GLIMPSE OF THE PAST
Compiled by Barbara Toborg

GLIMPSE OF THE PAST
The following articles are taken from the Broad Channel Banner, the newsletter issued by the Honor Roll Club, edited by Gertrude McAleese, and sent to the men and women in uniform from Broad Channel during WWII.
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Aug 15, 1942
B.C. Men Graduate as Firemen
Graduation of the first class of 28 auxiliary firemen attached to the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Auxiliary was held two weeks ago in the Broad Channel Firehouse. Chief Sullivan of the 47th Batt. and Lt. Brand were present and presented each man with his certificate and armband. He commended the men on their application to duties and willingness to serve. He also pointed out that they will perform a most important duty for civilian defense, as in London the populace has to depend mostly on its auxiliary firemen in bombing raids.

Fingerprinting
Broad Channel had it own finger printing bureau, and was open for three days in the Air Raid Hdgts. at 921 Blvd. on Aug. 10, 12, and 14 from 3 to 9 P.M.

Flag Dedicated at St. Virgilius
On Sunday, July 26th at 12:30 a dedication service was held and a large flag with 90 stars representing the servicemen of St. Virgilius Parish was raised and will fly from the new flagpole in front of the Parochial School.

Ruling Upheld
The Honor Roll Club at its last meeting refused to change its ruling to include summer residents to have their names on the Honor Roll Sign. Only residents who reside here all year around and were inducted through the local Board #281, or enlist, are eligible to go on the sign. All the members are not in accord with such a ruling, as they feel it still can leave a margin for error. They feel that summer residents of long years standing, who helped build up the community are more entitled to go on the Board than some transient residents who reside here but a short time and then move on. It is hoped that at some later date the Club will make a more elastic ruling to make exceptions in well deserved cases.

September 21, 1942
Mail Boxes Removed
Forty mail boxes located in the Rockaways and Broad Channel have been removed in the interest of saving tires and gas on department trucks. The removal of the mail box at 6th Road is quite an inconvenience to residents in that area. As Noel Rd. mail box is so near O’Sullivan’s, many wonder why that one was left instead of the one at 6th Rd. Residents at the entrance to the Channel have now to walk 10 blocks to post their mail.

News Shorts
Daniel Knapp, age 7, of 20 W. 11th Rd proved he has the stuff of which heroes are made, when he saved his cousin Joyce Banks, age 4, from drowning in the canal in the rear of his home. With rare presence of mind, he instructed the struggling child to paddle to a post, where she held on until he summoned help to carry her out. They are the nephew and niece of PFC Harold Flanagan.

August Colberg, local hardware dealer, has received the official key donation box, and residents are urged by their Government to donate their old keys, Yale keys preferred.

Homes Must Be Equipped For Possible Air*Raids
All owners of one and two family houses must begin to register their premises at the Firehouse for the purpose of securing certificates indicating that the owner has on hand the necessary equipment to fight incendiary bomb fires. A special form must be filled out, notarized and returned to the Firehouse. An extension of time until Nov 1st has been granted. Otherwise, fines up to $500 for failure to do so will be levied. These forms are available at the Firehouse now. The following equipment is necessary, according to the law, and will have to be secured and kept on hand by the owner: hose; proper water connections and length of hose sufficient to reach any portion of the building, with proper device which provides both a solid stream and coarse spray of water; a long handled shovel, such as a snow shovel and two covered pails of sand for each floor of the house. Sand bags may be substituted. Failure of year round residents and landlords to provide this equipment will be drastically met with and large fines imposed.

October 21, 1942
Community Loses Prominent Resident
Broad Channel was very much shocked at the sudden death of Daniel O’Sullivan, pharmacist, due to complications resulting from a fall. He was ill only a few days. He died on Tues. morning, Oct 13th in the Rockaway Beach Hospital, where he had been taken on Sunday. Burial was at 10 AM on Saturday morning from St. Virgilius Church. He is survived by his wife, Bertha, three children, Dan Jr, Eugene, and Patricia, his father, sister and two brothers.

Honor Roll Club News
Several important changes were adopted at the meeting on Oct. 8. The Club has decided to put the names of the boys who are summer residents on the Honor Roll sign. However, transient residents will not be considered, and this will be decided by the Investigating Committee as to who is properly eligible. It was also voted to put on the names of the several fellows who are doing such noble service in the Merchant Marine. The Club also voted to send one dollar to each serviceman for Xmas, the ones in foreign service to be sent before November 1st. The Jars are again being placed in the stores for contributions to send gifts to the boys in service.

News Shorts
Bishop Arthur W. Brooks of Christ Church by the Sea is sending every serviceman of Broad Channel, irrespective of his religion, a small Xmas Token.

A mission will be said in St. Virgilius Church the first two weeks in November. A monster game party will be held in Moran’s Hotel on Friday night Oct 30th for the benefit of the Church.

A petition is being circulated in the Channel in order to obtain signatures so as to try and get better bus service. Father George Helfenstein is personally taking this matter up for the community. A mass meeting was held Monday night Oct 12th with regard to this matter.

Phil Zinn of 1405 Blvd. donated two ancient guns to the scrap drive. The one belonging to his father was over 78 years old. They were family relics of other wars.

Salvage Drive in B.C.
The salvage drive in Broad Channel went over with a bang! Mrs. Mary Claus, chairman of the Red Cross Auxiliary, and Mrs. Frida Schecter, Nurse’s Aide, were co-chairmen, and organized a large group of boys and girls, including the Broad Channel Boy and Girl Scouts. They really went to town and collected over five tons of scrap. Other groups in the Channel also collected piles of scrap, and householders scoured their homes to contribute. On Saturday following the drive, a parade of the boys and girls who worked in the scrap drive was held. They marched all over the Channel. The parade was headed by a boy and girl dressed as Uncle Sam and Columbia. They had flag bearers and large placards. A group of drummers had large oil cans and they made plenty of noise. They were well applauded by the residents. Several hundred paraded.

Channel Boys Find Gun in Sluiceway
While Patrolman Fujindske of the local police precinct was patrolling his beat in B.C. at 3 PM last Wednesday, he came upon two boys examining a revolver. The gun, a .32 caliber Harrington and Richardson, contained three unexploded shells, which however, were considerably corroded. The boys, Wm. Hart and Frank Baglio, both 13 years of age, stated they had found the gun in the sluiceway at Broad Channel. Police are investigating.

November 25, 1942
Arthur Carey in Navy
Arthur Carey, formerly of Noel Road, and who for the past couple of years was proprietor of a Hotel at Belmore, L.I., enlisted in the Navy in June. Mr. Carey is a veteran of the last war where his valuable knowledge of Blimps has had him assigned to the same work and in the same division. He is with the Lighter than Air Division of the Air Corps and is stationed at Lakehurst.

