Introduction
HERMAN F. NIESSNER was born March 8, 1891 in Pennsylvania, the son of German immigrants. His father, Frederick Niessner, a machinist for Baldwin Locomotive in Philadelphia, brought his family to the Cramer Hill section of Camden in 1894. Frederick Niessner purchased his lot from Alfred Cramer that year, and built twin houses at 1226 and 1228 DuPont Street.
As a teenager and as a young man Herman Niessner was active in team sports in East Camden and Cramer Hill, playing baseball, football, and basketball as late as 1914.
Herman Niessner married Mattie Schiller, the daughter of Camden political figure Jacob Schiller, around 1910. The young couple was living at 36 North 21st Street in East Camden when their first child was born in 1911. By 1914 Herman Niessner had brought his family back to Cramer Hill, where they lived at 927 North 27th Street; the City Directory shows his occupation as printer.
When Herman Niessner registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 another child had been born. The family was still at 927 North 27th Street in Cramer Hill. When the 1920 Census was enumerated, he lived with his wife Mattie, son Herman W. and daughters Flora and Gladys at 907 North 32nd Street in Cramer Hill. Another son, Elmer, was born shortly after the 1920 census. Herman Niessner was then working as an engraver in a print shop. The family’s next door neighbors at 917 North 32nd Street at the time was the Oliver Purnell family; their son Private Oliver R. Purnell had died of combat related injuries overseas during World War I. Charles F. Sorg, who was active in Camden political circles, was living at 925 North 32nd Street by 1924, and by April of 1930 Camden police officer Marshall Thompson had moved in a few doors away at 943. The 1924 and 1929 City Directories show the family living at 907 North 32nd Street in Cramer Hill. The 1929 Directory also indicates that he was working in real estate at the time. The Niessner family remained at 907 North 32nd Street through at least 1942. Meanwhile, across the street, the Harry C. Sharp Elementary School had been built, opening its doors to students in October of 1922.
At some point Herman Niessner became attracted to Socialism and was active politically as a Socialist. He ran as the Socialist Party candidate for U.S. Representative from New Jersey 1st District, 1920; was the candidate for Governor of New Jersey, and was the candidate for U.S. Senator from New Jersey, 1932.
In 1924 Herman Niessner attended the 1924 Convention of the Socialist Party of America which was held July 6–8, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio. His co-delegates from New Jersey were Alfred Altert, George Bauer, Charlotte Bohlin, James B. Furber, George H. Goebel, and Leo M. Harkins. With George Goebel, Henry Jager, Harry Nelson, Morris Stempa and Andrew Wittel, he was elected to represent New Jersey at the 17th National Convention of the Socialist Party of America Convention which was held May 20–24, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
After World War II Herman F. Niessner moved to Washington DC. His son, Herman W. Niessner, was living at 2910 Adams Avenue in Cramer Hill when the 1947 City Directory was compiled.
Herman F. Niessner was last a resident of Pennsauken NJ. He died of leukemia in April of 1966.
1905–1906 Baseball
This picture was labeled “Herman F. Niessner — Baseball.” The R A C likely stands for the R____ Athletic Club, possibly the Reliance Club. Herman Niessner was born in 1891 and appears to be in his mid-teens, dating this photo to about 1905 or 1906. Front, with baseballs and book: Unknown. First Row, prone: Herman Niessner, William Niessner. Second row, kneeling: Unknown, Unknown. Back row, 2nd from left: Max Wolff.
Another pose of the same team. Front row: Unknown, William Niessner. Middle row: Herman Niessner; Max Wolff, unknown, unknown, unknown. Standing: Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown.
1910–1911 Baseball
This team belonged to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, which then stood at North 25th and Howell Streets in East Camden, estimated 1910 or 1911. On the far left separated slightly from the group is Joe Snyder. First row, from left: Unknown, John Hansen, Unknown, Unknown. Back row, from left: Unknown, Unknown, Max Wolff (tallest), Herman Niessner, Unknown.
1911 Football
The 1911 Dudley football team.
