Tales from the Morgue

1932: Movie Star's Former Wife Recovering at Hotel Hilton

03/29/1932

Mrs. Grace Smith Tibbett, former wile of Lawrence Tibbett, actor and opera singer, was recovering at Hotel Hilton today from injuries received late yesterday when she lost control of her automobile 20-miles west, of Deming, N. M.

Her companion, Mrs. Stoddard Atwood of Bakersfield, Calif., was not hurt.

The front left tire of Mrs. Tibbett's car blew out, causing the car to swerve. The car knocked down two telephone poles and six fence posts.

“It’s the luckiest thing in the world for us that we weren’t killed,” Mrs. Tibbett said.

Mrs. Tibbett is en route to Chicago and New York from her home in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Mrs. Tibbettt refused to talk about her former husband, who has been called the “successor to Valentino in feminine hearts.”

Tibbett is one of the few great singers lured into motion pictures. He made his debut on the screen in “The Rouge Song,” in which he played the part of a dashing, laughing, singing bandit.

1916: MAIN BUILDING OF STATE SCHOOL OF MINES BURNS; SOLDIER-FIREMAN INJURED

10/30/1916

Private Roy E. Teel, Eight Cavalry, Fractures Hip in Fall From Roof; Structue, Furniture and Chemical Equipment Valued at $30,000 Totally Destroyed.

__

Fire of unknown origin shortly after 6 o’clock yesterday morning completely destroyed the administration, or main building, of the State School of Mines, located one-half mile east of Fort Bliss. Private Roy E. Teel, Troop I, Eighth Cavalry, was seriously injured. Private Teel was with the soldiers from the post whose heroic work is said to have saved other buildings of the school. It was at the time the dormitory was seriously threatened that Private Teel made his way to the roof of the building and there, despite the terrific heat, remained fighting back the flames. In some manner he lost his balance and fell from the roof. His right hip was fractured and he sustained injuries about the head. The injured soldier was removed to the base hospital. His injures are considered serious. Private Teel is 21 years old.

Loss Is $30,000

The building destroyed and furniture alone was valued at approximately $30,000. This is not taking into consideration the equipment of the different laboratories, collection of mineral specimens, supplies and other accessories, all of which were among the fire losses.

The chemical laboratory, which was reputed to be one of the most complete in the southwest and had a value of $10,000 placed on it, was probably the greatest loss sustained in the item of equipment of the building. Cabinets of mineral specimens that had taken years and expense to assemble were lost. Some of the specimens had been donated, but the majority had been gathered after considerable time had been spent in research work and thorough examination. One cabinet of mineral specimens, scientifically arranged, was on exhibition at the International Soil Products exposition, recently held here. It was a costly exhibit and created much interest among mining men and mining engineers. In addition to the mineral specimen the School of Mines had a complete assay furnace in operation during the exposition. The cabinets and other similar ones were destroyed along with the building and equipment.

It was stated it would be difficult to place value on the equipment that was lost in the fire, but it is believed that the amount would be considerable.

The building and equipment was insured but the amount, it is stated, will not replace the loss.

Dr. Stephen H. Worrel, dean of the School of Mines, was called out of the city Saturday to a place near Pima, Graham county, Arizona, and it is not believed he has yet learned of the loss. However, efforts were made yesterday to communicate with him by telegram. Dr. Worrel is expected to return to the city today. Dr. and Mrs. Worrel, who had apartments in the administration building, had recently moved to an apartment in the Alexandria. A number of Mrs. Worrel’s personal effects were still in the building, and those were destroyed.

Soldiers at Fort Bliss first discovered the fire and rushed to give assistance. These stated they first saw smoke and flames coming from underneath the northwest corner of the roof of the building.