Thanks to August Colberg
We take this occasion to thank August Colberg for the use of his mimeograph machine, which makes the publishing of the Banner possible.

News Shorts
Mrs. Ethel Bohne of 206 6th Road has now returned home from the Hospital and is recuperating from a serious bout of pneumonia.

James Stillwagon, son of Walter Stillwaggon, Sr., has received his Marine Pilot’s license. Both his father and brother Walter are Marine Pilots.

The Prosperity Club of Christ Church by the Sea had a Hallowe’en Party in the Parish Hall on Nov 6th. The soldiers at the Listening Post at Broad Channel were invited and five were able to attend. All had a good time.

Joseph Carey who recently had to undergo a serious mastoid operation has now recovered and was able to return to business on Monday.

Miss Harriet Reiter is recovering from serious facial injuries she sustained in a fall while running for a train at the station.

Three Promotions in One Family
Quite an unusual occurrence has come to our attention that the three members of the Peters family have all received military promotions at about the same time. The father, Frank Peters, a veteran of World War I, enlisted last summer and has just been promoted to Lieutenant, 1st cl. Both his sons, Cyril and Francis, have been appointed Corporals at the same time. Mrs. Peters, wife and mother, is serving on the Rationing Board in Rockaway.

December 15, 1942
Mayor Stops Bingos
In the Mayor’s anti-gambling crusade, has now come Bingo, and the favorite pastime of the Channelites, and other places, has been curtailed. However, Police Commissioner Valentine has ruled that Churches may continue Bingos on their own property. Christ Church by the Sea and St. Virgilius Church have not had to stop their games, but the Democratic Club has had to, for the time being, until the Courts rule on the legality of the game. Due to popular request, as all the Tuesday afternoon games were also canceled, the Ladies Aid of Christ Church will run Tuesday afternoon Bingo games in the Church hall, until further notice.

Yule Trees Are Dimmed Out
Outdoor Xmas decorations that involve the use of lights are banned, by the Regional Office of Civilian Defense for the duration of the war. This also bans window decorations whose lights shine outside. Municipal Xmas trees erected by the Park Dept. in many sections of Queens cannot be lighted after dim-out time. Whether or not there will be trees this year is not known. Indoor trees must be kept away from windows if they are lighted, it was specified.

Lights on Crossbay Staggered
Complaints were registered with the Police Dept. regarding the poor system of traffic lights on the Crossbay Blvd. In this day of gasoline rationing, many stops can consume much gas. The system has now been changed and the lights staggered, so that now it is possible to drive thru a green light all the way if speed laws are properly observed. This means the traffic lights through Broad Channel.

News Shorts
August H.W. Colberg has a very fine Christmas display of toys and housewares in his windows.

Peter Flor, B.C. Butcher, is now in the Army, and has closed his store for the duration. He has lived in B.C. for the past seven years.

Since the recent sudden death of Daniel O’Sullivan, B. C. Pharmacist, his brother Frank has taken over the managership of the store.

Miss Mildred Vogel, nurse, has enlisted in the Navy. She is the sister of Sgt. Henry Vogel fighting in the Solomons and the first girl from the Channel to see active duty.

James McAleese, B.M. 1/c has received a second Navy ribbon which is in the form of a double bar pin, dark blue moiré ribbon with pin stripes of white, which are different on both halves of the pin. One half is recognition for convoy duty and the second half as expert rifleman, or gunner. He has been on anti-submarine patrol for the past year.

Letter Received Before Going To Press
Sgt. Wm. Kinneary writes us from somewhere in Africa that he arrived safe and found two issues of the Banner waiting for him. He had just received his first 12 hr. pass when it started to rain – and when it rains in Africa, it rains in headlines – everything they owned was soaked, and he felt pretty gloomy. He said the mud was so deep it would take 8 hrs. to get to their fox holes, 10 yds. away. However, when Chow call was sounded, it only took them 45 minutes to get there, eat and get back! Then the sun started to shine and he was told he could take his leave next day, and then everything was alright with the world.

January 26, 1943
Greetings!!!!
Hello Fellows! The Editor sadly regrets to report that publication of the Banner has become beset with difficulties, and in the event the Honor Roll Club cannot find a solution to overcome them at their next meeting, this may be the last issue of the BANNER you may receive.

The first difficulty is that we can no longer send the BANNER overseas, due to a ruling of the Post Office Department. Due to war conditions, no air mail or registered letters will be accepted to be sent overseas. Also, no newspapers or publications will be accepted to be sent overseas, unless the Publisher can prove paid subscriptions from those it is sent to. The Post Office informed the Editor she would have to register the BANNER as publisher and pay a fee approximating $50 for registry, but it would undoubtedly be refused as the BANNER is a free publication to the servicemen.

The second difficulty is the failing health of the Editor due to an incurable nerve ailment. The BANNER was her idea of rendering a service to the boys of her community who are doing so much for us at home; and in spite of great physical handicaps has been glad to edit and publish the Banner alone for the past 15 editions. She is now unable to do the manual work of mimeographing this paper any more. The Honor Roll Club has under consideration plans to have this paper printed professionally, but the Editor will be glad to continue to collect the news and edit it as heretofore, provided this new ruling of the Post Office does not change the plans.

Mrs. Gertrude Gross Enlists
Mrs. Gertrude Gross, wife of Pvt. Roy Gross now in Africa, has lately enlisted in the WAACS and is waiting orders to be sent to Daytona Beach, Fla. She is the first Broad Channel girl to enlist in the WAACS.

War Jobs Open for Soldiers Over 38
The Gruman Aircraft Corp. has invited employees of its plant at Bethpage, L.I., to file with the personnel department, the names and addresses of soldiers over 38 who might qualify for work in the plant. When names and addresses are filed, positions will be offered the soldiers, as a preliminary to bringing about their discharge from the Army.

February 17, 1943
Rescues Navy Fliers
George Dunlop, Sr., of 802A Lanark Road rowed to the rescue on Feb. 3rd of two Navy fliers whose training plane crashed into Jamaica Bay near JoCo’s Marsh. He was about ¼ mile away when he saw the plane hit the water and rowed his 12 foot boat to the disabled craft in six minutes. Lt. Harold Olsen, 27, and Ensign David Darran, 25, were standing on the fuselage and the plane was sinking fast. It went under water less than a minute after they had stepped safely into Dunlop’s boat. Taking off their wet jackets, the fliers donned Dunlop’s hunting coat and sweater while the fisherman headed for shore, a mile and a half away. The fliers went to Dunlop’s home where they were given a rub-down and warm clothing before they left for Floyd Bennett Field. A lot of excitement prevailed as another veteran bayman David Greenwald also saw the crash and put in a call for police and the emergency squad. An ambulance also responded and all were waiting for them when Dunlop then rowed back and pointed out the spot where the plane sank to a Navy Salvage crew who recovered the plane later on.

