Iowa Old Press
Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, July 2, 1936
Akron, Ia.
SIOUX TOWNSHIP WOMAN DIES FROM BURNS AND SHOCK
Mrs. V. Hunter Was Cleaning Floor When Gasoline Explosion Occurs
All of the west part of Plymouth county was saddened and shocked by the
terrible death of Mrs. Vance Hunter, popular young matron of Sioux township,
which occurred early Sunday morning from the severe burns she received when a
pan of gasoline she was using for cleaning purposes in the kitchen of her
home, late Saturday afternoon, exploded and set fire to her clothing.
After seeing that her 4-year-old son, William, was safe out of doors, Mrs.
Hunter ran to a water tank a short distance north of the house and plunged in
to extinguish the flames which by that time had consumed practically all her
clothing. She then returned to the house and managed to phone for help to her
sister-in-law, Mrs. Harold Cooper, on an adjoining farm. Mr. Cooper was at
home with his car and they rushed her to the Methodist hospital in Sioux City,
making the trip in about fifteen minutes, where Mrs. Hunter, suffering intense
pain was given medical attention. However, the severe burns and resulting
shock caused her death Sunday morning.
Bessie Cleminson was born in 1899 at St. James, Nebr. She graduated from Central
high school, Sioux City, in 1919, and was a member of Knox Presbyterian
church, Sioux City, and Vesper chapter, No. 61, O. E. S., of Akron, being one
of its officers at the time of her death. She had lived on the farm eight
miles south of Westfield since her marriage to Vance Hunter, about fifteen
years ago.
Surviving are her husband; a son, William, aged four; her mother, Mrs. A. C.
Cleminson, of Perry township; six sisters, Mrs. Beulah Strand, of Glenwood,
Ia.; Mrs. Edith Jones, of Wynot, Nebr.; Mrs. Mabel Hanson, of Seattle, Wash.;
Mrs. Helen Mahaney and Misses Georgia and Delores Cleminson, all of Sioux
City; and three brothers, Harvey and Arthur, of Sioux City, and Roy, of
Hinton.
The funeral, which was held Tuesday afternoon in Knox Presbyterian church,
Sioux City, was largely attended. Practically the entire country-side went in,
attesting to the love and esteem in which Mrs. Hunter was held. Rev. E. W.
Stimson, of the First Presbyterian church, officiated, giving a splendid
tribute to her motherhood. Paul Bower sang, and the services were concluded at
the graveside in Logan Park cemetery, where the beautiful and impressive
Eastern Star ritualistic services were in charge of Past Matron Helma Bly,
assisted by the officers and members of Vesper chapter, of Akron.
A friend pays the following tribute; Bessie Cleminson Hunter was, without
doubt, one of the most beloved women ever coming to make her home in the
neighborhood. Of a sweet and charming disposition and always willing to bear
her part in the affairs of the community, the real affection in which she was
held was amply shown Tuesday in a church crowded to the doors, with many
standing and few dry eyed. She has passed from our midst, in the prime of her
womanhood, this loved person, and may her memory be kept green. We extend to
the sorrowing family, wherever they are our most sincere sympathy.
All the brothers and sisters were present at the last rites except the sister
living in Seattle. Other relatives coming from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs.
Victor Nelson and B. C. Brunick, of Wynot, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Beycheau,
Lawrence Clemensen, Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan, of Hartington, Nebr.; Mr. and
Mrs. E. E. Hunter and Royce Hunter, of Letcher, S. D.; Mrs. A. K. Bates and
daughter, Carol Lou, of Mitchell, S. D.; Mr. and Mrs. L. V. Hunter, of Sioux
Falls, S. D.; Mrs. F. W. Glann and Mrs. Leonard Francis, of Climbing Hill,
Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Lindborg and Lois and Leonard, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Transcriber Note: Though the paper spells her maiden name Cleminson it is actually spelled
Clemensen.
The Hinton Progress, July 2, 1936
GIRL KILLED IN AUTO COLLISION
An automobile collision early Sunday evening, near Adaville was fatal to Eva
Marie Attrill, 16, of Akron.
A car containing Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Attrill, the daughter, a son, Lloyd,
the driver, and Miss Helen Richter, collided with a machine driven by Ed
Fischer of Adaville. Miss Attrill, thrown through the windshield, died
immediately. Mrs. Fischer, who was accompanying her husband, suffered three
broken ribs. She was taken to a LeMars hospital. Mrs. Attrill, seriously
injured, is in an Akron hospital. The others suffered minor injuries and
bruises.
The Attrill family was returning to Akron after a visit with Fred Attrill, a
brother of Ernest Attrill, at Adaville. Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, who live near
Adaville, also were returning home at the time of the mishap. The two cars
met at the top of a hill.
Mr. and Mrs. Louie Baack and baby of Hinton, were also occupants of the
Fischer car but escaped serious injury, however, Louie was bruised to some
extent.
LeMars Sentinel, Friday, July 3, 1936, Page 1, Column 4:
Final Rites Held For Eva Attrill Killed In Crash
Funeral Services For Accident Victim Are Attended By Large Number
Funeral services were held in the Methodist church at Akron, Wednesday, for
Miss Eva Marie Attrill, who was instantly killed in an automobile accident
near Adaville Sunday evening and were attended by a large number. Rev. J.
F. Moore officiated. The interment was made in the cemetery at Adaville.
The pallbearers were Alvin Attrill, Leonard Attrill, Harry Attrill, Lowell
Betsworth, Wayne Betsworth and William McIntosh.
Born At Adaville
Eva Marie Attrill was born at Adaville in Plymouth county January 31, 1920.
She lived on a farm until she was seven years of age when the family moved
to Akron. She was graduated from the Akron high school with the class of
1936. When a child she attended the Christian church Sunday school. She
was of a cheerful disposition, always ready to be helpful to others,
courteous and obliging. She was well liked by her school mates and
associates, and her tragic fate comes as a great shock to all who knew her
well.
She leaves to mourn her death her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Attrill, two
brothers, Orville and Lloyd Attrill, of Akron, two sisters, Mrs. Floyd Neal,
of Sioux City, and Mrs. Carl Johnson, of Elk Point, S. D.