Building Soon In Flames

Students occupying the dormitory, which is near the main building, stated they were awakened about 6 o’clock yesterday morning by cries of fire and hastened from the dormitory to see the main building in flames. The fire, when first discovered, was burning rapidly and it was only a short time when the entire building was aflame. Despite this students, assisted by soldiers, went into the building in the effort to save whatever possible. Several articles were saved in this way. However, when the flames had eaten their way to the roof, the roof began to crumble and shortly afterwards caved in. Attention was then turned to saving the dormitory and other buildings, which was accomplished through the heroic work of the students and soldiers. Although the fire threatened, time after time, to spread to the dormitory and adjoining buildings, the student and soldier fire fighters stuck to their posts. A bucket brigade was organized and in this way the buildings caved were kept thoroughly drenched until all danger was past, which was not until only the walls of the main building, scarred and wrecked, were left. Efforts then did not cease, water being continually thrown on the smoldering wreckage.

Praises Soldiers’ Work

“Had it not been for the heroic work of the soldiers,” said J.W. Kidd, professor of engineering at the School of Mines, “from the various branches of the service stationed at Fort Bliss, there is no doubt but that all of the buildings would have been destroyed.”

Mr. Kidd especially commended the work of the officers and men of the Eight Calvary.

The building destroyed was of colonial type. Huge concrete columns supported a portico over the main entrance. The building in addition to being of attractive design, was spacious and afforded ample accommodations for the class rooms, lecture rooms, offices and laboratories. It was two stories in height and a basement. The building occupied a conspicuous site. It was easily visible for anyone to see the building from either East El Paso or Ysleta.

Legislature Establishes School

It was through an act of the legislature the School of Mines was established here. The condition made, however, was that the citizens furnish the site and buildings. Richard F. Burges probably was the most active worker in support of the bill and in the work required after the passage of the bill in completing the establishment of the school here. Dr. Worrell and Dr. Phillips also rendered invaluable assistance. It was by virtue of the subscriptions on the part of the citizens here that the necessary site and buildings, which were formerly occupied by the El Paso Military school, were obtained.

The school, in its initial opening, stared with an attendance that no mining school in the country, with possibly the exception of Columbia university, New York boasted on its first enrollment.

Classes Resume Today

Despite the loss the school is prepared to carry on its sessions. Regular classes will be in session today and the fire loss will not interfere with these. The assaying equipment, located in the building, which was in the rear of the main building, was not harmed. Nor was the milling plant, where the tests are conducted for the proper treatment of different ores. It may require a short time to equip a laboratory, but this will not in any way interfere with the regular classes and assignment work that will be carried on without interruption. It is believed the state will take immediate steps to replace the destroyed building and equipment.

1969: Mandy Honored in New Location

10/29/1969

"The only mule car in existence that was used between two cities, and two nations ..." was dedicated in a new location today by a gathering of city and civic officials from both sides of the border.

Fred Bailey, president of the El Paso Historical Society, was the main speaker at the ceremonies dedicating a new display for an El Paso-Juarez mule-drawn trolley car, and

"Mandy" the mule. The new location is on the corner of El Paso and Missouri streets, midway between the locations La Villita and the new Civic Center.

MAYOR PETE de Wetter was master of ceremonies for todays dedication. Juarez Mayor Pro Tem Javier Ito Acosta represented Juarez.

Licenciado Clemente Bolio, president of the Juarez Historical Society (Sociedad de Estudios Historicos) joined his counterpart, Mr. Bailey, in savoring the moment that reflected an era in the histories of the two cities.

Also on hand were County Judge Colbert Coldwell, Chris Fox, William Hooten, and Maj. Gen. Richard T. Cassidy. The 424th Army Band furnished music for the ceremonies.

Mr. Bailey drew a history of the trolley from its working days between the two international cities to its appearance as an endeared relic in San Jacinto Plaza on Sept. 14, 1955, to the new location on Cleveland Square.

He quoted historian Owen P. White who said that El Paso was "the only city in the United States that grew so fast that to get out of the way of itself it had to erect a street car line before it built a public school house.

AT ONE TIME there were two and probably four mule or horse drawn trolley car lines, Bailey said. One went from Pioneer plaza to Stanton street and across into Mexico. In 1892 Zach White built the Santa Fe Bridge and the line was then extended to use both bridges for the round trip.

