The Gaffney Ledger from Gaffney, South Carolina • Page 1

The Gaffney Ledger A NEWSPAPER IN ALL THAT THE WORD IMPLIES, DEVOTED TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF CHEROKEE COUNTY. ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 16, 1894 VOL. 75-NO. 154 Gaffney, South Carolina, Monday, February 23, 1970 STREET SALES 10 CENTS I WINM I 54 Top Awards feature. Editorial.

News. Sports, Advertising 1 I 1964-1969 VMNNI I oninuinily I Service Awards SC. Press I Association 1 I l4-75- '(jh-Y7-6f- Chamber Board 1-85 Connector Backs Plan In HEW Money Bill Finch Asks Deletion Of School Amendments Man Shot To Death Billy Mathis, 27, was listed dead on arrival at Cherokee County Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds sustained about 11:15 a. m. today, according to Gaffney police.

Mathis was shot with a .25 caliber automatic pistol at a First Street location, police said. Two men are being held by police, pending an investigation of the shooting. No charges had been filed at press time today. Lipscomb Heads Ledger Circulation Hamlet T. Lipscomb has been named Circulation Manager for The Ledger.

Mr. Lipscomb, who once served for three years in the Ledger circulation department, is returning to the post after being inspection and will be available at the hearing. Highway personnel stated. The resolution stated that the Gaffney Chamber of Commerce does realize that a "number of property owners and their property would be involved deeply in the proposed route as outlined by the Highway Department, keeping in mind their safety and welfare, and also keeping in mind the fact that such a connection is necessary in order to promote the continued growth and prosperity of the Gaffney community." The resolution continued, "it is a primary function of the Gaffney Chamber of Commerce to take an active part in the promotion of orderly growth and prosperity in order to provide the necessary road facilities that will be as safe as possible as well as expedient and convenient. "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the board of directors of the Gaffney Chamber of Commerce, in regular session duly assembled, this the 10th day of February, 1970, that the Gaffney Chamber of Commerce go on record as publicly supporting and endorsing a road improvement project, either similar to that as outlined above, or to any other revised plan that would be feasible from an engineering standpoint andor from a public safety standpoint, and "FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the appreciation of this body be extended to the South Carolina Highway Department and its officials, for recent road and highway improvements made in this area, and that this body further solicits the aid of the department in providing, as soon as possible, other needed improvements that are vital to the orderly growth and prosperity of Cherokee County." The Board of Directors of the Gaffney Chamber of Commerce has added its support to the road improvements proposed by the State Highway Department, including a connecting road from Gaffney to Interstate 85.

The Board sent a resolution to the Department earlier this month adding their support to the plan which has drawn some opposition. A corridor public hearing has been set by the State Highway Department in the Cherokee County Courthouse at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25. All persons attending will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning their views on the proposed improvement of the following: 1- A primary connection from I -85 at interchange with Road S-42 to Johnson Street in Gaffney, a distance of approximately 3.3 miles. 2- Route 11, from Route I 85 to Road S-566, a distance of approximately 0.7 miles.

3 Route 18, from near Road 90 to Route 1-85, a distance of approximately 1.1 miles. 4-Roads 252 and S-354, from Route 11 to Route 29, a distance of approximately 0.6 miles. Tentative schedules for right of way acquisition and construction will be discussed at the hearing as well as relocation assistance programs for displaced persons or businesses. All interested persons will be heard with particular reference to the social, economic and environmental effects of the project on the community. Plans, maps and other information pertinent to this project are on file in the Columbia office for copying and public In Sheriff's Race Paul Peterson, Gaffney businessman, informed The Ledger today that he intends to be a candidate for sheriff in the June primary.

Ralph Hardin, auto dealer and former magistrate, also said he would be a candidate for sheriff. The Ledger does not run statements of political candidates until qualifying officially opens. That will be next Monday. News Deadline News items on publication days must be received by 10 a.m. in order to be assured of making the day's edition.

Fire Report Blacksburg-The January fire report, released today by Phil Wilkerson, shows the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department answered a total of 14 calls during the month. Five of those calls, two grass and woods and three vehicles, were inside the corporate limits. Nine fires were outside the city. Two houses, one vehicle and six grass and woods fires were included in the total. Cattlemen's Tour The 1970 S.

C. Cattlemen's Association tour will be conducted March 1-5 with stops in Georgia and Florida. Travel will be by chartered bus at a cost of $32 per person. Deadline for payment is Feb. 26.

Loading point for this area will be Ciolden Strip Shopping Center in Mauldin at 5 a. March 1. Return will be on March 5 at 5:30 p. m. Anyone desiring more information should contact the local County Agent's office.

WOW To Meet The Woodmen of the World Camp 74 will meet tonight at 7:30 at the Woodmen Hall. This will be a supper meeting for the adult members only. Contestants' Meeting Prospective Miss Gaffney contestants will meet tonight at 7:30 in the Progress Room of Piedmont Federal Building. Marshall Davis, entries chairman, said parents of the girls are especially invited to attend this meeting. Lafayette Lodge Lafayette Lodge 330 AFM will confer the Fellow Craft degree on a class of candidates at 7:30 tonight at the Masonic Temple.

Henry B. Tate, secretary, urged all members to attend. PRESENT ATION-Gene Campbell, vice-president and manager of the Southern Bank and Trust Company of Blacksburg is shown presenting a $100 savings bond to Miss Vickie Moss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winfred Moss, in appreciation of her outstanding contributions to the city.

Miss Moss has been honored as S. C. Junior Miss, Outstanding Teen-ager of America, S. C. Public-speaking winner, S.

C. Leadership winner, and Miss 4-H of Upper S. C. She was a Junior Honor Marshal, a varsity cheerleader, and a member of the 4-H National Report-to-the-Nation team, Beta Club, and Student Council. (Photo by Rodger Painter) Man Shot In Fight With Local Lawmen Secretary Says 'No' To South By Steve Gerstel Washington (UPI)-Secretary Robert H.

Finch of Health, Education and Welfare warned the Senate Sunday he would recommend a second Presidential veto of a controversial HEW money bill unless its spending levels are cut further. In a letter to Sen. Warren G. Magnuson, chairman of the Senate appropriations subcommittee which must consider the measure, Finch also urged deletion of House provisions barring HEW from requiring "busing" as part of school desegregation plans, and legalizing "freedom of choice" school plans. However, Finch's letter threatened a veto only on the BILL'S MONEY PROVISIONS.

The possibility of a veto was not mentioned in connection with the southern-sponsored school amendments. The letter was released by Sen. Norris Cotton, R-N. ranking Republican on Magnuson's subcommittee. "The quickest and simplest way to solve our problem," Finch said, would be for the Senate to insert a provision permitting President Nixon to hold back some of the spending.

As passed by the House Thursday, the measure totals 19.4 billion, $896 million over a $16.8 billion compromise which the President suggested after vetoing the original measure during a nationwide television appearance last month. "Taken in its present form, I would have no choice but to recommend to the President that he veto the bill," Finch told Magnuson. Local Jaycees Win State Pageant Award The Gaffney chapter captured an award Saturday at the Winter Board meeting of the S. C. Jaycees, the second such award in two years.

The local Jaycees were honored for having the second best local beauty pageant in the State for 1969. The Miss Gaffney pageant finished second to Aiken for the second straight year. Greenville Jaycees present the award on behalf of the S. C. Jaycees.

64 Years Ago i tion at Cherokee County Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds reportedly sustained in a fracas at Cherokee County Jail about 1:15 a. m. Sunday. Massey had been arrested by State Highway Patrolman Daryl Hampton on U. S.

29 for drunken driving and had been brought to the jail for a breathalyzer test which proved positive, said Sheriff Julian B. Wright. Massey then demanded a blood test and was taken to the office of Dr. R. R.

Steuer, the Sheriff said. Sheriff Wright was told that Massey was returned to the jail to be booked when he 'jumped on Patrolman Hampton and knocked him to the floor." Oliver Coyle, the night jailer, went to Hampton's aid and was knocked against a wall by Massey, who reportedly "went wild," the Sheriff was told. Massey was reportedly struck by a slapstick, a type of blackjack, but failed to stop. Massey then hemmed Coyle in the dispatcher's office and advanced toward him, Sheriff Wright was told. The Sheriff said Coyle told Massey to "stop or he would shoot him." As Massey continued to advance, Coyle reportedly fired once with a .38 pistol.

