Mention of Aherns
in Newspaper Stories
1950-1960

[photos] Atlantic Yardage Opens New Store Arlen and Tom O'Hern, owners of Atlantic Yardage Stores, announce the opening of their “Sew and Save” fabric shops at 4112 Los Cerritos Diagonal, Lakewood Village, in the new business section immediately adjacent to the Lakewood Theater. Mr. and Mrs. O'Hern also operate Atlantic Yardage Stores at 5440 Atlantic Ave. in North Long Beach and at 16220 Paramount Blvd., Paramount. The Lakewood store is expected to fill a demand for fabrics in that rapidly growing community, since it will be the only exclusively yardage store in that vicinity. In connection with the Lakewood opening, a celebration sale is being conducted at all three stores. Mr. and Mrs. O'Hern have resided in Long Beach since 1944, when Lt. O'Hern was public relations officer at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. — Long Beach Press-Telegram 11 January 1950

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Oil Scion Says Son Screen in Money Plea Judge Told Ex-Wife Really Wants Funds for Her Own Use    REDWOOD CITY, Feb. 24.—Charges that Mrs. Doris Marie McDonald Ahearn is attempting to obtain funds for her own use from her divorced husband, Millionaire James McDonald III, Hillsborough, through her present action to force McDonald to pay $1500 a month support for their son, James McDonald IV, were made here today.    The accusations came from the oil scion's counsel, William J. Mahaney, at a hearing before Superior Judge Leonard Avila of San Jose. It was on a motion to vacate Judge Aylett R. Cotton's directive of January 5 for McDonald to pay temporary support of $600 per month to Mrs. Ahearn for the boy, a student at St. Joseph's Military academy, Belmont, and $2000 attorney fees.    Judge Cotton stepped out of the case after McDonald accused the San Mateo county jurist of bias and prejudice. Plea for $1500    Joined this morning were arguments on a demurer by McDonald protesting adjudication by the California courts of Mrs. Ahearn's petition for the $1500 monthly allowance to her son.    The proceedings throw wide open the involved litigation in the McDonald case before a new judge.    Mrs. Ahearn's court action was branded fictitious by Attorney Mahaney. He asserted that the California courts have no jurisdiction in the case because the Reno, Nev., decree of June 16, 1938, which divorced the present Mrs. Ahearn from McDonald and awarded custody of the child is not final inasmuch as it provided support for the boy. He claimed the Nevada court thus retains jurisdiction in all matters pertaining to support of the boy and that local courts have nothing to do with the decree. — San Mateo Times 24 February 1950

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Three Children Drown Delray Beach, Fla., March 27.—Three children in one family drowned in a canal near here late yesterday. Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Ahern, identified them as Victor, 12; Sylvia, 10; and Clarence, 8. Families living on the canal said the children were seen playing on a concrete bridge Monday afternoon. They usually wetn at that hour to meet their father, who works on a nearby farm. Constable Bruce Wheeler theorized that one of the children fell into the eight-foot canal and the other two drowned while trying to rescue the first. — Greeley Daily Tribune 27 March 1951

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Mrs. Phillips' Tea Honors Daughter Mrs. George S. Phillips, Montague Ave., entertained at a trouseau tea, Wednesday in honor of her daughter Jean, whose marriage to Frank Gilraine will be an event of August 18. Receiving with the hostess was her daughter, Mrs. D. A. Downie. Presiding were Mrs. C. Gilraine, Mrs. William Pusce, Mrs. J. Downie, Mrs. John McGregor, Mrs. K. Machan, Mrs. A. L. Bowes, Mrs. P. Hucul, Mrs. J. H. Page, Mrs. D. Fredrickson and assisting were Mrs. G. Copeland, Mrs. C. Mattern, Mrs. E. Maxim and Misses Gwen Fredrickson, Irene Page, Georgina Robertson, and Grace Ahearn. — Winnipeg Free Press 17 August 1951

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Rescued at Sea Seven-year-old Dennis J. Ahern, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Ahern of Webster street, Arlington and 54 Beach street, [Rockport, Mass.], blissfully slept through being drifted out to sea in a small skiff late last night. After an extensive land and sea search, with some 100 people and a flotilla of some 20 boats, he was found by Walter F. Church, local fisherman, scouring the waters off Sandy Bar [sic] breakwater at 12:10 o'clock this morning, some three miles from where he had originally embarked. The lad, eager to try night fishing, had found rowing too much for him, and calmly decided to turn in until daylight would in his opinion permit him to find his way back to shore. Dennis was in the habit of attending the Legion band concerts on Beach street Sunday nights. His parents felt he had gone there when the boy left the house around 7:45 o'clock. However on this night Dennis had other plans in mind, and thought he would try fishing for a change. He is very fond of boating. He went to the Granite company stone wharf off Granite street, and with another boy enjoyed fishing off the rocks for awhile. The other boy left for home shortly afterward and advised Dennis to do likewise. But instead, Dennis took to a small skiff owned by a Mr. McRae, and secured oars and oar-locks from another boat. He also got a life-belt and donned it. He began to row away from the pier to find himself a better fishing spot. It was close to 9 o'clock by this time. Dennis soon realized that rowing any distance was too much for his age. He noticed a sail boat some distance away and shouted for a tow, but apparently the sail boat occupants did not hear him, or else they could not locate the drifting boat. He evidently tried to put out the anchor but there wasn't line enough for it to reach the bottom. Logically enough, he felt his best bet was to go to sleep and wait until daylight when he felt he would be rested and could see where he was heading. Chances are, however, that but for his being found, the boat might well have drifted far out to sea. Meanwhile, when his parents failed to find him being at the band concert, they became concerned, and started to look for him. They went to the wharf. Then they decided to request further help. They notified police headquarters where Officer John F. Borge, on duty at the desk, at once set the wheels in motion for one of the most elaborate hunts ever instituted here. Ten minutes prior to the Ahern call, a woman reported to police that she had heard cries of a child coming from the water, calling for his mother and father. Officers Leroy C. Silva, Eben R. Hodgkins, and Auxiliary Police Roger L. Eaton and John J. Francis were detailed to investigate. When the call came in from the parents, Officer Hodgkins, Fire Chief Guy A. Thibeault and Dr. Thomas A. Kelley, a friend of the Aherns, enlisted the aid of small boat owners, Richard Gray, George Nelson and Uno Peterson to search the harbor waters. Officer Borge increased the searching fleet by getting four other boat owners, Ralph Nelson, Walter Church, Carl Nelson, and Gene Lesch to do likewise. Straitsmouth station US Coast Guard, notified, immediately started out. Numerous other outboard motor craft joined in the flotilla. Along the shore, police, firemen, auxiliary police, auxiliary firemen, Coast Guards, and citizens armed with fire department flood lights, covered the shores from Halibut Point around to Land's End in an effort to locate any sign of the boy. Police Chief Richard K. Manson was emphatic in the high praise he paid to Officer Borge for having organized so large and thorough a searching party. It was the motorboat Junee Boy, owned and skippered by Walter Church which found the drifting skiff, at a point some 200 yards northeast of the gas buoy outside Sandy Bay breakwater about midnight. Dennis was lying in the bottom of the boat, sound asleep, while the anchor was dragging over the stern. Aboard the Junee Boy were Auxiliary Policeman Raymond Reed, Fireman Benton C. Story, and also Paul and Jack Kelley, brothers. They picked the boy up from the skiff and into the Junee Boy. The boy even slept through his rescue, so exhausted was he from his nocturnal rowing. [No, I didn't. I was just feigning sleep in hopes I wouldn't get a licking for stealing the boat. This ruse was successful and I never did get the spanking I so richly deserved. -dja] His frantic parents were overjoyed to have the boy returned to them safe and sound. Mr. Ahern repeated over and over again his and his wife's heartfelt thanks for all those who took part in the search and especially to the crew of the Junee Boy. Firemen had been summoned by a bell alarm on the fire system, two blows repeated, calling the crew of the Pigeon Cove chapel. The Pigeon Cove combination kit's lighting equipment did legion work along the shore. It was another instance of the wonderful cooperation of everyone in a small town to turn out anytime of the day or night to help a neighbor or a visitor. — Gloucester Daily Times 20 August 1951

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IRISH WILLS  . . .  Mrs. Mary Clare Ahern, 4 Wellington road, Dublin—£5,850;— . . .  — The Irish Times 8 November 1951

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MARJORIE D. O'HEARN BECOMES BRIDE OF MYLES J. FERRICK JR.    The Marriage of Miss Marjorie Dorothy O'Hearn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. O'Hearn of 23 Prospect ter., and Myles J. Ferrick Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Myles J. Ferrick of 94 Terrace rd., Medford, took place Saturday morning at the Immaculate Conception church.    The pastor, Rt. Rev. John J. Fletcher, performed the ceremony and celebrated the nuptial mass at nine o'clock.    Mrs. Anne Diorio of Rochester was matron of honor for the bride, and Miss Mary Ferrick of Medford, sister of the groom, and Miss Carolyn Reagan of Saugus, were the bridesmaids. Robert Ferrick was best man for his brother, and the ushers were Charles Doherty of Medford, Paul O'Brien of Saugus and John Reagan Jr. of Saugus.    A portrait gown of white slipper satin with chapel length train was worn by the bride, whose fingertip veil of illusion was caught in a head-dress of Chantilly lace, sequins and seedpearls. She carried a cascade of white of white flowers.    Her matron of honor was gowned in mauve nylon tulle with a matching braided tiara, while the bridesmaids wore the same style in variegated shades of pale orchid to deep purple.    Following the reception at the Hotel Commander, Cambridge, the newlyweds left for a wedding trip to Washington, D. C. and Virginia, and will make their home at 23 Prospect ter. on their return.    The groom, a graduate of Bates College, is production manager for his family's firm, the Mystic Manufacturing Co. — Malden Evening News 6 October 1952

