 |
| 1913 Ford Car |
In the March 6, 1913 edition of The Conecuh Record, editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “next Tuesday will be an eventful day in the history of the Evergreen Baptist Orphanage. Appropriate exercises will be held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the institution. It is desired that all of the children who have been in the Home as well as those who have been connected with the institution in an official capacity will attend the exercises.”
Readers that week also learned that “Evergreen has a mechanical genius in the person of J.G. Lundy. For proof of this statement, just step into the store of J.H. Farnham Merchantile Co. and on every side you will see evidences of this gentleman’s remarkable handiwork in the shape of a meat saw, a contrivance for the quick and accurate weighing of sugar, coffee, rice, etc. in orderly arrangement. You have only to touch a small crank, when, presto, the desired article, in exact quantity, is instantly ready for delivery in a neat package to the customer. Mr. Lundy has applications for patents on these inventions now pending.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “the editor of The Record visited the strawberry section near Castleberry Thursday and in conversation with E.C. Lee was informed that the prospect is good for a large yield, if we have no more frosts. The berries will be ready for shipment in about three weeks.”
In the March 13 edition of The Record, readers learned that “the Baptist Orphanage celebrated its 20th anniversary last Tuesday. Hon. Wm. C. Crumpton delivered an address as did his father, Rev. W.B. Crumpton. Rev. J.W. Stewart, the founder of the Home, was present and made a few remarks. The children also participated in the celebration. At the conclusion of the exercises a lunch was spread on the lawn.”
It was also reported that “John Mitchell of Mobile spoke at the Episcopal church Sunday night in behalf of the orphanage home located in Mobile. Mr. Mitchell states that the home is in need of funds for new buildings. He asks Evergreen people to raise $125 for them.”
Whitcomb also let readers know that “H.J. Willingham, state superintendent of education, has designated Mon., May 5, to be observed as Bird Day in the public schools of the state. A copy of Bird Day book may be seen at The Record office.”
That week’s paper also included the following announcement – “NOTICE: The soldiers’ quarterly meeting of Camp Wm. Lee, No. 338, will be held at the court house April 1. All are requested to attend. (Signed) G.R. Boulware, Commandant; M.B. Salter, Sgt. Major.”
In the March 20 edition of The Record, it was reported that “John Bell was shot and killed by Charles Langham at Castleberry last Sunday. Langham is in jail.”
The rest of that week’s paper included a number of short articles about a severe weather event that moved across the Southeast and caused much damage in Southwest Alabama and Conecuh County.
“Gov. O’Neal has issued a call to the public to help the storm sufferers at Garland, at which place the water reached eight or 10 feet in the houses. The stores were swept away and the people left in a destitute condition.
“The L&N system was a victim of the raging waters to the extent of thousands of dollars. Owing the extensive washouts and serious damage to trestles and bridges, no trains were run for five days.
“Chas. Ivey, father of Mayor W.B. Ivey, made a mark on a tree during what is known as the ‘Lincoln Freshet,’ and which was the highest stage the water had ever been known to reach in this section, but the flood of last week broke the record by going two feet higher.
“During the recent highwater, while neighboring points were overflowed, Evergreen was ‘high and dry.’”
In the March 27 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported that “the recent cyclones throughout the country has created a general feeling of uneasiness among the citizens of Evergreen and several of them contemplate building cyclone cellars on their premises.
“The county commissioners deserve credit for the dispatch with which they repaired the numerous bridges which were washed away by the flood. The Travis steel bridge is reported to be a total wreck.”
On a lighter note, that week’s paper featured the following announcement – “CONCERT: The Orpheus Music Club will give a concert at the court house Friday night, March 28, at eight o’clock. An interesting program has been arranged for the occasion and a rare musical treat is in store for all who attend. Remember the date and place. Admission 50 cents; children under 14 years, 25 cents.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “the Evergreen Motor Car Co. have just received a car load of 1913 Ford cars, which are on exhibit at their garage.”
Whitcomb closed out the month on a humorous note, telling them that “Mr. Johnson, who recently purchased the Travis place, near Evergreen hit the wrong mark a few nights ago when shooting into his lot to frighten off a supposed chicken thief. On going out to investigate, he found that he had killed his horse.”
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 April 1913 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment