Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Seaforth News, 1961-09-21, Page 3Travelling The Old Pony Express Trail At Shell Creek (California), there is intact not only the adobe building that was used as a Pony Express and stage sta- tion, but also the log blacksmith cabin with bellows and work- bench, Like a timeless giant, the stone walls and cast-iron doors of Fort Schellbourne are here to greet you. We were shown around by Mrs. Ruth Russell, owner of the ranch, who told.. us that she and Mr. Russell are proud of these historic items and intend to preserve them. We picked up horseshoes and other relies of the Pony days, It seem- ed as though the Gosiute Indians might come riding over the near- est ridge at any instant. Fort Churchill is in'ruins. One of the buildings used to have a marker in front of it designating it as the Pony Express station, but, apparently, it has been sto- len even though it is in a state park. The only thing we found. in Carson City is a marker on the lawn of the capitol building. The state museum, in the old Federal mint building, is excel- lent but has nothing- about the Pony Express, At Genoa (California) we found another almost hidden marker, Through the steep drive called Kingsberry Pass, one can see the trail almost all the way. This is a beautiful scenic ride and comes out on U.S, Highway 50, with Lake Tahoe glimmer- ing ahead. The Pony Trail did not go to Emerald Bay, but we did —and so will most camera- men. On into Sacramento the station sites are well marked. Today, near the Strawberry site, there is a fine modern inn Pla- cerville still has the appearance and air of an old Western town. At Folsom, the Pony station still stands. There were two Pony Express offices in Sacramento. Both buildings are still standing, but in a shabby district of the city. Majors & Waddell used a corner building as their office; Wells Fargo moved the Pony near the • center of the same block to a more ornate building, which still has some of the original iron grill -work on it. (The State Historical Society and local .his- torians hope to save these band s and eventually develop em into museums.) While Sacramento is the offl- e i a 1 western terminus of the Pony Express, the first rider -and horse to arrive from the east was ferried across the bay to San Francisco. We, too, went to San Francisco, but by bridge. Even in 1959, the end of the Pony Express trail called for a weekend of snoozing. We could better appreciate the herculean job the men of the Pony Ex- press had to face, as well as the hardships of the early wagon trains and stage travellers: We had had some idea of all this beforehand, but only a trip of this kind can make one realize its greatness and rugged reality, It is no wonder the Pony Ex- press will live forever in the hearts of men. — From "Hoof- beats of Destiny: The Story of the Pony Express," by Robert West Howard.. DRIVE WITH CARE ! THE YOUNG COUNT — An 18 - year -old El Segundo, Calif., boy named Stephen Jensen walked into a restaurant while Wearing this "Dracula" ".cos- tume. When arrested by po- lice, he explained that he had been working for five days on the outfits which he planned to wear in a high school play and wanted to test the public's reactions. RIDE 'EM COWBOY — This modern-day cowboy hangs tightly ' to the steering wheel of a wide -tired vehicle called Desert Rat. This Hotel Was Too Popular) It isn't true that all the olives in the martinis at the Fontaine- bleau in Miami Beach are uncut emeralds, but there are enough real-life attractions to have made the huge hotel a mecca for well- heeled vacationers ever since it opened in 1954. Aside from the largest private beach in the area and acres of cabanas, it often features "gala" shows with big - name stars such as Frank. Sina- tra and Sammy Davis Jr. More than bringing in paying uests, all this has also put the Fontaine- bleau high on the tourist's list of places to visit. As many as 8,000 persons have jamnied into the hotel at the same time — most of them just to take a look around. Butthere will be no mob scenes at the Fontainebleau this winter. President Ben Novak last month turned the Fontaine- bleau into a private club and health resort, closed to all but paying