Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for April 30, 2019

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley

15 YEARS AGO
APRIL 22, 2004

Weather observer Harry Ellis reported 1.25 inches of rain on April 12 and .03 inches on April 13. He reported a high of 83 degrees on April 18 and a low of 36 degrees on April 13.

Carter named Repton Mayor: After a month of only two council members, Repton now has a full council and a new mayor.
Terri Carter, Elizabeth Drawhorn and Linda Green were appointed by Gov. Bob Riley and took office Monday night at a special called town meeting amid Repton residents, Conecuh County officials and two security guards. The three joined existing members Connie Gibson and Denease Watkins to form an all-woman council.
Carter was chosen Monday night by her fellow council members to serve as the new mayor until the upcoming election in August.

The Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department and the Evergreen City Council held a dedication ceremony for the new fire truck during the regular meeting of the city council Tuesday night. They are pictured with the new Pierce Fire Truck that was delivered last week.

Mack Salter celebrated his 100th birthday on Sat., April 17, 2004 at his home in the Fairview Community. Mr. Salter was born on April 20, 1904.
He was honored with a special certificate from the White House and a very special pictorial personalized birthday card from his entire family.

40 YEARS AGO
APRIL 26, 1979

Weather observer Earl Windham reported .02 inches of rain on April 21. He reported highs of 86 degrees on April 18 and April 21 and a low of 47 on April 16.

Jonestown victim is buried here: Mrs. Millie Steans Cunningham, a native of Evergreen who died in the infamous massacre and mass suicide in Jonestown, Guyana, South America on Nov. 18, 1978, was buried here Friday.
Graveside services were held Friday afternoon at one o’clock at the First Mt. Zion Church Cemetery with the Rev. Eddie Lee officiating and Presley Funeral Home directing.

U.S. Senator Howell Heflin was here last Thursday morning for a “Dutch treat” breakfast at the Holiday Inn (it turned out not to be “Dutch” as an anonymous donor paid for the breakfast). The senator and former Alabama Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was introduced by Circuit Judge Robert E.L. Key, who was in law school with Heflin at the University of Alabama.

The Evergreen High School FFA Chapter surprised Butch Adams, veteran photographer-reporter for The Evergreen Courant, last Thursday when Chapter President Johnny Stowers presented Adams with a handsome plaque honoring the accommodating, ever-present Butch with the “FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree.” Other Chapter officers present for the presentation were David Crosby, Sentinel; Tracey Weaver, Vice President; and Ernie Edeker, Secretary.

65 YEARS AGO
APRIL 22, 1954

Auto Accident Takes Two Lives Here Monday: A head-on collision of two automobiles near the city limits on Brooklyn Road took the lives of two well known and prominent citizens shortly after noon Monday. S.R. Amos, age 61, postmaster at Brooklyn and member of Conecuh County Board of Education, was one of the victims and Pink W. Barlow, age 73, successful farmer of the Old Town community was the other.
It will probably never been known just what caused the accident as both men were riding alone and there were no eyewitnesses. Both men died shortly after the smash-up. Officers investigating the accident noted that the wheels of Mr. Amos’ car skidded for some distance before striking the car of Mr. Barlow.

Lt. John M. Nielsen received his orders to leave Japan on April 24. He will be joined in Evergreen by his wife and little son, John Martin.

Conecuh County Hospital Is Featured In National Hospital Magazine Item: Among the seven small general hospitals featured in an article in the March issue of “Hospitals,” the journal of the American Hospital Association was the 35-bed Conecuh County Hospital, Evergreen. None of the other six small hospitals featured were in the south.
The article was accompanied by sketches, blueprints and an architect’s drawing of the hospital.

On Friday night, April 23, at 8 p.m., the Senior Class of Evergreen High School will present “Stranger in the Night,” a comedy-mystery in three acts.

90 YEARS AGO
APRIL 25, 1929

WORK ON NEW SCHOOL BEGINS: First Concrete Is Poured For Foundation: Pouring of concrete for the foundation of Evergreen’s new state secondary agricultural school building was begun late Tuesday by workmen under George Terry, contractor. Bricklayers were on the ground Wednesday and the laying of brick was scheduled to start this morning.
The building will be of Evergreen-made concrete tile, faced with brick, the W.S. Carter & Co., having contracted with Terry to furnish the tile from its new plant here.
The new building will be located a little to the north of center of the tract, the south wall of the new building being placed almost in the same position as the north wall of the old building. The front of the new building will be in line with the front of the old.
The vocational building will be of wood and will be located south and to the rear of the main structure. Construction will start within a few days and it will be built along with the main building.
Both buildings are under contract to be completed by Aug. 15.

R.E.L. Key, 58, clerk of the City of Evergreen, died suddenly Sunday afternoon at his home on Pecan Street. The immediate cause of death apparently was heart trouble, though he had been in poor health for some time.
Mr. Key had been city clerk for the last three years and from 1912-16 was superintendent of education of Conecuh County.

140 YEARS AGO
APRIL 24, 1879
THE EVERGREEN STAR

P.D. BOWLES, ATTORNEY AT LAW, And Solicitor in Chancery, EVERGREEN, ALA. Business in all courts promptly attended to. Law Office north side of the public square.

Hon. F.M. Walker, our popular Probate Judge, is rusticating for a while in Henry County.

“Jack” Jones, Evergreen’s efficient and obliging postmaster, has a new bond to the amount of $16,500. Some of the best men of our county are upon Mr. Jones’ bond.

We are requested to announce that the Historical Society of Conecuh County will meet at the courthouse in Evergreen on Saturday next at 10 o’clock.

A.W. JOHNSTON, PRACTICAL BOOT and SHOEMAKER, EVERGREEN, ALA. Offers his services to the people of Evergreen and vicinity. All work guaranteed and prices satisfactory.

NOTICE: An election for mayor and four councilmen for the Town of Evergreen, to serve for the ensuing year, will be held on the first Monday in May next.

We had the pleasure of meeting in our town last week Mr. J.H. Fox, the well known traveling agent for the house of J. Pollock & Co., Mobile. The card of this most excellent firm will be found in our advertising columns, and to which we invite the particular attention of the merchants of South Alabama. No better house can be found in Mobile.

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Tues., April 30, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  5.40 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 5.40 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 18.90 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Monday, April 29, 2019

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for April 29, 2019


15 YEARS AGO
Evergreen's Drew Davis playing at Alabama.
APRIL 22, 2004

Drew Davis was the recipient of the coveted Jerry Peacock Memorial Trophy at Sparta Academy’s Sports Banquet held April 19, 2004 in the school gym. The Peacock Trophy is given each year to the best all-around senior athlete who participates in football, basketball and baseball. It is named for the late Jerry Peacock, who was a standout athlete in Sparta Academy’s Class of 1977.

