Marx Brothers in Valparaiso

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 22, 2012

The Evening Messenger
Tuesday, January 14, 1919

Big Musical Attraction is Booked for City

The people of Valparaiso and Porter county have frequently remarked that they would like to be able to have the highest class shows on the road visit this city. Manager Salisbury, of the Memorial, is now in a position to see if they are in earnest. Marks Bros., who have been headliners at the Palace and Majestic theatres, in Chicago, will be at the Memorial one night, next Monday, with their musical show, carrying 35 artists.

This company is known to theatre-goers as one of the best. It does not usually play small towns, but is taking a week for a vacation on a jump from Chicago to New York. Through Mr. Salisbury’s personal friendship, he has persuaded them to stop off one night here, next Monday. They will leave here Monday night direct for New York, where they will have a prolonged run.

If Manager Salisbury is successful with this big attraction, it will lead to other big shows being booked. He is simply trying out the public with this one.

The Evening Messenger
Friday, January 17, 1919

Four Marx Brothers at Memorial Monday.

The Four Marx Brothers and Co. in their laughable comedy act entitled “Home Again,” have just finished a successful engagement at the Majestic theatre, Chicago. This act has played all the largest vaudeville theatres in the United States, and it can be said that this attraction is of the highest standard.

They carry a bevy of pretty girls, and gorgeous scenery. Their new Winter Garden Revue, with twenty people, all told, is beyond comparison. If you want to spend a pleasant and enjoyable evening at reasonable prices, here is an opportunity, as this company is booked to open at the Grant Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio, January 27.

This company will appear at the Memorial Opera House two nights, starting Monday, January 20. Seats on sale at Heineman & Sievers’.

The Evening Messenger
Monday, January 20, 1919

Four Marx Brothers at Memorial Tonight

Valparaiso people can consider themselves very fortunate in securing this big city attraction. Manager Salisbury’s friendship was the reason for these boys giving this city one of their open dates.

The Four Marx Brothers carry a company of thirty people, several big time vaudeville acts and special scenery, and when we consider that this musical revue has played every big time vaudeville theatre from coast to coast, we are indeed fortunate in this opportunity of seeing the Marx Brothers in their newest vehicle. The company includes all well-known musical comedy stars, beautiful wardrobes and special scenery.

Tonight at 8:15. Seats now on sale at Heineman & Sievers’.

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January 13, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 19, 2012

Main Headline: U. S. Wins Gun Duel Against Japs

SURVEY LISTS ACTIVITIES OF CITY POLICE

Though crime and violence in Valparaiso showed a slight falling off during 1941, police were more active in many lines, the yearly report prepared by Chief of Police Charles H. Gilliland and read at Monday night’s regular meeting of the city council revealed.

The police department answered 4,586 calls the past year, compared to 3,635 in 1940. However, arrests for the year decreased from 232 in 1940 to 217 in 1941.

Traffic violators and men and women who indulged in alcoholic beverages were the heaviest offenders, police making 97 arrests for reckless driving, running red lights, speeding and so forth. Seventy-nine persons were arrested for public intoxication and fourteen for driving automobiles while intoxicated.

Recover Property
Other arrests included seventeen for breaking and entering; two for varying concealed weapons, and eight for other police departments.

Police achieved a remarkable record during the year for finding and recovering stolen property. This amounted to $18,223.51, or nearly three times the amount recovered in 1940. The amount of property reported lost or stolen was $11,099.75.

Accidents during the year showed a big increase, being 593 as compared to 479 in 1940.

HOLD RUNAWAY BOYS; FATHER RETURNS THEM

At 6:26 o’clock Monday night two runaway boys were picked up at a local filling station after the attendant had tipped off police. At 7:33 o’clock, police received word via Dunes State park barracks that the parents of the runaways would come here after them .

James Jose, 13, and Michael Chwilboya, 13, both of East Chicago, hitch hiking eastward, were the youths apprehended. They had asked the location of road 30 of a filling station operator, according to Patrolman Walter Carr, who made the pickup.

Father of the boys came here last night from East Chicago and returned them to their homes.

ROTARY GETS BID TO MEET KIWANIS CLUB

Tenpins may fly in the near future when struck by bowling balls propelled by teams from two local service clubs, but the odds are 100-1 that the overgrown chessmen won’t scoot through the ozone any faster than will the bantering of backers of the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, should the two organizations clash.