guests and their friends. Anyone• coming in to look over the new bowling' alleys, tennis courts, ice-skating rink, and in- door pool will have to sign up for a room first, at $27 to $35 a day per person (with meals), thus becoming a member of the private club. Novak explained the switch by noting that "there is a definite need (in , MiamI Beach) for a spa," where a guest can get low -calorie meals, a medical checkup, and a daily massage. That wasn't theentire story, as another executive.of the hotel made plain: "Paying guests had become a minority group and weren't getting full use of our facilities." Presumably, the pay- ing guests were getting annoyed and moving to other hotels. Space And Silence Far In The North The ice-cold water was mirror calm, and our bow wave Crinkl- ed the pencil -sharp reflections of the mountains. Surprisingly we ran into huge swells inside the fjord. There was little to see because of the heavy mist blow- ing down over the coastal moun- tains from the -hinterland of ice. It was the time to sleep. I went down to the cabin and climbed into my bunk, not bothering to undress. As I dozed I heard Mr. Shirer saying something about a box of prunes he' had bought at the store in Longyearbyen. It made me contented and I, imme- diately fell into a deep sleep. Next day we sailed into Kongs- fjord. This was the most beauti- ful fjord we visited. Glaciers, several miles wide, filled the head of the fjord. Mountain peaks, their black tops looking like polished marble, showed only a few hundred feet above the thickness of ice. Ahead of us in the blue distance were the three 4,000 -feet -high crown - shaped peaks of Svea, Nora and Dans, famous landmarks of Spitsbergen. Some parts of the fjord . were cut sharply from view by protruding headlands of rock. The fjord was almost full of drifting ice; some pieces hard- ly showed while others were nearly as long as our ship. Al- though the sun was hidden by ribbons of, cirrus clouds, the larger floes still sparkled and reflected the green sea. We were surrounded by inter- minable space and silence. it is this feeling of space, of the big- ness and strength ofthe land- scape, that dominates, one in the Arctic. Certainly, there is the beauty of colour and shape, which alone would be enough for pleasure. But the very cen- tre of your being stirs. You absorb the grandeur, the primi- tiveness and loneliness. Every sense builds on towards more excitement, which you know will always be sustained.. Near the shore line we watch- ed the dainty Arctic phalarope as it waded about searching un- der the pebbles with its long beak, looking for food. As we steamed along the coast we often met this small wader, skimming over the water at great speed and calling with a high piping sound. There were numerous elegant and friendly waders, but they all looked the same to me, with their gray bodies and red legs. Further up the fjord the drain- ed slopes and warm gullies were covered with grass and flowers. The most abundant flowers we saw were the white and yellow poppies, short stalked and deli- cate looking. There were sever- al varieties of saxifrage, grow- ing together with pink stitchwort on thin soil between rocks, On;,, the floor of the gullies, mosses and lichen grew amongst small clumps of reeds. Around the edges of the ponds and in the swampy ground the fluffy heads of bog -cotton looked like thistle- down.—From "Land of the Bog - Cotton," by Russell Sutherland. A Most Worthy Son Of A Great Father The late John Lardner was only 47 when his career'ended in 1960. He possessed one, of the most sophisticated senses of hu- mor of the current journalistic generation. His prose was sinewy 'and spare, according to modern tastes, and moved in lean, brisk tempos. Yet he managed to leave a curious impression of belonging to a richly romantic past. A faintly exciting promise in all he wrote suggested that he, found . himself in a fading but golden world peopled by the final but not unworthy representatives of a legendary race, Whether deal- ing with hard-bitten marines of World War II, flat -faced prize- fighters, or even television per- sonalities, he could place a cer- tain honest aura about the peo- ple he liked. Lardner wrote about war as a combat correspondent; about prominent people and habit pat- terns as a social historian; about theater and television as a critic. All areas except the theater are represented In this collection of essays entitled The World, of John Lardner. But; like his father Ring Lardner, he never abandoned for long the field of sports. The world of John Lardner may be said to rest on the un- articulated but firm code of the sportsman. Honor, at least with- in one's given set of rules, and courage: these were the impor- tant virtues, The people, Lardner admired have innumerable faults, and their often narrow areas of ex- cellence vary astonishingly. But they all share the sportsman's ability to be charming in victory and stoic in defeat, The people to whom he did not respond — Lindbergh and Jack Paar, a strange pairing, are the notable examples amongthese essays he judged as either graceless winners or poor losers. He prized childlike exuber- ance; he did not particularly value restraint beyond its pre- ence in a craft. (On the topic of drinking in the. United States, for instance, he could be dis- tressingly casual,) He loved a gorgeous sort of self -dramatiza- tion; he could not abide people who took themselves solemnly. Lardner's pieces are essential- ly portrait sketches: from the daffiest of the Dodgers, Babe Herman, to the young GI on the Iwo Jima beachhead, it is the diversity of human temperament that fascinates him. Like his father, he had an ex- act ear for speech and even more, a deadly sense for just what it betrays. (The parody of Mr. Paar is devastating precisely MERRY MENAGERIE Milano how Fd ever hove made It across if was hadn't cense Monett" because of its tonal accuracy,) Lardner was a sharp rather than a profound commentator, He wrote from a pose of mildly bored nonchalance, good-humor- ed skepticism, and lightly ac- quired learning, as if he were an undergraduate working for a gentleman's C. He assumed, probably correctly, that readers who were interested could dis- cern the conscientiousness and craftsmanship behind the pose. All journalists have a tempta- tion to turn life into a good story. Lardner, with his gift for 'storytelling and his genially bi- zarre wit, must have experienced this temptation more than most. But when the people he wrote about imperceptibly became wry myths, it seemed less a matter of professionally pumped -up enthu- siasm than the unealculated vision of a gentle romantic, not quite resigned to his times. And perhaps this is the best tribute that can be paid him as a writ- er and as a man, Making It Easy To Own Death Weapon Every now and then a new car comes down the pike with such modishly classic lines and hummingly tuned engine that auto buffs as well as Sunday drivers ,pauseto look and hanker, There was the Stutz Bearcat in 1913, for instance, the Lincoln Continental in 1939, the Mercedes 300SL in 1952. And in 1961, there are the new Jaguar XK-E's. Only time will tell if these English -sports cars with the dazzling looks and speed (150 m.p.h.) really belong on the illustrious list of great cars, but they have undoubtedly got off to a racing start. After a - sneak preview in Geneva, the XK-E's—a hardtop selling at $5,970, and a roadster priced at $5,670—were officially unveiled at the International Auto Show in New York last March. Before the show closed, $30 million in orders had been written up, nearly as much bus- iness as all makes had done at the show a year earlier. Since then, the Jaguar plant in Coven- try has been on an overtime basis. But Jaguar production 'still lags well behind' demand. Only 60 of the hand -tooled XK-E's came off the assembly line last week, though by late next month output is scheduled to reach the 150 -a -week mark. Much to the chagrin of British sportscar lovers, who have been doled out a mere 60 XK-E's so far, 80 per cent of production is ticketed for the U.S. But there may a brand-new Jaguar on the road soon, designed specifi- cally with the British market in mind. Sir William Lyons, founder, chairman, and managing director of the Jaguar Car • Co., may re- place the Mark IX, a bulky sedan that sells at an equally bulky $6,100, with a smaller, faster, ultra 'streamlined sedan, It would weigh less than 2,000 pounds (under Britain's new de- flationary budget, the maximum - size car that a businessman can , write off as a tax-deductible expense). Sir William may in- troduce the new Jag at the Lon- don Motor Show in October, but he's perfectly willing to settle for a later date if need be. As al- ways, he would rather let a cus- tomer wait than "skimp on quality." "The success of Jag- uar," he says confidently, "is due to our quality," If the proof is in the payoff, no one can argue with him. With production running 15 per cent ahead of last year's 25,000 cars, the company expects to surpass its banner fiscal year of 1959 when it earned $3.9 million, This year may even outshine 1957, when the company picked itself out of the ashes of a devastating fire and got back into full prod- uction within twelve weeks. — From NEWSWEEK Fogging the Issue of Fluoridation The United States Surgeon General Luther L. Terry, in an article in the current journal of the American Medical Associa- tion, has seen fit to attack the opponents of fluoridation of the public water supply as people who "befog the issues and harass those who want its protection for their communities," Inasmuch as fluoridation is available to whoever wants it, and without the public water supply being fluoridated, it is obvious that any attempt to compel the fluoridation of the public water supply is nothing other than an attempt to compel all people to submit to the will of those who desires to improve their own health in their own way have already been comple- tely satisfied. This attitude of, the Surgeon General is therefore ridiculous. What the man is actually saying is that the will of a ml- nority should be imposed on the majority, and that when the per - tonal desires of the minority, so far as they themselves are con- cerned, ire already eompletely CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING BABY CHICKS REQUEST special Bray ilst started Pullets end cockerels, quick shipment. Ames and Deal -purpose, hatching to order. October broilers, book now. See tool agent or write OW Hatchery, 120 John Borth, Hamilton, Ont. BERRY AND ROOT PLANTS RASPBERRIES Pail planting, strong disease-free plants. $4,00• per hundred post paid if cash with order. Thos. Sisson. R.R• 6, lelarkdale, Ont. BUSINESS PROPERTIES FOR SALE HARDWARE STORE NIAGARA peninsula; clean stock and fixtures Brick building; doing $60,000 annually Will take mortgage on build - Ins; recently remodelled. Inventory $18,000. For a good buyand a solid investment, Write for appointment to S. Corupe, 36 Spruce St., St Catharines, Ont, FARMS FOR SALE 100 ACRE farm good hunting and fish- ing area, Apply Joe Robins, R.R. 1, Gravenhurst. 167 ACRES good land, 7 -room house, bank barn 45'x50', water, hydro; also 100 -acre pasture farm. If interested contact Alex Young, R.R. 1, Berkeley. Ont. FARM MACHINERY FOR SALE. DITCHER FOR SALE SPEICHER TANDEM TRACTION, two years old, with hydraulic ground con- veyor and 14 in. buckets. Roth Bros. Phone 217, Wellesley, Ont. LIVESTOCK FOR SALE OUTSTANDING Herd. Sire Summitdale Gold Satellite 14N. Many generations of polled breeding. 3 years old, quiet. Keith Weeden, Paisley, Ont. Aberdeen -Angus — A wide selection available, all ages, both males and fe- males, in this popular beef breed. Sev- eral cows with calves by side and dams rebred. Top blood lines of the breed represented. Write your requirements. A. C. McTaggart, Sales Agent, 1 Wel. lington Street East, Aurora, Ontario, MEDICAL SATISFY YOURSELF — EVERY SUFFERER OF RHEUMATIC PAINS OR NEURITIS SHOULD TRY DIXON'S REMEDY, MUNRO'S DRUG STORE 335 ELGIN, OTTAWA. $1.25 Express Collect POST'S ECZEMA SALVE BANISH the torment of dry eczema rashes and weeping shin trouble-. Post's Eczema Salve will not disappoint you Itching scalding and burning tete. ma. acne, ringworm, pimples and foot eczema will respond readily to the stainless: odorless ointment regardless of how stubborn or hopeless they seem, Sent Post Peee on Receipt or Price PRICE $3.50 PER JAR POST'S REMEDIES 1665 St. Clair' Avenue East TORONTO ARTHRITIS Try "Edoren"t Reliable herbal treat- ment for arthritic pains. Pleasant, safe, effective. Month's supply $5; money back guarantee. Write for particulars. PICKETT'S DRUG STORE PICKWOOD PHARMACAL CO. LTD., MILTON, ONTARIO capable of full satisfaction. It is no less senseless than it would be for those who are op- posed to fluoridation to demand legislation that would prevent those favoring it from buying fluoridation pills or having their teeth treated with other forms of fluoride that have been found suitable. Such an attitude as that would be insufferable.