The Bunkie Record from Bunkie, Louisiana • 1

8. U. LIBRARY tMVERSirV STATION fSJitliie BUT DEFENSE STAMPS BONDS BUY DEFENSE STAMPS BONDS THE MOST WIDELY READ NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN AVOYELLES PARISH ALL OF THE NEWS ALL OF THE TIME I ll fCv. I ll KEEP 'EM FLYING FOR GOD AND HOME AND NATIVE LAND SINGLE COPY 5 CENTS PER ANNUM $2.00 VOL. 55 OFFICIAL KEEP 'EM FLYING BUNKIE, LOUISIANA, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1943 Jiixmiie Murchisoii YES IT makes us feel good, and we are deeply appreciative for friends.

As we go to press we nave received 456 Christmas cards Irom all over the world and they are still coming from the barren stretches of the Northland to the Balmy Beaches of the South Seas, and all in between. We cherish these missiles of Good Will, and read every one of them as if though that was the only card we were to receive. Just how I stand with St. Peter is a matter of speculation, but 111 bet my bottom dollar I am in good graces with Old St. Nicholas.

To ecah of you every one of you I am deeply grateful, and most especially to the boys in the service who have so thoughtfully remembered me. God bless you and protect you is my humble prayer. I had rather receive these cards than all the cash you could have laid on my desk or stretched out the full length of this column. I have my faults. I live in a glass house.

Show me a man without faults and I will show you a mule with hip-pockets but, my heart beats for those whom I try to serve my friends and I hope I have no enemies. This is the fifteenth Christmas that I have edited this column fend all of them have been happy ones. The best people on top side of God's green earth live in Avoyelles parish, but naturally I expect the Angels to take off from Bunkie I would be less loyal if I did not think that. I may not be here next Christmas but if I am not, this column will go on just the same. "Phil' may not be at the top but some other newspaper man's name will be there and oh! how I will envy him from my position atop a cloud floating amongst the stars bounded by stratosphere and Heavenly musicians and my heart will still be beating for those whom I love and admire.

Pro mmy wife and I (she's ninety per cent of this outfit) we say "Merry Christmas!" We hope you will be happy; we hope you will be joyful; we nope that every good thing that can come to you and. yours will come, and that you shail live long to enjoy years of Freedom and Peace in the not distant future and that next Christmas shall truly and in fact be one of "Peace on Earth and Good Will To All Men." Charles O'Brien At Maxwell Field MAXWELL FIELD, Dec. 23. Charles A. O'Brien, son of Mr.

and Mrs. C. A. O'Brien, Bunitie, is now enrolled as an aviation cadet in the AAF Pre-Flight School for Pilots at Maxwell Field, an installation of the Army Air Forces Training command. Here the cadets are receiving nine weeks of intensive military physical and academic training preparatory to beginning their actual flight instruction at one of the many primary flying schools in the Army Air Forces Eastern Flying Training command.

Rotary Observes Yuletide With Appropriate Setting JOURNAL OF BUNK1K Confirmed The sad news was received early Monday that Lt. James G. Murchi-son, was dead. The message came to his mother, Mrs. James G.

LT. J. G. MURCHISON, JR. Murchison from the War Department, stating that he had lost his life in an engagement on July 14, and that more details would be in a letter which follows.

Early in September Lt. Murchison was reported "missing' by the War Department, but his mother and family held out hopes that he would be found. When the facts were learned it was a shock to the com munity, i for no finer young man ever left Bunkie to serve his country than "Jimmie" Murchison. He enlisted in the Air Corps in November, 1941, and received his wings at Ellington Field in March, 1942. In July, 1942, he was sent overseas, where he served with honor and distinction, flying one of the larger transport planes, car rying troops and supplies, and dur ing the months that he piloted his ship he had the honor of transport ing many men of world prominence.

His plane was shot down by the enemy over Catania. It is said that his co-pilot and engineer escaped with their lives. He is buried, so the family have been informed, near where his plane went down. Lt. Murchison was a graduate cf Bunkie High School, later graduating from Louisiana State University.

