11-14-2019 Tri-City Area History Page

Do you know this man? Have you seen this image of a man wearing a bowler hat with a blanket over his shoulder? If so, please contact North Berrien Historical Museum at 269-468-3330, office@northberrienhistory.org, or stop by Tues.-Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. they would love to hear your stories.

The Paw Paw River Journal

The Widow Maker

Many of the airplanes we used in World War II were nicknamed by the guys who flew them. One such was the Martin Marauder, a twin engine light bomber. At first our pilots were intimidated by them. They were fast, sleek, and had a narrow wing that necessitated higher take off and landing speeds. Otherwise they would stall out, and that meant curtains! So many crashed, the pilots began to call it “The Widow Maker!” Those who were training on it felt the blistering speed at which you had to land and take off was just dangerous… after all most of us who were taught to fly in the service were told that the ideal, the slow landing, was three points – landing gear and tail wheel. That meant, ideally, you would stall out just as you came in contact with the ground… perfect. Not so with the B26! When you took off, you held it down on the ground until you got things flashing by like gangbusters! When landing, you had to fly it onto the runway at that higher-speed, lest you stall out too soon! McDill Air Force Base in Florida was one place they trained pilots on that ship. And they had casualties. The pilots had a saying, “One a day in Tampa Bay!” Then someone had a hot flash! They trained a bunch of women pilots on them and then got them to deliver new planes to Tampa. The day they arrived, the pilots buzzed the field one by one and pulled up into a beautiful chandelle. Coming around they landed one by one, not a casualty among the whole bunch! And when they got out of their airplanes… they were women!!! And from being “The Widow Maker,” that airplane came to have one of the best safety records in the Air Force! Two of my friends flew in them during the war. One was Paul Richter, local insurance man. He was a navigator and led many bombing raids over Europe in B26s. Another was Ray Dlouhy. His dad built Crystal Palace, and their family ran the place for many years. They sold it just before it was destroyed by fire. I’ve written about Crystal elsewhere, and probably will do so again in the future. Ray married a Hartford girl, Dorothy Warren; and they lived in a beautiful home on Paw Paw Lake for many years. We used to visit Ray after he was alone, and lonely. He had a beautiful collection of big band music and memorabilia. We sometimes took him out to lunch and often swapped stories. We had the common bond of both having served in WWII. Marion loved those big band days, and we spent hours with Ray talking about them. Back during the war he was a flight engineer in the Air Force. He was stationed in Scotland on a B26 base. In fact, he was flight engineer for the commanding officer’s airplane. He had to make sure the ship was always in tip top shape and ready to go. He also went on trips with the CO, and they became friends. And it was one such trip that Ray told me about. The CO (Commanding Officer) had to travel to an Air Force base in France. The war was winding down, and we were in control of much of Europe again. They took off on a sunny day, Ray, his boss, and another pilot. The engines on that ship had never sounded sweeter… tuned to perfection by Ray and his crew of mechanics. They conducted the CO’s business at the base in France and were ready to start back. Here was a G.I, an Air Force kitchen worker, who had been on leave and was hoping to hitch a ride back to England. Ray’s boss said they could give him a ride to Scotland and he could easily catch a shuttle from there to his base in England. As they took off, Ray was thinking, oh boy… 4 people on board, and we only have 3 parachutes! Oh well, we’re not expecting any trouble anyway. Little did they realize… Over the English Channel all of a sudden with a loud Bang! the left engine blew up! It popped one of the cylinders right off and ground to a halt. Of course, the Col. pulled the fire extinguisher, cut off the fuel to the engine, and rigged for single engine running. Not much else to do except radio out a Mayday! And ask for landing instructions at the nearest British coastal airfield. And Ray’s worst fears were realized… 4 crew members and 3 parachutes! Well, they found the field and came in hot, hot, hot! Hydraulics knocked out, and one pull of the emergency brake would set it. When they touched down, the Col. did it, the brakes locked, and one of the tires burst into flames. They skidded along the runway amidst a shower of sparks and flames. The ambulance and fire department hurrying to catch up with them. Ray said when the crew crawled out of the smoking ship, a Women’s Air Force member watching them said in a loud voice, “Isn’t that just like those Yanks? Always have to do it different!” But they were all home safe, and lived to fly another day as we saved the world. Yes, I believe we did… and we were weaving golden threads into the Great Tapestry of Life in these storybook towns along the Paw Paw River.