News Shorts
Mrs. Eva Hausman has been trained and is authorized to fingerprint residents for the OCD. Anyone wishing to be fingerprinted should call at her home at 10 West 13th Road any Monday or Tuesday.

March 24, 1943
GREETINGS!!!!
Hello, Fellows and Girls: How do you like the new greeting? As we now have five Broad Channel girls in service, we must include them.

Second Rescue of the Month
Rescuing people from Jamaica Bay is getting to be a habit with George Dunlop of 802A Lanark Road. For the second time this month, he effected another rescue by bring three boys to shore. The boys, Gerald Dory, 13, of 15 Sixth Road; John Kelly, 14, of 105 Seventh Road; and Robert Russell, 14, of 21 West 10th Road, were playing in an old rowboat, paddling with sticks, when the tide carried them about a mile from shore where the boat caught in ice floes. The boys had been out about two hours before they were sighted. Dunlop rowed out and brought them in, chilled, but otherwise unhurt.

Setter Wins Prize at Dog Show
Linster Lieter, champion Irish setter owned by Peter McEntee of 10 East 9th Road was awarded third prize in the year-old class of setters at the Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show, held in Madison Square Garden last month. Champion Galty Rover is her sire. A remarkable feature of the dog show, Mr. McEntee relates, was the showing of the dogs trained for war duty and the precision in which they obey. One feature of their training was for 24 dogs, Doberman Pinchers and Police dogs, to stand at salute when the Star Spangled Banner was played. All the services, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, have dogs trained for special duties.

August 15, 1943
Vigil Lamp Dedicated
An Altar Vigil Lamp was dedicated on Sunday, Aug 5th, to the Broad Channel men and women in the armed forces by Right Rev. Arthur W. Brooks in Christ Church by the Sea. The lamp was the gift of Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Ormsby and will burn for the duration of the war as a symbol of the continual prayer of the congregation for the protection and safe return of those in the armed forces. Mrs. Ormsby gave the lamp in memory of her father, the late Albert Meyer, a veteran of the Civil War.

Home Nurses Graduate
Nineteen women who had successfully completed the Home Nursing Course of the B.C. Auxiliary of the American Red Cross, were capped on Monday, Aug 2nd, at graduation exercises held in the Broad Channel Social Clubhouse. They were Mesdames Kahn, Koch, Mundy, Winkelman, sr., Winkelman, jr., Claus, Bartlett, Hausman, Schweitzer, Meyer, Stenson, Nicholson, Mauro, Demarest, Walsh and Lindborg. Also, the Misses Stenson and Haney.

Broad Channel to Get Air Raid Siren
After two years of effort to have an air raid siren installed, as Broad Channel is one of the “dead” spots, when city sirens are only heard if the wind is in the right direction, Deputy Zone Commander James McAleese of the 100th Precinct Air Warden Service, has received a letter from the Dept. of Public Works, in answer to his. They state that Mayor LaGuadia has forwarded Mr. McAleese’s letter and inform him that bids have been taken and an order has already been issued to have a siren installed at 8th Road and Cross Bay Boulevard.

Members of Armed Forces Eligible to Vote at General Election on November 2nd
The State Legislature has continued the State War Ballot Commission, whose function is to provide the means for members of the armed forces to vote wherever they may be. Under the law, every male and female member of the armed forces of the U.S. who is a resident of the State of New York and a duly qualified voter, has the right to vote at the general election to held on Nov 2nd. Send for an application to the State War Ballot Commission, 80 Center St, N.Y.C., stating rank, full name, name of camp, vessel or base, full post office address and home address at time of enlistment.

September 15, 1943
Greetings!!!!
Hello, Fellows and Girls:
Thanks again for the many fine letters we received this month and the new addresses, which proves to us that you really want to keep on receiving the BANNER. This month, we can only give you 3 pages again, but we hope soon to be able to get an electric mimeograph machine which will take all the manual work out of publishing the BANNER and then perhaps we can get enough paper to increase its size again. Please keep writing, - and if you knew how your community awaits each issue of the BANNER to see how you are doing, and their pride in your promotions, you would write twice as often.

Now that Italy has surrendered, we hope it is the beginning of the end, and we pray that it will not be long before you are all home again.

God’s blessing be on you all.

Edwin Hausman Writes From Prison Camp
Boatswain Mate First Class Edwin Hausman, who was captured by the Japs in a Pacific engagement, is safe and in excellent health, he wrote to his mother, Mrs. Anna Hausman of 10 W. 13th Road. Some time ago the Government informed them they could send an assortment of clothes, Navy regulation type, and sent specifications of what could be sent. They have now sent him the package and have received two regulation form cards with his signature, from a prison camp in the Phillipines, stating all is well and he is being well treated. His family feel very much relieved in receiving the second card which had his own unmistakable signature. His two brothers and their families reside in Broad Channel and his nephew Henry G. Hausman, Seaman, Second Class, is also with the Navy, in the Pacific.

October 15, 1943
Sgt. Raymond Fox Foils Bandit
Sgt. Raymond Fox of Benning, Calif., is recovering in the Hospital, after being shot in the leg which severed the ligament, which will permanently incapacitate him. Sgt. Fox was held up by a Mexican bandit while carrying money to the bank, but he captured him but was shot in the pistol engagement. He was on duty at the time. Best of luck, Raymond, and our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Channel Shorts
The coal situation is acute in Broad Channel as city coal dealers are refusing to send coal to the Channel, and Rockaway coal dealers cannot accept new customers. Many households face the approaching winter without coal.

Mrs. Zelina Meehan Galligan has returned home from Colorado due to the housing shortage there and could not get quarters to be near her husband. She recently married Master Sergeant Kenneth Galligan. She has now resumed her duties as postmistress.

Miss Marion Fox, who has returned home since resigning from the WAC’S, is taking pre-flight training at LaGuardia Field, and upon completing her studies in several months, plans to enlist in the Women’s Ferry Command.

The air raid siren was installed in the Channel late in September and blew for the first time at 12 noon, last Saturday. It will blow at 12 noon every week on Saturday, as do all the city sirens.

Extra copies of this month’s BANNER may be purchased at COLBERG’S for 5 cents. The ANNIVERSARY EDITION will be 10 cents to cover additional cost of supplies and postage to our boys for the larger edition.

December, 1943
Deaths Announced
S.Sgt Fred Meehan
It is with the deepest regret we announce that Staff Sergeant Frederick Meehan, 22, was reported killed in action in Auguste Bay in the Pacific on November 11th. Sgt. Meehan was a member of a bomber squadron of the Army Air Force. He attended St. Virgilius School and John Adams High School. He entered his country’s service in July, 1942. He has two brothers – Sgt. Gilbert Meehan who was wounded in the Sicilian campaign and is at present on furlough at home. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. The other brother is Harold Meehan, Jr., who resides on 14th Road with his family. The parents, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Meehan, Sr., reside at 204 Noel Road. Also, a sister, Mrs. Zelina Galligan.