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Mother and daughters found dead A MOTHER and her two daughters were found dead in their home at 10 Oaklands drive, Rathgar, Dublin, about 11 o'clock last night after neighbours had smelled gas coming from the house. They were Mrs. Devorah [sic] Ahern (35), widow of Mr. T. F. Ahern, a Dublin architect, who died some months ago; Aileen (9), and Deirdre (4). The bodies of Mrs. Ahern and Aileen were found in the kitchen; that of the younger child was near her cot upstairs. All three had been dead for some time. About half-an-hour previously Mr. Eric Miers, who lives next door, thought he smelt gas. He asked his wife to knock on the door of No. 10. When she got no reply he telephoned the Ahern's number. No one answered, and he rang the police at Rathmines. As his wife knocked at the front door the Ahern's dog began barking in the back yard. HOUSE ENTERED The barking of the dog and the smell of the gas brought out other neighbours. Two of them, with a Civic Guard, broke in through a back window and found the rooms filled with gas. After they had discovered the bodies of the mother and eldest daughter, they went upstairs and found Dierdre. In the hallway were the Sunday and Monday morning papers. Mrs. Ahern and her children are thought to have attended a party at a friend's house on Saturday night or on Sunday. Mrs. Ahern had suffered from a form of paralysis in recent months. The three bodies were taken to the Meath Hospital by the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance. — The Irish Times 13 January 1953

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QUEEN'S BENCH DIVISION ACTION AGAINST DOCTORS SETTLED VALENTE AND WIFE v. MAGONET AND ANOTHER Before MR. JUSTICE CASSELS and a jury    It was stated that a compromise satisfactory to the plaintiffs had been reached in the action brought by Mr. George John Valente and his wife, Mrs. Ethel Valente, of Tamworth Lane, Mitcham, Surrey, against Dr. Hyman Magonet, of Tooting High Street, S.W., and Dr. Cecil Carton, now of Mitcham Lane, Streatham, S.W. The plaintiffs' allegations against the defendants were withdrawn.    The plaintiffs were claiming damages for negligence against the defendants, who were formerly in partnership, in respect of an X-ray burn which Mrs. Valente sustained while being treated by the first defendant. The plaintiffs also claimed that the negligence had been fraudulently concealed.    Both defendants denied negligence and fraudulent concealment, and claimed that the action was barred by the Limitation Act, 1939.    Mr. Gerald Howard, Q.C., and Mr. Maurice Ahern appeared for the plaintiffs ; Mr. H. B. H. Hylton-Foster, Q.C. and Mr. J. R. Cumming-Bruce for the defendants. — The Times 17 January 1953

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INQUEST ON VICTIMS OF TRIPLE TRAGEDY THE finding of the bodies on January 12th of a widow and her daughter in the gas-filled kitchen of their home, 10 Oaklands drive, Rathgar, and that of another daughter in a bedroom hanging by the neck from a cot, was described at an inquest held by the City Coroner, Dr. D. A. MacErlean, at the City Morgue, yesterday. The inquest was on Mrs. Deborah Ahern (35), Aileen (9), and Dierdre (5). The jury returned a verdict that Mrs. died from asphyxia due to the inhallation of carbon monoxide gas self administered; that Aileen died from a similar cause, the gas being administered by her mother, and that Dierdre died from asphyxia due to hanging, enacted by her mother. In each verdict, the jury found that the occurrances took place while the mother was of unsound mind. Cornelius Buckley, a brother of Mrs. Ahern, gave evidence of identification, and said that he last saw her alive on January 9th, when she visited his home. She was in good health, made no complaint and said she would come to dinner on the following Sunday. She did not do so. Her husband, who had been an architect, died in September, 1952. As far as he knew she was in a comfortable financial position. On January 10th his maid phoned his sister and asked her was she coming for luncheon, and she said that she might call. They phone[d] again on January 11th but received no reply. NO WORRIES Dr. George Donnald, who had attended Mrs. Ahern, described how she had called to him in December and told him that she was feeling very much better. He advised her to cut down gradually a nerve tonic which she had been taking. In January, when she visited him she said that she had no worries. She also said that she was going to take up a small business. Generally her conversation gave him the impression of a mother who wished to do everything for her children. Mrs. N. Bruton, 12 Oaklands Drive, Rathgar, said that the two Ahern children attended a party at her house on January 10th and later Mrs. Ahern called for them. She noticed nothing unusual about her. Mrs. Noreen O'Neill, 19 Oaklands Drive, said that on the occasion Mrs. Ahern's conversation was normal. Eric Meirs, who lived next door to the dead woman, said that on January 12th his maid got the smell of gas and he came from next door. His wife got no answer from the Ahern home and neither did he when he phoned. Guard Edmund Flaherty, Rathmines, who was visiting in the locality and who went to the house said that he noticed that one of the jets on the cooker was lighted and he saw bodies in front of the cooker. Upstairs they found the body of Deirdre hanging from the cot. Guard J. Lane, Rathmines, gave evidence of finding Deirdre hanging from the cot. John Tallon, Gas Company employee, gave eviodence of testing the fittings in the house for an escape of gas but found everything perfect. “MAMMIE SICK” Patricia Riordan, an employee of an auctioneering firm, said that about 10.30 a.m. on January 12th she phoned Mrs. Ahern in connection with the sale of her house. The voice which answered the phone seemed to be that of a young person, which she could not understand. The receiver was left down for a while and then was taken up again. A young female voice answered her and told her that her mammie was sick, and further added that everyone in the house was sick, and that her mammie could not speak to Miss Riordan's employer. Gerard Kelly, a milk-roundsman, described how he had left two milk bottles outside the door on the 12th, and that he when he called later to collect his account he got no answer. One of the bottles had been taken at that time. Two Dublin Fire Brigade men, Mr. R. Gibson and Mr. G. Lee, gave evidence of entering the house and finding the bodies. The latter said that all the gas-jets on the cooker were turned on, and one of them was lighted. An electric fire in the kitchen was also lighted. MIND UNBALANCED The Coroner, addressing the jury, said Mrs. Ahern might have had some private worried which she had not disclosed to her friends, and which might have revived the distress which she suffered after her husband's death. It would be a fair assumption that she was suffering from some severe emotional strain which she was not able to stand up to, and, as a result of that, she decided upon this course of action. They were entitled to assume that her action was not that of a normal person, that her mind was completely unbalanced at the time, and completely irresponsible. — The Irish Times 28 January 1953