Watervliet District Library News Story Hour

Story Hour for ages 3 – 5 is on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. (choose one) for the months of October to April. Picture books, crafts & fun designed to inspire the love of reading! Teen Table Projects November “Caption This” photos just begging for wit! STEM Kit Programs Snap Circuits – LEGO Robotics – Little Bits Electronic Inventions STEM kit programs for 8 years and up are designed for small groups to work together to make an endless number of inventions. New groups are set up with participants’ schedule in mind. Interested? Sign up at the desk! Family Movie Night Start weekends off with a treat! The 3rd Friday evening each month this fall means: Movies! Popcorn! Crafts! Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. is The secret Life of Pets; “Pet” plates. Third Monday Book Club Nov. 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. – The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah Pinteresting Arts & Craft for Grown-ups: Monday, Nov. 25, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Rustic Wall Hanging Yoga Mondays 9 – 10 a.m.; Wednesdays 7 – 8 p.m.; Fridays 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Chair Yoga – Wednesdays 6 – 6:30 p.m.

Coloma Library News Lest We Forget display

In honor of Veterans Day, the Coloma Public Library now has a display honoring military service, installed by the local southwest Michigan group “Lest We Forget.” This tribute will be on display at the library through December 5. Preschool Storytime Weekly storytime for toddlers and preschool-aged children is on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Registration is not required to participate in this weekly interactive experience that includes theme books, music, and hands on activity with Miss Alicia. Book Club The Coloma Public Library Book Club is meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m. The title to read before the discussion is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Local author Rosanne Bittner Immediately following the Book Club meeting on November 14 will be a special program with award-winning Coloma author Rosanne Bittner to celebrate the release of her newest title Ride the High Lonesome. Bittner will be available to discuss her books, answer questions, and sign copies of her works until 7:30 p.m.

NEWS FROM THE COLOMA COURIER

100 years ago – 1919 The county-wide “Welcome Home” given to the boys on Armistice Day was truly fitting of the service they gave their country. Decorated business houses, a monster civic parade, free dinner, and the laying of the cornerstone of the Methodist Peace Temple all were part of this most respectful celebration. The Coloma Commercial Club will meet with President H.G. Krake presiding. With the rush of the season’s work completed, it is hoped the club can resume business for which it was organized. 60 years ago – 1959 The Town and Country club met at the home of Mrs. Norman Erickson. They enjoyed a “Sample Tea” and talks by Coloma foreign exchange students: Marsan Beehler, Fame Betz and John Miller. We remember those whom have passed. Mrs. Sadie Kliger of Paw Paw Island, Mrs. Mary Emma LaMotte and Herman Leatz. Two Civil Defense squads have been established and will work with the Berrien County Civil Defense. Police Bill Muenchow and Harold Nitz are coordinators. Squad leaders are Joe Querfurth and Karl Stelter. The yearbook staff of the high school attended a seminar in Kalamazoo. They learned the correct layout plan and the importance of having a good “dummy.” 30 years ago – 1989 Candidates for Miss Coloma begin preparations for the Feb. 4 contest at the high school auditorium. The contest is sponsored by the Lions, assisted by the Lioness. It is chaired by Carol Miller, Jean Scherer and Sherry Polashak. Martha Darling, in her final duty as City Clerk, swore in all elected officers. In addition to Pupedis, Quigley and Hirsch, Fred Munchow was sworn in as Treasurer, Homer Umphrey as Constable and Barbara Wolfram as Clerk. Administrator John Hodges will hold a meeting to discuss plans for developing downtown Coloma. Karl Bayer and Bob Terry will be featured speakers. Submitted by volunteer Sandi Musick Munchow at Coloma Public Library from the Coloma Courier newspapers donated by the Tri-City Record. Hours: Mon & Fri, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tue, Wed & Thur, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Sat, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Phone: 269-468-3431