He won recognition as a leading musician in the university band, as well as being popular on the campus. The Bunkie Record joins the entire community, and friends throughout the state and elsewhere, in extending sympathy to the parents and sisters in their hour of extreme sorrow. Jimmie was a great soldier; he died an honorable death; he won the admiration and commendation of his commanding officers, and served his country by giving his all. Truly a fine memory to have of an only son. A brief memorial service will be held for Lt.

Murchison at Calvary Episcopal Church Friday afternoon, Dec. 24, at 5:00 o'clock. Friends are invited. Jas. L.

Dudding Back Home Again Friends of James L. Dudding, both in Bunkie and throughout the parish and state, will be delighted to know that he is back home again after having spent several weks here and at the Veterans' Hospital, PinevUle, on account of illness. All trust that he will continue to improve and that he will soon have fully regained his former good health. oo IMPROVE PASTURES Farmers, are you taking care of that old pasture? It may need discing to stimulate the growth of the grasses and legumes. The Triple A will pay you 75 cents for every acre you renovate this way.

There is no limit on the payment for doing this. It's outside the farm allowance. While you're discing, it would be a good time to sow some more clovers, too. There's no limit on the Triple A payment for this either. It pays to improve pastures.

ua NEARING THE END German reserves are being used to stem the tide of the Soviet advance in Russia. Hitler now resembles a retired man who has been compelled to start spending his capital. 1 -Y it Y'4 ff NUMBER FORTY-THREE CHANCES HERE LOOKING GOOD Jimmie Davis will lead in the parish at the primary on January 18. So say political prognosticators JIMMIE DAVIS who have their ear to the ground and who in the years past have usually been right in their predictions. Approximately five hundred citizens greeted Mr.

Davis when he spoke at Haas Auditorium Saturday evening. This is his second appearance in the parish, coming this time on invitation. Leaders from all sf ctions of Avoyelles were present at the Bunkie meeting, and expressed themselves as being impressed with the candidate's way of reaching the people. While the Governor-to-be was suffering from a cold, yet be brought a message that was received with generous applause from an appreciative and interested audience. From other communities in the parish, where Mr.

Davis spoke Sunday, the same information comes that he will undoubtedly be the choice of the voters at the coming primary. In Marksville he was greeted by one of the largest crowds ever to greet a political candidate. Jimmie Morrison was speaking when the Davis entourage arrived in the parish site. Being the gentleman that he is. Air.

Davis waited until it looked like Morrison was trying to freeze him out though Davis had advertised a meeting for Marksville in advance of Morrison. The Davis speakers moved to the opposite side of the square, whereupon the crowd followed him. Truly an indication worth watching. Large crowds also met him at Plaucheville and Bordelonville. In Bordelonville he let the crowd use his famous orchestra for a dance free of charge.

It is said that a good time was enjoyed by the several hundred who were present. Speaking on the program with Mr. Davis were Emile Verret, for lieutenant-governor; Fred S. Le-Blanc, for attorney general; James Gremillion, for secretary of state, and Zachary T. GaUion, for state auditor.

All of these gentlemen brought messages of their qualifications and asked the support of the voters -DQ- Baptist Church Dedicates Stars At a very impressive service last Sunday morning in the First Baptist Church, several new stars on the church service flag were dedicated. The flag now has forty-two stars, representing that number from the church roll who are serving in the armed services. There are several more in the service from Baptist families but who themselves are not members of a church. The dedication prayer was led by T. E.

Mixon, the father of two members of the Army Air Corps, after appropriate remarks by the pastor. Rev. James G. Harris. The most touching part of the service was the reading by the pastor of the correspondence from the War Department and the citation for distinguished service awarded to Sgt.

Kirby W. Neal, who was killed in action just a year ago. The beautiful medals awarded posthumously were displayed at the church at the close of the service. This great young soldier was a member through the years of the First Baptist Church, and is represented on the service flag by a beautiful gold star. OO Merry Christmas to Every One! Pastor Arrives For Pastorale Bunkie and Eola welcomes Rev.

and Mrs. Mark F. Harris, formerly of Payson, 111., who arrived last Saturday and will make their future home in Eola. Rev. Harris will be the full-time pastor of the Eola Christian Church and comes highly recommended.

Church services, as announced by the pastor, will be Sunday School at 10:00 a. preaching services at 11:00 a. m. and 7:00 p. m.

