November was a busy month a century ago in Conecuh County

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 1912.

In the Nov. 6, 1912 edition of The Evergreen Courant, owner and editor George W. Salter Jr. reported that “a series of field investigations recently completed shows that the boll weevil advance in South Alabama, particularly this season, is much greater than usual. On Oct. 1, the edge of the infested area passed a short distance west of Reform in Pickens County, close to Eutaw in Greene County, through Demopolis and Thomaston in Marengo County; Camden and Pine Apple in Wilcox County; a short distance northeast of Georgiana in Butler County; slightly east of Babbie and Florala in Covington County.”

Readers that week also learned that “H.E. Mancill, a former Conecuh boy, has recently been elected Mayor of McKenzie.”

Salter also reported that “The Courant has no democratic rooster to print today. The Courant was established more than 17 years ago, but this is the first occasion we have had to use one.”

It was also reported that week that the “Rev. W.F. Arnold, pastor of the Methodist church at Repton, was here on Friday last on business.”

Readers that week also learned that “J.M. Bell of near Repton brought in Monday 32 pounds of sweet potatoes which he says he took from five average hills, a little more than six pounds to a hill.”

In the Nov. 13, 1912 edition of The Courant, under the headline “Store Burglarized,” it was reported that the “store of Powell & Sons was burglarized last night. The only thing of value missing was about $10 which was taken from the cash register. The thief effected entrance through the transom over the front door which was covered with screen wire. He made his exit through the rear door. No clue.”

Salter also reported that week that a “gentleman passed through Evergreen on Sunday en route from Lansing, Michigan to Pensacola, traveling in an automobile. He says Alabama roads are very much better than those in Kentucky and Tennessee.”

It was also reported that “Edward M. Salter, who has been connected with The Courant for more than two years past, left on Friday for Monroeville, accompanied by his wife, where he will fill a similar position with The Monroe Journal. His place with The Courant will be filled by E.L. Harvell of Ashland, Alabama.”

Salter closed that week by telling readers that “there promises to be a lively contest for the Evergreen post office (postmaster’s job). There are now four candidates for the place and others may develop later.”

In the Nov. 20, 1912 edition of the paper, under the headline “Another Burglary,” it was reported that “Dunn Hardware Company’s store was burglarized last night. An automatic shotgun, two pistols and about $10 in cash are among the articles missing. The thief broke a large hole in one of the front show windows, but it was not large enough for him to go through, so he gained entrance from a side window.”

Also that week, under the headline “STORES BURNED AT CASTLBERRY,” it was reported that “Fire tonight (Nov. 13) broke out in the frame and sheet iron building owned by Allen Page and Mack T. Johnston, destroying the building and burning the entire stock of merchandise owned by A. Page and a smaller stock of goods owned by other parties.”

Readers that week also learned that the “Evergreen Fire Department was recognized on last Thursday night with 22 members. Capt. C.R. Taliaferro was elected chief with W.H. Wild and J.E. Bailey first and second captains. The department will within the next few days be supplied with 500 feet of new hose and will then be better enabled to cope with any fire that may occur.”

Salter closed out that week by telling readers to “see the big doll in Gantt’s show window that will be given away Christmas to some child under 12 years of age.”

In the Nov. 27, 2012 edition of The Courant, under the headline “THREE BURGLARIES IN ONE NIGHT,” it was reported that “three burglaries occurred in one night last week and some, if not all, the burglars were placed behind the bars within 24 hours afterwards.

“Dunn Hardware Company’s store which was burglarized about one week before, was entered and a half dozen pistols, several pocket knives and several dollars in money were among the articles missing.

“The store of Salter and Millsap was entered from the rear window, the cash register taken out and partially demolished. About eight or 10 dollars in money were taken.

“The post office was also entered from a rear window and about six dollars taken.

“Marshal Jones and the sheriff’s force arrested and now have in jail six men who they claim the evidence they have will disclose were either guilty of the robbery or of concealing the stolen property. Several of the pistols and knives have been recovered. All the parties arrested reside in town.”

Salter closed out the month with a report that “Capt. I.M. Sanders of Brooklyn was here on business yesterday. He made the news office a pleasant call and informed us that he was an applicant for appointment to the office of U.S. marshal for the Southern District of Alabama. His petition contains the names of practically all the leading citizens of Conecuh County.”

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 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.