YESTERDAY'S NEWS > Union-Bulletin, Saturday, January 15, 1955

All articles are from the personal newspaper collection of B. Koch.
Articles are reproduced as published; any errors are as printed in the original newspaper.

(Ed. note: this is an editorial.)
Off to a Good Start
    True to his profession, Dr. Ralph Stevens, 1955 President of Walla Walla's Chamber of Commerce gave the community and its needs and aspirations a most thorough diagnosis Tuesday and terminated his keynote address to the membership forum with a prescription and directions for carrying out the program.
    It was evident early that the new administrator possesses a broad grasp of what goes into the makeup of a modern, growing community and there were no phases of civic life overlooked in his evaluation of what each segment means to the total.  When Dr. Stevens had completed his report at the outset of a new Chamber of Commerce year anyone could interpret the part he or she needs to assume if the growth and development desired is to be achieved.
    Results of several years past have demostrated that through an organization such as the Chamber of Commerce, properly supported by the time, the effort and the funds of a sizable cross section of the business, professional, industrial and farming people here, a job can be done.  Planning is one of the prime essentials to success, and the working of the plan is a continuing process which requires individual and group effort and sufficient financing.
    Today's American communities have so many problems which can not be ignored, that one of the numerous functions naturally gravitating to a Chamber of Commerce is that of clearing house for ideas and a reservoir of leadership.  This city, in common with thousands of others, has a continuing problem of providing educational facilities for the growing population below voting age.  As an old-established distribution and trading center Walla Walla is looked to, and should continue to provide, more and better facilities for filling the needs and wants of a region of substantial radius.  Its size and nature has made this, also, a center for hospitalization, specialized care and treatment not easily provided in smaller communities.  Here are found facilities for conventions and conferences, and cultural and historical resources.
    Walla Walla needs to remind always of the superior assets nature bestowed here—pure mountain water, excellent climate, a minimum of pests and excesses of weather, recreational variety, deep, rich soil and lots of room for everyone.
    Through the years we have provided well for most of man's wants.  But while we live well here and enjoy an average income far above that for the nation, we recognize constantly the fields in which we would like to be doing more and better.  IN short, while we might be expected to show a degree of complacency, we do not.  Our sights are always set for new and desirable acquisitions in industry, business, the professions, etc.  Many of these objectives are a result of close cooperation, under the leadership of our Chamber of Commerce.
    This year, say most predictions, is destined to be one of our nation's most productive, by all yardsticks.  If Walla Walla is to share in its full deserts, the kind of program Dr. Stevens delineated will go far in getting results.  We are off to a good start and our hearts, minds and financial resources will be needed to give the impetus required for carrying on throughout the year.
* * *
    A new wrestler in these parts is listed as Wild Red Berry.  Probably one the customers like to razz?

• On This Date
January 15
    In 1888—Mercury at 16 below zero.
    In 1901—On motion of Council-man J. F. McLean city council set aside 40-acre tract on East Alder for a public park.
    In 1907—City approves plan for a separate fire station and city hall.
    In 1907—Twelve cases of smallpox in city.
    In 1924—Ed Wynn plays here in "A Perfect Fool."
    In 1934—County votes $20,000 for tuberculosis sanatorium.
    In 1937 — State Farm Bureau meets here.
    In 1950—Mercury minus one.
    In 1951—College Place granted sixth class city fire insurance rating, cutting rates 50 per cent.
    In 1953 — Whitman College receives $100,000 bequest from estate of Mrs. Harriet A. Grimshaw.

Car Plunges Into River After Chase
    Kennewick—A dunking in the Columbia river ended a youthful driver's wild attempt to avoid the Washington State Patrol Wednesday night.
    Patrolman Glen Rudy reported that the driver, Donald R. Boudreaux, 208 N. Colorado, Kennewick, was trapped between two patrolmen on the old Columbia river highway when his car skidded off of the road and landed in the Columbia. 
    After "plunking" the car in the river, Boudreaux opened a window and swam to shore as the ar settled into 15 feet of water.  As he crawled up the bank he was arrested by Patrolman Dale McLeod.
    Accoring to McLeod, he chased Boudreaux from just east of Kiona to where the car went in the "drink".  Speeds of more than 85 miles an hour were recorded by the patrolman during the chase.
    McLeod said that the youth went through three stop signs during the wild ride.  Kennewick police and Officer Rudy set up blocks but Boudreaux got onto the now blind Columbia highway and then was trapped between the two Washington State Patrolmen.
    The car's headlights were the only signs of the wreck as they shone up from the river bottom with a green glow.  It took a wrecker and a boat several hours to get the car out of the water.

Instruction in Three Crafts Is Given at Meting
    Walla Walla Hobby Clubbers received instructions in three crafts when they met for their January meeting Monday evening.
    While Mrs. Oscar Sanderson gave instruction to several members in the art of making hairpin lace, other members were busy with the making of aluminum trays under the guidance of Mrs. Joy Laughlin and Mrs. Stan Usko.
    Mrs. Ralph Manuel brought choice pieces of driftwood to instruct other members in the making of bookends and planter pieces.
    At the close of the meeting, Mrs. Manuel, president of the group, surprised members with a chili feed.  Guests at the meeting were Mrs. Clyde Harsin and Mrs. Lena Wilson.

P-TA Hears Polio Talk
    With the evening program devoted to information regarding polio and the March of Dimes drive, members of the Prospect POint P.-T.A. met Tuesday at the school.
    During business, it was announced that Club and Boy Scout troops would be sponsored by the P.-T.A. ways and means chairman Mrs. Tremayne Rea reported that additional lavatories had been provided in the building housing the first and second grades.  It was also announced that the 100-per cent membership goal had been reached.
    Traffic Problem
    Discussion centered on the traffic hazards encountered by children traveling between the school and the fire station.  A committee was named to study the situation and it is hoped that a safe route will be established.
    The city council will meet January 26 at Green Park school with Edison and Prospect Point schools as host groups.
    For the program, the film, "They Shall Not Want," was shown, picturing a hospital where patients are treated in iron lungs, rocking beds and wheel chairs, provided by the March of Dimes money.  The film had been produced by actress Helen Hayes.
    Ennis Heard
    Matt Ennis, local chairman of the March of Dimes drive, addressed the group, telling them of the progress that has been made in the fight against polio and listing the hopes yet to be realized.  He stated that 50 per cent of the funds raised in the county remain here and that the other 50 per cent goes for national research.  If the polio vaccine now in use proves successful, nine million children entering the first grade next year will receive shots.
    An open house was shared at the close of the meeting with parents visiting class rooms.  Refreshments were served by sixth grade mothers with Mrs. Bill Depping and Mrs. Ruddick in charge of arrangements.