Iowa
Old Press
Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune
Muscatine, Muscatine co., Iowa
January 11, 1943
NEWS OF LOUISA MEN IN SERVICE IS REPORTED.
Columbus Junction—Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Owens of
Columbus Junction, received word Saturday from the government
that their son, John Owens, was now stationed at San Diego,
Calif.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Newton Davis of the Welsh Neighborhood recently
received a letter from their son, Carroll Davis, which he had
written from somewhere in England. He said the Louisa county boys
who left Columbus Junction May 9, were still together.
At Kansas Camp.
Pvt. Charles F. Rahmiller, who for a number of years was
employed at the Columbus oil station, has been sent to Ft. Riley,
Kas., where he is taking intensive training for military police
duties.
Bert McKeag, of Columbus Junction, has returned from a visit with
his son, Pvt. Berl E. McKeag, who is in the Hdq. Det. Deml., at
Camp Phillips, near Salina, Kas.
PFC. James Richard Kauffman, who is at Camp Rucker, Ala., has
been promoted to corporal.
Pvt. Virgil J. Hall, who has been at Jalon, Calif., is now
stationed at Camp Hale, Colo.
Studies Flying.
Col. D. A. Morris writes that he is at 925 Airborne
Engr. Reg. Aviation, Westover Field, Mass. He came back from
Europe two months ago. Had been out of the U.S. 16 months. In
addition to his ordinary air force duties, he has been taking
flying instructions and about ten days ago made his first solo
flight. He visited his son, James, at West Point a few days ago.
Under a new scheme just started last year, cadets who apply and
pass the physical examination, get their flying instruction while
still in the academy and graduate with wings.
Given Advancement.
PFC. Bruce Gardner, stationed at Camp Shelby, Miss., who
coached the Columbus high school football squad last fall before
being called into the Army, has been advanced to the rank of
corporal.
Pvt. F. N (Speck) Peters is stationed at Hq. Co. 59 Sig. Bn. Camp
Crowder, Mo.
Pvt. Howard A. (Shortie) Williams, who spent about four months in
Missouri, is stationed at 116 Ord. APO 44, Ft. Lewis, Washington.
He was fortunate in getting to see his brother, Jerry, who is in
the U.S. Navy and who is now on the high seas.
[transcribed by L.Z., Nov 2014]
Muscatine Journal News Tribune
January 26, 1943
DAMAGE SET AT NEAR $75,000 IN MANCHESTER FIRE.
Manchester, Ia. –(AP)—A $75,000 fire swept through the three-story D. J. Meggenburg brick building Monday night in Manchester’s worst blaze in many years.
Part of the building collapsed early today.
Several scantily clad persons, trapped in the upper floors, descended iron fire escapes in subzero weather. They suffered painful injuries to their hands when flesh stuck to the iron railings.
Destroyed were Meggenburg’s bowling alley and skating rink in the basement; Teggen’s Variety store stock on the main floor; three business offices on the second floor and apartments on the second and third floors.
The Independence Fire Department assisted Manchester firemen in battling the blaze.
[transcribed by LZ, Mar 2021]