LeMars Globe-Post, Monday, July 6, 1936, Page 1:
Ashes Cooling At Remsen and Oyens
COMBINED LOSS NEAR A MILLION
Firecracker Blamed For Start Of Remsen Holocaust
Two fires which started almost simultaneously late in the afternoon of
the Fourth of July did damage which combined will probably come near a
million dollars. The exact amount will not be known until the insurance
adjusters get through, which will probably take two weeks.
The first at Remsen seems to have had a little earlier start. The first
alarm was given by Verna Harnack, a waitress in Dunn's restaurant, who said
a little girl had told her "my tent's on fire." The little girl said a
firecracker had exploded in her tent.
In a very few minutes it didn't matter. The fire caught in the
oil-soaked walls of the Bellmyer and Hodgen garage and Chevrolet agency,
which was owned by Herman Boge.
Flames Sweep North
Eating out the Bellmyer garage, the John Ulveling drug store, a variety
store, Frank Nissen's soft drink parlor and the Dunn cafe, the flames swept
north across First street to reach the Ahmann lumber yard.
Continuing northward, the fire leveled the Farmers Co-operative Co.
elevator, then moved into the G. A. Null elevator, Dr. J. E. McGovern's home
and the Remsen ball park. All that remained Sunday of the park were the
four bases.
Home Saved
From the ball park the fire whipped eastward, destroying a dozen homes
and Arthur Faber's hatchery.
The Charles Peters residence curiously was saved by Alton firemen,
although in the same path as the razed homes.
After destroying the north end homes, the blaze turned southward,
claiming in turn the Illinois Central depot, McGregor Brothers Lumber Co.,
Remsen Planing mill, Dorr's Produce Co., the Schaaf implement building,
Nothem furniture store, Kramer beer tavern, Duster's recreation hall, tavern
and hotel and Blondie's Beauty shop.
Next was the Ideal Hat shop, a frame building. Firemen with ropes
pulled the building away from the concrete wall of the next building, the
Kohler jewelry store.
The "Break"
This was the "break" in the struggle. Hose lines were directed at the
speeding inferno from the jewelry store roof, and the fire was stopped.
Col Gordon C. Hollar, of Sioux City was in command of the 150 national
guardsmen. His adjutant, Capt. Horace F. Wulf, and Maj. Howard B. Rew,
commander of the third battalion, 133rd infantry, also were on duty.
The units included company L, company M, howitzer company and the third
battalion headquarters company, all of Sioux City, company K of LeMars and
company I of Sheldon.
The Losses
Bellmyer and Hodgen, Chevrolet garage; Ted Dunn, Pantry Cafe; Frank
Nissen, soft drink parlor; Remsen Drug Co., owned by John Uveling; Goedert
Variety Store; Dr. Esser; Kass Bros. law firm, located in Kass building;
Kass Building; Ahmann Lumber Co.; McGregor Lumber Co.; Farmers Elevator;
Remsen Elevator; Sjostrom Bros. Elevator; Depot; Phillips warehouse; Wentz
warehouse; Iowanna Hatchery, owned by Ray Faber; grandstand; Remsen Planing
Mill, owned by Peter Hames; Nothem furniture; Dr. Husse, (vet); Kramer's
Food Market; Niggelings. The following were located in the Duster
buildings; Dr. Casey, dentist; Dr. Jastram, M. D.; Tarbox studio; L. Martin,
lawyer; Recknagel barber shop; bowling alleys' Johnson barber shop;
recreation parlors hotel; Bjork Beauty Shop; Dorr produce; Kellen produce,
also 14 private garages, the property of A. J. Duster; Phillips machinery;
Ideal Hat shop.
Box car, flat car and two threshing machines consigned to Ernester and
Mayrose.
14 Private Homes
Nothem's house, tenanted by Dr. McGovern; Jake Gamedinger; Ed Lloyd; Joe
Nothem; S. Nothem; Lang estate, tenanted by Weivick; Chas. Kohler; J. P.
Wagner; Nic Kirpes; Milt Griepenburg; J. P. Arens; Mike Kecker. Practically
all the furniture, clothing and personal property was burned in the above
homes.
Fire at Oyens
The fire at Oyens, as far as anybody knows, started in a grass plot at
the southwest corner of town. At first the fire did not cause any concern,
as it was assumed it would burn itself out, like most grass fires. Soon it
caught in some railroad ties that were stacked there, and in a very short
time a number of buildings were ablaze.
Citizens of Oyens were almost helpless in fighting the fire, as the town
does not own any water works system. Water was pumped from wells, but this
was just an idle gesture.
In a few minutes half the town was burning fiercely. It is probable
that everything in Oyens would have gone if it had not been for the baseball
field in the middle of the town. While grass fire started here and licked
hungrily toward private residences and the extensive property of St.
Catherine's parish, they were beaten out.
Places in Oyens destroyed were:
The railroad depot; lumber yard; Ray Kaiser's store and home; Catherine
Doud store and post office; Harry Kemp's beer parlor; A. E. Patterson's
barber shop and home; Axel Jensen's shoe shop; three small warehouses; Paul
Petersen's blacksmith shop; town hall and jail; Willard Benson home.
The loss at Oyens is estimated from $75,00 to $100,000 and higher. Two
elevators, one a modern concrete one, were not damaged.
The Charles Masuen home started burning on the roof, which was ignited
by falling embers. Members of the family carried water in pans and buckets
and put it out, although the blaze was rediscovered several times.
Water Shortage
As at Oyens, so at Remsen the water shortage was the greatest handicap. The
water in the city reservoir was soon exhausted, and after that all that was
available was what the pumps could send into the mains. Under these
conditions it was not possible to keep up pressure.
Fire departments from LeMars, Alton, Marcus, Kingsley, Merrill and Sioux
City responded and helped pull down walls, even using dynamite, to impede
the flames. A truck from Cherokee was hurriedly recalled when a fire broke
out at Cherokee. One of the pumping trucks was connected directly to the
mains, and in this way enough pressure was boosted up to reach the top
stories of buildings. So rapid was the spread of the flames that a number
of houses burned with little or none of their contents being saved. One of
the these was the home of Sylvester Nothem, who with his wife was enjoying a
vacation at the lakes. The house was locked; attempts to break in were
unsuccessful, and not a thing was saved.
