Iowa Old Press

The Akron Register-Tribune
May 4, 1944

HONOR ROLL
Erected to Men and Women Now Serving in U.S. Armed Forces From Akron and Surrounding Territory
[photo published]
Pictured is Akron’s fine new Honor Roll, which was recently erected on the lawn just north of the City Hall building.  Appearing on the Honor Roll are the names of men and women from Akron and vicinity who are now serving in the armed forces of the United States.  Additional names will be placed thereon as more from this territory are inducted into the service.  The Akron Honor Roll was made possible through the generous contributions provided by the public.  The project was sponsored by Hoscheler Post, No. 186, of the American Legion, the Akron Commercial Club, and the Town of Akron. Mr. Fred Reinders, of Hospers, Iowa, designed and executed the artistic war scenes which adorn the Honor Roll.  At night, the Honor Roll is illuminated by a bank of concealed flood-lights, giving a very pleasing effect.  Following is a list of persons from this territory who have been honored by having their names placed on Akron’s Honor Roll:

ILLUSTRATION OF HONOR ROLL AND LIST OF NAMES GIVEN
There is presented on the first page of the Register-Tribune this week an illustration of the Honor Roll board recently installed on the lawn of the municipal light and power plant.  In connection therewith is also printed a list, as nearly complete as it is possible to get it, of the names of all the men and women of this territory now serving in the U.S. armed forces—a total of over 400 names.  There may have been some names overlooked in the compilation.  If so, anyone having information of same is requested to furnish name to L. L. Burrill, who is in charge of registration, or hand same in at Register-Tribune office, and the names will be published.

[transcribed by LZ, Nov 2019]

The Akron-Register Tribune, May 11, 1944

NAMES TO BE ADDED TO THE AKRON HONOR ROLL LIST

LOCAL MEN IN ARMED SERVICE
The following letter was received by the Register-Tribune editor from Stanley Thatcher, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Thatcher, of Akron, who is in the U.S. Naval service in the South Pacific area, and was dated April 22, 1944:

Just a line to let you know the Register-Tribune is arriving again o.k. I really missed it while it wasn’t coming and I’m glad Mom got my address corrected with you. It really means a lot to receive the home-town paper when one is a few thousand miles away. Believe me, it’s plenty welcome!

Mom tells me there are a few Akron boys in this vicinity, but, so far I’ve seen only one. I bumped into Alvin Parker on the street in Honolulu one day, and we were both quite surprised. I have a cousin here that I see quite often, but he is not from Akron. I hope to see my old pal, Roy Burket, sooner or later, and I’m keeping an eye open for his ship to come in. I don’t expect to be home for the duration, so keep the paper coming.

Best wishes always, Sincerely, STANLEY THATCHER.

---

The following interesting letter was received a few days ago by the editor of the Register-Tribune from Bernard A. Markus, Bkr. 3/c, of the U.S. Navy, who formerly operated the Akron Bakery until called into the service:

Hello Ray: Well, Ray, this is Wednesday and I have a little spare time, so will drop you a few lines. I am now in Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Virginia, so they have moved me quite a ways since the last time I was home. It is 3,300 miles from Farragut, Idaho, out here. We are living in tents out here and I think they would make better hog pens than they would places for men to live. We have no water in them and we have to walk about a block to wash or shave. And up to now I haven’t done any baking, but they are going to send me to a baking school out here and that will last from four to six weeks. Then I will have to go on one of the L.S.T. Ships, and, from what I hear about them, they aren’t going to be very nice to be on. They also sure do work a man out here. I have been unloading lumber and cement and digging ditches and that kind of work, and I don’t get along so well, because it is too hard on my hands. We also get more frilling and exercise thatn we did in boot camp, so you can see they keep us pretty busy. From what I hear around here, they are getting ready for a big invasion. That’s why they are making all these L.S.T. Units. They are the ones that open it up in front and haul supplies and troops. They go right to shore and unload. When they go out they stay from 19 to 20 months, and that is a long time to be on the water in one stretch.

I suppose Akron is getting to look pretty empty now, with the young fellows gone. I received a letter from Minnie yesterday and that is the first news I have had from Akron since I was home. My wife has been working for Bill and Opal Peterson in the café at Vermillion, so she hasn’t had time to get to Akron. She is coming down here the first of May, so I will get to see her and the girl before I have to leave, and that also will be nice vacation for them.

Well, Ray, this is all for this time, so will close. As ever, BERNARD MARKUS.

