New Year's Outlook at the Outset of 1941 With War Looming

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Happy New Year dear Pelham!  As we look forward to 2018 with confidence and optimism, our Pelham ancestors had their own views of the future on New Year's Day at the outset of 1941.

Though the winds of war were blowing in Europe, as New Year's Day passed in Pelham at the beginning of 1941, no one knew that later in the same year the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor and draw the United States into World War II.  Instead, at the beginning of the year, the local newspaper asked local merchants and village officials to provide their outlooks for local business and their thoughts about what would happen in the upcoming year.  Some of the forecasts were surprisingly astute and on point.  Others, not so much. . . . 

War was on the horizon.  A common thread among virtually all who provided their forecasts for the upcoming year was the need for national defense and a hope that peace would prevail in Europe before the United States could be drawn into the war.  

War preparations and national defense improvements had begun to lift the United States out of the dark depths of the Great Depression by 1940.  Many local businessmen noted that their businesses had done well in 1940 and that the Christmas holiday shopping season had been successful.  

Several business people expressed near certainty that the New York, Westchester & Boston Railway would resume service though Pelham under the auspices of the Port Authority in 1941.  All hoped that such a resumption of service would improve the business climate of the Village of North Pelham.  The bankrupt railroad never resumed service and the railroad line eventually was dismantled.

Local village officials were quick to note that they were not advocating consolidation of the villages but were advocating for closer cooperation among the villages to reduce duplication of efforts and expenses.  Taxes, it seems, were on the minds of Pelhamites that New Year's Day -- exactly as they are today for modern Pelhamites.  As one village official put it, "I should also like to see the Pelham villages working in closer co-operation, with a view toward eliminating duplication of effort and expense.  While I am not at this time advocating the consolidation of the villages, I do believe that it will be possible during the next year for village officials to get together on a program of combined action of certain agencies in the village governments.  Any effort of village officials to reduce expense will be welcomed by the taxpayers.  That should be a New Year Resolution for local officials."

As one would expect, Pelham business people were looking for ways to encourage Pelham residents to buy locally -- just as their counterparts today do.  One forecast the possibility that more electric lights would be installed along Fifth Avenue to encourage evening shoppers.  

All who expressed their hopes for the new year of 1941 on that day more than 75 years ago spoke with love for their Town and Villages.  The hopes of each shed interesting light on how much we Pelhamites today are like those who came so long before us.

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"1940 Good Year For Local Business; Merchants See Good Outlook For 1941
-----

A fairly prosperous year 1940 and hopes for an even more prosperous and happy New Year provided the keynote to the thoughts expressed by Pelham merchants interviewed by The Pelham Sun this week.  All voiced the wish that in 1941, Pelham should and undoubtedly will continue to develop into a real and thriving center of business and culture.  Following are statements of the merchants.

Willard N. Young, Manager of the Pelham Branch Bank:  'Standing at the opening of a new year, there is little firm ground on which to base a future prediction.  Even the eternal certainty of taxation is qualified by the more important consideration of unknown degree.  The most dependable probability is a continuation of rearmament activity.  The consequences of our own increasing involvement may also appear in definite form.  The coming months will furnish anxieties about the outcome of the war; about our own participation in it; about effectiveness of our own defense efforts and the like.  1941 will be a year for history.

'Local business at the bank continues to show improvement as it has in the past.  Deposits have in-

(Continued on Page Five.)

1940 Good Year For Business
-----
(continued from page 1)

creased a half-million dollars.  Commercial, interest, Christmas club accounts, and safe deposit boxes show a decided increase over last year.  We look forward to a better business at home in 1941.'

Mayor Dominic Amato of North Pelham:  'The world will remember the Year 1941 as one of great importance, just as it will not forget the years 1939 and 1940.  We can earnestly hope that the international situation will be cleared up this year, so that 1942 may not be viewed in the same dark international aspect.  Let us all in the United States remember that we are 100 per cent Americans, and steadfastly hold to the true tradition of Democracy, and stay out of foreign wars, yet ever be ready to defend that which is ours.

'For the Pelhams I have high hopes of continued progress.  It is practically certain that the New York, Westchester & Boston Railroad will be operated again under Port of New York Authority supervision, which will provide through train service to the 180th street terminal of the subway.  This will be a decided boon to North Pelham and to other communities which have been at a standstill since the train service was discontinued.  This single project will be the biggest contribution toward progress that can be made during the next year.

'I should also like to see the Pelham villages working in closer co-operation, with a view toward eliminating duplication of effort and expense.  While I am not at this time advocating the consolidation of the villages, I do believe that it will be possible during the next year for village officials to get together on a program of combined action of certain agencies in the village governments.  Any effort of village officials to reduce expense will be welcomed by the taxpayers.  That should be a New Year Resolution for local officials.'