An interested special guest at the ceremonies was Jesse B. Binkley, who was a part-time worker on the only El Paso-Juarez line in 1901. He served as a conductor on Sundays and other days when a two-man crew was needed.

The year 1901 was the last year when mules were used.

In 1902 the electrification of streets made the animal-drawn vehicles yield to the bright, shiny, humming mechanical -monsters.

Mr. Binkley never got over his trolley experience and in 1940 recognized that the last remaining mule car was a valuable historic relic. He was given the car by Roy Nelson, then president of the El Paso Electric Company, and he in turn, gave it to the City.

The Second World War delayed the cars emergence from the Electric Company yards. In late 1955, Binkley once again started the proceedings necessary to bring the relic to the sight of El Paso. El Paso City Lines repaired the trolley; the Oddfellows lodge donated a replica of the mule (later named Mandy); and the Popular donated the manikin passengers.

THE 1955 dedication in San Jacinto Plaza was a bi-national affair then as the one today.

Juarez Mayor Pedro Garcia joined El Paso Mayor Tom Rogers in dedicating the international street car.

Little boys looking on at today’s dedication knew little of the ways of these things, and listened with even less interest. What challenged their eyes was the sight of an oddly-shaped and oddly-colored vehicle that looked like it would be fun to ride. No fumes or pollution either!

1932: Sour Apples Cause County Jail Revolt

03/29/1932

County Jail Prisoners Throw Stewed Fruit on Floor

Sheriff Tom Armstrong today said he would investigate complaints of federal prisoners that the county jail concessionaire is overcharging prisoners.

Federal prisoners in tank two were allowed freedom of the tank today after being locked in cells because they threw jail food on the floor. The trouble started when sour stewed apples were sent to them they said.

James A. Boarman, awaiting trial on an interstate automobile theft charge, said prisoners in t tank two are charged 20 cents for “tailor made” cigarets, 60 cents a pound for butter and 10 cents a pint for milk.

Armstrong said the concessionaire is suppose to charge the same price El Paso stores quote.

Boarman said a prisoner received five cans of tobacco from a friend and the concessionaire charged five cents a can for delivery.

“Such complaints re false,” Armstrong said. No tobacco or candy is permitted to come into the jail from the outside. All packages are returned to the sender.

“We follow this practice to keep narcotics out of the jail.”

Carl Johnson complained that jail coffee has only a small amount of sugar and no cream. The concessionaire sells milk and sugar to prisoners, Johnson said.

Johnson threatened a federal investigation of jail expenditures when he is released. Food is poorly cooked he said.

1936: Bar Closing At Midnight Is Proposed

07/10/1936

Two Aldermen Suggest Saloons Observe State Law

TRADE LOSS FEARED

City Attorney Studies Request Of Robey for 1 A. M. Curfew Rule

Aldermen W. E. Casteel and O. J. Allen said today they believed the state law governing the closing of bars and other places where liquor is sold should be observed in El Paso.

The state law specifies that, closing hours shall be from, midnight to 7 a, m. on week days and from midnight Saturday until 7 a.m. Monday.

Police Chief L T. Robey yesterday asked the City Council to pass an ordinance requiring places where liquor is sold to close from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

At present bars and places where liquor is sold in El Paso have no closing hours on week days but close from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday through an agreement of operators.

Bar Owners Doubtful

Chief Robey's request was referred to City Atty. J. Walker Morrow for study.

Liquor dealers indicated that they have no objection to closing according

to the state law. Some expressed a belief that early closing would drive some of their trade to Juarez, especially on Saturday nights.

Alderman Casteel said he has given the subject little consideration, but that he believed police should enforce the state law.

Not a Patron

"I haven't been in one of the bars since they opened, but any regulations to keep them orderly should be observed," Mr. Casteel said.

"I don't know just how they are controlled now. I understand that they Sheriff was keeping them regulated."

Mr. Allen said complaints have been received from hotel men in the downtown, district that noise from bars and cabarets annoyed their guests.

"I believe the state law would remedy the problem If It was properly enforced,” he said. "I think police should apply it by all means.

Plenty of Time

"Any one who drinks should: be able to get enough between the hours of 7 a.m. and midnight."