1911–1912 Basketball
The “S A” or “A S” 1911–12 Basketball team, champions of one of the many sports leagues that existed in Camden at that time — most likely St. Andrew’s in the Camden Church League. In the center, in street clothes is Mr. King. First row, from left: Joe Snyder, Herman Niessner. Second row, from left: Max Wolff, Mr. King, John Hansen. Standing: Unknown, Unknown, “Mulligan.”
Another photo of the “S A” or “A S” 1911–12 Basketball team. In the center, in street clothes is John Hansen. First row, from left: Joe Farrell, Jim Snyder. Second row, from left: Charles Lynch, Hansen, John Allen. Standing: Unknown, Unknown, Frank Parker.
36 and 34 North 21st Street — Camden, New Jersey
This photo was captioned by Herman Niessner’s wife, Mattie, as “36 N. 21st St.” Her first son was born here in 1911. Her father, Jacob Schiller, lived a few doors away at 44 North 21st Street. By 1914 Herman and Mattie Niessner had moved to 927 North 27th Street.
Swimming in the Delaware — July 25, 1915
From the album of Herman Niessner, this photo was taken on the banks of the Delaware on July 25, 1915. William “Bill” Niessner and Herman Niessner are wearing the “S A” shirts that were worn in the basketball team photo above. Front row, from left: Bill Niessner, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Herman Niessner, Leo Harkins. Top row, from left: Davies, Frett, Cunningham, Allen.
World War I Draft Card
Herman F. Niessner’s World War I draft registration card, June 5, 1917.
Frelinghuysen Majority Seen in Camden County
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Aside from the United States Senatorial contest interest in the primary election in Camden today centres on one fight on the county ticket, two on the city ticket and several ward contests. Camden county is expected to give a big majority for Senator Frelinghuysen, who is opposed for renomination by George L. Record.
Justice of the Peace Simon Wilkinsky, of the Sixth ward, is contesting with Congressman F. F. Patterson for the nomination for Congress in the First New Jersey District, which comprises Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties. Wilkinsky is little known and the renomination of the Congressman by a large majority is predicted.
The contest for the Republican nomination for Surrogate is the only ripple on the county ticket. Harry Reeves, the incumbent, is opposed by Irving Buckle, former Freeholder and for a score of years active in the Republican organization. He resigned as county committeeman from the Fourth ward to make the fight against Reeves, who has the backing of the regulars. An odd twist to the campaign was taken yesterday when Leon Buckle, son of the candidate, filed a petition as an independent candidate for Surrogate at the general election. The law requires that such petitions be filed previous to the primary. Should the elder Buckle happen to win the nomination the son would, of course, withdraw his petition as an independent.
The contest on the city ticket is for the office of Recorder, which is the title held by the police magistrate. O. S. Stackhouse, the incumbent, is opposed by David Rankins, former Freeholder and former Overseer of the Poor. Mayor Frank S. Van Hart, City Treasurer George A. Frey and Receiver of Taxes A. B. Sparks are without opposition for nomination on the Republican ticket.
On the Democrat side Robert A. Irving is not opposed for the nomination for Surrogate. Nor is there any fight on the city ticket, the lone candidates being: For Mayor, Victor King; for Recorder, George W. Tash; for Receiver of Taxes, Benjamin S. Moloney; for City Treasurer, Isaac Albertson.
Assemblymen T. Harry Rowland, J. Heulings Coles and Willard T. Gibbs will be renominated by the Republicans without opposition. Their Democratic opponents, also unopposed, will be C. Lawrence Gregorio, John J. Tischner and Frank B. Hambleton. Frank J. Leonard and Dr. William H. Pratt are unopposed for the Republican nomination for Coroner. The Democrats have no candidates on their ballot for these places. Two nominees will be chosen by the voters writing their names on the ballots.
Much interest is being manifest in the contest for the two places on the Democratic State Committee. One man and one woman are to be named. Mrs. Katherine M. Donges, now a member of the committee, is opposed by Mrs. Mae Hawkins. Mrs. Donges was in the limelight some weeks ago when she is alleged to have said at a Democratic gathering that Senator Runyon, who is to be the Republican candidate for Governor, was drunk at a meeting in Camden. Senator Runyon is a pronounced dry and Mrs. Donges was severely criticized by members of both parties for her alleged remarks. …though Senator Runyon demanded an apology Mrs. Donges has neither affirmed or denied making such remarks. She is paired with State Committeeman Edward Kelleher, whose opponent is Albert Neutze.
