The Roanoke Beacon 4444444 and Washington Coun ty News ★ ★★★★★*• VOLUME LII NUMBER 5 Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina, Thursday, January 30, 1941 Advertisers will find Beacon and News Columns a latchkey to 1,500 Washington County homes. ESTABLISHED 188S Town opics Vernon Cahoon, of Washington, has been operating the motion picture machine at the Plymouth Theatre for the last several days, due to the ab sence of the regeular operator. Stan ford Mizell. who was injured in an automobile accident last week-end. F. H. Modlin, manager of the M. H. Mitchell Furniture Company, and his family moved into their new home on Highway 64 near “the Pines" last week. Mr. Modlin stayed in the house one night and left for the High Point Furniture Market the next day. re turning last Friday. VV. J. Barker, assistant exten sion forester of State College. Ra leigh. was here recently making timber estimates on 50 acres of woodland belonging to W. H. Thompson, of Roper, and he also inspected pulpwood cutting on farms of Mrs. Ella Norman, Sam Stallings, S. A. Ward, and hold ings of the North Carolina Pulp Company. Miss Elizabeth Peal, daughter of Deputy Sheriff and Mrs. Walter D. Peal, of Creswell, was a member of the cast of a one-act play presented at East Carolina Teaechers College in Greenville Tuesday evening. The play was one of three presented at that time in a contest sponsored by the three literary societeies of the school. T. W. Armstrong, of Columbia, manager of the Scuppernong Farms project of the Farm Se curity Administration, said that 43 head of steers were placed on feed there January 9. They av eraged about 585 pounds. The Scuppernong Farms are also pre paring to seed 10,000 acres to les pedeza for harvest, according to the manager. James W. Norman, owner of the Norman Furniture Company here, is at the High Point market this week. He is expected to return to morrow. Gus Gardner, well known young grocery clerk here, has entered the employ of Campbell’s store. He succeeds Aubrey Ange, who resigned to accept a job with a bread-dis tributing organization. Mr. Gardner has been employed as clerk by sev eral local groceries during the past few years. Seek Professional Men and Women For defense Work -® Committee Appointed Here Wednesday To Arrange For Registration Arrangements were made at a meeting here yesterday afternoon for the registration of all white and col ored women and professional men in Washington County who will volun teer their services for training for any emergency work necessary during war time in connection with the current National Defense program. A committee, composed of John W. Dardne, of Plymouth: D. E. Poole, of Roper, and Mrs. C. N. Davenport, sr., of Creswell, was appointed to make plans for the registration. The com mittee was appointed by Walter H. Paramore, chairman of the county Works Project Administration advis ory committee, at a luncheon meeting at the Plymouth school lunch room Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Eva Avent, assistant director of the professional and service proj ects division of the WPA, was the principal speaker at the meeting and outlined the plan for complete regis tration of women and professional men who volunteer to train for any services which may be required of them in the event of war. The plan is to have cards printed which will carry information about the registrants, including name, ad dress, special work desired or for which most fitted, etc. A date for the registration will be set later by the committee. It is possible that clubs or civic committees in the var ious communities will be asked to conduct the registration. Those present at the meeting here yesterday were Mrs. Kathleen Sprilill Nobles, J. C. Knowles, D. E.Poole Miss Ursula Bateman, Mrs. C. N. Daven port, sr„ of Creswell, R. B. Trotman, Mrs. J. K. Reid, J. W. Darden, Dr. S. V. Lewis, Miss French Boyd, Miss Elizabeth Campbell, Mrs. W. H. Par amore, E. G. Arps, H. H. McLean, and W. H. Paramore. Mors Persons Required by Law To File Income Tax Returns This Year More Plymouth and Washing ton County residents than ever before will file Federal income tax returns this year, and more persons will also pay Income tax to Uncle Sam. This will be true because of an important change in the Federal income-tax law with respect to the liability of individuals for fil ing returns and paying income taxes. Single individuals, or married persons not living with husband or wife, having a gross income of $800 or more are now required to file a