Pages of History: A furor over reductions in old-age pensions

From the pages of the Del Norte Triplicate, July 1941.

A slash in old-age pensions which the Del Norte County Welfare Department contends is necessary to conform with federal requirements has cut the total amount received here each month from $9,705.07 in June to $8954.67 for July.

There is great furor in the ranks of the pensioners as a result of the slash, and steps are being taken to find out just what it is all about.

Rich ore deposits   

Ore so rich you can literally shake the “native quick” out of it in pools is the lode which David L. Webb found by sticking to the hard way learned in his 72 years instead of trying short cuts.

That was the version today of fellow miners who marveled at cinnabar samples which showed rock along a 22-foot tunnel near Patrick’s Creek running as high as $150 of quicksilver a ton or more. The extent of the rich ore, which will be developed by H. C. Wilmot, owner of the Bonanza mine which made Oregon the largest producer, is not yet proved.

It isn’t a mine yet, miners say, and there’s no telling whether Webb struck just a rich pocket. But Wilmot apparently was convinced enough to spend some money for a better look. He has applied for a permit to build a forest road, which he wants for more than just an easier drive. It will be, from all indications, to take ore out of the mountains, or machinery into them, or both.

Lightning victims treated

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alcorn, who are employed by the U.S, Forest Service and stationed at Bear Basin, were treated at the office of Dr. F.M. Stump for shock and cuts suffered Sunday night, July 14, when lightning struck their lookout. The lookout station was damaged by fire when the lightning struck.

‘Eagle Eye’ changes hands

Dick Myers sold his 40-foot “Eagle Eye” to Lloyd Byrne and Jim Horn last week. The Eagle-Eye is a famous boat on this coast, having figured in at least one major tragedy of the fishing fleet when its crew met death on a bad bar.

The boat is large, fast and has lots of deck space. Reported price of the transaction was $1,400. The boat will stay at Crescent City, fishing salmon, shark and crabs.

Reports to Fresno Air Base

Capt. Myles B. Ellis of Crescent City arrived in Fresno on July 9 to start active duty at the Fresno Air Base. He is a veteran of the World War and was decorated with a Purple Heart.