The Enterprise (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 39, No. 22, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 31, 1951 Page: 1 of 14
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Mercedes Area Newspapers and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library.
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?°xaZ94S
Canal Break Leaves Mercedes Water Lines Dry
MUSETTES
By Woody Hargraves
Our wheel-chiar magazine and
newspaper salesman friend, J. L.
Fikes, this week had a visit from
his brother Carter and T. J. Jr., of
San Perlita. Carter is from New
Braunfels and he hadn’t visited
here for some time . . . they vis-
ited also with their parent, T. J.
Sr., while here.
❖ * ❖
The car and midget races set for
tomorrow will see two speed mer-
chants in a grudge race . . . Ma-
yor Watson and Jack Skelton will
mix it up for 8 laps . . . Buddy
in his Ford and Skelton in his mid-
get . . . seems the argument lies
in comparative pick-up and handl-
ing on the circuit • . , oughtta
be interesting.
* * *
Dick Bigden is back after a period
of hospitalization and grip-
ing at us for not writing him . . .
and we griping because he hadn’t
sent for us to come see him up there
in San Antonio . , . anyway Dicy,
we’re glad you are hack . . . and
speaking of being BACK, well just
remember that Woody Tullis hasn’t
gone anywhere, except where he has
always been . . seems a lot of
people got an idea that because the
name of the business was changed
that Woodie was no longer there
. . . he is STILL THERE, just as
ugly and onery as ever.
Our friend Mr. Pemelton out east
of town, gave us a realy nice mess
of okra the other day, and Mr.
Weatherford and R, E. George have
invited us out to a chicken dinner
one of these days . . • guess ole
Newse.tes won’t get very hungry
long as he has'friends like that. .
* * *
Vic Morava has a sadly scorched
face resulting from a brush fire
which he started with the aid of
gasoline • . . looked like he was
about half-done when we saw him
Monday at the coffee table.
* * =K
A project which should be devel-
oped locally is crafts training for
Latin - American Valley residents
. . . San Antonio has such a pro-
gram, and it has provided a year-
round income for some time for a
number of their Latin population
. . . weaving, leather work, sil-
ver work, sewing, garment man-
ufacturing and: a lot of other small
jobs could be provided with the
production being sold to tourists and
Valley residents . ■ . it is worth
study, and it has possibilities for
year-round incomes where few now
exist . • . and who knows whether
one or several of these trades might
not develop into more important op-
ortunities ?
* * *
Bill Seibert this week assumes
the management of the Humble sta-
tion formerly operated by Tommy
Ewing, known as Ewing Humble
Station. . . Bill is one of the
Valley’s old-timers also, since he
was born and raised here . . .
good luck Bill.
* $ =#
Conrad DeJong, son of Mr. and
Mrs. “Dee” De Jong, who run the
Mercedes Drug Store, was almost a
one man show at fire Donna grad-
uation exercises the other day . • .
he was awarded a scholarship and
high boy award, he was president
of the class ... he was awarded
his diploma, he was awarded a gold
medal award fo honor band student,
he was awarded the Lions Club cit-
izenship award and bond for $25,
he played two trumpet solos, and
his dad was called to the stage to
receive a floral tribute from the
class for Mrs- DeJong, in honor of
her interest in the class and its
activities . . . Mrs. DeJong was
present but was unable to receive
the award personally due to a ser-
ious illness the past week or so, from
which she is now recovering . . .
we can’t blame his parents for be-
ing proud of such a lad, for we
know he is a pleasant, unspoiled boy
who is talented and hard working
. . . he plans to continue ■ his
musical career in college . . .
good luck, Conrad.
