Thursday, November 3, 2011

Man offers $2.50 reward for 'stall-fed' Christmas turkey in 1911

It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review all of the interesting things that took place in Conecuh County 100 years ago, way back in November 1911.

In the Nov. 2, 1911 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper, editor J.D. Whitcomb reported that “Halloween was observed at the Orphanage Wednesday night from seven to nine o’clock. The children entertained a few friends with songs and recitations. Jack-o’lanterns decorated the windows and various other places, giving a grotesque appearance to the whole affair. Everybody enjoyed the evening.”

Readers that week also learned that “many of our Confederate veterans are preparing to attend the state reunion at Montgomery next week, Nov. 7th and 8th.”

Whitcomb also let readers know that week that the “Rev. Zachery preached his first sermon at the Episcopal church last Sunday. A large congregation greeted the new rector.”

Subscribers that week also learned that the “McCreary Drug. Co. has just placed in their store a handsome new soda fountain which is attracting considerable attention.”

In news from the Brooklyn community, the correspondent there reported that the “Masonic hall is nearly completed at a cost of nearly $2,000. The building is 28x85 feet with a store under the hall. It is a great improvement to our town.

“Rabun & Feagin have moved into the new Masonic building and have a fine display of goods.”

In the Nov. 9, 1911 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported that “Circus day, last Monday, was wet and disagreeable, but many people from the country were in the city to attend the big show.”

Readers that week also learned that the “Dupont Powder Co. are giving demonstrations of blowing and removing stumps with dynamite here this week. They will be at the agricultural farm Thursday.”

An advertisement that week also included the following information: St. Elmo: The Romantic Drama from Augusta J. Evans’ World Famous Novel, One of the Greatest Plays Ever Written, “The Idyll of the South,” Under Canvas – Evergreen – One Night Only, Thurs., Nov. 8, Admission – 25 cents and 35 cents.

Subscribers that week also learned that “Cary M. Etheridge has about 2,000 bottles of tomato catsup which he will put on the market at once. It is a superior article and will have a ready sale.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “at the regular convention of Armor lodge Knights of Pythias Tuesday night the rank of esquire was conferred upon one candidate. The lodge is in a prosperous condition.”

In news from the Crete community, written by correspondent “J.M.J.,” readers learned that “Miss Nanie Baggett of Castleberry is teaching our school and is very popular.”

In the Nov. 16, 1911 edition of The Record, Whitcomb had more than a little to say about the weather.

“The refrigerator has given place to the coal bin. Sunday night’s cold snap just about put the ice man ‘out of commission.’ While the country was shivering in the grip of the late cold snap, the coal man sat back in his cozy office contentedly clipping coupons.”

Readers that week also learned that “Marshal Jones reports matters quiet in police circles.”

Whitcomb also noted that “the little folks are already ‘talking Christmas.’”

Subscribers also saw that week that “L.W. Savage Sr. died early Sunday morning after a lingering illness. Mr. Savage was a member of the Episcopal church and for a number of years engaged in the mercantile business in Evergreen. He was known and respected throughout this section for his strict integrity and kindness of heart. His remains were laid to rest with Masonic honors Sunday afternoon at four o’clock. The entire community regrets the loss of this pioneer citizen.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “Prof. Lile and Miss Dora Amos of this city will leave next Tuesday for Tuscaloosa to attend the eighth annual gathering of the Alabama library association.”

In the Nov. 23, 1911 edition of The Record, it was reported that “T.W. Baggett shot and killed J.A. Green at Castleberry last Saturday. R.E. Baggett was also slightly injured. Baggett shot in self defense.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “R.W. Nelson of Georgiana came down to take the third degree in Masonry Monday night. Mr. Nelson was the guest of his friend, J.T. Amos, while in the city.

“Dr. H.B. Whittington, grand lecturer, was present and delivered an address at the Monday night’s meeting of the local Masonic fraternity. The doctor resides at Greenville and is highly esteemed by the order.”

Readers that week also learned that “the little seven year old son of Mr. Ward who sustained a slight injury in an automobile accident is said to be doing nicely.”

Whitcomb wrapped up the week with the following report.

“Some sneak thief, without fear of God or man in his heart, stole a big, fat turkey from John Cunningham, which he was ‘stall-feeding’ for Christmas. Now, John set great store by this particular gobbler and anticipated a royal feast when he should be served up Christmas and to have these delightful prospects thus rudely shattered, stirred his wrath no little, and he declares it will go hard with the unregenerate scamp if his identity is discovered. John offers a reward of $2.50 for the return of his gobbler or the apprehension of the rogue.”

In the Nov. 30, 1911 edition of The Record, readers learned that “the cold snap of Wednesday and Thursday nights froze up many water pipes and made business good for the plumbers. The thermometer dropped to 20 degrees.”

Whitcomb also reported that “C.P. Deming, W.M. Newton, J.D. Deming and Dr. G.G. Newton went to Mobile Thursday to attend a convention of shriners.”

Readers that week also learned that “G.W. Joyner, one of Conecuh County’s oldest citizens, died last Monday at an advanced age. He resided about 12 miles north of Evergreen.”

Subscribers also saw that week the following advertisement: T.A. Gantt has the largest stock of Holiday Goods between Montgomery and Mobile. Call and make your purchase early and avoid the rush.

Whitcomb closed out the month with this appeal to his newspaper’s readers.

“If you are indebted to The Record, don’t neglect to call and settle as soon as possible.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of December 1911 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.

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