anaheim-gazette 1931-12-31

A Happy New Year VOLUME LXII Leaders Face '32 With Confidence Anaheim Business Men Conservatively Optimistic About Outlook Conservatively optimistic, business leaders of Anaheim this week evinced a determination to make 1932 a better year for their business, and almost unanimously expressed the opinion that the country slowly but surely is recovering from the depression which seemed to have reached its depth late in the fall. Nowhere was there a business man that believed 1932 would equal 1929 in hectic price-raising and buying; and yet few believed that even the first months of 1932 would be as low as the fall months of 1931. Hard Work Is Care Various factors entered into consideration. Most local men base part of their prediction of better business in 1931 on the fact that nearly eight inches of rain has fallen here so far this season, spread out in such a way that very little run-off was necessary. Others opine that the presidential election year certainly will help, instead of hinder business. Most every business man has put down a program of hard work for the coming year, believing that it is the cure for the decimna. Here is what the business leaders themselves think: CITY TO PLAN G. WASHINGTON FETE FEB. 22 Anaheim will join with the rest of the nation in observance of the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, if plans announced this week by Chairman J. H. Whitaker to call committee meetings in January to map out a celebration February 22 mature. "We hope to have two or more general celebrations during the celebration, which lasts from February to November," Mr. Whitaker stated. "Civic societies, clubs, fraternal organizations and other groups are participating in the observance. Practically every one of the groups is devoting one or more programs to this celebration. The G. A. R. chapter is observing it with readings at its monthly meetings during that period. The schools are participating, with the high school planning a pageant." Mr. Whitaker, postmaster here for several years, was selected to head the local bicentennial commission, which is co-operating with the national commission in celebrating the date of Washington's birth. Unemployment Is Biggest Problem 1500 on Special County Payroll; Flood Control Project Most local men base part of their prediction of better business in 1931 on the fact that nearly eight inches of rain has fallen here so far this season, spread out in such a way that very little run-off was necessary. Others opine that the presidential election year certainly will help, instead of hinder business. Most every business man has put down a program of hard work for the coming year, believing that it is the cure for the decimna. Here is what the business leaders themselves think: E. E. Smith, resident manager of Bank of America: "Southern California certainly has the edge on the rest of the world. Our orange crop outlook is better than last year, the Olympic games will bring in much outside money and there seems to be more willingness to settle down to discussing and correcting the causes of the depression, rather than merely talking about the fact that there has been an economic disturbance." William A. Dolan, president Anaheim First National Bank: "The low level of the depression, I believe, has been reached. Unless we receive too much of a setback by economic disturbances in foreign counties, we can expect a slow improvement in business conditions during 1932." G. C. Mahaffoy, of Vincent Furniture Co.: "Every person I know received more Christmas presents than they had expected, and in many cases the most they ever have received. This generosity indicates to me that better times are ahead in 1932." B. F. Spencer, of Spencer Store: "We have just had the best early season rains in 10 years. In the past we always have had better business after good rains, and I expect 1932 will be better than 1931." Vernon Cruzen, resident manager Western Auto Supply Co.: "I don't look for any great increase in the next year, but I do look for a steady improvement in business, especially from April on." Julius H. Crane, of Crane's Jewelry Store: "There do not seem to be any particularly bright prospects for better business in 1932. Perhaps that very fact, in view of the depression's end in 1932 is the brighest feature." H. C. Kler, resident manager Goodrich Silvertowns Inc.: "Weather certainly has been in our favor in the last few months. The exceptional amount of rain indicates that the crops will be good, which should assist in making business better." A. C. Blutel, of Riuteel-Smith Furniture Co.: "I believe we are steadily pulling out of the bottom of the slump. Our Christmas business was better than we had expected. This indicates to me that by mid-summer we won't have transients at our door asking for meals." F. J. Topliff, Orange county manager of Morris Plan Co.: "We had a tremen- Unemployment Is Biggest Problem 1500 on Special County Payroll; Flood Control Project Up Unemployment is