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POLICE REPORT Missing Bike—Mike Ahern, 110 North Third avenue West, reported his bicycle taken sometime during the afternoon from St. Theodore's school. The bike is a Colson, green and white, with license No. 2. It was equipped with saddlebags containing school books. — The Evening Tribune 13 May 1953

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BIRTHS WHARTON.—On May 17, 1953, at Somerleigh, Wimborne, to RITA (nee Aherne), wife of JOHN F. WHARTON—a daughter. — The Times 19 May 1953

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Mary Ellen Ahern, daughter of E[dward]. J. Ahern, 1016 West Clark street, will handle the publicity for the summer city recreation program. She was graduated from Albert Lea high school and College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, where she majored in English and dramatics. For the last two years, she has taught senior English and dramatics at Tracy high school. She worked with the recreation department during the summer of 1951. — The Sunday Tribune 14 June 1953

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Boy Scouts Are Set for Jamboree  . . . During Jamboree days the Scouts will converge on the Irvine ranch where they will take over 3,000 acres of the sprawling 90,000 acre enterprise. Serving as scoutmaster of the Jamboree troop will be Edward A. Lugowski, chairman of the camping and activities committee of Pokagon Trails council. Leo C. Nault who is scoutmaster of troop 58 of Griffith will act as assistant in charge of activities, and Richard C. Whittington, scoutmaster of Troop 227, Park Forest will be assitant in charge of physical arrangements. Boys who make up the troop include Archie Wilson III, Jack Rogers, Jack Altman and Jack Handley of Flossmoor, Robert Wood of Sunnycrest, Fred Marschner of Homewood, James Brady, Chicago Heights and Richard G. Whittington and Jack Ahern, Park Forest. — The Chicago Star 30 June 1953

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IRISH WILLS Mrs. Deborah Mary Ahern (widow), Oaklands Drive, Highfield road, Rathgar, Dublin—£5,862; . . .  — The Irish Times 12 August 1953

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Malden Baker in Korea Cpl. Joseph O'Hearn, 25 (left in photo), and Cpl. Victor F. Lovini of Providence, R. I., inspect bread at the 108th Quartermaster Bakery Company in Korea before packaging it for troops in the field. Cpl. O'Hearn, son of Michael O'Hearn, 56 Rockingham ave., is an issue clerk with the 108th. He entered the Army in 1948 and last served at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. He has been in Korea since November 1952. — Malden Evening News 20 October 1953

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Freak Accident Injures Woman MILWAUKEE (AP)—Am automobile went out of control Wednesday skidded across railroad tracks, veered several hundred feet, went over a curb, across a lawn and critically injured a woman who was stepping off a porch. Mrs. George T. O'Hearn, 34, of West Altis, suffered a skull fracture, possible broken legs and internal injuries. Police said the driver was Harold Granger, 20, of Fond du Lac. He was not held for questioning. [!?!] — Sheboygan Press 12 November 1953

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DIES IN BUS Harry O'Hern, 69, of 921 E. 61st st., suffered a fatal heart attack yesterday on a CTA bus at 63d and Halsted sts. — Chicago Tribune 17 January 1954

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Troop 3 Brownie troop number 3 had their Valentine party on Feb. 15. We exchanged valentines and had ice cream and treats. Our new leaders are Mrs. Burton Trapp and Mrs. Garrett Ahern. We have three new girls this year, Janet Bailey, Sharon Ahern and Theresa Townsend. — The Sunday Tribune 7 March 1954