Mayor Edmund C. Gause of Pelham Manor:  'I look forward to a prosperous year 1941 for the residents of Pelham Manor.  The municipal house of the village is in excellent order, and during 1941 the taxpayers may be assured that the program of efficient management will be continued, with a view toward economies which will permit the present reasonable tax rate to be maintained, and if possible reduced.

The officials and employees of the village of Pelham Manor extend to all citizens, their very best wishes for happiness and success during 1941.

'I hope that we in Pelham, in this country, and in the world will take our time to think and make social, economic, and political adjustments to the best advantage of all.  I feel that we must be prepared for any eventuality but at the same time, keep our noses out of any business that is not concerned in our behalf.'  --  John House, prop. of the Pelham Stationers, 89 Wolf's Lane.

'Business has been generally good, and I think we can look forward to the new year with optimism.  During 1940 many people who live in Pelham started to realize that they can purchase in Pelham what they need, just as conveniently and sometimes cheaper than they could have elsewhere.'  --  Albert Wise, Wise Hardware Store, 129 Fifth avenue.

'For a town of this size with the existing population, we had an excellent business year and holiday shopping period.  I would like to suggest for the New Year, that the merchants of Pelham get together and strive to put up more electric street lights on Fifth avenue and Wolf's Lane.  This would establish Pelham as more of a shopping center to both residents and those who pass through the town.  I think the extra lights would make Pelham more attractive in the minds of prospective dwellers, too.'  -- Joseph Klein, Klein's Pharmacy, Fifth avenue.

'In comparison with past years, 1940 proved to be a good business year.  Christmas shopping was good, and I just hope 1941 will end up as well.'  --  Freeman York, Florist, 211 Wolf's Lane.

'I would like Pelham to develop as a place of business even more during the new year, and would also welcome the building of a few more apartments in the town in 1941.  We were satisfied with out business record of 1940 and hope we do as well this year.'  --  Irving J. Wallach, Carolina Markets, 217 Wolf's Lane and 304 Fifth avenue.

'Our old year business and Christmas shopping was good, and we hope for the same in 1941.  We wish every one a Happy New Year.'  --  Clarence Russell, Pelham Pharmacy, 1 Fifth avenue.

'We had a good Christmas shopping and general business throughout the year and hope for a similar increase next year.  In 1941, I'd like to see the Boston & Westchester Railroad in service again for Pelham's benefit.  Of course, we all pray for a lasting peace abroad during the new year.'  --  Herman Glasser, Pelham Paint & Hardware Co., 311 Fifth avenue.

'To the people of Pelham, I wish health and wealth for the new year.  For the world in general, I'd like a universal and lasting peace to be ushered in with 1941.'  --  Samuel Dreyer, Dreyer's Pharmacy, 85 Wolf's Lane.

'I've been in Pelham now for 15 years and during the next 15 years I hope I see as much or even more business development in the town.  All the years I've spent here have been good business years, but more growth will bring better business for everyone in the town.  As a real New Year's wish, I'd like to come to work some morning and see in the headlines that peace had been declared in Europe.  The sooner the better.'  --  Dave Campion, stationer, 5 Fifth avenue.

'With the national defense program rapidly swinging into full operation, Pelham real estate may now look forward to its share of the resulting prosperity.  Pelham being one of the more attractive suburban residential communities, is in an excellent position to take full advantage of the many opportunities now afforded it.'  --  Hubert M. Finnerty, Fourth street and Sixth avenue."

Source:  1940 Good Year For Local Business; Merchants See Good Outlook For 1941, The Pelham Sun, Jan. 3, 1941, Vol. 30, No. 40, p. 1, cols. 2-3 & p. 5, cols. 5-8.

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An Escaped German Prisoner of War Was Captured by North Pelham Police in 1945

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It was 5:45 p.m. in the late afternoon of Saturday, October 20, 1945.  North Pelham Police Patrolman Charles Keller was patrolling in a prowl car on Washington Avenue in Pelhamwood.  Something did not look quite right to Patrolman Keller.  He noticed a stranger loitering suspiciously on Clifford Avenue near its intersection with Washington Avenue.

Officer Keller watched the man as he walked toward, and turned onto, Highbrook Avenue.  At the same time, Officer Keller noticed a friend of his walking Highbrook.  His friend was off-duty Patrolman James Cappalino of the New Rochelle Police Department.  Officer Keller called out to his friend who climbed into the patrol car.  

Officers Keller and Cappalino rolled up to the stranger and hopped out of the car.  Officer Keller asked the man what he was doing in the neighborhood.  The man replied in fluent English -- with a heavy German accent.  He claimed he was trying to find a girl from Pelham whom he had met in New York City a few days before.  He couldn't, however, remember her name. . . . . 

Officers Keller and Cappalino searched the man for weapons and found in one of his pockets fifty two U.S. War Bonds each in $25 denominations.  The War Bonds were made out to Guy F. Lewis, of 72 Church Street, Highland Falls, N. Y.  The stranger could not explain why he had so many War Bonds in his pocket.  The two officers arrested him for vagrancy and took him to the lock up in Town Hall.

