Mercedes Tribune (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 15, No. 37, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 27, 1928 Page: 1 of 16
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Aercedes Eribune
MERCEDES, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1928
NUMBER 37
VOLUME 15.
3
5
.. j
W. A. McNEIL
In response to the call for funds
$ 1.00
J. F. Baingo
see it.
I
332122522
For Those Who Attend; Hold
Open House from 7:30 Until 11
sister,
Dee
Mr.
Date Changed for
Landscaping and
Gardening School
Mrs. Joe Hess, Jr.
Dies in Merc. Hosp.
Red Cross Appeals
For Funds; Storm
, Areas Desperate
WALTER A. McNEIL
(By L. T. Hoyt)
Request Mo. Pacific
Exhibit Car Start
At a Later Date
Funeral Services For W. A.
McNeil, Mercedes Banker Held
From Baptist Church Tuesday
“YOUR
HOME
TOWN
PAPER”
of the Red Cross.
----------o----------
MERCEDES STUDY CLUB RE-
SUMES ACTIVITIES
It Pays to Advertise
in
“Your Home Town
Paper”
ft
Plan Elaborate Entertainment
f
ri
,1
Club; held the office of president
during 1924; and in 1925 was one
Formal Opening Of New Legion Home Friday Nite
‘by the Red Cross for the storm suf-
ferers of Florida and Porto Rico, re-
turns are beginning to come in. The
first of the cities of Hidalgo County
to send in their quota was Alamo,
'which turned into headquarters here
Mr. McNeil endeared himself to
the citizens of this city, community, 1
and the Valley through his progres-
sive activities and work for the bet-
terment of this section. He was one
of the charter members of the Rotary
With the estimate on Florida dead
now at more than 2,000 and with
more than 1,000,000 homeless, due
to the recent hurricane that swept
through the West Indes and through
Florida, it will be necessary to raise
twice the amount of money called
for at the first rough estimate, ac-
cording to H. B. Seay, chairman of
the Hidalgo County unit of the Red
Cross.
T. R. Riggs, Mercedes nurseryman,
will talk on “Uses of Vines and
Flowering Shrubs” before the Land-
scaping and Gardening School to be
held sometime in November. In this
discussion he will tell of the vines
which are especially adapted to the
Valley and will show how the neces-
sary touch of color can be given to
lawns and gardens by the use of
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Bradbury $10.00
Miss Mary Anne Makens____$ 1.00
----------o--
A fire in New Jersey recently
halted a lecture. Wonder if this bit
of news hasn’t set some college stu-
dent thinking?
The Legionnaires of Mercedes will
be hosts Friday night from 7:30 un-
til 11 when they will formally open
their beautiful new home and club
rooms, located in the Queen City An-
nex, for public inspection.
Music, refreshments and other
forms of entertainment are planned
for those who attend, and it is hoped
that as many as possible will take ad-
vantage of this opportunity to in-
spect the new building, which the
members of the local post have
worked so diligently during the past
year to build.
While not the largest, the local
club is one of the most attractive in
the Valley and is a structure of which
Mercedes may well be proud.
All Valley residents are cordially
invited to attend this. opening and
bring their friends.
----------o----------
Organization of New
R. T. A. Completed
Besides the desperate situation in
Florida at present, the condition in
the West Indies is estimated to be far
more dangerous, with thousands of
people facing starvation and death,
according to reports received here.
The National Headquarters of the
Red Cross has sent calls to every
chapter in the United States, placing
quotas on the individual chapters and
urging the chairmen of the chapters
to make an appeal -to the public for
immediate funds.
In order to expedite the raising
of funds, Mrs. J. J. Murray treasur-
er of the county chapter, urges that
anyone wishing can send the money
to their local paper and the paper
will immediately forward the money
to Mrs. Murray. Mrs. Murray re-
ports that the money is coming in
slowly and stated that she would
like for every city in the Valley to
co-operate in this critical situation,
in order to raise the money to for-
1 ward to the National Headquarters
He then came to San Antonio
Texas, and remained there for a
number of years, removing to the
Rio Grande Valley in 1904 and set-
tling at Santa Maria. At that time
there were only four American fam-
ilies in that community. He was one
of the original organizers -of the ir-
rigation company there and served
as manager at one time.
In 1909 he formed a realty com-
pany in this city with John L. Bruce
as partner. In 1907 he assisted in
the organization of the Hidalgo
County State Bank and Trust Com-
pany and was one of the original di-
rectors of that institution. This was
the second bank in the Valley and
the first in Hidalgo County.