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TRAIL OF WRECKED CARS ON REDEX TRIAL ROUTE PERTH, Wednesday. Drivers reaching Meekatharra to-day say there are more wrecked cars between Broome and Marble Bar than on the Christmas Creek run. Meekatharra was still asleep when ace Round-Australia reliability trial driver, Jack Murray, entered the town still without loss of points, at 8.30 a.m., 80 minutes ahead of schedule. Murray, who started off sixth at Broome, overhauled and passed the field between Marble Bar and Meekatharra. SHOCK ABSORBER BROKEN It was disclosed in Meekatharra that a scrutineer of the Redex Trial had examined the shock absorber on the Murray Brothers' Ford at Broome and again at Meeikatharra. The scrutineer said "I saw the Murrays' car before It left Broome this morning. The shock absorber arm on the near front wheel was broken. It had not been welded." It is believed that the Murrays intend to travel to Sydney without repairing the shock absorber arm. The rules say that replacement of shock absorbers costs competitors 250 points. But it was officially stated in Meekatharra that if the shock absorber arm is welded, without being strengthened, no points would be lost. Fifteen minutes after the Murrays entered the town four more cars came in, but many drivers waited outside the check-point for more than an hour, repairing their cars before checking in. HOLDEN WRECKED Jack Bruddem, one of the most meticulous drivers In the Trial, had his Holden completely wrecked about 30 miles from Marble Bar, when it hit a pointed rock hidden in deep sand in a creek bed. "Lucky" Bill Lee is no longer lucky. His big Hudson also hit a submerged rock near Roy Hill station, putting him out of the Trial. Bert Rogers, of South Australia, was badly bruised and his Chevrolet was wrecked when it turned over twice, 46 miles from Meekatharra. Chief Petty Officer Eric Ahern, following in a Holden, found Rogers unconscious on the side of the road. The other two men in the Chevrolet were badly shaken. Ahern rushed Rogers to Meekatharra Hospital. Rogers recovered consciousness on the way and was allowed to leave hospital after treatment. Jack Davey is in, trouble. He has sent an urgent telegram to Trial officials from Broome, asking for an official extension of time to enable him to repair, his car and complete the Trial. His telegram said that he had had further trouble while helping a competitor. Officials said that if Davey could prove he had been helping another competitor he would stay in the Trial. — The Canberra Times 15 July 1954

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Mrs. Ahern Honored at Unit Meeting Christ the King Unit had a handkerchief shower honoring Mrs. Thomas Ahern at a meeting Wednesday evening. Mrs. Ahern will leave soon to make her home in Waseca. The unit meeting was held at the home of Mrs. John O. Marro, 1307 Euclid, with Mrs. Samuel Belinski as co-hostess. Recitation of the Rosary preceded the business session. Door prizes were awarded Mrs. Warren Walburn, Mrs. B. D. Waters and Mrs. Ahern. — Austin Daily Herald 23 September 1954

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Child to Mrs. Charles Ahern A daughter was born to Capt. Charles D. Ahern, U. S. A., and Mrs. Ahern of Frankfurt, Germany, on Feb. 23 in that city. Mrs. Ahern is the former Mlle. Michelene Victoria Salle, daughter of Mme. Peter Kaiser of Liege, Belgium, and the late Michel Salle. The child is a granddaughter also [of] Mr. and Mrs. Maurice L. Ahern of Forest Hills, Queens. — New York Times 6 March 1955

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Christine Ann Cantierl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Cantierl, was baptized March 27 at St. Raymond Catholic church with Rev. Hartnet officating. Sponsors were Gloria Cantierl of Chicago and Gerald Ahern of Chicago. A buffet supper was served for 18 relatives in the afternoon. — Chicago Daily Herald 7 April 1955

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Publicist Pleads Not Guilty Here Robert Ahearn, one-time Bay Meadows publicist, pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of a felony check charge when he appeared before San Mateo Municipal Court Judge Fred Wyckoff [and] was held to answer to superior court. Ahearn was represented by a court-appointed attorney, Ralph Sullivan. He was arrested in Santa Rosa Tuesday after San Mateo police issued an all-points bulletin for his arrest. His divorced wife, Mrs. Doris Ahearn of Hillsborough, called San Mateo police to report her husband is also sought in Arcadia. A teletype there verified interest of authorities in Ahern [sic]. They wired that he is sought for failure to pay $100 fine resulting from a wife beating charge. — San Mateo Times 29 July 1955

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Irishman Stabbed Patrick Ahearne, an Irishman who was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, in the early hours of Sunday morning after a stabbing incident in Hyde Park street, Paddington, was said by the hospital authorities to-day to be progressing “quite satisfactorily.” Ahearne was found unconscious by passers-by. Part of a stiletto blade was embedded in his groin.—(I.N.A.). — The Irish Times 23 August 1955

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MARRIAGES Mr. J. R. Ahern and Miss J. A. Reeves The marriage took place on November 5 at St. Paul the Apostle, Westwood, of Mr. Joseph Raymond Ahern, son of Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Ahern of Northridge California, and Miss Joyce Adrianne Reeves, daughter of Mrs. John Alexander McCorquodale, of Westwood, California. — The Times 7 November 1955

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Two Quit Pier Body Daniel B. Berkson and James Joseph Ahearn, both assistant counsels of the Waterfront Commission, will leave the bi-state agency today to join the New York law firm of Dewey, Ballantine, Bushby, Palmer & Wood, which is headed by former Gov. Thomas E. Dewey. Both Men have been part of the legal staff of the commission since shortly after its inception in September, 1953. — New York Times 5 January 1956

