Thompson 331123
November 23, 1933
The cartoon at right, done by William A. Allhands several years ago, as you note, is depicting the growth or progress of Rutherford county. Very soon we hope to show you how much improvement Allhands has made in his work, by carrying a cartoon, done by him in this column. Allhands, who lives on Spartanburg Road, just out of Cliffside, has worked since 1924 on cartooning and drawing. He has won two trophies on his work and won first place at the convention of the Roanoke Division of [the] American Relay League of Amateur Radio Operators. This cartoon was done on the call cards (QSL cards) of Station W4AIS (short wave) in Forest City which is owned and operated by Geo. D. Tate.
William Allhands, the subject of this article, lived until 1969. Read his obituary
Allhands now works privately at his home and although he constantly makes a series of chalk talks consisting of comical trick cartoons, he now plans a sketch of Western North Carolina which is not unlike “Believe It or Not,” however it will deal directly with W. N. C. and will dwell along the lines of history. Allhands studied at Wofford college, Spartanburg, for two years. You may be assured that Allhands has a very keen insight to his line of drawing and this writer ventures that he will produce something new.
Randolph Scott, actor, was in Charlotte the past week. He and Cary Grant have a house together in Beverly [Hills] just out of Los Angeles. It is really interesting to note that these two fellows mean to make good and they have for that matter. Both say they are not interested in marrying now…. Peter Arno, of the uppity ups of New York, and caricaturist of the sophisticated, is always getting hit on the button-and to hold his front page seat. This time he argued with some actor in Hollywood over some actress-beyond that we will not venture….
In Re: musical talkies, the big vehicle “Floodlight Parade” is the best yet. It contains a big splattermint of stars and James Cagney seems to be the big smudge. Ruby Keeler (Mrs. Al. Jolson) who is in the same picture, does as good dancing as we have seen recently.
The motto of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales is “Ich dien,” German, meaning: “I serve”-and young ladies, the motto of Maryland: “fattimaschii, parole femine” is Italian, meaning, “Deeds (are) males, words females.” Don’t hit me; don’t hit me.
Notes taken on a paper drinking cup: That young lady, about 18 and 200 pounds, on the street Sunday playing with a rubber band…. Noticing about two dozen tea-hounds over the week-end; one wore spats…. Wandering around Shelby’s Sugar Bowl Soda Shop Sunday was a young rascal who would pass for James Cagney of the films or is it fil-ums?…. There’s something about that Cleveland County Convict Camp floodlight-maybe a “Big Bad Wolf” atmosphere or? As for me, I’ll behave…. Sorry to hear of Renn Drum’s wreck…. Talked with ole Clyde Blanton in Shelby.
I’ll always remember: As a child riding the best broom in the house, standing on the straw and holding the handle, while my brother, Sam, did a Ben Hur with me thru the house…. Before yet eight years of age and knowing nothing of the swivel trucks under the ends of trolley cars, I reached the conclusion they must bend, hinge-like, in the center, and, incidentally, about where I was sitting the first time I rode one. When we made the first corner, I leaned way over-I didn’t wanta get pinched. Anyway, at the age of eight, I was helping get that car around the corner.
“Hot Saturday” Cliffside’s “Hell’s Kitchen” known as “White Line” was as hot “as you desire.” Police had to be called to stop the flying buckshot and a very high powered rifle, which was in action…. I hear this from others and am glad I saw none of it…. The past week I heard several colored fellows in a flat car talking about smallpox. One said, “Boy, they sho will knock you out” and another, philosophically, offered, “Well, I dunno-it’s all according to you [your] constitution.” Wuz I amused.