ref urn. Likewise, married individuals living together hav ing a combined gross income of $2,000 or more are required to file. The old personal exemp tions of $1,000 for a single per son and $2,000 for married are no longer In effect. The exemptions are now $800 and $2,000. When a citizen’s gross income passes $800 or $2,000, as the case may be, a return must be filed, even though, by reason of allow able deductions from gross in come and of allowance credits against net income, it develops that no tax is due. This law, taken from the first revenue act of 1940, will increase the number of Washington Coun ty people filing returns by sev eral hundred. Although the dealine for flung re turns is March 15, they may be filed at the present time. Drive To Raise Money for Infantile Paralysis Fund Is Now Underway in County School Children Canvassing for Contributions; Dances Planned at Creswell Friday Night and Here Sat urday Night; Drive Ends February 10 An intensive campaign is being-; conducted in Washington County for j contributions to the Fund for Fight- I ing Infantile Paralysis, according to Mrs. Alban Papineau, county chair man, who has assisting her Mrs. S. A. Ward, jr., of Plymouth; Mrs. Perla Bray, of Roper, and Mrs. E. S. Wood ley, of Creswell. School children over the county are canvassing for contributions through the “March of Dimes" program, with prizes to be awarded to those who raise the most money in the various schools. A subscription dance will be held at the Plymouth Country Club Satur day night, starting at 9 o’clock, with the proceeds to be donated to the infantile paralysis fund. Admission will be $1 per couple. At Creswell, a dance is being held tomorrow r.l'd-.b at 9:30 at Hoyt’s Cafe, the admission charge being 50 cents. Mrs. Papineau received a telegram Sunday from headquarters stating that the campaign for funds had been extended until Monday, February 10. The drive usually closes on January 31. Half of the funds derived during the campaign will remain in the county to aid victims of infantile paralysis, with the remainder going to the national organization for use in aiding children suffering from the disease, for the training of nurses, and for research work in connection with the malady. The quota for the county last year was $130. No definite quota has been set for this year, but Mrs. Papineau hopes to at least equal or surpass the 1940 record. Tax Revaluation and Listing in County Is 65 Per Cent Complete 65 Per Cent oi Tax Levy Is Collected Close to 65 per cent of the to tal tax levy of $113,293.61 for 1940 has been collected, according to J. E. Davenport, tax collector for Washington County, who this week called taxpayers’ attention to the fact that the schedule of penalties on unpaid taxes be comes effective after Saturday. The penalties, 1 per cent in Feb ruary, 2 per cent in March, and I so on, also apply to unpaid town i taxes. The total tax levy of $113,293.61 in liie county 'includes real es I tate, personal property, poll tax, and dog tax, it was explained by Mr. Davenport, and the amount collected so far is around $70,000. Those who wish to avoid the penalties must pay their tax ac ! counts by Saturday, February 1. Head of Local Union Urges Lions To Help Get Hospital Here ;W. L. Whitley Named To Represent Club in At tempt to Raise Fund -® One of the greatest needs of Plym outh at this time is a hospital which can take care of mergency cases, if nothing more, according to J. N. Carr, president of Local Union, No. 356 and 356-A, speaking to members of the local Lions Club last Thursday eve ning. This need is one reason that union men and others here are endeavoring to work out a plan for a mutual ben efit organization to provide for med ical services and hospitalization Mr. Carr said that in one town where he formerly lived, the people raised the money for a nice hospital; and, in this connection, he pointed out to the Lions that the Washing ton County home would provide an ideal location and a very good build ing for such a community hospital. Mr. Carr said that an attempt was being made to have a committeeman named from each civic or service club In town to assist in outlining a plan of action for raising the money for a hospital. W. L. Whitley was named to the committee to represent the Lions Club. L. W. Zeigler presented a clarinet solo, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. E. W. Furgurson. H. B. James, of Raleigh, farm management spec ialist of State College, also spoke Supervisor States Total Valuation io Be Little