"The Nose" – In Person!

The upcoming "Durante invasion" dominated the front page of the weekly El Cerrito Journal on Jan. 6, 1949. The top story in the New York Times that day was a report on President Truman's State of Union Speech, headlined, "Truman Asks Increased Taxes, Debt Cut, Taft Labor Act Repeal, Authority to Build Steel Mills."

Here are some of the actual headlines from the Journal's front page that day, followed by our brief summaries of the articles:

Entertainment star Jimmy "The Nose" Durante is expected to fill Roosevelt Junior High School "to the gunnels" in a Hollywood show that will include also Bill Thompson of the Fibber McGee and Molly Show and other celebrities. Also performing will be a variety show by the boys and girls of the Catacombs Club of St. John's Parish, sponsor of the evening's extravaganza.

Blazing Truck Rams Building; Driver Escapes

By an apparent miracle, Vern W. Campbell did not suffer any serious injuries when the South Berkeley Creamery milk truck he was driving lost control of its steering on San Pablo Avenue, causing the vehicle to veer across the street and smash into R. F. Paint Company. The truck tipped over, Campbell leaped out and the vehicle burst into flames. The crash demolished the plate-glass front windows of the building, whose owner Frank Nicoli, had been sleeping upstairs until awakened by the commotion.

Bicycles to Be Regulated by New Ordinance

The City Council passed the first reading of new city law requiring bicycles owners to register their bikes by paying 50 cents for license tag and registration card. Those who violate of the ordinance could be subject a $500 fine or six months in jail or both. Juvenile offenders could have their bicycles impounded for 10 days. Councilman Melvin C. Heinkel said the law is not intended to raise money but to foster safety and curb widespread bicycle theft.

Philippine Consul to Address C. of C. at Annual Dinner

The Consul General of the Philippine Republic, the Honorable Roberto Regala, will be the featured speaker at the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner, to be held at the Six Bells on San Pablo Avenue. His topic will be development of foreign trade on the West Coast, focusing particularly on the Bay Area.

Budget May Include New Police Station

The City Council rejected bids to paint the police and fire quarters because of plans to build a new police station to replace the current overcrowded one. Funding for the new police station may possibly be in this year's budget, said City Manager Edwin S. Howell.

• Click for other vignettes of El Cerrito history. You can find some back issues of the El Cerrito Journal at the Shadi Historical Room at City Hall, open to the public on the third Thursday of each month, 4:30-6 p.m.