From the Archives of The Benicia Herald

Compiled By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

Hail to 1942!
Old Father Time, 1941 edition, having deposited a war on America’s doorstep during the very last month of his reign, prepares to beat a hasty retreat in favor of a grim, serious and youthful successor, 1942.

There’s no foolishness in the countenance of this newcomer. He knows the coming twelve months will be steeped in sacrifice and heartache, and perhaps disappointments keener than we suspect. But on the unfolding scroll of 1942 there are sure to be written soul-stirring triumphs on the field of battle as the outstretched American eagle pounces wrathfully upon its prey.

One hundred thirty-two million Americans know this will be one of the most fateful years in their country’s history, as a whole nation rises to the supreme test of mobilizing its total strength against an array of hostile powers. No crystal gazers are needed to inform America that in 1942 her civilians and fighters will record memorable deeds as they give to their country “the full measure of their devotion.”

It isn’t in the American spirit to face a great task complainingly or with faint heart. It’s the American spirit to take on any task — the bigger and more staggering it is the better we like it — with relentless hitting power. And it’s blessed with that unquenchable spirit, that millions of celebrants will acclaim New Year’s with cheers, shouts and jubilant toasts to the final victory that will one day come.

So welcome to 1942, a New Year that will bring us so much nearer to new years of peace and happiness!
— Publisher Arthur W. Gluckman

Check Your Facts
Because Dame Rumor thrives in war-time, let’s sift our information, check its source, and get it straight before passing it on. Careless radio listening has become one of the great sources of rumors. Listeners, giving only a fraction of their attention to a broadcast while working, dining or talking, seize upon half-statements, fail to hear the source of the report, and pass on as gospel truth the allegation of a Japanese press service. Check all reports and rumors with your newspaper. If you don’t see it in print, ignore it!

Aliens—Attention!
You are required by law to deposit all GUNS, CAMERAS AND RADIO SETS with the Police Department. Receipt will be given for your property.
By order of
J.E. Ackerman
Chief of Police
Benicia, Calif.

Notice to Liquor Dealers
You are now prohibited by law from selling any VINOUS, DISTILLED or OTHER INTOXICATING LIQUORS to men in the ARMED FORCES of the United States except between the hours of 6 and 10 o’clock P.M.
By order of
J.E. Ackerman
Chief of Police

Japs Take Life of Benicia Man
Death of Francis Charles De la Fontaine
In a telegraphic message received from Charles Prezot, Director of Civil Defense, Mrs. Bernice De la Fontaine was informed of the death of her husband, Francis Charles (Bink) De la Fontaine of Benicia.

The message stated that he had been killed in the performance of his duties and the service of his country. Previously he had been unofficially reported as “missing.”

Mr. De la Fontaine was born in Alameda in 1904 and attended school in Vallejo. He was well known in both Benicia and Vallejo. For several years he was employed at Mare Island, leaving that post approximately a year and a half ago to join the civilian defense forces crossing the Pacific.

He is survived by his father, C.F. De la Fontaine of Napa, his widow, the former Bernice Perry, and two children, Helen, 6 1/2 years and Louise, 4 years.

Arrangement for Memorial Services and Mass will be made at a later date, since it is not possible, according to the message, to transfer the body to the United States for burial at this time.

Rubber Rationing Board Established in Benicia
Mayor Charles Clyne received telegraphic instructions from Governor Culbert L. Olson requesting that a Rationing Board for tires and tubes be established in Benicia. The Board is to consist of two men and one woman and also an alternate board is to be appointed.

According to OPM Officials in Washington the tire rationing plan probably will form the groundwork for rationing of many other consumer goods, including not only new autos and trucks, but perhaps refrigerators, radios and other items considered as essential to the prosecution of the war.

Mayor Charles Clyne stated that prompt action had been taken and the board will consist of Paul Wetmore, Charles Clyne, and Anna Pine, with headquarters in the Trustee’s Room of the City Hall. The Alternate Board is made up of George Westerberg, Thomas Wright and Melba Passalacqua.

Supplies and instructions for the duties of the board are being rushed to Benicia by Air Mail and further detailed announcement of the plan will appear in next week’s issue of the Benicia Herald-New Era.

Emergency Hospital Nears Completion
Rapid progress is being made inward the completion of Benicia’s Emergency Hospital.

According to Dr. Lewis Sanborn, physician in charge, all plumbing and heating has been installed, medical supplies have been received from San Francisco, and other details taken care of.

At present work is being done on the ceiling of the operating room and when this has been completed the hospital will be ready to put into use.

Dr. Sanborn states that a number of beds and other supplies have been donated, although lack of storage has prevented these articles from being packed up. The articles which have been donated will soon be gotten together. It is believed that more beds will be needed as well as bedding, sheets, etc.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross has made available funds for use of the hospital. “There has been no occasion to use any of this money, but it is in reserve in the event of any emergency,” said Dr. Sanborn.

The work of renovating, cleaning and otherwise preparing the building, which was made available by Father Clyne of the Dominic’s Catholic church, has been done by volunteer workers.

Property Owners Attention
That street improvement is badly needed in Benicia cannot be denied, and in an effort to assist all property owners in a more complete understanding of the costs and legal procedures in securing street pavement, City Attorney Harold M. Simon has asked those interested to attend a city council meeting in the Trustees Room of the City Hall on the evening of January 6.

Under the Street Improvement Act of 1911, as amended, street improvement districts may be formed if 51 percent or more property owners petition its formation. The street is then bonded. Payment for paving can be amortized over a period up to fourteen years at an annual cost of $6 to $8 for a 36-foot street where the lot frontage does not exceed 50 feet.

A great many property owners have been making inquiry at the City Hall, and it is believed that attendance at the meeting would go a long way toward establishment of a general understanding of the legal aspects, as well as financial angles, of this needed improvement.

New Post Office to Open January 5th
It is anticipated that the new post office will be opening in full swing on Monday, January 5th. The building is practically complete now and the work of cleaning up has been started.

There will be available at once 100 more boxes than the old building has, with space available for approximately 250 additional boxes to be installed as requirements develop.