CARD OF THANKS.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors for their acts of kindness and sympathy expressed during the illness and after the death of our beloved mother, Mrs. Lena Von Hagel, and for the floral offerings and pantry supplies. Especially do we extend appreciation to Dr. Kerr, Mrs. Alice Waterbury, and Rev. Pannkuk for their ministrations and the Trinity Lutheran Ladies’ Aid and the American Legion Auxiliary for their kind assistance.--The Children.

CARD OF THANKS.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the neighbors, friends and relatives who gave such kind assistance and showed their sympathy during the long illness as well as after the death of our beloved husband and father, H.T. Kleihauer; also for the floral offerings and pantry supplies. We especially thank Dr. Kerr and Rev. Pannkuk for their kind and comforting ministrations.--Mrs. Henry T. Kleihauer and Children.

Akron Register-Tribune, May 18, 1944

IOWA WAR HERO MAKING TALKS ON CORN PROGRAM

Lieut. Floyd R. Drake, Iowa war hero, who also holds the Legion of Merit, is making a series of Army talks in several northwest Iowa counties this week—counties from which came many of the Iowa soldiers who served with him in Africa and Italy.

Lieut. Drake has joined the Army’s corn counties tour, to tell the farmers of his personal experiences overseas and also how products from corn are playing a vital part in the winning of the war, being used in some 50 essential war products.

He spoke Monday night at Denison to a large crowd, along with other Army speakers. The programs also are featuring restricted War Department films of the bloody fighting at Tarawa, and in Italy and Africa. These films have never been shown in this area. This week he is talking at several other towns, including Ida Grove, Sloan, Cherokee, Primghar and Sioux Center. Next week he will make talks with the Army team in Lyon, Plymouth, and Clay counties, the schedules to be announced.

All farmers are urged by their County AAA committeemen to attend these meetings and hear Lieut. Drake’s experiences, as well as see vital war films which show how corn is aiding the progress of the war in countless ways.

Lieut. Drake was twice wounded in action, won the Purple Heart and was commissioned direct on the field of battle at Venefro, Italy, last Christmas Day, for heroism.

He won the Legion of Merit for outstanding military achievement in the African campaign.

LeMars Globe-Post, Thursday, May 18, 1944

The mothers and daughters tea which is an annual event at Western Union college was held on Saturday afternoon in the Union hall dorm.  The program opened with a musical prelude played by Dorothy Metzner.  The guests of the afternoon were cordially greeted and welcomed by Helen Spong, with Mrs. Eldon Danne responding for the mothers.  Flute solo (selected), Marjorie Ebhinger; musical reading, Audrey Wolford, reading with Eleanor Ducker playing the piano accompaniment.  The girls college sextette gave two numbers, Pavonne and Oh the Things You Are. 

Tea was served immediately after the formal program with informal visiting adding to the interest at this time.  A shower bouquet of tulips in yellow and white were used to decorate the tea table and Audrey Wolford and Letha Marks presided at the tea urns.  Corsage bouquets of spring flowers were given to the mothers and made attractive souvenirs for the pleasant occasion.

* * * *

Dr. and Mrs. B. F. Zuehl entertained the members of the graduating class of 1944 at dinner on Friday evening.  Miniature diplomas  bearing the seal of W. U. C. made attractive place favors. Social conversation featured the dinner hour.  Following the service of the dinner menu the host, Dr. Zuehl, gave an informal talk on the students and their work during their college days.  A very interesting class prophecy was given by Letha Marks and Roland Walkas, which was of interest to the students of the class of 1944.

* * * *

The members of the Phi Sigma Chi enjoyed a picnic outing Wednesday evening at the New Deal park.  This was the closing meeting of the year and a short business session was held previous to the program of games planned for the entertainment.  A picnic supper concluded the pleasant event.

Phi Sigma Chi to Picnic

The members of the Phi Sigma Chi, a teacher training group, will attend a picnic next Wednesday at the New Deal park.  A business meeting and games will be included with this final meeting of the school year.  The committee in charge includes Misses Yvonne Sherbino, Joy Rieckman, Arlys Ehlers, Mary Boom, Norma Buckley, Luretta Taylor and Dorothy Searls.

* * * *

Graduating class members of 1944 of Western Union college were guests Wednesday evening of President and Mrs. D. O. Klime in their home at 935 Fourth avenue SE.  At this time the students dropped their studious thoughts and turned to relaxation and interest of this special occasion planned for their social entertainment.  May flowers and miniature flags carried with pleasing effect a pretty color scheme, in the National colors, which was used in the table decorations and appointments.  Pretty little booklets tied with red, white and blue ribbons and decorated with blue shields made attractive place favors.  Following the service of the dinner menu, the interest centered in a plane flight with Dr. Kime as pilot.  Dr. B. F. Zuehl make the “take off” talk, with the Parkinson trio in flying formation.  Mrs. Kime made a solo flight and later the award wings was made.  Small planes fashioned like jig saw puzzles were taken apart and re-assembled, as a feature of special interest.  Dr. and Mrs. B. F. Zuehl joined the students and enjoyed with them the class entertainment.

* * * *

Senior Week To Be Observed.

Next week will be observed as Senior Week; the Class of ’44 will be guests at a senior dinner given by President and Mrs. D. O. Kime Wednesday evening. 

The Class will publish the senior number of “The Gleam” and will offer programs during assembly periods of the week.

Dr. and Mrs. Kime are the class sponsors and Paul Pfaltzgraff is the president of the graduates.

Mother’s Day Tea Enjoyed.

Under the sponsorship of the Young Women’s Christian association of Western Union College, a Mother’s Day tea was observed Saturday afternoon in the administration building.  From a distance visiting mothers were Mrs. H. B. Spong of Marshall, Minn., Mrs. E. Duecker from Waverly, Ia., Mrs. C. Pearson of Kansas City.  Miss Carolyn Mischer from Neola, Ia., acted as chairman of the social committee and supervised sub-committee on arrangements and program.

FRIDAY CLUB HAS 50 ANNIVERSARY

Was Organized In LeMars Friday, February 13, In 1894. 

The Friday Club closed its year with a luncheon in the home of Miss Rosemary Sartori, on Friday, May 12.  The club celebrated its 50th anniversary.

On February 13, 1894 the club was organized with 14 members and Mrs. Gould as its first president.  Its first activity of moment was sponsoring an art exhibit in Pew’s hall which was so well attended that the club could present an oil painting to the high school for its assembly room.

For this luncheon table decorations, hand made place cards by Mrs. Mable Jones, the president, candles and tulips were gold with gold decorated cake for the centerpiece on the dining room table where the buffet luncheon was arranged.

Mrs. Cole, an early member, gave an interesting review and incidents of the early history of the club.  Mrs. Phil Boland of Chicago, a member from 1897 leaving LeMars, was a guest and added many points to the interesting early history.  She also told of the LeMars club in Chicago, which when meeting brings all up to date on LeMars affairs.

Another guest was Mrs. S. B. McManus, whose interest in the club is helpful.

This club has always been interested in home projects and have helped in a small way when possible.  During the first world war the meetings were given over to Red Cross work, and individually and collectively they are now doing their bit.

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weenink Home For A Vacation.

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weenink arrived in LeMars last night from Seattle, Washington.  He has been working in the Seattle-Tacoma shipyards for the past 18 months.  They were married December 22.  Mr. and Mrs. Weenink will visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Weenink, for about two weeks.

8TH GRADE GRADUATION, RURALS.

Graduation exercises for Plymouth County rural eighth grade pupils will be held in the auditorium of the LeMars high school building on Wednesday, May 24, at 2:30 p.m. when about 150 boys and girls will receive their high school admission certificates and eighth grade diplomas.

On this occasion, Paul Norris, director of rural education, state department of public relations, of Des Moines, will address the graduates, their parents and friends.  A copy of the program and a list of the graduates will appear in a later issue.

JOHNS – BRAUN WEDDING HELD MAY 14.

Miss Earleen Johns and Norman Braun of Merrill were united in marriage on May 14, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church at Merrill, with Rev. E. Jacobs performing the ceremony.

LOUIS HARTMAN, BACK  ---(part of the headline missing)   OFF ANZIO BEACHHEAD 

[left column content unreadable – picking up the text with the entire right column in tact-Louis Hartman had been interviewed for this news article regarding his time on Anzio beachhead------]

“We dug all our guns in and held our territory and were on the front lines for 65 days. Boy, they were long days too, as we were on duty practically 24 hours a day.”  Pfc. Hartman left the beachhead on March 31, when his furlough arrived. He was then sent to Naples and later to Casablanca, Africa. He remained there about 10 days and left for “the good ole United States,” as he termed it.  Pfc. Hartman has been awarded several citations for his part in the war effort.  In Sicily he was awarded the purple heart for wounds received in action. He also wears the European campaign ribbon with four gold stars indicating that he took part in four major war operations—the Moroccan campaign, Tunisia, Sicily and Italy.  He is not the only Hartman boy to wear the uniform of Uncle Sam.  He has three brothers in the service. Pvt. Theodore Hartman, Pvt. LeRoy Hartman and Pfc. Raymond Hartman are now located somewhere in England.   Pfc. Louis Hartman will be in LeMars for 20 days to enjoy a well-earned rest. He will then report to an army camp in North Carolina for re-assignment.  

