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 January 1912.
In the Jan. 4, 1912 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper, editor J.D. Whitcomb reminded readers that they could buy subscriptions for “one dollar per year, strictly in advance.”
Under the headline, “Candidates,” it was reported that “as a result of the action of the state executive committee in naming April 1 for the primary election, the political pot has begun to boil in Conecuh County.
“M.B. Salter, pioneer citizen and Confederate veteran, is asking for re-election to the office of county treasurer.
“In the person of Andrew J. Mason, the people of Conecuh County will have the opportunity of voting for a hustling, capable and high-toned gentleman for tax assessor.”
Readers also learned that week that “G.W. Miller of Herbert has been appointed deputy sheriff by Sheriff E.C. Hines,” and that “Jas. F. Jones has been appointed county solicitor, J.S. Stevens having resigned.”
Also that week, under the headline, “Confederate Veterans,” it was reported that “at a meeting of Camp Wm. Lee, U.C.V., which was held here Monday, G.R. Boulware was re-elected commander of the Camp. The following officers were also elected: M.B. Salter, sergeant major; Rev. J.D. Wright, chaplain; Dr. W.B. Shaver, surgeon. Delegates to the next encampment: W.F. Tomlinson, J.T. Fincher and J.W. Cook. The meeting was well attended.”
In the Jan. 11, 1912 edition of the newspaper, Whitcomb reported that “the prolonged and unearthly screech of the fire whistle about eight o’clock last evening caused a ripple of excitement in our city, and as everybody who can crawl, walk or run goes to a fire, a large crowd soon collected at the county jail, the scene of the fire.
“Fortunately, little damage was done as the fire was confined to the burning of a few blankets owned by the county and used by the prisoners. It seems that one of the inmates set his blanket afire on purpose.”
Readers also learned that “W.S. Oliver announces in The Record this week his candidacy for re-election as tax collector.”
Whitcomb also reported that “there are quite a number of automobiles owned in the city of Evergreen – handsome and costly cars too, and the temptation to many to ‘crank her up and let her go Gallagher!’ is no doubt often great, but we are glad to know that these machines are owned by sensible people who forego the pleasure (?) of indulging in the dangerous and senseless habit of ‘speeding’ out of consideration for the safety of others.”
Subscribers also saw that week that “J.C. Bush of the firm of Bush Bros., naval stores operators, of Brooklyn, was in the city last Saturday and favored The Record office with a call.”
In the Jan. 18, 1912 edition of the paper, under the headline, “The Airship,” Whitcomb reported that “aviation, like the automobile a few years ago, is becoming quite the rage, and when it was known that the bird man, R.G. Fowler of San Francisco would reach Evergreen Sunday afternoon, the streets were crowded with people with their noses elevated at an angle of about 45 degrees to catch the first sight of the wonderful flying machine.
“They were not disappointed – the bird man came and made good and although circling in the air at least 1,000 feet above the earth, the whirr of the powerful little motor, which drove the machine through space with such velocity, was plainly heard by the crowd below.
“After circling over the city several times and executing some graceful curves, Fowler landed about two miles from town. The people had the thrilling pleasure again on Tuesday of seeing the airship which had remained over on account of unfavorable weather conditions. Mr. Fowler took his final flight about three o’clock for other points on his route.”
Readers also learned that “Mr. J.K. Ryland of Bermuda announces this week as a candidate for the office of tax collector.”
Subscribers also saw that “Mr. J.T. Fincher, who announces for county treasurer, is too well known to the voters of the county to need any recommendation through the columns of The Record.”
In the Jan. 25, 1912 edition, Whitcomb reported that “a ripple of excitement was created Wednesday by a runaway mule team.”
Readers also learned that “the newly appointed registrars for Conecuh County are John Cunningham, N.T. Aarons and J.R. Myers.”
It was also reported that “C.B. Savage has been appointed jury commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by resignation of W.R. Shaver of Herbert.”
Whitcomb also reported that “W.W. Pridgen, it is thought, will be sent as a delegate to the national Republican convention from this district.”
That week’s paper also included the following announcement – “Notice is hereby given of the intention to organize a bank at Repton, Ala. by W.M. Newton, C.P. Deming, H.L. Dees, Wilber M. Salter, C.K. Carter, Milton Dunn, A.R. Knight, Lee Gaston, J.C. Long and J.R. Simmons as the proposed incorporators and stockholders, the name of the proposed corporation being the Merchants & Farmers Bank of Repton, Ala., the place where it proposes to do business being at Repton, Ala. and the amount of capital stock paid in with which will commence business to be $15,000.”
Whitcomb closed the month by telling readers that “if you wish to spend a delightful and instructive hour, see the stereopticon views at the courthouse Friday evening.”
I had to look it up and was interested to learn that a stereopticon was a slide projector or what was commonly called in the old days a "magic lantern." These devices date back to the mid 19th century, and were a popular form of entertainment and education before the advent of moving pictures.
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 February 1912 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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