s ^vvvvvmwvuvuvm^vvvvvvvvvvvvvuvvvuvvvvuvm^vvvvvvvvvw^
THE MERCEDES NEWS-TRIBUNE AND
THE ERIE
Building
For a
Better
Community
ATTEND CAMP
Jimmie Schwarz and Millie Pin-
kerton of Mercedes will be leaving
on June 2 for Camp Tres Rios, Glen
Rose, Texas to attepd the State Y-
Teen Conference. Camp Tess Rios,
which belongs to the Dallas
Y.W.C-A., is a beautiful camp on
the bank of the Brazos River. ____
A hundred Y-Teen club leaders
from throughout the state of Tex-
as will be attending this conference,
the purpose of which is to give these
girls an opportunity to learn more
about the Y.W.C.A. and the Y-Teen
Club program, and to help them de-
velop leadership for carrying out
their responsibilities in their own Y-
Teen clubs next year.
Seibert Leases Ewing
Humble Service Station
BH1 Seibert has leased the Ewnig
Humble Station at Hiway and Ohio
and will operate it as the Seibert
Humble Service Station, it was an
nounced this week. Bill has been as-
sociated with the Ewing Motor Com-
pany here in the past as parts room
manager, and has recently been
employed at a motor company in Mc-
Allen .
He Is a life-long resident of
Mercedes. Bill invited his friends to
visit him, and adds that personnel
would be unchanged, with Ben Pe-
rez, remaining in the service de-
partment which will feature expert
washing, waxing, greasing, tire
1 service etc.
THEY GAVE
Among the donors of canned
milk for the needy children of this
community were the following:
Mercedes Furniture ________________ 1 case
Willie Fitz, Rainbo sales ---------------
______________________________________ 1 1-2 cases
Harry Austin ________________j------ 1 case
HEB employees ___________________ 1 case
Daricraft Milk products _______5 cases
Pet Milk Company _____________ 1 case
HEB Food Stores _____________ 6 cases
Abe Baum _________________________ 4 cases
While these are by no means all
the persons or companies who gave.
it is with gratitude that the Liom
Club thanks them and all others who
aided in the successful drive. The'
pick-up boxes in local grocery stores
aided greatly in the successful work,-
which provided over 65 cases of
milk for needy children.
Mrs. H- J. Menton has returned
from San Benito where she under-
went major surgery at the Dolly
Vinsant Hospital. She is doing niee-
ly.
THE FAVORITES OF MHS — Winners of the popularity
contest for 1951 are: Tony Ortega, Armando Saldana, Jack
Graf, Blanca Hinojosa, Jeanne Bazar, and Hilda Ramirez.
(Photo by Harman & Howell)
\ VOL. XXXIX—No. 22 MERCEDES, TEX., THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1951 $2.00 PER YEAR—5c COPY
Water Tower Line
Being Laid; Two
Weeks To Finish
Completion of the 500,000 gallon
storage tank for Mercedes has been
reached and the liO blocks of 10-inch
pipe from the connection of the
mains at 2nd and Ohio to the tower
is now being laid.
Supt. H. L. German pointed out
that during the next two weeks
there may be pressure shortages at
times and even no water for short
periods of time for certain areas
affected by the new main being laid
to the tower. Much of the work
that requires shutting off service to j
certain areas will be done during
the night hours,” he said, ‘‘but we
do want the public to know that a
few small delays in water service
may be necessary.”
Work on the big main to the
tower is being done by the Bobo
Construction Company, subcontract-
ing under Marchant Construction
company, holders of the overall con-
tract for water and sewer improve-
ments. The connection of the line
to the tower will make available an
extra 500j000 gallons of water stor- j
age never before available and will
also maintain water pressures at a
safe level, with conformity to state
fire department requirements both
as to storage and pressure.
Bids Asked For
Housing Project
For IN Families
Bids are being asked for the 100
family Housing Unit Project this
week, according to Mrs. R. G. Boi-
ler, Jr-, executive director of the
project. The units will be in 38
houses in two groups. Land pur-
chases for the project have been
completed, according to Mr. John
Bowe, attorney, and cost $10,300.
