Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 1941)
Page Eight Heppner Gazette Times, Heppner, Oregon Thursday, December 18, 1941 First Hand Story Of Lurline Trip Told By Local Woman's Dad Last Ship to Leave Pearl Harbor Before Attack, Here Safely "The Lurline Races for Home and Safety" is the title of J. F. Pfeiffer's own story of the trip he made on the last passenger vessel to leave Pearl Harbor before the fateful Jap anese attack of Sunday, December 7. The story, released to this paper by Mrs. Orville Smith, of this city, daughter of Mr. Pfeiffer, was receiv ed by her this week. It relates: "December seventh A day of blue skies, quiet seas, and bright sun shine; a perfect day for ship travel. "On arriving on 'A' deck noticed that ship's speed had been increased. "At nine thirty an excited man rushed to the deck and shouted, 'Honolulu has been bombed three hundred killed! Manila has been bombed, the ship behind us has been sunk we are at war with Jap an! And we were but thirty -eight hours out of Honolulu. It seemed incredible that this could happen. Rumors, rumors, and more rumors spread, until it all sounded like a gibberish of fantastic tales. "But no there must be some truth, for soon members of the crew OUTDOOR TOYS ARE HIS CHRISTMAS DREAM! Hiawatha Bicycle $3195 A fine bicycle is a gift that will last and give real pica sure for years. Coaster Wagon 1.98 $3 Full size coaster piece stool body, enamel finish, red. with one Baked -on Tot's First Bike $4.29 Built to wear with heavy rubber tires, leatherette saddle, red with blue trim. GAMBLE STORES appeared, with buckets of blue and black paint, to black out the ship. "Consternation reigned, with here and there a touch of hysteria. A woman grabbed my arm and asked me if it was true. "In the haste to black out the ship before dark, paint was splashed ev erywhere and this once lovely, spot less ship was soon spotted on the decks, the companion ways, and in side the staterooms with paint. The strong, heavy odor of it was every where. "At noon, a red printed notice was given to the passengers, stating that the captain of the ship would ad dress us at five o'clock. "He stated that he had news of grave importance: that we were at war with Japan; that Pearl Harbor, Hickman Field, and the governor's mansion had been bombed. We were on a fast ship, he continued, and would reach San Francisco late Tu esday evening. Asking everyone to cooperate with him, he gave us rules to follow; also, instructed us to wear life preservers at all times as we would not be convoyed to the mainland. "It was a sober gathering that fil ed out of the ship's salon. In a few moments they all disappeared, evi dently thinking that the cabins were the safest places. "At dinner everyone seemed to have regained composure, and cer tain groups were again smiling and gay- "After the picture show most of the passengers returned to their staterooms. Walked around 'A' deck for an hour or more, enjoying a perfect blue sky, still seas, and the large moon. What a target this white ship made for a lurking submarine this night! Could not let my thots continue along this line for they are far too disturbing. Down to my stateroom for a restless night. Fifty hours from mainland! What will the coming moments bring. v "December eighths Another smil ing day, which seemed to restore confidence that all would be well. The bar is closed and the familiar clang of the slot machines is absent, as they are locked up. Anxious eyes continually scan the sea and hori zon, searching for submarines. If hopes and wishes speed this ship, she will arrive at her destination tonight. "A forced gayety is evident, many continually walking the deck. "Rumors that two destroyers are to arrive soon, to escort us to a safe harbor but it is now dusk and they have not put in an appearance. "Dinner is a quiet affair and the picture show is not interesting but it is somethng to take one's thots away from possible dangers ahead. "Doors leading to he decks are now guarded so that no faint light will be visible from the outside. The hallways, smoking room, library, and card rooms are dark. Only dim lights in the lounge. You stumble