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About The Athena press. (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 26, 1930)
A BIG JOB, BUT ITS DEAD EASY It would b a big Job to tell one hundred people any thing that would interest them in your goods, but its dead easy if done the right way. This paper will tell several hundred at once at nominal cost. ' NOT ONE DAY CAN BE FOUND in the week but that you do not need stationery of some sort or other. We furnish neat, clean printing at the very lowest rates. Fast presses, modern types, modern work, prompt delivery. Bntered at the Post Office at Athena, Oregon, as Second-Class Mall Matter VOLUME 43' ATHENA, UMATILLA COUNTY,; OREGON, DECEMBER 26, 1930 NUMBER 52 SECESSION TALK ' IS GROUNDLESS Canadian Farmers Aroused , By Low Prices, and Huge Crops. A United Press dispatch says the farmers of Western Canada who threatened to secede from the Do minion; government' and set up a sep arate government of their own, it de veloped Monday night, really did not mean it. They talked about a revolution and saw that the talk got. into all the .newspapers of the United States and Canada merely to call attention of federal authorities to their plight, farm leaders in Winnipeg, wheat cap ital of Western Canada, agreed. All is not well on the vast, rolling prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta where wheat is king and almost the whole populace labors in the monarch's service. World's wheat prices are out of joint. Canadian wheat prices are near the 50 cents per bushel level. .... 1 Farmers are making' no money. Some of' them produced their enorm ous crops this year at an actual loss. The wheat growers with bumper crops which are liabilities instead of assets, are holding meeting in cross roads halls, in village churches to discuss their difficulties. At one such meeting in Wilkie, Sask., the assembled farmers an nounced they had decided the prov inces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta would be better off if they seceded from Canada and set ud an independent commonwealth with a central, government 01 its own. , Other meetings have resulted m de mands for dollar wheat, of threats to quit paying taxes until something ia done by the government about the agricultural situation. The irrigated farmers believe that the fiscal policy of the Dominion gov ernment is responsible for present conditions. The Canadian tariff, they hold, is such that in addition to in creasing the cost of the goods the farmer must buy, it has had the ef fect of closing many of the markets of the world to the "produce of the Western Canada farms. ':. Burning Wheat For Fuel Last week the East Oregonian re ported that Pete Weidert was burn ing wheat for fuel at his ranch north west of Athena, and that he contem plated replacing coal with grain to heat his residence in Walla Walla. Monday the Press man for the first time in his life saw wheat serving in the place of wood and coal for heat ing purposes. Down at Rogers & Goodman's hardware store two sacks of wheat that had been treated for seed and left over from planting time was, burned in the stove as a matter, of experiment.' The grain developed a strong heat and burned freely. . ' Informal Dinner Hostess -Miss Helen Hansell entertained a group of friends Sunday evening at an informal dinner. Red tapers sug gestive of the Christmas season were used as table decoration. Preceding dinner, presents .were dispensed from a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Those enjoying the hospitality of Miss Hansell included Kathleen Rad tke, Jessiedeane Dudley, Alberta Charlton, Lenore McNair, Dorothy Berlin, Mary Cameron; Howard Whit ney and Roy DeFreece of Walla Walla; Dean Pinkerton, John Pink erton, Fred Radtke, Leonard Geissel and George Gross. . t A Close Game A closely contested game of bas ketball was played between the Athe na Athletics and the Weston Inde pendents on the local court, Satur day night; The -Athletics nosed out in the lead by the score of 26 to 24. Eldon Myrick played in the last half for -the Athletics. In the first half, Coach Pinkerton played his second stringers. The Athletics play the Adams league team in a regular scheduled game tonight on the home floor. A preliminary has been ar ranged between former players of the two towns.