NEARLY 4.004 COPIES OP THE ENTERPRISE GOING INTO THE HOMES OF MARTIN COUNTY AND TO COUNTY SERVICEMEN THE ENTERPRISE NEARLY 4,004 COPIES OF THE ENTERPRISE GOING INTO THE HOMES OF MARTIN COUNTY AND TO COUNTY SERVICEMEN VOLUME XJLIX—NOIBEJS 11 f ffl illhitnsion, Martin County, !S'or!h Carolina, Tursdu3, February 1!) 16 ESTABLISHED USO Observes Its Fifth Anniversary Monday, Februarv 4 Nearly 40.000 Members Of _Armed Forres Visit Center 1944 Five- years ago on February 4, the late President Roosevelt designated USO to institute and operate a re creational and welfare program for all service people in the Western Hemisphere. Six independent agencies, the YMCA. National Cath olic Community Service, National Jewish Welfare Board, YWCA, The Salvation Army and National Trav elers Aid Association, joined hands to make USO possible, starting out with 300 clubs and reaching a growth of 3.035 operations at the height of World War I. USO-Camp Shows were instituted to take entertainment to camps, hos pitals and combat areas, then to oc cupied countries. The USO club opened here as the Service Men’s Council on May 1, 1944, but through the efforts of Mrs. W. O. Griffin, Mrs. Myer Levin, Mrs. F. E. Weston, and Mrs. J. W. Watts, Jrv had begun to carry on an open house and free foods program at the Legion hut. This service became too strenuous as the number of service men increas ed. So an appeal to public spirited citizens was made, and a temporary organization was set up, Rev. John L. Goff being named temporary chair man. An appeal was made to Na tional USO for support. Following an investigation a grant was made, and officially the Williamston USO Service Men's Council began opera tion on May 1, 1944. Without the pioneering of the above name d group the growth of USO service could not have been possible. At a later meet ing, Rev. John L. Goff was chosen chairman, Dr. John D. Biggs as treas urer, and Mrs. F. E. Weston as secre tary. In August Mr. J. R. Leggett became a member of the staff, while efforts were being made to secure a director. On October 1, 1944, Mrs. J. D. Thrower began her very effi cient service and has remained in that capacity to date. During the period from May 1, 1944, through January, 19-i6, there have been 30.934 service men and women entertained or served, while 9,138 women have volunteered as either senior or junior hostesses. Mrs. W. O. Griffin has served as chairman of the senior hostess com mittee, while Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Keel Davenport has served in a like capacity for the Junior Hostess com mittee. Much credit goes to these women and their committees. The local USO does not have any accommodations at the club for over night guests, but through the cour tesy and kindness of the citizens of Williamston, beds have been furnish ed for 1998 boys during this period. There are many more that were not secured or reported to the director. The churches of our city, the Wo man’s Club, and the P. T. A. have provided free foods for the boys ever since the doors were opened, and in addition, a fine Sunday evening sup per has been given the guests. The Kiwanis and Lions Clubs have assist ed and provided gifts and commodi ties for the Christmas parties that have been held. 0 Everyone who has contributed to the United War Fund drive has made it possible for this service here and around the world, for USO’s services which started in small communities near camps, spread to large cities, near hospitals, to permanent bases of the Western Hemisphere, to Hawaii, thence to the Philippines, and now Japan. The United Service Organizations —USO to millions of soldiers and their friends — recently estimated that in five years of work they have rendered service of one kind or an other to more than a billion persons. This is the equivalent of more than 150 contacts for every individual in the uniform of the United States. With the end of the war some of these services were curtailed. Tht1, number of service clubs, for instance, has been cut from a peak of 3,035 to about 2,000 to date. At the same time work was continuing in Pana ma, Bermuda, the Antilles, New foundland, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Philippines and expanding in Japan. It continues, too, at separation cen ters, permanent camps, and hospitals in the United States. (Continued on page six) Man Badly Hurt In Knife Attack Here George Shaw, colored man, was badly but not critically hurt when he was attacked by Herbert and “Boot” Brown in Duk-Inn on Wash ington Street here early last Satur day night. Arguing over an alleged dollar debt, the three engaged in a free-for all fight. ‘‘Boot" Brown is alleged to have struck Shaw over the head ____ _ _ _+i far tim across the forehead and gashed him on the neck, .... The assailants escaped anJ have not been apprehended. Shaw was treated at a local doctor’s office, one report