An invitation is extended the public to attend these services This new church is growing in strength and influence. boys in the service, especially members of the local Rotary Club who are doing their bit for their country. James L. Dudding, who has been ill for several weeks, was present at the meeting, and was happily received by the membership. Besides his gift from the Christmas tree, he was presented with a beautiful pair of pajamas by the club.

He expressed delight at being able to attend a club meeting again. Leon Lacour, superintendent of streets and waterworks, was the new member received. Mr. Lacour makes the thirty-ninth member in good standing. He was warmly received by all members.

Visitors Wednesday included Mrs. F. T. Mikell, Mrs. W.

M. Normand, J. S. McNabb, Hal Weatherby, J. T.

Trimble and Albert Peart. President Gordon Kavanaugh made a short talk in keeping with the season, and expressed keen delight and appreciation for the tine program presented by the program committee and wished every one a Happy Christmas, admonishing them to "celebrate in a manner befitting the spirit and purpose of Christmas." RIDDLE ASKS VOTE SUPPORT In announcing my candidacy for the legislature I do so believing that in a time like this (in time of war) and with eight years of experience C. A. RIDDLE in the Legislature, I can help the people of my If there was ever a time that we needed levelheaded, mature-minded business men to represent us, it is now. Our boys are in war many of them across the waters, and unfortunately, many of them will never return.

The next session of the Legislature, no doubt will be a most important and serious one, and should be made up of serious minded men. It is the opportune lime for you voters and taxpayers of Avoyelles to consider well and select men who have battled the storms of life. I had no thought, whatsoever, of making the race for the State Legis lature up until a few minutes before I qualified. The reason of which I gave many friends who had urged me, from time to time, to make the race. Developments on the night of the deadline, to qualify, contrary to my political views and past record, spurned me to change my mind and qualify at about 11 o'clock that night, and I did so for a cause and principte hence I am in the race to stay and to win.

There are six I Torn to back page please. -jgf BUDGET PLEDGE GOES OVER TOP Gordon Kavanaugh, chairman of the Methodist Stewardship Committee, announced Sunday that the drive to cover the budget for the new church year went over the top Saturday evening at 6 o'clock. The budget, which includes operational expenses, Christian Education, Benevolences, and Ministerial support has been set by the Board of Stewards at $6,607.50. This is exclusive of the amount which will be raised by the Women's Society of Christian Service and the amount which is to be raised for the erection of a new brick sanctuary and parsonage which will complete the church plant of which the new educational building is but one unit. It is the desire of the board to complete the church plant as soon as possible at war's end.

The following teams took part in the Every Member Canvass: Gordon Kavanaugh and Dr. Adrian Cairns, F. A. Calcote and J. B.

Johnston, Tom Butler and Lynn Pomeroy, C. Townsend and Ru-fus Hall, Curry Elliott and Paul Richardson, Marvin Watkins and Leon Lacour, Curtis Earnest Jr. and Julien Shuman, L. M. Couviilion and H.

C. George, E. N. Steele and F. Rector, W.

K. Poole and J. W. Roberts. Team No.

6, Marvin Watkins and Leon Lacour, was the first of the teams to go over the top. They secured pledges from 100 per cent of the members assigned to them. Advances have been made in every phase of the work for the New Year and the prospects are good for one of the best years in the history of First Methodist Church. Perkins Writes His Alma Mater Dear Mr. Fletcher: Suppose it's about time to end my period of silence.

Out here, events rarely occur which are news. But now that I have some items of interest, which wUl pass the censor, I may as well pass them on to you. I'm now a married man. Tne big event came of the 25th of September in San Francisco. Met the wife in Evanston, 111., while I was at Midshipmen's School in Chicago.

Was given ten days' leave in San Francisco, so we up and did it. We're both very happy. In less than a week's time I've bumped into three Southwestern boys. First I saw J. P.

Bergeron. Went out to dinner on his shfp. Had a long talk with him. He's doing well. Then I had a visitor, several days later.

My brother John. Don't know whether you remember him. He was only at S.L.I. for one semester. Was really surprised when he came aboard.

Didn't know he was down in this neck of the woods. His address is John M. Perkins, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif. Two days later I bumped into Scott Ferguson. That was quite a reunion.

