Conecuh County news headlines from 100 years ago this month

Stephen Hunter Dean grave in Evergreen.

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 1913.

In the Nov. 6, 1913 edition of The Conecuh Record, editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that the “Hon. R.P. Hobson, candidate for the U.S. Senate, will address the people of Conecuh County at Evergreen Fri., Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m., at Belleville at 11:30 a.m. and at Repton at 1 p.m.”

Readers that week also learned that “George Stamps, a brother of John Stamps of this city, was accidentally killed by a train this week while traveling in Iowa.”

That week’s paper also let readers know that the “Hon. E.J. Pearley of Covington County and Mr. Bethune of Conecuh will operate a saw milling business under the firm name of the Sparta Lumber Co. The plant will be located 4-1/4 miles south of Evergreen.”

Whitcomb also reported that “the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of Stephen Hunter Dean, member of W.O.W. at the cemetery last Sunday afternoon, was both beautiful and impressive. Walter H. Crawford of Birmingham, a prominent member of the order, delivered an interesting and appropriate address. Quite a large crowd was present to witness the ceremonies.”

Readers that week also saw that “Joe Smith, who was among the number to go to Mobile to see President Wilson, was also an interested visitor to the Pensacola interstate fair.”

Whitcomb closed out the week by telling readers that “there will be an oyster supper at Pine Orchard school house on Fri., Nov. 21. Everybody invited.”

In the Nov. 13, 1913 edition of The Record, it was reported that “H.L. Riley, residing three miles west of town, brought to this office a few days ago, a fully matured orange. It grew on a tree in his yard and up which 33 other oranges are rapidly ripening. There is no doubt that what our soil and climate are adapted to the growth of this delicious and valuable fruit.”

Readers that week also learned that “Saturday night’s strong wind blew the smaller and older smoke stack over against the large new one at the power house. The lights all went dead for about an hour while the stack was being pulled back to its proper place and securely anchored.”

Also that week, the “residence of E.A. Beaven was badly damaged by fire on Monday last. The fire, it is thought, originated in the roof. The fire department responded to the alarm and did some effective work, for which they deserve no little credit. The building was partly insured and Mr. Beaven’s loss will be rather heavy.”

Whitcomb also reported that “J.F.B. Lowrey was here on business from Burnt Corn this week.”

Whitcomb closed out the week by telling readers that the “boys literary society of the Agricultural school gave an entertainment last Friday evening. The attendance was good and the exercises of an interesting character.”

In the Nov. 20, 1913 edition of the newspaper, readers learned that “up to Nov. 1, there had been ginned in Conecuh County, 12,201 bales of cotton, against 9,071 bales to the same time in 1912.”

It was also reported that “there will be two free Bible lectures at the Court House on Sun., the 1st, by R.M. Irwin, followed by R.G. Green. The subjects discussed will be ‘Paradise Restored’ and ‘The Judgement.’”

Under the headline “Everybody Come,” it was reported that “on Thanksgiving night the Y.M.A.’s of Belleville, will give a play and recital at the Belleville Academy. An elocutionist from Birmingham will recite. Admission 25 cents.”

Under the headline “Bazaar,” readers were reminded to “don’t forget that Tues., Nov. 25, is the day for the Methodist ladies’ bazaar.

“The children’s booth will attract the mother’s eye. The fancy articles booth will furnish you with beautiful Christmas presents. The oyster booth will satisfy your longing appetites and the cake and candy booth will furnish you with something sweet for Thanksgiving day, and the boudoir booth will supply My Lady’s bedroom with something beautiful and useful. Come and patronize us.”

Whitcomb closed out the week by telling readers that “Mrs. Fannie C. Whitcomb, mother of the editor of the Record, was 80 years old Tuesday. The friends of this estimable lady sincerely trust that she may live to round out the century mark. Mother Whitcomb is still sprightly considering her advanced age and has a genial smile and kind word for everyone.”

In the Nov. 27, 1913 edition of the paper, readers learned that “H.H. Reid, one of our well known businessmen, died Fri., the 21st. He was about 70 years old and leaves several children and other relatives. At the time of his death, he was engaged in the drug business with Mr. Jeff Deming. Mr. Reid was highly esteemed as a friend and neighbor and his demise is greatly regretted. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Greenville.”

That week’s paper also included the following “want” ad – “Wanted: Wanted a good blacksmith to locate in Castleberry. A good business guaranteed to the right person. Allen Page, Castleberry.”

Readers that week also learned that “large quantities of decorative evergreens are being shipped from this place.”

Whitcomb also asked readers “Did you attend the big barbecue at the Pond? If you didn’t, you missed something fine. The crowd was estimated at about 200 while the table was loaded with pork, beef, chicken, pies and everything nice. After ‘refreshments,’ clay pigeon shooting and other forms of amusement were indulged in. The weather was ideal and the day was passed in fun and pleasure.”

Whitcomb closed out the month by telling readers that “many a dignified old gobbler was ‘served up’ on Thanksgiving.”

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 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.