Walter Hawthorne S. 1/c
We also deeply regret to announce at this time that in July the War Department notified Mr. & Mrs. Walter Hawthorne, Sr., of 39 W. 10th Road, that their son, Walter Hawthorne, Seaman First Class, had officially been given up for lost in the Pacific. He had been a member of the crew of the Destroyer “Juneau” which was sunk by the Japs in the Pacific a year ago. His parents were later notified that he was missing in action. His brother Howard Hawthorne, GM 2/c is stationed at Tompkinsville, S.I. In deference to the wishes of his parents who were still hopeful of his return, this announcement was withheld until now. Walter entered the service of his country on March 25, 1941. He attended P.S. #47 and Far Rockaway High School.

Pray for them.
P.S. #47 Will Not Be Closed
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John E. Wade, has informed Mayor LaGuardia, who in turn informed Bishop Arthur W. Brooks of Christ Church by the Sea, who took this matter up with him, that the Board of Education had no intention of closing the Broad Channel Public School. This closes the matter and allays any further anxiety regarding the sending of small children to the Rockaway School.

Channel Shorts
The dim-out regulations have been modified and brighter lights have been installed on the Boulevard. Store lighting and house lighting have also been modified.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and so long until next issue.

March 1944
Mrs. McAleese on Radio
Your BANNER Editor, Mrs. Gertrude McAleese, was the invited guest speaker on “The Woman’s Exchange” program with Mrs. Alma Kitchell, Director, on Station WJZ. It was an informal program in which Mrs. McAleese was questioned without script to tell about her work on the BANNER, for about ten minutes. The time was too brief to tell the whole story as she would liked to have told it, and some of the most interesting parts had to be left out. However, Mrs. McAleese received a great tribute from Alma Kitchell for her work, who stated it should be an inspiration for other women and towns to do likewise.

For several days, Mrs. McAleese received many telephone calls and letters praising her broadcast. A large group from the channel attended the broadcast, including officers and members of the Honor Roll Club, officers and members of the B.C. Red Cross Auxiliary, and officers and members of the Parent-Teachers Assn. Mrs. McAleese only received 25 tickets to the broadcast, and as word circulated around about it, the demand for tickets was so great that many more could have been used, and they were given out to the first ones who desired them.

Fr. Helfenstein Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Father George F.X. Helfenstein, pastor of St. Virgilius R.C. Church, Broad Channel, celebrated his 25th Jubilee on March 15. At his request, there was no special observance of the occasion. He was born in Brooklyn and educated in St. John’s College and St. John’s Seminary, Brooklyn. Following his ordination at St. John’s on March 15, 1919, Fr. Helfenstein served as an assistant at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Brooklyn from 1919 to 1926, when he was assigned to St. Augustine’s Church, Brooklyn. Fr. Helfenstein’s first assignment as pastor was in 1939 at St. John’s Church, Center Moriches. In 1941, he was appointed pastor of St. Virgilius.

Monetts Take Over Bush’s
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Monett of 201 Seventh Road have taken over the ice-cream and stationary store at Noel Road and Boulevard, of which Lou Bush was former proprietor. The store has been completely renovated and redecorated and presents a very attractive appearance. It was officially opened on March 1st. A beautiful basket of flowers was presented to the Monetts with best wishes for success from the Pinochle Club of which Mrs. Monett is a member. They are Mrs. Hazel McQuade, Mrs. Louise Benzinger, Mrs. Louise Kettler, Mrs. Margie Ott, Mrs. Irene Monett, and Mrs. Mildred Krohn. They also have the best wishes of the community for success.

Bishop Brooks Celebrates His Birthday
Bishop Arthur W. Brooks, pastor of Christ Church by the Sea, celebrated his birthday on Sunday, March 12th. A surprise birthday reception was held in the Parish Hall by Mrs. Brooks, and the members and friends of the church were invited to attend after the morning services. The Ladies Aid assisted in serving refreshments. Bishop Brooks was very much pleased to receive the good wishes and felicitations of all those present.

War Fund Drive
The month of March has been the month in which the American Red Cross has made its National War Fund drive. Of course, the Broad Channel Red Cross Auxiliary has again been right on the job and is making house to house collections. They also request that anyone who has not yet contributed to this fund to donate to their Broad Channel Auxiliary, as they have a big job and their quota was placed at $1100….

Channel Shorts
The company of soldiers who are stationed at First Road in Broad Channel now have raised their barracks to the dignity of a camp, with postal recognition and it is now called Camp Smith.

In recognition of outstanding co-operation with the War Production Board, in the national campaign to collect waste fats for use in the war effort, a Certificate of Merit has been awarded to John Neller and Fernando Koch, Props. of the Boulevard Meat Market, for having turned in the highest percentage of waste fats in the Rockaways.

Miss Margaret Johnson, who for many years resided at 606 Blvd., has enlisted in the WAVES and expects to enter Hunter College in April for her basic training. Miss Johnson will be remembered as the news correspondent for the Argus for Broad Channel, while that paper circulated here. She and her parents have resided in Ridgewood for the past several years.

The Government requests that the wrappings on all packages received from foreign countries be burned, so that in the event a germ, either of disease or agricultural larvae, be concealed in the folds of the wrappings that they thus be destroyed. All other waste paper is, of course, to be saved for the paper salvage.

December, 1943
Sgt. Raymond Fox Tells How He Foiled Bandit
Sgt. Raymond Fox, Ward D-6, Tourney General Hospital, Palm Springs, Cal. wrote us a long letter some time ago, explaining how he received his leg injury. Among his duties was carrying money to the bank, when a Mexican bandit held him up with a gun. But Raymond had been in service a long time and knew plenty of Ju-Jitsu, so he tried a little trick. The bandit was standing about three feet away and Raymond pretended to hand him the money. Raymond turned sideways, grabbed his arm, and threw the bandit over his shoulder. The bandit reached to grab his gun which had fallen out of his hand, and Raymond pulled out his gun to try and shoot the gun out of the bandit’s hand, but the bandit beat him on the draw and shot him in the leg, which severed a ligament. However, Raymond shot him twice, once in the hip and once in the shoulder, and socked him in the jaw for good measure. He then rescued his money and gun and turned the bandit over to the M.P.’s. When Raymond started to walk to the bank, after a short distance he only realized he was shot in the leg, as he felt no pain when it happened. He has been in the hospital ever since. He says it will take more than a bullet to stop him from writing to the BANNER. He also requested to put in the BANNER that he would give his right arm to see his two brothers again. He has not seen them in two years and he hardly knows what they look like anymore. Sgt. Raymond Fox was also married some time ago to a Kansas girl and expects to live there after the war, but he will still come home to see his folks and the people in Broad Channel who have been building up his morale. He sends his best regards to all.