The LeMars Sentinel, Tuesday, May 23, 1944

News of the Boys in the Service.
Pfc. Louis Hartman, who has been in the active fighting in Africa and Italy the past six months, arrived home last week on furlough and is visiting his mother, Mrs. Mary Hartman, of LeMars.  Pvt. Hartman has three brothers in the service, Pvt. Theodore Hartman, Pvt. Leroy Hartman, and Pvt. Raymond Hartman, all stationed at present in England. 

Akron Register-Tribune
May 25, 1944

LOCAL MEN IN ARMED SERVICE.

The Register-Tribune is in receipt of the following communication from the Fort Worth (Texas) Army Air Field, under date of May 16:

Second Lt. Laverne H. Klemme, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil F. Klemme, of rural route two, Akron, Iowa, graduated this week as a B-24 bomber pilot at Fort Worth Army Air Field.

Lt. Klemme received previous flight training at Corsicana, San Angelo and Pampa, Texas.

This week’s special class of Liberator bomber pilots will either receive assignment as flight instructors on the giant aircraft, or be sent to AAF tactical schools for final phases of pre-combat training.

--V--

The editor of the Register-Tribune is in receipt of the following V-mail letter from Delbert Joustra, S 1/c, of the U.S. Navy, serving somewhere in the South Pacific area, which was written the 19th of April:

Dear Ray: I’ve been getting the paper pretty regularly. Sure is nice to read the news back home. As you see by my address, I’ve moved. Can’t say where, but I can tell you where I have been. On the way over, we spent one night in Guadalcanal, and stopped at New Caledonia and Tutuila. Then we were stationed in the Russell Islands for a month. There’s nothing there but cocoanut trees and mud. It was pretty tought until we got things set up. We live in tents and they are a long way from being winter-proof, so we get wet when it rains. I’m working in the galley here, striking for a cook’s rate. I’ll make it in a couple of months. I had a letter from my brother, Clifford, the other day. He’s a Baker 3/c now.

I’m supposed to be over here for 18 months, so it will be some time before I get back to Akron again. Until then, “Hello” to all the folks back there. Yours truly, DELBERT

--V--

The following V-mail letter was received by the Register-Tribune editor from Pfc. John J. Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Martin, of Westfield, who is serving in the U.S. Cavalry in the South Pacific area. Pfc. Martin is widely known in this section, as he was prominent in baseball circles for several years before entering the service, playing on the Westfield and Akron teams. His letter is dated April 29, 1944:

Dear Friend: I’ve been going to write to you for a long time, and here goes. I’m getting the Akron paper regularly now and it’s so good to get the local news, as I’ve so many friends there and am interested in all the happenings. You’ve still got the best small town paper in the country, and I really mean this, Ray. I never forget the fine baseball teams we used to have and the real co-operation we received from all the business men. I seek Akron still continues to have those good teams, and you are developing very good ball players. Some day I’m going to try and help you continue to have those winning teams. I never dreamed what was in store for me, and I thank God I’m still in the best of health. We are on an island of cocoanut trees all the way across and the blue Pacific is all around us. The worst thing now is the heat and it’s hard to stand. I go in swimming a lot, and the different colors of the water and rock is sure beautiful.

With best wishes to all my friends, and some day I’ll be back to see all of you. JOHN J. MARTIN.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, May 30, 1944

Report Pvt. Leland Letsche Missing  
Was In Action At Anzio Beachhead

Mr. and Mrs. Letsche of Remsen received word last week from the War Department that their son, Pfc. Leland Letsche, is missing in action. The department assured the parents that further word, if any, would be relayed to them promptly.  Leland is 26 years old.

The message stated that Leland was lost at the Anzio beachhead on April 28.

He was with Co. F., 133rd Infantry, and had been in the Army a little more than three years.  Going overseas in February, 1942, he saw action in Africa and proceeded with his regiment to Sicily and Italy.

Leland is the only member of the family in the military service.  Besides his parents, he has three brothers and two sisters.

[transcribed by LZ, Oct 2020]