The Hermiston herald., March 23, 1944, Image 1

------5
I
U. O. D. I
NEWS
—
7 he
4atmiiton
ewald
Ivan L. Jones, formerly of the In- !
spection Division of Benicia Arane!,
Benicia, Cal., visited here Thursday,
March 16.
VOLUME XXXVII
HERMISTON, UMATILLA COUNTY, OREGON, MARCH 23, 1944.
Herbert Shesley who has been with
NUMBER 32
a
the Inspection Division for over two
years transferred to the New York
*
Port of Embarkation. He left March
SETTING or EGGS
7
18 to take up duties at New York.
Mr. Shesley is well known here and
a host of friends wish him success in
N. J. VanSkike of the Hermiston
his new position.
"Vigorbilt" Hatchery was also a los­
Since the removal of the United er in the blast at the Ordnance Depot
Julia Krekales and granddaughter
States Employment Office in Hermis­ Tuesday evening. All his incubators
spent several days in Pendleton last
ton by the War Manpower Commis­ and hatcher were loaded to capacity
week on business.
sion, an office has been set up for the and he fears that concussion to his
Helen Boxleitner returned to work
Six persons lost their lives as a result of a terrific explos­
referral of employees to the Ordnance building will cause a heavy loss with
after several days illness.
ion about 9:30 Tuesday night at the Umatilla Ordnance
Depot. The new office, located in the the hatching of the eggs.
Lenabelle Lenz underwent an ap-
pendectomy at the post hospital
He stated that patrons who have Depot when a quantity of bombs stored in one of the ig­
Hermiston and surrounding terri­ Rohrman building across from the
Thursday. March 18.
tory has again gone over the top in Rohrman Motor Co., has been newly | orders in for chieks should get them
The highly cooperative spirit of the a Red Cross campaign. This year’s decorated and equipped with furni- now as he has a considerable quantity loos exploded. One woman and five men, all civilian em­
U.O.D. employees was demonstrated drive, known as the Red Cross War ture and file cases. The room is be- on hand for delivery and not to de­ ployees, were killed in the only major disaster at the Ord­
last week when everyone “pitched in” Campaign, netted over $2000 in this ing furnished through the coopera- pend too much on later delivery,
nance Depot here since its construction about three years
------------ —--------
to help those in the Magazine Area area, according to Mrs. Roy Tiller, tion of the Hermiston Chamber of
ago. The blast was so ter­
who had to get out a dead line ship­ chairman. The quota, which was Commerce.
ment. Special thanks should go to the $1500, was exceeded last week and la-
Authorities of the
me Ordnance
(Jrunance Depot
—UP-
me v.n
rific that, although it did not
JOINT FUNERAL SERVICE
Guards who helped 100 per cent in ter donations nave raised the sum to have requested that all merchants and
PLANNED HERE FRIDAY
cause any other damage of
this ‘knotty’ problem.
businessmen in this community refer
over $2000.00.
May Nusser, of inspection, 18 on
all
possible
employees
either
to
this
'
consequence, it was felt as
An interesting sidelight to the re-
A joint funeral service for vic-
the sick list this week.
cent Red Cross drive is added by Lee office or directly to the Comamanding
far
away as Lewiston, Idaho,
Mrs. Glenn McGarry spent last Weber, who returned this week with Officer of the Umatilla Ordnance De.
A checkup was made in Hermiston tims of the explosion Tuesday eve-
held
ning
at
the
U.
O.
D.
will
be
and other distant points.
week visiting her sister, Mrs. Ed. a year’s credit in the service of the pot.
last week by members of the Hermis­
Friday morning at 10:30 at the
Stevens, in Spokane, Wn.
ton
and
Pendleton
Price
Panels
and
The
new
hiring
hall,
operated
sep
­
The victims of the explosion were:
Red Cross organization. Mr. Weber
Lillian Rutledge took two days off stated upon his return, “Anyone who arately from the union hall on Second found that as a whole the local stores Pentecostal Tabernacle, according Miss Alice Wolgamott, 20, formerly
to
the
pastor,
Rev.