Cody Lowery was the recipient of the D.T. Stuart Sportsmanship Trophy at Sparta Academy’s Sports Banquet held April 19, 2004 in the school gym. The Stuart Trophy is presented each year to a senior football player that best exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship in games and also in practice. The players vote on the award.

Tabitha Gafford was the recipient of the Wayne Peacock Sportsmanship Award at Sparta Academy’s Sports Banquet held April 19, 2004 in the school gym. Wayne Peacock passed away on Sept. 19, 2001 and his family established this award in his memory. Wayne was very dedicated to the girls basketball program at Sparta. During the 1980s, he was the girls basketball coach and as long as his health permitted, he volunteered many hours at the school helping in any way that he could. This award is given annually to a senior girls basketball player who demonstrates qualities of sportsmanship, leadership and academic excellence.

Nathan Pipkin caught this 12-pound catfish recently while fishing at his MoMo’s pond. Nathan is the son of Ricky and Melody Pipkin.

40 YEARS AGO
APRIL 26, 1979

Sparta Academy’s Baseball Warriors are having a “so-so” season, mainly due to errors. However, these players are giving it their best, in spite of their youth and inexperience: Greg Crabtree, Andy Hammonds, Joe McInvale, Russ Raines and Tony Baggett; and Jeff Johnson, Tommy Hutcheson, Bobby Padgett, Bobby Mason, Ronny McKenzie and Terry Peacock. Richard Tate was not present when the picture was made.

Sparta wins one; but, loses two: The Sparta Academy baseball team picked up a win, but lost two games during the week. The Warriors are still suffering from errors, according to Sports Publicity Information Director Byron Warren Jr.
Sparta lost a close one, 3-2, to Fort Dale of Greenville in spite of an impressive pitching performance by Terry Peacock, who had to take the credit for the loss in spite of giving up only six hits, walking four and striking out 11.
Sparta put down Greenville Academy’s Tornados, 5-2, behind a fine one-hitter thrown by Tommy Hutcheson. Hutcheson struck out six batters, but walked 12 and had to depend on a good defensive effort by his mates to chalk up the win.
Escambia Academy of Canoe (Atmore) enjoyed the help of six Warrior errors as they edged Sparta, 9-6. The Warriors pounded out 10 hits and found the loss hard to swallow, but could blame nothing but their own errors.

65 YEARS AGO
APRIL 22, 1954

Local Baseball Team Will Practice Sunday: An amateur baseball team to represent Evergreen is to be organized and anyone interested in playing is asked to meet Sunday afternoon for practice. The practice will be held at Brooks Stadium at 2:30 Sunday afternoon.
Those who are working to organize the team hope that a large number of players will turn out Sunday. They urge everyone who is interested to come out for this first practice. The team will also be organized at this time.

90 YEARS AGO
APRIL 25, 1929

1929 Football Schedule For Aggies Announced: With 11 games already booked and another to be added, the 1929 football schedule of the Evergreen Aggies is virtually complete.
The schedule, as announced this week by Coach “Abe” Robinson, shows that eight of the 11 games are scheduled for Gantt Field. These eight games to be played in Evergreen include both the Armistice Day and Thanksgiving contests.
The schedule, complete except for the opening game on Sept. 20, is as follows:
Sept. 20 – Pending.
Sept. 27 – McKenzie in Evergreen.
Oct. 4 – Opp in Evergreen.
Oct. 11 – Brewton in Brewton.
Oct. 18 – Monroeville in Evergreen.
Oct. 25 – Greenville in Greenville.
Nov. 1 – Frisco City in Frisco City.
Nov. 8 – Georgiana in Evergreen.
Nov. 11 – (Armistice Day) Rawls in Evergreen.
Nov. 15 – Straughn in Evergreen.
No. 22 – Flomaton in Evergreen.
Nov. 28 – Moore Academy in Evergreen.

Beatrice Smothered In Aggies Opener, 16-3: The Evergreen Aggies were making preparations this week for their clash with Brewton Friday, following their easy victory over Beatrice at Gantt Field last Friday.
The Aggies beat Beatrice, 16-3, rushing over six runs in the first inning and seven in the second to take a lead that was never threatened.
Hyde and Stallworth twirled for the Aggies, the former going five innings and the latter four.
Holman, Aggie catcher, led the batting attack with three hits while Sanders got two. The Aggies got only 12 hits, most of their runs being made on Beatrice errors.
The Aggie line-up and batting order was as follows:
McCreary, first base; Sanders, third base; Holman, catcher; Stallworth, right field, pitcher; Mixon, right field; Murphy, shortstop; Hyde, pitcher; Hagood, second; Kamplain, left field; Stevens, left field; Feagin, center field.
Thomas and Rikard; Hyde, Stallworth and Holman; umpires, Hagood and Cobb.
The Brewton game Friday is expected to be a tougher assignment for the Aggies as this team already has played five or six games this year and have shown some strength, winning about as many as they have lost.
Camden will be in Evergreen on the following Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, while Brewton will play here Friday, May 10.

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Mon., April 29, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  5.40 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 5.40 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 18.90 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Old newspaper excerpts from The Monroe Journal newspaper of Monroe County, Alabama


19 YEARS AGO
APRIL 27, 2000

Performing for students: The Mockingbird Players gave their first performance of the year last week for more than 1,000 students, who are studying “To Kill a Mockingbird” in school. Sitting in the courtroom of the Old Monroe County Courthouse Museum, the audiences witnessed the 1935 trial of Tom Robinson, set in the small southern town of Maycomb. The museums, whose offices are housed in the newly renovated Old Courthouse Museum, has presented the Young Audience Performances every year as part of an ongoing educational outreach program for schools in Monroe County and surrounding areas. (Members of the cast that year included Everette Price as Atticus Finch, Dennis Owens as Judge Taylor and Leslie Coats as Mayella Ewell.)

Hawarah signs with South: Monroe County High School senior Justin Hawarah became the first area baseball player to sign a scholarship with the University of South Alabama in Mobile last week.
Hawarah, at 5-11, 180-pounds, played shortstop for the Tigers since his freshman season. This year, he hit .519, slapped five home runs and drove in 31 runs. In the past two seasons, he has 13 home runs.

Welcome to Beatrice: The Town of Beatrice now has welcome signs in two locations. The architectural precast signs were provided by Gate Precast Co. in Monroeville. John Lee, an equipment operator for Gate, helps position the sign located at the north edge of town. The Beatrice Garden Club plans to landscape the area around the signs with seasonal bedding plants.

