The Daily News from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania • Page 6

tot THI DAILY NEWS. HUNTINGDON, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1947. THE DAILY NEWS JOSEPH r. Dilly To N.wi, The HM F. Entered at poit tftlci at liarr £1, 1921, Mcond mall AH 1, 169T.

Joiftph F. Biddlt Pnbliihlnt John H. Biddl Editor E. Blair Haxailns Editor Euisne T. Shor Edlttt A Little Journey Through Hill Valley And Along The Aughwick.

Parti By Albert M. Rung 820 NORTH 16TH STREET, HARRISBDKG, EA. A visit, which had long been planned by Raymond A. Cutshall, was recently made into the area south of Mount Union. Decision to make the journey was not without misgivings, las the first week in May had sendee! in cold, rainy weather, leaving nothing but a dismal I outlook for our project.

Mr. had made all arrange- iments, however, and was ready to proceed as scheduled. We I therefore arrived at the home I of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. JC.

R. Cutshall, in Mount MR. RUNG Union from which our various journeys began and ended during the stay. The writer will always be indebted to their kindly efforts in making the little expedition one to be remembered; especially those excellent meals (their like found only in Huntingdon County) which started us off and were prepared for our return are remembered. Triumph Of Engineering No time was lost, in starting for the objective and we were soon on our way across the Mifflin County side of the river to see the old bridge site near the Legion Country Club, which has recently been discussed in this column.

Charles Derrick, who has built his tome at the ruins of the abutment on this declared the old bridge to have been of "he suspension type and possibly the first in part of tjie country. To have built'sifch structure in those days was undoubtedly a triumph in engineering and makes worthwhile all efforts to learn more about its history. Burial Ground RestoYed A visit was also made to the Morrisson Cemetery, a short distance away, which was apparently restored in 1934, and a more beautiful example of thought and care for an old burial ground cannot be recalled than was evident at this place. Too much credit for those responsible in its restoration would be impossible and it would be well for other communities to follow a like plan in the care of some old burial plots. The earliest burial appeared to have been that of William Morrisson, who was born in 1732 and died in 1805.

Lewis Smawley, a soldier of the Revolution, also sleeps here; a bronze plaque has been placed on his marker by Standing Stone Chapter, D. A. R. Abandoned Lock Filled In The next point on our itinerary was an old canal lock situated a short distance from the Country Club. Here a severe disappointment was in store as the abandoned lock had recently been filled in and not a single trace of its existence could be found.

It is regretted some attempt was not made to preserve a stretch of the historic waterway in this area, as the surrounding beauty of the locality would have proven most ideal as a shrine for this treasure of antiquity. Whether the three remaining locks between Mount Union and Newton Hamilton have met a like fate was not learned. If not too late, it can only be hoped the American Legion will add to their good deeds in the area oy saving and preserving for posterity one or more locks as well as a stretch of the ancient canal bed. Baker Plot Visited We now retraced part of our route for the purpose of reaching the next objective, another little burial plof which required an extended drive through Hill Valley, then Cromwell Township and finally the site in Springfield Township. Here, in a somewhat isolated section along Aughwick Creek, we found the Baker plot, enclosed simply by five walnut frees, whose entire dimensions did not exceed 1 2 by 15 feet.

The Civil War had taken a dreadful toll of this family as was evident by mute records on the markers. Five Baker brothers had gone away to war, three of these, Josiah', Samuel and John, had lost their lives and were brought back to the family cemetery on the farm. Knoll An Old Indian Site Again turning southward we stopped at little knoll from which an excellent view was obtained of surrounding fields and country and "Sidling Hill Creek curving gracefully around the scene a short distance beyond. According to well-founded tradition, the few lonely trees atop the knoll mark the site of an Indian burial ground, while in the field had occurred many tribal battles, as well as council fires of the Red Man. Various implements of warfare and domestic use have been turned up from time to time when fields are cultivated.