the biggest problem facing Orange county in the coming year. This one issue will demand the entire attention and funds of the county during the next twelve months, County Board of Supervisors' Chairman John C. Mitchell states. One other problem—food control—may receive consideration. All the others, if present tentative plans are followed, will be side-tracked in favor of alding unemployment, and there is no certainty that flood control will be placed before the voters of the county during the next year, because the election would cost approximately $25,000, and the supervisors feel that money would be spent to better advantage in hiring men in the county than to run too great a risk of defeat for the bond issue necessary for the project. Study Flood Control No money will be available for new roads; public buildings or other projects, because the county at present is carrying a special payroll of 1500 names. In order to employ the greatest number of men, the county has laid aside for the present, all modern road machinery and have set the men to work with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. If the factions of the 1929 campaign for a $16,500,000 flood control plan, which was defeated by a narrow margin, can be united, the supervisors will consider submitting the new $11,000,000 plan to the voters of the county.. The supervisors really favored the previous projected improvement, but may not upon this one if there is assurance it will be passed by the voters. Knights of Pythias to Meet at Santa Ana Anaheim Knights of Pythias will attend the district meeting to be held at Santa Ana January 6, when District Deputy John C. Litter will preside. Joint installation of officers will be held January 11. Storm Gods Bring New Location Weber Book Store, which has occupied the West Center street, its new quarters at 117 Street Manager A. W. Scoff afternoon began directing fixtures, stock and equiv new location. Expect 55,000 Voters to Register Kiwanis Club to Seat New Officers Tuesday New officers of the Anaheim Kiwanis club will be seated Tuesday, January 5, according to announcement made at the last meeting of 1931 for the club, which was featured by a fun program. A skit "Easy Money" and several humorous speeches marked the entertainment. A. C. Riuteel, of Riuteel-Smith Furniture Co.: "I believe we are steadily pulling out of the bottom of the slump. Our Christmas business was better than we had expected. This indicates to me that by mid-summer we won't have transients at our door asking for meals." F. J. Topliff, Orange county manager of Morris Plan Co: "We had a tremendous demand for loans, especially during December. Collections have been pretty good, so the prospects for better business may be better than most of us realize." P. O. (Pep) Lake, of Lake's For Men and Boys: "Next year, in my opinion, looms as a good business year. I don't believe the political year will hurt business as it has in some previous campaigns." J. W. Hoyt, manager for L. P. Barnhart, successor to R. H. Bonney: "I am glad to have experienced the year 1931. It was a great levelizer. We'll all earn just about what we're worth in 1932." L. N. (Pete) Wisser, of Wisser Sporting Goods Store: "I believe the worm has turned. The year 1932 should see improvement over 1931." L. C. Vincent, Vincent Furniture Co.: "Let the other fellow prognosticate. I'm taking no chances on guessing about the future." Paul Davidson, Superior Radio Service: "It's hard to judge from the business trend just what to expect in 1932. I believe, however, that we can expect, on the whole, better business next year than we have had this year." AHEIM GAZETE Anaheim, California, Thursday, December 31, 1931 "You'll Like This, I Betcha" By Albert T. Reid SMILES SALT GO TO IT SUGAR HORSE SENSE FLOUR BUSINESS REVIVAL 1932 OURAGE EGGS OLD CONFIDENCE BAKING HOSTLE BUTTER Storm Gods Generous as Monday’s Rain Brings Season’s Total to 7.57 Inches Rainfall Records Dec. 30, 1931 ... 7.57 inches Jan. 1, 1931 ... 1.79 inches Jan. 1, 1928 ... 7.95 inches Dec. 31, 1921 ... 7.90 inches Jan. 1, 1916 ... 3.78 inches Jan. 10, 1907 ... 10.05 inches Jan. 10, 1906 ... 5.65 inches Jan. 1, 1890 ... 15.56 inches Storm Gods who only dropped in on Southern California for an hour or two occasionally for several years finally stopped Sunday for over-night and all day Monday, bringing in their wake a total of 1.87 inches of rain—the greatest for any single storm for many years. Generous Downpour This downpour brought the total rainfall for the season to 7.57 inches, in contrast to 1.79 inches last year at this time. Not since 1928 has Jupiter Pluvius been so generous. That season at this time he had deposited 7.95 inches of rain, but added only a little over five inches for the remainder of the season, which ended with 13.64 inches. In 1921 the rainfall was 7.90 inches by the mid-year mark, and for the year totalled 17.13 inches. Flood year of 1915-16 witnessed but 3.78 inches of rain by January 1, but in the first month of the new