Reports have it that the Kiwanians challenged the Rotarians to an “all-out” contest and the latter organization at their Monday meeting took it “under advisement,” the adviser in this case being Bowling Captain Jack Larrew.

Perhaps no hodge-podge of newspaper lingo could more aptly state the Kiwanis challenge than that expressed by the secretary of the Kiwanians, Walter A. Sievers, in a letter sent to the Rotarians. This document is duly recorded below:

“The Kiwanis club has carefully selected two five-man bowling teams from its membership. These teams are without question the finest in the state, and are in the pink (possibly red) of condition.

“We extend a challenge to meet two of Rotary’s best five-man teams. We can appreciate the weak and anemic Rotary teams will be no equal to our superior and polished masters of the game, but the excellent fellowship always prevailing when our clubs meet will be unhampered by this inequality. Our patience has no end!

“Reservations have been arranged for 9 p. m. on January 23 at Inman’s bowling alleys. If this time conflicts with your hour of retirement, we will oblige with an earlier period.

“We realize that age has taken its toll and your club can no longer indulge in such strenuous sports as donkey basketball, so in the interest of keeping our inter-club activities at a high pitch, we will be looking forward to an early acceptance of this challenge.”

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January 12, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 19, 2012

Main Headline: Pair Held for Questioning in Woman’s Death

FIREMEN MAKE 2 RUNS SUNDAY

The fire department answered two alarms Sunday. The first call came at 1:25 p. m. when a run was made to The Spindler Co., Inc., Sears-Roebuck store in the Odd Fellows’ building on West Lincolnway. Smoke filled the building when the stoker ran dry of coal. No damage resulted. The second call was at Roads 2 and 30, south of the city, when a car caught fire. The wiring in the car was burned.

ANNUAL VU CHOIR TOUR CALLED OFF

In the interest of national defense Valparaiso university officials today announced that they have cancelled their 1942 choir tour through the eastern states. Director Richard Schoenbohm and 70 undergraduates were to have appeared at special concerts along the Atlantic seaboard next month.

University administration members met with Pennsylvania railroad officials Saturday to discuss the scheduled tour. It developed that the rail authorities are being hard pressed to maintain their schedules because of the many troop units and to help ease the regular passenger load schoolmen here voluntarily cancelled the trip.

Pennsylvania railroad representatives said they could offer the choir rates and sell them tickets but could not in each instance guarantee a promptness of schedule.

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January 10, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 19, 2012

Main Headline: Nazis Deny Story of Berlin Revolt; Europe Seethes

POLICE HOLDING SECOND SHORT WAVE RECEIVER

Chief of Police Charles H. Gilliland Friday received another short wave received from a local resident under the president’s proclamation that enemy aliens turn over to local authorities prohibited articles, such as firearms, weapons, portable cameras, short wave transmitters and receivers. This is the second short wave receiving set turned over to city police.

HEBRON COMPANY IS FIRST TO GET “PRECIOUS” TIRE

The honor of being the first in Porter county to receive a tire and tube under the new rationing program belongs to the Hebron Lumber company, of Hebron, Ind., it was announced today by Carl D. Rees, chairman of the local tire rationing board.

Shortly after noon Friday, David A. Root, a partner in the lumber firm, presented his application at the tire rationing board office, room 214 in the court house. Two members of the board who were present determined that the applicant was eligible, and issued a certificate for one truck and one tube for a fuel truck.

JOLLY BONERS MEET THURSDAY

The Jolly Boners Bunco club met Thursday evening. Prize winners were Leona Uphaus, Ruth Wright, Virginia Palmer, and Helen Kriston.

Mystery Pals were revealed and redrawn for the coming year. The secretary’s books were given to Leona Uphaus. A gift was given to Alice Anderson and a Birthday present to Helen Kriston. Delicious refreshments were served.

DENY GOLDBLATT APPEAL OF CASE TRIED LOCALLY

The Indiana Supreme Court this week denied a petition file by Goldblatt Brothers, Inc., of Hammond, for a rehearing on its appeal in the case brought by Russell Parish, Hammond youth, for damages for the loss of a hand when a piece of fireworks purchased at the Hammond store exploded in his hands.

The Parish boy was awarded a judgment of $11,000 by a jury in Porter superior court, the action being tried before Judge Mark B. Rockwell. Goldblatt Brothers took an appeal to the state supreme court which affirmed the decision of the local court.

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January 09, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 19, 2012

Main Headline: Tanks Break Through British Front Lines In Malayan Battle

SPRINKLER GOES HAYWIRE; BANK OFFICE FLOODED

Considerable damage was done near the noon hour today at Farmers’ State bank building when pipes in the sprinkler system burst.