S.
E.
Graves.
last week to be with her son Bill who contributed to the Red Cross cam­ street, will be open from 7:30 a. m. are adhering very closely to the price
of Curtis, Nebr.. where her mother re­
left March 17 to enter the ' armed
ceiling and other orders of the War At least five families of the six sides but since employed at the depot
paign can rest assured that his money to 4:15 p. m.
casualties
of
the
blast
will
partic
­
Price and Rationing program. In a
forces.
will be well spent and greatly appre­
ipate in the services, according to had lived here with her sister and
Mrs. Turner from the West Area is ciated by the boys in the service. The
few cases, notably butter, a few con-
I brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Peter-
Rev. Graves.
wearing two beautiful “shiners” this women in Red Cross service are of
terns were found to be 1c over the
|
Members of the U. O. D. Em­ I son.
week. We don’t know what brand it
eiling, due to misunderstanding rath-
the highest type and the work they
Kenneth L. Fraser, 40, of Irrigon,
ployees association have notified
was. but it had an odd name, some­ are doing on the battle front is won-
r than carelessness.
leader
of the crew. He is survived by
Rev.
Graves
that
they
plan
to
send
thing like "Railroad Track flies u, derful.”
F. C. McKenzie, chief clerk of the
his widow and four children, two are
and hits you in the Face.”
local War Price and Rationing office, flowers and otherwise assist with
Mr. Weber enlisted with the Red
Second Lieutenant George E. (Gene) stated that members of his force are the ceremony. Harry Nelson, sec­ sophomores in Irrigon high school and
Now don’t get excited or don’t be
E. making periodical checkups at service retary of the association, is in two are in the grade school there.
misled if you see two women search­ Cross last summer following two years Rugg, son of Mr. and Mrs.
of coaching at Hermiston high school. Rugg of Hermiston, arrived here last
Lance A. Stultz. 40. of Hermiston,
ing a potato bin. There is nothing
stations to see if motorists are com­ charge of this part of the arrange­
residing in Cox Addition. He is sur­
wrong: they are simply looking for a He reported directly to Washington, week following completion of his plying with the law in signing all ments.
vived by his widow and one child.
flat potato to cure a “crick” in one of D. C.. where he received school train­ Aviation Cadet training. He must re­ their gasoline coupons. “All coupons
Hiram Cook, 26, of Hermiston, sur­
their husbands knee caused by bowl- ing and later was sent to Camp Up­ port back to New Orleans, La., Sat­ in the book, including A, B, C and T
vived by his widow and two children.
ing. They heard that a flat potato ton. Long Island, for field training. urday, March 25. for further instruc­ books, must be signed with the state
They had resided with his parents.
carried in the pocket is a sure cure. Following completion of the course he tion.
of registration (Oregon) and the li­
was assigned to a regiment and sent
Lt. Rugg enlisted July 27. 1942, and cense number of the car.” states Mr.
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Cook, in recent
Did it work, Harry?
months.
The Electric Shop has an Auxiliary to Sam Houston, Texas, where he was completed his pre-flight training in McKenzie.
Local stores dealing in window glass
February, 1943, at Del Monte, Calif.
Fire Fighting Team. One very, very stationed for two months.
A new order is the one concerning were doing a right brisk business
William Sanders, 30, Rt. 2, Hermis­
Mr.
Weber
’
s
job
at
Sam
Houston
His
primary
training
was
received
at
windy day last week they answered
R coupons. After April 1 these cou­ Wednesday. The blast at the Uma­ ton. survived by his widow and four
their first call. Their account of the was to aid boys in obtaining furloughs Hutchison. Kas., where he graduated pons will not be valid at service sta­ tilla Ordnance Depot shattered many children, all of pre-school age.
experience follows: It was a pleas­ prior to shipment overseas and finan­ in August the same year. His ad­ tions.
