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 May 1912.
In the May 1, 1912 edition of The Evergreen Courant, editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. reported that “a deep well is being drilled at the Orphans Home. A depth of about 12 feet has already been reached. Superintendent Reynolds hopes to secure a gusher. We hope he’ll succeed.”
Readers that week also learned that “C.A. Thames, one of Conecuh’s landmarks, passed to his reward on Monday morning at the family home in Brooklyn, where he had resided for many years. He was 82 years of age. The funeral occurred yesterday with the solemn rites of the Masonic order of which he had been a faithful member.”
Salter also reported that “Dr. Sam Long of Baltimore is here to spend a month with his brothers, guest of the family of Haimen Long. Dr. Long will sail from New York for Europe of June 8, where he will complete his course in medicine and surgery. Sam has many friends who are glad to see him after an absence of about eight years.”
Readers that week also learned that “R.M. Rabon, the naval stores man of Castleberry, was here yesterday on business.”
Salter also reported that “it is said that the damage to the strawberry crop cannot be estimated. The recent continued rains have caused the growers a loss of many thousand dollars.”
In the May 8, 1912 edition, under the headline “Closing of School,” readers learned that the “closing of the agricultural school will occur on Friday night in the school chapel. Prof. C.M. Dannelly will deliver the baccalaureate address. The graduating class is as follows: Misses Nell Brown (Owassa), Kathleen Lundy, Ethel Kyser, Dora Amos, Glenn Lile, Early Gilchrist, Messrs. Ernest Barlow, William Harper and Bertram Harper (Herbert).”
Salter also reported that week that the “unofficial returns from the run off primary election on May 4 show that W.C. Relfe for tax assessor, M.B. Salter for treasurer and R.E.L. Key for superintendent of education were winners.”
That week’s paper also let readers know that the “Orpheus Club held its regular annual business meeting Thurs., May 2, at the residence of Mrs. W.C. Crumpton. The meeting was called to order by the president and the following are the officers elected for the ensuing term: Miss Florine Thomason, President; Mrs. Walter Lee, Vice President; Miss Augusta Farnham, Secretary; Miss Frances Deming, Treasurer.
“This completes the third year of the club’s existence.”
Salter also reported that week that “Prof. J.T. McKee, who was recently elected principal of the Agricultural school here came down on Thursday last to arrange to remove his family. He expects to be here about June 1.”
The May 15, 1912 edition of The Courant included the following news item.
“Doubtless one of the most interesting and enjoyable entertainments ever given at the Orphans Home occurred last Thursday afternoon, the occasion being the raising of the American flag. The exercises were held in the open air on the lawn and consisted of songs and recitations appropriate to the occasion. At the conclusion of the program, delicious strawberries and cake were served to the guests. E.C. Lee very thoughtfully and generously donated the berries for this purpose. After this, the guests were shown through the various departments of the orphanage. During the serving, choice selections were discovered on Dr. Hall’s Victrola to the delight of all.”
Salter also reported that week that “Mrs. J.M. Cathcart and little baby left Saturday morning for Washington, D.C. to join Mr. Cathcart, who is private Secretary to Senator Fletcher.”
Readers that week also learned that “Mothers Day was observed with appropriate services at both the Baptist and the Methodist churches on Sunday last. Most everybody wore a bouquet of white flowers in memory of mother.”
Salter also reported that “Dr. Richard Hall left Monday for Oklahoma City to attend the annual session of the Southern Baptist Convention.”
That week’s paper also included the following sports-related item.
“We have the Southern League Baseball Bulletin and you can see the results every afternoon about six o’clock.”
The May 22, 1912 edition of The Courant contained the following “NOTICE: There will be a special communication of Greening Lodge, No. 53, A.F.&A.M. next Saturday, May 25, eight o’clock p.m. Work in the E.A. degree. Full attendance requested. Visiting brethren cordially invited to attend. By order of J.T. Amos, W.M., F.J. Dean, Sec’y.”
Readers that week also learned that “Dr. Sam Long left yesterday for New York from which point he will leave on June 8 for Germany, where he will practice his profession.”
Salter also reported that the “board of trustees for the city school at a recent meeting reelected Misses Ethel King, Willie Cunningham, Carrie Clindenen and Sue Stallworth teachers for the coming year.”
That week’s paper also let readers know that “W.A. Floyd, one of Evergreen’s most prominent and valued citizens, died suddenly yesterday. Seated in a chair on the front porch of his home, his lifeless form was discovered by Mrs. Floyd, who went to call him to dinner. Deceased was about 61 years old.”
Readers that week also learned that “C.P. Deming, W.M. Newton and A. Cunningham attended the state bankers convention in Mobile last week. Mr. Cunningham was honored by being elected vice president of group number seven, composing eight counties: Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe, Baldwin, Mobile, Wilcox, Washington and Clarke.”
The May 29, 1912 edition of the paper included the following unusual news item.
“The following young folks went over to Monroeville last night in autos to attend a dance: Misses Marcella McCreary, May Bird Binion, Margaret Russell, Olive and Mary McCreary and Messrs. Mack Binion, James Cochram, Claiborne Deming, Coley Millsap, Ralph Millsap, Harmon Williams, H.O. Lile and Haimon Long. They didn’t reach home until early dawn this morning. One of the cars broke down beyond Belleville, delaying the party until another car could be dispatched from Evergreen. The breakdown was caused by a stubborn hog which refused to give a part of the road and fearing bodily harm to his passengers from a collision with the swine, chauffer Baily quickly put on the brakes and smashed the rear axle.”
Salter also reported that week that “Depot Agent Curtis Hawkins left last week for Northern points to enjoy a well earned vacation. N. Jordan has entire charge of the express business during his absence.”
Readers that week also learned that “there were no services at the Methodist church on Sunday, the pastor, Rev. W.T. Ellisor, having gone to Atmore to preach the commencement sermon of High School. Mrs. Ellisor accompanied him.”
Salter closed out the week with the following words.
“A 25 cent want ad in The Courant has proven a mighty good investment to many persons. If you let your wants be known, you will get inquiries promptly. People read our want column.”
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 June 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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