Alderman Don Thompson said he would consider the matter when he returns from a vacation trip.

Chief Robey requested that an ordinance banning music in bars, cafes and dance halls between the hours of 1 a. m. and 7 a. m. be passed.

City officials pointed out that an almost forgotten ordinance bars music in public places between the hours of 9 p. m. and 8 a. m.

1966: Declare Rail Service Is Deliberately Graded Down

09/16/1966 Charges that Texas and Pacific passenger coaches are filthy and rat-infested, and that service in and out of El Paso is deliberately down-graded and deplorable, were heard today at a Texas Railroad Commission hearing. The El Paso hearing, presided over by Waiter Wendlandt. commission director, is on a T and P application to quit operating passenger trains No. 26 and 27 between El Paso and Fort Worth. Officials of El Paso and private citizens joined in testifying against the railroad’s application. FOR ITS PART, the T. and P. introduced officials who testified that its passenger traffic is suffering heavy financial losses, and that the service between here and Fort Worth is contributing to those losses. Atty. Joe Christie, Democratic nominee for staff senator, said he is unalterably opposed to discontinuing the two trains, which would leave El Paso, the fifth largest city in Texas, without any rail service between El Paso and Fort Worth. Mr. Christie promised there would be witnesses to give eyewitness testimony of what appears to be a deliberate campaign to discourage rail passenger service. He said there would be evidence of “rat-infested” cars, of cars being ankle-deep in water, of passengers being charged twice the price that local citizens are charged for meals, of planed inconveniences in schedules, of refusal to provide pillows or drinking cups, of forcing passengers, including women and children, to cross busy highways to eat or rest, of one lady passenger (a regular customer) who brings a bed sheet to spread over the seat so her dress will not get filthy, of no porters, of no heat or water, of no personnel to clean the coaches in El Paso (the jobs were eliminated), of faulty air conditioning in cars with the windows sealed shut and of conditions so deplorable that even those who can ride free on passes refuse to do so.” Mr. Christie said the T. and P. agreed to furnish freight and passenger service to the people of Texas in return for the land grant of a million acres “Before the railroad is allowed to breach half of this agreement on economic grounds, I ask that they prove good faith in attempting to make passenger service a paying proposition,” he said. County Judge Travis Johnson submitted a Commissioners Court resolution, adopted yesterday, apposing discontinuance of the passenger service. He asserted the railroad has “deliberately down-graded the passenger service in an effort to discourage passenger traffic and thus operate at a loss. “At the present time the passenger service of the Texas and Pacific Railway is at its lowest ebb,” Judge Johnson said. “Conductors of the passenger cars are not only unsanitary, but actually unsafe, and the scheduling of these trains is deplorable. “I submit that if these conditions were converted, if Pullman service were restored, if diners were used, if schedules were set up to meet the needs of the people (an there are people who need to travel by train) I submit that if the Texas and Pacific would upgrade its service, instead of downgrading it as it has and if it would advertise this service, it could and would operate at a profit. “With the increasing death tolls on the nation’s highways, and with the number of people who are apprehensive about flying, the railroads could perform a public service. The railroads have promised this service time and time again and have, in fact, an obligation to the public to perform this service.” Judge Johnson asked E.E. Spencer of St. Louis, T and P, passenger traffic manager, if he had ever ridden the trains between El Paso and Fort Worth. Mr. Spencer said he had ridden between Fort Worth and Sweetwater twice in 1965, but had not been on the trains this year. “What have you done to exterminate the rats and roaches in the trains?” Judge Johnson asked. Mr. Spencer replied, “Nothing. That is not my category.” Judge Johnson asked if he knew that T and P trains ran so slowly that “bicycles outran them.” Mr. Spencer said, “That also is an operating matter.” Judge Johnson also read an article written by Editor Robert W. Lee of The Herald-Post which dealt with a passenger’s experience on the T. and P. train. County Commissioner Richard Telles testified he has been told by people that they found it impossible to buy passenger tickets at the depot. He said they described “the inconvenience and terrible conditions of the trains.” Alderman Oliver Nordmarken, representing the City Council, said he had been told of T. and P. coaches that were “overflowing filthy and dirty.” He said he does not argue with railroad statistics, but believes the railroad if properly operated could provide adequate passenger service. Mr. Spencer, the traffic manager, testified that the T and P has not made a profit on its passengers operations in 20 years. The railroad’s deficit on passenger operations last year was $4 million, he testified, and that the two trains between El Paso and Fort Worth contributed to that deficit by $250,000. He said the losses will be greater this year.