year over 11 inches of rain fell, bringing the season's total to 18.69 inches. Flooded conditions this week in Long Beach and lower Los Angeles recalls the Orange county in 1906-7, when precipitation was 10.05 inches by January 10, as against 5.65 for the previous season. In the "25 Years Ago" column of (Continued on page 3) City is Planning Unemployed Aid Efficiency of City Departments Increased, Says Mgr. Price Increasing expenditures approximately $18,000 for laying of underground electric systems from the municipal plant on South Los Angeles street to the first alley north of Center street will mark efforts of the City of Anaheim to relieve local unemployment this winter. City Manager John C. Price stated in reviewing the work done by the city in the past twelve months and the outlook for the year 1932. "Ordinarily, the work on the underground system would not have been done for several years, but since we had money laid aside and available for this work, it will be completed this winter," Manager Price said. The chief purpose is to relieve unemployment, although the city is following out its established policy of doing only that type of work where the city will reap benefits, and not doing or authorizing work for things that will not help the city. "Weber Book Store Is In New Quarters" Weber Book Store, which for many years has occupied the building at 150 West Center street, this week was in its new quarters at 117 West Center street. Manager A.W. Sowder Saturday afternoon began directing removal of fixtures, stock and equipment to the new location. Funeral Thursday for Mrs. Rebecca Borsche Funeral services for Mrs. Rebecca M. Borsche, 58, who apparently died of heart attack Monday night at the family residence on East Orangethorpe, will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from McAulay & Sutters funeral chapel, Fullerton. She is survived by a sister, Meta Rorden, an uncle, Herman Bartles and nephews Jarold and Lee Hale, sons of Mayor Hale, all of Fullerton, Rev.H.G.Schmelzer of the Zion Lutheran church will officiate. Builders’ Exchange About one-third the improvement work on the water plant is completed. This will be completed soon, and that will furnish the city plenty of water until the Colorado river water is available for culinary purposes or until the city shows a substantial growth. "The work of the city hardly comes under a yearly appraisal basis. It is planned out over a period of years. This year we have had considerable improvement in the city park, have replaced a Weber Book Store, which for many years has occupied the building at 150 West Center street, this week was in its new quarters at 117 West Center street. Manager A. W. Sowder Saturday afternoon began directing removal of fixtures, stock and equipment to the new location. To Register ential Election in 1932 by leaders of Orange county politics. Republicans, who normally have a preponderance of registrations as well as voters ein Southern California, including Orange county, are watching to see if there is any indication of a trend to the major opponents, the democrats. The Burbons, with everything to gain and nothing to lose, are making a fight on administrative policies and loudly proclaim their chances of greatly increasing their registered voting strength thus indicating a trend toward that party in November. Many Offices Open Effect of a presidential election year on the number of registered voters was amply demonstrated four years ago, when 10,000 more voters registered than for the 1926 total. In '28, 51,097, while for 1930, which was a county election year, the total slumped to 50,304; and for '26, 41,726 voters registered. County voters, in addition to the national issues, will ballot on two superior judgeships (those now held by Homer G. Ames and James L. Allen); two members of the county board of supervisors (now William Shumacher of Buena Park in the third district, and Charles H. Chapman, Santa Ana, in the first district); two assemblymen to represent the two new districts into which the county is divided; a state senator; a United States senator; and a representative to congress from the nineteenth district comprised of Orange Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Funeral services for Mrs. Rebecca M. Borsche, 58, who apparently died of heart attack Monday night at the family residence on East Orangenthorpe, will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from McAulay & Sutters funeral chapel. Fullerton. She is survived by a sister, Meta Rorden, an uncle, Herman Bartles and nephews Jarold and Lee Hale, sons of Mayor Hale, all of Fullerton. Rev. H. G. Schmelzer of the Zion Lutheran church will officiate. Builders’ Exchange To Install Jan. 5. New officers for the Orange County Builders’ Exchange will be installed Tuesday noon, January 5, at the meeting to be held at Ketner's cafe, Santa Ana. Those elected by mall balloting during the past month are: W. J. Kelly, president; V. J. Anderson, vice-president; A. L. Foster of