The break occurred in the attic portion directly over the office of Dr. Clinton A. Nixon, dentist, located on its second floor. It is estimated more than 20 barrels of water flowed out of the pipes, inundating the Nixon quarters and seeping through to the Mudge Photographic studio on the first floor.

Valparaiso firemen were summoned and shut off the water. Tarpulins of the fire department were employed in covering articles in the Nixon office and Mudge studio. The firemen also mopped up the water. Plumbers were obtained and repairs are being made.

CHESTERTON SCOUTS WILL COLLECT PAPER

Chesterton Girl Scouts have been ringing doorbells and calling at homes during the past week asking householders to save their scrap paper and magazines for a paper drive to be conducted Saturday by the civilian defense councils of Chesterton and Porter.

Scouts and Cubs of both towns will make collections. Residents who will not be at home Saturday are asked to leave their bundles on porches or outside the door.

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January 08, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 19, 2012

Main Headline: M’Arthur Awaits Final Jap Drive

FEED THE BIRDS! CITIZENS URGED

Feed the birds! This was the appeal of bird lovers today following the cold wave which hit the city this week and made it difficult for birds to obtain food. A few crumbs thrown out on the lawn will aid materially in providing subsistence for the feathered creatures. Many persons make it a practice to do this, but may have neglected it with the advent of cold weather. Farmers are also urged to provide feed for pheasants and quail.

DEADLINE PAST, ALIEN TURNS IN ONLY ONE ITEM

Uncle Sam’s mandate that German, Italian and Japanese aliens surrender all firearms, radio transmitters, short-wave receiving sets produced only one article of equipment, a checkup revealed today.

Following the deadline Monday night, on the order to axis aliens, local police counted only one shortwave receiving set turned over. This set was brought into the city police station. Sheriff Frank Johnson reported no articles turned over to him.

Police cited that aliens found having illegal articles are subject not only to confiscation of them but also to sentence to a concentration camp for the duration of the war.

Persons turning over articles are given receipts for their property.

CITY ROTARIANS TO SEE HOCKEY GAME

Valparaiso Rotarians will enjoy their annual “hockey outing” this evening. A special bus has been chartered to take the group first to the Phil Schmidt restaurant for 6 o’clock supper, then on to Chicago where they will witness the Chicago Black Hawks battle the Montreal Canadiens. J.W. Larrew is committee chairman in charge.

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January 07, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 19, 2012

Main Headline: 8-Month Budget: 77 Billions

SAVE BRICK COW BARN ON FARM EAST OF CITY

Prompt service by the Valparaiso fire department at 10:45 o’clock this morning saved a brick cow barn on the Abe Lowenstine farm, on U. S. 30, four and a half miles east of Valparaiso, from destruction this morning.

The number two pumper truck manned by firemen made a run through the biting cold to the scene. Hay in a mow had become ignited from spontaneous combustion. The firemen shoveled the hay about and extinguished the smoldering fire with a booster tank.

Outside of the hay nothing was damaged. The wood floor of the mow did not catch fire. Several of the firemen, among them William Shultz, suffered minor frost bites.

At 6:50 p. m. Tuesday firemen were called to the Taylor Nowlin garage on Morgan boulevard. A can of gasoline caught fire in the basement part. No damage resulted.

INVITE PUBLIC TO HEAR SERIES OF V. U. LECTURES

Citizens of Valparaiso today are being extended a special invitation by President O. P. Kretzmann of Valparaiso university to attend a series of seven morning convocations in which major topics of the day will be discussed.

Plans are still incomplete, but Dr. Kretzmann expects to invite faculty members, Valparaiso civic leaders and speakers from outside this community to deliver these addresses.

The first convocation, and the topic, “What Is Totalitarianism?” was announced for Friday, January 16. All of these programs will be presented at the university auditorium at 10:45 o’clock on seven consecutive Friday mornings.

The six remaining topics, as outlined today by the president, are” “What Is Democracy?”; “Christianity and Totalitarianism”; “The Christian and War”; “The University and War”; and “The Place of the Individual in the Present Crisis.”

CHESTERTON GIRL SCOUTS HOLD MEET

Twenty-five Girl Scout members of Troop 2 met Monday afternoon in Porter town hall. Included on the program were piano solos by Nancy Kanold, Carolyn Bergren and Grace Small. Announcement was made that all mothers are invited to the next meeting on Jan. 12 when badges and pins will be presented to members.