1948: City Council Rejects Protest Against Parking Lot Sign

April 1, 1948

Hal V. Patton today threatened court action after the City Council rejected his protest that a parking lot sign erected in a city street by Alderman Martin F. Bauman constitutes "discrimination" against other parking lots.

Mr. Patton owns a parking lot site a block north of the Santa Fe street international bridge.

A rival parking lot adjacent to the bridge is advertised by a Bauman-built sign that stands on poles in the street on City property.

Sold Sign Outright

Mr. Bauman, who operates an electric and neon sign company, obtained a permit to erect the sign, Nov. 26, 1946, for Phillip C. Stevens. The sign is 4 feet by 9 feet.

Mr. Bauman said today he does not, own , the sign. "I sold it outright,” he explained.

The Council, after hearing Mr. Patton's protests, learned from its legal staff that there is some question as to the legality of a previous council's action in approving the Bauman-built sign.

New Ordinance Ordered

To validate the previous council's authorization, which was granted by letter, the present council today instructed its attorneys to prepare an ordinance giving Mr. Stevens authority to have his sign on City property.

"From here on out I'll have my lawyer handle this,” Mr. Patton told the council after his rebuff.

Proceeding today’s action the council debated whether to validate the existing sign or order it removed.

Alderman Wyler said it might equalize things to let Mr. Patton put up a sign in the street for his parking lot. No action was taken on this suggestion.

Says He Waited Too Long

“I have the same setup down there and I think I should have the same right,” Mr. Patton argued.

Alderman Bauman said, “I can’t take the sign down now.” He told Mr. Patton: “You waited too long to complain.”

Mr. Patton retorted that the City waited from six months to a year before forcing him to remove a public address system which he installed to advertise his parking lot “to offset the damage done by the illegal sign” of his competitor.

Had a Pop Stand There

Mr. Patton also asserted that the City once made him remove a soda pop stand from the spot where Bauman later built the disputed sign.

He said the City ought to let him “go back on the air” with his public address system.

R.F. Momsen, assistant City attorney, recalled that a “trade” was made with Mr. Stevens to let him erect the sign on City property in return for his withdrawal of objections to construction of a new Government inspection station by El Paso city Lines at the west side of Santa Fe street.

Mr. Patton protested that he could see no reason why the City had to “compromise” with a private land owner in regard to a structure built on City property.

1940: 1940 AUTO PLATES RECEIVED BY ROSCH

01/03/1940

County Tax Assessor-Collector Rosch today received the first shipment of license plates for 1940.

The new passenger car plates have purple numerals, on a cream-white background. The commercial plates are orange and black.

Passenger car plates for El. Paso County begin at 378-001.

Mr. Rosch ordered 22,000 plates. The first shipment contained 2600 passenger plates, 3700 commercial tags, 650 for farm trucks, 175 for motorcycles, 10 for sidecars, 350 for trailers and tractors, and, 125 for dealers.

Automobile owners may begin paying their 1940 license fees March 1, said Mrs. Lillian Jackson, deputy in charge of the-automobile-license bureau. Tags must, be on all cars by April 1.

Car owners from out of the state paying-Texas license fees and purchasers of new cars will be required to pay for one month of 1939, if they get a new tag during March, Mrs. Jackson said.