stating that several stitches were taken to close his wounds. Exceed Paralysis Fund Goal In the County By Big Margin Asked to raise a total of $2,120, Martin County citizens exceeded that amount by several hundred dollars, .Csua&X i.airman L B. Wynne an nounced yesterday,,. '1*0 tio*e. wt have rasied $2,"391.12, and a ferw schools did not get their reports into the office in time to have them in cluded in the report.” Chairman Wynne explained, adding that pos -ibly the 1946 infantile paralysis fund drive will approximate $3,000. Commenting on the drive ending last week. Chairman Wynne declar ed, and the facts support the de claration, that the schools of the county did an effective job in ad vancing the cause. Williamston’s lementary Dupils and tlaeir teachers took the spotlight. The several theaters in the county did well with their free-will offerings; in fact, just about all the spots in the drive were bright. The eight white schools reporting. raised $993.86, as follows: Wi'.liams ton: elementarv, $407.12, high school. $134.68; Oak City, $106.75; Farm Life, $100.80; Bear Grass, $125.55: Hassell, S)4,4g: $90.00, The porting, raised $238.94, as follows: Biggs, $20.74; Jamesville, $10; Gold Point, $14.20; Woolard's, $12.64: White Oak Springs, $10; Everetts, $15; Cross Roads, $5; Darden’s, $10; Jones', $8; Whichard-James, $8.70; Salsbury, $9.39; Robersonville, $39.82; Burroughs - Spring Hill, $10.33; Corey's, $4; Williamston, $50.05; Poplar Point, $6; and Hamil ton, $5.07. The chairman said that $901.32 was raised by direct mail solicitation and collectors, that most of the direct ap peals were recognized. In addition, the Trio Theater in Robersonville raised $267.17, and the Watts and Marco theater raised $389.83. rngn Sokflji, yruvai seventeen colored schools re Ask Living Memorial For County War Dead SICK JUDGE v.i On account of the illness of Judge J. Calvin Smith, the regu lar session of Martin County Re corder's Court Monday was call ed off. Most of the litigants and witnesses were notified in ample time to save them a trip to the old hall of justice. A vic tim of influenza and a cold, Judge Smith is improving and expects to be back on the bench next Monday when all the post poned cases along with any new ones will be booked for trial. When Judge Smith and his fol lowing did not show up, a large road delegation from Hamilton and Goose Nest Townships mov ed in to take possession of the court room for a short while. Former Resident Reported Killed -<*, Listed as missing in the Pacific since October, 1944, Wilbur Edward Anderton, radioman, 3/C, United States Navy, was recently declared killed in action by the Navy Depart ment, according to a message receiv ed by his mother, Mrs. Bettie Allen Anderton, of Roanoke Rapids. The young man, a resident of Wil liamston for several years, entered the service in November, 1943, and went overseas the following October. He is belived to have lost his life in the battle of the Philippines on or about the same time he was missing. At that time he was serving on the destroyer escort, USS Samuel B. Roberts, which was reported lost in action. Following his graduation from the Roanoke Rapids High School he studied at the University of North Carolina and entered the employ of the Virginia Electric and Power Company. He came to Williarnston about the middle thirties and re mained in the company's offices here for three years before being promot ed and transferred. During his stay here he made many friends and was held in high esteem by his fellow workers and all others who knew him. Besides his mother he is survived by a brother, Marvin Anderton of Roanoke Rapids and a sister, Mrs. J. A. Suiter of Garysburg. liny Lot For Home On Morxliall Avenue Here Purchasing a lot on Marshall Ave nue, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Harrison are planning to build there as soon as possible. Mi Harrison stated that they planned to build small living quarters in a garage at once and live there until they could build their home. TAGGED Several Marlin County per sons and a few from outside the county were tagged during the week-end for not displaying the new 1946 tags on their motor ve hicles. Few of the cases have reached the courts, but in those instances where the defendants are adjudged guilty a minimum fine of *'10 and about $6.50 costs will be imposed. Patrolmen point out that it is unlawful to display any tag on a motor vehicle except those for the year 1946. In those case where mote rists still display out Two of the alleged violators of the" license KaVT Oscar"(/She aad Clayton Lynch, are appear ing before Justice J. B. Whitfield in Oak City this evening for trial. I " .v Police Department Suggests Parking Changes To Board High School Group Asking For Recreation Center; Other BiiHinegH Handled -» A “living” memorial for Martin County’s dead in World Wars I and II