44 YEARS AGO
APRIL 24, 1975

Singleton appointed to West Point: George Singleton Jr. of Monroeville has been appointed to the Class of 1979 at the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Rep. Jack Edwards announced this week.
Singleton, the son of Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Singleton Sr. of Monroeville and a senior at Monroe County High School, was one of five appointees to the Military Academy from the First District, Edwards said.
He will report to the academy in West Point, N.Y., July 7.

Excel Panther baseball team: The Excel High School baseball team is in its second season after fielding a team last year. (Members of the team were Ivan Watson, Carl Reed, David Hutcherson, Roy Black, Keith Bender, Bruce White, Joe Sims, Mitchell Guy, Monty Scruggs, Noel Stacey, Rhett Barnes, Al Hall, Butch Grissette, Randy Manning, Johnny House, Leon Black, Mike McQueen, James Jordan, Jerry Nall and Coach Lee Holladay.)

County spelling bee winners: Bobby Penn, a sixth-grader at Monroeville Middle School, won the annual Monroe County spelling bee March 11. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Penn of Franklin. Others placing high in the spelling contest were Sherry Horton, first runner-up, daughter of Mrs. Gussie Horton of Frisco City and a seventh-grader at Frisco City High School; John Tucker, second runner-up, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Tucker and a fifth-grader at Monroeville Middle School; and Kim Hall, third runner-up, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Hall of Franklin and a seventh-grader at Monroeville Middle School. Bobby will represent Monroe County in the state spelling bee, and the winner there will go to Washington, D.C. in June to represent Alabama in the national spelling competition.

69 YEARS AGO
APRIL 27, 1950

Local Airman’s Rites Are Slated: Funeral services for Staff Sgt. Charles James McDonald, who was killed when his plane was shot down over Austria Feb. 13, 1945, will be held from the home of his mother, Mrs. T.R. McDonald of Monroeville, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock.
Sgt. McDonald, a graduate of Monroe County High School, enlisted in the Air Corps Jan. 21, 1943. A gunner on a fighter plane, he was killed when the plane in which he was riding was shot down.

MCHS Takes Two From Grove Hill: Monroe County High whipped Grove Hill in its last two outings, taking a 7-0 decision here last Thursday on the strength of right-hander Bert McCullough’s one-hitter, and edging the Clarke County nine 7-6 Monday afternoon at Grove Hill. McCullough was the winning pitcher in that tilt also.

This Issue Of Journal Is Of Record Size: This week’s Journal, at 28 pages, is of record size for a regular issue. Previous issues have run as high as 24 pages. Because of the record size, many news stories, ordinarily printed on the front page, will be found scattered throughout the paper.

Uriah School Plan To Be Selected: Final plans for a new school building at Uriah to replace the one which burned March 2 will be selected at a special meeting in the office of county Superintendent of Education H.G. Greer Thursday afternoon. A three-man Uriah citizens committee will meet with architects who are drawing up plans for the new building. (Members of the committee included Rep. W.W. Garrett, R.E. Rabon Sr. and Millie L. Pearce.)

94 YEARS AGO
APRIL 23, 1925

While in Birmingham recently, one of the light-fingered gentry relieved Mr. A.C. Lee of his watch as he was about to pass through the gate at the Union Station. The timepiece was of the Dollar variety and of ancient vintage. Mr. Lee is in doubt as to who was the real victim of the hold-up, he or the pickpocket. Mr. Lee would have felt amply compensated for the loss if he could have seen the expression depicted on the countenance of the thief when he came to examine his loot.

Rev. A.E. Shafer of Florala stopped over a few hours among Monroeville friends Saturday on his way to Excel where he preached the commencement sermon of the Excel High School Sunday.

Judge M.M. Fountain is having material assembled for his new home in the Fountain Addition.

The framework of Mr. J.O. Simmons’ new dwelling in the southern part of town has been erected. Judging from the plans, this will be one of the handsomest homes in the city.

Prof. H.G. Greer, principal of the Jones Mill High School, was at the county capital Saturday.

A Washington dispatch on Tuesday announced the appointment of Miss Emma Yarbrough postmaster at Monroeville, vice O.O. Bayles, term expired.

Mr. W.W. White was up from Goodway Monday. He reported good stands of cotton of the later planting.

141 YEARS AGO
APRIL 23, 1878

Died – In this county, March 4, 1878, Mrs. Matilda Andress, age 64 years.

Visiting Attorneys – Among the distinguished visiting attorneys attending circuit court this week are: Col. N. Stallworth, district solicitor, and Col. G.R. Farnham of Evergreen; Col. J.W. Portis, Suggsville; Col.’s J.M. Whitehead and J.W. Posey, Greenville; Col. S.J. Cumming, Camden; and J.M. Davison, esq., Pollard.

Burnt Corn – An infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lowry died near Burnt Corn a few days ago.

Perdue Hill – The new saloon on the Hill is handsomely fixed up and looks neat, cozy and enticing. The liquors and cigars are the best brands, the wines are the best the market affords, and the best of beer is always kept on tap.

Ayers’ Saddlery – One of the most noteworthy establishments in Mobile is that of W.T. Ayers, No. 14 South Francis St., perhaps the oldest saddlery house in the South. The familiarity of the proprietor with every branch of the business, the long experience he has had, the extensive acquaintance he has made, the large trade he has built up, have secured for him an advantage in low prices and superior goods which his customers share.

A Good Man – The name of our esteemed townsman, Dr. J.T. Russell is being brought prominently forward for the legislature, and although he is no office-seeker, and has persistently refused to take any steps either to promote his own or anybody else’s interest, believing it to be the prerogative of the people to select a candidate for a representative office free and untrammeled, his nomination is not only possible, but probable.

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Sun., April 28, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 1.50 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  5.40 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 5.40 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 18.90 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

George Singleton ponders the effects of the changing moon on mankind


(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “The moon’s mysteries still fascinate us” was originally published in the April 11, 2002 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

During the past few days, with the coming of the new moon on the 12th of April, I have had three telephone calls asking me just what I thought about the effect the moon has on the life of man on this planet, if any. I suppose that there is more mystery about the moon affecting human life on the earth than any other planet, other than the sun. True, we have landed man on the moon, but there are many mysteries about it that we yet do not understand.

Probably no other part of our universe has had more effect directly and indirectly on man and his behavior than the moon. Since man first began to look into the heavens, he has been fascinated by the mysteries of this silvery disc high in the heavens. Man has adjusted and patterned many of his life cycles to coincide with the moon and its paths across the heavens.

He has built great monuments and temples to show his affection for this glowing round ball of the night. He has given much of his time and resources to try and walk on its surface. And he has spent lifetimes studying its effects on himself and his surroundings. Every 29-1/2 days, this silver planet revolves around our planet earth. And during this period of time many things happen within our lives that we do not understand and know absolutely nothing about.

