYN WENTZEL a perambulator in an automobile. VELMA JAMES a shade of nail polish.

BILL FRISCO --straightening his tie by his reflection in a window. RALPH KRAUSE along the tawny creek, CHESTER MOVER a wild pitch in soitbail game..