Unfortunately, the field was now growing up in clover and our brief effort to retrieve some ancient piece brought no result. Springfield Township Pioneer The following statement' is found in the History of Huntingdon and Blair Counties (1883): "Probably the pioneer settler of what is now Springfield township was a Revolutionary soldier by the name of John Bailey, who wandered along down the Little Aughwick till near what is now Maddensville, where he selected a ipot, cut away the trees, and built his mansion." Whether Bailey was in the Revolution before or after settling at this place is not fust clear. If he did not settle here until afterwards, then the following item obtained from the Cambria Freeman of June 1876, definitely proves there were ea-rlier settlers: "Caleb Robinson, a stone mason by trade, now a resident of Paradise it where you would scarce expect to find it, in the Broad Top coal to have been born at Meadow Gap (Springfield township), Huntingdon county, on November 1, 1773, and is as a consequence more than two years and a half older than the Declaration of Independence. According to a diary kept by himself he has built in his lifetime 284 chimneys, 108 barns, 72 churches, 134 cellar walls, 138 dwelling houses, 61 mills, 22 cisterns, 91 walls in wells, 222 bake ovens, and is now at work on the two hundred and twenty-third one. Last winter he shaved 1 8,800 shingles to pass away time." Caleb Robinson has gone to his reward but examples of his labor will doubtless be seen within a wide area for many years to come.

If Springfield Township turns but industrious natives of this type, it is a record of which they may always be proud. Descendants Remain The earliest settlers into these parts appear to have been from Maryland mostly. In building their cabins they frequently had to make hurried dashes to Fort Littleton to escape Indian attacks. It is a curious fact that of those pioneers still predominate in the regions of southern Huntingdon County. Here will be found the Stains, Ramseys, Cutshalls, Browns, Lockes, Wibles, Linns, Lanes, Maddens, Ashmans and the Cromwells.

could be added, but the foregoing are names which come to mind. This part of the county, as weli as other areas in surrounding counties of Bedford, Franklin and Fulton, can claim a record difficult to equal in any other part of the United States. Here descendants of pioneer families have remained and their names perpetuated by generation after generation to the present time. Typical Example Howard O. Brown, who lives within a mile of the forks of Little Aughwick and Sidling Hill Creeks, can be regarded as a typical descendant of pioneer stock, and since he is a great-uncle of'Ray Cutshall, we stopped to visit the Brown home.

Mr. Brown's great- grandfather, Joshua Brown, also came here from Maryland and likewise faced Indian perils and fled with other families to Fort Littleton. At times it became necessary to protect the women while milking cows by placing a guard of neighbors who had banded together to prevent Indian surprise. The grandfather, John Brown, was also born in this locality in 1796. He attended a pioneer subscription school near "the the windows of the school were strips of greased paper, which apparently stood for many years.

John Brown lived to ihe age of ninety-four or until 1890. Tells Recollections Howard Brown has preserved many reminiscences of days gone by and recalls seeing a pack of five wolves when he was about nine years old. The pack was seen near his home and believed headed for Black Log Mountain. He had no recollection, however, of wild pigeons ever roosting in the vicinity. Maddensville and the nearby locality had once sent many rafts of timber down the Aughwick, according to Mr.

Brown, who recalls names of some raftsmen as John W. Shore, William Sollers and Robert Ramsey. He also told of a bridge near "the forks" being taken away during a flood; the timbers were salvaged at Newton Hamilton. At this point they were floated to the canal, then taken to Huntingdon and used in construction of the old Fourth Street bridge. Giants Of Forest McKelvy's railroad, built about 30 years ago, was also recalled.

Constructed for taking 1 out timber, it extended from near Orbisonia to a point near Fort Littleton, a distance of 12 miles. Large oak timbers over 25 feet long were sent to the anthracite coal region to be, used as props. After the close of World many large walnut trees, some four feet in' diameter, were cut down on Black Log Mountain; these giants of the forest, according to Mr. Brown, are now practically extinct. However he gives us a more favorable report on the chestnut, as high up on the mountains some trees reaching a height of 12 to 20 feet are beginning to produce nuts.