Shorts
The dim-out regulations have been modified, and brighter lights have been installed on the Boulevard. Store lighting and house lighting have also been modified.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and so long until next issue.

May 1944
T/Sgt. Vincent Fay Missing in Action
Regretfully we announce that word has been received by his mother, Mr. Ella Fay, 16 E. 7th Road, Broad Channel, that T/Sgt. Vincent Fay, 22, is missing in action. He was an engineer and gunner on a Flying Fortress based in England. His mother received a second telegram from the War Dept. that he had been lost in the area of the Baltic Sea, and that all efforts to locate him as a prisoner were being made. Hopes are also held that the crew were rescued. In his last letter to the Editor, he acknowledged receipt of the last BANNER, in which was the Citation of Honor for Owen O’Reilly. He sated that he had had a letter from Owen that day and had just finished reading it before opening the BANNER, and sends his deepest sympathy to Owen’s folks. His letter was dated April 4.

PRAY FOR HIS SAFE RETURN. WE ALL NEED HIM.

Banner Famous. Mrs. Gertrude McAleese Honored
The BANNER has become famous from Coast to Coast, and its originator, Editor and Publisher, Mrs. Gertrude McAleese has been honored, as is given to few people in a lifetime to be honored. In the May 3rd edition of the New York Daily News and the New York Daily Mirror, the world was informed in a large page advertisement that Mrs. McAleese had been selected as that week’s Hero on the Home Front by the Committee composed of Chairman, Charles B. McCabe, Publisher of the New York Mirror; Nathaniel L. Goldstein, Attorney General of the State of New York; David L. Tilly, President of the New York Dock Co. and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and William Martin of the Duncan Phyfe Post of the American Legion, for her outstanding contribution to the war effort through her work on the BANNER. Michaels Bros. Furniture Co. sponsors these Citations and presents each week’s selection of outstanding war worker with a $100 War Bond.

Borough President James Burke presented Mrs. McAleese with the War Bond, a large beautiful framed citation outlining her work and the reason for the Citation, and two large photographs, originals of those which appeared in the newspapers. This presentation was broadcast over Station WMCA on Monday, May 8th and Mrs. McAleese acceptance speech. On Friday night, May 12th, over Station WMCA at 9 P.M, not only was Mrs. McAleese honored in a dramatization of her life and work on the BANNER, but Broad Channel as well and its boys in service in particular. The dramatization of a very difficult subject, due to the largeness of the story and the many people involved, was a remarkable presentation of accuracy and even the many names mentioned were pronounced correctly. Even outlining the community donations toward a new mimeograph machine.

The Radio story opened with a dramatization of Abe Kullman under shelling on the beaches of Italy and how his pal in the next foxhole wailed “What did I ever do to deserve this?”….Kullman later discussing the items in the BANNER to his pal…Harold Martin’s dog…The Meehan Boys…Bill Mundy being served food by two girls at school…Broad Channel and where it is situated and how the gang would go to Bush’s or Red’s on Saturday nights.

How he also read that Phil Klapow, who had been a Green Bus driver before induction, was stationed near him and how he saw his address in the BANNER. Fadeout…

…The September, 1941 meeting of the Honor Roll Club with Mr. Hebbel presiding, at which time Mrs. McAleese informed the Club of her intention to get out a newspaper for the boys – of Mr. Hebbel’s offer to give the paper – Colberg his mimeograph machine.

A short dramatization of the illnesses of Mrs. McAleese’s family – her mother, a stroke, her husband in an automobile accident, and her youngest son with a triple compound fracture of the left leg, which all happened the same week – but the BANNER still was published and never failed an issue.

The dramatization of the Mailing Committee, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Reis, Mrs. Yahle, Mrs. Eisenhauer and Mrs. McAleese getting out the BANNER to mail – and the Sales Committee…

And the most appealing dramatization of all, the meeting of Sgt. Marty Gronachan in Italy with Sgt. Butch Molloy…the reading of the Citation of Honor of Flight Officer Owen O’Reilly and the mention of the three other Broad Channel boys who gave their lives for their country – Murray Sieff, Walter Hawthorne and Fred Meehan – The Silver Star Citation to Gilbert Meehan and also that T/Sgt Vincent Fay was missing in action…A never to be forgotten program…

Channel Shorts
Mrs. Gertrude McAleese wishes to make a correction of an error which appeared in the newspapers, on the radio, and in her Citation of the fact that she was the organizer of the Broad Channel Red Cross Auxiliary. Mrs. McAleese helped organize it but Mrs. Theresa Beiersdorfer was the actual organizer. Mrs. McAleese was Vice-Chairman of the Broad Channel Community Fund at that time and assisted Mrs. Beiersdorfer in forming the Auxiliary. But to Mrs. Beiersdorfer belongs the actual credit and Mrs. McAleese regrets this error was made, and she found out about it too late to have the publicity changed.

The Broad Channel Democratic Club will hold a card party in the Clubhouse on Friday night May 26th.

Dedication by Boy Scouts
On Memorial Day, May 30th, Dedication Services will be held at the Honor Roll Sign, by the Broad Channel Boy Scouts. The new flag and pole erected by the Scouts in honor of the Broad Channel boys and girls in service will be dedicated at that time. The Scouts have landscaped the ground surrounding the sign and have planted shrubs and rose bushes. A small white picket fence encloses the garden, and a broken flagstone walk leads up to the sign. The new pole has been erected in the center of the walk, before the middle of the sign. It is a very great improvement, and the Scouts and their Scoutmaster, Roy Murphy, are to commended for their interest and patriotism.

July 4, 1944
Invasion News
Lt. William G. Ritter writes that on D-Day, the English Channel looked like Crossbay Boulevard on a pre-war Sunday afternoon. He was assigned to his first combat mission and had a good front row seat in the whole show. Their B-24 Liberators were among the first group of heavies to cross over. Since then he has been flying missions pretty regularly and hopes that each bomb load will hurry the day that Hitler decides to cry “Uncle!” He hopes there will be no more reports of bombs falling on Broad Channel, but then, Broad Channel always is first in everything, and we can claim the distinction of being the only town on the east coast to be bombed. (?)

“Butch” Malloy Visits Rome; Greets Pope
“Butch” Malloy has had the distinction and honor of being the first Broad Channel serviceman to visit the Vatican and meet the pope. He writes: “I was at the Anzio Beachhead, but it is that no longer since we set the krauts back on their heels. Since that offensive, we went ahead and took Rome, and the enemy is still being pushed back. I hope it lasts that way…I had a day off and I visited Rome and also the Vatican. I saw the Pope and got to touch his hand…something I never will forget as long as I live.”

Broad Channel Lease
At the Board of Estimate meeting on June 29th, it was voted to appropriate the $15,000 requested by Borough President Burke to complete the engineering survey for new sewers and roads. This was exclusively reported in the June BANNER, that this amount was to be asked for to complete work started.

