Looking Back at 1930: Business prosperity predicted, Fifth Monday fools four citizens
This look back at Paso Robles history comes from local newspapers in the Paso Robles Area Historical Society collection. News for this column is selected with the assistance of the society’s Vice President Nancy Tweedie and Research Director Jan Cannon.
Excerpts from the Thursday, October 2, 1930, Paso Robles Spotlight:
Prosperity is seen on return by businessman
Chamber secretary notes upward tendencies; normalcy soon
An upward tendency from depressed economic levels was forecast here today by H.J. Beaty, chamber of commerce secretary, in an interview following his appointment ratification as part-time secretary.
“The thing for citizens to do at this time is to plant the seed of content, or, at least, be patient in the face of conditions,” Beaty said. “It is my belief, supported by business analysis of leading economists, that business and employment is again on the upgrade. Within six months the improvement should be quite marked.”
Click here to read the full front page of the October 2, 1930 Paso Robles Spotlight. Photography of newspapers by Gigi Greene.
“The depression is not a local one. It is world-wide. And for the first time conditions challenge the ablest minds of the world. Conditions may be said to be aiding a more permanent prosperity of the immediate future. What the world has gone through during this past year has affected a new interpretation of business. Plans, looking toward the stabilization of world businesses and through stabilization the alleviation of unemployment are under way. The plans will bear fruit and my prediction is results will be noted before six months.”
Beaty believes that local governments in speeding up public works are materially advancing the return to normalcy. As a factor he pointed to the state road program. As a part of the program between thirty and fifty men in this district will be given employment for an extended period.
Fifth Monday fools four citizens; no council meet held
Girded for the fortnight fray in the council chambers came Councilman George Liddle. He was followed by Mack Oeck, zealous citizen and interested auditor at city council sessions. Shortly after Claude Azbell, police chief, clumped into the city hall. Hot and panting arrived a Spotlight reporter, rushing from a late dinner.
The city hall was silent. The four citizens stood n an embarrassed silence. At length Oscar Hedgpeth, water works superintendent, spoke:
“Anything I can do for you gentlemen?”
“Yes,” responded Oeck, “Is it not time for the council to appear?”
“Two weeks from today,” replied Hedgpeth. “The council meets on the second and fourth Monday.”
There was a rush to the calendar.
A light dawned upon the four citizen[s]. They chorused—“oh!”
It was the fifth Monday of the month.
Read previous Looking Back articles
- Looking Back to 1911: No place in Paso Robles for rubbish piles
- Looking Back: Arrest of former oil company head on grave labor complaint
- Looking Back: Fair ball set, scout returns from Jamboree, escapees caught sleeping in stolen car
- Looking Back: District fair closes in grand style
- Looking Back: County fair opens, Los Padres fires set record, outdoor theatre to open
Thank you to sponsors of Looking Back
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