Harry Sever, 33, Ordnance, sur­
windows in this area and reports of
ant day for an outing. It felt like the cially aiding those without sufficient vanced work was received at Pensa-
vived by his widow and two children.
came
from
at
least
broken
windows
wind and a good part of the country funds. His good deeds somewhat cola, Fla., known as the “Annapolis
25 miles away. All the windows on
Outside of the above victims, no one
side was blowing straight into our backfired, however, when he failed to if the Air.” Most of his flying has
the west side of the Henry G. Peck was injured by the worst tragedy that
faces as we rolled along. We elung receive a furlough himself and was | been with S.N. V’s, S.N. J’s and
home east of the Ordnance Depot were has ever struck this little community.
desperately to the rails with our sent overseas without a trip to Her­ Beachcrafts. He graduated from his
broken and others suffered to a les­
Colonel A. S. Buyers, commanding
hands while the rest of our ‘beings’ miston. During his stay at Sam Hous­ advanced training January 31. 1944,
The result of months of training ser degree.
officer at the Umatilla Ordnance De­
ton.
Mr.
Weber
stated
that
the
Red
receiving his commission. Second Lieu-
floated in mid-air like so many rib
On Hermiston streets several brok- pot, has officially announced various
ard organization bore fruit Tuesday
bons. After an incredibly long-short Cross loaned a total of $60,000 to boys tenant, U.S.M.C.R. He is the first night following the disastrous explos­
en plate windows were noted Wednes­ facts of information since the blast
in
the
service.
A
checkup
six
months
Hermiston
boy
to
graduate
from
Mar- ion at the Umatilla Ordnance Depot.
time we blowed into the West Area.
day morning, including the Temple which vary greatly from some of the
When we returned to the Shop we later revealed that the boys had paid ine Corps Reserve training.
Panic and further disaster was avoid- Cafe. Post Office, Rohrman Motor numerous rumors which usually fol­
back
all
but
2
per
cent
of
this
amount.
fire-
looked and felt like full fledged
Since his graduation he has been ed by prompt and orderly operation Co.. L. A. Moore furniture store. Far­ low this type of catastrophe. Among
fighters all covered with mud and Voluntary donations by the boys to receiving instruction in advance navi- of the guard organization. A very mer’s Supply furniture store, U.S.O.
these are the following:
the Red Cross more than make up the gation at Hollywood, Fla.
water from head to toe.
short time after the blast occurred, building and possibly others. How­
Only one igloo exploded and defin­
loss
of
the
2
per
cent.
Two of the boys from the box fac-
guards were in complete charge of ever, other than the broken glass, lit- itely only six persons were killed from
From Sam Houston Mr. Weber ac­
tory say there just ain’t any justice.
the situation and very little conges­ tie damage was done by the blast in the blast. No one else was injured.
They were going to the Garage one companied his regiment to the Port of
tion and disorder resulted.
this area.
Very little other damage was done
morning and stopped in the Cafeteria Embarkation and later arrived in
Members of the guard group, who
about the post by the gigantic blast.
long enough to purchase one package North Africa. Here he underwent
were off shift, were later called to
Although several windows were brok­
of gum and then proceeded on their six weeks of mountain training known
the scene, and remained on duty
en in the area, no damage was done
among
the
soldiers
as
"night
prob
­
way. It just happened that the
Mathematicians were having a field through the night.
to the other igloos. (U. 8. Army En­
Guards were checking the Cafeteria lems.” Although quite strenuous, Mr. day Wednesday figuring the time it
gineers are receiving considerable
Weber
stated
that
most
of
the
boys
for loiterers at that time and they
takes for light and sound to travel
W. G. Kersbergen, superintendent mention for their planning and locat­
came through witn flying colors.
were counted.
certain distances. That light travels
of Hermiston schools, was named ing of the various igloos, to prevent
In February the following employ­
Mr. Weber’s duties were mostly faster than sound is about the only
president of the Hermiston Rotary further blasts by nearby igloos. The
ees received $5.00 cash awards for with recreation. However, when the fact that they agreed upon, however.
club at its regular luncheon Thursday value of the sandy condition of the
adopted suggestions through the Em­ boys actually entered the combat zone Among those who saw the flareup in
noon. Other officers include: Lee soil which tends to kill concussion has
ployees Suggestion program: Fred this work stops and he was assigned the sky, estimates varied all the way
Sgt. John A. Crane of Phoenix, Quiring, vice president: Dr. W. L. been proven.)
Berry, Meridith A. Ford, F. Lightle, to various other Red Cross duties. He from 15 seconds to over a minute that Arizona, son of John J. (Jack) Crane
The igloo, which was used princi­
Morgan, secretary, and Walt Pearson
Wm. Hunsinger, Wm. Wilson, Emery spent two weeks with colored troops the flash preceded the concussion of the Crane Refrigeration Co. of
pally for the storage of huge bombs,
and Glenn Ripley, board members.
C. Bedwell, Danciel C. Hill and Wm. and found them very cooperative in here.
Hermiston, is establishing quite a rec-
Visitors at the luncheon included such as 2000-pound “blockbusters”
J. Swaney. More suggestions are all matters. The Red Cross furnish­
N. W. O’Donnell, local manager of ord-in the South Pacific war zone. He Lt. Bob Pierson, Lee Weber and A. used in aerial bombing, contained only
needed to speed up winning the war. es many forms of recreation and the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph, was engaged in newspaper work in
W. Behrman. The former two, who a partial capacity of bombs.
You can contribute to this program by necessary items for relaxation as well Co., tells one of the most unique Phoenix before enlistment into the
An investigation of the explosion is
have recently returned from overseas
putting your suggestion into the as blood plasma and all the other vital yarns. He heard the blast and went service. At the present time he has
activities, told of a few of their ex­ underway by U. S. army officers and
“Ideas for Victory” boxes which are items in the battle area.
to the phone to call the central office more than 300 hours of flying time periences.
pending its report no further informa­
conveniently located throughout the
Following his return to North Af­ in Pendleton. Upon getting his call and more than 50 consecutive missions
tion is available as to the exact cause
Depot Will you help?
rica he was released from further du­ through, he heard the blast again as to his credit. His flights have taken
Good Friday Servier. Scheduled
of the explosion.
The U. O. D. Employees Associa­ ties and returned home via Casablan­ the sound reached Pendleton 30 miles him into the island landing fields in
The West End Ministerial Associa­
There is no knowledge of any sabo­
tion held their regular meeting March ca to New York. He states that the
tion will observe Good Friday in a tage connected with the explosion.
the South Pacific.
away.
9th. The sale of U. O. D. Employees Red Cross is playing a very import­
Sgt. Crane, according to news re- “United Program” to be held at the
Some fear that workers might prove
Lee Weber stated that he was com­
Association membership cards will ant part in the present conflict and
ceived here Wednesday by his father, Baptist Church from 12:00 noon to jittery and reluctant to go back to
ing
towards
Hermiston
from
Umatil
­
start some time this week- It is hoped deserves all the financial help loyal
la when he saw the flash. He stopped has recently been awarded the Dis­ 1:00 p. m. Rev. W. A. MacArthur work was relieved when practically
that the pictures of all the depart­ American citizens are able to give.
Flying
his
--9 car and
““n. backed
"KM up
I to
. obtain
sli— a
C bet- I . tinguished
3
ei. Cross, the Air Med­ will bring the message of the day. All all employees proved “good soldiers”
ments will soon be finished and for
are invited to worship at this service and today operations are back to nor­
ter view of the “fire” when the con- al and also the Oak Leaf Cluster.
sale.
cussion came. He thought he had _ Sgt. Crane is with the 6th Air regardless of church or denomination­ mal.
St. Patrick’s Day Dance, sponsored
i Force under Gen. George C. Kenney. al affiliation.
