From the Newtown Enterprise, May 1945:
Newtown quietly marks V-E Day
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Editor's note - Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies on Monday, May 7, 1945, but President Harry Truman did not make an official announcement until the following day, designated as V-E (Victory in Europe) Day. While Americans were grateful, rejoicing was low-key because the war against Japan continued. The country would not erupt in wild celebrations until V-J (Victory over Japan) Day on Aug. 15
The official announcement of the end of the European war was received quietly in Newtown on Tuesday. A few places of business closed at 9 o'clock and nearly all others closed at 3 o'clock.
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In the evening, prayer services were conducted in the churches.
The realization that an all-out celebration of the peace so urgently longed for was premature, was confirmed by the sight of the May quota leaving on Monday for induction into the Armed Forces.
The people of Newtown are thankful that one phase of the war was over and hopeful that the remaining member of the Axis [Japan] could soon be defeated.
Newtown Exchange Club hears about war loan drive
The Thursday evening dinner meeting of the Newtown Exchange Club was enlivened by a series of Treasury motion pictures in support of the Mighty 7th War Loan Drive.
The first, "Mr. and Mrs. America," recorded the last pictures of the late President Roosevelt [who died April 12, 1945], with his earnest message on the absolute necessity for the participation of all in this mightiest of war loans.
The second picture was "Mission Accomplished," and showed an aircraft carrier with aircraft returning from a bombing mission. The third was entitled "Voice of Truth," which gave the actual voice and propaganda of Tokyo Rose [a woman who broadcast English-language radio programs from Japan to American troops in the Pacific].
J. Edward Bloesinger, County Chairman of War Finance, was the guest speaker of the evening. Because of the importance of this particular drive, his address was based on the necessity of securing the concerted support of the active business men of this community.
Bucks County bought six million dollars worth of bonds in the 6th War Loan Drive. Mr. Bloesinger said we should be very proud of our county, as Bucks is first among all the counties in the country as far as deductions from payroll are concerned, based upon per capita participation.
Newtown's quota for the 7th War Loan Drive is $140,000 of "E" bonds and $100,000 of "F" and "G."
American Legion post plans to build home
With the appointment of a building committee authorized to prepare plans, get bids and prepare to build as soon after the end of the war as possible, the Morrell Smith American Legion Post is prepared to realize its long-held ambition of a home of its own.
The home, which will be known as the Veterans Memorial Building, will be erected on the lot on West Centre avenue acquired from Watson and Edna Hillborn. The lot is about 500 feet deep, extending from Centre avenue to Penn street, and has 175 feet of frontage on Centre avenue.
It is planned to erect a building 45 feet wide and 92 feet deep, with the main entrance at street level on Centre avenue. On the first floor front will be lobby about 18x16 feet and a kitchen 27x16 feet. Behind these will be an auditorium 75x45 feet with a stage at the south end.
This room will seat 300 people. The idea is to have it available for community meetings, plays, dances, suppers and other uses.
Because of the sloping nature of the lot, which abuts Newtown Creek, it is possible to have a basement entirely above ground. This will have space for three meeting rooms and toilet facilities.
Post Commander Harold H. Conrad says the plan represents a careful study of the needs of the returning servicemen and the needs of the community, and he sees no reason why the two cannot be combined in one project.
The post already has title to the lot and considerable money that has been accumulated over the years toward the erection of the building. It will conduct a campaign to raise the remainder of the needed funds so that the building may be paid for when erected.
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Newtown High School holds commencement
The graduation activities of Newtown High School came to a climax on Tuesday evening with the commencement exercises at Newtown Hall.
A class of twenty-seven, two of whom are now in the Armed Forces, was graduated during the impressive ceremonies, the first class to be graduated following the accrediting of the school by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges.
This accrediting means a great deal more than just the honor to the school. To graduates it means that their credits will be accepted by colleges that might otherwise reject them.
Following the invocation by Dr. Edmund Sills, rector of the Newtown Episcopal Church, two orations were given: "American Vision," by Catherine Gallagher; and "A Challenge to American Youth," by Pearle Yates.
Dr. Francis Harvey Green, Headmaster Emeritus of Pennington School in Pennington, N.J., delivered the address of the evening in his characteristically vigorous and inspiring manner. Dr. Green, now 84, is still thrilling audiences with his astonishing flow of beautiful, precise words and phrases, and at the same time entertaining them with his clever wit.
His commencement address emphasized four verbs which he considered among the most important in the English language: I am, I can, I ought, I will.
John H. Yundt, supervising principal, presented the Balfour Award to Edward Maher for the most outstanding scholarship, loyalty and achievement for the four years in high school. The award consists of a sterling silver key, and the engraving of the name of the recipient on a plaque in the school.
Newtown water company repairing reservoir
The is making extensive repairs and alterations to its plant and reservoir to the north of the town.
A careful use of water will be required for a few days while the reservoir is out of use. Water users will be given ample notice. Then the pumps will run night and day pumping directly into the mains.
The original electric pump is being removed from service and a larger and more dependable pump is being installed. There are several pumps at the water works and this one carries the main load. An automatic valve is also being installed in order to keep the water pressure constant in your pipes.
At the reservoir, the entire basin will be covered with six inches of concrete and a new catwalk installed around the basin so the water may be more easily treated. The concrete will be extended fifteen inches above the ground level in order to keep out leaves and dust blown by the wind.
Superintendent Wesley Pownall also announced that the company is extending the main north on State street to provide for future use of water at the new Edgeboro development of Russell Janney.
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Newtown Notes
Word has been received from Sgt. Henry Kroger that he has returned to active duty after spending seven weeks in a hospital on an island in the Pacific. He states that he is just receiving some of his Christmas mail from Newtown.
Little Tommy Hennessy, son of Mrs. Lawrence Hennessy, Maple avenue, celebrated his third birthday on Wednesday.
Sgt. Charles L. Cassar, who is serving with the 30th Infantry Division in Germany, has been awarded the Bronze Star.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Blevins, of North Lincoln avenue, announce the birth of a son, James Thomas, in Doylestown Emergency Hospital on Tuesday.
Miss Sarah Wilkes was guest of honor at a party celebrating her 17th birthday, given by the girls of the Junior Class of Newtown High School on Monday evening at her home on Court street. She received many beautiful gifts.
Tuesday was the 20th anniversary of the wedding of Leon H. Milnor and Jane Hutchinson Milnor, of East Centre avenue. They have one son, Taylor Milnor.
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Winters have received the Purple Heart decoration from their son, Pfc. James E. Winters, who was wounded in action in Italy on March 19.
Richard Steele, Fireman First Class, U.S. Navy, who has been in the Pacific area for many months, is home on a thirty-day leave.
Lt. and Mrs. Andrew Dillman, of Chancellor street, announce the birth of a son in Mercer Hospital on Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. H. Griflin Miller spent a few days this week at their cottage at Ocean Grove, N.J.
Janet Ellen Hofmeister, of Court street, is recovering nicely after her tonsil operation in Doylestown Emergency Hospital on Thursday.
Seaman Second Class Earl F. Hutchinson returned to the Portsmouth, Va. naval base after a fourteen-day leave spent with his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Earl Hutchinson of North State street.
