From The Smyrna Times,
July 28, 1960
Social Security payments near $2.5 million mark in Kent County
At the end of 1959, as Federal Social Security was starting its twenty-fifth year, old age, survivors, and disability insurance monthly benefits were being paid in Kent County to 3,637 persons at the rate of $2,494,788 a year.
In Sussex County, 6,916 persons were receiving $4,599,780 a year, according to Edward F. Sullivan, manager of the Dover Social Security District Office.
“This is an increase in number of beneficiaries of about 10 percent since February 1959, the last previous date for which Kent and Sussex County figures are available,” he said.
Payments to a retired worker with no dependents receiving benefits averaged $69 a month nationally at the end of last December; to a retired couple, both of whom were receiving benefits, the average payment was $121. The average for a widow with two young children was $169.
By contrast, Sullivan recalled that when benefits first became available in 1940, the average monthly payment to a retired worker with no dependents receiving benefits was $22, and to a retired couple the average payment was $36.
16 arrested in Blackbird Woods gambling raid
Vice squad members and detectives from Dover Barracks, Delaware State Police, broke up a big dice game in the heart of Blackbird Forest Sunday afternoon, arresting 16 player-suspects and confiscating $134 in play and $3,339 on the persons of the men.
The surprise foray against the gamblers had all the elements of a TV “thriller.” The vice squad members and detectives drove part of the way into the forest, left their vehicles, and crept up stealthily to the gambling site – a rug on the forest floor about two miles from the nearest road.
The men arrested were from New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. All were charged with conspiracy to violate the gambling laws.
Teenagers form musical combo
One of the most worthwhile efforts of teenagers in Smyrna during the summer months is the formation of a combo, now rehearsing at the school, and showing great promise for the future. The youthful members of the group include Kathi Link, pianist; Ronald Sayers, trumpet; Bruce Akin, sax; and Nelson Everhart Jr., drums.
The young group seems to be serious about their music and if they maintain their interest Smyrna may be enriched by a combo trained to play for small dances and programs of entertainment for clubs and organizations.
Crowd attends street dance
The next in the series of street dances sponsored by the Smyrna-Clayton Jaycees will be held on Market Street Plaza on Thursday, August 4, from 8 to 11 p.m.
The dance held last Thursday night drew a crowd of young dancers, mainly jitterbugs, and the response by the youth indicates to the Jaycees that the project is worthwhile.
Music is by amplified recordings and there is a small admission charge.
Serving at the last dance were the following Jaycees: Barry Attix, Kenny Attix, William Shane, Ray Slaughter, Glenn McNatt, Robert Belber, and James Haas. The dance is open to all.