Larger --3>— Believe Many Inequalities Have Been Readjusted in Past Few Weeks -® Despite unfavorable weather con ditions and illness among the per sonnel engaged in the annual listing of taxes and quadriennial revaluation of property in Washington County during the current month, Tax Sup ervisor E. F. Swain said this week that 65 or 70 per cpnt of the work had been done. Mr. Swain said the assessors for Skinnersville would conclude their work this week; those in Scuppernong will finish next week; while the as sessors in Lees Mill and Plymouth Townships are about 60 per cent through with the task. The tax supervisor stated that the total valuation in the county should be increased by several thousand dol lars when the work is completed. Part of this will be due to the citing by the last superior court of several hundred persons who have not listed poll taxes or personal property in the past. The court gave the delinquents until March 1 to give in their hold ings. One of the greatest benefits of the revaluatipn work underway is that of correcting inequalities in listing real property, Mr. Swain said. Worthless swamp land has been found valued at $100 an acre in a few instances, while, on the other hand, some very valuable land has been found listed entirely too low. Mr. Swain said the time for listing had been extended for a few days, no definite time being designated, but warned that those who failed to sub mit their holdings are subject to se vere penalties under the law, includ ing double taxation. -. - - -- Sam H. Hopkins Dies Saturday at Home Near Roper Well-Known Farmer Had Been in Bad Health for Five Years . ---ft. Funeral services were held at the Riddicks Grove Baptist church in Martin County Sunday lor Sam Hen ry Hopkins, 57, who dieci at his home near Roper Saturday morning at 5:50 after being confined to his bed for about a week following a stroke. He had been in ill health for about five years. The services were conducted by the Rev. P. B. Nickens, paslor of the lo cal Baptist church, assisted by the Rev. O. L. Hardwick, Methodist min ister, and Rev. W. B. Harrington, of Martin County. Burial took place in the Hopkins cemetery in Martin County. Son of tire late Mr. and Mrs. Joel Hopkins, Mr. Hopkins was bom in Martin County, where he lived most of his life, moving to Washington County about 10 years ago. A farm er, he lived near Roper for three years. He was married to Miss Flor ine Andrews, of Martin County, about 32 years ago. Surviving are the following chil dren: Mrs. Theda Sykes and Mrs. Madeline Tetterton, of Plymouth; Mrs. Gladys Peel, Jamesville; Miss Myrtle Hopkins. Miss Delmarine Hopkins and Miss Evelyn Gray Hop kins, Roper; William, Rufus, Sam Henry, jr., Lanston and Roger Hop kins. of Plymouth. Band Will Present Varied Program of Music Tomorrow r -$ Several Specialties Carded In Addition To Band Selections A varied musical program will be presented by the Plymouth High School Band and several guest en tertainers at tire High School audi torium tomorrow night, Friday, at 8 o'clock, according to Director L. W Zeigler. It was announced yester day that immediately after the con cert, there would be a dance, with the general public invited to attend both. Proceeds will be used to se cure needed equipment and supplies for the band. The program will open with the band playing a patriotic march. "The American Patrol,” followed by "Gai ety Polka,” a cornet solo by Harry McLean, with band accompaniment, i "Men of Ohio," a march, is the third concert number. Next will be a series of tap dances, with Gracelyn Reid, Ann Cahoon, Carolyn Spruill, and the Maples chil dren taking part. In the second group of concert numbers, the band will present a march, "Salutation.” followed by an overture. "Castle Ruins,” in which Mary Lillian Campbell will be fea tured in a clarinet cadenza. Matt White Norman will present a vocal selection, followed by a saxo phone duet, “La Golindrina,” by Eu nice Grey Holliday and Helen Dar den. As novelty selections the band will present a chorale, "Adoremus Te,” followed by “The Circus Band," and Marvin Scherr will play an accordion solo. The saxophone quintet will then play "On the Grand Concourse,” a march, followed by “Poet and Peas ant Overture.” After the drawing of the lucky number for the turkey, the concert will close with the playing of “God Bless America.” Tickets may be purchased from any band member or at the door. Popular prices will be charged. The dance will begin immediately after the con cert is concluded. Funeral Today for B. F. Bowen, 89, One Of Section's Oldes! Died at Home Just Across Beaufort Line Early Wednesday -® Funeral services were held today for Benjamin Franklin Bowen, 89, who died at his home in Beaufort County just over the Washington County line, at 5 a. m. Wednesday morning from the infirmities of age, after having been confined to his bed for about a month. The Rev. D. W. Alexander, of Bethel, conducted the services and interment took place in the Bowen cemetery in this county. Sixty-five years ago, Mr. Bowen was married to Miss Martha Davenport, who survives him. Their oldest son is 63 years of age. A native of this county, Mr. Bowen had lived just over the Beaufort County, line practically all of his life. The place where he lived at the time of his death was once in Washington County, but the boundary line was moved northward some years ago, placing Mr. Bowen in Beaufort County. One of the oldest persons in this section, Mi-. Bowen was a stauncli and consistent member of the Union Chapel Free Will Baptist church in this county. He had been a farmer all of his life and was highly respect ed throughout his community. He is survived by the following chil dren: thfree sons, Tom Bowen, of Norfolk, Va.: B. B. Bowen, of Pan tego; T. M. Bowen, of Plymouth; and three daughters, Mrs. Bertie Carter, of Plymouth; Mrs. Mattie Spruill, of Pinetown; and Mrs. Ruth Harrison, of Plymouth. He also leaves a broth er, Bob Bowen, of Beaufort County; and two sisters, Mrs. Fanny Daven port, of Plymouth: and Mrs. Betty Spruill, of Belhaven. -- Three From Creswell in All-Star Band Concert Creswell. Representing the Cres well High School Band in the 78 piece Eastern Division All-Star Band Concert in Greenville last Friday were Iris Spruill Walter Peele, and Louis Davenport. Virginia Woodley, was named a member of the band,, but illness prevented her attending. Director Bob Merritt accompanied the Creswell members. Dance lor Paralysis Fund At Creswell Tomorrow Creswell. A subscription dance will be presented at Hoyt's Cafe Friday j evening, beginning at 9130, sponsored by the infantile paralysis campaign fund committee. Mrs. J. M. Phelps is chairman of the dance committee, with Misses Alice Hamlet, Margaret Brown, Peggy Gibbs, Mrs. Clyde Smithson and Mrs. J. B. Davenport assisting. The public is invited to attend. City Authorities Take Steps To Plan Extension of Limits Percentage oi Population Increase in County Shows Gain Over Prior Census Washington County showed a gain in the percentage of increase in its population between 19.10 and 1940 over the preceding 10 year period, according to final figures on the 1940 census recent ly released by the Bureau of the Census. Between 1920 and 1930 the percentage of increase was only 1.5, while in the decade from 1930 to 1940 the percentage of gain was 6.2. The 1940 census gives Wash ington County a total population of 12,323 persons, against 11,603 in 1930, an increase of 720, or 6.2 per cent. The states as a whole had a gain of 401,347, from 3,170, 276 in 1930 to 3,571,623 in 1940. Ninety-one of the 100 counties gained in population during the last decade. Alamance, with an inereaes of 36.3 per cent, leading the way. All three of the incorporated towns in the county reported in creases, as follows: Plymouth, 2,161. against 2,139 in 1930, a gain of 322, or 15.5 per cent: Roper. 716. against 660 in 1930, a gain of 56. or 8.5 per cent: Creswell, 459, against 350 in 1930. a gain of 109. or 31.2 per cent. The first census of North Caro lina was taken in 1790, returning a population of 393,751. The population has shown an increase at every census since that time, but the rate of increase, 12*7, during the past 10 years was the lowest since that of 1860-1870. Local Building & Loan Association Doubles Resources in Past Year Third Full Year of Its Operation Is Best Since Organization Annual Report Also Shows Earnings Over Double That of Prior Year -$ Assets of the Plymouth Building and Loan Association were more than doubled during the past year, the to tal on December 31, standing at $47, 228.63, making the third complete year of operation of the organization the best in its history, according to a statement of condition prepared by Secretary and Treasurer M. W. Spruill for submission to the State Insurance Commissioner. These annual reports are required by law to be made at the end of the calendar year to the Insurance Com missioner, who has charge of super vising the work of building and loan associations. A comparison of the re ports of the local association for the past three years shows that on De cember 31, 1938, when the organiza tion had been functioning only about 14 months, total assets were $11, 461.70. On December 31, 1939, the assets had grown to $22,805.29; while during the past year the assets more than doubled, standing at $47,228.63 on December 31, 1940. Another striking feature of the re port is growth of undivided profits, representing earnings which will be applied to installment stock at its maturity. On December 31. 