Same issue.....
REMSEN IS NOT LICKED", SLOGAN
Plans Already Under Way For Reconstruction
Remsen is not taking the fire setback lying down.
Out of the ruins will appear modern business houses. Although, it will
perhaps be several weeks before actual construction will begin as many of
the business men declared that they were going to inspect some of the
up-to-date business establishments in larger cities.
The first place to rebuild will be the Illinois Central depot. Plans
arrived in Remsen Sunday morning for the new depot, and this morning workmen
began clearing the debris from the ground and construction will be started
immediately.
A request for a $100,000 government WPA grant for rehabilitation work at
Remsen was asked Sunday by Mayor C. M. Meyers of Remsen after he had
completed a survey of the appalling ruins of the fire which Saturday night
caused between $500,000 and $600,000 loss. It was granted.
Mayor Meyers said that the money would be used to rebuild the streets,
replace fire equipment and refinance persons whose homes and business
establishments were not covered by insurance. The mayor and insurance
adjusters Sunday checked losses on buildings and stocks that were destroyed,
and learned that most of the two dozen dwellings and a score of business
establishments that were leveled were covered by insurance.
While Mayor Meyers was seeking government and state help. Dr. A. H.
Jastram, chairman of the Remsen Red Cross chapter, announced that the
chapter had sufficient funds in the treasury to handle the food and housing
problem, at least temporarily.
George Kramer will rebuild on his lot one of the most modern up-to-date
food markets that can be built.
Remsen isn't licked. Tony Duster, whose hotel, tavern and pool hall
burned, expressed the "comeback" sentiment.
"Sure, I'm going to rebuild," said Duster, who watched his $60,000
buildings and equipment go up in smoke. "Just as soon as insurance
adjustments are made, I'll start it again."
While the reporter was unable to find other business men for an
interview, it is of the general opinion that they all will rebuild.
Same issue....
"Tin Soldier" Wisecracks Don't Please Remsen
Some of the thousands of visitors from three states who viewed Remsen's
fire wreckage yesterday were annoyed by the militia who ordered them to
"keep moving" in order to prevent congestion.
Remarks featuring the expression "tin soldiers" were often heard.
These remarks didn't please the residents of Remsen, because there
appears to have been considerable pilfering.
Numerous reports of articles missing that had been saved from the fire
caused some speculation as to whether somebody had been quietly sneaking
away some of the salvaged articles.
However, much of the missing stuff is expected to turn up later.
Volunteers with trucks picked up carloads of household goods, furniture, and
other valuable articles, and dumped them any place they could find, some at
nearby farms.
Same issue.....
Labor Offices At Remsen And Oyens
Frank E. Wenig, commissioner of labor and director of the United States
employment service for Iowa, has authorized the opening of a branch office
of the National Reemployment Service in Remsen and Oyens for the services of
those in the fire stricken area.
George Collins, assistant field supervisor and Gerd Grahlman will be in
charge.
State Supervisor Clinite will be in the area for the next few days.
Employers and employees of the above mentioned towns are urged to use
this service. Offices will be located in the offices of the respective
mayors.
The LeMars office will remain in operation being open full time each
day.
Same issue.....
Highlights of the Remsen Fire
One lady, in the east part of town and two blocks from the blaze, got
excited, and threw a dresser out of the second story window, completely
demolishing it.
Practically all the homes across the railroad tracks were new.
Elmer Ohlendorf, viewing the remains of the conflagration Sunday morning
stated to his mother, "It's just like it was 30 years ago, when we first
came to Remsen, not a house on the north side of the track."
A hen from one of the produce firms that got caught in the fire was a
ball of fire, and running amuck created much excitement when it finally
keeled over, and caused two women to faint. The body of the chicken,
propped up on its chest and stubs of legs, could be seen on the paving near
the ball park.
Dr. Esser, in the heat of the excitement ran into his office, grabbed an
old syringe and glass, leaving $150 worth of old gold in a drawer in his
desk.
Mrs. Anna Kramer, whose house was "in line of fire" and part of her
furniture and personal belongings were found five blocks south on highway 75
Sunday morning.
The public school ground was a parking lot for cars taken from Peters
garage and farm machinery from Philips implement.
There was practically nothing saved out of the 38 business places.
Moeller's were unable to locate the furniture that was taken out of
their frame building, but the truckers that have it on their trucks are
responsible and it will be returned.
Residents and farmers of Remsen vicinity "pitched in' and helped move
many of the prospective victims of the fire, furniture and personal
belongings.
Many enterprising young lads set up pop and lemonade stands on their
father's lawns.
George Kramer's family received a long distance call Sunday evening from
Mr. Kramer's sister in Olympia, Wash. She stated that from the last reports
Sunday afternoon that the fire was still raging.
Opal and LeRoy Duster will enjoy their vacation, living in tents on
their dad's park.
In a special session of the city council Sunday afternoon, they
purchased 800 feet of fire hose to replace hose that was lost in the
inferno.
Dr. McGovern of Remsen was taking a bath when he received the first
alarm of the fire. He did not realize its seriousness, and had to make a
hasty exit when his house threatened to collapse over his head, which it did
very shortly after he got out.
Many private citizens were deputized Saturday night to patrol the fire
area.
Jack Johnson proved to be a second "Glen Cunningham" on his record run
from Ott Greunfield residence to his barber shop in time to save part of his
fixtures.
Remsen business places were doing a land office business, with customers
hanging onto the doors hoping to get in.
Spectators were treated to spine-shivering scenes when the gas tanks on
tractors located in the Phillips implement building exploded and ends of the
tanks went sailing through the air. Hundreds of feet high.
The city council meets tonight, for a special session of business, and
among one of the items that will be passed will be an ordinance passed
prohibiting the sale and shooting of pyrotechnics.
There was a mad rush of spectators who were standing in front of Lucas
Shoe store when the end of a fuel barrel that exploded dropped on the side
walk missing them by inches. The barrel was used to supply fuel for an oil
stove at the Duster hotel.
The Standard Oil Co. was busy Sunday afternoon emptying their large
supply tanks that had sprung leaks from the intense heat of the blaze.