We have reason to be enthused by such good news and trust the dreaded blight will eventually be conquered and the chestnut again be the popular tree as it was in boyhood days. Day's Tour Ends Back in Mount Union that night we called at the home of Herman Reck on West Water Street for the purpose of interviewing his neighbor, Mrs. Oliver Morgan. Mrs. Morgan is now in her ninety-fifth year and has proved a most remarkable her senses in every manner are as keen as any one half her age.

While not obtaining some reminiscences we had looked forward to, we are inclined to be- ieve our unexpected visit had taken the aged lady by surprise and so believe one as witty as I Mrs. Morgan will have more to tell us the next' time. "Izzat So? Well, Well!" VEGETABLE CROPS OF STATE DAMAGED Harrlsburg, May of Pennsylvania's tender vegetable crops were damaged by low temperatures this month, the State Agriculture Department said yesterday. Completion of a survey on the effect of unfavorable weather showed also that farmers were hampered further by excessive rainfalls which forced delay in planting. At least a week of continuous warm, dry weather was considered necessary.

With rainfalls during the first hs.f of the month averaging almost twice normal, even more hardy vegetables made slow growth, the department said. Growers said the few tomatoes which were set out early were damaged and replantings would be necessary. Asparagus yields will be less than last year because of a short season. Early- cabbage made slow progress and some lettuce was burned by low temperatures in the southeast. Rhubarb, spinach and beets were growing well.

EMERGENCE OF TWO SPHERES FORESEEN New York, Ma. Oswaldo Aranha of Brazil, president of the United Nations Assembly, told a meeting of the Women's National Republican Club that he foresaw continued lack of harmony between Russia and the United States and the emergence of tw spheres of influence. "I am persuaded that international wars are not contemplated in the Communist program." he said last night, "but I am equally convinced that Communism will never willingly linquish the stimulation of class warfare as its major objective." AGED MAN FOUND DEAD BY NEIGHBOR Ira-Sipes of Harrisonville was found dead in his home on Tuesday May 20, 1947, by Earl Sipes, a neighbor. Dr. E.

H. MacKinJay, Fulton Countv coroner announc- ICC Puts Blame on Kimsm Errors In 57 of 89 Train Wrecks Studied DEATH RATE FROM HEART DISEASE RISES Chicago, May death since 1940, the Research Council for Economic Security disclosed today. Gerhard Hirschfield, council director, said however, that the heart ailments concentrated In Ihe older age groups, the death rate tends to rise as medical science enables more people to live longfir, increasing the percentage of elderly Editor's Note. An average of 40 trains a day are wrecked or damaged in the United States. This is the second of four dispatches taking you behind the scenes to show you what Is happening to railroad safety, and why, and what is being done about it.

By S. BURTON HEATH Staff Correspondent Washirjjton, (NRA) Most train accidents are caused by the carelessness of railroad workmen, expert investigators find. An engineer "runs the yellow," stop when the train ahead does. Or he ignores signals warning of danger ahead. Or he misreads orders, haste or because he assumes he knows what they will say.

A switchman locks a switch, or changes it, without looking at the points to make sure it is set right. Or he just plain forgets to change the switch when his train through using it. An inspector glances casually at a car and fails to see that something serious is wrong. A track foreman doesn't think it rained hard enough to cause trouble on his section. A checker doesn't look sharp enough to discover that some shipper did not load a freight car securely.

Then there's a wreck. People are are injured. And the first to be killed is a engineman, fireman, a flagman. Careful study of 89 Interstate Commerce Commission reports on accidents that have taken place during the past 13 months shows that 57, in which 149 were killed and 2448 injured, were caused by the carelessness of train crews, switchmen, dispatchers and other railroad personnel. EQUIPMENT FAILURES Only 27 were caused by faulty rolling stock, road bed, rails and the like.