In 1914 Mr. McNeil became pres-
ident of the Hidalgo County Bank,
which position he has held since that
time.
In the death of Walter A. McNeil Mercedes and the entire
Lower Rio Grande Valley has suffered an irreparable loss.
Coming to the Valley more than twenty years ago, he has been
identified with every phase of its development and has long been
recognized as one of its most prominent and influential citizens.
Never aspiring to office nor seeking political preference, yet
his was always among the first names to be suggested in any move-
ment or upon any committee which had for its objective the de-
velopment of the resources of the Valley or the advancement of the
interests of the community.
He was never a laggard but stood ever ready to lend his aid
and his efforts to the advancement of any righteous cause or meri-
torious undertaking.
He was a charter member of the Mercedes Rotary Club, its
President in 1923-4, and active in its membership and work until
failing health compelled his resignation some four months ago.
He was a charter member of the Mercedes Lodge of Elks and
upon its organization five years ago was elected chairman of its
Board of Trustees which office he continued to hold until the time
of his death.
By reason of his official position and his active interest in the
lodge he had a large part in formulating the plans and carrying in-
to effect the construction and completion of the Elks Home.
He was also a member of the committee on social and commun-
ity welfare which had charge of the Elks Hospital and devoted much
time and effort to this necessary institution, acting as its treasurer
and looking after its financial affairs.
When an appeal was made for the endowmen of the rooms of the
hospital he was among the very’ first to respond. His daily life ex-
emplified the cardinal principles of the order—Charity, Justice,
Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
He was a devoted member and constant attendant of the Bap-
tist Church and has been one of its Deacons and also its Treasurer
for many years.
He was a generous contributor not only to the local church but
also to many schools, hospitals and institutions of this denomination.
He was a member of the Mercedes Masonic Lodge for many years.
For the past fourteen years he was active President of the Hidal-
go County Bank & Trust Co. and the growth and success of this well
know institution has earned him the repuaation of being among the
foremost and most efficient financiers in this section of the state.
His standing and ability in this respect has been recognized by
his fellow bankers by his recent election for two terms as President
of the Valley Bankers Association.
Kind in his disposition, generous in his nature,, devoted to his
church and consecrated to his religion, yet tolerant in his opinions,
loyal to his friends and his community, enjoying the confidence of
his fellow men, his was a life and character which will be sorely
missed and not soon forgotten in the community of which he was
a central figure.
flowering shrubs. The Riggs nur-
sery will have an exhibit of vines and
flowering shrubs at the school.
A representative from Ballard’s
Nursery in Weslaco will talk on
“Uses of Palms in Beautification.”
He will include in this talk both or-
namental and date palms, and will
have an exhibit at the school to il-
lustrate his talk.
The date for this school was first
set for November 5, 6 and 7, but due
to the election on Nov. 6 the date for
the school is to be changed. A com-
mittee is now working on the time
for the school and it is thought that
the date will be announced in the
next issue of the Tribune.
----------o----------
ALAMO FIRST TO SEND IN
QUOTA FOR RED CROSS
Fl
j " e‘
» g, ]
The old times west with its bronco
busting, bull riding and feats of
horsemanship, under the leadership
of an internationally known profes-
sional director or rodeos, will hold
the boards at the Hidalgo County
Fair at Mission in November. The
committe in charge is being congratu-
lated on securing this spectacular
attraction which will far outshine any
feats of horsemanship skill ever
staged in Texas.. To keep green the
memory of the old days in the Texas
plains a group of professional rid-
ers, with their horses and steers, and
roping devices will make the days of
the past live again. No expense is
being spared to make this stellar
event one of the biggest events ever
seen in the Valley.
Side by side with these scenes
from Texas history, will be shown
the Valley as it is today with its fine
display of citrus fruit, and other pro-
ducts grown here. The old timers
will be thrilled as they view again the
days of their youth while the young-
er generation will be reminded of the
hardships and endurances that went
into the making of this great south-
west.
The Mercedes Study Club, which
disbanded for the summer months,
will resume activities, beginning
Monday afternoon, when they will
hold their first meeting of this year.
They will meet at the City Hall at
3 o’clock and all members are urged
to be present.
Funeral services were held Tues-
day morning at 10 o’clock from the
Mercedes Baptist Church for W. A.
McNeil, president of the Hidalgo
County Bank here, and one of the
Valley’s most prominent citizens who
died at the home of his brother, Dr.