- - - . Former Weston Pioneer The Weston Leader reports that Mrs. J. F. Killgore, former pioneer resident of the Weston community, died recently at her home in Cor nelius, Oregon. Following the funer al, Mr. Killgore accompanied his son Robert to Hollywood, California, where he will reside during the win ter. ' ; :-, - Drive T Hermlston Mr. and Mrs. Siag drove down to Hermiston Tuesday evening to wit ness the Christmas operetta at the schools where their daughter Miss GIca, is teaching and handles the music for all the grades. The daugh ter returned to Athena with them for the hobdtj season. " Grade Schools Give Pleasing Pageant Acts If anyone was ever in doubt as to the existence of old "Santa Claus," the time, place and occasion to be come converted was at the high school auditorium, Tuesday night. There the "Spirit of Christmas" and all her subjects held sway. ' The adventures of two youngsters "Tommy and Alice Benson," charm ingly impersonated by Teddy Miller and Gloria Garfield, were closely fol lowed by the capacity house. "Snow man," Aaron Douglas, and "Jack Frost," Tillman Taylor, assisted by "Snowflake," Natelle Miller, and the Snownake chorus, directed the ad ventures to the forest where "Ice," Bonnie Johnson, and "Christmas tide," Barbara Lee, dwell. "Wabasso," Wilbur Smith, the Christmas white rabbit and chorus of white bunnies with pink ears volun teered to guide the little travelers further into the fastnesses of the glistening woods. They were greet ed by "White bear," Melba Montague and saw "Northern Lights," Jewel Pinkerton, who danced gaily, "King Winter," Vernon Lawrence, and "Queen December," Wilma Mclntyre. assured the kiddies that their faith in Santa -was well founded. "Christ mas tree," Doris Jenkins with jolly "Sleighbells," Donald Jones and the chorus of Christmas Greens were al so most encouraging. "Holly," Helen Johns, "Mistletoe," Marjorie Wilks, and "Poinsettia" Dorothy Martin, sang - sweetly. "Ghristmas Bells,' Helen Alkire, '.'Christmas Carol," Ar leen Foster, "Christmas Candle," Beverly Barrett, "Christmas Pud ding," Fern Carsten, "Christmas Candy," Ira Alkire, "Christmas Stock ing," David Lowe, "Christmas Gift" Joyce Pinkerton , assisted by the Christmas Candy chorus prepared the way for "Santa Claus," Max Johnson, and the doubting ones were reassured that the old Saint really exists. The staee setting was lovely with its glittering snow and the colorful costumes, worn , by the characters made beautiful scenes. The music, directed by Miss Bryant and accompanied by Marjorie Mon tague was splendid. Miss Lee direct ed the acting and Miss Clara Schan nep the dances. Miss Thorson plan ned the costumes. The debut of the high school orches tra was a high light of the evening's entertainment and much credit i3 due Dan Tilley, director. Christmas carols and other num bers of the Glee Club, directed by Mrs. Bloom carried out the spirit of the occasion. ' Christmas Programs At Athena Churches Enjoyed Athena churches were filled with in terested audiences Sunday night when little tots appeared in programs cele brating the first Christmas. Carols, pantomimes and recitations were features of the entertainment at the Christian church. A large Christ mas tree with decorations accenting brilliant red and two smaller trees glistening with lights were the main features of decoration. Christmas bells and garlands of red and green lent a festive air. The Baptist Church was filled to capacity and the program arranged by Miss Helen Barrett and Mrs. Emmett Lee was much enjoyed. The little folks were assisted by the grown-ups and a number of solos, both vocal and instrumental were in terspersed throughout the program. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree was the main decoration and a Santa Claus treat for all present followed the" entertainment features. The Press last week was unable to secure all numbers on the program offered at the Christian church for publication, and as a result it was published in part, only; ; ; ' A Successful Trapper Wayne Pittman is proving himself to be a successful trapper. . He has a string of traps in outlying districts from Athena and has been successful in taking quite a number of musk rats. His biggest trophy so far is a mink, large in size, with ' a prim pelt of fine, dark fur. , Once in a while in his rounds, Wayne is for tunate in bagging a mallard duck or two. He is putting in the winter quite profitably, besides having a whale of a lot of outdoor fun. Tlaantifnl Ail Paintinm Mrs. Dean Dudley, whose skill at painting has before been mentioned in The Press has recently completed! three canvasses that rank well with I her former productions. Lake Louise, one of the subjects, is profoundly ! artistic; a second, Sunset on Venice, is glamorously beautiful and the third the ship Santa Marie, is ' skillfully blended in ,, a riot of colors. Mrs. Dudley paints for pleasure only, and relatives are occasionally remember ed with gift Of the pictures. - 1 LP c4t1 :w( 7 uf-in 1 Iff - j ? s4 i J 1 v' $ ts i - f ' to-, Cr pvs ivl . - f t : y ; A 1 - frfh lift '-f'v V ' , , - - 1 ! ll : J (V t' i... '- s'rw "?'y'J-'M.: '"-'- UuJ i - - S TtjM- IMjT&L ' J STMA ELANM - ..... tt.gasLTT BROOKS SHEPPARD m A I"JT WAS early evening and the air was frosty In the forest. The full moon shed a white light over everything and the eav little frost-stars twin kled on every bush. Only the trees seemed alive; they stood sentinel like, quiet guardsmen. The huge out-of-shape spruce on the right seemed to be the authority. To him the others all looked for wisdom. He had seen many, many winters come and go, he had been buffeted by the great North Wind until he was twisted and bent,' he bad felt the cold strike bo deeply Into his heart that ha groaned every time a breeze swayed his branches. But etill he survived, the greatest, the most powerful pf the trees there. Suddenly the winter silence was broken as a light wind rustled through the forest and the old tree shook him self awake. With the sound all the other trees bent toward him alertly. "Today,'1 said the old tree solemnly, "Is the first day of December." The pine trees, both big and small, sighed in unison. Neither December nor any other month meant anything special to them. But the half-grown spruces were attentive at once. They were wise In the ways of the forest and they knew that the oldest spruce could be relied upon to Keep in touch with the seasons. They knew perfectly well what his an nounce m e n t and they d their branches about merrily. Only the baby trees failed to understand and join In the glee with the others. Even the very beautiful, perfectly-shaped, large trees were moved to delighted expectancy. "The first day of December," re peated the very littlest baby spruce. ".What does that mean?" t "Shy? cautioned fhs pines and the ft J T , SOBDt jr"W1&U meant UO&bi w a v e other trees nodded warnlngly. It did not do to interrupt when the old spruce spoke. But the old spruce was kind, he did not mind a bit "It means," he said, "that exactly twenty-five days from today is Christmas." "Christmas?" again queried the lit tlest baby spruce, "What .Is that?" Patiently the old spruce replied. "Listen, and I'll tell you the story. In nearly all the Christian coun tries of the world one of the sym bols of this day called Christmas is the Christmas tree. Now this Christmas tree Is a plain evergreen tree, just like one of us, and on It are hung brightly colored ornaments, sparkling garlands and gayly wrapped gifts. So much happiness and peace does this tree bring that to be chosen for this purpose, whether It be for the richest or humblest homeis Indeed a great honor. "Sometime soon, almost any day now, men will come Into the forest and picking out the best, wltf take them away. Then the adventure be gins. First the chosen ones will be tightly and very carefully rolled up and the branches tied to keep them from getting broken, and then they will be sent many, many miles away, probably to a great city. In that city they will be just as carefully unrolled and then stood up so that people may see. "On Christmas eve they are set up In the homes of those who have chosen them and late that night the loving hands of one who loves the children will decorate tlicm." The pine trees sighed sorrowfully. "They never choose U3," they suld. "No, nor us," whispered the birches sadly. ....... The half-grown cpruces and firs drew themselves up proudly. "We ere pretty sure fo be taken? said the. Jk Cvf most graceful of these. "Look at us, all our branches are graduated so that they make a nice point on which to place a star. We all have straight trunks, too. We'll te taken, that's sure." The littlest baby spruce had another question to ask the old tree, one about which he as rot - , very clear: "Why weren't you ever taken?" ho told. ."Shi" warned the tall plno? once more. They were very much afraid that the feelings of the old tree might be hurt. "Because," answered the old tree sadly, "I wusn't beautiful enough. I've never been straight like the rest of you and who would want a gnarled old thing like me to dress with bright ornaments? Cut I don't mind. I know there are a great many others to do their share toward spreading happiness so I am content to stay lu the forest." The littlest baby spruce was silent and all of a sudden he looked up, startled, as the big fir towering above his head began to speak. "I, too, may go this season," he said with pride, "now that com munity . Christ mas trees are getting so popu lar; even onc3 as big as I get a chance." , "Oh, my, oh, my!" walled the littlest baby spruce. "Suppose I'm not chosen 1 Maybe they won't want such tiny ones l" " ' . ; '" "Come