KOUTS WOMEN FORM NEW RED X UNIT

Monday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Perry Griffith, the following met for the purpose of organizaing a Red Cross unit for the town: Mrs. Charles McMurtry, Mrs. Luis French, Mrs. Gust Krueger, Mrs. Harold Williams, Mrs. Harry Wells, Mrs. Charles Pullins, Mrs. Harold Hawbrook, Mrs. Harold Rosenbaum, Mrs. Frank Rosenbaum, Mrs. Emil Lippert, Mrs. Emil Hofferth, Mrs. George Pumroy, Mrs. Desliver Lyon and Mrs. Hazel Hofferth.

After the general discussion, election of officers was held: Chairman, Mrs. Charles McMurtry; vice chairman, Mrs. Harold Williams; secretary, Mrs. Luis French; assistant secretary, Mrs. Hazel Hofferth.

Suggestions for each president of the different organizations were made to bring this good cause before their members and to appoint a chairman of these groups and to hold registration for those who can do work assigned to them.

After the official appointment is made by the county chairman, the organization will decide upon a regular place to hold such meetings.

Following the business meeting, the hostess and Mrs. George Pumroy served a dainty lunch.

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January 06, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 19, 2012

Main Headline: FDR Promises World-Wide AEF

SHERIFF URGES LOAN OF GUNS FOR OCD PATROL

Persons having sidearms, preferably of 38 and 45 caliber, and not in use, are asked to loan them to the Porter county sheriff’s office.

The guns will be used in equipping members of the Charles Pratt Post, American Legion, emergency patrol which has been formed to render service during the war period.

Sheriff Frank Johnson, who made the appeal today, said a receipt will be given to every person who loans a gun and the same will be returned when the emergency passes. If the owner desires the return of a gun before that time the request will be granted, he said.

Johnson pointed out that at present it is impossible to buy guns because of the big demand which has exhausted the stocks on hand.

Lydia Bornholt Entertains for Dorothy Severin

On Saturday evening in the home of Miss Lydia Bornholt, 155 Franklin avenue, a small group gathered to shower Miss Dorothy Severin, bride-to-be, with miscellaneous gifts and reminisce of old times. The group included former workers in the primary department of the Presbyterian church. Dorothy was pianist of the group.

Games were played and prizes awarded the winners. After the gifts were opened, refreshments were served, over which the guests visited until a later hour.

Guests included Mrs. Clarence Schneider, Mrs. J. W. Bryant, and daughter Geraldine, Mary Miller, Mrs. David Parry, Mrs. O. C. Severin, mother of the honored guest, June Westbay from Palmer, Mrs. Evelyn Falls and Shirley Athens.

Dorothy will leave Monday for San Diego, Cal., where on January 17 she will become the bride of Charles Ault, son of Mrs. Herman Ahlgrim, 1114 N. Washington St., Valparaiso.

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January 05, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 5, 2012

Main Headline: U. S. Forces Defeat Jap Attack

FINED FOR SALE OF BEER WITHOUT STATE LICENSE

Receiving complaints that beer was being sold at the Brasus Barbecue, on U. S. 20, just east of the Indiana state police barracks, Sheriff Frank Johnson and Deputy Sheriff Ross J. Krieger raided the place Saturday night and took the proprietor, Frank Brasus, into custody.

Charges of possession and sale of liquor were filed against him by the officers in Justice Herman F. Wagner’s court.

He entered a plea of guilty and was fined $25 and costs on each charge, amounting to $86. According to the arresting officers the Brasus establishment is alleged to have been selling beer without a state permit.

NO CHOICE FOR DRAFTEES FROM NOW ON, RULING

Under a new ruling received by the Porter county selective service board from state selective service headquarters at Indianapolis, selectees and men volunteering for enlistment in the United States army will not have the privilege of choosing their branch of service, but must serve wherever they are so ordered.

The ruling became effective after Dec. 7 following the attack of Japan on Hawaii, and the declaration of war by the U. S., it was announced.

Now the men are inducted into the army of the United States and there is no distinction between Regular Army, National Guard and Selective Service men.

The period of service in all cases is now for the period of the emergency and six months thereafter.

TAX STAMPS DUE BY JANUARY 12, ASSESSOR WARNS

Holders of Intangibles were warned today by County Assessor Edward Landgrebe that purchase of 1941 intangibles tax stamps should be made immediately as these stamps cannot be purchased after January 10, 1942.