Bids will be opened on June 22,
and upon acceptance of the win-
ning bid, work is expected) to start
very shortly, according to Mrs. Boi-
ler. Members of the Housing Au-
thoity board for Mercedes are Mrs.
R. G. Boiler, Jr-, executive director;
Floyd Langford:, chairman; Chas.
Hupp, vice-chairman and A. Baum,
Harold Rowland, and E. K. O’Shea,
membes- John Bowe is attoney.
Grudge Race Will
Feature Friday
Race Meet Here
Mayor G. E. “Speedy” Wat-
son has challenged Jack “Killer”
Skelton to a winner-take all race
Friday night. Watson will drive
his Ford V-8 on the 8-lap fea-
ture against Skelton’s midget.
“He’ll be eating my dust all the
way”, Skelton informed the
Enterprise Wednesday.
Another 100 laps midget and
stock car races will begin at 8
p.m- at the 'Mercedes Show-
grounds. Skelton predicted that
this would be the biggest and
best card yet, if the wet track
jinx coul be skipped this Fri-
day.
Lt. B. J. Waller here points out to Pvt. Joe Cantu, Pfc. Ignacio
Garcia and Cpl. Oscar Gorena the important points of the train-
ing tank assigned to the local Guard unit. Those interested in
joining or in obtaining further information may apply at the
barracks or talk to Jack Humphries, Commander, who is man-
ager of the Tide station here.— (Photo by Harman & Howell)
New Laredo Plan!
Will Double Power
Output Of M
Central Power and Light Com-
pany’s Laredo Power Station, an
all-new ylant and the third largest
in the CPL system, was placed in
regular operation Tuesday, May 29.
A dedication ceremony at the
Laredo Country Club, followed by
pa conducted tour of the new plant,
marked the occassion. Lon C. Hill,
president of Central Power and
Light Company, dedicated the new
plant to the service of the people
of Laredo and South Texas. Mayor
Hugh Cluck of Laredo responded and
George A. Mills, engineer in charge
of design and construction, explain-
ed the workings of the new power
station. Chester C. Wine, CPL’s
Laredo District manager, was mas-
ter of ceremonies- Invited guests at
the dedication included city, county,
school an Federal government of-
ficials, rural electric coopeative of-
ficials, the press and manufactur-
ers representatives.
The four and one-half million dol-
lar Laredo Power Station adds 33,-
000 kilowatts, or 44,000 horsepower
to the electric power supply avail-
able for South Texas’ growth and
development. It is a modern steam-
electric plant capable of serving a
city three times the size of Laredo.
Part of the power produced will be
used in Laredo and still more will
be fed into other parts of South
Texas over transmission lines.
The new Laredo plant has been in
the process of engineering and con-
struction since July 23, 1948, when
the major items of equipment were
ordered from the manufactur-
ers. It is one of 12 Central Power
and Light Company plants in regu-
lar operation. With the Laredo
lant, CPL can now produce more
ban twice as much electricity as
t could at the end of World War
I. The company’s plants at San
Benito and Corpus Christi have
been greatly expanded since the
war, and the Victoria Power Sta-
tion is currently in the process of
enlargement. During the first five
post-war years Central Power and
Light Company spent more than 46
million dollars for new plant equip-
ment,
Road Easements
Needed For
Rio Rico Road
MERCEDES — Property owners'
along the Rio Rico Road of Merce-
des who have not as yet done so,
are requested to sign their right of
way easements as soon as possible
so that the paving contract on this
road may be let by the State High-
way Department, according to Carl
Blasig, manager of the Mercedes
Chamber of Commerce.
All property owners not yet sign-
ed should call for their easements
at the chamber of Commerce office.
A number of property owners have
already signed and most of the
others have indicated that they will
do so.
The State Highway Department
will re-build this road as a first
class Highway, it was stated.
The contract for paving Mile 2,
East, will be let by the State High-
way Department in June, Blasig
concluded.