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New Police Chief Surprises Coast Ahern, Who Has Patrolman Rating, Named in Wake of Gambling Inquiry SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21 — A 26-year veteran of the Police Department whose Civil Service rating is that of patrolman becomes Chief of Police Feb. 1. This development, involving Francis J. Ahern, 55, a dedicated "tough cop," startled San Franciscans this week. It comes two weeks after George Christopher, Greek-born milk distributor, took the oath of office as mayor. Mayor Christopher was not acquainted with the new chief. Neither were two of the three police commissioners he had just appointed. The third knew him slightly. When they met Jan. 10, none of the commissioners had any idea that an immediate change in the police high command was to take place. It had been accepted that Chief George Healy would retire on pension June 30 at the age of 65. This was expected to be a signal for reorganizing the department, which in the eight year administration of Mayor Elmer E. Robinson had been subjected to cristicism in the press. Charges were made that the department was run politically and morale was low. Four days before the commission's meeting, however, Federal Treasury agents made a series of raids on the headquarters of alleged bookmakers for horse races. One of the "offices" raided was a tavern a half block from police headquarters. It was reported that the ring had a man taking bets in the Hall of Justice. The new commissioners investigated. They questioned district men and top officers. They were dissatisfied with the answers they got from some of the policemen. They conferred with Lloyd H. Burke, Federal Attorney; District Attorney Thomas C. Lynch and Norman Elkington, an assistant. "In all of our investigation we heard of the wonderful work of Frank Ahern," a commission member related. "We decided individually and collectively, that he was the man to be Chief of Police. Then we went to the Mayor and told him Ahern was the right man." Mayor Christopher was reported to have replied: "I've never met the guy, but anything you want is O. K. I'd like to meet him, though, so if I bumped into him on the street I'd know him." Actually, the commissioners had made up their minds before any of them met the man they had been hearing about. From this week until the new chief takes over on Feb. 1 the department will be in the hands of Deputy Chief John Engler as Acting Chief. Mr. Ahern has the appointive rank of inspector, although he has never taken an examination to better his patrolman's rating. He was convinced that the offer guaranteed "no political interference." He took the post on that basis. Chief Healy had accumulated enough unused leave to be able to retire now. Mr. Ahern, who is of Irish-Italian descent, built a reputation as head of the Homicide Squad and a participant in vice clean-ups. He went after law breakers without thinking about sleep for two or three days at a time. He is devout. He once captured a young slayer, handcuffed him and started for the Hall of Justice. It was shortly before 6 A.M. As they went past a church, Mr. Ahern stopped, removed the prisoner's handcuffs and led him inside for mass. Then they went to headquarters. Mr. Ahern was borrowed by the Senate Crime Investigating Committee, then headed by Senator Estes Kefauver, Democrat of Tennessee, to help in its work several years ago. "I understand that when the F. B. I. wanted information, the agents would bypass the Police Department and go to Frank Ahern," Mayor Christopher recalled. The commission made the following statement. "Chief Ahern will be charged with seeing that a new policy will be carried out, and that policy will be that captains and their subordinates will be held responsible for knowledge of what is openly going on in their jurisdictions, and that patrolmen are to make arrests wherever they find criminal activities, without fear of interference from any source. — New York Times 22 January 1956

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Briggsdale . . . The Rev. James L. Ahern, parish priest, announced plans to build a new confessional and a closet for his vestment. He was also present for the question period during which the group submitted questions on the church. Mrs. Bob White and Mrs. Lloyd Cohea were assigned to clean the church during March and the clean the vault before work gets underway on the new confessional. — Greeley Daily Tribune 3 March 1956

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Three persons died Sunday night in a violent headon collision atop a hill on Highway 35 near Houlton in St. Croix County. Killed were Mrs. Walter Chandler, Clear Lake, Wis.; Edward Dennis Ahern, 19, rural Hastings, Minn., and Leighton B. Julius, 17, Hastings. Hospitalized were Walter Chandler, 62; Glenn Carsten, 19, and David Bacon, about 19, both of Hastings. — Sheboygan Press 14 May 1956

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MR. J. J. O'KEEFFE—MISS J. AHERNE The engagement is announced, and the wedding will take place in June (D.V.) between John J. O'Keeffe, B.Arch., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. O'Keeffe, Ballinteer, and Joan, elder daughter of Major J. F. Aherne, A.M.I.C.E., and Mrs. Aherne, 44 Priory avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin. — The Irish Times 26 May 1956

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Catholic Charities Gets Social Research Chief [photo] The Rev. Edward D. Head Cardinal Spellman has appointed the Rev. Edward D. Head as Director of the Department of Social Research for the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. . . . Since receiving a Master's degree from the New York School of Social Work in 1948 he has been associate director of the Family Service Department of Catholic Charities. His successor in that post will be the Rev. John B. Ahern, who was ordained in 1954 and is doing graduate work at the Fordham School of Social Service. — New York Times 26 May 1956

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Summer course for bee-keepers The summer course of the Federation of Irish bee-keepers will open at Villiers School, Limerick, to-day. Mr. John Aherne, secretary, in his annual report says that their journal is now on a firm footing. It was the duty of every bee-keeper to join his local association and each association should affiliate with the federation. The report said that the federation had urged and requested the establishment of a State apiary with full facilities for teaching agriculture and carrying out research work in bee diseases. They had urged that the importation of foreign honey be restricted, or taxed to bring it up to the prevailing Irish price level, but so far it seemed that vested interests had prevailed. Irish honey was a best seller in England and it was to-day being imported into the United States of America. — The Irish Times 16 July 1956

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When Tom O'Hern walked into a North Long Beach bistro Monday eve, he was fresh from watching the Inagural Ball on TV and just supposed everybody had been doing the same. So he said to Waitress Lila Miller, "Did you see Mamie's gown on TV?" And Lila, looking up absent-mindedly from her work, replied" "No. Who's playing in it?" — Long Beach Press-Telegram 23 January 1957