Patrolman Keller of the North Pelham Police Department had good reason to be suspicious of any stranger.  His Chief had instructed members of the department to pay special attention to strangers and to question them closely because the FBI, the United States Provost Marshal, New York State Troopers, and the Police Departments of several New York communities were searching for an escaped German Prisoner of War who had fled from a work gang detailed from a German prisoner of war camp near West Point, New York known as Camp Popolopen (misspelled in news articles quoted below as "Oppalapp").  The prisoner of war was named Martin Jacobi.  Officers Keller and Cappalino had captured Martin Jacobi without a fight.

According to one source, during World War II, the United States Army purchased land where a summer camp once stood near Lake Popolopen and adapted the remnants of the summer retreat "as Camp Popolopen, a POW camp for German prisoners.  After the war, the name was changed to Camp Buckner."  See Popolopen, Wikipedia -- The Free Encyclopedia (visited Aug. 19, 2017).  

On Tuesday, October 16, Martin Jacobi was toiling among the members of a work gang near Camp Popolopen when he escaped from guards.  He fled into nearby Highland Falls where he entered the home of Guy F. Lewis.  There he raided the refrigerator, ransacked the home, and stole the 52 War Bonds found in his pocket when he was captured.  He discarded his prisoner of war uniform and stole a suit from the home.

From there, Jacobi hitchhiked into New York City where he sold one of the stolen $25 War Bonds for three dollars.  He slept in the subway and hopped subway cars and elevated trains to make his way around the City.  While on an elevated train in the Bronx, he saw a passenger reading a newspaper with an alert and his photograph in it, so he hopped off the train in the Bronx and walked to Bronxville.  There he slept in a field and burglarized another residence where he exchanged the stolen suit he was wearing for a "better one."  Once again he raided the refrigerator in the Bronxville home.

He returned to New York City in his new suit and, early in the day on Saturday, October 20, he rode the subway to 242nd Street, hopped off, and walked to Pelham.  There he burglarized the residence of Edwin H. Muir of 4 Benedict Place in Pelhamwood and, once again, raided the refrigerator.  After burglarizing the Muir residence, he was wandering the area when Officer Charles Keller noticed him and, with Officer Cappalino of New Rochelle, captured him.

The two officers received wide acclaim for their meticulous attention to their duties and for the capture of an escaped German prisoner of war.  Jacobi was returned to the prison camp near West Point.

"PATROLMAN CHAS. KELLER" The North Pelham Police

Officer Who Captured the Escaped German Prisoner of War.

Escaped German Prisoner Of War Captured After Robbing

Pelhamwood Home -- Patrolman Keller In Prowl Car With

New Rochelle Policeman Off Duty, Arrested Martin Jacobi,

26, Saturday Night.  Prisoner Had $1,200 in Stolen War

Bonds in Pocket.  Had Recently Finished One Year Military

Sentence for Larceny, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 25, 1945, Vol.

36, No. 28, p. 1, col. 4. NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge. 

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"Escaped German Prisoner Of War Captured After Robbing Pelhamwood Home
-----
Patrolman Keller In Prowl Car With New Rochelle Policeman Off Duty, Arrested Martin Jacobi, 26, Saturday Night.  Prisoner Had $1,200 in Stolen War Bonds in Pocket.  Had Recently Finished One Year Military Sentence for Larceny.
-----

While the F.B.I., the West Point military authorities and police departments of the country over were seeking Martin Jacobi, 26, an escaped German war prisoner, who disappeared from the Oppalapp camp, near West Point on Tuesday, Oct. 16th, an alert North Pelham policeman, Charles Keller, picked him up on Highbrook avenue on Saturday evening and had him safely locked up in Town Hall jail a few minutes afterward.  Keller was assisted by Patrolman Cappalino, a New Rochelle policeman, who was off duty and walking along Highbrook avenue at the time.  Jacobi is wanted by Highland Falls and Bronxville police, the U.S. Provost Marshal and State troopers from New City, N.Y.

Keller was in the prowl car, alone, when he saw Jacobi, and determined to question him.  He called to Cappalino who got into the car and the pair caught up with the escaped prisoner near Washington avenue.  This was about 5:45 p.m.

Jacobi claimed he was trying to find the home of a girl whom he had met in New York a few nights before but could not remember her name.  Keller frisked the man for weapons and in a hip pocket found Jacobi had a large number of war bonds, 29, which he could not explain.

At police headquarters he was first held on a vagrancy charge.  Police found his description tallied with the escaped prisoner who was wanted at West Point.  To Patrolman DeFillipo, Jacobi admitted he was the man.

Had Ransacked Pelham House

At 10:30 that evening, Edwin H. Muir of 4 Benedict Place, notified police that his home had been entered and the place ransacked.  Jewelry and other valuables were untouched.  Clothing had been taken.  Jacobi admitted having entered the Muir home Saturday afternoon, and Mr. Muir identified the shoes and undershirt that Jacobi was wearing as having been taken from his home.  The suit he was wearing was identified by Mrs. Sarah [illegible] State trooper from New CIty, N. Y., examined the prisoner on Sunday morning.  The trooper was accompanied by a woman from New City whose name is withheld.  She identified the prisoner as the man who had called at her home on Wednesday and asked for food.  While she was preparing some sandwiches she claimed he attacked her, but she beat him off.  This incident Jacobi denied being concerned with.

Stole $1,200 in War Bonds

Jacobi claimed that immediately after his escape from Oppalapp Camp from a work gang on Tuesday, he had taken a suit of clothes from the home of Guy F. Lewis, 72 Church street, in Highland Falls, N. Y., and 52 War Bonds of $25.00 each and had thumbed a ride to New York City, where he sold one of the bonds to a soldier for $3.00.  He had slept in the subway, and was on an El train in the Bronx when he saw his picture in a newspaper which a passenger was reading, so he got off at the next station, and walked alongside a little river to Bronxville, where he slept in a field and entered the Rounds residence where he exchanged his suit for a better one.  He returned to New York and on Saturday early rode the subway to 242nd street and walked from there to Pelham.  After entering the Muir residence he was walking along Highbrook avenue when Patrolman Keller and Patrolman Cappalino of New Rochelle, off-duty, arrested him.

Jacobi speaks English fluently, but with a marked German accent.  He was captured three years ago while a sergeant in a tank corps of the German army.  He told North Pelham police that he knew Germany couldn't beat America and advised his comrades to give up and be taken prisoners.

Served Military Sentence for Larceny

Jacobi was recently discharged from the U. S. Disciplinarian Barracks at Green Haven, N. Y., where he served a year for larceny.  

Mayor Dominic Amato complimented Patrolman Kelley on his smart capture and the manner in which the North Pelham police were responding to the orders of Chief Hugh Shannon to be on the alert and question everyone they saw who appeared to be a suspicious person.

North Pelham police took charge of the articles which Jacobi admitted taking from Bronxville and Highland Falls homes.

Jacobi was examined by Judge Lawrence F. Sherman in village court on Monday night.  Being an escaped prisoner of war he was given into custody of Captain William A. Parness of the military police at West Point and was taken by him to the military reservation.

Source:  Escaped German Prisoner Of War Captured After Robbing Pelhamwood Home -- Patrolman Keller In Prowl Car With New Rochelle Policeman Off Duty, Arrested Martin Jacobi, 26, Saturday Night.  Prisoner Had $1,200 in Stolen War Bonds in Pocket.  Had Recently Finished One Year Military Sentence for Larceny, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 25, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 28, p. 1, cols. 4-5.  

"German 'P-W' Seized In Pelham Confesses Three Burglaries

Fugitive From Camp Upstate Arrested With Stolen Bonds, Clothes In His Possession

NORTH PELHAM -- A German prisoner-of-war who escaped Tuesday from a camp near West Point was arrested here by a North Pelham Patrolman Saturday afternoon and admitted committing three burglaries -- one in Pelham on the day of his arrest.

Patrolman Charles Keller, while on Washington Avenue, at 5:45 P. M., observed Martin Jacobi, twenty-six, loitering near Clifford Avenue.  The man's suspicious behavior led Patrolman Keller to confer with Patrolman James Cappellino [sic], of New Rochelle, who was walking his dog in the vicinity while off duty.  When they questioned Jacobi, and his answers were not satisfactory, they picked him up on a charge of vagrancy and took him to headquarters.

Search of his clothes revealed 49 war bonds of $25 denominations made out to Guy F. Lewis, of 72 Church Street, Highland Falls, N. Y.  Jacobi admitted burglarizing the Lewis home last Wednesday, police reported, and said he took a blue serge suit and overcoat in addition to the bonds, discarding his 'PW' uniform for these.

Police said he also admitted burglarizing the home of Harry M. Rounds, Chairman of the Eastchester Republican Town Committee, 20 Crows Nest Road, Bronxville, on Friday.  There he exchanged his stolen clothes for a light-weight suit.  He confessed that he also took a check for $27 issued to Mrs. Rounds, police said.  At each place he entered he 'raided' the ice box and had a hearty meal.

While he was being questioned, a report was made to police of the burglarizing Saturday of the home of Kenneth Muir, Benedict Place, where an undershirt was taken and the ice-box 'raided.'  Mr. Muir, who discovered the robbery at 10:30 P. M., identified the shirt worn by Jacob i as that stolen from his house, according to police, and Jacobi admitted the burglary.

He was arraigned Saturday night before Judge Lawrence Shermon in Special Sessions on a charge of vagrancy, and will be arraigned today at 8:30 P. M. before Judge Sherman on a charge of burglary."