The Republicans have Councilmanic contests in four of the fourteen wards. In the Fifth Ward Councilman Louis Bantivoglio is opposed by J. H. Williams, negro. The latter’s name appears on the primary ballot, but yesterday he announced he had withdrawn from the race. This leaves the field free to the present Councilman. John H. Carroll and John P. Shaw are rival candidates for the County Committee.
There is a lively contest in the Seventh ward for the nomination to succeed Mayor Van Hart in Council. The aspirants are Joseph B. Davis and William Frost. The latter has the backing of Patrick Carr, who seeks to wrest the county committeemanship from Street Commissioner Alfred L. Sayers. Carr has also filed a petition as an independent candidate for Council at the general election. The petition is defective and was sent back to Carr by County Clerk William D. Brown with instructions to amend it to comply with the law. Carr will withdraw as an independent candidate in the event of Frost winning at the primary today.
Councilman John Rogers and Charles E. Hill are rival contestants in the Tenth ward. In the same bailiwick Charles S. Wolverton and Samuel Edwards are fighting for the County Committee place, which is now held by Wolverton. There is also a contest for the female place on the County Committee.
In the Twelfth ward Councilman John Dobbins is being opposed for renomination by Mrs. Lizzie P. Abbott.
The Democrats have three Councilmanic contests. In the Thirteenth ward the opposing candidates are Edwin L. Aument and Frederick Stanton. Walter J. Farrell and John B. Dean are rivals in the Third ward, and S. Raymond Dobbs and Harry McCloskey are contests in the Fourteenth ward.
Camden county Socialists yesterday named a city and county ticket by petition as follows: Surrogate, Herman Neissner; Coroners, Francis Stratton, Clara K. Stamm; Assembly, Morris Steppa, Thomas Heil, Albert Bardsley; Mayor, Albert H. Starr, Stratton; Recorder, George A. Harkins; City Treasurer, John McAlack; Receiver of Taxes, Richard Davies. A petition as a Socialist candidate for Council in the Eleventh ward was filed by Leo M. Harkins. Independent petitions for Council were filed by William Smith, Eighth ward, and Joseph Wood, Fifth ward.
Card Party Planned
Camden Courier-Post —
Members of the “Camden” Branch of the Socialist Party will hold a card party at the headquarters, 312 Market Street tonight. Mrs. Mattie Niessner, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, is in charge of arrangements.
Unemployed Union to Plan for Fourth
Camden Courier-Post —
Leaders Aim to Have Demonstration Similar to That of Labor Day
Plans for a Fourth of July demonstration, similar to labor demonstrations staged throughout the world each year on May 1, will be formulated tomorrow night at a mass meeting conducted by the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, according to an announcement yesterday by Frank J. Manning, president.
Manning said the meeting in Convention Hall Annex would be addressed by Mark Starr, professor of economics, and Josephine Colby, instructor of English, of Brookwood Labor College, and by three students of the college.
The Unemployed Union tomorrow night, will demand that the city commission hold a public hearing on housing conditions in Camden and the proposal of the union to establish municipally operated living quarters, Manning said.
Dr. A. L. Stone, city health director and chairman of the Camden city emergency relief administration, will be asked for his conclusions on representation of the union on the city relief board, Manning said.
The demonstration on July 4, according to Manning, will start with a parade at 10 a.m., to be followed by a mass meeting on the steps of the City Hall plaza, before the buses and automobiles leave for Kirkwood Lake, where a picnic will be held in the afternoon.
The parade will assemble at Second and Cooper Streets, Manning said, and will march on Cooper Street to Fourth, to Newton Avenue, to Broadway, to Federal Street, to the City Hall.
The Unemployed Union, according to Manning, will co-operate with the Socialist Party for the picnic. Norman Thomas has been invited to speak, he said.
The three Socialist candidates for Assembly — Manning, Charles W. Sherlock and Herman F. Niessner — will present their platforms. In addition, numerous athletic events, including a baseball game, have been arranged, he said.