During this period, the moon changes form. These periods are known to us as the time of the new moon, the half moon, the full moon and the old or dying moon. Each period, in its own way, has different effects on man’s day-to-day existence. During the past ages, many wars have been started because some of the great leaders of the past looked to the moon for signs of guidance and direction.

Many of the early warlords of biblical times believed that during the time of the full moon their armies were more bold and less fearful. They believed that man feared death less when the full glowing disc floated across the heavens. They also believed that their war horses could run faster and farther during this time period. So, it was quite common to plan major battles and invasions of enemy cities during the time of the full moon. And, throughout the history of early man, those who practiced human sacrifice believed that these so-called ceremonies were to be held when the great silvery disc was at its fullest, there in the heavens.

Throughout the ages, the wandering tribes of early man believed that the signs of the moon were instrumental in their survival. Under certain signs, the time to fish or to hunt for the food they needed reaped greater harvests than at other times. Those that looked to our mother earth knew that there was a time for planting and a time for gathering, depending on the signs of the moon. Even until recent years, no country farmer would dare plant his crops unless the signs of the moon were right. Today, with our so-called modern day technology, many of our farmers have lost contact with the signs of the past and pay little or no heed to them. They don’t believe, as they sit in their air conditioned tractors, that crops grow faster and produce more per acre if they are planted during the right stages of the moon.

Few of us today believe that the tides of the oceans are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon. Few give any thought to the fact that during certain signs of the moon more people pass from this life than during other times. More children are born during the time of the full moon, especially those who have waited to arrive beyond that certain time span. That old moon has cured many cases of anxiety when that designated time of arrival has come and gone for that new baby. Then, a day or two later a full moon appears in the heavens above and the one that is overdue, appears within our midst.

And, when man is on the prowl for that perfect mate, he talks with more ease and assurance during the time when the moon is full. His boldness during this time is at its peak. His ability to whisper those sweet nothings come with less effort, when under the spell of that full moon, high in the heavens above. But then, there are some that this time of the full moon has just the opposite effect. The effects of that silvery disc there in the heavens effects many of us in many different ways; I believe the secret to it all is to try and know all one can about our universe and the paths of the planets around us.

Our experts tell us that the crime rate within our society is greater during the time when the moon is full. The homicide rate is almost twice that of other times during the period when our moon is the fullest. Our police records tell us that during this time, many seem to throw all caution to the winds and run rampant through our communities and cities, committing serious crimes in greater numbers. Truly, the signs of that old full moon is buried in mystery.

Even though man has explored the old moon and has walked on its surface, it hasn’t lost any of its luster and none of its mystery. Even now, man still gazes in awe toward the heavens and wonders of the mysteries there and wonders of the things that are yet to appear on the horizons of the coming seasons.

As I wander around the countryside and from time to time view the full moon in all its glory, I feel the wonders that are yet to be discovered there. I know that silvery disc above my world is filled with mystery and happenings that are yet to come upon us. But, as I look to the heavens on those moonlit nights, I draw strength from that wonder that the Creator has placed there. So, the next time when the full moon is high and its silvery beams causes you to feel a little different – causes you to want to rush forth to that highest hill – go to it. Raise your arms to the heavens and give the call of the wild. You will be surprised how much better it will make you feel, and you will marvel at the ease with which you did it. I know, I have been there, more times than one could guess.

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Sat., April 27, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 1.50 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  5.40 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 5.40 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 18.90 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Friday, April 26, 2019

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Fri., April 26, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 1.50 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 1.50 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  5.40 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 5.40 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 18.90 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Drive through Cohassett community is like a trip back through time

Remnants of old steel bridge over Pigeon Creek at Cohassett.

Last Thursday afternoon was nice and quiet in downtown Evergreen, so I decided to hop in my truck and do a little riding around. Half an hour or so later, I found myself on U.S. Highway 84 in southeastern Conecuh County and knew that I’d soon be entering Covington County. Just shy of the county line, I cut south on Long Branch Church Road, which took me on one of the most pleasant drives in all of Conecuh County.

For those of you unfamiliar with this part of the county, Long Branch Church Road will take you down into the heart of one of the county’s most historic communities, Cohassett. Over the years, I’ve had several people ask me about where this community got its name, and the best explanation I’ve come across is in a book called “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue. According to Foscue, a post office was established at Cohassett in 1880 and the name was possibly borrowed from the town in Massachusetts whose name in Algonquin means “high place or promontory.”

No doubt Cohassett is one of Conecuh County’s most historic communities, and you’ll be hard pressed not to see remnants of the community’s past almost at every turn. On Long Branch Church Road, just off U.S. Highway 84, you’ll find the Rosehill Plantation home, which was built around 1861 and is now a private residence. A little further down the road, you’ll encounter the old Cohassett Universalist Church, which now sits empty, but reminds passersby of a time when there were enough people in the vicinity to support a full congregation.

If you continue on down Long Branch Church Road, you’ll eventually come to the church that gives the road its name. Last Thursday, I parked at the church and took a few moments to explore its large cemetery. Among the many graves there, you’ll find the names of many pioneer families, including Barrow, Caton, Foshee, Hugghins and others.

Eventually, I climbed back in the truck and headed back up Long Branch Church Road to Cohassett Road, where I turned east at the old Cohassett School house. This old one-room school house still stands today at the intersection of these two roads, where it has stood for more than a century as a landmark to travelers in this part of the world. Records reflect that this old school served students as far back as 1877 before closing in 1938.

If you stay on Cohassett Road, you’ll find that it eventually dead ends at Pigeon Creek, a wide body of fast-flowing water that marks the boundary between Conecuh and Covington counties. On the way to the creek, you’ll pass an artesian well and the old Cohassett post office, two rarities in our fast-paced, modern world of indoor plumbing and overnight cross-country mail delivery.

Where Cohassett Road dead ends at Pigeon Creek, you’ll encounter one of the county’s most singular landmarks, the remains of the old steel bridge that once took travelers into Covington County in the days before the construction of U.S. Highway 84. Today, all that remains of the rotted-out bridge is its old metal frame and a few moss-covered timbers that mark its approach. Many times have I seen photos of this old bridge, but there is no substitute for seeing it up close and in person.

In the end, I got back in my truck and eased back towards Evergreen. If you’ve never been to Cohassett, it is indeed like taking a trip back in time. However, if you do venture down into this quaint corner of Conecuh County, be mindful that many of these sights are on private property, so take care to enjoy them from the vantage point of the public road.