was proposed to the town board of commissioners in their regular meeting here last night when Sev eral other suggestions were submit ted and regular routine duties were | handled by the authorities. Appearing before the meeting, Rev. John L, Goff, representing a Kiwanis Club committee, pointed out to the board that the trend was away from cold stone monuments toward something worthwhile for the living and in keeping with what at least fifty-six Martin County men laid down their lives for on the far-flung battle fronts of the world. After re viewing the war records, Rev. Goff , explained that a federation of twelve I counties were holding meetings for 'an interchange of ideas and meeting social needs and handling allied j problems. He asked the board to name a delegate to the next meeting j of the federation. No one was named. I The committee chairman then re- j viewed the prograss made by both j the local library and the tri-county bookmobile, and pointed out that i within the next six or seven years possibly the county would want to maintain and operate a library ser vice of its own, that possibly some plan could be worked out for the construction of a library and recrea tion center to stand as a living mem orial for the county’s heroes in the I last two wars. The minister explain ed that there was no rush, that he wanted the board to give the pro posal consideration and join in the movement to build a lasting and fit ting memorial for the war heroes. Just prior to the minister’s ap pearance, a delegation of high school students went before the board and asked its aid in establishing a recre ational center here. The spokesman for the small gi^iup explained that efforts were being made to get the Legion Hunt when it is vacated by the USO. The commissioners pro mised to do what they could for the teen-agers. Dr. Edward Early appealed to the commissioners to provide an outlet for citizens living between Main and Washington Streets on the west side of the railroad of the ACL’s Ply mouth branch back of the Dixie Pea nut Company plant. Negotiations are underway for extending Slade Street across the railroad, the board explanied. Dr. Early then asked for (Continued on page six) Enforcement Crew Busy In January ABC Officer Joe H. Roebuck and his assistants had a busy period dur ing the month of January, according to a report just filed with the ABC board in this county. The officer, assisted by Deputies Roy Peel and Julian Roebuck, wrecked twenty-two illicit liquor plants, poured out four gallons of white “.lightning” and 3,350 gallons of beer which was made mostly from molasses. In addition to the twenty two stills wrecked, the officers upset five partial plants. Climaxing the January record was a raid in the Free Union section of ** ifn H I of 1 he month Thp afti a capiurecT a TOlPgaTJon cUpacTT copoer kettle and poured out four LIZ oS'r'refs of oJ'er*a?tRat“pia15f ITnETTwiT barrels of beer at a second plant, about one mile away. The copper kettle was one of the few taken in this county in the past several years Dr. John Thigpen Died At His Home Saturday Evening Funeral Services Were Held Here Yesterday Afternoon ——— Dr. John F. Thigpen, well known local citizen and retired practicion er-farmer, died at his home here on Warren Street last Saturday evening at 6:15 o'clock following a long oeriod of declining health. He had been confined to his bed most of the time since last November and his condition was recognized as critical for about two weeks before the end. A victim of several ailments, Dr. Thigpen was forced to retire from ictive practice sixteen years ago. For several years he devoted his atten tion to farming interests, but more recently he was forced to abandon all his activities and spent much of his time at home and in bed. The son of the late T. R. and Mar tha Parker Thigpen, he was born in Pitt County in the Bell cross section, not far from Conetoe. After spend ing his early life on the farm there he went to Kentucky where he studied and earned his license in the practice of veterinary medicine. He returned to Pitt County and practic ed in Greenville for five years, locat ing in Williamston about twenty-five years ago. He was active in civic and community affairs here for a number of years. Dr. Thigpen joined the lodge in Greenville during his residence and was active in Masonic circles for a long time. He was a member of the local Methodist church for almost a quarter of a century, and attended its service regularly until forced into virtual retirement by failing health. Loyal in the support of the church, Dr. Thigpen was devoted to his home and family and friends. In 1919 he was married to Miss Es telle Sumner of Aulander and she survives with two sons, John F. Thigpen, Jr., of Williamston, and S/Sgt. Joseph Thigpen who is now stationed in Japan with the 2nd U. S. Airborne Troops; a sister, Mrs. B. F. Shelton