Hadn't see him since I was home on leave 18 months ago. We had quite a lot to talk about. Had him out for dinner. Can't give you his address as he isn't stationed permanently yet. That about finishes everything.

Am receiving the Vermilion ana Alumni News regularly. Thanks. Enclosed is some money. No one has ever said anything about it, but know it must cost something to send both of them to all of the fellows. My best wishes to you and Southwestern.

Sincerely, LEWIS PERKINS, JR. Lt. (j.g.) Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif. -0O- Nelwyn Kelley Receives Honor LAFAYETTE, Dec. 23.

Miss Nelwyn Kelley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Kelley of Bunkie, was reently initiated into membership by the Vermilion Honor society at Southwestern Louisiana Institute.

Miss Kelley was initiated because of her scholarship, leadership, citizenship and religious life. Miss Kelley is a senior in the College of Education at Southwestern. on A DICTATOR'S WAY Mussolini has confiscated the private fortune of-King Victor Emmanuel, estimated at $40,000,000, but it is unlikely the ex-duce will be able to keep it. By now, his boss Hitler probably has grabbed it. eath Is John B.

Brunson Boot Training LAFAYETTE. Dec. 23. Learning at the Southwest Louisiana Institute here to become hard-fighting Leatherneck officers are scores of young Southerners, among them John Burns Brunson, of Bunkie, La. Private Brunson is a member of Alpha Sigma Kappa and Sigma Alpha Gamma fraternities, and was formerly employed by the Higgins industries as a civil engineer.

He has completed training with the first V-12 class to "graduate" here and is now at Parris Island, S. C. They are among the detachment of embryo U. S. Marine corps officers who are taking part in the V-12 college training program.

These Leathernecks-to-be wear Marine uniforms, receive the customary pay of a private and are under command of full-fledged Marine corps officers, most of them veterans of actual combat. After preliminary college work, usually comprising one to four semesters they are transferred to the Marine training base at Parris Island, S. for "boot' training. If they successfully master the hard-driving physical and mental programs there they are transferred to the Quantico, Virginia, Marine Officer Candidates' School. Upon suc cessful completion of this course I they became second lieutenants in the corps.

-on- COUPLE HURT IN ACCIDENT While returning from the airfield at Dyersburg, Friday night of last week, Lt. and Mrs. Frank Carroll (Eleanor May West), were both injured when the car in which they were traveling crashed into a truck stopped on a bridge without warning lights. Mrs. Carroll suffered two fractured ribs and cuts on her forehead, while Lt.

Carroll' received a bruised eye and was badly shaken up. Reports coming from the Air Base Hospital, where they were carried following the accident, state that both are decidedly improved. Frank escaped the accident by being in Bunkie with his grandmother, Mrs. Ewell West. Friends regret to learn of their misfortune and trust that they will soon both have fully recovered.

-OB- Will Observe Holy Eucharist At midnight on Christmas Eve the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at Calvary Episcopal Church, Bunkie. At the earliest hour of Christmas Day this service will commemorate the birth of the Babe of Bethlehem. It will begin at 12 o'clock and consist of the Holy Communion and Christmas music. There will be no sermon. On Sunday, December 26, the Feast of St.

Stephen, at 11 o'clock a. there will be a celebration of the Holy Eucharist and sermon. With this service the Rev. Robert Manning will close work as priest-in-charge of Calvary Church and associated churches. -OQ- Former Employee Visits Record V.

A. Rodrigue, employee of this newspaper 1917-1921 during the tirst World War, visited us Monday morning. He is speaking oh the Jimmie Morrison campaign tour While a resident of Bunkie Mr, Rodrigue lived near the old brick yard, and recalled many names of people whom he knew at that time He is a candidate for representa tive from Ascencion parish, and says that he will be elected. He spent much time shaking hands with friends here, and says he enjoyed his visit. He has two sons and one daughter in the service, the daughter being a trained nurse in a Massachusetts hospital.

We were glad to have him visit us. on Rev. T. T. Trimble, of Shreveport, came Sunday to spend the holidays here with his daughter, Mrs.