Source:  German 'P-W' Seized In Pelham Confesses Three Burglaries -- Fugitive From Camp Upstate Arrested With Stolen Bonds, Clothes In His Possession, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 22, 1945, p. 1, cols. 1-2.

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Pelham Did More than Its Share During the Third War Loan Bonds Initiative in 1943

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Pelham, like all of America, was at war with Germany, Japan, and the Axis powers in 1943.  The world needs to understand that when our Town of Pelham is part of the war effort, the world doesn't have a chance against America -- and Pelham.  

In 1943, the outcome of World War II was still unresolved.  America, however, was fighting with resolve and had little doubt about the eventual outcome.  The country began its third of eight major War Bonds sales that eventually raised about $186 billion of bonds -- often noted as more than $2,000 per person in the United States when the average annual income per person was $2,000.  

It is almost impossible, given our current political situation, to understand that every American in 1943 had singular focus to preserve the American way.  Every person in Pelham from the youngest school child to the most elderly resident supported the War effort in every way possible.

One such way, of course, was to purchase War Bonds.  Bonds were available in denominations from $25 through $1,000.  Additionally, Americans could buy War Stamps for ten cents apiece.  The stamps were saved in special tiny stamp albums that, when full, could be redeemed for a War Bond.  As one might guess, War Stamps often were sold to children who wanted to do their part for the war effort.  Indeed, as will be seen below, the children of Pelham were shockingly successful raising money for the War effort through purchases of both stamps and War bonds.  

"Even a little can help a lot - NOW -- Buy U.S. WAR STAMPS

& BONDS"  A World War II War Stamps and War Bonds

Poster Showing a Mother and Daughter Affixing U.S. War

Stamps Into Their Own Albums With What Presumably Is

The Husband's and Father's Military Hat Next to the Girl.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

There were eight "War Loan Drives" held during and shortly after World War II.  In 1943, Pelham residents participated avidly in the Third War Loan Drive held from September 9 to October 1, 1943.  Communities, including Pelham, were assigned quotas of the amount they were expected to raise during such War Loan Drives.

For the Third War Loan Drive, Pelham was assigned a quota to raise $600,000 (about $8.44 million in today's dollars).  Virtually everyone in town participated including schoolchildren, adults, men's and womens' clubs, and businesses.  Indeed, if not every single business in town participated, then virtually every last one did from grocery stores, delicatessens, stationery stores, dress shops, the local newspaper and more.  Nearly sixty businesses helped raised money for Uncle Sam by selling War Stamps and War Bonds.  Kiosks were opened in many such businesses where the bonds and stamps were sold.

One local business, Dreyer's Drugstore, ran a "Victory Guess Contest."  Every time anyone purchased a War Stamp in Dreyer's they were allowed to write down a guess as to the exact date the United States would win the war against Germany.  Written guesses were slipped into a "Victory Barrel" in the drugstore to be opened (and a winner declared) when the war with Germany ended.

Pelham schoolchildren were extremely excited about the War Loan Drive.  If they could raise $100,000 to fund the purchase of a Grumman fighter aircraft.  In the case of any such purchase, Pelham kids were entitled to name the aircraft.  After weeks of effort and a vote by all Pelham schoolchildren, the name "The Pelham Hellcat" was selected by a mere six votes out of the 1,500 votes that were cast.  Now it was up to the kids to raise the money.

Pelham schoolchildren were merely following the lead of their parents.  Earlier in the war during an earlier War Loan Drive, Pelhamites easily raised $100,000 to fund the purchase of such an aircraft.  That aircraft was named "The Pelham Pilgrim."  

Patriotic Pelham and its schoolchildren did the job!  By the end of September, the Town of Pelham raised $1,188,454 (with more coming in during the days thereafter).  This was the equivalent of more than $16.7 million in today's dollars.  The massive full page headline of The Pelham Sun published on September 30 screamed "MILLION MARK PASSED AS BOND BUYING NEARLY DOUBLES QUOTA".

Front Page of the September 30, 1943 Issue of The Pelham Sun.

Even better, Pelham schoolchildren would have their "Pelham Hellcat."  The kids of the Town raised nearly $10,000 MORE than the required $100,000 to fund such an aircraft.

Pelham was doing its best for the war effort.  As with all other War Loan Drives during the War, Pelham did more than its share.

1943 Advertisement for Pelham Store's Contest to Encourage

Pelhamites to Buy United States War Bonds in the Third War Loan.

Source:  DREYER Announces a Victory Guess Contest [Advertisement],

The Pelham Sun, Sep. 30, 1943, p. 3, cols. 5-8.  NOTE:  Click on image

to Enlarge.

