The front page of the Elizabethville Echo, December 11, 1941, featured two major stories: (1) a fire destroyed one of the Swab Wagon Company’s buildings; and (2) America Declares War Following Japan’s Attack.
BUILDING OF SWAB WAGON COMPANY PLANT DESTROYED IN EARLY MORNING BLAZE
Workmen were engaged in clearing debris, and putting the boiler and power plant of the Swab Wagon Company under roof when this picture was taken Saturday. The building had been destroyed in an early morning blaze not many hours before. The frame building seen in the background, which houses the woodworking and farm implements departments of the company, is separated from the destroyed building by a narrow driveway.
Fire of undetermined origin, discovered shortly before 1:00 o’clock Saturday morning, destroyed a building of the Swab Wagon Company plant, located on Callowhill Street, south of the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks.
The building which was of brick construction, was formerly used as a blacksmith shop by the Wagon Company. The rear, or western end of the one-story building housed the boiler and power plant of the company while the front section was used for storage of State Highway Department equipment. A sawmill was located at the rear of the building.
In addition to the local fire company, firemen from Millersburg, Pillow, Gratz, Lykens and Wiconisco, responded to the call for aid.
A long frame building, in which were located the woodworking and farm implement departments of the firm, and separated from the destroyed building by only a sixteen-foot driveway, was saved by the efficient work of the firemen.
Spread of the flames to this building, which escaped with very light damage, would have endangered a lumber storage shed along the railroad tracks to the north. The Romberger Hide House and Garage and the residences of Harold Romberger and Mrs. John C. Fitting are located opposite the Swab properties, on the east side of Callowhill Street. Sparks from the burning into the eastern section of town, several blocks distant.
A dwelling, located to the south of the destroyed building, and owned by the Swab company, was also saved by the firemen.
The residence is occupied by the Paul Dunleavy family. After carrying their two small children to safety. Mr. and Mrs. Dunleavy were assisted by volunteers in removing their furniture and other property. The north side of the house was scorched, and the roof was slightly damaged.
Highway Department equipment in the destroyed building included a caterpillar tractor, two graders, three trucks, one shop automobile, and several snow piles. In addition, it was reported equipment stored there included repair tools, fittings, and post attachments for highway guard rails, cement, lime, a number of drums of oil and grease, as well as office records.
The loss, for both the local company and the State Highway Department, it is believed, will amount to between $25,000 and $35,000.
Work was resumed in some parts of the plant on Monday, while all departments resumed operations yesterday morning.
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AMERICA DECLARES WAR FOLLOWING JAPAN’S ATTACK
It was during the peace of a Sabbath, December 7, 1941, that millions of Americans heard by radio, the first reports of an attack by military forces of Japan on the American territory of Hawaii.
Formal recognition of the state of war was made by Congress twenty-four hours later.
Excerpts from President Roosevelt’s address before the joint session of Congress Monday afternoon, asking for a declaration of war on Japan, follow:
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
“The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
“Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing on Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
“It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
“The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
“Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
“Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
“Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
“Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
“Last night the Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.
“This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
“Japan has therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
“As commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
“Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
“I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery will never endanger us again.
“Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
“With confidence in our armed forces — with the unbounding determination of our people — we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.”
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