Almost 400 Broad Channel residents were present at the hearing at which time Borough President Burke assured them that the city will endeavor to sell them the land, improve roads and install sewers. Mr. Burke also made it clear that the City has scrapped the proposal of Frank Ray Howe, City Real Estate Director, to cancel all the land-leases at Broad Channel and order the residents to move out in 1948. The Borough President said the sale plan would be outlined after the engineering survey is completed – maybe in early fall.

No mention of this lease cancellation was made in the May BANNER in order not to unduly worry the boys and girls in foreign service. To be sure, Broad Channel did not accept this ultimatum calmly, and descended, like locusts, on City Hall. Our civic leaders and clergymen, with the backing of our hard fighting Queens representatives, led by Borough President Burke and aided by Assemblyman Ferrill and Park Commissioner Robert Moses, and several other Council members, completely changed the mind of the City Fathers. They have at long last decided to do the right thing by “Little Nell” (Broad Channel) and the final decision is being eagerly awaited.

We regret that servicemen have been unduly alarmed by this news from other sources and quote the following letter from PFC George J. Steiner:

“I don’t know how to start this letter – it is on account of what I read in the Daily Press, and it kind of made me feel pretty rotten. What is the matter with those people back there? I have been overseas 18 months, and do they think I would rather go to a strange house, and not see all my friends that I have gone around with before this? I guess if all the fellows could get home and settle this thing once and for all, we would not have to take such stuff any more. There are words I could not express in this letter, for if we have to do our part over here, and then we have to go back and fight the City for our homes – what are we supposed to be fighting for? Will somebody please let me know? I am pretty sure the other fellows who are over here feel the same as myself. Well, I hope everything turns out the best before we do get a chance to get back there.”

Note from Editor:
When the decision is reached and the Broad Channel residents get the news, it will be rushed to you.

PFC Roy Gross in Iran
…He returned from a trip to Egypt from which several patients were brought by plane to Persia. It was his first plane ride, and it was something to remember. He had hoped to meet his wife, Corp. Gertrude Gross, who was supposed to come from Italy to Egypt to meet him, but official red tape prevented that looked for meeting. The heat is now reaching 100 degrees in the shade, and he thinks when he comes home, he will always be wearing an overcoat, as their books get so thin in that heat.

We Help Bomb Japan
Broad Channel also was represented a little in the recent bombing of Japan through S/Sgt Francis H. Peters…. He writes:

“Over here I’m working with B-29’s, or Super-Fortresses as they are commonly called. They took off from here on the 15th and 16th of June and bombed Japan. It was the longest mission is history and the first bombing of Japan in over two years. The raid destroyed a factory that had an output of 1/5 of all Japan’s steel. It makes me feel proud to know that I had a small part in such a successful raid as that.”

He sends his thanks for his birthday gift from the Honor Roll Club. He says the BANNERS have been reaching him as regularly as though he were back in the States. In a place like that, he says, to him the BANNER is priceless. He has heard many soldiers state they wished their home town put out such a paper like the BANNER. He sends his regards to all.

Sgt. W.J. Ringel in France
…he believes he has the honor of being the first one of the Channel boys to receive his BANNER in France. It was delivered right to his foxhole!

Engagement was announced of Miss Irene Dunn, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Dunne of Manhattan, and Raymond F. Fox, son of Mr. & Mrs. Fred Fox of 9th Rd….Raymond has been honorably discharged from the Army where he was wounded by a Mexican bandit. He served 3 years. He also has 2 brothers in the Army, neither of whom he has seen in 3 years.

August 21, 1944
Burke-McGoldrick Plan Approved by Broad Channel Tenants. City to Decide by Sept. 21 on Adoption.
At a hearing held before the Board of Estimate on August 17, adoption of the Burke-McGoldrick plan to save Broad Channel from extinction, was postponed until Sept. 21, although final approval is regarded as a certainty.

The matter has been referred to Corporation Counsel Ignatius Wilkerson, on a motion by Rufus E. Gahen, Deputy Mayor, who explained that Mayor LaGuardia had expressed some fear that the full benefits of the improvement would not revert to the property owners but rather might accrue instead to real estate speculators. He said the Mayor was whole-heartedly in sympathy with the proposal but suggested that it be referred to the Corporation Counsel who will prepare the necessary documents to effect the purpose of this plan, including a provision for protection of the property owners against speculators.

The BANNER had the exclusive news “scoop” on August 10, regarding the Burke-McGoldrick plan, and the first “Extra” of the BANNER was hurriedly made to acquaint Broad Channel property owners of this plan, that the lots on which their houses were built could be bought on a 20 year plan, that sewers and other improvements would be installed, if this plan were adopted.

The Burke-McGoldrick plan when approved will solve a problem that arose in 1935 when Broad Channel reverted to the City on the expiration of a twenty-year lease held by the Broad Channel Corporation, a real estate company that had developed it from a summer to an all-year round community.

In 1939, Park Commissioner Moses also had the idea at that time, in line with future development of Jamaica Bay, that it would be a good plan to vacate Broad Channel, but due to the convincing work of Bishop Arthur W. Brooks of Christ Church by the Sea and his organization, the Jamaica Bay Parkway Improvement Association, as well as the Broad Channel Civic Association, Commissioner Moses changed his mind.

Commissioner Moses and the Attorney General Goldstein of the State of New York then drew up the bill which was introduced into the State Legislature by Assemblyman John Ferrill, giving Broad Channel the right to purchase or lease their homes from the City. However, the City ignored this bill and in May of this year offered the Howe plan which, had not Borough President James A. Burke been on the alert, might have passed the Board of Estimate without opposition at the May 11 hearing.

Learning of the danger, the Broad Channel Civic Association and its officers, Joseph Young, President, Owen Devine, Treasurer, Mrs. Gertrude McAleese, Secretary, and its Trustees Marcel Peysson, Gred Greifenstein and A.J. Witterholt, with the very able assistance of Assemblyman Ferrill, Father George Helfenstein and Father Maurice Rocheford of St. Virgilius Church and Bishop Brooks, held an open meeting in the Democratic Clubhouse and told Broad Channel of the Howe plan. The next day 600 irate Broad Channel residents told a surprised Board of Estimate, through their spokesmen, what they thought of the Howe plan and being evicted in 1948 without compensation for their property.

Park Commissioner Moses also voiced his objections to the Howe plan, as did also Brooklyn Borough President John Cashmore and Bronx Borough President Lyons. Borough President Burke skillfully cross-examined Assemblyman Ferrill regarding the bill he sponsored in Albany, regarding the sale of the land to Channel residents. This convinced the other members of the Board of Estimate that a grave injustice was being done to the people of Broad Channel, and they then voted to shelve the Howe proposal.