One Remsen woman had to borrow pants from one neighbor and a dress from
another in order to be able to attend religious services Sunday.
Same issue.....
Fire Victims
The heat of the fire aided by the extreme warmth of the day took its
quota of victims, many of them who were firemen and other volunteers.
Among the partial list of victims was John Niegh, who suffered severe
burns of his face and hands. Claire "Buck" Haye was overcome by the heat.
Elmer Ohlendorf, suffered burn of the hand and face. Ted Dunn, heat victim.
LeMars Sentinel, Tuesday, July 7, 1936, Page 1:
Fourth of July Fires Inflict Heavy Loss In Remsen and Oyens
DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT $500,00
Starting In Business Districts Fires Spread To Residences In Both Towns--
Fifteen Residences And As Many Business Houses Burn
Fires which started at near the same hour Fourth of July afternoon in
Remsen and Oyens destroyed property to the value of about half a million
dollars. The fires started in the business districts of both towns and
spread to the residence sections before they were under control.
The Remsen fire was discovered about 4:30 p.m. and had made such headway
when the alarm was given it was impossible to determine whether it started
in the Ted Dunn cafe or the adjacent Chevrolet garage, both of which were in
flames. One story is that children playing with firecrackers in the rear of
the buildings started a fire between the buildings and another that a child
threw a firecracker into some waste in the garage, but neither story was
verified.
The Remsen fire spread rapidly both north and south from the Nissen and
Boge buildings which housed the garage and cafe on the west side of Remsen's
main business street and within fifteen minutes buildings across the street
both north and east were burning as well as the four buildings in the north
end of the block where the fire started.
Across the street north the Ahmann Lumber company and the Farmers
Elevator company buildings were soon ablaze and the fire spread to Sjostrom
Bros. plant, recently purchased by Swift & Co., and the Plymouth Mill
elevator and then across another street north to the Mrs. Kate Nothem
residence and the grand stand in the ball park.
Across the business street east of the Nothem corner the sparks soon
fired the Jake Gamerdinger residence, the Iowana Hatchery, the Mrs.
Elizabeth Roberts and Peter Raveling residences and the Illinois Central
depot, all on the north side of the tracks. On the south side of this
street and north of the tracks were five other modern homes belonging to J.
P. Wagner, Charles Kohler, Joe Nothem, S. Nothem and Ed Lloyd, all of which
were burned to the ground.
On the east side of the business street opposite where the fire started
were the following business houses which were a total loss: Nothem
furniture store, Kramer Meat Market, Nic Niggeling's beer tavern, Duster's
recreation parlors, Duster's hotel, Scherner and Harnack's ladies hat shop.
Further progress of the fire south on this side of the street was stopped by
a solid cement wall, but the flames spread east two blocks completely wiping
out the McGregor lumber yard, the Hames planing mill, Dorr's poultry house,
Fred Phillips implement buildings, the Duster garages, and the Nic Kirpes,
Arens and Griepenburg residences. The district burned over was about two
blocks by three through the center of which ran the Illinois Central tracks,
which were so badly damaged trains were delayed for several hours. Spread
of the flames were checked about four hours after the fire started, but the
intense heat from the burning buildings continued through the night.
Fire departments from Alton, Marcus, Kingsley and LeMars responded to
the call for help, but were hampered by insufficient supply of water. When
the high line to pumps burned, an auxiliary gas engine was used to pump the
water until a new electric line could be strung to the pumps.
So rapidly did the fire spread that little was saved from any of the
burned buildings. People in other parts of town moved their furniture into
their yards and were prepared to make a hurried departure if the wind
changed. Most of the town would have been wiped out if the wind had veered
to the north without moderating its intensity as sparks were carried for
blocks. Many people spent the early evening hours on their roofs guarding
against danger from falling sparks.
The 50X100 two story brick building owned by Nicholas Kass was the
southernmost building on the west side of the street destroyed. It was
worth $20,000 to $25,000 and was insured for about two thirds its value. It
was occupied by a new Butler store opened up a week or two ago and John
Ulveling's drug store, also new. Upstairs were the law offices of Kass
Bros., and the office of Dr. Esser.
Next door north was a two story frame building occupied by Ted Dunn's
cafe on where the loss was about $2,500 with no insurance.
The adjacent garage was owned by Herman Boge and occupied by Billmyers
Chevrolet garage.
The corner building was owned by Frank Nissen and used as a beer tavern
and was valued at $3,000 with no insurance.
The Ahmann Lumber company across the street north was valued at about
$40,000, buildings and stock, and the loss was covered by insurance.
The Farmers Elevator plant was rebuilt a few years ago after the old
building was struck by lightning and burned. The loss on the building and
stock was $20,000 to $25,000 with good insurance coverage.
Sjostrom Bros. poultry house, recently purchased by Swift & Co., and the
Plymouth elevator operated by Null & Cass were a total loss with some
insurance. There was $1,500 insurance on the elevator and full coverage on
the stock.
The frame grand stand at the ball park was totally destroyed with no
insurance.
The Mrs. Kate Nothem residence adjoining was worth about $4,000 and
occupied by the Dr. McGovern family.
The Jake Gamerdinger residence was worth $5,000 to $6,000 with the loss
partially covered by insurance.
Iowa Hatchery operated by Art Faber was worth around $5,000 with
insurance.
Next came the Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts residence worth $3,000 and the
Peter Raveling residence valued at $4,500 which were a total loss, while the
Charles Peters residence between them was saved by the Alton fire engine
keeping a stream of water from the cistern flowing over the roof until the
danger had passed.
The J. P. Wagner, Charler Kohler, Joe Nothem, S. Nothem and Ed Lloyd
residences were new, modern homes costing $4,500 to $7,000, all partially
insured.
McGregor Bros., who operated the lumber yard just across the tracks
south of the depot that burned, had about $40,000 worth of stock and
buildings and with insurance to cover most of the total loss.
One of the largest losers was A. Duster whose two story brick building
and two story frame hotel were destroyed. This brick building was 50X100
and Dr. Jastram and Dr. Casey had their offices upstairs. There was a
photograph studio in the Duster building and A. Recknagel operated a barber
shop in the basement. Duster's loss was above $50,000.