Massey sustained wounds to the left leg and hand, according to authorities. Sheriff Wright said Massey was charged with drunken driving but that further charges would be filed later. Ten Men Inducted For March Ten Cherokee County men will report March 4 for induction into the armed services, according to Mrs. Margaret H. Champion of the local Selective Service Board.

Those ordered for induction include Keenan I. Sarratt, Ronald D. Erwin, Terry L. Cooper, Ronald P. Stuard, John W.

McPherson, John L. Camp (volunteer), John W. Robertson (volunteer), Tommy L. Bolin, Edward L. Dover, and Donald B.

Brock. The physical examination call is for 34 men this month. Some of these registrants are students who will be graduating during 1970, Mrs. Champion said. County Man Drowns At Ridgeland A body found floating in a river about five miles from Ridgeland Sunday morning has been identified as that of a 30-year-old Cherokee County man.

Jasper County authorities say they believe that Bcri Evans of Cowpens, Route had been dead for "some time." Police say the body was discovered by a fisherman off the Broad River. The body was sent to the Charleston Medical University Hospital for an autopsy. There is no evidence of foul play. Evans was a native of Cherokee County and a pipeline worker. His parents are Mr.

and Mrs. Wardlaw Evans of Cowpens, Route 1. several years ago, but Mrs. Upchurch is still living, making her home in Kings Mountain, N. C.

Mrs. Laura Patterson, mother (Continued on Page 2) Miss Gaffney Recalls Her Happiest Moment Clyde Massey, 30, of Cowpens, was listed in satisfactory condi- SELECTED-Jonathan Z. McKown, above, is one of thirty South Carolina students being considered for a scholarship to the University of South Carolina. The local Gaffney High student was first interviewed by a district committee and selected as one of the three students from Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties. The ten Carolina Scholars will be announced soon.

down upon them and the couple barely escaped from the house as it was washed down the river, giving little resistance to the raging waters. For more than two days and nights the couple waited, without food, drinking water or shelter. They were marooned on the highest peak and did all they could to seek assistance. Mr. Patterson, who had been born and reared as a river man, knew the dangers of high waters.

He obtained the help of some neighbors. The group found the best boat available and reinforced it. They constructed some paddles (oars) out of white oak timber with knobs on the ends for better grip. John Upchurch, father of Billy, knew the dangers involved also. He knew that heavy timbers, logs and other debris were washing down the river at tremendous speeds.

He would go after the couple but would not ask others to risk their lives in the attempt. Two young men, Ben Patterson and Joe Pennington came forward as volunteers. They would attempt the rescue. The pair started out about one-half mile up the river so they could angle into the island and land safely. They hoped to ride the river to the island -and did.

After reaching shore, getting the Upchurch family aboard the boat, they put out into the river Rampaging River Trapped Island Family Hamlet T. Lipscomb employed with the Independent Life Insurance Company. A native of Gaffney, having been educated in the local schools, Mr. Lipscomb is a member of West End Baptist Church. He is the son of Mr.

and Mrs. Hamlet S. Lipscomb of Route 4 and is married to the former Helen Mathis. They live at 717 Florence Street. Mr.

Lipscomb said his objective is to give better service to all subscribers and to offer the carriers every possible advantage in improving relationships between carrier, subscriber and newspaper. perished had it not been for their efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Upchurch went on to rear a large family.

Their oldest son, Ernest, entered the ministry. Billy Upchurch died sv ftr "mr VFW Teen Dance A teen-age dance for members and their guests will be held Friday night from 8-11 at the VFW Home. United Prayer Band The United Prayer Band will meet at 10 a. m. Wednesday at Pacolct Road Baptist Church.

Rev. Junior Parker, pastor, will be the guest speaker. The public-is invited. Festival in Pageland. And last.

I participated in the Grape Festival in York. At all three festivals each girl was treated royally and given a memento. I knew many of the girls from the Observers School and we had some good times together. In each festival we attended press parties and rode in parades. And I always saw someone from Gaffney in every one of them.

Each festival had a Ball the last night with a really good orchestra. In November I participated in the Christmas Parade here in Gaffney as well as in Greenville. Throughout the year I have attended and entertained at various banquets. I have also been working to perfect my talent presentation for the upcoming state pageant in Greenville. I go to Spartanburg every Friday for instruction in stage appearance, poise, and personality.