Fullerton, second vice-president; Frederic Sanford, re-elected secretary and general manager, and C. E. Rutledge, treasurer. The newly elected board includes: H. M. Adams, M. E. Beebe, both of Anaheim; Roy Cavett of Orange; V. O. Kisner and A. L. Foster of Fullerton; V. J. Anderson, S. J. Babcock, Harry H. Ball, Charles F. Carlson, C. Gilbert, W. J. Kelly, R. C. McMillan, Leslie M. McPherson and Charles E. Rutledge of Santa Ana. Francis Bushard at Big Detroit Meeting Francis Bushard, Anaheim youth who is student body president at the University of Southern California, winds up his work Thursday as delegate of the university at the National Students Federation association which met in Detroit from December 27 to 31 inclusive. In addition to representing S.C., Bushard also is president of the Pacific College President's association, which embraces the Pacific coast, Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico. He presented a model self-government university student body constitution, which was drawn up by a committee from S.C. MOST PRECIOUS "CROP" TOTALS 1,296 INFANTS Orange county's most precious "crop" will number 1296 babies for 1931. If records for the first eight months of this year can be trusted as a guage for the total. The value of this "crop" is $324,000, or a good many millions of dollars less than the citrus fruit valuations, but the infant "production," nevertheless, is the most precious—ask the fond parents, who may dispute the arbitrary valuation of $250 per baby. This figure, of course, has no bearing on the cost. California's baby "harvest," judging by the same records as that taken for the county, will number 84,000 babies, with a "valuation" of $21,000,000. For the first six months statistics indicated that the birth rate was dropping, showing 40,253 bable born in contrast to 41,726 for the same period last year. But in July and August the birth rate increased to 14,345 for the two months, thus bringing the percentage up and, should this increase be maintained, actually showing more births for 1931 than for 1930. The depression hasn't affected the baby crop. Sea Scout Troop Organized Here 20-30 Club Sponsors New Group, New Oil Field at Fullerton Looms Discover Gas at 700 Feet. With Oil on Water Surface at Well Possibility that a new oil field has been discovered on the west side of Fullerton this week held the attention of oil companies, geologists and those interested in forming a community leasing project of approximately 1000 acres. No report or authoritative opinion on whether the gas that came through a water pressure of 250 pounds or evidences of oil that appeared with the water, was forthcoming pending a more complete survey of the district. While drilling a water well on the Walter Muckenthaler ranch on North Nicholas avenue, Fullerton. Contractor John Michaell of Anaheim noticed a dense cloud of gas. Also there appeared to be oil on the surface of the water. The well had been dug to a depth of 700 feet with the water pressure measuring 250 pounds, although there didn't seem to be a good supply of water. Makes Gas Test Immediately making a test, the contractor found that the gas coming through the water produced a steady flame. Indications of oil were seen in the chale that was produced at this level. After studying the project, Michael disclosed that some officials believe there are good indications of oil being reached at about 1700 feet. Drilling of wells in this territory, however, would be regarded as wildcats. Sea Scout Troop Organized Here 20-30 Club Sponsors New Group, Chosen From Ex-Scouts Organization of a Sea Scout troop to be under the general supervision of the Boy Scout headquarters with Dr. A. Waters and Ray LaFont in charge, is being sponsored this week by the 20-30 Club, following its meeting Monday evening, Boy Scout Commissioner Vernon Cruzen announced. The troop will be composed of a dozen Anaheim youths, all ex-Scouts between the ages of 16 and 18, and will be selected from a list of eligible boys. A waiting list will be kept so that any vacancies will be picked from the most eligible of those desiring to enter the troop. Full details of organization, along with meeting place and night, have not, as yet, been worked out, Commissioner Cruzen said. These details will be taken care of in the near future, however, and the troop is expected to be organized and functioning soon. After three months of training ashore, the lads will be taken out on regular cruises aboard the regular Sea Scout boat given by the government to Sea Scout troops, and anchored at Newport. Postal Receipts Off $2,000 For the Year As the final days of 1931 fade into history, Postmaster J. H. Whitaker took stock of Uncle Sam's postal business in Anaheim and announced that for the past twelve months gross receipts here fell off approximately $2,000, bringing the total down from the 1930 high of over $54,000, to about $52,000. "Of course, it will be impossible for us to give exact figures until the windows close on December 