Another heavy loser was Fred Phillips, of Schaaf's hardware, who had a
large machinery warehouse 140X180 filled with farm machinery and twine and
another containing oil and supplies in the fire swept area. Mr. Phillips
estimates his loss at about $40,000, a good share of which is covered by
insurance.
A Standard Oil bulk station in the path of the fire escaped destruction
although the contents of one tank burned and the paint on all of them was
blistered.
The Peter Hames planing mill was destroyed, the loss being about $5,000.
The Nothem Furniture building and stock valued at $8,000 to $9,000 were
also destroyed with some insurance.
The Kramer meat market and equipment loss was around $10,000 which was
covered by insurance.
The Iowa Public Service lost a building valued at about $2,000 which was
occupied by Nic Niggeling as a beer parlor.
The fire reached the municipal light plant which escaped damage except
to its lines which were burned.
Street paving was cracked and broken by the heat and the railroad tracks
were twisted out of line.
Insurance representatives estimate 75 to 80 per cent of the Remsen loss
is covered by insurance.
Half Oyens Business District Burns
At Oyens the fire started about 5 p.m. and destroyed about half the
business district of that town. The fire was first discovered in the office
of the Oyens Lumber company. As nobody had been in the office for some time
the cause of the fire is unknown, although it may have been started by
sparks from a train which passed a few minutes before. From the lumber yard
it spread to the railroad station nearby and then north on the same side of
the street to the Doud grocery, the Harry Kemp beer parlor, Arnold
Patterson's barber shop and Axel Jensen's shoe shop. Across the street the
Kaiser store, the Ray Kaiser dwelling and the Mike Reard house were burned
to the ground. Other residences in the block were saved by bucket brigade
fire fighters as Oyens has no town waterworks and wells had to be depended
on for fighting the fire.
The Oyens Lumber company's loss of around $40,000 is covered by
insurance. Other Oyens store and property owners had some insurance but not
nearly enough to cover their loss in many cases. Kaiser who had the
largest loss had little insurance.
The total value of property destroyed in Oyens was about $60,000 to
$75,000 and in Remsen six or seven times that amount, but the latter town
had insurance to cover 75 to 80 per cent of the loss, while in Oyens only
the lumber yard had amply coverage.
Soldiers Patrol Towns
Following the fire, details of Iowa national guardsmen from LeMars,
Sheldon and Sioux City under command of Colonel Hollar were assigned to duty
in Remsen and Oyens to maintain order and handle the crowds of curious
people who congregated. Some government tents were ordered sent to Remsen
but there was little need for them as most of the homeless families had
relatives who took them in. The Remsen Red Cross declined offers of
assistance as it has ample funds in its local treasury to meet any calls.
Akron Register-Tribune
July 9, 1936
STONY POINT SAYINGS
(Special Correspondence)
Too late for last week’s issue—
Mabel Friske is employed at the Dirks home in Akron.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Rehberg and family, of Harris, Ia., and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Witt and family were Sunday visitors in the Harry Klemme home.
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Tammen, of Struble, were visitors in the John Tammen home Wednesday.
Wm. Gerrietts are having a new kitchen added to their home.
A number of relatives and friends reminded Amanda Ludwigs of her birthday Monday evening.
John Miniets, Jr., has been on the sick list, after being overcome by the heat last Saturday.
CARD OF THANKS.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to our relatives, neighbors, and friends for their kind words of comfort and sympathy and beautiful flowers, following the death of our darling baby.—Mr. and Mrs. Earl H. E. Hummel.
~I. W. Machamer, former superintendent of the Liberty Consolidated school, received his commission and became the regular postmaster at Merrill last Friday, succeeding R. J. Zensen, who had been acting postmaster since April. At Elk Point, S.D., Thos. H. Ryan succeeded J. W. Coverdale as postmaster on July 1. Mr. Coverdale had filled the position for twelve successive years.
~Judge O. S. Thomas, of Rock Rapids, presided at a session of district court in LeMars on Wednesday of last week, when a large number of Akron people were in attendance at a hearing in the matter of the estate of Kate Smith. The case, which involved joint ownership of funds by the deceased and some of the heirs, was taken under advisement. The court made a number of orders in minor cases and probate matters.
LeMars Sentinel, Friday, July 10, 1936, Page 1:
Remsen Starts Rehabilitation of Fire Losses
Red Cross Is Cooperating By Aiding Those Who Need Assistance In Their
Calamity
The Remsen Branch of the Plymouth County Chapter, American Red Cross,
has taken an active part in the relief work, necessitated by the disastrous
fire which swept the north end of the town of Remsen Saturday, destroying
numerous business establishments and the home of seventeen families. Dr. A.
R. Jastram, chairman of the Remsen branch, made arrangements for opening Red
Cross headquarters in the high school Monday. Directing the work of
registration of losses were Mrs. Ethel Hart, executive secretary of the
Plymouth county chapter, and Mrs. Hazel Ramige, of the Woodbury county
organization. Miss Alice Moore, county Red Cross chairman, has also been at
headquarters assisting with the disaster relief organization.
By Wednesday evening twenty-seven families had registered losses, some
of which were business losses and others their homes and belongings. While
a small percentage of the losers are requesting aid of the branch, a
complete record of losses is taken for statistical records of the disaster.
Miss Katherine Monroe, of St. Louis, experienced Red Cross disaster
relief worker, arrived Wednesday to supervise the emergency relief work for
the rehabilitation of the families affected. The Remsen branch and the
community are assuming the full responsibility, feeling able to cope with
the situation of caring for their own townspeople.
The various church and civic organizations have cooperated with the Red
Cross. Sewing groups will meet in the churches to supply the various
bedding and clothing needs. Ben Danchik, Plymouth county relief director,
sent a consignment of surplus commodities, consisting of bed linens,
clothing and food to the headquarters for distribution.
Temporary quarters are being put up by some of the business firms until
the work of rebuilding can be begun. Some of the families are quartered in
army tents as a temporary relief measure but provision for better housing
are being made as son as possible. Houses to rent are at a premium and many
families are temporarily quartered with relatives or friends.