Irving McNeil in El Paso, Saturday
morning.
Rev. Ernest Baldwin, pastor of the
Baptist Church, of which Mr. McNeil
was a member and a deacon, offici-
ated at the church, being assisted by
Rev. C. P. Owen of the Presbyterian
Church. Interment was made in the
local cemetery, services at the grave
being in charge of the Masonic order
of this city, of which Mr. McNeil was
a member. The pallbearers were,
R. H. Smith, Fleet Lentz, Dr. T. W.
Carter W. Ed Perry, B. H. Gilliland
and L. M. Lane.
Every business place in Mercedes
was closed duriing the services at the
church.
Walter A. McNeil was born in Mis+
sissippi and moved to Jackson, Tenn,
at an early age. After finishing his
high school work there he went to
Washington, D. C. and graduated
from Georgetown University of that
city in the School of Law. Imme-
diately following he went into the
Navy department and was shortly
promoted to the position of chief
clerk of that department, serving the
entire eight years of the Grover
Cleveland administration.
Ernest Board of Weslaco, a
Julia Lee Board, a brother,
Board and her grandparents,
and Mrs. G. S. Hollister.
the sum of $84.00. Others contrib-
uting to the fund are.
E. E. Drew--.-------------$*5.00
Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Anderson $10.00
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Seay____$10.00
Mercedes Retail Merchants Associa-
Mercedes eRtail Merchants Associa-
tion, together with Mrs. Mary Combs,
secretary of the McAllen Retail Mer-
chants Association, were the princi-
pal in organizing a Retail Merchants
Association in Raymondville on Tues-
day night September 25.
Eleven merchants were signed as
charter members and it is expected
to raise the membership to a much
larger number in the near future. The
following members were elected of-
ficers: Mr. Stone, president; with the
Delta Improvement Co.; Mr. Calder,
vice-president, with the Chevrolet-
Pontiac Motor Co. The directors
elected were as follows; Mr. Scott,
with the Scott Lumber Co; Mr. Wat-
kins, with the Watkins Lumber Co.;
Mr. Archer, of Lyford. Isadore Mor-
itz was chosen as the temporary sec-
retary.
Every town in the Valley had a
Retail Merchants Association, with
the exception of Raymondville, Ly-
ford and Sebastian, and now that an
association is formed in Raymond-
ville, and an invitation has been ex-
tended to Sebastian and Lyford to
join the Raymondville association,
without an association.
there is not a town in the Valley
------------o------------
Colleen Moore in
“Lilac Time” Is the
Empire Headliner
In recognition of the excellent
work, done by Chas. B. Hupp in the
past six years, during which time he
has been agent for the International
Life Insurance Co. of St. Louis, he
was appointed district manager of
the Valley, for the Missouri State
which was recently merged with the
International Life and which will op-
erate under the name of the Missouri
State Life. Mr. Hupp has recently
returned from a trip to St. Louis,
where he received his appointment.
He stated that the merger of these
two large companies, makes the Mis-
souri State Life fourteenth among
more than 350 Legal Reserve Com-
panies of the United States.
The Company, which has more than
a billion, one hundred forty million
in force, writes all forms of modern
up-to-date protection, life, accident,
health, group and salary savings in-
surance. Mr. Hupp will appoint a
number of new agents for this terri-
tory. Fred Johnston of the firm of
Hupp and Johnston is one of the
agents of the company.
of the directors. He was one of the
charter members and trustees of the
Elks lodge, member of the board of
directors of the Elks hospital board;
and trustee of the Baptist hospital in
Harlingen.
He was a member of the Mercedes
chapter of the Masonic order and a
deacon of the ’Baptist Church and
was very active in not only the local
but state-wide circle of that church.
During the early part of this year
he was ill with a severe attack of
influenza. After recovering he suf-
fered a relapse. Becoming alarmed
at his condition, friends wired his
brother, Dr. Irving McNeil of El
Paso who came here and examined
him, and advised an extensive leave
of absence. Mr. McNeil accompan-
ied his brother to El Paso and since
that tiime has been under his care
in that city.
Letters from Mr. McNeil received
only a few days ago indicated that
he was improving. However, last
Saturday morning, Dr. Mc Neil and
family were away from home, and
upon their return they found him
dead.
Mr. McNeil is survived by two
/ brothers and three step children.
