TOWN! OPICS <« Pfc. Camille Burgess Campbell and Pfc. Lydia Comstock, of the WAC, have returned to their station at Port H. G. W _,'.t, New York City, after spending a 10-day furlough with Mrs. Campbell's parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Burgess. They were at Nags Head last week with Mr. and Mrs. Burgess. Myron A. Kowalzuck, chief ma chinist’s mate, USN, is spending a 30 day furlough here with his wife, Mrs. Emily Waters Kowalzuck. He arrived Friday after two years of service with the Navy in the Europ ean Theater of War, having been sta tioned in England and Prance dur ing part of the time. Chief of Police P. W. Brown today reminded water consumers that there will be no period of “grace" for payment of bills this month. The City Council ordered him at the last meeting to take a wrench on the 20th of tile month and cut off the water of all persons whose water bills have not been paid at that time. "There will be no further notice,” the chiei said. Mrs. R. L. Bateman was removed yesterday to Duke Hospital in Dur ham. where she will undergo treat ment,. She was accompanied by her husband, R. L. Bateman, daughter, Mrs. C. W. Burnham, and Jack Hor ner. Mr. Bateman and Mr. Horner returned Tuesday night, but Mrs. Burnham will remain in Durham with her mother, who is expected to remain at the hospital for about a week. Dr. W. If. Johnson, local dentist, announced this week that his of fice would be closed all next week, starting Monday, August 20. Dr. and Mrs. Johnson and their children are planning to spend a week's vacation at Virginia Beach. Fewer tobacco barn fires than usual have been reported in the county this year. Up to yester day the only barn known here to have been lost was one belong ing to J. C. Tarkenton on the Sound Side road. At least four or five fires have been reported burned in the Dardens section in Martin County near here. i members of the Plymouth attended the Boy Scout camp er's landing, near Now Bern, .yk, returning Saturday af All of them had a good addition passed off work for advancement in rating or merit badges. Carol Ausbon (Brownie) Brown, of Plymouth, was promoted recently to the grade of electrician’s mate sec ond class in the U. S. Navy, it was learned this week from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Brown. He has been in the service for nearly five years and at the present is stationed with amphibious forces at Saipan. He was last home on a visit about 10 months ago. The Roanoke Beacon *»♦♦*** and Washington County News ******* A — ********* *„* * * Those Boys Need1 VOLUME LVI—NUMBER 33 Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina, Thursday, August 16, 1945 ESTABLISHED 1889 Japs9 Surrender Is Noisily Greeted Here E“S . __i i i k A A A i A j 97,000 Bushels ol Cucumbers Received | Al Local Plant; Growers Gel $71,100.19 mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmrnmm A total of S71.100.19 was paid out by the local C. C. Lang pic kle plant to cucumber growers of the section during the season which ended August 1, it was learned this week from C. YV. Dinkins, plant manager. About 57,000 bushels of cucumbers were put in storage at tanks here, while an estimated 40,000 addi tional bushels were shipped to other plants, he said. As a whole, producers made a little money on cucumbers this season. Mr. Dinkins said the average net return, above cost of production, was about S100 per acre. The season was favorable up to near the close, when con tinued rains put an abrupt halt to deliveries. About 800 acres were planted to cucumbers in the area served by the plant here. The acreage was centered in Washington County, with contracts made with some growers in the vicin ity of Columbia. Windsor and Hertford. Tobacco Markets Will Begin Selling Season Tuesday, August 21 st _ ~ —— ® Call No More Men Over 26 for Draff Men over 2G years of age no longer will be called for induc tion or pre-induction examina tions, it was stated yesterday by Mrs. Louise Dew. clerk to t\“ AVashington County Selective Service Board. An official tele gram to this effect was received by the local draft board shortly after noon yesterday. The new order affected one man who was scheduled to leave this morning for induction. He is Louis Ward Alexander, who was transferred from the board at Zebulon. Mr. Alexander was already in Plymouth and ready to leave this morning when he was called and told his induction | had been cancelled. . ~ - Little Damage Done by Fire Tuesday Morning Momentarily expecting the fire si rene to signal Japanese acceptance of surrender terms, many local peo ple were fooled for a few minutes Tuesday shortly before noon, when a fire alarm was turned in. The fire men were called to the home of T. A. Stubbs, where a trash fire threaten ed the house. Value of County Farm Crops Over 2 Millions Yield Reduced by Excessive Rains -— Tobacco and Peanuts Alone Worth Over $1,000,000, Survey Indicates -$ Despite some crop loss and dam age by almost continuous rains from late June throughout July, Wash ington County farmers are looking forward to a fairly good harvest sea son this fall. County Agent W. V. Hays last week estimated the total value of the seven leading crops would be worth in excess of $2,000, 000 although not all of them, such as corn and hay, will not be put on the markets, but will be used as feed for work stock on county farms. The value of cash crops will run