of Speed, and four brothers, L. B. Thigpen of Palatka, Fla., T. R. Thigpen of Mount Olive, L. L. Thig pen of Richmond and J. ,1. Thigpen of Rocky Mount. Funeral services were conducted from the late home yesterday after noon at 3:00 o'clock by his pastor, Rev. B. T. Hurley, and interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery here. Reviews Proposed Highway Program —%— Following the meeting of the coun ty commissioners with ;i road dele gation from Hamilton and Goose Nest Townships in the county court house Monday, a review of the pro posed secondary road program in this county was made. According to present plans, the following projects are included in the program calling for improvement and surfacing: Hamilton to Halifax County line, twelve miles; Butler's Bridge to Hassell to Edge combe County line, (1.4 miles; Everetts to Bear Grass, 5.6 miles; From Highway 64 near the county home down the old Greenville Road to 903, or Robersonville-Stokes Road, 10.7 miles. From Highway 17, near the Staton farm to Beaufort County line, via Bear Grass, 8.7 miles; Smithwick’s Creek Road to Farm Life, 8.9 miles, making a total of 54.3 miles. It is possible that the commission will be asked to alter the old Green ville Road project, and change its course at Cross Roads, a spokesman pointing out that by making a slight change more people would be serv ed. The newly proposed road program is certain to attract much attention. Justice Whitfield Reports Activities According to reports coming from Justice of the Peace J. Ben Whit field, Oak City had a little crime wave last week-end. “It was noth ing serious, but Officer Edmond Ear ly had a right busv time for a while,” the justice said. One was booked for hit-and-run driving, two were charged with op erating motor vehicles with improper licenses and two were carried be fore the trial justice for fighting. Wiley Lyons, arrested and jailed for drunken driving, is alleged to have run down and slightly hurt two small colored boys, "Judge” Bunch and a Savage lad, on the Tarboro Oak City highway at the edge of Oak City Saturday evening. He was chased and caught by Officer Early. Lyons is to be given a hearing to night before Justice Whitfield. Oscar Cabe and Clayton Lynch, cle^vet hou^hi ’ ejvir'jCariOoheffiw Thurman _Spruill and Tom Thig rjeTi*(,»7T fined $5 each and taxed with the costs when they were carried before Justice Whitfield last Saturday eve ning. Large Delegation From Hamilton And Goose Nest Plead For Better Road From Hamilton To Palmyra County Agent’s Office Calling For Tobacco Marketing Cards A final call was issued this week by the Triple A in the Martin C.oun ty farm agent’s office for all 1945 tobacco marketing cards. It was pointed out that approximately two hundred farmers in this county have not returned the 1945 tobacco mar keting cards to the office and clear ed their records for the past season. It was also announced that ap proximately 25 of the farmers who overplanted have not reported to the agent’s office and paid penalties im posed by law on planting in excess of the 1945 allotments. No accurate estimate on the amount of penalty due the Triple A could be had, but it will run into several hundred dol lars. Partial payments, based on es timates made on the excess plantings last fall, have been made, but in about 25 cases, there are balances to be paid. Tobacco allotments, reflecting the ten percent increase allowed by U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Clinton P. Anderson, are to be mailed to Mar tin farmers the latter part of this week. However, those farmers who have not turned in their 1945 market ing cards along with those who have not paid the penalties for excess plantings, will not receive their new allotments until those details are handled, it was pointed out. Some few farmers in this county will take advantage of the 10 percent tobacco acreage allotments, but as a general rule, farmers will hold to about the same acreages planted last season, according to a spot survey made in several of the ten townships during the past few days. Commissioners In Second Meeting Of Month Here Today Recess Karly Monday After noon Out Of For Late Dr. J. F. Thigpen -«> Recessing early Monday afternoon out of respect for the memory of the late Dr. John F. Thigpen, the Martin County commissioners are returning for their second meeting of the month this afternoon when they will study road needs. At the meeting Monday, the com missioners handled routine duties, including the drawing of citizens for duty as petit jurymen during the March term of court and for perma nent grand jury service. Prompted by interested citizens, the commissioners are recommend ing that the state highway commis sion take over and maintain one and one-half miles of road in Griffins Township, running via Ira Jones’ to Highway No. 171. The board appropriated $350 for forest fire protection, the clerk ex plaining that $150 would he applied on the purchase of a fire lane plow and $200 would be used for labor in operating the equipment. The State Forest Service is to furnish a tractor and match the amount appropriated for a plow. Details for operating the equipment were not revealed, but they will lie worked out later, it was learned. Repairing to the courtroom short ly before noon, the commissioners were greeted by a large delegation from Hamilton and Goose Nest Townships who made an earnest plea in support of their claims for a hard surfaced road from Hamilton to Pal myra. Attorney H. G. Horton was the main spokesman for the delega tion, but quite a few from the two townships spoke in behalf of the gen eral plea. No extension of time for listing property for taxation in the county was allowed by the board at its meeting Monday, meaning that all listings dated February 1 and after are subject Jo penalty provided by law. At their meeting this afternoon, the board members are studying a tentative program for widening and improving what some would call connecting roads. The proposed pro gram, it is hoped, will eliminate most if net a" ‘inter ridges in the county road svstem, at'.d ee-T'-rt n bad con dition that has ( xisted for almost a quarter century. Following the study, the commissioners plan to make a personal inspection of the roads in company with District High way Commissioner Merrill Evans and engineers. A definite date for the inspection has not been fixed, but they plan to make it on or about the 18th of this month. -« Fire Damages Lamb Home Early Today —t,— Starting from an overheated chim ney, file slightly damaged the W. G. Lamb home here on North Smith wick Street shortly after 3:00 o’clock this morning. The fire had burned the lathing about half way up the chimney in a back bedroom upstairs and was gain ing a hold among the attic timbers when firemen reached there and soon brought it under control with a small hose line from the truck. attic into other rooms and closets in r»fif "AB.tiWiwwnlii nrm m h to tiie fire station and turned in the alarm. The early hour limited the number of spectators to a few neighbors. ROUND-UP County and local officers have a fairlv busy time last week-end when they rounded up and jailed eight alleged violators of law and order. Then there was much time spent locally looking for those alleged violators who escaped the law’s strong arm. Of the eight arrested, two were booked for public drunkenness, one of the two staggering into the police station to tumble into the hands of the law. One was charged with drunken driving. Another was held on a lunacy count, and three were detained for carrying concealed weapons. An eighth one was booked for an assault. Two were white. The ages of the group ranged from 21 to 00 years. Snatches $120 From Theater Ticket Box Prowling around the Marco the ater on Haughton Street here last Saturday evening about (1:30 o’clock, a young colored man darted up to the ticket window, reached his hand through the little slot in the glass window and snatched approximately $120. After clinching the money, the hold-up man could not get his hand through the slot, and Mrs. Dina Jack son Davis caught hold of his hand and tried to hold him until someone answered her call for help. The thief snatched his hand, broke the glass and cut Mrs. Davis’ hand. It is be lieved he cut his own hand, but he continued to hold to the money and escaped. The daring robber was dressed in a brown suit with small stripes, a maroon shirt and a brown hat pull • d well down over his forehead. Identification is possible, however. Police are working on a lead in the case, but no arrest has been made. The hold-up, made without arms or threat, was one of the most daring reported in crime annals here in years. --<4 County \ imiifi Man Is Placed On Inactive Lint Greensboro, N C., January 31.— 1st Lt. Clifton E. Ward, son of Mr. John A. Ward, Jr., Route 1, Wil liamston, N. C’., received orders to lay, placing him on an inactive duty tatus with the Aimy Aii Forces. This post, one of a network con ducted by the A. A. F. Personnel Dis tribution Command, is designed to expedite a speedy return to civilian life for the veteran. While at this post, Lt. Ward was in vited to enjoy the many recreational facilities available for his entertain ment during the short period of his stay. | 138TH TRANSFUSION | vJ Little Miss Peggy Harrison, nine-.vear-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Harrison, receiv ed her 138th blood transfusion last week and with a goodly helping of Iiill Hunt's blood she left the local hospital for her home last Friday afternoon feel ing fit as a fiddle. Miss Peggy is returning to school, hut will return for n.ore transfusions in about six or eight weeks or when the white corpuscles overpower the red ones. rrjrr' I hi*