Alabama baseball All-American to be honored during SEC tourney

Doug Dark

I read the other day that the Southeastern Conference plans to honor former Alabama catcher Doug Duke as a member of the 2019 Class of SEC Baseball Legends during the SEC Baseball Tournament next month in Hoover.

The tournament is scheduled to be played May 21-26, and this year’s Legends class will be recognized on the field during the tournament semifinals on Sat., May 25. Joining Duke in this year’s class will be Johnny Ray of Arkansas, Josh Fogg of Florida and Jeremy Sowers of Vanderbilt.

Duke played catcher at Alabama from 1984 through 1986. I was in elementary school at that time, so I have to admit that I was unfamiliar with Duke’s accomplishments at Alabama. Among other honors, he was named All-SEC twice and was named as an All-American twice. He went on to play pro baseball after the Montreal Expos drafted him in the seventh round in 1986.

After wrapping up his baseball career, Duke went to medical school in Missouri and graduated with honors in 2004. Nowadays, he works as a surgeon and wound care specialist in Dothan.

I was also interested to learn that 2012 marked the inaugural class of SEC Baseball Legends and that two other Alabama players have been previously honored. Jeff Laubenthal was honored in the first class of 2012, and Andy Phillips was honored in 2015.

Laubenthal, who also went on to become a doctor, was a four-year letterman at Alabama, playing as an outfielder and designated hitter from 1990 to 1993. He was a career .284 hitter and played in 133 games, starting in 78 of them.

Laubenthal was also a first-team Academic All-American in 1993 and received the SEC’s highest academic honor, the H. Boyd McWhorter SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, in 1992. His grades allowed him to receive an SEC post-graduate scholarship, and he used it to attend UAB’s Medical School. He graduated from that prestigious institution in 1997.

Phillips, while not a doctor, is arguably the most famous player in Alabama’s group of SEC Legends. Phillips went to Demopolis Academy before going on to Alabama, where he played shortstop and third base from 1996 to 1999. When he graduated, he held eight Alabama baseball records, including the record for most home runs (61).

After graduation, he was drafted by the New York Yankees and went on to make his professional debut with the Yankees on Sept. 14, 2004. He played for the Yankees through 2007 before moving on to play for the Reds and the Mets. When his MLB days ended, he went to Japan, where he played a couple of seasons of professional baseball. He currently serves as an assistant coach for Alabama’s baseball team.

The SEC rotates its annual Legends class, so while players from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Vanderbilt will be honored this year, players from other schools (like Auburn) will be honored next year. On Monday, I tried to find a list of Auburn players who’ve been previously honored as SEC Legends, but I didn’t have any luck. If anyone in the reading audience has that information, please share it with me.

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Wed., April 25, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  3.90 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 3.90 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 17.40 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Dry Forks was once a thriving community in Wilcox County

Gulletts Bluff Baptist Church in Wilcox County, Alabama.

This past Friday was Good Friday, a day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. That morning, I found myself out riding around in the southwestern part of Wilcox County and drove past Gulletts Bluff Baptist Church. A display in the churchyard caught my eye, and I turned around for a closer look.

I parked in the parking lot and walked over to a tall wooden cross that was draped with a long black cloth. There was also a sign nailed to the top of the cross, written in three different languages – Hebrew, Greek and Latin. As best that I could remember from Sunday School, this was the sign nailed to the cross by Roman soldiers that stated, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

I’d driven by Gulletts Bluff Baptist Church many times before, but I’d never taken the time to stop prior to Friday morning. According to the brick church sign out by the highway, the church was founded in 1891. Another stone placard near the entrance to the church also said that the church was founded in 1891 and was rebuilt in 1988.

On the walk back to my truck, I paused for a moment and took a long look around. Gulletts Bluff Baptist Church is located at the intersection of State Highway 41 and Wilcox County Road 12. It was then that I remembered that I was standing in what was once “downtown” Dry Forks, a once thriving community from the county’s distant past.

According to “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue, the Dry Forks community was probably named for the plantation home of John Asbury Tait that was built nearby in 1833. Other sources say that this house was built for James Asbury Tait by a pair of slaves named Elijah and Hezekiah. In either case, all sources agree that this antebellum house is one of the oldest existing structures in all of Wilcox County.

Back in my truck, I began to scout around, looking for any old buildings that might harken back to the days when Dry Forks was a much larger community. As best that I could tell, there are no remnants of any old buildings that might have once served as the community’s post office or perhaps as an old country store. I also noted that I didn’t see any old cemeteries, not even on the grounds of Gulletts Bluff Baptist Church.

However, when I cut east on County Road 12, I encountered the old Dry Forks Plantation a short distance from the main highway. As I drove by the property’s main gate, I couldn’t help but notice a large plaque that read: This Property Has Been Placed On The National Register of Historic Places By The United States Department Of The Interior – Dry Fork Plantation, c. 1832. (Later research at home revealed that this historic home was added to the National Register on Feb. 26, 1999.)

While in this area, I also encountered a large, orange highway sign that told me that there was a bridge out ahead, so I turned around and made my way back to Highway 41. As I sat there at the main intersection, I began to wonder what the Dry Forks community looked like in its heyday. Little remains to show modern visitors that this was once a thriving community, and one is left to wonder what those old Dry Forks residents would think of the area today.

In the end, I’d be interested to hear from anyone in the reading audience with more information about the Dry Forks community. What happened to the original church building? Where did Dry Forks residents bury their dead? Are there any ghost stories or spooky tales associated with the community or its old homes? If so, please let me hear from you because it would be a shame to let that information fade into the past like so much of our forgotten history.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for April 24, 2019


19 YEARS AGO
APRIL 27, 2000

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported .03 inches of rain on April 20 and .32 inches on April 23. He reported a high of 87 on April 20 and a low of 43 on April 22.

Project EverFUN in full swing: Project EverFUN kicked off this week with a ground-breaking ceremony on Monday afternoon in Evergreen Municipal Park. Mayor Lomax Cassady, Zebbie Nix and many other dignitaries of the community who contributed to the project were present. Cassady and Nix unearthed the first two shovelfuls of dirt and the work began.

Mayor Lomax Cassady is shown holding the squirrel that caused a major power outage in Evergreen recently. This small critter found itself in a world of trouble when it entered the substation in the industrial park and subsequently blew all three fuses.

The Castleberry Strawberry Festival Beauty Pageant was held March 25, 2000 at Conecuh County Junior High School. Winners in the Teen Miss Strawberry division were second runner-up, Amber Cutts; Teen Miss Strawberry, Melinda Idell Tolin; and first runner-up and Most Photogenic, Avington Hart.