Borough President Burke and Comptroller McGoldrick were then appointed as a Committee to solve the Broad Channel land matter. The Burke McGoldrick plan is the outcome of their study and the keen interest shown by our Borough President in matters pertaining to Broad Channel ever since he was a Councilman.

The Burke-McGoldrick plan for Broad Channel involves 1061 buildings and 250 garages which house 5180 persons, with an assessed valuation of $1,781,800. Sewers will be installed, streets will be lifted to the proper grades, new bulkheads will be constructed and the few homes not conforming to the new street plan will either be moved to a new location or the owner paid condemnation award.

The cost of this will be apportioned and added to the price of the land the City will charge the purchaser, and they will be given 20 years to pay off their debt to the city, plus 4% interest.

At the hearing before the Board of Estimate on August 17, Assemblyman John Ferrill vigorously urged the Board to immediately adopt this plan, after Mrs. Katharine Blust urged a postponement for further study of assessments and taxes.

Bishop Brooks and Mrs. McAleese also urged the immediate adoption of this plan, as a resolution unanimously endorsing this Burke-McGoldrick plan had been passed at an open meeting held in the Broad Channel Democratic Clubhouse the evening before the hearing, at which time 400 property owners, in spite of a severe storm, attended. Mass indignation of this opposition ran very high, but this minority opposition in no way affected the postponement which would have occurred anyway, due to the Mayor’s recommendation. Final decision is on Sept. 21 – WE HOPE.

GREETINGS!!! HELLO, FELLOWS AND GIRLS:
This issue was supposed to tell you the Broad Channel land matter was settled – but it isn’t yet. We hope the next issue will carry the final details.

The Editor has new worries over the paper situation. Getting paper for the BANNER is getting to be a problem and the situation is not improving. After this issue, only very thin 18 lb. paper will be available which is not good for two-sided work and reading is difficult.

Our present paper is 20 lb. quality and is not available any more. Color work on the present paper now used is too difficult as it is too absorbent and needs almost twice the amount of ink than the bond paper we were using for 8 months. However, we will scour the paper market and do the best we can to keep the BANNER coming for a little while longer, at least.

Keep the letters coming, as that is the only way proper reports about you can be published.

GOD’S BLESSING BE ON YOU ALL.

U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Wants Recruits.
The U.S. Coast Guard Reserve is looking for many more recruits and is the only branch of the United States military service which offers an opportunity to men from age 17 to 65 to serve their country part-time, who for many reasons may not be able to enlist full-time. Men between these ages can enlist with the Coast Guard Reserve and serve a continuous 24 hours every week, or more if they wish. By doing so, each 5 reservists serving release a full-time Coast Guardsman for other duties… Honorable discharges are given, veteran preference, credit for all time served, and uniforms.

On August 29, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve will be on hand at the Broad Channel Democratic Clubhouse at 8 PM with motion pictures of Coast Guard activities, and speakers will supply all the information in detail. All the men of Broad Channel are invited to attend, also the ladies as now they can also serve as Spars on a part-time basis.

Boy Scouts
The Broad Channel Boy Scouts, under the leadership of Scoutmaster Roy Murphy, are working hard for the war effort, and it is the most patriotic organization in the community, as far as honoring our boys in service is concerned. Since Decoration Day, they have been collecting photographs of all our servicemen and women and have them on display in their headquarters at 744 Boulevard in the windows. They have been nicely arranged and set up by Peter Monett. They also collect about 2 ½ tons of waste paper each week and are practically haunting everyone for newspapers.

A Girl Scout unit has also been formed and the girls are trying to outdo the boys.

Two weeks ago, they held their first annual parade through Broad Channel. After the march, they were taken to their meeting place, the Broad Channel Social Club, and served refreshments. They are now practicing and drilling for the homecoming of our servicemen.

The grounds in back of the Honor Roll sign have been landscaped and they also tend the garden they planted in front of it. Since they have taken charge of this, there has been no more defacing of the Honor Roll sign which has now been enlarged by adding two wings, which has added greatly to its appearance.

March, 1945

A picture of Franklin D. Roosevelt carried the caption: In Memoriam. Gone, but never to be forgotten.

Capt. Martin Gronachan Meets His Son on the Front Lines in Italy/ Dramatic Meeting of Two Channel Residents Causes Stir Among G.I’s / Marty’s Pals Celebrate Occasion. Captain Martin Gronachan, Sr., and his son, Sgt. Martin Gronachan, Jr., had a most dramatic meeting on the front lines in Italy. Captain Gronachan, who serves with the A.T.S., had returned home in November from the Pacific war area after a year on those islands, and in March was reassigned to the Atlantic area.

He arrived in France and then went by plane to Italy. He decided to look up his son while on a 3 day leave. Sgt. Marty Gronachan is with the 1st Armored Division, the veteran of all armored divisions which is often called “Old Ironsides,” as they went through all the campaigns in Africa before coming to Italy.

The Captain arrived at the front at about 12 noon at a certain town where the 68th F.A. was supposed to be. Everyone at that point knew all about the 68th, but where it was, was something else again. So he hitchhiked north and made a lot of false turns, but finally about 3 PM he arrived, in an M.P.’s car, at the service station the 68th was finally supposed to be at.

There was a crowd of G.I.’s and officers standing there and Captain Gronachan asked them if they knew Marty, and told them he was his father. That started everything. Work stopped and there was a great yell, and everyone came to talk to him and tell him about Marty. The Captains and Majors of the outfit were notified and it caused a great commotion. Everyone wanted to do something for him. Gifts of food were showered on him. The officers grabbed him and took him to their quarters, and a million questions were thrown at him about affairs in the States.

In the meantime, a telephone operator did his best to locate Marty, Jr., and by 3:45 he was located through 8 phone connections. We will quote Captain Gronachan’s letter from here on:

“Marty was on the other end of the wire. “Who’s there?” he asked. And I said, “Your Old Man!”…”My, God,” said Marty, “how did you ever find me?”…and then said he would meet me in about an hour. I was just finishing supper with some visiting Colonels and Majors of the 1st Division when Marty walked in. “Gee, he looked fine!”

The Captain continued that Marty got 4 days off, with the use of a car, and the next day they went sight-seeing. Every house in those hills are castles on a peak. Then they went to Marty’s camp, where a big spread with roast chicken from neighboring farmers was spread awaiting their arrival. The chicken was bought out of his pals’ money just to make this a special occasion for him. He states Marty has a boxful of medals and talks Italian better than some of the natives.

Marty’s Colonel was not there but heard the news and phoned in orders to hold Captain Gronachan until Saturday night, as he would like to meet him. But as the plane that brought him north was to take him back to his base on Saturday afternoon, Captain Gronachan could not stay to meet the Colonel.

They hope to see more of each other when Captain Gronachan is stationed at a certain port and then Marty can come and visit his father too.