—Alameda Star (Calif.) How Can 1? By Roberta Lee Q. How can I remove some paint spatters from window glass? A. A strong solution of baking soda will usually do a good job of this. Q. How can I insure crispness in my French -fried potatoes? A. If the potatoes that are to be French -fried are allowed to stand for at least a half-hour in cold water prior to frying, it will insure their crispness. NURSES TRAINING SCHOOLS EARN to $65 Week as Practical Nurse. Learn quickly at home. No high school necessary; n0 age limit Write for free booklet, lesson samples Post Graduate School of Nursing, Room 1267, Wabash. Chicago, NURSES WANTED OPERATING room registered nurse, immediately, Small, active Cal , 6 -day week and call back service. Apply Crit - tags Hospital, Uxbridge, Ont NUTRIA ATTENTION PURCHASERS OF NUTRIA When purchasing nutria consider the following points which this organiza- tion offers: I. The best available stock, no cross- bred or standard types recommended. 2. The reputation of a plan which is proving itself substantiated by files of satisfied ranchers. 8. Full insurance against replacement should they not live or In the event of sterility (all fully explained In our certificate of merit), 4. We give youonly mutations which are in demand for fur garments. S. You receive from this organization a guaranteed pelt market in writing, 8. Membership in our exclusive breed. ers associationwhereby only pur- chasers of this stock may participate in the benefits so offered. 7. Prices for Breeding Stock start at $200 a pair. Special offer to those who qualify, earn your Nutria on our cooperative basis Write: Canadian Nutria Ltd., R.R. No. 2, Stouflville, Ontario. OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN BE A HAIRDRESSER JOIN CANADA'S LEADING SCHOOL Great Opportunity Learn Hairdressing Pleasant dignified profession, good wages. Thousands of successful Marvel Graduates America's Greatest System Illustrated Catalogue Free Write or Call MARVEL HAIRDRESSING SCHOOL 356 Eioor St. W., Toronto Branches: X14 King St. W , Hamilton 72 Rideau Street. Ottawa PERSONAL HYGIENIC RUBBER GOODS TESTED guaranteed mailed in plain parcel, including catalogue and sex book free with trial assortment. 18 for $1.00. (Finest quality) Western DlstrIbu- ore, Box 24 -TPF Regina, Sask. PHOTOGRAPHY FARMER'S CAMERA CLUB BOX 21, GALT, ONT. Films developed and 8 magna prints 401 12 magna prints Sot Reprints 54 each KODACOLOR Developing roll 901 (not Including prints). Color prints 301 each extra. Ansco and Ektachrome 35 m.m. 20.ex- posures mounted in slides Sl 20. Color prints from slides 321 each. Money'. re- funded in full for unprinted negatives. PULLETS 9000 HY-LINES — wormed and vac- cinated — All ages available. 18 weeks. $1.75. Over 30 years in Poultry. Como and see them. Earl Giddis, R.R. No. 1. Rldgetown, OR. 4.2324. TOBACCO WANTED ATTENTION tobacco growers, we are paying top market prices for rye Trucking arranged. Call Byron 801, Ed- mund's Transport, Komoka, Ont. TEACHERS WANTED AMALGAMATED school, North West River, Labrador requires high 501100 teacher, must be able to teach French and English as chief eubjects, also prI- wary - teacher for grade one and bt. *inners. Latest Newfoundland sal scale plus northern extras. Accommod - Ken at prevailing rates or own arran menta if preferred. Unusually inters ins work. Apply: Chairman Amalge. mated School, North West River, Labrador, LEARN WELDING NO TIME LIMIT Also Certificate Courses in SUPERVISION — INSPECTION QUALITY CONTROL A.R.C. SCHOOL OF WELDING 92 John St. N., Hamilton JA. 9-7427 JA. 7-9681 ISSUE 31 — 1961 A STONE'S THROW — Zug, Switzerland, to one of the few places in the world where "only a stone's throw" le a big talk. Josef Ruegg found out the hard way, but managed to heave the 184 pound stone a distance of nine feet. The atone has been in use since the early 1800s.