From The Smyrna Times,
Dec. 13, 1934
First snow of year here; temperature plummets
Smyrna had its first snow Monday morning. When our citizens awoke, the ground was covered and trees and roofs gave evidence that winter was here. Along with it was a cold wave that sent the mercury in the thermometer down to 17 degrees. The cold wave continued all day Monday and Tuesday with the coldest weather so far this winter….
Ice was reported on Lake Como, but it was not frozen a sufficient thickness for skating.
Muskrat season opens; prices high
The muskrat trapping season which opened last Saturday has been quite successful so far on some marshes and not nearly so good as last year on others. The industry is a live one in this section from Leipsic, Bombay Hook, Taylor’s Bridge and on to Delaware City.
Reports from some of the trappers on the inland marshes between Bombay Hook and Port Penn indicated about a fifty percent reduction in the number of “rats” taken this season as compared to last year.
The season opened with mild weather, but the intense cold the past few days has made trapping more arduous on account of the ice….
One bright spot in the season so far for all trappers is an increase in the price being paid for hides since the season opened. The prices offered the opening day were 50 cents for good brown hides and $1.00 for good black hides. Since then, 65 cents and better was being offered for brown hides with $1.00 continuing for black fur.
Smyrna schools decorate for Christmas
On every hand the Christmas spirit is in evidence throughout our schools. A special committee has been appointed to erect a Christmas tree in the new library, now known as the Walter O. Hoffecker Memorial Library. A special effort will be made to make this year’s tree as attractive as possible. The scheme the committee has in mind is to have light blue lights with silver balls.
Smyrna 20th Century Club celebrates Delaware Day
American flags decorated the Club House last Friday night as the 20th Century Club of Smyrna celebrated Delaware Day, and the opening exercises were of patriotic nature.
“America” was sung followed by the salute to the flag and the singing of “Our Delaware.”
The program was in charge of Mrs. E.S. Dwight, Chairman of Education.
Miss Williams, dietician at the Welfare Home, a lyric soprano, rendered a group of songs to the delight of her audience.
Prof. Glenn S. King of the High School Faculty gave a talk on “Robert Browning,” a scholarly thesis analyzing the poet’s style and characteristics and giving examples of his work. This was a rare treat.
Clayton news and personals
Rev. Clark Marshall is filling the pulpit of St. Paul’s M.E. Church during the absence of Rev. C.W. Strickland. Rev. Strickland is ill at the home of his daughter in Wilmington.
Mr. Charles Clayville of Delaware City was the weekend guest of his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Harry Clayville.
Mrs. John Jester has moved from Mrs. Carrie Brown’s property to Harrington.
Mrs. James R. Boggs spent Wednesday in Wilmington.
Mrs. Jack Montague spent Wednesday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Lynch, in Dover.
Mr. and Mrs. Garman Thomas recently entertained at dinner their parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas of this town, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Unruh of Townsend.
Miss Ellen Shortall spent the weekend with friends in Baltimore, Md. and Washington.
