VOL. LXI, NO. 52.
WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
An Independent ^Veelcly Newspaper ? Established in the Year 1886
\
BOONE, WATAUGA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, THURSDAY, JUNE 23. 1949
CENTENNIAL EDITION? 28 PAGES
KING STREET
BY
ROB RIVERS
BEFORE THIS GETS into
print, the city election will have
been held and a Mayor and
board of aldermen named for the
ensuing two years . . . The last
minute efforts by the candidates,
and their friends, to line up the
votes, and the tales that are
whispered around, lots of them
without foundation in fact, de
signed to influence a few elec
tors ... The great American
game of politics at work, and we
like it . . . When folks can be
aroused along party lines, and
?;o out for their candidates in
orce, the system will endure . . .
The danger lies in an apathetic
electorate, one unwilling to ac
cept the responsibility of the
franchise or of government . . .
? ? ?
WHOEVER HOLDS FORTH
down at city hall has a hard
job and whatever is accom
plished for the benefit of the
community, is practically
without remuneration ... It U
strictly a labor of love for the
town . . . and it is a tribute to
the patriotism of the men who
have been governing our town,
that they have been willing to
abandon their businesses for
hours on end in an effort to
improve conditions, with no
appreciable monetary return
... A good job has been done
in extending public services to
the people . . . much yet re
mains to be done . . . and the
folks who are trying to keep
the town progressing without
further involving its credit,
and without a prohibitive tax
rate, should have the united
support of the folks.
MR. B. W STALLINGS. who
has been doing a full share to
?help out the centennial celebra
tion, and has insisted on other
business men using the centen
nial envelopes and enclosures,
says he is getting splendid reac
tion to his direct mail plan of
promoting the celebration . . . He
is in receipt of a letter from the
Advance Watch and Jewelry
Supply Co.. Washington, D. C.
with a five dollar check for cen
tennial expenses . . . the letter
says: "We find the circular you
enclosed telling about the cen-|
tennial celebration in your city
in July ... It is very interesting
and althought we cannot leave
Washington to be with you. we
are herewith enclosing a small
check as a contribution toward
the success of your celebration
. . . We do hope all of Boone will
have a wonderful time." . . . Mr.j
Stallings hadn't even asked any
one to attend or to contribute . . .
just Ujed the enclosures and
envelopes . . Many others are
reacting to the publicity thus af
forded by the business men.
? ? *
STANLEY A. HARRIS, who
luckily wai secured to head
tha centennial corporation ia
doing a magnificent job of get
ting all the ducks in a row for
Boone's biggest day ?? . . The
former Boy Scout Executive is
working tirelessly on the big
job. and his capacity to handle
even the details of the promo
tion is amazing . . . The cele
bration Is destined to be an
outstanding success and when
the book is closed on the gala
occasion, the lion's share of the
credit for the event will be due
to Mr. Harris, whose qualities of
leadership and of organisation
have been so clearly demon
strated). . .
? e e
HALTING to jot a news story
on the pad en route to the of
fice from the mail box . . . By
stander spies the pile of news
papers we are toting, and about
the time we are ready to move
on, grabs the Raleigh News and
Observer for a scanning, spread
ing the "old reliable" over our
first class mail so's we can't well
retrieve the letters and settling
down for an analysis of the days
news while we shift from one
foot to the other thinking of the
heavy day we have mapped . . .
Couldn't wait longer, finally sur
rendered the Daniels' journal
and got under way, 'fore he spied
the periodicals from other
towns and cities . . . Thought of
our deceased pal, who idled
away his spare time reading our
letters, and thumbing through
the ledger, ... So pleasant-like
we couldn't say a word . . . A. W.
Smith and Albert Watson back
from Spanish-War Veteran
Reunion in Asheville bring us
greetings from Bob Reynolds,
whom they say made a fine ad
dress to the veterans . . . The
new faces on the street since
summer school opened down at
Appalachian . . . Stuart Coffey,
from Statesville. attending the
Building and Loan meeting at
Blowing Rock, and visiting with
his old friends in Boone . . . and
automobiles from many states
seen in increasing numbers as tha
Blue Ridge mountains receive
the first of the summer guests.
FLY CASTING CHAMPION
Thomas C. Wright, son of Dr.
and Mrs. J. T. C. Wright of
Boone, won first place In the
fly-casting contest held at Sears
Roebuck. Winston-Salem recent
ly. The anglers' contest was
held in connection with the Na
tional sporting goods week.
WINNERS IN CITY ELECTION
The winners in Tuesday's municipal election, all incumbent Demo
cratic oificali. Mayor Gordon H. Winkler. Guy H. Hunt. Councill
Cooke and Grady Moretz. '
Democrats Win Handily
Mayor, Aldermen Race
HONOR STUDENT
Waller C. Thompson
Mr. Walter C. Thompson, son
of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Thompson
of Vilas, was graduated from
the University of Tennessee on
June 6, with the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Civil
Engineering. While attending
the University for the past three
years, Mr. Thompson was elect
ed to membership in the honor
ary societies of Phi Eta Sigma,
Tau Beta Pi, and Phi Kappa Phi.
He was also a member of the
student chapter of the American
Society of Civil Engineers; win
ner of the H. S. Lockett Engine
ering Scholarship, awarded an
nually to the top three men in
the College of Engineering, jun
ior class; and winner of the
Tennessee Valley section of the
American Society of Civil En
gineers' prize, awarded to the
top two seniors in the College of
Civil Engineering.
Mr. Thompson was graduated
from Cove Creek High School in
1941 as co-valdictorian of his
class, and during the war, he
was a radar navigator in the
Army Air Corps with the rank
of Second Lieutenant. After a
brief stay at home, Mr. Thomp
son plans to be employed by tne
Gulf Ail Corporation for work
with the Mene Grande Oil Com
pany in Eastern Venezuela, C.
A. as junior structural engineer.
Centennial Theme
Of Today's Edition
The Centennial celebration Is
the principal theme of this edi
tion of the Democrat, which be
sides carrying the current infor
mation about the Centennial,
giv?$ historical stories which are
of interest at this time.
The publisher greatly appreci
ates the cooperation of the busi
iness people and others in mak
ing this edition possible. Those
wishing extra copies of the cur
rent issue may find them at the
Democrat office.
All Incumbent Officials Elec-|
ted in Municipal Voting on
Tuesday. I
Democratic candidates for May
or and members of the Board of
Aldermen tallied up a command
ing lead over their Republican
opponents in the municipal elec
tion Tuesday, which climaxed
one of the quietest political cam
paigns the community has known.
Gordon H. Winkler had a mar
gin over W. H. Gragg of 110
votes in the mayorality race, the
vote beiqg: Winkler 416, Gragg
306.
In the race for aldermen the
lead of the Democrats was more
impressive. Guy Hunt claimed
465 votes, Grady Moretz 447 and
Council C. Cooke 434. On the)
Republican ticket Kenneth Lin
ney tallied 264 votes, I. T. Barn
ett 281 and Earl Cook 245.
Mayor Winkler is entering up
his fourth term as the head of
the city government, while the
incumbent members of the board
of aldermen are at the beginning
of their second terms.
Standings of Pioneers,
Queen Aspirants Given
Following is the latest tabula
tion of votes in the contest for
the selection of the centennial
pioneer and queen:
For pioneer: S. E. Gragg 111,
250, John W. Hodges 49,000, J.
M. Moretz 13,000, B. B. Dough
erty 25,000, W. W. Mast 10,250,
Jack C. Norris 3,000, D. C. Mast
5,250, Newton Greene 6,000, W.
R. Lovill 4,000, Norva Rominger
1,000.
For queen: Barbara Jones 37,
000, Mickey McGuire 58,000, Re
becca Shoemake 18,000, Annie
Mae Carrol 29,250, Katie Sue
Farthing 16,250, Dorothy Norris
31,000, Rachel Ann Vance 4,000,
Billie Badgett 17,250, Shirley
Max Swift 5,500, Ruby Moody
8,000. Vebna Brum ley 25,000,
Joe Ann Aldridge 2,000.
Asks Clean City
For Celebration
Mayor Gordon H. Winkler is
joined by the board of aldermen
in a plea for a special clean-up
of the town for the centennial
week activities.
Mayor Winkler is anxious that
all vacant lots, yards, etc. be
clean, and asks all those who
gather rubbish to call city hall
for a special pickup service. The
town is making every effort to
have the streets clean, and
earnestly asks for the support at
the people, so that all private
property will present a pleasing
appearance to the many visitors
who are expected.
THOUGHTFUL THIEF
Cumberland, Md. ? It was a
thoughtful thief, who, after steal
ing clothes from twenty clothes
lines, neatly stacks the clothes
pins in a pile.
iFIRST COUNTY
health meet
ASKS FOR FULL
TIME OFFICER
Dr. I. G. Greer Speaks, and
Links Future of the County
with Health of Her People;
Organixation ASks for Full
I Time Health Officer.
The first county-wide health
meeting was held in the court
house in Boone, June 15th witH
Mr. Clyde R. Gr?ene serving as,
jchamnan.^ perry jr., speaking
for the local medical society
that the present three county
district was too large for effici
ent work on the part of one
health officer, and that toe
medical society would to' ??*?
a reduction of the health district
by one county at once and work
toward a department for wa
tauga county alone. This "port,
brought about a lively discus
sion and resulted in a unanimous
adoption of a resolution tor the,
Ifforti of the health council to
be used in working for a full
time health officer for the coun
ty'The rural health essay contest
sponsored in the Watauga ig
schools by the health > and wel
fare committee of the Boone
Lion's Club was reported on. The
winners were announced as ^
lows. Janice Ray Swift, Etetn
High School, 1st prize of $25.00.
Lena Greer, Boone High School,
2nd prize of $15 00; Doris Smith
Cove Creek High School, 3rd
prize of $10.00. The prizes for
i this contest were made possible
by the Boone Lions Club and
the Watauga Medical Society.]
Awards will be made at the next
Lions Club meeting, butad
vance announcement waa made
at the county wide meeting by
Dr. H. B- Perry. Jr.. chaurnan
of the committee and the win
ners were introduced to the
aUQuesttons arose in the general
discussion of the meeting con
Cv.!rningMra%.?AerS^tth &A
i supervisor promised more infor
(Continued on page 6)
C.6FtMeeP
Al Shulls Mills
The Chamber of Commerce
will hold a dinner meeting at the
Hebron Colony Thursday eve""
ling at 7:30 p. m.. it is announced
by H W. Wilcox, president of the
?rMr1ZWil?cox states that this i id
a most important meeting and
that every member is asked i
visit the institution which is do-|
ing so much for the country
Mr W. R. Winkler will make
a report on the activities of the
Park Committee, of which
3 Tickets' may be purchased at
the Chamber of Commerce ofn
fice where members will Katnerj
at 7 P m. Thursday. Transporta
tion will be furnished for every
one wishing to attend the meet
ing.
j Pioneer, Queen Vote
Ends Tuesday, June 28
Th? voting on the pioneer
and queen of the Centennial
will close at 2 o'clock p. m.
Tuesday. June 28. it was an
nounced yesterday by the com
mittee, rather than on June 30,
as had previously been an
nounced. In order that the final
results may be carried in the
next edition of the Democrat.
Everyone is invited to cast
his vote for his favorite can
didates bv the time stipulated, {
as no ballots received after that
time will be valid.
Centennial Celebration Plans
Are Now Nearing Completion
AWAITING THE HOUR OF TRIAL
Rufut W. Colvard and Guy H. Hunt, at they peered from tha
Bearded Brethern'a stockade, before being hailed into tha kangaroo
court on charges of violation of the no-razor ordinance.
? Photo Palmer's Studio
Colorful Parade T o Mark
Start of Festive Occasion
DIRECTOR
a .. ?+*!- . _
Stanley A. Harris, president of
the Centennial corporation, who
is so ably directing the prepara
tion for the celebration.
?Photo Palmer ? Studio
Grandfather Singing
To Be Held Sunday
The twenty-fifth annual Grand
father mountain singing conven
tion and Sunday School picnic
will be held on the Yonahloesee
road at the Alexander McRae
place on June 26.
The annual singing, which is
now being covered regularly by
national picture magazines, is at
tracting an increasing gathering
each year, and parking space has
been enlarged to take care of the
the larger crowds.
All singing classes in this area
and in surrounding states are be-|
ing invited.
SCENE OF AUTO ACCIDENT
?
Th? wrtclug* of iha two ?utocnobllaa which collided on tha Blow
ing Rock road i few day* ago. critically injuring Mr*. IL J. F ox
at Lanoir, and laaa wioiulr injuring har husband. Thraa oihan
wm traalad for minor ItjuiM. , Phata Ptlnar'i Studio
Old Vehicles, Marching Units
. and Other Groups Asked To
Participate.
A colorful parade is being ar
ranged for the opening spec
tacle of the Watauga Centennial
celebration, and there is still
time for individuals and organi
zations to enter flots and other
attractions in the parade, which
will form at College and Locust
streets at 2:30 p. m. July 5.
The committee is particularly
anxious to secure old vehicles,
buggies, surries, wagons, ancient
automobiles and the like, to il
lustrate the various phases of
the progress of the county.
Those wishing to march, or
ride, in costume may do so. while
the "Brothers of the Brush", are
asked to display their tonsorial
artistry. Bands, and other march
ing units are being sought to
round out what is billed as the
most extravagant parade in the
history of the town.
Persons, or business establish
ments wishing to enter the
parade, or provide an attraction
will please contact Rev. S. B.
Moss of Boone, before July 1,
either by mail, or by telephone.
Colvard Opening
Draws Big Crowd
The Colvard Chevrolet Co.,
was host to a large number of
people from a wide are* Satur
day on the occasion of the of
ficial opening of their hew home
on North Depot Street.
Fourteen hundred and forty
nine people were listed as hav
ing visited the building during
the day, among them being high
officials of the Chevrolet Motor
Co., and 100 or more from Jef
ferson and Sparta.
Door prizes were given the
visitors and employees escorted
them through the salesrooms
shops and offices, and refresh
ments were served. The new
Chevrolet cars and trucks creat
ed much interest and a large
number of orders were boo .tea.
