Editor’s Note: Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, that offer a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley and the rest of the world.
A THIRST FOR
HIGHER LEARNING
CAN BE DEADLY
There seemed to be some difficulties connected with the education of youth, in various parts of the United States, which, we regret to say, have not been settled without violence.
At the Chicago University, a student objected to the reproof of his misconduct by the president and began to swear and abuse him. When the president ordered him to leave the room, he drew a pistol and putting the muzzle to the head of the institution, told him he would blow his brains out. The president grasped the pistol and succeeded in wrestling the weapon from him. More than half the class sympathized with the student and threatened to leave if he was expelled.
In Ohio, the luck is on the other side, or the boot on the other leg. Two large boys at school getting into an altercation with their teacher were fatally cut by him with a knife, while the pedagogue received a broken nose and other injuries.
Teaching the young idea seems to be attended with difficulty, if not danger, in some localities.
(Editor’s note: this was originally published in the La Grange Journal on March 29, 1883)
PORT ISABEL TO
USE BIG BOAT AS
FLOATING HOTEL
TO ACCOMMODATE
FISHERMEN
Plans for purchase of a 312 foot obsolete government transport vessel which will be anchored in the waters of the Laguna Madre near here for use by our Rio Grande Valley Rod and Reel Club, now in process of formation, were announced here Monday by S. I. Jackson, manager of the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. The plan has been tried out successfully at other points along the coast, where large boats of this kind are anchored, furnished and equipped for fishing and for general use.
Jackson said that the temporary board of directors for the organization consists of Fred. H. Wedgegartner of San Benito, H. M. Rouse of Mercedes, H. B. Hall of Port Isabel, Doctor R. M. Mcgrill of McAllen, and S. I. Jackson of Port Isabel. Headquarters have been established here, and the organization’s campaign is to get underway immediately., with general committeemen being selected in each Valley City. Organization will be complete by May 15. The San Benito Bank and Trust Company of San Benito has been designated as depository for all funds, and a membership fee of $5 a year is to be charged with no dues.
The fee entitles each member to free use of the boat and its facilities for fishing. The purpose of the organization is to promote fishing and coastal waters here, not only for valley people, but for tourists. The organization has been in touch with government officials and has secured information on 37 government boats which could be purchased for small sums of money. The boat which will probably be purchased is a 312 foot. Abandoned government transport now at New Orleans.
This boat would be brought down by a tug and anchored probably just inside the pass, on the Padre Island shore. There would become a sort of fishing headquarters, with rooms available for members and guests to stay overnight on the boat, with dining facilities and other accommodations for members and guests.
“This is in no sense a personal promotion”, Jackson said, “but a move to develop our fishing.” The organization committee will meet Thursday night at the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce building, Mr. Jackson said, and the public is invited to the meeting. (Editor’s note: this was originally published in the Brownsville (Texas) Herald on March 4, 1935)