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 June 1912.
In the June 5, 1912 edition of The Evergreen Courant, editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. reported that “H.S. Hagood has tendered his resignation as captain of the local military company.”
Salter also let readers know that “Repton is bidding for the Conecuh county high school and the high school commission will visit that place on next Saturday to consider claims presented by citizens of that community.”
Readers that week also learned that “Prof. J.T. KcKee, newly appointed president of the agricultural school, arrived last week with his family from Cullman.
In news from the Mount Olive community, correspondent “Blue Eyes” reported that “we had a mad dog scare in our community. D.D. Garner’s dog went mad and bit his son, Cecil, also Claudia Calloway. The dog bit several dogs besides cattle.”
Salter also reported that week that the “many friends of A. Cary Ellis of Pensacola will be pleased to learn that he was recently nominated in the Democratic primary for Sheriff of Escambia County, Fla.”
Readers also learned that “John H. Mims of Castleberry spent Sunday and Monday here. He leaves this morning for New Mexico with his uncle R.C. Brawner, who goes west for the benefit of his health.”
In the June 12, 1912 edition of the newspaper, under the headline “Castleberry a Municipality,” it was reported that “Castleberry is now a full fledged municipality, all the conditions required by law having been complied with. An election was held recently which resulted in the choice of E. Downing for mayor and the following councilmen: R.A. Baird, L.W. Kirkland, J.P. Matthews Jr., Allen Page and P.M. Skinner. A recent census gives the town a population of 275 within the corporate limits.”
Salter also reported that the “following teachers have been elected for the Agricultural School the coming session: Prof. R.E. Bryan of Albertville, Miss Marie Benson of Forest Home and Miss Margaret Ehrensperger of Cullman.”
Readers that week also learned that “Mr. T.B. McDonald has been appointed dental surgeon of the First Regiment, Alabama National Guard.”
Readers also saw the following announcement under the headline “Masons, Attention!” – “Regular meeting of Greening Lodge, No. 53, will be held Monday evening, June 17, at eight o’clock. Annual election of officers and routine business. All members requested to attend. Visiting brethren cordially welcomed. (Signed) F.J. Dean, Secretary.”
Salter closed out the week by telling readers that “Miss Lois Parmer, one of The Courant’s efficient typesetters, has been confined to her room several days with measles. We hope for her a speedy recovery.”
In the June 19, 1912 edition, readers learned that “the first cotton bloom reported this season was plucked on the 10th by Sam Moorer. One week later, L.A. Johnston of Zeru sent in blooms.”
Subscribers also read that “announcement is made by L.T. Rhodes, demonstration agent for Baldwin County, that the boll weevil has been found in large quantities in that county.”
Salter also reported that week that “hog cholera is reported to be raging in many parts of the county, and many herds of swine have already been nearly exterminated by the deadly disease and they continue to die.”
Also that week, under the headline “Dr. Betts Heads Local Masonic Lodge,” it was reported that “at the regular monthly meeting of the local Masonic lodge on Monday night last, Dr. W.F. Betts was chosen worshipful master. Other officers were elected as follows: H.L. Tucker, Senior Warden; Dr. J.W. Hagood, Junior Warden; H.H. Floyd, Treasurer; F.J. Dean, Secretary; W.B. James, Senior Deacon; Dr. T.B. McDonald, Junior Deacon; J.H. Stamps, Tiler; W.S. Oliver and A.A. Williams, Stewards; Rev. D.J. Wrights, Chaplain.”
Other active Masonic lodges in Conecuh County that year included Sepulga No. 233, Sepulga; Burnt Corn No. 489, Burnt Corn; and Bowles Lodge No. 756.
In the June 26, 1912 edition of The Courant, Salter reported that “J.P. Benson, representing the Alabama Cotton Oil Co. of Mobile, has been here for several days past arranging for the erection of a modern ginnery for his company. He purchased a lot at the Salter crossing and says the work of constructing a building will be commenced at once. The ginnery will be in readiness to gin the first bale, says Mr. Benson.”
Readers also learned that “Judge Dean, C.P. Deming, W.M. Newton and J.F. Irwin are in Baltimore looking on at the Democratic National Convention. W.W. Pridgen and Walter Lee attended the Republican Convention in Chicago last week and this week they are at the Democratic Convention in Baltimore.”
Under the headline “Teachers’ Institute,” readers learned that “a joint institute of Monroe, Conecuh and Escambia counties will be held at Evergreen for week beginning Aug. 12, 1912. The following institute workers will have charge of the institute: Prof. C.B. Glenn, Birmingham, conductor; Miss Rosa Strickland, Pratt City; Miss Margaret McAdory and Prof. D.G. Chase, Birmingham.”
That week’s paper also included the following advertisement – “Alabama Polytechnic Institute, ‘Auburn,’ The Oldest School of Technology in the South, 69 Professors and Instructors, 810 Students, 20 Well Equipped Laboratories, Next Session Begins Wed., Sept. 4, 1912.”
Salter closed out the month by noting that “L.L. English of West Side yesterday presented the editor with a basket of choice apricots. Thanks, neighbor.”
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 July 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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