Weslaco Group Studies
Bridge Financing Plan
A group of Weslaco holders of
Airport bonds are reported ready
to surrender their bonds for B&P
Bridge common bonds in a tansac-
tion said to involve approximately
$75,000.
Under the plan suggested, the
funds obtained would be used in
helping to finance the proposed in-
ternational bridge which the B&P
Bridge company would 'Build across
tthe Rio Grande river at a point ap-
proximately midway between Mer-
cedes and Weslaco.
Fugitive Captured
In Farm Home
II
Hill
IS
mm
Jose Orosco Qonzalez, sought by
Mission police and other authorities
for questioning in more than 22 rob
befies, and also sought for ques-
tioning in a murder case, made the
mistake of operating in Mercedes
territory and as a result was in
Edinburg County jail today.
Chief Ba-ter said that the sus-
pect was noticed in the home of
Reynaldo Garcia m4 and 3 1-4 E of
Mercedes Tuesday by Roy E. Bray
who warned Garcia. They captured
him with the cooperation of the
local police in questioning and iden-
tifying the suspect who proved to
be “very much wanted’’.
Chief Barter released Gonzalez to
Hidalgo County Deputy Ray Brooks.
Besides having served time for cat-
tle theft, Gonzalez, it was revealed
by Barter, was. also wanted in
Mission for the theft of a pistol and
other equipment from a border pa-
trolman.
Pofeef Lauds
Opportunities Of
America's Youths
MERCEDES — Dr. E. H. Poteet,
president of A. and I. College,
Kingsville, stressed the Heritage of
America and the realization of re-
sponsibilities, in an address to Mer-
cedes High School seniors at gradu-
ation exercises held Monday night
on the high school football field.
Dr. Poteet discussed the modern
problems of life and how different
they are in the present world situa-
tion. He brought out that American
boys and girls are better dressed,
better fed and better educated than
any other country in the world and
that in this country only are stu-
dents able to finish high school
without expense. Dr. Poteet inter
spersed his talk with wit and humor.
He was introduced by Supt. of
Schools L. W- St. Clair. Dr. Poteet
reminisced over the number of years
when he served as superintendent of
Mercedes schools,
Dorothy Ann Pinkerton, first
honor student, gave the Valedictory
address and Jack Graf, second honor
student, gave “An Appreciation.”
W- W. Holmes, Commander of the
Mercedes J. A. Garcia American
Legion Post, presented American
Legion awards to Jack Graf and
Nancy Atteberry, outstanding boy
and girl in the senior class.
Joe B. Winston, president of the
Mercedes School Board, made the
presentation of diplomas.
Principal Hugh Norris made
special awards of pins to a group of
juniors and seniors who had made
the honor roll during the past thre
years. Bronze pins were awardee
those who made the honor rol
every time for one year; silver pin
were awarded those who made the
honor roll for three consecutive
years.
Bronze pins were awarded Marthf
Starck, Mary Ann Rushton, Mar
cella Mejia, Minerva Medellin, Dar
Caballero, Merry Frances Brown
Jane Hollon, WTanda Fulfer, juniors
Dennis Clifford, Jack Graf, Doroth;
Pinkerton, seniors.
Silver pins were awarded Patsj
Clifford, Zetta Jo Baum, Barbare
Estes, Eloise Johnston, H. B. Rog
ers, Jr., Cora Nell Crow, juniors;
Robert Karle and Beverly Drawe
seniors.
Gold pins were awarded Norma
Knight and John Drew, juniors, and
Elia Vento, ,Berta Uopez, seniors.
Big Run Made
On Bottled Water
As 'Drouth' Comes
Mercedes citizens awoke Wednes-
day morning to a new “drouth"
caused when the main canal broke
late Tuesday morning near Mile 4
South of here. By the time it was
reported it had, caused such dam-
age that pumping had to be ceased
to ease the flood created by the
break.