now, never mind, don't wor ry," soothed the old tree. "The houses are so small nowadays that a great many people' have to have table Christmas trees. Perhaps you'll be one of those. But I think we've talked enough for now. Let us all go to sleep, it's getting late. Tomorrow they may come to look us over and we must look our best." So perfect silence once more fell over Chrlstmus Tree Land. The full moon, now low on the horizon, shed a light over everything and the gay little frost-stars still twinkled on every bush. Everything was In readiness and waiting for Christmas. (& 1930, Wettorn Newipper Union.) - . England Halted CLrittiuas For twelve years, from 1644, Christ mas was not kept In England. The Puritans, deeming It a pagan festival, passed un act of parliament abol ishing It, nnd directing that Decem ber 25th should be a day of fasting and repentance, Charles IL restored Christinas; Ml .jew ivtw Oregon Leading Nation in Child Health' Policies Oregon mothers lead the nation in providing their children with cod. liver oil, a health factor so necessary ire every state in the union, especially in winter. , More little Johnnies and Marys of the state are getting their daily "can ned sunshine" than the average of the children' in the country, according to the home economics department of Oregon State college. i A nation-wide survey reported at tne recent White House Conference on Child Health and Protection at Wash ington, D. C, showed that approxi mately 50 per cent of the children in the United States are receiving cod liver oil daily, a practice which health and nutrition authorities are acrreed is essenial to the best well-being of every child, particularly during the winter when sunshine is neither as plentiful nor as potent as in the sum mer, A similar survey carried on in Ore Son by the home economics depart ment of the state college indicates that cod-liver oil is a part of the daily program of 63 per cent of the children m this state during the win ter months, while 17 per cent also have this added protection during the summer, as compared with 10 per cent for the nation as a whole. In recommending that every child be given cod-liver oil, the nutrition specialists of the department point out that it is not only, as most per sons know, a rich source of vitamin D, the substance manufactured in the pigment of the skin when subjected to direct sunlight, and which is nec essary for the proper development of teeth and bones, but is also, the rich est known source of vitamin A, which gives protection against such infec tions as the common cold, and sinus, bronchial and lung trouble. The B. B. Club The B. B. Club was entertained at a Christmas party at the C. M. Eager ucme last Friday night. Guests were bidden for dinner, and found their places at tables centered with minia ture Christmas trees and further decorated with red baskets and cards suggestive of the holiday season. A Christmas tree laden with gifts was an interesting part of the evenings entertainment. At bridge, Mrs. Lloyd Michener and Chase Garfield carried off first honors and Archie Mcln tyre received the consolation. The club will next be entertained at the Chase Garfield home with the men acting as hosts. A Christmas Program Given at District No. 2 T' An appropriate and well rendered program was presented by the pupils of District 2 northwest of Athena, Tuesday 1 afternoon. A beautiful Christmas tree and Santa Claus him self to distribute the gifts rounded out a charming entertainment. The program follows: "Song of Wel come," Roberta Cannon, Rachel Smith Charlie Hoggard; recitation, "A Christmas Eve Thought," William Zerba; Christmas essays, "The Story of Christmas," Rachel Smith; "Christ mas Customs of Other Lands," Ro berta Cannon; song "Jingle Bells," school; story "Why the Cat Washer after eating," William Zerba; dia logue, "A Christmas Disappoint ment," Roberta Cannon, Rachel Smith; monologue "Learning a Piece," Charlie Hoggard ; song, Chris tmas Carol," Roberta Cannon, Rachel Smith; pantomime, "On Christmas Eve, Rachel Smith, William Zerba; song, "Goodbye" school. Others who had prepared numbers for the program were John Robert and Marion Stewart and who are ill and were unable to attend. School reopens January 5 Mrs. Dick Swift teaches the school and arranged the program. Visitors included Mr. and Mrs. Jess Smith, Mrs. Roy Cannon, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Zerba, Miss Lois Smith, Mrs. L. D. Johnston, William Zerba, Charlie Hoggard, Roberta Cannon, Rose Marie Cannon and Rachel Smith. Well Known Basso Everett Craven was one of four chosen as basso in the quartet of solo ists to participate in the Portland Symphony Society's production of the "Messiah" conducted by Willem Von Hoogstraten, December 28. Athena people will remember Mr. Craven's promising voice in the Willamette Glee club, which appeared in concert here several years ago. The Girls' League A very pleasant and successful af fair of the holiday season was the silver tea given by the Girls' League at the home of Mrs. Arthur Douglas, Saturday afternoon. An attractive program was presented by members and the prettily appointed tea tables was centered with holly and red tapers. A representatative group of lakes' Ctflled tf urlffg XM tftttism. NATION'S JOBLESS GET A HUGE FUND $724,000,000 Will Be Spent During 1931 Roads To Get $219,922,000. X.