“The Unemployed Union urges all workers and farmers in Camden county to assemble for a mighty labor demonstration on July 4,” Manning said. “We shall make known our demands for action to relieve unemployment, to end inhuman wages and ruinously low prices for our products. We shall set forth the plans at the Continental Congress of Workers and Farmers, with which the union is affiliated, for wiping poverty from the face of the earth and for building a world with plenty and happiness for all.
“We shall hold a short mass meeting on the steps of City Hall Plaza at which the New Declaration of Independence of the Continental Congress will be read.
“July 4 must be made the occasion for building up the solidarity and power of farmers and workers. A powerful well-rounded labor movement could drive corruption and graft out of our public life, abolish sweatshops and build a workers’ world of peace, plenty and freedom.”
Regarding the platform of the three Socialistic candidates for Assembly, Manning said: “Our platform will be constructive and in the interests of the workers and farmers of the state. We shall go into every corner of this county with our platform and we shall also challenge our opponents to meet us in debate so that the voters may have a chance to know where all the candidates stand on important issues.”
Why Fear Socialism?
Camden Courier-Post Mailbag —
To the Editor:
Sir: Your editorial of August 7, “Unemployment or Exile,” in which you equate William Green, president of the A.F. of L., as stating that if the capitalists do not open the factories, it will be necessary for the U.S. Government to step in and open these idle factories, to again make the things the people need, raises quite a question. You infer that this would be Socialism!
On several occasions you have told the reading public that if the capitalist class will not change their methods, we will drift rapidly into Socialism. For what reason are you afraid of this inevitable change in society? To what extent would the calamity reach in the event that we did suddenly embrace Socialism? You go further in stating that it is not difficult to visualize a form of prosperity with 10 million idle workers, with 30 million workers working. We would like you to make it clear just how we could have any form of prosperity, with 30 million at work and at the same time have 10 million waiting, ready to fly at the others’ throats in order to take their jobs and at lower wages.
Now, Mr. Editor, up to the present, you have written at great length on the question of monetary reform. So much in fact that it must surely have aroused the general curiosity of the readers of your editorials, to know more in detail of just what your ideas on monetary reform really are.
We think and in fact we ask, that at this time an editorial should be printed in the columns of your paper, on the subject of monetary reform, the change from our present system and what you think we should expect after the change will have been made.
And furthermore, if as you say, the alternative at hand is Socialism, why search for any other alternative; and above all else, monetary reform? Which in its best form would only prolong the agony of the profit system for a year or two at the most.
You mention England and its long period of depression and the dole system over a term of years. You surely must admit that the English capitalists are fully as clever as are our own capitalists, yet they have failed to deliver the English people out of the depression. In fact the English have tried every other alternative except Socialism and each and every alternative has tended to drive them only deeper into the mire of poverty and starvation.
And now that you have raised the question, or rather advanced the general idea that we are faced with several alternatives, i.e., economic exile, monetary reform or Socialism, we feel that the reading public are due to receive, in the columns of your paper a full explanation of your views on each of the above mentioned alternatives. Will you favor the public with this information?
HERMAN F. NIESSNER, FRANK JEFFERIES, MAURICE MILASK, Socialist Party Editorial Committee
Lou Martin Dies Suddenly at Shore
Camden Courier-Post —
Former W. of P. and Southern High Cage Star Succumbs While on Vacation
Dr. Louis Martin, former basketball and baseball star of the University of Pennsylvania and Southern High School, died in the Atlantic City Hospital yesterday.
He had arrived at the shore several days previous for a vacation and was stricken suddenly with pancreatitis yesterday morning. Rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, he failed to respond to emergency treatment and died two hours later.
For the last decade or more, Dr. Martin had practiced dental surgery in Philadelphia, engaging in that profession upon his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania dental college.
Lou Martin was the greatest basketball player ever developed by Southern High School, Philadelphia. He was captain of the team and played forward. He was a big man and had a great eye for the basket. He was one of the greatest foul tossers of his high school days.
