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

Prof. Eugene A. Smith

22 YEARS AGO

AUG. 27, 1998

Sen. Richard Shelby told a group of about 120 Monroe County business and civic leaders that he supports President Bill Clinton’s decision to launch raids against terrorist bases in Afghanistan and the Sudan, though he isn’t sure what the president’s personal future holds.

On his annual swing through Monroe County, Shelby spoke to a luncheon meeting sponsored by the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce. During the meeting, he was presented with a painting of the Old Monroe County Courthouse.

Frisco, Excel kickoff tonight: One of the most storied high school football rivalries in Monroe County will, for the first time in at least the past 22 seasons, help kickoff the 1998 season in the county.

Frisco City and Excel high schools are slated to open their seasons tonight (Thursday) in the “Battle of Escambia Creek.” Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Frisco City.

In the past, this game that pits two of the county’s biggest rivals against each other has been played much later in the season.

Spec. Michael Lynn Heath of Kongstein, Germany died Mon., Aug. 17, 1998 at Kilimik Sued Hospital in Germany after being injured in a car accident the previous week.

Heath was a native of Frisco City. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Frisco City, and a loving, devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for the last four years, stationed in Vilsick, Germany.

Services were Mon., Aug. 24, 1998 at Anderson Funeral Home in Cameron, West Virginia. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery.

47 YEARS AGO

AUG. 30, 1973

Old Courthouse plans approved: The architectural firm handling the remodeling of the old Monroe County Courthouse building got the approval of the county commission Tuesday to advertise for bids on the work of renovating the exterior of the structure.

The estimated cost of repairing the exterior of the building will be from $45,000 to $50,000, according to the architects.

(Architect M.A.) Delahay said the plans call for grouting loose brick veneer back into place and making the building water tight. The structure will be covered with silicone and the cupola will be repaired.

He said engineers have checked the building and have found it to be structurally sound.

Watkins, Jones win golf tourney: The annual Vanity Fair Golf Club Tournament began Aug. 9 and concluded Aug. 25 with 54 local golfers competing. Forrest Watkins won the “A” division championship flight, and George Jones captured the “B” division championship flight.

Jim Kelly was runner-up in the “A” division with John Shannon winning the consolation. Jerry Dyess took the runner-up slot in the “B” division, and Jerry Steele won consolation.

Public school students in Monroe County will begin the 1973-74 school year tomorrow (Friday) when they report to their respective schools at 8 a.m.

Regular classes will not be held tomorrow as the day will mostly be taken up with registration and fee collection. Students are expected to be released by noon, said James Allen, county education superintendent.

72 YEARS AGO

AUG. 26, 1948

Four World War II Dead From Vicinity Are Enroute Home: Four World War II dead from Monroe County and vicinity are among the 206 from Alabama being returned to this country soon, according to information received this week from the Army Distribution Depot in Atlanta, Ga.

The remains of Pvt. Bennie F. Amerson, whose next of kin is listed as Mrs. Grace S. Amerson of Excel, and Pvt. Harry L. Gary Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Gary Sr. of Lanett, former residents of Monroeville, are scheduled to arrive from France aboard the U.S. Army Transport “Lawrence Victory.”

Arriving from the Pacific area aboard the “Dalton Victory” are the bodies of STM1 Preston V. McMillan, whose next of kin is Will A. McMillan, Star Rt. C, Atmore, and Pvt. Fred L. Stuckey Jr., son of Fred L. Stuckey Sr., Rt. 1, Evergreen. Both lost their lives during the struggle for the Philippines.

FRISCO CITY WILL PLAY JAY DOUBLEHEADER TODAY: Frisco City will meet Jay, Fla. this afternoon (Thursday) on the Frisco City diamond in a doubleheader baseball game which will conclude the playoff series between the two teams of the Tri-County Baseball League.

The Frisco City team defeated Jay, 11-2, on the Florida team’s diamond Sunday. T.I. Springer was the winning pitcher.

Clerk Is Appointed For Draft Board: Miss Jewell Coxwell of Monroeville has been appointed clerk of Monroe County Local Draft Board No. 50, it was announced this week by State Selective Service Headquarters. She is attending a three-day school for draft board clerks in Montgomery this week to learn registration procedures.

97 YEARS AGO

AUG. 30, 1923

MONROE COUNTY HIGH OPENS SEPT. 4: The annual session of the Monroe County High School will open on Tues., Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. An interesting program of exercises is being arranged for the occasion, the principal feature being an address by Hon. John McDuffie. All patrons and friends of the school and the public generally are cordially invited to be present.

MONROE HIGH PLANNING BIG FOOTBALL SEASON: With the opening of the High School only a week off, football fans are already beginning to sum up the prospects for the 1923 season. The authorities of the High School have arranged the most ambitious schedule ever attempted by a school in this part of the state. Atmore, Bay Minette, Grove Hill, Andalusia, Greenville and the Sidney Lanier High School of Montgomery have already signed contracts with Monroe High. The remainder of the schedule will probably be composed of Brewton, Selma and Jones Mill. Arrangements are being completed to bring the Sidney Lanier state champions here on Oct. 20 during the Monroe County Fair.

Monroeville’s first bale of the new crop of cotton was delivered in bulk at the local ginnery last week, but owing to the installation of new machinery the plant has not yet been able to convert it into marketable shape.

NOTICE TO ALL AUTOMOBILE DRIVERS: The town of Monroeville has on its Code of Ordinances a speed limit of 15 miles per hour. A car making 15 miles an hour is traveling at a very slow speed. So I hope all drivers of automobile will consider the danger of operating cars at a greater rate of speed on the narrow and crooked streets of Monroeville. I will prosecute all offenders to the fullest extent of the law after (July 3, 1923). – J.L. Bowden, Sheriff.

135 YEARS AGO

AUG. 28, 1885

We want 500 new subscribers to The Monroe Journal by Sept. 1^st in this county.

Prof. Eugene A. Smith, state geologist, was in Monroeville Wednesday and is at present in the county, examining our many marl heads, etc. He is an energetic worker and a competent officer.

Monroe Chapter No. 3 – Perdue Hill will have a regular convocation on the first Thursday in September, 1885. All members are expected to be present.

Perdue Hill – Cadet Pelham Agee of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis is visiting Jacksonville, the guest of Gen. Wm. H. Forney. – Jacksonville Republican.

Beef! Mr. W.B. Jones will have fine beef for sale on the 8^th and 10^th of September for the benefit of the Sunday School Convention.

Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Hybart of Bell’s Landing were visiting their many friends in Monroeville last week.

Mr. W.B. Jones has again opened his beef market at this place where he will be pleased to furnish his customers with choice beef at lowest market price. Market will be open every Saturday morning at 6:30, Northeast Corner Public Square.

Thanks to Mr. John White for a nice, large watermelon, received at (The Monroe Journal) office some time ago. We always appreciate such kind remembrances.