January 03 1948
The Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Saturday, January 03, 1948
Newman Guttman of Minneapolis wants to know what happened to the Pawn Pusher, to-wit:
“What has happened to the chess column—the Pawn Pusher? I certainly hone the column hasn't been dropped for lack of space. The Saturday editions have been rather lean of late, but this would be an odd time to drop the column after it ran throughout the war.
“The number of active contributors to the column may be small, but there are many silent followers. I know several. Many buy the paper especially for this column. I was one of them until recently when we switched to The Star from the Times.”
COMMENT—No permanent decision has been made on the Pawn Pusher. The busy Arne Holt, who has done such a splendid job on this column for several years, asked our permission to take at least a month's vacation. During this rest period, we undoubtedly will get the reaction of the readers so that we ran know what should he done about its continuation in the future.
January 17 1948
The Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Saturday, January 17, 1948
Alain White of Summerville, S.C., moves into chess with the following:
“I have recently heard that there is a possibility that the chess column in your paper may be discontinued. I have known of the column, under its present guidance by Mr. Holt, for close on 25 years and it has done so much to encourage your local chess problem composers as well as to give pleasure to solvers and readers far afield, that I feel very distressed at this rumor.
“Please don't let The Pawn Pusher stop pushing. It means too much in the chess circles. Two of our cleverest young men today, Newman Gutman and Joe Youngs, are among its alumni not to mention many others in years past.”
February 14 1948
The Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Saturday, February 14, 1948
G. S. Barnes of Minneapolis writes: “Several months ago I noted the omission of the 'Pawn Pusher' from the Saturday column of The Star. Later I noticed a little mention of this stating that Mr. Holt was on vacation and the intimation that the 'Pawn Pusher' would be resumed when Mr. Holt returned from vacation. Unfortunately, the 'Pawn Pusher' has not made its appearance since that time. I hope this is simply a temporary abeyance.
“The good chess players throughout the state miss the 'Pawn Pusher' and unless I miss my guess, you are hearing from them. I am pulling for the resumption of the 'Pawn Pusher.'”
COMMENT—Only 104 readers have written us requesting the return of The Pawn Pusher. We are deferring final decision until after more investigating.