Played in Camden against the Camden High School team of 1913, when the Camden team comprised Frank Greelay, center; Charles Glendenning and Russell Swain, forwards; Amos Shirley and Paul “Chink” Taylor, guards.
Also played with the Vindex team in the memorable game against the Pyne Poyt Athletic Club. Jack Weinberg, manager of Vindex, imported the Southern High School team for that game and Pyne Poyt was defeated. The Pyne Poyt team at that time was: Amos Shirley and Frank “Sis” Clouser and John Hanson, forwards; Neil Deighan, center; Jim Mulligan and Walter Murphy, guards.
Puts Capitalism on Defensive
Camden Courier-Post —
To the Editor:
Sir — Mr. Meves thinks that because the Socialists want to usher in a new system in which we shall transplant the present (dog-eat-dog) competitive system with one of co-operation, that we should prove our point.
The very opposite should be the rule.
Socialism has never been in power, therefore has nothing to defend.
Capitalism has been in power and therefore must prove that it can give life, liberty and happiness to all the people. Just now it is responsible for 16,000,000 people being totally or partially unemployed. It must answer to this terrible indictment. These people are not lazy, they simply can’t get work.
From your reasoning you would think that we, the Socialists, are responsible for this monstrosity. You and your system are responsible.
With all the master minds of capitalism working on this problem there is more unemployment today than ever before and things are decidedly bad and getting worse. Just now they are arguing about a 40-hour week when a 20-hour week would just about give all the people work.
Under capitalism it is generally agreed that you can’t get a decent job if you are under 21 because you lack experience, and you are not wanted after you are 35; so you have about 14 years in which to acquire a home which they take from you a few years later.
At this point I am not going to discuss the disease of war which is festering under capitalism, nor am I going to discuss gangsterism, lynching, graft, corruption, racketeering and the many other ills of this system.
This country, which is rich and abundantly so, in natural resources could be a paradise for all the people, but capitalism has made for many of us nothing but misery, where we are actually starving in the midst of plenty.
HERMAN F. NIESSNER
P.T.A. Throughout Nation to Honor Movement’s Founders Wednesday
Camden Courier-Post —
41st Anniversary Will Be Observed by Broadcast in Afternoon — 4th Annual Child Welfare Institute Being Planned for April
The desire to carry on toward the goal envisioned by founders of the Parent-Teacher Association will be emphasized throughout the country in honor of the 41st anniversary of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.
A Founders Day broadcast will be heard on the Parent-Teacher Radio Forum next Wednesday from 4:30–5 p.m. over the NBC blue network.
Mrs. Percy Powell, Mrs. Fred M. Raymond and Miss Mary England are in charge of the program.
One of the vital topics to be considered that day is “What needs to be done for children today?”
The celebration of Founders Day started by Mrs. David O. Mears in 1910, thirteen years after the organization of the National Congress of Mothers, and the “birthday gifts” from local units are used for the extension of this service to childhood so that it may be carried to every girl and every boy in the country.
Americanization
Mrs. Herbert Schoellkopf, county Americanization chairman, urges every parent-teacher member to display the American flag on three important birthdays being celebrated this month, namely: Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12; Founder’s Day, February 17, and Washington’s Birthday, February 22.
Camden Zone
Broadway — Mrs. Ralph Jones, county magazine chairman, was the guest speaker at the meeting Tuesday night. A playlet in commemoration of Founder’s Day was presented by a group from the Northeast-Sewell association. Mrs. Thomas Melchore presided. Mrs. George Lee, welfare chairman, has made arrangements for an industrial tour on February 21. Mrs. C. Fred Becker, parent discussion group leader, is holding a meeting in the school on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.
Cassady — Mrs. M. Moullette, Summer round up chairman, has appointed a committee to assist her in her work. They are Mrs. E. Hudson, president; Mrs. R. Bowen, vice president; Mrs. H. Mount, secretary; Mrs. A. Reinhold and G. McGrath Kershaw. The executive committee will hold a meeting next Wednesday at the home of Mrs. K. Hudson at 8 o’clock.
Cooper — Health night was held at the regular meeting Monday. Mrs. G. Kramer, county health chairman, spoke on the importance of correct food for children. A play was presented by the Seventh grade English class, under the direction of Miss E. Hanna. A violin solo was rendered by Miss A. Claypool, accompanied at the piano by Miss V. Merwall. An educational trip has been planned for this afternoon at 1:30.