Fairview Baptist Church welcomes new pastor: Fairview Baptist Church welcomes as their new pastor Bro. Darrell Black, his wife Debra, daughter Carey and son Nick.
Bro. Black and his family are from Cantonment, Fla. and they accepted the call to pastor Fairview Baptist Church in February of this year.

44 YEARS AGO
APRIL 24, 1975

Evergreen weather observers Earl Windham reported 0.4 inches of rainfall on April 13 and 2.9 inches on April 14. Total rainfall for that month, through April 20, was reported at 16.2 inches. He reported a high of 78 degrees on April 15 and a low of 36 degrees on April 18.

Evergreen FFA calf is grand champion: A Charolais steer fed by the Evergreen FFA Chapter and shown by Jimmy McNeil won the grand championship of the annual Conecuh County 4-H and FFA Fat Calf Show held here Monday at the Conecuh Stockyard Show Arena. The steer weighed 1,190 pounds and graded choice. Conecuh-Monroe Counties Gas District paid a premium 91 cents per pound for the champ.

Conecuh County Sheriff Edwin L. Booker announces that Larry Morrison has been named chief deputy sheriff. Morrison formerly served with the Evergreen Police Department and has been a law enforcement officer for the past seven years. Morrison is a graduate of Evergreen High School and the Alabama Police Academy.

Pickney D. Bowles Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy met April 15 in the home of Mrs. Coy Harper with Mrs. Fred Mills as co-hostess. Mrs. Ray Owens introduced the speaker, Miss Annie Hagood, who gave a most interesting program on the Confederate Air Force. Mrs. Dan Brown gave a beautiful “In Memoriam” honoring Miss Demoval Hagood, deceased, a beloved teacher and a dear member of the UDC.

69 YEARS AGO
APRIL 27, 1950

C.W. Presley Wants Song On “Railroad Bill” – C.W. Presley of McKenzie, Ala., Route 1, is interested in securing a copy of song which was written years ago about “Railroad Bill,” desperado of Escambia County, some years ago. Mr. Presley has one stanza of the song which runs something like this:
“Railroad Bill” cut a mighty dash,
Shot McMillan, by a lightning flash.
Mis’ McMillan, she whooped and she bawled,
She said, “That’s my husband for I heard him fall.”
If anyone has any information regarding this song, Mr. Presley will appreciate hearing from you.

CONECUH CHAPTER NO. 217 HONORS MRS. RAE: Conecuh Chapter No. 217 Order of the Eastern Star honored Mrs. Rhoda Rae, worthy grand matron, and Mrs. Merle Chapman, grand condustress and other grand officers at a dinner at Fairview last Thursday evening.
Mrs. Carrie Pierce, worthy matron, welcomed the honored guest and presented each with a corsage. This being the golden jubilee of the Alabama Grand Chapter, the golden tones with green were used in the decorations.
At the conclusion of the dinner, a special meeting of the chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, which was decorated with spring flowers. Mrs. Marrie Pierce, worthy matron, and Herbert Mellinger, worthy patron, presided in the East. Mrs. Rhoda Rae, worthy grand matron, was introduced by conductress Ponline Langham, and was escorted to the East and grand honors given her.

94 YEARS AGO
APRIL 22, 1925

W.A. BOUTWELL – Resolution Adopted by Conecuh Lodge A.F.&A.M. No. 733, Belleville, Ala. – The subject of this memorial was born in Pike County and later moved to Lowndes County, where he resided until about 15 years ago when he moved to Conecuh County and remained until death came.
Mr. Boutwell was born Oct. 20, 1842 and died on March 11, 1925. He was made a Mason 40 years ago and lived it in a creditable manner.
Simple, straightforward, unassuming, unselfish to a degree, of rugged honesty and sincerity of purpose, and yet withal gentile in his nature, the life of this good man breathes the spirit of the old south, of a regime that is lofty and massive and yet graceful. His noble life and exemplary character are cherished by his brethren of the mystic tie.
Resolved that this memorial be inscribed upon the records of this lodge, a copy furnished his relatives and that the same be published in The Evergreen Courant. – J.D. Skinner, J.E. Baggett, J.A. Reid, Committee.

WELCOME: Quite a crowd was disappointed at Welcome church Sunday night, it being announced last week there would be preaching, and the preacher did not come. We feel that is the reason we never have a large congregation. We have been disappointed so many times.

HERBERT: The picture show at Herbert Thursday night was enjoyed by everyone.

140 YEARS AGO
APRIL 24, 1879
THE EVERGREEN STAR

Hon. F.M. Walker, our popular Probate Judge, is rusticating for a while in Henry County. Hope the judge will have a good time generally.

“Jack” Jones, Evergreen’s efficient and obliging postmaster, has given a new bond to the amount of $16,500. Some of the best men of our county are upon Mr. Jones’ bond.

We are requested to announce that the Historical Society of Conecuh County will meet in the courthouse in Evergreen on Saturday next at 10 o’clock.

TO THE PUBLIC: The undersigned returns thanks to the public for the generous patronage bestowed in the past (especially during court) and respectfully solicits a continuance of same in the future. My saloon is well stocked with the BEST brands of wines, brandies, whiskies, cigars, etc. and my endeavors will be to please all. Give me a call. – W.H. Hawkins, Proprietor, Gem Saloon.

A.W. JOHNSTON – Practical Boot and Shoe Maker, Evergreen, Ala. – Offers his services to the people of Evergreen and vicinity. All work guaranteed and prices satisfactory.

A new candidate for your patronage made its appearance on our streets yesterday under the name of the Evergreen News. Mr. C.S. James is the proprietor.

NOTICE: An election for mayor and four councilmen of the Town of Evergreen, to serve for the ensuing year, will be held on the first Monday in May next. Mr. Mertins and Y.M. Rabb have been appointed managers of said election. – G.R. Farnham, Mayor.

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Wed., April 24, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  3.90 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 3.90 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 17.40 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Monday, April 22, 2019

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for April 22, 2019


19 YEARS AGO
APRIL 27, 2000

Jackie Gorum, President of the Evergreen Babe Ruth League, threw the first pitch this past Saturday to start the 2000 season of the Babe Ruth League. Games are played every Tuesday and Saturday at the Evergreen Municipal Park. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support these young people.

44 YEARS AGO
APRIL 24, 1975

Crane to speak Sparta banquet Thursday, May 8: Featured speaker at the annual Sparta Quarterback Club’s All Sports Awards Banquet will be Paul Crane, it is announced today by James Ansley, president.
Crane is currently serving as an assistant coach for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s University of Alabama Crimson Tide. He was an All-American center for Alabama and went on to star as a linebacker for the New York Jets, one of the smallest men to play that position in the pros. Crane was a member of the Jets’ Super Bowl championship team.
Letters and awards for players of all varsity sports will be presented at the banquet which will be held Thursday night, May 8, at 7:30 in the gymnatorium at Sparta Academy. Tickets are $6 and may be purchased at the school or The Evergreen Courant.
All Sparta sports supporters, men, women and children, will be welcomed, but a limited number of tickets are available.