1951: Bus Driver Studies Beauty, Observes Women's Hair

Women riding the Park Line bus late in the afternoon may think the driver, Al Grasham. is making eyes at them. The 41-year-old bus operator is only looking at their hair. Before Grasham goes on duty each day at 4:18 p. m., he spends a number of hours at the Tri-State School of Beauty Culture at 712 North Oregon street. Grasham is the only male student at the school, where his wife, Emma, is an instructor. The combination bus-beauty operator first became interested in beauty culture in 193S, when working at a shipyard in his home town of Mobile. Ala. At the time, his wife was operating her own beauty shop. Grasham went home one evening and decided to try his hand at fixing hair. "To my surprise," he said, "I found the work interesting and relaxing. I discovered I met a lot of wonderful people. The first thing I knew I was helping my wife." Grasham later sold and demonstrated beauty equipment and supplies. In recent years, he has had several jobs, but kept up with his beauty culture. He has been employed as a chef in a hotel, road construction worker, shipyard worker, salesman, bus driver and milkman. He has worked in Mobile, Dallas, Fort Worth and now El Paso. "I like operating both a bus and beauty shop," he said. "I plan to keep my job with the bus company after I get my Texas beauty culture license in August."

1935: Warden of Federal Prison Delights in His Farming

10/08/1935

Tom B: White Likes to Talk About Crops and Animals, Like Valley Grower Instead of Head of Jail

Warden Tom B. White likes to talk about his crops and his animals at the Federal Detention Farm, 20 miles up the Valley. A blond giant, six-feet-four, he takes you about the place talking in his quiet voice and voicing a homespun chuckle at some incident.

He talks about, "my corn" and "my alfalfa" like a farmer whose existence depends on the success of his crops rather than a man at the head of a prison with 502 men who are serving sentences on criminal charges.

"That last flood certainly wrecked my sweet potatoes," he said.

He was walking about the farm headquarters under the shadow of a silo which has a 10.000 gallon water tank at its top. If the flood had reached the silo it would have been a minor disaster.

"I had a fine crop of beans coming on," Warden White said. "Now you can't get a mess for one meal. But we are going to have a rabbit dinner next week."

Has Rabbit Hospital

Hundreds of baby rabbits in specially built hutches of the warden's own design were nibbling at alfalfa and barley and drinking fresh water from tin troughs.

“A man that could kill those babies has a hard heart," the prison official said. "But they are good eating. It takes about 135 for one meal. I can serve them for 12 cents a pound."

The warden pointed at what looked like a playhouse.

“'That's my idea of what a rabbit hospital ought to be like," he said with pride.

He designed it. The lower part of the hospital is boxed to keep out the wind. The flooring of wire netting is several inches above the ground. A curtain is dropped in front.

"I have not had a patient since I went to Ft. Bliss for advice from the veterinarian," the warden said.

Ft. Bliss Aids Warden

Ft. Bliss officials co-operate with the warden. Many of his farm buildings and much of his equipment is made from salvaged material from the post. He has eight Army mules doing; good work on the farm. They once were "sentenced" to die. The fresh air has rejuvenated them and several horses that Warden White and his guards ride about the farm and prison grounds.

Gleaming white, the Spanish designed prison with enclosed courts of green grass and brilliant flowers has little of the air of a prison. The prisoners play ball in the back court. In the spotless dining room, where more than half the 502 can be seated at one time, they were cutting icecold watermelon. The melons are the warden's pride.

Pork from the "White farm" is served to prisoners at a cost of 12 cents a pound. A flock of turkeys is coming on for Thanksgiving. It will take 3310 pounds for one meal. Mr. White waved his arm at a duck pond.

"You have to have clear water and a good-sized pond if you want healthy ducks and nice eggs," he drawled.

The man who escaped miraculously from death at Leavenworth in 1931, when seven prisoners armed with smuggled dynamite and guns took him along as a hostage in an escape attempt, and shot his chest and left arm, full of holes, does not approve of radios or movies in his prison.

"They get up their own entertainments," he said. "That gives them something to do instead of the chance to complain about the bad programs."

Mr. and Mrs. White belong to El Paso. The warden plays golf every Sunday afternoon at the Country Club. He is a Rotarian, the only warden Rotarian in the country, and a member of the First Baptist Church. Many informal dinners for their El Paso friends are served at the spacious Spanish home, a half block from the prison.