Remarkable facts regarding the fire: With the loss conservatively
estimated at $600,000, no lives were lost nor serious injuries suffered; the
destruction took place with such rapidity and so completely that very little
furniture or clothing was retrieved, most of the losers escaping from the
homes not being able to save any clothing or personal effects. The Peters
home was left standing intact in the midst of the holocaust. Houses on both
sides of it, and across the street, were completely destroyed but the Peters
house was saved by keeping a stream of water on the roof which ran back into
the cistern and was pumped out again and again.
POPULAR YOUNG COUPLE
UNITED IN MARRIAGE
Aaron Denniston, of Staples, Minn.,
And Goldie Schultz, of Stanton, Wedded
A pretty wedding took place Friday at the home of Mrs. Bessie Schultz, in
Stanton township, when her daughter, Goldie, became the bride of Aaron
Denniston, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Denniston, of Staples, Minn.
At 6 o'clock the bridal party descended the stairs to the strains of
Mendelssohn's wedding march and took their places under a beautiful arch
where they were united in marriage by Rev. C. A. Claypool. During the
ceremony Miss Opal Fischer san, "I Love You Truly."
The bride was beautifully attired in a white ankle length lace gown and
carried an arm bouquet of roses and baby breath. Her attendant, Hope
Denniston, was gowned in a green crepe dress and wore a bouquet of roses.
Lester Schultz was groomsman for his brother.
Following the ceremony a three course dinner was served to relatives. The
tables carried out the prettily planned color scheme of pink and green, the
bride's chosen colors. Dining room honors were given to Misses Lulu
Bradley, Dorothy Gaumnitz, Hope Shippy, Alice Robbins and Opal Fischer.
Mr. and Mrs. Denniston will return to Minnesota Friday, where they will
reside on a farm near Staples.
JOHN MAMMEN,
GRANT FARMER
TAKEN BY DEATH
Prominent Farmer and Stockman
In Plymouth County Since Early Boyhood
John Mammen, of Grant township, prominent farmer and stock raiser, died
Tuesday in a hospital in Chicago from hemorrhage of the brain. Mr. Mammen
went to Chicago Thursday of last week to be with her husband.
John Mammen was born in Sterling, Whiteside county, Ill., February 13, 1874,
and came to this county when 11 years old. He was married March 8, 1900, to
Miss Tena Kruse and three children were born to them. He is survived by his
wife, two daughters and a son, Mrs. Hannah Tucker, of Merrill; Mrs. Clara
Ludwigs, and John Mammen, of Grant township, and six grandchildren. Mr.
Mammen also leaves six brothers and three sisters. Dr. G. H. Mammen,
Chicago; Charles and Will, of Grant township; Hans of Billings, Mont.;
Martin, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Herman, of Sioux City; Mrs. Otto Vollmar,
LeMars; Mrs. H. H. Burdick, and Mrs. John Snyder, of Sioux City.
THIEVES MAKE SECOND VISIT TO PREMISES
Herman Ludwig, farmer residing a mile and a half southeast of Hinton, is
inclined to doubt the veracity of the adage lightning does not strike twice
in the same place. Thieves stole 150 chickens from his place Sunday night.
The following night thieves, presumably the same outfit, raided the premises
and made off with several large cans of milk, ready for shipment to a Sioux
City creamery.
LeMars Globe-Post, Monday, July 13, 1936, Page 1, Column 6:
NOBODY TO CLAIM PHILBURN MONEY
County May Get $5,000 Left by Zimmerman Home Inmate
Somewhere there are relatives of the late John Philburn, inmate of the
county Zimmerman home, since the Remsen fire of July 4, who could claim an
estate of nearly $5,000, but nobody knows where or who they are.
If they don't show up Plymouth county may benefit to this amount.
Mr. Philburn died Friday, July 10, in the county home, due to the heat
and old age. He was 88 years old.
Deceased was unmarried. He had lived in Remsen for 30 years, working as
a laborer. He sometimes spoke about brothers and sisters having died in the
Chicago fire, or at any rate, being separated from him.
It is known that there are relatives in Illinois and California,
registered letters sent to their addresses were claimed, but the relatives
refuse to answer.
Burial was at 8:30 this morning from St. Joseph's church, and interment
was in St. Joseph's cemetery. Funeral arrangements were in charge of
Wiltgen's.
JENNIE KISSINGER MARRIED FRIDAY
As Mrs. Howard Paige, She Will Make Home In Kingsley
In a quiet ceremony held in Sioux City Friday, July 10 at 11 a.m., at
the home of Rev. Joseph Steele, Miss Jenny Faye Kissinger, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. J. N. Kissinger of LeMars, became the bride of Howard T. Paige, son
of Mr. and Mrs. E. Paige of Kingsley.
Rev. Steele, former Congregational minister of LeMars, performed the
ceremony. There were no attendants, and the only members of the families
present were the parents of the young couple.
The bride was becomingly dressed in a blue suit, sparingly trimmed in
pink. Accessories were blue and gray, including a gray hat and blue shoes.
The groom wore a gray suit.
Mrs. Paige was a graduate of the LeMars high school of the class of
1930, and has been employed at the high school since, two years as assistant
to the principal and four years in the superintendent's office.
The groom was a graduate of the Kingsley high school, and is at present
engaged in the fuel and cement business at Kingsley with his brother.
Mr. and Mrs. Paige left after the ceremony for Lake Okoboji, where they
will spend a few days before going to Kingsley, their future home. They
have the best wishes of a large circle of friends.
LeMars Sentinel, Tuesday, July 14, 1936, Page 1:
Shock And Heat Prove Fatal To Remsen Man
John Filburn Dies Following Over Exertion And Excitement At Big Fire
The death of John Filburn, 88, old resident of Remsen, which took place
Friday at the Zimmerman home in this city, is attributed to over exertion
and shock, caused by the fire which destroyed several blocks and residences
in Remsen the afternoon of July 4.
John Filburn was well known to everybody in Remsen. For years he had
made his home at the Hoffman hotel owned by Tony Duster. When Mr. Duster
bought the property Filburn remained and helped in various ways.