Pre-season tourney set by softballers: The softball season will get a send off here in Evergreen on Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, as Evergreen City League hosts a pre-season tournament. The first two games to be played on Friday starting at 7 p.m. with the remainder of the double elimination tournament on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.
Trophies for the first three places in this tournament sponsored by the following businesses: first place, Cope Funeral Home; second place, Carter Hardware & Supply Co.; third place, Miller Trading Co.
On Tuesday, April 29, the Evergreen City League of Men’s Softball will open regular season play with a 24 game schedule. Games to played on Tuesday and Thursday nights with starting times of 7:00 and 8:30 p.m.

Trooper Sgt. J.T. Smelley, commander of the Evergreen Post, bagged this trophy turkey over the weekend. The Tom weighed 18 pounds and had a 9-1/2 inch beard. Young Jason Scott, 18 months old, son of the sergeant, points at the big bird.

Young Jeff Kast is justly proud of this five-pound bass he caught over the weekend. He is the son of Mrs. Janice Kast and Donnie Kast.

69 YEARS AGO
APRIL 27, 1950

Evergreen Greenies Open In Bay Minette Sunday: The Evergreen Greenies will open a 30-game Dixie Amateur League schedule with an afternoon game in Bay Minette Sunday. The game was originally scheduled to be played here, but due to conflict with a concert already set for the stadium Sunday has been moved to Bay Minette, according to Manager Warren Bolton. Bolton says that Bay Minette has swapped dates with Evergreen and will return this game May 28.
Bolton and Edsel Johnson have not determined their starting line-up and state that no final decision will be made until the final practice session tomorrow afternoon. Both managers say that the team has shown definite improvement in all departments in recent practice sessions and should be able to hold its own in Bay Minette Sunday.
The Greenies will meet Uriah-Booneville here next Thursday afternoon in Brooks Stadium in their first home appearance. Probable game time is 2:30.

Evergreen Aggie 9 Wins And Loses During Week: The Evergreen High Aggies notched their first victory of the 1950 campaign last Friday defeating Castleberry in Castleberry 9-0 behind the near-perfect, one-hit pitching of Bertie Hassel. Hassel had the Blue Devil batters under control all the way as the Aggies evened up their series with Castleberry.
Tuesday the Aggies ran into some torrid pitching themselves and lost to Greenville 12-1. Ernest Moseley hurled a two-hitter for Greenville. John Greel Ralls counted Evergreen’s only run. Ralls hit a triple to put himself in scoring position.

Evergreen High Golfers Lose To Greenville: The Evergreen High School Golf Team, first in the history of the school, dropped its second match of the season to Butler County High School on the Greenville Country Club links last Saturday afternoon. Greenville also defeated the Evergreen golfers here several weeks ago.
Bonnie King, holder of the Evergreen course record, is the No. 1 player on the Evergreen High Squad. Junior White, Dickey Bozeman and Charles Williams complete the foursome. The group is coached by Coach John Lockwood.
The Evergreen golfers will meet Murphy High’s foursome in two matches, here and in Mobile, soon.

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Mon., April 22, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.00 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  3.90 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 3.90 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 17.40 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Old newspaper excerpts from The Monroe Journal newspaper of Monroe County, Alabama


13 YEARS AGO
APRIL 20, 2006

Bikers raise $95,000: Nearly 100 cyclists biked 118 miles, from downtown Monroeville to Orange Beach, as part of the third annual “Peddlin’ for a Cure” event to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Monroe County Relay for Life.
At press time, the “Peddlin’ for a Cure” riders had raised over $95,000 – nearly as much as the bike rides in 2004 and 2005 combined.
According to organizer Samantha Norris, Alabama River Pulp and its employees contributed over $11,000. Billy Barnes Enterprises contributed over $10,335. The team representing the Monroeville Area YMCA collected over $8,500.

Vols sweep FD: Monroe Academy’s Lady Volunteers swept a doubleheader with Fort Dale Academy in Greenville Tuesday of last week to improve to 4-3 in area play and improve to 9-7 on the season.
MA defeated the Lady Eagles 8-3 in the first game and 11-10 in the second game. Ashley Watson picked up both pitching wins in the twin bill with Fort Dale.
(Other top MA players in those games included Diedre Dawson, Jenilee Foukal, Erin King, Fairbie Moye, Ashton Salter and Abbie Tucker. Rick Raines was MA’s head coach.)

101st birthday: Caldonia Penn celebrated her 101st birthday April 15, 2006. She was honored with a birthday party Fri., April 14, by Hospice Care of Monroeville. Penn still has a good mind and talks often of how good the Lord has been to her, according to family.

38 YEARS AGO
APRIL 16, 1981

Excel hires full-time chief: The Excel Town Council voted to hire recently-appointed Police Chief Lawrence Gulley on a full-time basis and heard from Gulley on his plans for a junior auxiliary police force and a recreational center downtown.
Gully was hired last month to work part-time but was asked by Mayor Coy Stacey to work full-time for $900 a month when he was laid of recently from his job with Canteen Services in Monroeville.

(Monroe County High School’s varsity baseball team) bopped area foe Greenville, 16-9 Tuesday of last week in Greenville. Senior Von Ham sparked the team with brilliant relief pitching, holding Greenville scoreless in 3-1/3 innings to gain the win, his second in as many decisions.
Right-fielder Todd Hamilton was 2-for-4 with three RBI for the Tigers, second baseman Burke Chance 1-for-2, driving in three runs, and John McCarthy had two hits, including his second home run of the season.
(Other top players on MCHS’s team that season included Michael Biggs, Billy Bowen, Shannon Casey, Stan Cumbie, Tony Feaster, William Hill, Bill Hudson, Ray Laffitte, Kelvin Lett, Keith Nettles and Joe Rowell. Howard Busby was head coach.)

Shriners fundraiser: Monroeville Shriners Tom Lemons and Robert Champion organize and prepare papers for the Shriner paper sale, which is scheduled for April 25 in Monroeville. Shriners will be out in various parts of town that day giving out the papers and taking up donations to raise funds to support orthopedic hospitals and burn units for children located throughout the country.

64 YEARS AGO
APRIL 21, 1955

First Polio Shots Scheduled Monday; 1,583 To Get Serum: First series of Polio shots to first and second-grade students in Monroe County will be given April 25 and April 26, according to H.G. Greer, Superintendent of Education.
Vaccinations will be administered by nurses from the county health department and Mrs. Virginia Owens will be in charge. The vaccine is being furnished by the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, free of charge.