-' A ajShington dispatch says that moving-to the aid of its jobless, the American government will spend $724,000,000 on public works during the calendar year 1931, the largest peacetime construction program in its history. . The amount compares with the average fiscal expenditure of approxi mately) $275,000,000. Figures announced by President Hoover showed the largest amount for any purpose was the $219,922,000 to highways. . . Running a close second will be pub lic building construction with $173, 869,000 available. Rivers and harbors Will receive $159,857,000 and ship con struction $129,920,000. Fifth on the list was an item which 20 years ago would have been con sidered art impossible dream. A total of $30,882,000 will be used for build-' ing aircraft. Of the $724,000,000, a total of $116, 000,000 was made vtiiluMo l00t ,oi. by congress as an emergency unem- f.ujuidb xciiei measure. In addition to the appropriations for public works the government will expend $170,000,000 for agriculture relief, $45,000,000 of which will be used for seed and fertilizer loans to farmers stricken by last summer's unprecedented drouth. New Telephone Official W. J. Dodce has VlPPn n1nol in v. . . ..H.V.Vt It. charge of the business operations of ine racinc .telephone and Telegraph company in the state of Orporm if has been announced by E. D. Wise, vice president and general manager. Mr. Dodge will report directly to Mr. Wise and will have the title of gen eral comrercUl manager,'. position -held bv H. H. Rislev whn nnnr sumes further responsibilities on the staff of Vice President C. E. Fleager. A western man by birth, a Pacific coast man by education through both school and university days, Mr. Dodge; comes to Oregon with an ex ceptional record of constructive achievement in telephone work. Weston-Athena Bank Messenger Weston Leader: Banking in the neighboring town of Athena, three miles away, is made easy for Wes ton people by the appointment of E. C. Gentry of Gentry Motors as the local representative of The First Na tional Bank of Athena. Mr. Gentry maices regular trips to Athena each week day, leaving his place of busi ness at 9 a. m., and takes "over the hill" the deposists of the bank's Wes ton customers. A Social Dance A group of friends residinir near the La Fave ranch, southeast of Adams were entertained there Saturday night. The "Wranglers" orchestra comprised of Wayne Lafave and Rod- rick Larabce, violins, Clyde Larabee piano, and Alva Potter banjo, furnish- od music for dancing. Square dances and other steps of bv-eone davs were much enjoyed by those present. supper was served. "Has-Becns" Play Tonight v The "has-been" basketball nlavera of Adams and Athena will play the preliminary for the Athena-Adams league game tonight at Athena high school eym. It will be a scream to see in action, Lisle Gray, Jack Calder, Lawrence l'mkerton and others for Athena, checking Carl Christian, L. L. Lieuallcn. Paul Lieuallen. Oti.i Lieuallen and other Lieuallens from Adams in the first game of the rous ing doubleheader. Motor Fuel Taxes Huge That taxes collected on motor vehi cle fuels during 1930 will run well over $6,000,000 ia indicated in a re port for the first 10 months of the year, says Secretary of State Hoss. For the. period from January 1 to October 31 $5,802,360.78 was collect ed, of which $5,664,448.50 goes to the state highway fund. The 10 months' receipts were in excess of those for the full year of 1929 by over $1,200,- 000. Wauna Camp Fire Girls The Wauna group of Campflre girls was entertained at the home of Mrs. Bert Logsdon Monday . night. The feature of the evening was a beauti ful Christmas tree which fairly showered gifts. Santa Claus, him self, was present and remained as honor guest at the taffy pull which followed. Popcorn balls and other goodies were in evidence. Athena Beats Dixie Athena high school defeated Dixie, Wash., high school at basketball on the local court, Thursday evening of last wVeV. ScWe 2'8 to 17.