100-year-old news headlines from October 1914 in Conecuh County

Stereopticon or "magic lantern"

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 October 1914.

In the Oct. 1, 1914 edition of The Conecuh Record, owner and editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “the past week has been unfavorable for cotton picking owing to the heavy rains, and but little cotton has been ginned.”

Readers also learned that “the smilax shippers are looking forward to having a good business this fall and winter. Shipments are already being made to northern cities.”

Subscribers also saw that “the regular quarterly meeting of Camp Wm. Lee, U.C.V., was held at the courthouse on Thurs., Oct. 1. Three members of the camp have died since Jan. 1, 1914: J.W. Brown, J.P. Anderson and N.B. Jones.”

Whitcomb also reported that the “fall term of circuit court will convene Mon., Oct. 12th, for the purpose of selecting a grand jury, but the regular term of court will be postponed until later in the fall, on account of the illness of some of the attorneys.”

Readers also learned that “I. Long & Sons was closed Wednesday in observance of a Jewish holiday.”

Subscribers also saw that the “City School closed Wednesday on account of a case of scarlet fever developing among the children.”

Whitcomb also reported that “the Evergreen Oil & Fertilizer Co. has been incorporated by some of our business men and will soon be ready for business.”

Readers also learned that “about 100 pupils are in attendance at the Agricultural School this year, and a number more are expected to enter later on.”

In the Oct. 8, 1914 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported that “Conecuh County will receive from the state $21,857.00 for educational purposes this year, which is an increase over last year.”

Readers also learned that “Sgt. L.L. Stallworth of the coast artillery is visiting Evergreen this week. He’s a handsome, soldierly looking fellow with a host of friends who are pleased to greet him again.”

That week’s paper also included the following obituary – “Dr. Ely Bradley, one of Conecuh County’s oldest citizens, died last Saturday in Mobile. Dr. Bradley was a native of this county and had practiced medicine in the vicinity of Belleville for many years. He was about 80 years of age. The funeral occurred at Belleville last Sunday, the services being conducted by the Masons, of which order he was a member.”

It was also reported that week that  “after a short suspension the City School will open next Monday.”

Readers also learned that “the enrollment of the Agricultural School is expected to reach the hundred mark next week. Athletic teams are to be organized as soon as the equipment comes. The girls will play basketball, tennis and croquet, while the boys will continue baseball, add basketball, pole vaulting, boxing, punching the bag and other things.”

Whitcomb also reported that “Attorney C.S. Rabb attended court at Brewton last week,” and that “Dr. H.M. Hawthorn of Brooklyn spent a day here last week.”

Whitcomb closed out that week’s paper with an item from the “Georgiana News” that said that “Miss Bertha Johnson of Evergreen has returned to her position here as operator after spending several days at home.”

In the Oct. 15, 1914 edition of The Record, readers learned that “the Evergreen Oil & Fertilizer factory is in operation under the efficient management of C.A. Jones.”

Whitcomb also let readers know that “the Dunn Hardware Co. is preparing to build a large warehouse on the site where the old building was destroyed by fire some years ago.”

Readers were also encouraged to “bring your cotton seed to the Evergreen Oil & Fertilizer Co. and exchange them for meal.”

Whitcomb also reported that “Master Nicholas Stallworth, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stallworth, was quite badly bruised and cut by being run down by a runaway horse last Monday. The little fellow had a narrow escape and it was almost a miracle that he was not killed.”

Readers that week also learned that “the grand jury is in session this week and violations of the law are being looked into. T.E. Champion is foreman of the body while State Solicitor Bricken is rendering the legal assistance.”

Whitcomb also reported that “C.A. McLendon of Castleberry paid The Record office a pleasant call Wednesday. He is one of the leading Sunday School workers in this section and a most clever gentleman. Mr. McLendon is serving as a grand juror this week.”

Scribers also saw that “up to September 25th, 5,961 bales of cotton had been ginned in Conecuh County; 4,924 bales had been ginned to the same period in 1913. “

Also that week, P.M. Skinner and E. Downing Jr. of Castleberry were in Evergreen on Monday.”

Whitcomb closed out that week by telling readers that “C.P. Deming has had his residence repainted. This is one of the prettiest homes in Evergreen.”

In the Oct. 22, 1914 edition of The Record, it was reported that “Postmaster E.C. Barnes has received a United States flag from Washington. He will have a flagstaff put up for the purpose of displaying Uncle Sam’s colors on national holidays.”

Readers also learned that “nearly $3,000 has been devoted to the improvement of the streets of Evergreen the present year.”

Whitcomb also reported that the “Rev. J.F. Ford, the newly called pastor of the Presbyterian church, will fill that pulpit on the 4th Sabbath, Oct. 25th.”

That week’s paper also included the following Lost and Found item – “LOST: Last Saturday between Old Evergreen and downtown, one gold heart with diamonds, ‘Jud’ inscribed on back. Finder please return to Miss Augusta Farnham.”

An advertisement elsewhere in the paper encouraged “syrup makers, buy your cans from Dunn Hardware Co. We have an immense stock.” Another ad told readers that “if you want good work every time you come, then go to Moye’s barber shop, the best place in town. Second door from post office.”

Evergreen also received a lot of visitors that week. The paper reported that “Dr. T. Holland was up from Castleberry recently,” and that “T.A. Stallworth of Repton was in the city Saturday last.” Also, “Dr. Hairston of Burnt Corn was here on business this week,” “E.L. Kelly of Repton was here on business a few days ago,” and “Duke Guice of Greenville was in the city this week.”

Whitcomb wrapped up the week by saying that “the friends of E.C. Page, Esq. will be glad to learn that he is gradually improving.”

In the Oct. 29, 1914 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported two house fires. On “Thursday night, fire destroyed a residence on the outskirts of the city, known as the Rountree place, and occupied by Mrs. Smith.” Also, “Fire Sunday afternoon destroyed a dwelling house on Bruner Avenue, owned by Dr. H.B. Williamson. The origin of the fire is unknown.”

Readers that week also learned that “W.P. Murphy died Saturday night, age 75 years. He was confined to his bed for six years, and his death was not altogether unexpected. The body was taken to Camden for burial. He was a Confederate veteran and noted for his kindness of heart and strict integrity. Three daughters survive him.”

Elsewhere in that week’s paper, readers learned that “Mrs. Willoughby of Mobile came here to attend the funeral of her father, Mr. Murphy.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “a shooting affray occurred at Castleberry a few days ago between John Parker and John Ellis. The latter was shot and seriously wounded by the former. Parker is now in the county jail.”

Readers that week also learned that “passenger train No. 5 ran into a wagon Saturday morning when opposite the store of Taliaferro, McCreary & Ivey, badly wrecking the vehicle. It was almost a miracle that the driver and mules escaped without serious injury.”

Whitcomb also reported that “Miss Minnie L. Hart has been appointed postmistress at Range, Ala.,” and that “commissioners court was in session here this week.”

Whitcomb closed out the month with a report that “the biggest thing in moving pictures in the world is the Photo Drama of Creation, which will be shown free at the courthouse in Evergreen at 3 and 8 p.m. for five days, commencing Saturday, 31st. This great drama is divided into four parts. Each part will be shown twice. Part one will be put on Saturday at 3 p.m., then shown at 8 p.m. Part two twice on Sunday. Part three twice on Monday and part four Tuesday with a grand finale on Wednesday.

“The exhibit will contain stereopticon views of some of the world’s finest pictures with phonographic lectures. All of this is given absolutely free to the public. All expenses are paid by big hearted Christian philanthropists who delight to be of service to mankind.”

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 November 1914 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.