Eelers Take Notice
The following notice has appeared in the newspapers, but do not ask us how it is done. Governor Dewey of New York has signed a bill which permits the unlimited shooting of eels, BUT the bill specifies that the shooting must be done by bow and arrow.

Help Wanted
MEN – age 17 to 50, must be in good physical condition, $7 per day, for Saturday and Sundays or Sundays and holidays. Full scale temporary employment $1800 per annum. Vacancies also at Marine Bridge. Register for snow work, $7.50 per day. Apply Captain Ryan at Toll Bridge. Triboro Bridge Authority.

May, 1945
In Memoriam
Corp. Murray Sieff
Guadalcanal, May, 1942

Walter Hawthorne, S1/c
USS Juneau, November 13, 1942

S/Sgt Fred Meehan
South Pacific, November 1, 1943

Flight Officer Owen P. O’Reilly
Florida, February 12, 1944

S/Sgt Vincent Fay
Baltic Sea, April 22, 1944

Sgt. Patrick Heslin
Belgium, December 18, 1944

Francis X. O’Connell, AMM 2/c
Pacific, December 21, 1944

Lieut. Wilbert Wankel
Pacific, January 1, 1945

(Later information would reveal two more servicemen killed: E. Brundrett, SS Frye, March 29, 1944 and T. Westlund, English Channel, June 9 1944.)

Honor Roll Illuminated
Many Channel residents have wondered where the illumination came from on the Honor Roll sign. Upon questioning, it was learned that through the courtesy of Mrs. Mary Connelly connection has been made to her electric current. The bill for it has been paid personally by Roy Murphy, former Scoutmaster, although the Scouts have contributed $2 toward the first month. The Boys Salvage Corps is now taking over this expense.

Boys Salvage club Collecting Paper, Clothing, Rags
Doing Fine Job for the War Effort
The Boys Salvage Club of Broad Channel is a club comprised of about 25 members between the ages of 6 to 14 years. They have now branched out and including collection of waste paper are also accepting donations of clothing, which is turned in to the proper authorities on the Clothing Collection drive – used fats, cardboard and old rags.

The paper and rags are sold each Saturday and the proceeds put in a fund to send gifts of $1 each to our men and women in the armed forces. Every time $40 is realized on the sale of paper and rags, $30 is sent to the servicemen and $10 put in the Club’s Treasury toward uniforms and incidentals. So far 133 servicemen have received money gifts.

Many letters are received from the servicemen thanking the club for its efforts.
Jack Heaphy, 2M 3c, sent a letter which especially pleased the group, as he stated he was happy to learn that his son was one of the Salvage group and complimented the Corps on its find work.

The Salvage Corps also paid tribute to the memory of our late President Roosevelt. The entire Corps marched to the Honor Roll sign, where they hung a picture of President Roosevelt on the flag pole, and at 4 PM on Saturday, April 14, when the whole nation paused for two minutes in his memory – they played taps – and then resumed their salvage work.

Fred Roehling Saves Father When Boat Overturns in Heavy Storm
Four fishermen had a narrow escape from being drowned in Jamaica Bay recently when a storm broke. They had been fishing in Silver Hole and had hauled in about 40 pounds of flounders and eels and were happy over their luck.

But when they noticed dark clouds coming up and the wind freshening, they decided to make for Broad Channel from whence they had started. Their 14-foot boat with an outboard motor chugged along for a time when suddenly the wind became too strong to keep the boat on its course and suddenly a gust struck the small craft and swamped it, throwing the fishermen into the water.

William Roehling of 1234 Cross Bay Boulevard, owner of the boat; his son, Fred; William Maesher of Woodhaven and William Hart of Ridgewood floundered about in the swirling water. Roehling was handicapped by wearing a sheep-lined coat and heavy hip boots, which he could not get off. He had given up hope of keeping afloat, but his son, Fred, told him to hold on to the boat a little longer. Then Fred’s feet touched the edge of a sandbar near a marsh and he shouted to the others to work over toward him. Then he saw his father go down. He dove after him and succeeded in grabbing him and getting him to the marsh.

A helicopter hove in sight after the storm subsided and, seeing the men’s plight, notified the Coast Guard at Rockaway Point, which sent a patrol boat and picked up the four men and took them to Broad Channel where they were given first aid for shock and submersion, hot showers and put to bed. Later they were supplied with dry clothes and hot coffee. The elder Roehling seemed the worse off for his experience, but his wife, Ruth, who is a Red Cross nurse’s aide, serving at Rockaway Beach Hospital, cared for him and no bad effects resulted.

Mrs. Roehling said that her husband’s weakness was probably due to the fact that he had given his fifth pint of blood at the blood bank held at the First Congregational Church a few days before.

Hart also was under a handicap while struggling in the water. He broke an ankle a few weeks ago and the foot was still in a cast. The younger Roehling was honorably discharged from the service late last summer, after serving with the 8th Air Force overseas.

In speaking of the quartet of fishermen’s experience, Fred said: “No one had better say anything to me about the Coast Guard. They sure were swell to us. We all thank them.”

The boat drifted away in the storm and a reward is offered for its return to Broad Channel. The name “Patsy” is painted across the stern.

Joseph Bart, Guard at P.W. Camp in Arizona Prefers to Live in Broad Channel
T-5 Joseph Bart, Enlisted Det. S.C.V. No. 1920, Florence P.W. Camp, Coolidge, Ariz., was away out on the fringe of the California desert when he penned his letter to us; and while it was very nice in December, it is a spot to steer clear of in the summer time as the temperature soars to 190 degrees in the shade – if you can find any shade!

He has been guarding German prisoners, most of them being of Austrian descent. They are helping our war effort by picking a sizable amount of cotton which would otherwise rot in the fields.

The camp is a suitable place, but not for the G.I. Joes. The coyotes and wild burrows do their best to keep them company, as well as jack rabbits.

There is also a large Indian population on the reservations, and Big Chief Geronimo often roamed these lands. Adobe houses, made of grass and straw first strike the eye, and they have endured for many years. But for all the striking scenery, he prefers Broad Channel.

Greetings/Hello, Everybody! Victory in Europe has now been realized, and we salute our brave Broad Channel heroes, both living and dead, who have helped to make this possible.

V-E Day at home was not the wildly boisterous expression of unrestrained joy many people believed it might be. It was greeted with joy, of course; whistles blew, people prayed and cried as well, but deep down everyone was conscious of the hard work ahead which still must be done so that our sons in the Pacific will also have the joy of looking forward to coming home, after our long war with Japan is finally ended.

The Statue of Liberty has again been lighted as the symbol of democracy so many of our sons have died to preserve. We mourn the loss of 10 of Broad Channel’s sons who truly can never be forgotten. Their great sacrifice has been one of the prices of the peace just won, and their memories will ever be green.

God’s blessings be on you all and may all our enemies soon be vanquished.