The anti-noise ordinance introduced yesterday at the request of Mayor Stabler will be hard on the business of Al Trowbridge, the soft pretzel vendor who occupies a stand near the corner of West Third and Pine streets and also peddles his ware on other streets. Al is a well-known character whose shouts of barter are heard by thousands every day but understood by few. Nealy all who hear him, however, have become familiar with the fact that he sells soft pretzels. His accustomed stand is on the stone steps leading into the West Branch Bank building where he is found during certain hours of the day with a basket full of pretzels shouting out his unintelligible announcement.

The ordinance now in council prohibits the selling of wares and merchandise by public outcry or by the ringing of bells, blowing of horns, or ringing of gongs. The ordinance was referred to the committee of the whole of council yesterday. The question was raised if the ordinance if strictly enforced would not stop constable and sheriff sales which are conducted along the line of auctions. It was said by a councilman that such was not the intent of the bill. It is merely to quell what are considered unnecessary noises.

The proposed ordinance said in part, “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, company or corporation in selling of any goods, wares or merchandise of any kind within the city limits of Williamsport to do so by public outcry, or by the ringing of bells, blowing of horns or any other device for the making of noise.” Violations could result in a fine not exceeding $10.