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San Francisco Cracks Down on Bus Drivers SAN FRANCISCO, (AP)—Police Chief Frank Ahearn [sic] today ordered all police, especially motorcycle officers, to crack down on speeding municipal bus drivers just as if they were ordinary speeders. His order followed the third fatal bus accident in two months. Tuesday one rider was killed and 26 were injured when a bus ricocheted from a trolley car into a steel light pole. Faulty brakes were blamed. One person was killed in each of two other accidents. Ahearn said some bus drivers are guilty of speeding through lights. — Corpus Christi Times 28 February 1957

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4 FROM COUNTY MAKE COLLEGE DEAN'S LIST Four county students at Lafayette college, Easton, Pa., are on the dean's list this semester for having attained averages above 85 during the last semester, They are: James P. Ahearn, a senior, son of Mrs. Irene V. Ahearn, 712 Arctic street  . . .  — Bridgeport Post 9 March 1957

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Ahern—Hiza MONROE, Conn., April 6—Announcement has been made by Mr. and Mrs. James J. Ahern of the engagement of their daughter, Miss Kathryn Eileen Ahern, to Robert John Hiza, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hiza of Fairfield. A June wedding is planned. Miss Ahern attended Albertus Magnus College in New Haven and the University of Guadalajar, Mexico. Mr. Hiza studied at the University of Bridgeport and received a civil engineering degree from the University of Connecticut. — New York Times 7 April 1957

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Ex-Publicist Sent to Jail Erstwhile racetrack publicist Robert Ahearn was sentenced to 30 days in jail for failure to support his 7-year-old son, when he appeared before Judge J. A. Branson in San Mateo Central District court yesterday afternoon. Action had been brought by his ex-wife, Mrs. Doris Marie McDonald Ahearn of Hillsborough, also an ex-wife of millionaire James McDonald III. Judge Branson warned Ahearn that when he got out of jail, unless he began to make some provision for the child, he would be sent back for a 60-day term, and continued disregard for the court's order would result in a six month's sentence. Ahearn has failed to make payments since January, 1955. Ahern [sic], meanwhile, has been on probation on a check charge from the Southern Judicial district and in San Francisco, Deputy District Attorney Walter Harrington reported. — San Mateo Times 18 July 1957

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Mrs. Michael C. Ahern, formerly of Watertown, is now making her home in Provincetown. She has rented the apartment of her nephew, Thomas Hennessey at 424 Commercial Street. — Provincetown Advocate 26 September 1957

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Immediate Occupancy ONLY 2 LEFT IN CHICAGO'S NEWEST and MOST ATTRACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD GAS HEAT 8643 KENTON, OPEN SUN. 1-5 Beau. new 3 bedrm. brick ranch, full bsmt., overhead sewers, fully plastered, pickled mahog. woodwork, birch cabinets, colored plumbing with vanity in bath built-in range-oven, on 40' lots with side drive. JOSEPH A. AHERN 10910 S. WESTERN                              HIL. 5-9221 — Southtown Economist 24 November 1957

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FORTHCOMING MARRIAGES A marriage has been arranged, and will shortly take place, between Major Robert Stanley Holbrook, Royal Signals, son of Rear-Admiral and Mrs. L. S. Holbrook, of Bury, Sussex, and Maureen Alice Aherne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Aherne, of Wimbledon. — The Times 30 December 1957

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WEDDINGS Mr. M. Ryand and Miss A. Aherne In St. Andrew's Church, Westland row, Dublin the wedding took place yesterday of Mr. Michael Ryan, son of the late Patrick Ryan and Mrs. Ryan, Kilcommon, Co. Tipperary, and Miss Ann Aherne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Aherne, Fleet street, Dublin. The ceremony was conducted by the bridegroom's brother, the Right Rev. Monsignor Thomas Ryan, of the Vatican Secretariat of State. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a gown of white duchesse satin over pleated nylon tulle, with an illusion tulle veil and a headdress of whote roses, and carried a bouquet of red roses. The Misses Brenda and Kathleen Aherne Aherne (sisters of the bride), were bridesmaids, wearing lavender brocade dresses. Mr. Andrew Ryan was best man, and Mr. Michael Scanlon was groomsman. A reception was held in Jury's Hotel, Dublin, and the honeymoon is being spent abroad. — The Irish Times 10 July 1958