To facilitate search, the text of the advertisement shown immediately above appears below:

"DREYER Announces a Victory Guess Contest

Our War With Nazi Germany Must Be Won . . . Shall Be Won . . . And Will Be Won . . . However.  We On The Home Front Must Never Relax Our Efforts To Help Win This War and Win It Soon.  We All Can Help by Buying All The War Stamps and Victory Bonds We Can Possibly Afford.

With Every Purchase From Us of a 25c Savings Stamp We Will Give You a Contest Blank On Which You Mark Your Estimate of When the War With Germany Will End.  The One Who Estimates The Nearest Date Will Receive from Us a $25 Bond Free.

The Purpose of This Contest IS TO STIMULATE THE SALE OF DEFENSE STAMPS
-----
We Place No Limit On The Number of Times You Wish to Estimate As Long As You Buy A 25 Cent Savings Stamp Which Remains Your Property, and Your Investment in Our Victory.
-----
ALL CONTEST BLANKS ARE DEPOSITED IN THE VICTORY BARREL IN OUR STORE.  THE BARREL WILL BE OPENED ON THE DAY HOSTILITIES WITH GERMANY CEASE.  THE WINNER'S NAME WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE PELHAM SUN AS SOON AS A COMPLETE CHECK IS MADE."

1943 Advertisement in The Pelham Sun to Encourage Purchases

of Extra War Bonds.  Source:  OUR DEMOCRACY -- By Matt

[Advertisement], The Pelham Sun, Sep. 30, 1943, p. 2, cols. 3-4.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

To facilitate search, the text of the advertisement shown immediately above appears below:

"OUR DEMOCRACY -- by Mat

EVEN THOUGH YOU'VE BOUGHT AND BOUGHT, REMEMBER THAT OUR BOYS HAVE FOUGHT AND FOUGHT AND THEY'RE GOING TO KEEP RIGHT ON FIGHTING UNTIL THEY WIN.  BACK THEIR ATTACK WITH EXTRA WAR BONDS THIS MONTH."

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Below is the text of just a few of the countless news articles published in 1943 about Pelham's successful Third War Loan drive.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"MILLION MARK PASSED AS BOND BUYING NEARLY DOUBLES QUOTA
-----
Chairman of War Savings Staff Rejoices at the Great Response of Pelham People to the Call for Third War Loan; May Even Reach a Million and a Half in Determination to 'Back the Attack.'
-----

'Pelham has already subscribed more than a million dollars to the 3rd War Loan and the final total may be more than double the original quota of $600,000 before the Campaign officially ends.'  'That is the good news in the announcement by Carroll B. Haff, Chairman of the Pelham War Finance Committee.  The actual total subscribed so far in the Campaign $1,188,454.

'Pelham was the first town in Westchester County to have attained its quota, and we hope we shall have the added distinction of being the first to double its quota,' said Mr. Haff to a representative of The Pelham Sun.

'Again I want to give credit where credit is due.  The Women's Committee, of which Mrs. John F. Condon, Jr., is chairman is directly responsible for over $520,000 of our total.  Furthermore, the record shows that the women of our community have been the largest individual purchasers of bonds. . . . [partially illegible table omitted]

School Children Buy $53,059.60

'The school children are well on their way in their program to purchase enough stamps and bonds

(Continued on Page Three)

MILLION DOLLAR MARK PASSED IN THIRD WAR LOAN
-----
(Continued from Page 1)
-----

to present our fighting forces with a Grumman fighting plane, the last word in the air.  Their combined total up to Saturday, Sept. 25th was $53,039.65, and since that campaign runs until Oct. 15th, there is little doubt, according to Mrs. George T. Amis, chairman of the School Committee, that the children will have the satisfaction of having the name they select painted upon one of the new fighting machines.

'Willard N. Young, manager of the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon, Pelham Branch, reports that from Sept. 1st to the close of the business Saturday, Sept. 25th, a total of $527,325 in bonds has been sold by the Branch in Pelham.

'As has been pointed out, from time to time, in my reports our total figures do not tell the whole story, for several reasons.  First, many people are buying bonds through the Pay Roll Deduction Plan of the concern with which they are associated.  The combined purchases through these plans run up into real figures, yet we get no credit.  Second:  for business reasons, many people must purchase their 3rd War Loan bonds through their New York connections, and again Pelham gets no credit for these most substantial amounts.  Third:  we know of many Pelham residents who have made their purchases of bonds through their banking connections in New York and other cities, and have given up their home address as Pelham, thinking that we would get the credit.  Let me make it clear that unless you report your purchases directly to the Pelham War Finance Committee, we cannot get the credit for Pelham.  

'Please let me make this appeal.  Report your purchases direct to us promptly this week.  Your report will be held in strict confidence, and no one, other than the one person to whom the report is made, will know of it.'"

Source:  MILLION MARK PASSED AS BOND BUYING NEARLY DOUBLES QUOTA -- Chairman of War Savings Staff Rejoices at the Great Response of Pelham People to the Call for Third War Loan; May Even Reach a Million and a Half in Determination to "Back the Attack", The Pelham Sun, Sep. 30, 1943, p. 1, cols. 1-8 & p. 3, col. 4.  

