Today I am reading the Oct. 24, 1941, edition of the Cement News, a weekly newspaper that served our cement belt.

In Europe, a war was raging since the German invasion of Poland in 1939. In Washington, Secretary of State Cordell Hull was negotiating with Japanese representatives concerning the Japanese aggression in China. Few people felt that, in two months, the United States would enter World War II. The Japanese attacked our Naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in December 1941.

In 1941, our local communities continued their normal pace of daily life. The Cement News reported on local activities.

The Northampton Exchange Club was organizing a 200th anniversary for the borough. Serving on the committee was Mr. Ray Wahl, who in a few short weeks would be serving in the U.S. Army. Mr. Wahl wrote the book “Northampton — The Town That Wants You,” the only complete history book to date written about Northampton Borough. The book sold for $1.50.

Later, this writer was fortunate to have Mr. Wahl as a teacher at Northampton High School. Mr. Wahl would also serve as mayor of Northampton.

In October, Northampton, Coplay and Catasauqua candidates and voters were preparing to go to the polls in November to cast their votes. In Coplay, more than 100 men attended the Spirit of ’76 program where candidates from both parties made presentations.

In Northampton, Lappawinzo Fish and Game Association, which is still active today, honored one of its founders, Dr. Mahlon Miller. His medical practice was located next to the former Cement National Bank on West 21st Street in Northampton. Dr. Miller was the longtime physician for the Northampton School District.

Other news included local sporting events. Northampton High School defeated Slatington High School on the football field with a score of Northampton 13, Slatington 2. Do our older readers remember the old Slatington High School and their football field at Victory Park?

Our friends in Catasauqua defeated Emmaus 14-0 as they looked forward to the Thanksgiving game with Northampton. They played on Thomas Field.

The Patriotic Sons of America met at their hall in Coplay. At the meeting, Mr. Frank Kukitz, a well-known sportsman and hunter who owned the Coplay Log Cabin, shared motion pictures of his Canadian hunting trip.

In Northampton County, the Civil Defense Agency asked for volunteers from the communities. In those years, there was a Civil Defense Week from Nov. 11 to Nov. 16, 1941, beginning on Armistice Day, now Veterans Day. The week ended with Freedom Sunday, Nov. 16. Clergy were asked to speak on freedom at Sunday services.

Back in Northampton, Clark Gable and Lana Turner entertained us on the silver screen at the Roxy Theatre. After the movie, you could stop at Regal and Blum Credit Jewelers located next to the Roxy. They had great values for your sweetheart. A three-diamond ring was $32.50 or seventy-five cents a week. They had 14 carat gold rings for $24.75.

And so, it was in October 1941.

We’ll see you again in two weeks.

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I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all my friends and former students who sent me more than 200 birthday greetings for my 90th birthday. I was overwhelmed by all the good wishes and memories.

Thank you, everyone!