The explosion caused considerable
backed into a log.
by the Employees Association at the
excitement in the surrounding terri­
U. S. O. last Friday evening, was well
tory. Windows were smashed here
attended and a very gala affair. Suit­
and there and other minor damages
Members
of
the
Altar
Society,
Her
­
able favors for the occasion were giv­
resulted but as a whole major dam­
miston
Catholic
church,
will
sponsor
en to everyone during the evening.
age was confined to the igloo and its
Mary Ellen Hancook, Fiscal, is ili a bazaar and cooked food sale Satur­
contents.
day. April 1, in the show room at the
this week.
Several interesting stories are be­
Oscar Olsen returned from a week’s Rohrman Motor Co. The room will
ing told about the blast. Workers
open
at
9:00
a.
m.
and
will
be
open
vacation at Seaside Sunday night.
state that as a rule each crew is com­
While en route he visited his daugh­ for the remainder of the day. Many
posed of eight members but apparent­
practical
articles
will
be
on
sale,
in
­
ter in Oregon City.
ly two of the crew were cleaning up
Walter Carlson. Fiscal, took a two cluding aprons, pillow cases, linens,
the freight car after a shipment. At
etc.
day vacation this week.
least, only six men were in the igloo
A cooked food sale will also be
Col. W. J. Hoffmann left this week
at the time of the explosion. Miss
held,
including
salads,
beans,
cakes,
by plane for Chicago, Ill., where he
Wolgamott had just driven to the
will attend a stock control conference. pies and possibly dressed chickens. A
%
scene by truck.
highlight
will
be
a
fish
pond
contain
­
The Roving Reporter—When the
The explosion was so terrific that
alarm goes off these mornings and ing various items. The ladies report
the entire roof of the igloo and a por
that
every
article
will
be
worth
the
you want to throw the thing, and
tion of the floor was shattered to bits.
have just 40 more winks and of course price asked or more. The public is
Several theories have been advanced
cordially
invited
to
participate.
those 40 lead to 40 more, and son on,
by workers as to the cause of the
until you think of the soldier far
blast but none are printed as facts.
away who doesn’t get any 40 winks
Among these are that it might have
extra—get up and help keep the ball
been a defective bomb, some say that
a bomb may have been dropped “just
Plant Property report» those on
right,” and still others say it might
sick list as Thelma Henderson, Tom­
The State Tax Commission has no­
have been something else. However,
my Lloyd and Evelyn Ford.
tified The Herald that an income tax
a thorough investigation is being held
Virginia Herd. Plant Property, auditor will be in Hermiston March
and
some announcement may be made
Pictured
above
is
a
typical
igloo
at
above photo was taken early in 1941 ting off of an igloo when a nearby
-pent last week end in The Dalles.
28 to assist local residents in making
later. This much is known, however,
the
Umatilla
Ordnance
Depot
of
the
during
the
construction
period.
At-
igloo
explodes.
This
theory
proved
Mrs. Joe Berdan recently visited in their returns for the past year. State
type that was completely destroyed _ by
-/ tention is called to the sandy condition correct Tuesday. The structures are that extreme precautions have always
Benton, Illinois. Joe met his wife at income taxes are due April 15.
a blast Tuesday evening about 9:30,
1:30,
of the soil that observers claim has | mostly of cement and are of varied been taken to avert such explosions
There will be no charge for this
and the entire area was placed under
The
|
much to do with preventing the “set-1 sizes.
killing
six
civilian
employees.
(Continued on Page 8)
service.
(Continued on Last Page)
OFFICIAL UMATILLA COUNTY PAPER
RED CROSS CAMPAIGN ORDNANCEDEPOT
EXPLOSION OF ONE IGLOO
TUESDAY IS FATAL TO SIX
TOTAL REACHES $2000
IN HERMISTON AREA
WORK OVERSEAS
LOCAL STORES
COOPERATE WITH
PRICE CEILING
LT. RUGG HOME
FROM TRAINING
MANY WINDOWS
GUARDS DO FINE
JOB AT DEPOT
BLAST FOLLOWS
FLASH OF LIGHT
ROTARY GROUP
LOCAL RELATIVE
SOUTH PACIFIC
TO HAVE BAZAAR
INCOME TAX MAN
COMING MARCH 28
Typical Igloo at Umatilla Ordnance Depot