These killed 28 and Injured 458. The most common manpower fault is failure to obey safety signals. It caused accidents in the period" studied, killing 77, injuring 1001. The Exposition Flyer ignored signals, entered a siding at 45 rniles an hour, was wrecked. Twenty days later the same ran the engineer took it for granted the signal would change in time, but it didn't and the Naperville the worst during the period, resulted.

The Red Arrow's engineer, tired after 14 hours on duty, overlooked caution on detour, crashed the rear of the Clevelander. A Jersey Central engineer (71 years old) ran a light, crashed a stopped train, killed one, hurt Tfce Broadway Heavy Hand on the Throttle: Over 13-month period, the Interstate Commerce Commission found 19 accidents, causlns Ti deaths and injuries to 1001, resulted from failure of enginemen to obey gaiety signals. netr didn't stop at a light, skidded into the rear of the Liberty Limited. Three dead, 13 hurt. That's just a sample.

Excessive speed, under conditions where both rules and common sense say "Go Slow" killed 47 and injured 718 in a dozen accidents. Powhatan Arrow, going 55 on a 35-mile dead, 27 hurt. A Long Island engineer. I going 20 miles an hour in a yard where he was required to be able to stop on sight, bumped a dead, 36 injured. A special on the D.

and loaded with child campers, couldn't stop at the scheduled meeting place, ran a mile and a half past, crashed head-on into another dead. 99 hurt. SPEEl, ON THE CURVE The Red Arro hitting a 35- mile curve at 65 -24 dead, 138 hurt. The Transcon, hitting a 40-mile curve at 75 miles an hour dead, 132 hurt. Careless switching killed 13 injured 12 in 13 accidents.

I Seven were killed and 373 injured because train crews mis- I understood, forgot or ignoi-ed to meet other traina on one- track roads utfprotecled by automatic block signals. Six were killed and 162 injured in haU a dozen accidents caused by various types of carelessness. The hardest to explain, perhaps, was engineman who ignored warning lanterns and the frantic signals of several persons, and drove his locomotive at three miles an hour into an open drawbridge. Why? He can't say. He is dead.

A New Haven engineman started to brake too late at Read- vine, dead, 125 hurt. A Reading crack train, the Crusader, off the rails at 75 miles an hour: Track workers saw it swaying as it came the track, and got out of the way. The ICC has made no report. "Railroaders say they can think of no cxptana- tion except that the track was not i fit for use at that speed because of repair work. Kach of the many varieties of human carelessness couid be illustrated by several wrecks during the period studied.

These are I enough to give some idea. i i cause i equipment EDSON IN WASHINGTON BY PETER EDSON NBA Washington Correspondent the "rest" of the business world is just talking about the remote possibilities of a recession the S. avia ion industry is having one. Everybody knows this though no one likes to come right out and admit it. This first industry-wide postwar depression does not seem to be fun.

It runs through every branch of the business, from experimenter and designer lo plane manufacturer, Army and Navy air services to foreign and domestic airlines, shoestring operators of cargo tu charter services and Most of this trouble to be a reconversion problem. The industry can't find out how big it's Somg to be. the only solution which any branch of the business has so far been able to up is (o the government for bigger and better subsidies for research, manufacture, and operation. Edson During the war aviation was the country's biggest business. With a squadron of planes over or under every cloud in the sky, some enthusiasts got the idea that all these airplanes were hove to sUy and that the a.r age had arrived.

It was generally assumed that manufacturers would have enough orders to stay in big it -most of. the orders came from government. Today none of these assumptions ts any good. First the postwar Army Air Forte was cut from 70 squadrons to a 3m dcrs for 300 new military aircraft were cut to 1300. There just isn enough business in sight to major warplane makers going.