Hadley’s Homer Is Winner For Locals Over Jay Sunday: The second baseman of the Monroe County nine, Frank Hadley of Uriah, surprised and delighted over 200 local baseball fans in Vanity Fair Park Sunday afternoon as he led off the last half of the first inning with a drive to the wall in right-center, which went for an inside-the-park homer, giving the local nine a 1-0 lead over the Jay (Fla.) entry after one inning of play.
Left-hander Bill Hite of Monroeville, meanwhile, never weakened as he allowed only two hits to the visitors and walked one, while striking out six in preserving the shutout.
(Other top players on Monroe County’s Dixie Amateur League men’s baseball team included Edsel Johnson, George Klepac and John Weatherford.)

The Monroe County Commission has purchased five lots fronting on North Mount Pleasant Street, which will be used as a site for the erection of a new county jail, provided the approval of all interested governmental agencies is obtained.
The lots, measuring 88 feet fronting on Mt. Pleasant Street, and 162 feet deep, were purchased from W.B. Owens of Monroeville, who owned four, and Max Bradley of Monroeville, who owned one of the lots.

88 YEARS AGO
APRIL 16, 1931

W.L. Metts Home Destroyed By Fire: The home of Mr. W.L. Metts was destroyed by fire on Thursday morning about 11 o’clock. Lack of water connection prevented the use of the fire truck equipment after the belated alarm had been given. Practically nothing was saved from the building before it collapsed.

Dr. J.W. Rutherford Dies Tuesday Night: Dr. James W. Rutherford died suddenly at his home at Franklin Tuesday night at eight o’clock.
Dr. Rutherford was born at Franklin 62 years ago. After receiving his education in the common schools, he served as a teacher, later entering the Alabama Medical College in Mobile, where he graduated in the class of 1893. He returned to his home at Franklin and practiced his profession until the day of his death.
His body was laid to rest in the cemetery at River Ridge this (Thursday) afternoon at 2:30 o’clock.

Brick Factory Makes Progress: The Monroeville Brick Co., which began operations three weeks ago, has so far made rapid progress. Up to date they have run two kilns and will make another run during the next few days.
The brick yard, which is located about two miles south of Monroeville on the old Mt. Pleasant road, is situated where there is an abundance of fine quality clay suitable for the making of brick.
The average daily output for the factory is around 10,000, but the full capacity has not yet been reached. The present drying room has a capacity of 200,000 and the kiln about 100,000.

138 YEARS AGO
APRIL 18, 1881

Died at his residence near Buena Vista on the 9th of April 1881, Mr. John Larson. Mr. Larson was born in Denmark, March 6, 1808, and went to sea in early life, visited several prominent points in the world. After remaining at sea for a time, he apprenticed himself to learn the painters trade, in which he was quite successful, as his work in this county will prove. He was a splendid artist, could enlarge a portrait to any size. He married in September 1865 to Miss Martha Holder, granddaughter of the Rev. L.W. Lindsey. He leaves behind a devoted wife and two darling children. May God bless them in their affliction.

Buena Vista – Mr. J.H. Duke lost a house by fire, supposed to be the work of an incendiary.

CLARKE COUNTY – Grove Hill Democrat: A panther, about nine feet long, was seen in the neighborhood of Pleasant Grove Church, some 12 miles west by south of this place, last week.

Escambia County has another new paper, the Blade, published at Brewton. We wish better success financially and otherwise, that its predecessors met with. Brewton is a live and flourishing railroad town and ought to have a newspaper and such a live paper, as the Blade promises to be.

From the Blade, we learn that the election for locating the new courthouse of Escambia resulted in favor of Brewton by a small majority of 54 against Pollard.

Daily Rainfall Observations from SW Alabama for Sun., April 21, 2019

Rainfall (Past 24 Hours): 0.00 inches.

Week to Date Rainfall: 1.45 inches.

Month to Date Rainfall:  3.90 inches.

Spring to Date Rainfall: 3.90 inches.

Year to Date Rainfall: 17.40 inches.

Readings taken at 0700 hours Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily in Monroe County, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.405783N Lon -87.479861W. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-6, Station Name: Frisco City 5.0 WSW.

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Singleton tells of old stagecoach sign nailed to tree near Beatrice

Old L&N train depot in Beatrice, Alabama. 

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “Sign marks road in Monroe where stagecoaches used to roll” was originally published in the Jan. 6, 1972 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

The heart pine shingle with the two square nails are showing the effects from the weather of many winters. The tree stands tall, as though time forgot to leave its tell tale marks among its branches. In place of what used to be a well traveled road over the decades there is only the faint trace of the right of way.

A hundred years have passed since the sign was nailed to the sweet gum tree behind Lee Fountain’s house near Beatrice. The letters are faded now; faded so dim that one has to look close to make out the words carved there: “Johnson’s Woodyard - 14 Miles.” It told travelers to take the right fork of the road if they wanted to go west to the steamboat landing on the Alabama River.

This sign is posted where the old roads forked. The one to the south went to Claiborne. The one to the east went to the Turnbull community, and the one to the west – well, it went to the woodyard like the sign says. Both were well traveled in the 1870s.

These are the words of Lee Fountain, on whose property the old junction is located: “That sign has been there for a hundred years or more. I’m 75 and I’ve known people who said it was here long before I was born.”

Johnson’s Woodyard was a boat landing where the river boats would unload freight and pick up wood with which to fire their boilers. It stayed in operation until the early 1920s. A big portion of the freight that went into Butler County was hauled up the woodyard road.

This used to be part of the old stage route. The stage from the south connected at Turnbull with the eastbound stages.

As I leaned against the old sweet gum tree and talked about past decades, I wondered how many had done this very same thing down though the years; how many had leaned against this very same tree and pondered over which road to take. I could imagine the dusty stagecoaches turning south for Claiborne, the freight wagons stopping, and the drivers wiping the dust from the sign to be sure they were on the right road.

The dust from the horses, and the rattle of the wagons have passed into oblivion. The roads have been discarded, and huge timber grows where staged coaches used to roll. But the heart pine shingle still keeps a silent vigil on the side of the old gum tree – waiting for the footsore traveler to stop and cool in the shade on a hot summer day, or for the phantom stagecoaches with their road-weary passengers, telling them that they are still on the right road.

[This column also included a photo by Singleton that bore the following caption: Century-old sign nailed on a sweet gum tree at the forks of Old Stage Road and Johnson Woodyard Road is so faded that it can only be read close-up. Shown with the sign is Lee Fountain of Beatrice.]

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)