Cramer — The county president’s message echoes from the release were read by Mrs. William Rowntree, president, at the meeting last week. A gift of $1.25 was sent to the committee on the Doll Dressing Contest. Mrs. Arthur Fichter, membership chairman; Mrs. Fred Creager, welfare chairman, and Mrs. William Rowntree, president, attended the city group meeting last week. The executive committee will meet at the home of Barney Brown, vice president, 2566 Baird Boulevard, on Tuesday night at 8 o’clock. The association is sponsoring a three-act comedy, “Here Comes Charlie,” to be given by the Queen Esther Society of Asbury M.E. Church, on Thursday night, February 17, at 8 o’clock in the school auditorium.
H. H. Davis — Members of the discussion group met in the school yesterday under the leadership of Mrs. William Allen, discussion group chairman, followed by rehearsal for the Founder’s Day play arranged by Miss Kathleen Willetts, Founder’s Day chairman. A candle lighting ceremony will also be given in observance of Founder’s Day, at the meeting Thursday. Calvin Chambers will compile the publicity record book to be displayed at the annual luncheon. A trip to an industrial plant is planned for next Wednesday afternoon. A bus will leave the school at 1 p.m.
Dudley — Mrs. Elizabeth James and Mrs. Sarah Miller who were in charge of purchasing of basketball suits for the school team, reported that donations of $10.65 have been received from business people and friends. The executive committee has approved sending $1.25 to the Recreation Commission toward the New York trip for winners of the Doll Dressing Contest. Mrs. Clara Batten, chairman of the committee in charge of purchasing a new banner, has been authorized to purchase same as soon as possible. Mrs. Florence Fiedler, newly appointed summer round-up chairman, is making plans for a thorough survey of the school neighborhood in order to enlist the aid of the parents of preschool children. Founders’ Day exercises will be held tonight at the meeting.
McKinley — Harry Roye will speak at the meeting next Tuesday night. There will also be a Founders’ Day ceremony. Those taking part will rehearse Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the school. Mrs. Rudolph Koerner will hold a study group meeting at her home next Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Next Thursday a covered dish luncheon will be held by Mrs. R. Koerner and Mrs. Morris Sellers at the home of Mrs. R. Koerner, Fremont and Thirty-fifth Street. On Thursday a meeting on character education will be held at the school at 3:30 p.m. Miss Alice Butler, general secretary of the Y.W.C.A., will speak.
Liberty & Starr — The meeting of the executive committee will be held next Thursday night at the home of Mrs. Charles Baden, 954 Pine Street. Mrs. Emily S. Hurd, publicity chairman, who served as chairman of the judging committee of the sewing contest sponsored by the Recreation Commission, recently acted as judge of the sewing contest held by the P.T.A. at SS. Peter and Paul School on Tuesday night.
Parkside — Mrs. Robert Simmington, council chairman, and Mrs. Rocco Palese, city chairman, gave brief talks at the meeting last Thursday night. Corsages were presented to them by Mrs. Sinclair Sondie, program chairman. Proceeds from the sale of a cake will be sent as a Founders’ Day gift to the National Congress to be used for extension work.
North-East & Sewell — Mrs. Grace Dill, discussion group leader, attended the meeting in City Hall Monday under the direction of Miss Mary Leaming, home demonstration agent. A meeting of the discussion group was held in the Sewell school on Tuesday afternoon.
Sumner — The ways and means committee met at the home of Mrs. Grace Thomas, president, on Monday. Plans for various entertainments for the months of February, March and April were made. A membership campaign was launched. The topic of discussion at the meeting on Wednesday was “How the School Prepares for Home and Family Life.”