well up towards a million and a half dollars, basing figures on a reduced average. The tobacco and peanut crops alone are expected to bring in considerably more than $1,000,000. to say nothing of sweet potatoes, soy beans, and some corn, all of which are normally shipped to produce centers. If normal yields could be expected, the total values would be much higher. The farm agent estimates there are 1.500 acres of tobacco in the county, and he figures the average yield at 750 to 800 pounds per acre. At the ceiling figure of 44'2 cents per pound, this crop will yield county farmers $534,000. The average yield last year was around 900 pounds per acre. Peanuts is the next largest cash crop in the county, and the largest in point of acreage. It is estimated there are 8.000 acres planted to this crop, which, at 8 cents per pound, will return $512,000, based on aver age yield of 800 pounds to the acre, which is nearly 50 per cent under the 1.200 pounds normally raised. The value of peanut hay, Mr. Hays said, would add possibly $80,000, but most of this is retained as feed on tSee FARM CROPS, Page 4) Two From County Work At Atomic Bomb Plant At least two Washintgon County girls are employed at the Clinton En gineering Works in Oak Ridge, Tenn., where the atomic bomb, which caused the sudden unconditional surrender of Japan, was developed. Miss Frances Stillman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Stillman, of Plymouth, has been there since Oc tober, 1943. Recently promoted, she holds a responsible position in the cashier's department of a branch of fice. Before going to Tennessee, she was employed at the Edenton Ma rine Base for two years. Miss Ruth Bray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon S. Bray, of Roper, is secretary to an official in one of the offices at the huge plant. L. E. Jackson Dies At Norfolk Home L. E. Jackson, well-known native of Washington County and resident of Plymouth for many years, died at his home in Norfolk. Va., Tuesday of last week. August 7. Born near here in the Long Ridge section, he ope rated a barber shop in Plymouth for about 20 years, leaving in 1910 to go into the insurance business in Nor folk. Mr. Jackson was about 80 years of age and retired from the insurance field ten years ago, continuing his residence in Norfolk since that time. Tire funeral was held in Norfolk last Friday afternoon, and interment followed in the oFrest Lawn ceme tery there. Among his friends and relatives attending from Plymouth were Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Jackson. R. L. Bateman, Mrs. Jack Frank, Mrs. Alfred Bratten and Mrs. W. B. Cox. He is survived by two sons. J. B. and Elbert Jackson, both of Norfolk; two daughters, Mrs. Barney Coyle, of Long Beach. Calif., and Mrs. Leslie Gimbert, of Norfolk; as well as sev eral nieces and nephews. Ceiling Average of 441 Cents Expected To Prevail in Belt Farmers of County Nearing End of Harvest; Quality Good, Weight Light Almost lost sight of in the sudden ending of the war with Japan is the fact that next Tuesday, August 21. marks the opening day of tobacco markets throughout the eastern Car olina belt. Most Washington Coun ty farmers have completed harvest ing and curing the crop, which is said to be of good quality although rather light, due to excessive rain. The acreage this year is estimated around 1.500 acres, but the yield probably will be considerably less than last year. The county agent does not think the crop will return more than 750 to 800 pounds per acre on an average, against better than 900 pounds last season. There was some loss on account of the heavy rains all during the month of July, when the crop was being harvested. However, the biggest loss will be in weight, since much of the gum was washed out of the leaves. Tire price may take up some of the loss, but total value of the crop is ex pected to be less than last year. The OPA has fixed a ceiling of 44'2 cents per pound average for the type of to bacco raised in this section. Last year the average was held to 4312 cents. Again this season, there are about 300 tobacco producers in the county, and many of them will have tobacco on markets nearest here opening day. Removal of gasoline rationing, announced yesterday, will permit more people than usual for the past few years to attend the initial auc tions. Prior to the war, opening day was generally regarded as a holiday by farmers, who flicked to the to bacco towns to take in the sights and get some idea as to how their indi vidual crops will sell. Last year the markets remained ' blocked” for weeks on end at the start of the season, causing delay in sales. Labor shortages and other un certain conditions may hold them up for a time this year, but, on the whole, a more satisfactory selling season is indicated. One Man Failed to Report For Draft Call Last Week Andrew Barnhill, county colored man whose last known address was in Norfolk, Va.. failed to report to the local draft board on August 8 for his pre-induction examination. Tire board is issuing a final call for information as to his present where abouts. and unless he is located with in the next few days, his name will be turned over to the FBI, it was stated yesterday. Seoul BuildingFund Now Stands About $1,800; Third of Goal However, Few Canvassers Have Completed Rounds And Made Reports The campaign to raise $5,000 for the Boy Scout Building Fund in Plymouth