PEARL HARBOR DAY.
Dec. 7, 1941.
The anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day will come before the next Uncle Gib column so remembrance of that “Day that will live in infamy,” as President FDR dubbed it, is given in this column.
Various numbers are given, between 2,403-2,341, for those killed in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces. This action drew America into World War II. At least 30 Tennesseans were killed in the attack, including 22 on the USS Arizona and 29 on the USS Oklahoma, and five crew members of the USS Tennessee.
Among the unidentified who were buried in the Punchbowl cemetery in Hawaii, two Tennesseans have been identified by DNA testing. Paul Saylor’s remains were returned and reinterred in Johnson City in 2021. Oliver Burger of Athens was reinterred at the Punchbowl in 2022, when close family was not located. Both were lost on the USS Oklahoma.
CROSSVILLE CHRONICLE. April 14, 1909.
CASKET FACTORY. The writer made a trip of inspection to our Crossville Casket Company. As a result we were very pleasantly surprised to see the splendid line of goods the company turns out.
The company has ample machinery to handle a volume of business that would run to many thousand dollars a year.
The business is directed and was established by E.O. Hembree, a capable and energetic young mechanic of our town.
The quality of the caskets they make is far superior to what is sold by other companies at the same price. The materials used are of such quality that after standing in the light for months there is no evidence of fading of the colors, while the trimmings are of a very neat and tasty design. The variety shown comprises some 20 or more styles.
The company has nearly 100 completed comprising a great variety of sizes and styles. When we came to hear the prices at which they are offering them both at wholesale and retail we were astonished for the difference in favor of the Crossville Casket Company was very marked. Caskets that would sell for $75 elsewhere are to be had there for $40-$50 and the quality of material used is in many instances far superior to that used by other concerns.
Why persons in this section would ship coffins and caskets from any of the cities of the state in preference to buying of this home company is certainly past understanding. It would not only be a matter of economy with the retailer, but it would help to build up an industry in our community that would bring many dollars here, whereas, when the goods are purchased at a distance the money leaves us never to return.
Persons who are called upon to administer to a dear friend the last sad rites can do so and save several dollars by buying of the Crossville Casket Company. It is well worth the time of anyone to visit the factory and take a look at the splendid line of goods they turn out. Furthermore public spirit should prompt every citizen to patronize a home industry when possible.
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Old Uncle Gib is a weekly historical feature published each week. Old Uncle Gib is a pseudonym that was used by S.C. Bishop, who founded the Chronicle in 1886. Bishop actively published the Chronicle until 1948.