NEWS FROM THE HARTFORD DAY SPRING

100 years ago – 1919 With more enthusiasm than ordinarily attends the observance of the Fourth of July or any other national holiday, the people of southwestern Michigan turned out yesterday to celebrate Armistice Day – the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice which silenced the guns in the World War. Jack Meyers is moving his tailor shop from the H.N. Robertson building to the store in the Britton block recently vacated by the Maye Fitch millinery store. Hartford dancers will be privileged to hear the Herbert Winter orchestra of Benton Harbor at the Thanksgiving dance to be given at the town hall. 75 years ago – 1944 The 38-acre farm west of Hartford in section 20 which was recently purchased from Joseph Kubik will eventually be the site of industrial development of Auto Specialties Company of St. Joseph. The Philharmonic Club had a regular meeting at the home of Mrs. Bert DuVal. Ten members and two guests were present. The subject for the evening was “The orchestra as a medium of musical expression”. For roll call, members remarked about orchestra instruments and about performances of well-known orchestras witnessed by some of the members. Christmas Gifts to Yanks Who Gave is the slogan which has been adopted by the American Legion in its campaign to see that every serviceman and woman, sick or wounded, in service hospitals participates in the nation’s huge Christmas party for members of the armed forces in every foreign field, training camp and hospital. Dan Lightner, commander of the Hartford post, is chairman of collection of gifts here. Packages will be received at the office of Mrs. Leila Ingalls and the Day Spring in Hartford. 50 years ago – 1969 Stoddard post of the American Legion will observe Veterans Day with a 7 p.m. dinner on Saturday at the Legion Hall for all veterans and their wives. Department commander, F. Gerritt Veldman will speak and special guests will be fourth district officers. The post is also planning a Thanksgiving party at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov.14. Submitted by Librarian Stephanie Daniels at Hartford Public Library from microfilm copies of the Hartford Day Spring. Hours: Mon, Tue & Wed, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thur & Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: 269-621-3408

NEWS FROM THE WATERVLIET RECORD

90 years ago – 1929 For the bounteous harvests, thanks may be given. For the purpose of our day, thanks may be given. Our abundance is amazing. Our grain and oil and gold run into billions. The physical impossibilities of yesterday are the accepted facts of today. We sail under the water and into the air in ships. In a material sense we have wrought prodigiously. A billion-dollar trust is an ephemeral thing compared with the creed of democracy. Like a wizard’s flux, that creed has resolved unnumbered men of scores of conflicting races into the type of manhood hall-marked American. 60 years ago – 1959 Nick Vucich, 18, Watervliet, was selected as Berrien County’s outstanding 4-H Club boy for 1959 and was awarded the Leo Stanley Memorial plaque by Warner Jennings, president of the Benton Harbor Exchange Club. Nick has been a 4-H member for 9 years. He has been on the county honor roll at least twice and has received numerous county medals. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Austin are the proud parents of their baby boy, Richard Scott, born Nov. 3, 1959 and weighed in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces. The members of the Watervliet Fire Department canvassed their fourth annual drive for Muscular Dystrophy. When a fireman volunteer calls at your door, give thanks for your blessings by giving generously to wipe out Muscular Dystrophy. 30 years ago – 1989 Michael DeRosa, 14-year-old WHS student, shot and killed a 30-point buck. This is Michael’s first deer and also his first time hunting. Mike is a freshman at WHS. This kill could be one for the record books and is now being judged by the DNR at Otsego. In 1988, dozens of daffodils were planted. In 1989 – in an ongoing beautification project, the Building Beautification Committee planted twelve ornamental flowering trees in four locations around the front of Watervliet High School. Pat Geisler, adjusted studies teacher at North School, has been selected as Watervliet Public Schools “Employee of the Month”. Submitted by Sally Q. Gonzalez from files at Watervliet District Library of the Watervliet Record newspapers donated by the Tri-City Record. Hours: Mon & Wed, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tue, Thur & Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Phone: 269-463-6382