The lobbies were decorated with
cut and potted flowers, many of
them brought by business friends.
During the evening hours visi
tors were entertained by Paul
Weston in a piano concert.
Prizes given, and the winners
were as follows: Combination
radio and record player, W. D.
Farthing; sunbeam mixer, A. E.
Ham by, Jr.; portable radio, Ed
ward Roland. West Jefferson;
electric percolator, A. K. Pope,
North Wilkeaboo.
Local Rotariaro
. At N. Y. Gathering
Messrs Stanley Harris of
Boone, and Mr. and Mrs. K. K.
Brown of Blowing Rode, were in
New York last week where they
attended the convention of Lkms
International. More than 20,000
people from every part of the
world were in attendance.
Program Is Gradually Taking
Definite Form for County's
Birthday Party; The Day
by Day Schedule; Details of
Pagentry Given Out
Plans are being completed for
the celebration of Watauga Coun
ty's one hundredieth anniversary,
July 5 through the 10, with high
light Of the activities including"
parades, speakings by notable
personages, a baseball game be
tween Watauga County League
All Stars and the league-leading
team, and presentation of the pro
duction ''Echoes of the Blue
Ridge."
A big parade is scheduled
for the afternoon of the opening
day, July 5. Floats, hands,
characters from "Echoes of the
Blue Ridge," old vehicles, and
others will be in the parade.
The five big days and nights
have been designated to co
memmorate different phases, in
the history and progress of Wa
tauga county. As listed by Cen
tennial officials they are:
Tuesday, July 5 ? Governor's
and Queen's Coronation Day. Ob
this day the governor of North
Carolina and governors of other
nearby states will be honored,
and the Queen of the Centennial
will be crowned.
Wednesday, July 6 ? Pioneer
and Homecoming Day. The Pion
eers of the county will be hon
ored and former Wataugans will
be welcomed home.
Thursday, July 7 ? Educational
Day. The founding of Watauga
Academy will be celebrated and
Appalachian State Teachers Col
lege will be honored.
Friday, July 8 ? Youth Day.
The youth of the county will be
honored on this day.
Saturday. July 9 ? Farmer's
Day. Contests for the rural folks
will be staged during the
day and activities of the farmers
in the county will be portrayed.
Sunday, July 10 ? Worship Day.
Old time singing and worship on
the College stadium appropriate
ior the occasion will be held.
Governor W. Kerr Scott is
scheduled to speak on the after
noon at Tuesday, July 3. Other
governors have been invited by
Centennial officials.
The baseball game between the
All Stars and the league leaders
is scheduled for Wednesday, July
6, at 2:30 p. m., according to
Bill Murray, spokesman for the
league.
Commissioner of Agriculture
L. Y. Ballentine will be master
of ceremonies at the morning
program of the educational day
celebration Thursday. July 7.
Senator Frank Graham, formerly
head of the University of North
Carolina, will also be here on
that day to make an address, as
will Senator Clyde R. Hoey, who
is scheduled to speak at the
night performance of "Echoes of
the Blue Ridge." A dinner will
be held at the College cafeteria
honoring the many noted guests
here that day.
' A children's parade is planned
for Friday, July 8. The youth
of the county, in costumes, and
their pets will parade through
the town.
The Queen's Ball will be held
Friday night, July? 8. after the
performance of "Echoes qf the
Blue Ridge."
Other speakers during the cel
ebration will include Carroll
Rfese, former head of the Na
tional Republioan Committee, and
I. G. Greer, a native of Watauga
county, and well known through
out the state.
One of the speakers for the
Worship day exercises will be
Dr. E. K- McLarty, Sr., retired,
formerly pastor of Boone Meth
odist church in 1041 through
1946. Another speaker is expec
ted that afternoon, but due to the
absence of the Worship day
chairman, it was impossible to
confirm the name of that speaker.
Clyde Eggers and Dr. John G.
Barden , will have charge of the
music for that day, which will
conclude the official celebration
of the county's founding.
It is understood that no ad
mission will be charged for the
afternoon activities.
The nightly programs of the
celebration will feature the pro
duction. "Echoes of the Blue
Ridge," a dramatization of the
history and progress of Watauga
county, directed by Rusaell L.
Rowland. Approximately 500
persons are included in the cast.
According to Mr. Rowland the
spectacle will begin with ?pro
logue in which U. S. A. Girls,
States, Trumpters, Boy Scouts,
(Continued on page 3)
Local Veterans Go
To Aiheville Meeing
Messrs. A. W. Smith and Al
bert Watoon of Boone were in
attendance last week at the state
reunion of the Veterans of the
Spanish-American war held in
Asheville.
About two hundred veterans of
the war of the ntnetiee were
preeeut for the reunion, on which
occasion former Senator Robert
R. Reynolds of Asheriile deliv
ered the principal addmr