"OVER THE TOP! WITH A BANG!
-----

More than a million dollars of War Savings Bonds and Stamps have been purchased by residents of the Pelhams during the last two weeks in the Third War Loan campaign.  

It is a glorious answer to the call of Uncle Sam to subscribe $600,000 -- our quota.

It's the sort of answer that makes us feel proud of our town, proud of its people, and must be a grand tonic for the men of our armed forces when they learn that what has been done in the Pelhams is being repeated all over this country.

Most of us have sons or relatives in the fighting forces.  To let them down by not raising our quota would have been akin to treachery.  To nearly double our quota is the finest moreal tonic that our men can have.  It means they and their allies shall have everything needed to carry on the war in the most vigorous manner until Victory is proclaimed for our side, and we can look forward to our boys coming back home.  

Quite optimistically last week we saw the quota passed and saw a million dollars on the horizon of Pelham flood of bond buying.

It arrived.  It has been exceeded and it is possible that the people of Pelham will have invested more than two and a half times their quota before time is called at the end of this week.

Hurry up and get in those last minute purchases this week so that they may be recorded.

Think of what a like result to this all over the U. S. means to our fighting men -- more munitions, more tanks, guns, planes, ships, bombers and fighters, subs and machine guns, food and clothing for those who are suffering cold and hunger in foreign lands.  A work of mercy going hand in hand with the methodical business of destroying our enemies who forced this fight on us.

More than a million dollars -- only $600,000 was requested.  That's our answer, and there's some more where that came from if and when it's needed."

Source:  OVER THE TOP! WITH A BANG!, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 30, 1943, p. 2, col. 1.  

"GREAT EFFORT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BOND DRIVE
-----
Mrs. J. F. Condon, Jr., Chairman of Women's Division, Reports Final Totals Exceed $100,000.
-----

The school children of Pelham are not to be outdone by their elders.  Last week was the final week of their campaign to purchase enough stamps and bonds to provide our boys at the front with a Grumman fighter plane.  Sales for the week ending October 9th were $9,751.10 making a remarkable total in the campaign of $105,766.05.

'The children went over the top last week,' said Mrs. John F. Condon, Jr., chairman of the Women's Division.  'They just added almost $10,000 more this week for good measure.  Perhaps that will buy additional radio gear and confidential equipment for the plane after it leaves the factory line.  We hope so, anyway.'

The vote on the name was very close, 'The Pelham Hellcat' won by the margin of only 6 votes over the next most popular name.  More than 1,500 votes were cast.  The votes were counted by Mrs. Condon, Mrs. George W. Amis and Mrs. T. H. Holmes.

Burris Jenkins, Jr., internationally known artist and cartoonist, has volunteered to draw a sketch of a 'Hellcat' in color, under which will be painted, 'The Pelham Hellcat,' and Mr. Cowan of the Grumman Aircraft Corp. has announced that he will be delighted to have this sketch transposed

(Continued on Page Twelve)

Pelham Hellcat Is To Be Name of Plane Bought by Pupils
-----
(Continued from Page 1)

and painted on the plane to identify and designate it as the one bought by the Pelham school children.

Sales of stamps and bonds in the schools are as follows:

SCHOOL:                                Week ended Oct. 9th
Colonial:
Stamps..............................$      91.80
Bonds................................$ 4,050.00
Cumulative Total................$16,611.65

Hutchinson:
Stamps..............................$     165.85
Bonds................................$     350.00
Cumulative Total...............$ 10,091.10

Prospect Hill:
Stamps..............................$      166.45
Bonds................................$      250.00
Cumulative Total................$   9,359.80

Siwanoy:
Stamps..............................$       127.80
Bonds................................$       550.00
Cumulative Total................$  15,288.45

St. Catharine's:
Stamps..............................$       281.80
Bonds................................$    2,050.00
Cumulative Total................$  31,585.35

High Schools:
Stamps..............................$       386.15
Bonds................................$    1,025.00
Cumulative Total...............$   22,829.70
Conversions......................$       256.25

Total all schools 
week ended Oct. 9th         $    9,751.10
-----
Cumulative total 3rd
War Loan Drive.................$105,766.05

*     *      *     *

Sale of stamps and bonds in the booths were as follows:

Weeks ended Sat.        Oct. 9                  Oct. 2
A&P:
Stamps.........................$      143.60        $     179.00
Bonds...........................        225.00               400.00
Railroad Station:
Stamps.........................        145.90               170.05
Bonds...........................        200.00            3,350.00
Girl Scouts, Pic. House:
Stamps.........................          72.05                 65.00
Bonds...........................        150.00               850.00
Woman's Exchange:
Stamps.........................          35.50               118.40
Bonds...........................        150.00            7,600.00
Manor Club:
Bonds...........................                               5,000.00
Country Club:
Stamps.........................          30.00                 30.00
Bonds...........................     1,157.00
Merchants' Committee:
Stamps.........................        314.55              381.70
Bonds...........................     2,775.00           9,750.00
Pelham Knitting:
Bonds...........................                              4,000.00
All Schools:
Stamps, bonds.............      9,751.10        42,975.45
Lions Club:
Stamps.........................           68.50               55.00
Bonds...........................           50.00             100.00
Pel-Oaks Prog. Club:
Stamps.........................           11.00
Bonds...........................         250.00


Weeks ended Sat.        Oct. 9                  Oct. 2

Abarno's drugs.............$       103.30              251.25

I. Kahn, jeweler.............         105.00               10.00

Harris' drugs.................         106.00               10.00

Boren, stationer............           46.00               32.00

Lorman, stationer.........           26.00                  1.00

Hugo's Dlctsn...............             4.00                  4.00

J. V. Restaurant...........             5.00                   5.00

Pel. Ladies Shop..........         100.00                  8.70 

Dreyer's drugs..............           63.50              660.00

Mary El. Clark...............           54.00                25.00

Pelham Stationers........                                  101.25

Grand Union Stores:

113 Wolf's lane..............             2.00                 2.00

Pelham Manor...............         142.25               21.50

York, florist.....................           28.00               25.00

Pel. Hghts. Mrkt.............             8.00             107.00

Lane Stationers.............            20.00               10.00

Party Package...............              5.00               50.00

Klein's drugs..................              8.75               14.75

5th Ave. Bakery.............               2.00                5.00

Edward's Salon.............              10.00         1,833.00

Pel. Pain, Hdw..............             150.00            512.50

Manor Grocery..............                4.00                 5.00

Grand Store..................              27.50               25.00

Park View Drugs...........                5.00                 5.00

Wolf's Ln Dlctsn............              10.00                26.50

Wolf's Ln. Prod..............                5.00                 2.00

Pel Mel Salon................            105.00              111.00

Edwards Dresses..........              25.00                25.00

Pel. Wines, Liqs............              50.00                25.00

A. Archigian...................                1.00                  1.00

Schwartz, cigars............                1.00                  1.00

Swiss Cleaners..............              58.75                25.00

Millie's Salon..................            100.00                50.00

Manor Stationers...........               20.00               62.50

Pel-Station Gar..............               50.00               50.00

Dorothy Gaye................                  1.00                1.00

Alice Beauty...................                10.00            302.00        

Manookian, rugs............                  5.00                5.00

Walsh, plumber..............                  1.00              25.00

5th Ave. Salon...............                  2.00                2.00

Wise Hardware..............                  2.00                3.00

The Pelham Sun............              115.00              90.00

Amato's Garage.............                 8.50               32.50

Mirabelli, tailor................                 1.00               51.00

Elite Cleaners.................                 2.00                5.00

Lawler & Larsen..............      28.00               1.50

Beacon Cleaners............                12.00              12.00

Pel. Hand Laund.............                10.00

Bats, N. Y. Clean............                  2.25         5,050.00

Crystal Clean..................                 50.00              12.00

Arthur's Salon.................                125.00              25.00

A&P Manor......................           8.75                8.75

Safeway Stores...............                 25.00                7.00

Gristede Bros.:

  Fifth Avenue..................                210.00              10.00

  Wolf's Lane...................                   10.00            210.00

Martin's Salon.................                    5.00

Milbrandt, E&W...............                                  50.00

Cammerano's.................                   25.00              25.00

Totals..............................           $3,089.55       $9,750.00"

Source:  GREAT EFFORT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BOND DRIVE -- Mrs. J. F. Condon, Jr., Chairman of Women's Division, Reports Final Totals Exceed $100,000, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 14, 1943, p. 1, col. 6 & p. 12, col. 6. 

"Pupils Exceed Grumman Goal

PELHAM - Pelham's school children went over the top last week in their campaign to buy enough war stamps and bonds to purchase a Grumman fighter plane, it was announced today by Mrs. John F. Condon, Jr., chairman of the women's division of the War Finance Committee -- and this week they have added nearly $10,000 for good measure -- enough, perhaps, to buy additional radio gear and other equipment for the plane after it leaves the factory.

The winning name for the plane, 'The Pelham Hellcat,' was chosen in a contest by a margin of six votes.  More than 1,500 votes were cast, which were counted by Mrs. Condon, Mrs. George W. Amis and Mrs. T. H. Holmes.

Burris Jenkins, Jr., noted cartoonist, has offered to sketch a 'Hellcat' in color, under which will be printed 'The Pelham Hellcat.'  The Grumman Aircraft Corporation has agreed to have the sketch transposed onto the Pelham plane."

Source:  Pupils Exceed Grumman Goal, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 15, 1943, p. 8, col. 4.

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