The Rev. Dallas F. Billington, pastor of Akron Baptist Temple, dropped a bombshell in 1950 when he preached that the United States should end the escalating Korean conflict with a nuclear blast.
“I contend as a man of God now is the time to send all of those globe-trotting congressmen to the foreign countries, namely Korea and at the battlefront,” Billington said. “They will either come back and send ‘A’ bombs and planes to stop the ruthless slaying of our boys or else take our boys away from the front. It looks to me like God is not with us.”
Praying for God’s help, Billington (1903-1972) noted that the United States, a nation of 150 million, was being globally shamed by “10 million heathens.”
“Drop the ‘A’ bomb and stop it,” he said. “God gave it to us. Let’s use it to protect our Bibles, churches, schools and America’s way of life.”
Spurred by Billington’s remarks, the Beacon Journal conducted an informal survey of readers: “Would you like to see the atomic bomb used in Korea?” As it turned out, the minister wasn’t alone in his beliefs.
In light of world events in 2017, it’s interesting to see what Akron residents used to think. Here is a sampling of those public sentiments from 1950.
How much have we changed since then? Read on …
• Kenneth M. Lambert, Schiller Avenue, dairy salesman: “Yes. The United States ought to do something, but quick. Why play around with the Commies. They are no good. Two or three atom bombs should do the job.”
• Joseph Burkey, Shreve Drive, truck driver: “I wouldn’t like to see the atomic bomb used anywhere. It’s too horrible. Besides, we must think of ourselves. One might be dropped on us.”
• Ruth Chapin, Tallmadge Avenue, housewife: “Yes. It’s a good idea as long as we’re sure there wouldn’t be any American troops in its path. Let’s get the war over with. Use the bomb in Russia, too.”
• George Warren, Wall Street, retired farmer: “Yes, we’ve got to whip those so-and-sos sooner or later. Why not now? I hope we use the atomic bomb and soon.”
• Arthur Ellison, RD 1, Akron, rubber worker: “In the first place, why drop it on Korea? That wouldn’t accomplish anything. I wouldn’t want to see one used on Russia either. We are much more vulnerable to such an attack than the Russians. Our industry is grouped in cities like Pittsburgh or Akron. Theirs is spread out.”
• Clara Roach, Birchwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, housewife: “No, definitely. There are too many innocent people who would be killed or hurt. I wouldn’t want to see the bomb used on innocent people here either.”
• John B. Tichenor, Lexington Avenue, transportation operator: “Yes. I don’t think the bomb would hurt us. There’s no reason why our boys over there should get killed when we could bring an end to the enemy quickly. Why spend all this money to build a bomb and then not use it?”
• Otis D. Hoskins, Fifth Avenue, rubber worker: “Yes, we are spending good money to build the bomb, aren’t we? We might as well save American lives. We’re in a war, you know.”
• Richard Wallis, Nevin Street, busboy: “No, an atomic bomb does too much damage to innocent people. It’s too awful for civilized man.”
• Rita Malloy, Dayton Street, student: “No, I don’t think anything would be accomplished. There’s a good possibility everyone would be wiped out.”
• Paul Myers, Wabash Avenue, salesman: “I’m against it. The bomb brings too much destruction of human life, wildlife and vegetation. There would be retaliations and perhaps total destruction of mankind.”
• Ralph Bowman, North Arlington Street, rubber worker: “I don’t think it would be the thing to do. I’d say, take the bomb and drop it on Russia. I’d be in favor of that.”
• Thomas Davis, North Adams Street, real estate agent: “Yes, it would save a lot of our boys’ lives to drop the bomb and get the war over with. The bomb will have to be dropped someday.”
• Lois Albright, Waterloo Road, housewife: “Don’t use the atom bomb, I say. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I wouldn’t want an A-bomb dropped on Akron.”
• John Ford, Berg Street, theater doorman: “I would give the enemy a fighting chance to surrender first. Then, if talks do no good, I’d favor the use of the atom bomb.”
• Richard Robinson, RD 2, Akron, salesman: “America should not use the atom bomb, except as a last resort. This certainly cannot be classed as a last resort. We can win the war without the bomb.”
• Tommie Jenkins, Marion Place, cigar store manager: “I don’t think the United States should be the first to use the atom bomb. Atomic energy should be harnessed for more practical purposes than war.”
• Ruth Costilow, Westwood Avenue, housewife: “No, the people aren’t waging the war. There’s no reason to destroy them because of the people in charge.”
• Geneva Howley, Sanford Avenue, housewife: “I am definitely against the use of the atom bomb. It is against my religion. It should be part of everyone’s religion.”
Contact Mark J. Price at 330-996-3850 or mjprice@thebeaconjournal.com.