Seeing the destruction of his home worked on his mind so much that he
became distraught and several times had to be stopped from entering the
burning building. The next day he was found wandering around looking for
his old quarters. He was given medical attention and brought to the
Zimmerman home here for care.
Coincident with his death Remsen people say that Filburn used to relate
that when a young man he lived in Chicago at the time of the great fire in
1871. He became separated from his family at that time and never learned
what became of them.
He lived in Remsen for many years, but nothing is known of his life
prior to coming there or whether he has any relatives.
He was given the last rites of the church and funeral services were held
at St. Joseph church Monday morning, Mgr. J. D. Fisch officiating, and
interment made in St. Joseph cemetery.
JOSEPH ROBINSON
CLAIMED BY DEATH
Joseph Walter Robinson, 41, 2922 North Robinson Street, Sioux City, died in
a hospital, Sioux City, following an extended sickness.
Mr. Robinson was born in Washta, August 15, 1894. Survivors, besides the
widow, include his mother, Mrs. Mollie E. Robinson; two sons, Basil and
Walter, Jr.; two daughters, Rachael Robinson and Alice, all of Sioux City;
six brothers, Roy Robinson, of Jefferson, S.D.; Harry Robinson, of Cherokee;
Wallace, of Lawton; Cecil of Moville; Glenn and Malcolm, both of Hinton; and
three sisters, Mrs. Jane Kisting, of Lawton; Maude Robinson, of Hinton; and
Mrs. Loretta Kounkle, also of Hinton.
Mrs. Sarah Young Nonagenarian Is Claimed By Death
Came To Plymouth County When LeMars Consisted of a Few Shacks
Served As Nurse In War
Was a Charter Member of Methodist Church Here
Mrs. Sarah C. Young, 93, one of the oldest residents of the county and widely known pioneer, died Monday morning at the Mandelkow apartments, 335 Third Avenue SE., where she had made her home in recent years. Her death was due to old age and she passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Sarah C. Guthrie was born near Springfield, Ill., on a farm December 27, 1842, where she grew to young womanhood and was married to Charles J. Young, a union soldier, shortly after his return from service. Shortly after their marriage, they came to Plymouth County, homesteading land two miles northwest of LeMars. At the time they settled here, LeMars consisted of a few frame shacks and the mill founded by Peter Gehlen was in process of construction.
Mr. and Mrs. Young underwent the vicissitudes of the grasshopper years and the drawbacks which met the early settler. They worked hard and farmed with success for many years before retiring to LeMars to make their home.
NURSE IN WAR TIME.
Mrs. Young, when a girl in her teens and early twenties, lived in the stirring times of the Civil War, and volunteered as a nurse and nursed the wounded and solaced the dying in hospitals near the front. Her interest in veterans and survivors of the Civil War was continued throughout her life and she was a member of the Women’s Relief Corps in Le Mars since its foundation.
CHARTER MEMBER OF CHURCH.
Mrs. Young was possessed of deep religious convictions and was a life long member of the Methodist church. She was a charter member of the LeMars church and the last surviving member of the group which started the church in this city.
Until recent years Mrs. Young possessed a remarkably retentive memory and knew all the families in LeMars and took a deep interest in their doings. She was a fine Christian woman, who lived a long and useful life.
She is survived by two sons, Bert Young, of Honolulu, employed for many years by the government in educational work in the Hawaiian Islands and other possessions of the United States, and Grove Young, of Morris, Minn., who formerly farmed near LeMars. There are five grandchildren.
FUNERAL ON WEDNESDAY.
The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 in the Methodist church. Rev. J. R. Tumbleson officiating, and interment made in the city cemetery.
LeMars Globe-Post, Thursday, July 16, 1936
SECOND ACCIDENT VICTIM DIES
Mother of Eva Attrill Passes Away At Akron
Two deaths in one family were attributed to an automobile accident, when
Mrs. G. E. Attrill, mother of Eva Attrill, 16, who was killed near Adaville,
June 28, died at the Akron hospital Monday night. She suffered several
broken ribs and internal injuries and was taken to the hospital immediately
after the accident over two weeks ago.
The accident happened the evening of June 28 when the Attrill car and one
driven by Ed Fischer, of Merrill, collided on the top of a hill on the Perry
Creek road. The young girl was killed instantly, having her throat cut from
ear to ear by the glass.
The Attrills live near Akron and in their car at the time of the accident
were Mr. and Mrs. Attrill and two children, Eva and Lloyd, 23. Lloyd was
doing the driving.
In the Fischer car were Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, Mr. and Mrs. Lou Baack and
baby and Bill Ressen, all of Merrill. Mrs. Fischer suffered minor injuries.
The rest of the occupants escaped with slight cuts and bruises.
Photo of man and horse by Ed Arnett
Shown above are P. H. "Pete" Peterson, for 21 years sexton of the LeMars
cemetery, and his 28-year-old horse, "Prince." Almost daily during the
spring and summer months the two may be seen making the trip from Mr.
Peterson's home south of town to the cemetery. "Pete's" pleasant personality
and his courtesy to visitors of the cemetery are well known to persons of
this community. During his years as caretaker of the cemetery, Mr. Peterson
has dug over 1300 graves.
LeMars Sentinel, Friday, July 17, 1936
Second Victim of Auto Crash Passes Away
Mrs. Ernest Attrill, Of Akron, Succumbs To Injuries Received In Accident
Daughter Was Killed
Mother Lingered Two Weeks Following The Tragedy
Mrs. Ernest Attrill, of Akron, died Monday night, at Akron, from injuries
sustained in an automobile accident June 28. Her daughter, Eva Marie, aged
16, was instantly killed at the time. Mrs. Attrill had a number of ribs
broken and suffered internal injuries.
The accident occurred when cars driven by Lloyd Attrill and Edward Fischer
collided head on, about a mile and a half south of Adaville. Mrs. Edward
Fischer was also badly hurt in the accident but is now recovering, having
left the hospital and gone home.
