The lead story in the Suffolk News on this date 79 years ago:

Suffolk man to receive medal for heroic rescue of another

H.C. Hendrickson, formerly line foreman for the telephone company in this city, will receive a Theodore N. Vail Memorial Medal for bravery in the rescue of a worker in the streets of Portsmouth who was overcome by illuminating gas. He is a native son of Virginia as is Zeb Miller, who will also receive a medal, saved the life of a person who was sleeping in a garage in Williamsburg and then fought the fire and prevented its spread to telephone cables, which were nearby. The presentation will take place this month.

First mad dog scare in county

The first mad dog scare of the season was reported from Nansemond County yesterday when Charles Bowden, a farmer living near Myrtle, was brought to town for treatment for a bite received from his pet dog. Mr. Bowden was engaged in discing on his farm when the dog suddenly showed signs of madness and big him on the leg.

Mr. Bowden came to Suffolk to consult the health authorities about what he should do. The dog had been previously killed and Mr. Bowden brought the animal’s head with him. It has been sent to Richmond for analysis. If it shows the canine had been a victim of hydrophobia, Mr. Bowden will take the Pasteur treatment. His wound had to be cauterized and is said not to be serious.

Building industry is taking on new life

As summer approaches building operations are resuming their wonted activity. J.P. Lee, A.H. Hargrave and T. A. Jordan are engaged in the erection of a four-family brick apartment building on Causey Street. The contract has been let to Nussman & Cox, local contractors, for $10,000.

W.M. Crumpler is also resuming his building operations in the eastern part of the city. In this same section, S.M. Lawrence and C.W. Lowe are preparing to do some building construction.

Minister speaks on big program

As a means of preparation for a large building program which will cost many thousand dollars, the Rev. H.S. Hardcastle, pastor of the Christian church, will speak to his congregation tomorrow morning at 11 o’clock on &uot;Our Building Program.&uot;

J.M. Darden, chairman of the finance committee, will make a short talk to the congregation on the subject of the plans to increase the capacity of the church and erect a new Sunday School building. Other serving with Mr. Darden on the committee are G.W. Truitt, A.T. Holland, J.E. West and C.A. Shoop.

Claude E. Eley

A large photograph of Claude E. Eley was featured on the front page. The caption read: &uot;For six years Deputy Commissioner of Revenue of the city of Suffolk who has announced himself a candidate for the office, subject to the action of the August Democratic primary. Mr. Eley is prominent in Boy Scout circles, of which he is a leader.

Young Cowling has qualified

Herford T. Cowling, son of the late J.P. Cowling, who was murdered on April 23 at his woodland home near Suffolk, has qualified as administrator of his father’s estate.

Mr. Cowling, who is an expert moving picture operator, has been active in efforts to help police find the slayer of his father and he has posted a reward of $500 to which thus far B.G. Ferguson of Nansemond County has added $50. Mr. Cowling came to Suffolk from Chicago when he was notified of the slaying of his father.

Lest we forget

Summer is approaching and the outdoors will be calling louder and louder. Far away stretches of wood and beach will beckon many to their pleasing shades and few there will be who will not yield to the siren’s call. All who can will and should go for a day in such delightful surroundings because it means better health, higher spirits and a clearer mind for the morrow’s toil.

But we must be careful lest we are drawn away from the place to which all men should go at least once on a Sabbath. The temptation is strong to forget one’s duty to his Maker. One does not have to give up his tour in the country in order to attend church and even if it is necessary the sacrifices are worth it.. America cannot afford to close her churches because of a modern invention that leads men away from it. Our blessings will become a curse if they draw us away from the things that are eternal and build character.

Use the auto tomorrow and every Sunday, get away from town and commune with nature. The day is long and there is time for all things – to ride, to play and drive dull care away. But do not forget the church, your church, whatever it may be. It has the first right to your allegiance that which none other can take its place. Use the blessing that has been so bounteously given but temperately and in moderation. Then indeed will it be a blessing.

– Compiled by Andy Prutsok