31," Postmaster Whitaker said. "But Christmas business fell off approximately $1000 from the previous high, and about the same amount of loss throughout the rest of the year is anticipated. A rush of business toward the last few days might change the outlook." Postmaster Whitaker has received a number of compliments from Anaheim and vicinity residents on the prompt delivery of Christmas mail. "We appreciate those expressions," he said. "We have had exceptional luck with the weather, and no illness among our personnel." Then he wrote: Immediately making a test, the contractor found that the gas coming through the water produced a steady flame. Indications of oil were seen in the chase that was produced at this level. After studying the project, Michael disclosed that some officials believe there are good indications of oil being reached at about 1700 feet. Drilling of wells in this territory, however, would be regarded as wildcats. Atempts to organize a community lease surrounding this territory, reaching from Orangethorpe and Spadra to Garden Grove road have been carried on in secrecy, not even the name of the company planning to drill being announced. Reclamation Wins Favor at Meeting Procedure Committee Named to Promote Plans for Project Communities vitally affected by the proposed sewer reclamation project, which won support from various interests of the county at the meeting held last week at the farm bureau offices in Santa Ana, will be broached by members of the procedure committee to find out what kind of a "fair and equitable plan" will be acceptable. Practically everybody attending the meeting, including Mayor L. E. Miller and Councilman Leo Sheridan of Anaheim, agreed on the feasibility of Engineer R. F. Goudey's projected reclamation not sewage, as well as on the method of conservation. Means of working out the political angles, however, demanded attention, particularly of Ross Shafer of Tustin, chairman of the farm water committee. Ralph McFadden, who is chairman of the committee which hired Goudey to make the study and report, presided over the meeting. McFadden stressed the advisability of appealing only to districts that would be benefited directly by the reclamation project. The various groups and districts represented at the meeting a week ago in Santa Ana will be represented on the procedure committee, which Ralph McFadden was commissioned to appoint. Concordia Society Social Big Success In contrast to November, when 66 tickets were sold for the regular monthly social held at the clubhouse on West Broadway, the Concordia Society last Sunday evening sold 108 tickets to its December affair, President Henry Bremer announced this week. "This increase in attendance shows Resolve to let your money WORK Under the veneer of hilarity which popularly marks the close of 1931 and the entrance of 1932, let's give sober thought to the lesson taught us during the past year. Remember that the dollars you spend in Gazette advertising, whether display or classified, are among your hardest-working soldiers of commerce. Anaheim Gazette —Phone 2414— Postmaster Whitaker has received a number of compliments from Anaheim and vicinity residents on the prompt delivery of Christmas mail. "We appreciate those expressions," he said. "We have had exceptional luck with the weather, and no illness among our personnel. Then, too, we have increased the efficiency of the department so that the Christmas rush was handled more smoothly than heretofore." Concordia Society Social Big Success In contrast to November, when 66 tickets were sold for the regular monthly social held at the clubhouse on West Broadway, the Concordia Society last Sunday evening sold 108 tickets to its December affair, President Henry Bremer announced this week. "This increase in attendance shows a decided increase in the interest of the club," President Bremer said. "We plan to have still more interesting programs in the future." After dinner was served the guests and members enjoyed card games and entertainment. 63 Itinerants Given Free Christmas Meal Sixty-three itinerants, most of whom otherwise would have gone without the customary "feed", Christmas day sat down to a chicken dinner with all the trimmings at the Salvation Army headquarters, 233 South Los Angeles street. The dinner was arranged under the personal supervision of Ensign L. L. Montgomery, and a hot supper was served for Christmas evening. The itinerants visited with each other, read and played games. The regular Salvation Army party for children, which usually is held Christmas Eve, was held Christmas night instead this year in order to permit arrangements for the big dinner for the unfortunates. Dr. Von KleinSmid is Head of Commission The United States George Washington Bicentennial Commission has been advised by the Los Angeles George Washington Bicentennial Commission of the appointment of Dr. Rufus von Kleinsmid, president of the University of Southern California's general chairman of the Bicentennial Commission in that city.