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Reedsville Church Is Scene Of Dvorachek-O'Hearn Rites Michigan and Northern Wisconsin are being visited by Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas O'Hearn, who were married Saturday, in a 10 a.m. service at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Reedsville. The Rev. William Koutnik performed the rites for the daughter of Mrs. Joseph Dvorachek, Route 1, Reedsville, and the son of Mrs. George O'Hearn, Route 2, Reedsville. The former Miss Ann Marie Dvorachek was presented at the altar by her brother, Bernard Dvorachek. Attire of the bride was fashioned of Chantilly lace, which banded four points of embroidered tulle that fell over a full skirt of taffeta. A large flounce of tulle completed the skirt, which fell from a pointed bodice of embroidered tulle. Chantilly lace also banded the short sleeves and Sabrina neckline. The bride's fingertip veil of English illusion was caught to a crown headpiece, accented with pearls and rhinestones. She had brief tulle gauntlets and carried a white orchid with streamers of stephanotis over a tulle-covered white prayer book. Miss Catherine Dvorachek served as her sister's maid of honor. She had a full-length dress of white flocked nylon organza over blue taffeta. A cumberbund, large bow and streamers of matching taffeta accented the simply-styled gown, which was designed with brief sleeves anbd a round neckline that extended to a V at the back. To finish her ensemble, she wore a picture hat of matching taffeta and carried a cascade bouquet of pale pink asters. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Roland Burnar, Madison, and Miss Mary Lou Brochtrup, Brilton [?], while the bride's cousin, Miss Dorothy Dvorachek, served as junior attendant. All were attired similarly to the honor attendant and carried cascade arrangements of deep pink asters. An aunt of the bride, Mrs. Edward Dvorachek, was organist and the children's choir furnished vocal selections. As best man, the bridegroom chose Ronald Vandenhouten, Luxemburg. Groomsmen were Roland Budner, Madison, Leo Frank, Green Bay, and the junior groomsman was the bride's brother, Joseph Dvorachek. Duties of ushering were assumed by cousins of the bridal pair, Donald Dvorachek and Robert Rank, Francis Creek. A dinner for the immediate families was served at Cape Cod Inn, Manitowic, where a reception followed. Address of the newlyweds will be 241 Langdon st., Madison, where the bridegroom is working towards his doctor's degree in physics at the University of Wisconsin. The bride attended Electronics, Radio and Television Institute, Omaha, Neb., and has been employed as cost clerk at Brillion Iron Works, Inc. Both the bride and bridegroom are graduates of Reedsville High School. — Sheboygan Press 20 August 1958

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Former Oakland Reporter Killed OAKLAND (UPI)—Edward Murphy, former sports writer and reporter for the Oakland Tribune, was struck and killed by an auto Monday night as he walked across a street. Murphy, 64, retired several years ago. Police said Murphy was struck by an auto driven by Rowena O'Hern, 48, San Leandro. She told authorities she did not see Muprhy, who was in a crosswalk. Mrs. O'Hern was not cited pending further investigation of the accident. — Hayward Daily Review 3 January 1959

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Sports Notes WASHINGTON (AP)—A stickup man robbed boxing promoter Goldie Ahearn's restaurant of $1,600 Friday. “I hope the police catch him,” Goldie commented. “I'd put him in a semifinal so he'd get his brains knocked out.” — Greeley Daily Tribune 28 March 1959

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Hospital Escapees Hold Man 20 Hours BUFFALO, N. Y. (AP)—A man who was held captive in his automobile for 20 hours by four escapees from a mental hospital says, “They told me they'd kill me if I didn't play along.” Henry J. Landry was forced to drive from his home town, Ashburnham, Mass., north to the Canadian line and then west across New York state by four youths he picked up as hitchhikers. “They had knives out all the time,” he said. “Most of the way, it seemed, one of them was pressed into my side.” The 52-year-old furniture designer jumped from his car when they stopped for gas in suburban Amherst Tuesday. “I ran into traffic and across the street and into this man's office,” he said. “I shouted 'I'm being kidnaped' and that was it. He called the police and it was all over.” Amherst police quickly rounded up the four. The FBI charged them with kidnaping and taking a stolen car across a state line. They were Carl Kasper, 22, and James Robinson, 24, of Athol, Mass.; Frederick Ahearn, 16, of Chelsea, Mass., and Roland Cole, 17, of Gardner, Mass. Authorities at Gardner State Hospital said the four had ganged up on an attendant Sunday, slugged him and escaped. They said Kasper and Cole had been committed by court order but did not have criminal records. They said Ahearn and Robinson had been undergoing preliminary tests. Ahearn was charged with armed robbery and Robinson with non-support of his family. — Long Beach Press-Telegram 22 April 1959

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CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD St. James's Palace, London S.W.1. The Queen has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday, to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: To be Ordinary Commanders of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order: Colonel Timothy Michael Richard Ahern, O.B.E., M.B. (52443), late Royal Army Medical Corps. — The London Gazette 13 June 1959

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FATHERS MEET De LaSalle High school Fathers' club held an officers meeting recently in the Stock Yard Inn, W. 42nd and S. Halsted sts. Officers in attendance were Barney Ahern, 8437 S. May st., president; . . .  — The Economist 17 August 1959

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Thomas Ahern, farm labourer, single, aged about 55, of Clonmult, Midleton, Co. Cork, received fatal injuries when he was knocked down by a car near his home late last night. Apparently he was walking home from Dungourney Church when the accident occurred. — The Irish Times 26 October 1959

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Motor-cyclist Killed Michael Ahern (40), unmarried, a market gardener, received fatal injuries early yesterday morning when the motor-cycle he was riding was in collision with a station-wagon, about two miles from Midleton, Co. Cork. Mr. Ahern was a native of Churchtown North, Midleton. — The Irish Times 10 November 1959

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FORTHCOMING MARRIAGES Dr. S. A. Ahern and Miss E. A. Dalby The engagement is announced between Sean Alan Ahern, son of the late Mr. John Ahern and of Mrs. Ahern, of 12, Elm Avenue, Hull, and Elizabeth Ann, daughter of the Rev. Dr. J. and Mrs. Dalby of Garston Park, Godstone, Surrey. — The Times 5 December 1959

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