Mrs. Attrill was born in Sioux county October 16, 1889. Her maiden name was
Christina Braun. She was married to Ernest Attrill in 1908 and they lived
on a farm near Adaville until nine years ago when they moved to Akron. She
leaves to mourn her departure her husband, Ernest Attrill, two sons, Orville
and Lloyd Attrill, of Akron; two daughters, Mrs. Floyd Neal, of Sioux City,
and Mrs. Carl Johnson, of Elk Point, S. D., three sisters, Mrs. Josephine
Scriven, LeMars, Mrs. Emma A. King, Smithland, and Maggie, living in
Germany. Preceding her in death were a daughter, Eva Marie, two sisters,
Kate McClain and Mary Beaulieu, and her parents.
Funeral Held Thursday
The funeral was held Thursday morning with services in the Akron Methodist
church, and interment made in the family burying ground at Adaville
cemetery.
The pallbearers were Alvin Attrill, Leonard Attrill, Wayne Betsworth, Frank
Braun, Clarence Braun and Harold Bryan.
Mrs. Attrill was a devoted wife and mother, loyal to her friends and a good
neighbor. Her tragic death comes as a great shock to her family, friends
and acquaintance.
FORMER RESIDENT
OF LE MARS VICTIM
OF HEART ATTACK
Mrs. W. T. Davies, 59, of Wagner, S.D., former resident of this city, died
Saturday noon in a hospital at Yankton, S.D., following a heart attack.
Mrs. Davies was overcome by the heat Thursday afternoon.
Funeral services were conducted at Wagner Tuesday morning from the Catholic
church.
She is survived by her husband, three sons and a daughter, who are Ralph J.,
Geo. W., and John E., of Wagner, and Mrs. Irene Hirschman, of Hartington,
Neb.
She leaves the following brothers and sisters, who left for Wagner to attend
the funeral: Mrs. Joe Considine, George, John, and Joe Sheehan and Mrs. R.
A. Manning, all of this city and Mrs. Theo. Watry, of Adrian, Minn. Her
mother, Mrs. Johanna Sheehan, all of this city, was unable to attend the
funeral on account of sickness.
Mr. and Mrs. Davies have been farming near Wagner for the past sixteen
years, and prior that lived on a farm near here.
LOCALS.
Mrs. Don De Pree, of Ida Grove, is visiting Mrs. Arnold Hirsch, and other friends in LeMars this week.
All Girl Scouts will meet at the Municipal park Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock, the rest of the summer.
E. C. Willging returned last week end from a visit with his son, H. M. Willging, of Lincoln, Neb., and with relatives in Omaha.
A marriage license was issued at the court house, Wednesday, to George Ora Germon (sic German), of Benton, Iowa, and Iva Irene Paitsorff (sic Pattorff), of Westfield.
Charles Davis and his brother, Paul Davis, of Sioux City returned Tuesday morning from a business and pleasure trip to Denver, Colorado.
Mrs. Andrew Lewis and Miss Angeline Lewis returned this week from a visit with the former’s daughter, Mrs. Martin Miller, at Howard, S. D.
Gerald Remer and James Puetz will arrive home Thursday evening for a ten-day furlough from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago, Ill.
Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Bartels and daughters, Betty and Jane, left Saturday morning for their home in Aberdeen, S. D. They have been visiting relatives in LeMars the past ten days.
Mr. and Mrs. Roland C. Frost and children of Alameda, Calif., are guests of Mr. and Mrs. F. K. Veale, parents of Mrs. Frost. Mrs. Geelan, of Omaha, Neb., another daughter, will arrived to visit over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. James L. Redmond and son, Mickey, and Mrs. Mayme Redmond, of Akron, were guests in the homes of Mr. and Mrs. N. B. Redmond and Mary and Anna Redmond over the past weekend.
Mrs. Amanda Scharrer, employee at the office of the county treasurer, left to visit relatives and friends in Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Culley and family moved this week into the house recently vacated by Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Winders.
Miss Eileen Lenihan has gone to Sioux City for a few days stay with her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Lenihan.
Mrs. Frances Starzl, of Columbus, Ohio, and father, Robert Santee, of Cedar Falls, were visitors in the R. F. Starzl home, Wednesday.
The depot at James, which has been closed for several years, is to be moved to Oyens, to replace the depot destroyed in the Fourth of July fire.
Arthur Kluckhohn and his granddaughter, Emily Jean Tokheim, of Garner, Iowa, are visiting in the home of the former’s son, Harvey N. Kluckhohn.
Keith Bartels, James Long, Bill Knoop and Harold Eilers returned Wednesday from a vacation trip to Denver, Yellowstone Park and the Black Hills.
Mrs. E. A. Sandven and sons, Simon and Joe, departed Monday evening for their home in Sioux Center, concluding a week’s visit in the L. A. Ludwig home.
Miss Mary McDonald, of Maurice, and Mrs. Mary Walsh spent Sunday visiting with the latter’s daughter, Mrs. Gertrude McDonald, at the St. Joseph’s hospital, in Sioux City.
Miss Helen Stamp will return Friday from a ten day vacation visit with friends in Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Stewart, of Alhambra, Calif., are visiting the Luken families in LeMars and Merrill.
Marriage licenses were issued at the court house, Thursday, to Max V. Gordon and Ethyl I. Kearns, of Huron, S. D.; Henry A. Lehrman, of Merrill, and Helen M. Harms, of LeMars.
Mrs. Carl Petry and Mrs. Theo. Love leave Sunday for Seattle, Wash., to visit their brother, Arthur Schaefer, and will visit a number of points of interest in the west for a few weeks.
“Tommy” Groetken can sear it was hot this week. Tommy works nights and sleeps day time. Arising Wednesday afternoon, he went to the well on the home place. Grabbing the handle to pump a cool drink, his hand was blistered by the contact and is now swathed in a bandage.
Mr. and Mrs. John Bowen and family, who have visited frequently with Mrs. Bowen’s mother, Mrs. J. V. Harker, moved last week to Boston, Mass., where Mr. Bowen is in forestry service. Mrs. Bowen, who was formerly Miss Alice Harker, visited at the Harker home last week enroute to Boston.
Miss Dorothy Mieras, of LeMars, who is dancing in the Hollywood Café in New York City, had her picture printed in a large number of newspapers throughout the country last week, it having been sent out as an N. E. A. feature. Most newspapers mentioned that Miss Mieras was a Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Iowa and is studying as concert pianist while filling her dancing engagement.