continues to make some progress, with the total now collect ed standing somewhere around the $1,800 mark, according to J. Shep herd Brinkley, chairman. Only a few solicitors have reported their can vass complete, and it is believed the total amound raised to date will ap proximate $2,000 when reports are in. At the Scout Building Fund rally held in the Christian church here Sunday afternoon, with a represen tative group of citizens present, it was decided to continue the campaign through the month of September. This action was taken at the sugges tion of several members of the local unions, who stated that due to other matters occupying their groups at this time, it might be better to con tinue the drive until their members could be reached. Interest in the Scout movement wU' also be revived with the o . school, it was pointed out, lengthening the drive will enabu. the sponsors to capitalize on the renewed interest. Some local business firms have been very liberal, It was stated, while others have indicated little interest in the building movement. The Scouting program is under a very definite handicap, due to lack of suit able meeting place, and no expan sion is possible until proper quar teres are secured. The Plymouth Merchants Associa tion voted unanimously Monday morning to give $100 to the fund. Other large donations include the $2,000 given by the American Fork & Hoe Company for purchase of the lot; $500 from the North Carolina Pulp Company. $200 from the Plym outh Box & and $100 from T ad dition, the Jofflfanti* individual con tributions have been made: Mrs. Doc Harris 50c; Howard Gay '(See SCOUT FUND, Page 4) -®-— Merchants Donate $100 to Scout Fund In addition to unanimously adopt ing a resolution to close local stores and business places on official V-J Day—and then disregarding it by an unofficial closing two days later— members of the Plymouth Merchants Association at a special meeting Mon day morning voted to make a $100 donation to the Boy Scout Building Fund. President L. S. Thompson also asked that officers be elected at the session, but it was decided to wait un til the next regular meeting in Sep tember. The following nominating committee was appointed to report at the September meeting: H. H. Allen. A. J. Byrd and T. C. Burgess. Just Drive in and Say Till 'Er Up' The Office of Price Adminis tration announced yesterday that rationing was suspended on gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, stoves and heaters, fruits and vegetables, effective immediately. At the same time it was stated that controls would be retained for some time on meats, fats, sugar, shoes and tires. This was tlie first direct divi dend to be received by the gen eral public from Victory over Japan. Federal officials have an nounced that other controls would be relaxed and removed as rapidly as possible, although some of them may remain in ef fect for a year or more, or until more supplies become available. Complete Capitulation Was Announced Tuesday Night Stores, Offices Close All Day Wednesday; Most Reopen Today Federal - State Employees Get Two Days; Official V-J Day Later President Harry S. Truman to day issued an official proclama tion, railing on the people of the nation to observe. Sunday, Aug ust 19, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer for Victory. It was emphasized that Sunday would not be V-J Day, which will be designated later by proclamation. Any official V-J holiday proclama tion will come as an anti-climax, so far as Plymouth industries and busi ness places are concerned.* With the exception of the pulp mill, two local garages filling stations cafe and a few others everything in town was closed tighter than a drum all day yesterday. A few stores remained closed today. The Manning Motor Company and House Chevrolet Company remained open until noon Wednesday and re mained closed all day today, Thurs day August 16. Mr. Manning and Mr. House announced that they would not close for any further ob servance of Victory Day. The Plymouth Merchants Associa tion held a special meeting Monday to decide the closing. At that time, it was voted unanimously to close for the remainder of the day as soon as the surrender was announced and then to close all day on official V-J Day. However, they spontaneously de cided to remain closed all day Wednesday after the surrender was announced Tuesday night, although President Truman announced that official V-J Day would be proclaimed later, following formal signing of sur render terms. It is presumed most local business houses will close when that day is proclaimed. Shortly after announcing the Japs had accepted the surrender terms, President Truman decreed a two-day holiday Wednesday and Thursday for all Federal workers, including those in post offices, rationing boards, and other agencies. It was left up to the local postmasters and office managers to decide on how much s' ' vice would be rendered. The post office here observ ed the regular holiday sched ule, making dispatches and putting up mail in lock boxes, Governor Cherry followed the President's lead and declared Wednesday and Thursday legal holi days for state employees, banks and ABC stores All wine, beer and whis key sales were ordered suspended during the two days. Special Service at Roper Church Sunday Morning The Rev. William B. Daniels, jr., will be the celebrant at a special Communion service of Thanksgiving for peace at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Roper, on Sunday morning. August 19. The service will begin at 11:15 a m. Prayers of thanksgiving and inter cession for safety in returning to their home will be offered for those who are serving in the armed forces. Presbyterians Services For Week Announced -e—— Friday 8 p.m. Young people's meeting. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday School. 3:30 p.m. Special World Day of Prayer. Church service with Rev. C. E. Hines, of Washington in charge. Tuesday, 8 p.m. Prayer meeting. Childern’s Catechism class sing ing and stories every Monday.! Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10 o'clock. Legion PlansHomecoming Celebration The Janies E. Jethro Post, No. 164. American Legion, last Fri day night laid the foundation for a homecoming celebration to be staged here in honor of returning service men. No definite date was fixed, but the event pos sibly may be held about six months after V-J day, or as soon as a large percentage of service men from the county return home. Commander W. H. Johnson appointed a planning committee, consisting of about 20 Legion naires and headed by P. W. Brou n as t hairman, to solicit funds and perfect the plans to make the homecoming day a suc cess. It is planned to make the cele bration something that eac.. per son in the county will want to take part in. A committee from every organization, including churches, vs ill be invited to meet with the Ia-gion post at its next meeting. Individuals interested in the celebration also are urged to attend. P. B. Bateman was delegated to secure speakers for the oc casion, and the hope was ex pressed that he would secure Governor Cherry and Represen tative Herbert Bonner. It is also hoped that the Norfolk Drum and Bugle Corps and one or two other hands may be secured to provide music for the occasion. A tentative goal of 52.000 has been set to defray the expenses of the celebration, but members of the post said they expected to secure an even larger sum. so that nothing will be lacking to make it the most successful event of its kind ever staged in Washington County. IN PHILIPPINES u Mi's Helene E. Duvall, daugh ter cf Mr. and Mrs. It. A. Du vall. of Plymouth, lias arrived in Manila, P. I., to serve the armed forees as an Ameriran Red Cross stall assistant. Before her Red Cr. ss appointment. Miss Duvall wa employed by the Consoli dated- Vultee Aircraft Corpora tion. in Eli/.abelh City, as a sec retai.v. She is a graduate of the State Teachers College, Har risonburg, Va. Plymouth Native Dies in High Point High Point.—Funeral services for William H. Hall, 73. son of the late W. H. and Courtney Hall, of Plym outh. were held Sunday afternoon and interment was made in Cary. Mr. Hall died at his home here Satur day morning. He was a native of the Plymouth section and was married to Carrie Bonner, of Aurora. He was a mem ber of I he Methodist church. Surviving are his wife: one son, W. B Hall, of Greensboro: a daughter. Anne Montague Hall, of the home: two sisters, Mrs G. H. Harrison, of Plymouth, and Mrs. W. A. Swain, of Raleigh: three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Fighting Continues In Many Sections Despite Surrender | Whistles Blow, Bells Ring And Autoists Parade to Mark End of War Following a falsr start Sunday night Plymouth's V-J Day celebra tion got underway shortly after Pres ident Truman announced Japanese acceptance of unconditional surren der a few minutes after 7 o'clock I Tuesday night. Whistles blowing, church bells ringing, automobiles pa rading with horns wide open, the noise-making continued for the bet ter part of three hours, after which the celebrants quieted down to a large extent. A few pistol and shot-gun blasts were heard, but for the most part the noise was produced chiefly by factory whistles and automobile horns. The fire siren was sounded for two minutes to start the celebra tion. and both fire trucks circulated through the town with sirens open just to be sure that nobody missed the news. All local churches held brief serv ices of thanksgiving, starting about 7:30 to 8 o'clock, and all of them were very well attended. Such stores and cafes that were open closed almost immediately and, ex cept for the sporadic parades of auto mobiles, the streets were deserted in a few hours. I President Truman, after false re ports and rumors had circulated for hours, issued the following historic statement at 7 o’clock Tuesday eve ning : "I have received this afternoon a message from the Japanese govern ment in reply u the message for warded to that government by the Secretary of State on August 11. 1 deem this reply a full accept 'uilc of the Potsdam Declaration which specifies the unconditional surrender of Japan. In the reply there is no qualification. "Arrangements now are being made for the formal signing of sur render terms at the earliest possible moment. •See SERRENDER. Page IT Contract Let for New Theater by Brinkley Seven Roper Scouts At Council Camp Last Week Roper.—Seven members of the Roper Boy Scout troop spent last week aL the Boy Scout camp at Fish er landing. Scoutmaster R. M. Armstrong and J. L. McAllister, jr., his assistant, made this trip possible for the boys in cooperation with H. G. Harris, the Plymouth Scoutmaster. All of the boys made progress in the Scouting program and give glowing j reports of a happy and profitable week. -—