1938, un divided profits totaled $147.70. A year later, on December 31, 1939, this had grown to $852.27; and at the j close of business on December 31, | 1940, the amount was $1,180.17. Officers of the association are es pecially proud of the mortgage loans made by the association in its three years of operation, the total amount ing to $45,175 December 31, 1940. These loans and interest are being paid off in weekly installments by the borrowers, while the loans are secured by first mortgages on local improved real estate, and no case does the amount of the loan exceed 70 per cent of the appraised value of the property. Since borrowers have been making regular payments on the loans, in some instances for as long as three years, the value of the loans is constantly increasing. Loans made by the association have made it possible for a number of people to build or buy their own homes, while others have made ex tensive repairs to their old houses through the financial aid rendered by the organization. A total of $32,173.46 has been paid to the association on installment stock and $10,600 for full-paid stock. Interest is paid on the full-paid stock at the rate of 4 per cent, while the installment shares are expected to earn in excess of 5 per cent. Services Announced for Saints Delight Church PKESTON CAYTON, Pastor Services at Saints Delight Chris tian church Sunday follow: Bible school at 10 a. in., W. A Swain, superintendent. Church service at 11 a. m. by Pres ton Cayton, pastor. Subject: "God’s Covenant With Noah." Evening service at 7:30: subject, "Love." You are invited to attend all these services. Go somewhere to church Sunday, for Christ commands it. Af ter reading of war, and of many oth er things that happen in the world, on Sunday we can come to church and sing, pray, and hear words of hope which were, spoken by our Sav iour. The church awaits to welcome you. 1941 Farm Program Topic ai Meetings Landowners and tenants attended a series of meetings over the county last week, concerning the farm pro gram for 1941, the climax being reached at a general meeting here Monday morning, when J. E. Broome, of Aurora, district supervisor of the AAA, and Mr. House, state AAA com mitteemen, were speakers. Points that entered the discussions were: How a producer may earn the maximum conservation payment in 1941: soil-building practices which may be carried out in order to reach the soil-building goal: the stamp plan for voluntary cotton reduction: and how farmers may participate in the plan. County Agent W. V. Hays and his staff arranged the series of meetings throughout the county, which were attended by practically all the farm ers. At the general meeting here Monday, Messrs. Broome and House answered questions asked by the farm ers in attendance. W. Dewey Phelps, president of the Washington County Farm Bureau, attended several of the meetings and helped in the program. -s Over 10,000 Lunches Served in Schools of County in December rive Lunchrooms Now in Operation With 2 More To Begin Soon Twenty-one employees, operating the five school lunch rooms in Wash ington County, served 10.305 lunches during the montli of December, it was learned today from Mrs. Kathleen S. Nobles, supervisor of lunch rooms in this county. 'the lunches were served as follows: Plymouth, white, 2,711; Creswel), white, 3,100: Roper, white, 2,510; Macedonia, colored, 983; and Deep Bottom, colored, 1.001. The Sound Side colored school and both the Cherry white and colored schools will begin to operate shortly. Mrs. Nobles said. In addition to serving meals at the noon hour, some of the schools are also serving breakfast to under nourished children when they arrive for the day’s activities. Mrs. Nobles said plans are being made to give undernourished children meals during the summer, so that the weight they gain during the school term may not be lost during the vaca tion period. Many lost weight dur ing the summer in past years. Survey Being Made For First Addition In Foity-Five Years Representative Indicates He Will Ask That Public Hearing