As you can see, being Miss Gaffney is a lot of fun and a lot of work; and I shall always cherish the memories this year has brought me. 1 would like to encourage any of you girls who are interested in being in our pageant this year to participate, for you will have a lot of fun. And who knows, you might be Miss Gaffney of 1970. Partly cloudy and mild today, tonight and Tuesday with chance of rain. Highs today in the 60s.

Lows tonight in the 40s. Ron Owenby Owenby Seeks S.C. Jaycee Presidency Ronald Dean Owenby, 29, of Gaffney will be a candidate for president of the 6,000 member South Carolina Jaycee organization. Owenby's formal announcement was made Sunday during the Jaycee's Winter Board meeting at Augusta. The new Jaycee president will be elected at the annual state convention of the South Carolina Jaycees in May at Charleston.

The next president will succeed Dan Winchester of Liberty. Owenby said he has received encouragement from individual members and chapter leaders throughout the state. A statewide organization to promote Owenby for the presidency is now being formulated. Owenby said the slogan, "Progress Is Ours Together," has been chosen for his campaign. Owenby is an employe of Gaffney Radio Station WEAC.

He is a native of Marion, N. and has lived here for five years. He has served as local Jaycee vice president and was president of the Gaffney chapter in 1967-68. Last year, he served as vice president of Region 3 hich was one of the top regions in South Carolina. He is now a Jaycee National Director assigned to three regions.

He has served as a member of the State Jaycee Executive Committee for two consecutive years. riby was named one of the local presidents by the "arolina Jaycees in 1968. received the Gaffney Jaycees inguished Service Award he was named Cherokee County's Young Man of the Year for 1 967. Owenby has been active in numerous community betterment projects. By Becky Jo Clary Miss Gaffney 1970 Thursday night, April 17, 1969, was one of the happiest moments in my life, when I was crowned Miss Gaffney.

Since that night I have had a year filled with meeting many new people and visiting many cities in our state as Gaffney's representative. My year as Miss Gaffney began at 8 o'clock the next morning when a representative of a local radio station called me. That afternoon kept me busy as I had interviews with reporters from some newspapers. The same day I signed a contract with the Pageant Committee, and Mr. Dave Morgan was appointed as my manager for the next year.

Shortly after this, the Jaycees invited me to one of their meetings to officially welcome me as the new Miss Gaffney. The occasion provided me with an opportunity to thank the Jaycees for their work on the local pageant. The next few months I spent getting ready to go to (in July) the Miss South Carolina Pageant in Greenville as an observer. The observer system is really great. We learned what all goes into producing a beauty pageant.

We attended classes telling us exactly what we needed for the next year's state contest. Most important was meeting many wonderful girls from all over our state. During the summer I participated in three festivals. First was the Water Festival in Next, came the Watermelon again. They came ashore down stream near the mouth of London Creek.

Heroes of the day were Ben and Joe, because this was no small fete, and the Upchurch family would have surely mfr- 13 Hi ft'w iff jthmL' tiiilrrrifcini-' f' By J. W. Wright Rural Correspondent Floods have changed the face of the earth ever since Noah and his family boarded the ark with two of each living creature. In 1916, the rains came in such abundance that Broad River climbed out of her banks, stretching from hill to hill, and forcing the rushing waters against the breast of the dam at Dravo until it could no longer hold back the surge. Then, without the dam to sustain its powerful rush, the river ran wild.

A young couple, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Upchurch, was living on Peeler Island, then owned by the late Ed Patterson. The island was located just below Cherokee Falls in the path of the raging river's vicious punch. Both Billy and Grace Up-church were employed in Cherokee Falls Mill and lived on the island.

They used a boat to cross the small part of the river on the eastern side of the island. They came home late one evening in 1916. It was raining. By the next morning the river had risen to such heights that it could not be crossed. The couple made a decision to wait until the rain stopped and the river receded; however, they found that they had waited too long-they were stranded on the island.

It was the next day that the dam broke. The river roared Mf" Owei South when PEELER ISLAND WHERE UPCHURCH HOME STOOD BEFORE FLOOD.