around in the darkness and have to feel for the doors. Altho port holes are blacked out, they are also covered with a heavy iron casting, and only two dim lights are allowed in the staterooms. "The hardest moments of the day are those spent just before slumber overtakes one, for we are getting close to the mainland and in waters where hostile craft would lie. "Another day of stark realism of the uncertain remaining miles. No convoy and much criticism is heard Some person aboard is using a ra dio, which the captain has forbid, and a search is being made. If found, it will be thrown overboard. Would suggest that the person us ing it follow the radio for that par ty is jeopardizing the lives of one thousand people and the possible destruction of a valuable ship. "We are now in very dangerous waters, and the next ten hours will mean either safety or destruction. Groups of people line the rail, look ing eastward for the sight of land. "The Aloha dinner without the us ual gayety. Use of the decks is not allowed and all doors are double guarded. When will the suspense end for today's minutes have the length of hours and are getting long er as the evening wears on. "The long-drawn-out nervous ten sion is causing many to leave their stateroom doors open and remain fully dressed, for they wish to be ready for any emergency that may arise. Yes, one can truthfully say that the atmosphere is tense indeed. SOCIETYCHIT-CHAT By JUNE SMITH "Getting ready for Christmas" is the theme song of most everyone these days, and seems to have taken the place of most all social activity and travelling. Many homes are be ing visited with illness this week, with chicken pox, measles and flu making their unwelcome appear ances. And over all the knowledge that our country is in peril has d re flected light in the skv. and as it grows brighter singing is heard. At one o clock in the mornine the Lur line slackens speed and. makine sev eral heavy lists, passes thru the Golden Gate and into safe waters. One man exclaims. 'She mav be called the Golden Gate but she never looked more golden than right now!' At three in the morning we are called for immigration and customs inspection and all thots of our pre vious worries are soon foreottten only the remark, 'I knew she would make it all the time.' "And now, Dame Rumor, oack un your knitting and go to Japan. Ger many; and Italy, where you can be or some help to us. "A word for the captain of the ship: It is certain that we would be resting on the bottom of the Pacific ocean if his knowledge, skill, and courage had not saved us. The crew is to be commended for their cour tesy, willingness, and the long hours of work and standing watch. "And, as a whole, the passengers deserve great credit, for they took all restrictions and discomforts with good grace." en from most minds all thoughts of personal pleasures. Ruth chapter of the Eastern Star, with the Masonic lodge and the Heppner chapter 26 of the Royal Arch Masons are holding their joint installation qf officers at the hall this Friday evening. The installa tion is to be preceded by the annual turkey dinner at 6. Officers of the Eastern Star to be installed, who were elected at a meeting held last Friday night, are Ella Benge, worthy matron; Archie Ball, worthy patron; Emma Evans, associate matron: Vawter Parker. associate patron; Sara McNamer, secretary; Rose Leibbrand, treasur er; Neva LeTrace, conductress, and Esther Howard, associate conduct ress. Officers of the Masons to be in stalled are Hanson Hughes, worship ful master; C. R. McAlister, senior warden; George Howard, junior warden; F. S. Parker, treasurer; J. O. Turner, secretary. The officers were elected December 2. Royal Arch officers elected Dec. 9, to be installed tomorrow evening are, high priest, C. J. D. Bauman; king, A. C. Ball; scribe, Hanson Hughes; captain of host, Harry Tam blyn; treasurer. M. D. Clark: secre tary, E. R. Huston. The appointive officers are, principal sojourner, R. C. Wightman; Royal Arch captain, George Ely; master of 3rd veil, Chas. B. Cox; master 2nd veil, Vawter Parker, and master 1st veil, J. J. Wightman; sentinel, Walter Luck-man. I Katherine Thompson, Mary Kay Blake and Frances Wilkinson, stu dents of Oregon State, will arrive home tonight for their Christmas holiday. Ted Ferguson, who has been very ill at his home is much improved as is little Meredith Thompson who has been sick for the last two weeks. Mr. Jack Forsythe of Klamath Falls, brother of Mrs. Ed Dick, Jr., left yesterday after visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Dick for several days. All parents and friends of chil dren attending the Episcopal Sun day school are cordially invited to attend the Christmas program to be given Sunday morning at the Parish House. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Thompson and Mrs. Robert Thompson spent Monday in Pendleton. The Wednesday club met yester day at the home of Mrs. Orville Smith for dessert bridge. High score was won by Mrs. J. V. Crawford, second by Mrs. L. D. Tibbies and Mrs. Stephen Thompson, third. Three tables were in play, with a Christ mas gift exchange held following. Raymond Parrish accidentally ov erturned the new family car near Alfalfa Lawn Dairy farm last Friday night. While the car was reported badly damaged the three occupants escaped injury. Christ-mas Trees at former Green Feed Store Lee Cantwell ne ii luri&iuiuj ii on your CHRISTMAS TABLE determines the success of your Holiday Feast 1 V-tf -YOU CAN BE SURE OF YOUR TURKEY AT SAFEWAY.. .We bring you the finest birds available. Whatever your preference, we have the right turkey for your table. Right in size, plumpness, flavor and PRICE. EVERY PURCHASE GUARANTEED XX ll m r&r VS PLENTY Or I1 roOD FOR ALL SKINNED HAMS-Morrell's Pride or CenPak. lb BEEF ROAST-lb 2."5c SHORT RIBS OF BEEF- 1b 31c 23c 14c BACON Any size piece, lb 28c Ground Beef, 2 lb. .. 45c RIB STEAK, lb 29c We quote jrom President Roosevelt's address of Tuesday, December 9 "A REVIEW THIS MORN ING LEADS ME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT AT PRESENT WE SHALL NOT HAVE TO CURTAIL THE NORMAL ARTICLES OF FOOD. THERE IS ENOUGH FOOD FOR ALL OF US AND ENOUGH LEFT OVER TO SEND TO THOSE WHO ARE FIGHTING ON THE SAME SIDE WITH US."' Cherub Milk Pet Milk SST&fHT' 4 ua to. 33c 3 wi um 25c TomatO Juice Sonny Dawn -4&oi. 18c Canada Dry g1 6 SI?. 25c Pepsi-Cola 6 12-on. botfiM 25c SnO-Cola 12-o. Cta. of 6 boitl. 23c Canterbury Black Tea V4-u i 34c Lipton's Black Tea 'A-ib jfl 42c Canned 'Veqelakla-QruiU Gardenside Peas 3 Ho 303 can 25c Green Giant Peas No 303 cm 15c Tomatoes with Puree 2 "J. 23c Del Monte Cream Corn 2 H.:J 25c Country Home Corn " 2 "J 23c Country Home Cornwut. 2 ??J 25c Del Monte Pumpkin 2 No2wua 19c Libby Peaches T. c. No. 2v2 can 19c Castle Crest Peaches No. 2A an 19c Craclcers-Cxiracis, etc. Snowflake Soda Crackers !L 29c Wheat Toast Wafers ah 18c Westag Vanilla or Union e-oi-10c Royal Satin Shortening 3-ib. 57c Crisco Shortening 3 lb. can 63c Snowdrift Shortening 3-u. can 61c We carry a complete line of SCHILLING'S SPICES and EXTRACTS or SaIao-Dmris Duchess Salad Dressing Qi i33c Kraft Miracle Whip Q. Bot 39c Heinz Puddings " " 33c Mince Meat Engliah Maid 2-lb. Jar 2 1 c Heinz Mince Meat 2-u. can 43c Sauces- Condiments Heinz Tomato Ketchup n-ot 17c Red Hill Catsup i4-.bottMlc Heinz Chili Sauce 124-01. bot 25c Moneta Chut Sauce l2K-oc 15c Nalley's Treasure Pickles J 14c Lindsay Olives u. igo-No I 15Vir cranberry sauce 13c Sea &oodi Geisha Crabmeat No. can 33c Battle Rock Oysters lsji-ot. 15c Candies-CMuts-Dried 0rult Pulled Figs Black e.o..9c; Whit. 13c Mixed Nuts Lb. pg22c;2-ibpka 43c Fancy Peanuts l'-ib. Pkg 13C Walnuts laa. Fr.nqu.tl. Lb. pkg. 25c Large Brazil Nuts l ib. pk. 17C Jolly Time Popcorn lo-or. can He Marshmallows FiuHi.,t 13c fresh from our kitchen to .a, -r :oitonm. THROUGH V OF AIRWAY COFFEE 31b. 52o ib b.. I8 SU.PURB Gran. Soap 24-ot. box TOBACCO Prince Albert or Velvet. 1 lb. can .. Geo. Washington 1 lb. can 69c 59c learn about JOT :oU "Tm SWEET POTATOES " 74c 5c 64c GRAPES Red Emperor, lb GRAPEFRUIT Texas Pink, lb APPLES Winesap. Fancy, lb. ... SAFEWAY PRODUCE IS GUARANTEED Farm Fresh! S. No. Is. Fancy, lb DATES Fresh. 12 oz. pkg. TANGERINES Florida, lb CALAVOS Avacados. lb 5c 19c 11c 16c sua "In the far distance appears the faint glow of San Francisco's re-