Mercedes citizens awoke Wednes-
day morning to dry water lines,
and a resulting rush for bottled
water saw an estimated 600 five-
gallon bottles off* water sold by
noon Wednesday several distributors
were without water at various
times during the day and Mayor
Watson was bringing water from a-
Harlingen wholesale firm Wednes-
day moning for distribution at the
City Hall.
It was hoped that another 24
hours would see the canal in con-
dition to resume pumping. Just
how long it would be before the
canal would have enough water fc®
reach the plant for treatment was
yet another guess. “Sometime Fri-
day or Saturday moring”, was the
unoptomistic answer one authority
ventured. ,
No record of previous major ca-
nal break was available, and no an-
swerers to how the break happened
was forthcoming. Bill Hilton said
Tuesday that the district should “be
congratulated” for the fine job they
had done in pumping so much water
for the vast cotton crop now grow-
ing. Most .observers felt that the
break would not have been serious
were it not for the fact that it
occured at an isolated spot, where
it had an opportunity to run until
it had created major damage. Only
last year the main canal was com-
pletely cleaned, and the banks re-
paired from the storage reser-
voir to Weslaco and Mercedes un-
der a major improvement move.
Heavy earth equipment was ready
to move into the break as soon as
the area dried sufficiently to pro-
vide traction. The holiday Wednes-
day found: most places closed with,
a resultant minimum of inconven-
ience- One of the coffee shops open
explained that he was “giving
away his coffee and selling his wa-
ter,” and having more trouble with
washing dishes, than anything else.
Several times customers had to
wait for water for washing dishes
before they could be served.
Beer and soft drinks sales were
reported above nomal. Auto sta-
tions with their own water wells
were doing “business as usual”.
A standard practice for water
District No. 9 calls for monthy in-
spections by foot patol on all main,
canal banks. No defects had devel-
oped and no report of excessively
high pumping to as present. “Just
one of those freak accients seemed
the general answer. /
A. C. STEER DIES
MERCEDES — Word was receiv-
ed Tuesday of the death of A. C.
Steer who died Monday at Sandus-
ky, Ohio. He was the grandfather of
Bob and Jim Steer of Mercedes.
Mr. Steer had numerous friends in
Mercedes.
Pineapple Canning * :
Gets Underway
First of this season's piri6appt(
was to have been processed here to-
day by the Santa Rosa Canning com-
pany, who said that the first ol
the seson’s pack would arrive from
Laredo by truck. Last year's pack
arrived at Port Isabel by boat and
was then trucked to Mercedes. The
largest part of this year’s pack will
also be shipped this year, but the
firsp shipments are not expected
for a few days.
The Laredo truck movement is
xpecj,ed to maintain partial pro-
duction until the arrival of the bulk
Y the crop by boat.'
Rev. M. P. Burton Is
New Methodist Pastor
MERCEDES — The Rev. M. P.
Burton of San Antonio has been
assigned to the Mercedes First
Methodist Church, succeeding the
Rev. H. S. Goodenough who has
served the local church for the past
two years.
The Rev. and Mrs. Burton were
due to arrive in Mercedes this week
and regular church services will be
held Sunday morning.
The Rev. Goodenough . has been
assigned to the First Methodist
Church at Kenedy.
SENIORS HONORED
MERCEDES — The Stitch an’d
Chatter Latin American Club enter-
tained a group of Mercedes senior
graduates at a supper Sunday even-
ing at the El Sombrero.
The club members made linen
napkins embroidered in purple, club
color, which were rolled into scrolls
depicting diplomas to be used as
place cards. The table was deco-
rated in balloons decorated with a
head and cap. suggestive of a senior.
Mr. Rafael Verduzco addressed
the students in an appropriate wel-
come, to which Manuel - Torres re-
sponded.
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The Enterprise (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 39, No. 22, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 31, 1951, newspaper, May 31, 1951; Mercedes, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1073039/m1/1/?q=%22%22~1: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library.