John Lyles and Mr. Lyles. The Yuletide spirit realiy ran rampant at the regular weekly luncheon of the Rotary Club Wednesday. Program Chairman Roy D. Johnson, assisted by Sidney Landry, secretary, and President Gordon Kavanaugh, surprised the membership by having a Christmas tree and a real, live Santa Claus.

Mrs. Annie Williams acted as Santa, and did a swell job. Every member of the club received a gift commensurate with their vocation. It was indeed a happy occasion. Mrs.

F. T. Mikell, accompanied at the piano by Miss Lula Mae Nash and Rev. A. W.

Townsend, sang beautifully "White Christmas," "When the Lights Go On Again." "Silent Night," "I Love You Truly," and "My Wild Irish She closed the musical part of the program nLh j. sfc-uxompanled popular number. Besides the gifts that came from the tree. President Kavanaugh gave each member a personal Rotary desk calendar--something that can be used and remembered throughout the year. The meeting closed with a prayer by Rev.

James G. Harris for the FOR SERVICE AND COURTESY I am already acquainted with practically all the voters in Avoyelles Parish, having served you as Deputy Clerk of Court for the past LOUIS TRAVASOS seven and one-half years. However I wish to take this means to announce to the citizens of my parish, that I am a candidate for the cilice of Clerk of Court for the Parish of in this coming Primary Election. My platform is short. I pledge to you that my office will give courteous, efficient service.

I am twenty-eight years old a man with a family; I was born and reared in Avoyelles Parish at Du-pont. My parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. T.

Travasos, are yet residing childhood and youth were spent on a farm there, and I received my education in the Public Schools of our Parish. The duties and responsibilities of the office I seek are not new to me. I have served as Deputy Clerk and as Chief Deputy Clerk in the office for the past seven and one-half years. I am thoroughly acquainted with aU the public records and have acted as Court Minute Clerk for several years. I know both French and English and can thus give better service to all my constituents.

There is a possibility that I could Torn to back page please. id XSSA-otx I I SezzI O1 vp at J. the Christmas cards we have received from boys in the service, it remained for Staff Sergeant Raymond Glorioso, who is down In the Canal Zone area, to send us what we think is the most different of all of them. First, it contains a REAL Four-Leaf Clover, neatly pressed and protected under cellophane, but the real crux of the card Is in the message that came with it, which is as follows: "My Christmas Wish For You "Long the way has been and weary Since the world went up in flame, But our steps have never faltered In protecting freedom's name. Therefore keep this good luck token.

Symbol of the rights of men; Wish upon it that, next Christmas, Well have peace on earth again! RAYMOND GLORIOSO." SezzI TUTS RECEIVED the good news Monday morning that Puds Pratt (Mrs. Robert Harwood, Jr.) had been biassed with a fine seven-pound baby girl who arrived to fciess the Harwood home early Sunday morning. She has been named Marv Bule Harwood, for her grandmother, Mrs Turner. We are just as happy as Puds, and we are especially grateful that this sweet friend thought enough of us to let us be among the first to hear the good news. Mother and baby are doing fine, said the telegram, and we wish them all the happiness possible.

Truly a wonderful Christmas gift. SezzI "PROM far-away India we got a Christmas card this week from Cpl. Walter A. Earnest, son of Curtis 'Earnest, but better known to all of us as "Ras." It was strikingly funny to see a turbanned Moslem Santa Claus on the front of the card, which goes to show that the boys are working wonders all over the world, especially when they can make a Christian Santa Claus out of a Buddha worshipper. More power to you, fellows, we are behind you teeth and toe-nail.

SezzI rpo THE sweet little things of the community, as well as the more sedate married ones take this tip don't fail to hang up your Nylon tomorrow night. Don't let the old man fool you Santa should be kind this Christmas. Only God knows where papa will be a year hence, for the draft boards are getting tougher and tougher. SezzI rpHIS morning's mail brought us a Christmas card from J. L.

LaFleur, who is down "somewhere in the South Seas." It had to do with a Sarong. Wish you could see it. He is in the Navy, and sends regards to all his friends. SezzI T. MONA VOINCHE arrived home Tuesday night to spend a brief furlough here with parents and friends.

We are all happy to see Old Mona looking so good, and wish for her a Happy Yuletide. Mr. and Mrs. H. Huesmann left Friday for New Orleans to spend Christmas with relatives..