Be Held A survey is underway to outline the proposed extension of the city limits of Plymouth, and while the whole matter is still in a tentative stage, the surveyor will report to town officials as soon as his work is com pleted and more definite plans will be worked out. Representative W. M. Darden said while home during the week-end that before introducing a bill in the house to provide for the extension of the town's boundaries, he would ask city authorities to hold a public meeting which he could at tend, where both proponents and op ponents of the proposition would be heard. The survey now made would extend the present boundary eastwardly a straight line out Water Street to a corner at the Rankin Ambrose home on Highway 64, leaving out the plant and olfice of the Plymouth Box and Panel Company. Southwardly the line would go to Abb's Swamp, this side of Windley Cemetery, where it would turn west and go as far as the Springwood Dairy. Coming back to the present boundary, it would include the pulp mill village, but leave out the club house, golf course and the plant of the American Pork and Hoe Company. According to a competent observer, the proposed extension would add an estimated $300,000 worth of tax able property to the town’s present $1,250,000 property valuation and from 1,000 to 1,200 to the population. Proponents of the proposal point out that the town’s limits have only been extended one time previously in its 150-year history. About 45 years ago the boundaries were extended for the first time since it was originally laid out, it is said. A large number of houses have been built in the out lying sections during the past three or four years, and although exten sion of the city limits has been sug gested several times, no action was ever taken until this year. It is understood that if the limits are extended, the town will be obli gated to afford the added area fire and police protection, water and sew er lines, and garbage disposal service as soon as possible after the exten sion is authorized by legislative en actment. Although not obligated to do so, the local volunteer fire com pany has always responded to alarms from the near-by sections and ren dered such service as it could with the facilities available. Some of the larger property own ers in the area proposed to be added to the town are not objecting stren uously. although a few individuals have expressed themselves as violent ly opposed to the extension. Offic ials hope to work out an arrange ment whereby the extension can be authorized by the present session of the legislature with as little opposi tion as possible from the property owners in the area proposed to be added. Program of Services at Local Christian Church The following services for Sunday. February 2, at the local Christian church, were announced this week by the pastor, Rev. G. A. Hamlin: 9:45 a. m., Sunday school. 11 a. m.. morning worship. "Christ and the Lost." 7:30, evening worship; sermon topic "Daniel, Man of Courage.’’ Visitors are cordially welcomed. --<♦> Program of Services for Local Episcopal Church Services at Grace Episcopal church Sunday will be held as follows: Sunday school at 10 a. m.; W. B. Rodman, superintendent. Walter H. Paramore will teach the Bible class. Church service at 11 a. m., with sermon by W. B. Daniels, student minister, who will also conduct the Young People’s Service League at 7:30 p. m. County Representative Will Present Two State-Wide Measures This Week YV. M. Darden. Washington County Representative in the General Assembly, plans to intro duce a couple ot bills in the house this week, he said while at home during the week. The measures, botli of state wide nature, while not of out standing importance, are consid I ered essential by those who are affected. The first bill would permit rail road flagmen to use electric lan terns for signals, to replace the currently used oil lanterns. Tho state law calls for use of oil lan ^ terns but in latter years the elec more convenient and effective. The second bill would permit city and town officials to sell municipally owned real property at private sale. County authori ties have already been authorized to make such sales privately, but an old statute requires officials of cities and towns to advertise the property for four weeks be fore it can be sold, Mr. Darden said. Asked about any prospective lo cal bills which he might have un der consideration, the represen tative said that he did not have any in mind at the present tune, trie type have been found to be