They are Harry McNeil of La Feria;
Dr. Irving McNeil, assistant United
States public health officer at El
Paso; Mrs. Douglas Goodwin of
London, England; Mrs. Maurice Kerr
of the Panama Canal Zone; and Miss
Elaine Barton of San Antonio.
----------o----------
Chas. Hupp Made
District Manager
The sudden death of Mrs. Joe Hess
Jr. on September 22, came as a sur-
prise to her many friends in this com-
munity. Mrs. Hess died after a brief
illness in the Mercedes Hospital.
Mildred Irene Board Hess was
born Jan. 29, 1906 at Newton, Kans,
and moved to the Valley in 1923. She
was a graduate of the class of 1924
of the Weslaco High School. The
following year she taught in the
North Palm Garden school and the
following three years in the South
Palm Garden School. Her marriage
to Joe Hess, Jr., son of the late Joe
Hess, one of the prominent farmers
of this community, took place in
January of this year. They made
their home on Mile 1% and 10.
Funeral services were held from
the Weslaco Presbyterian Church
Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. W. S.
Shepherd, officiating. Music was
rendered by the choir of this church,
of which Mrs. Hess had been a mem-
ber since her coming to the Valley
Interment was made in the Weslaco
cemetery.
The deceased is survived by her
husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
The moving up of the date, for
the sending out of the Missouri Pa-
cific exhibit car has been asked of
the officials of the railroad. W. R.
Garrity, president of the Valley Sec-
retaries Association, who last year
accompanied the car on its trip over
the United States, has made this re-
quest giving as his reason, that the
car would arrive in different centers
of the country at a more opportune
time, thereby getting the full benefit
of the advertising the car brings.
The exhibit car which is sponsored
by the Missouri Pacific and visits the
states served by the railroad and
connecting lines, usually moves Dec.
1 or shortly after the close of the
Mid-Winter Valley Fair at Harlingen.
This arrangement, according to Mr.
Garrity is not the best inasmuch as
the car last year when 800 miles
from the Valley, displaying both
citrus and vegetables grown in the
Valley attracted little attention in
its display of vegetables due to the
fact that the territory in which the
car was on exhibit could obtain vege-
tables grown locally. ‘If we can get
the railroad to set the date up to
January 1, by the time we have
reached the up-state markets our
vegetable display will create a great
deal of interest, for by that time!
the frost will have killed out the
vegetables in the territories visited
by the car,” Mr. Garity said.
The letters asking for the change
in the date were addressed to both
St. Louis and Houston officials of
the road and according to Garity the
matter will be brought up at the next
meeting of the secretaries associa-
tion for further discussion.
----------o--
Rain Stops Cotton Ginning
The heavy rains that have visited
the entire Valley since last Friday
morning has practically ended gin-
ning in this territory. The cotton
'that is being picked os so wet that it
'is ompossible to gin it. What the
’condition of the top crop will be in
case it stops raining remains to be
seen, but it is predicted that the cot-
'ton season in the Valley is practical-
ly over.
The rains have been very bene-
‘ficial to the vegetable crop and a rec-
'ord crop is expected from winter
truck. Prices should be good on both
truck and citrus.
-----n——--
Hidalgo Co. Fair
To Stage Rodeo
The greatest air spectacle of the
age,, the greatest love story of the
era, Colleen Moore in “Lilac Time”
will be shown at the Empire Theatre
Sunday and Monday. Its spirit of
youth, its tenderness and its glowing
romance will grip you as nothing be-
fore has done. Air battles, falling
planes, the heat of battle produced in
the settings of France. Colleen
Moore changed to the role of dra-
matic action in a love story of un-
usual merit. You will want to see
“Lilac Time.”
The remainder of the program for
the week is also unusually good.
Starting Friday with Clive Brooks in
Forgotten Faces, followed Saturday
with Tom Mix in Horseman of the
Plains, a real western, with Tom and
his famous horse. Saturday also will
bring the first installment of the new
serial Melting Millions. Don’t miss
the first episode of this stirring fea-
ture.
Tuesday a story of the circus life
with Esther Ralston as she plays,
“Sawdust Paradise.”
Wednesday and Thursday Richard
Dix will be in his latest and best
crelease “Warming Up.” Here is a
comedy delux, with a story you will
like produced as only Dix could do
it. This feature is so good that it
is scheduled for a two day run so
that all may have an opportunity to
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Weimer, Charles B. Mercedes Tribune (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 15, No. 37, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 27, 1928, newspaper, September 27, 1928; Mercedes, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1454102/m1/1/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library.