H. C. Sharp — The regular meeting was held Friday. Gordon Carrigan presided. The Rev. Eric A. Osterle of Collingswood discussed “Youth Problems.” “Founders’ Day” was observed, also the ninth birthday of this unit. A large birthday cake was lighted by the past presidents, and a large candle lighted by Miss Ethel Lee for Founders Day. Miss Lee was congratulated for her wonderful co-operation with all presidents and P.T.A. work; and was presented with a corsage of red roses. Each president in turn was presented with a red rose bud boutonniere by Miss Esther Bauer, who had charge of the program, assisted by Miss Maier and Mrs. Barton. Each president gave a “Reminiscent” of his service. They were as follows: Chester Knaub, Harry Krattenmaker, Herman Niessner, Gordon Carrigan, Howard Stewart, Raymond Price.
Washington — Rev. Elwood A. Harrar spoke Tuesday at the Founders Day meeting Tuesday. Mrs. Howard Weeden, city juvenile probation chairman, was guest speaker. Miss Charlotte V. Dover, former principal of the school, was also a guest. A brief history of the association was given; past presidents were called upon to speak. John White was the first president. He was followed by Jacob Grosmick, Mrs. Wilbur Cassedy, and the present president, Mrs. Richard Baker. Mrs. F. Kauffman reports the cake sale a success. Mrs. William Mitchell reported plans to form a First Aid class that will be given a course by the Red Cross.
H. B. Wilson — Plans were made for the Founders Day program at the executive committee meeting Thursday afternoon in the school. Mrs. Lawrence Miller was named chairman. Miss Harriet Reiners will speak on character education at the next meeting. The basketball team was furnished with suits by the unit.
Yorkship — After a short business session with Mrs. James L. Ferris presiding, the monthly meeting was turned over to Mrs. J. P. McMillion, county chairman of alcohol and narcotics. Rev. H. S. Lepperd, of Fairview M.E. Church, spoke. Mrs. David Pyper, chairman of ways and means, announced plans for a card party to be held on February 18. Proceeds will be used for expenses to carry on the monthly dances and Annual Field Day. The discussion group met today in teachers’ lunchroom. Mrs. Malcolm Steck, leader, will use as a topic “What Interests Adolescence.” As a special feature for the monthly dances the organization has arranged to have a half hour of dancing instructions before the regular dancing begins. Attending the city group meeting at City Hall were Mrs. James L. Ferris, president; Mrs. David Pyper, Mrs. M. Johnson, Mrs. Eleanor Wynn, Mrs. W. Clemmens, Mrs. George Mehaffey and Mrs. Harold Turner attended.
Lincoln — Dr. Helen Schrak gave a talk on health and a report on health conditions of the children of this school at the last meeting. A Founders Day sketch was presented by Mrs. M. Beaumont, Mrs. G. Welmrich, Mrs. E. Schelpat and Mrs. K. Conlin.
Plowing Under
Camden Courier-Post —
To the Editor:
Sir — Next to war and unemployment the most criminal indictment of capitalism is the plowing under of cotton. Can Mr. Meves or any one else give us one clear reason why our Government with its knowledge of 16 million unemployed, who, with their dependents are scantily clothed should plow under cotton.
Have the unemployed, or even those that work, too many overcoats? Have they too much underclothing? Is everybody dressed warm this Winter? I know they are not. The Government is now taking pictures from aeroplanes of the cotton fields and from a certain altitude can figure out if the planter is growing more than his allotment. What a crazy system.
After the American workers with their ability can produce an abundance our Government destroys a large part of it. And yet they say Socialism would destroy incentive.
What is true of cotton is also true of wheat, is true of milk, bananas, radios, and etc. Under capitalism everything is made primarily for profit.
The first Thanksgiving Day was celebrated when the colonists had harvested a bountiful crop. They were really happy. Today we destroy that which would make our people happy.
HERMAN F. NIESSNER
907 North Thirty-second Street
A Grandson Remembers
I always found my grandfather, Herman Niessner, to be a truly broad-minded person interested in almost everything. After the family moved from Cramer Hill, after the war, they lived for a while in Washington, D.C. and so did I. He would take me on walks and point out with great interest the various houses of worship, cemeteries, bowling alleys — we once went together to a funeral in the Capitol building — I don’t know whose. He seemed to view everyone and everything with equal interest; I never heard or sensed any prejudice or malice in him. He died of leukemia, a consequence of years of working with printer’s ink.
— Leslie Short, October 2007