Intangibles, such as bonds, mortgages, out of state bank deposits, notes and other forms of indebtedness, are taxable at the rate of 25 per cents per $100 valuation.

Assessor Landgrebe announced that persons desiring help in determining the valuation of intangibles may contact him at the court house.

TRANSMITTER IS TURNED IN HERE BY FOREIGNER

Only one alien in Valparaiso has complied with the federal order to turn over to authorities prohibited articles listed in President Roosevelt’s proclamation, weapons, portable cameras, short wave transmitters and receivers now in their possession, it was learned today.

Chief Charles H. Gilliland, of the Valparaiso police department, has received a short wave transmitter. Sheriff Frank Johnson, of Porter county reported he had not received any article as yet.

The deadline for turning over articles was fixed at 11 o’clock tonight. All citizens of Japan, Germany and Italy are considered aliens.

HAROLD LENBURG, WAR CASUALTY, BACK IN U. S.

Private Harold Lenburg, of this city, is back in the United States after surviving the Dec. 7 attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, where he was in the thick of the action.

Private Lenburg was seriously injured during the assault and later was moved to a hospital in San Francisco, according to a letter received by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Lenburg, of 356 Campbell street.

Harold is the son of Truman Lenburg, Flint Lake, rural route 1. His letter gives a graphic description of the Dec. 7 fighting.

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January 03, 1942

by Kevin Matthew Pazour on January 4, 2012

Main Headline: Jap Planes Raid Corregidor Fort for Five Hours

FIRST DAY AT AUTO LICENSE BUREAU BUSY

A steady stream of motorists visited the Valparaiso auto license branch of Lincolnway Friday, the first day of the issuance of new 1942 license plates. E. A. LaCount, in charge of the license branch, said today.

Between 300 and 400 driver’s licenses and automobile passenger plates were issued during the day. First passenger plates went to Manager LaCount.

The branch has been advised not to sell 1942 truck plates to owners who have 1941 plates until February 1. LaCount said this is due to law suits pending against the truck license division. However, licenses are being sold to new truck owners.

SMOKE BLINDS TRUCK DRIVER; CRASH RESULTS

Two trucks were in collision New Year’s day at the White Oak tourist camp, six miles east of the city on U. S. 30, when a truck driven by the Kenosha Auto Transportation company, carrying two new automobiles, stopped on the highway when smoke from a Pennsylvania train blinded the driver. A truck of the Interstate Trucking company of Chicago grazed the side of the stalled truck. Only slight damage resulted. Sheriff Frank Johnson and Deputy Sheriff Ross J. Krieger investigated the mishap.

New Year’s eve, Deputy Sheriff Krieger was called to State Road 49, three miles north of the city, to investigate a collision between cars driven by Victor Nordstrom and Edward Sutherland, both residing on Valparaiso R. F. D. 1. Nordstrom was headed north and Sutherland was proceeding southward. After the crash, Sutherland lost control and his car crashed into a utility pole. No one was hurt.

PERSONS NEEDING CERTIFICATES OF BIRTH WARNED

Persons who desire to get birth certificates from Judge Charles W. Jensen in Porter circuit court at the next hearing on Jan. 23, must file their intention at the county clerk’s office by Friday, January 16, it was announced today.

Under the law notice of intention must be filed one week before the date of hearing in a newspaper of general circulation. Recently Judge Jensen announced he would only hear applications for birth certificates on two special days during each term of court. Previous to that attention of the court was interrupted intermittently during trial of important cases by applicants seeking birth permits.

Since the law went into effect Judge Jensen has acted upon and issued birth certificates to 134 persons.

CHAMBER BOARD HOLDS MEET IN NEW QUARTERS

Board members of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce held their initial meeting Friday night in new quarters on the second floor of the Grimm Motor Sales building on Lincolnway. A rush job of cleaning and papering of the offices had transformed them completely, and furniture and record cases were already in place.

Several important matters were disposed of by the board, presided over by President Carl D. Rees. Among them was the signing of a lease for the offices a report by Treasurer Edward H. Ohlfest on collection of current dues and other matters of finance.

At the close of the session Rees asked that all directors attend next week’s meeting on Tuesday, January 6 at 7:30 p. m.

(In local sports news, the Roosevelt Riders toss Valparaiso quintet for 49 – 22 league setback and Chesterton is beaten by Griffith in the Little Four tournament by a score of 46 – 21.)

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