POR this year, most of the big plane manufacturers have enough' orders for commercial transports to keep going. But when orders for approximately 800 planes are filled, some of the manufacturers say they'll have to go out of business. It is a by-word in the aviation industry that nobody ever made any money manufacturing planes. Donald Douglas has said that he made his money buying stock in his company when it was after bad 3 sh es len scllin again after big aviation triumphs the Lindbergh flight sent aviation stock soaring "major military aircraft contractors, eight showed losses for 1946 Three others would have shown losses but for tax carry-' backs. Their combined net income in 1945 was over $100 million 1 Their combined net loss in 1946 was about $1 million Singing the blues to these tunes, aircraft manufacturers put on their' dark glasses and hold out their lineups for government doles.

Their; industry spokesman, Oliver P. who was chief pro-! curement officer for the Air Forces during the war but is now presi-' dent of Aircraft Industries tells anyone who will listen that to' Keep going and keep ahead, plane manufacturers should have orders! lor at least 3000 new military craft and 500 new transports a year. this trade association has been lobbying for since long befora the end of the war is a congressionally established national "Air Policy Board." Job of the board would be to keep a continuously- revised five-year aircraft procurement plan in operation. The bugs in this proposal are that, it might tend to freeze the in- 1 dustry. Newcomers with new ideas would have a hard time break-' mg m.

It would also tend to subsidize the industry. If the industry wants to stay big, it may have to find other things toi do in time of peace. The coantry doesn't keep its tank arsenals, its( powder plants, its shipyards, its gun factories going full tilt in time' of peace. Locomotive and automotive industries both made tanks in' wartime, but they did not have to be subsidized to go on making tanks after the war. They went back to making implements of peace.

With a few notable exceptions like Northrup, Martin, Fairchild, and' the others, aviation's gerieral management has so far not shown the inclination nor had the imagination to save themselves in -this manner, by private enterprise. ed that Sipes died some time during the previous night of natural causes. No inquest will be held. Mr. Sipes had been gradually losing- his sight and for the past number of years was almost totally blind.

He lived alone'and repeatedly refused to be taken care of in a hospital. The body, when found, was in an advanced state of decay. He was buried on Wednesday. FORT LITTLETON Mr. and Mrs.

Harmon Cutshall of Three Springs spent Sunday visiting their son, Merrill Cutshall and family. There were thirty-six present at Sunday School on May ISth and the offering was 52.60. Miss Hilda Fraker of York spent the week-end visiting parents, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver Fraker.

Mr. and Mrs. William Hasson and son Billy of Reading spent the week-end-visiting Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cromer.

Mr. and Mrs. Max Fraker are the proud parents of a baby boy born May 16th at the Chambersburg Maternity Home. The baby has been named Max Theodore Fraker, Jr. Mr.

and Mrs. Gilbert and son of Shade Gap visited Mr. and Mrs. A. C.

McCoy on Sunday. Mrs. Clarence Ramsey of Ridge visited her sister, Mrs. James Wible and family on Saturday. The Fort Littleton schools will close the 1946-47 season on Tuesday, May 27th.

AMERICANS TAKEN FROM CHUNGCHUN Nanking, May U. S. Army plane evacuated the wires and children of the American and British consuls today from. Changchun, the Manchurian, capital besieged by Chinese Communists. The Army took off for Peiping carrying Mrs.

Edmund O. Clubb, wife of the American consul, their daughter, three American women consular em- ployes, the wife and two daughters of the British consul and some U. X. R. R.

A. employes. Clubb his teen-age son remained in Changchun. Communist troops penetrated within two miles of the city's railroad station; in a pre-dawn attack. Chinese nationalist transport parachuted supplies to the defenders.

IT IS HERE HersheyY Ice Creom Served with ail meals. Only Dealer in County. Have you fried it? Turkey and Baked Ham Every Sunday SHOOFS BESTftURRNT MAPLETON DEPOT Union Memories! Services Mount Union Will be held at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 25th, 1947 at 7:30 P. M. Rev, S.

Thackaberry, who had a lot of service in the European Theater during World War II, will deliver the sermon. The general public is cordially invited by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars to attend this service to pay respect honored dead..