100-year-old Conecuh County news highlights from May 1921

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 May 1921.

In the May 4, 1921 edition of The Evergreen Courant, editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. reported under the headline “MOTHERS DAY” that “it is once again our happy privilege to celebrate Mothers Day. It is a lovely custom and should be universally observed. Next Sunday is the day, set apart as Mothers Day and on this day we are expected to wear the white flower and perform deeds of kindness, not only toward our own mothers, but extend kindness to all mothers.”

Also that week, it was reported that “Mrs. Jacob Lowrey and two interesting children spent last Sunday with their aunts, Mrs. Sloan and Miss Robertson of West Side.”

That week’s Courant also reprinted an item from the previous Sunday’s Montgomery Advertiser that said that “Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Taylor announce the engagement of their daughter, Jeretta Ewing to Ernest Edward Newton of Evergreen, Ala., the marriage to take place at their home, 729 Madison Ave., June 8.”

In news from the Belleville community, readers learned that the “school at Belleville closed last Friday, having completed one of its most successful years. The school term was eight months this year, instead of seven, as has been the case heretofore. Those who received diplomas from the Junior High School were Miss Mattye Burt, Claude McInnis and Lonnie Burt.”

In the May 11, 1921 edition of The Courant, under the headline “Mothers Day Beautifully Observed,” it was reported that “Mothers Day was observed more generally in Evergreen than ever before. White and red flowers were much in evidence, and what was more fitting, many came here or went away to see their mothers and the still large numbers, perhaps, who remembered their mother in affectionate messages.”

Also that week, under the headline “Death of Former Evergreen Citizen,” readers learned that “relatives here received a telegraphic message yesterday announcing the death of Robert A. Lee in a hospital in Eufaula, following a prolonged illness. He was born and reared in this county, was the son of the late Dr. R.A. Lee and is survived by his widow, who resides at Hatcher, Ga. and three sisters, Mrs. C.R. Taliaferro, Mrs. E.L. Stallworth and Mrs. J.A. Stallworth of Evergreen. He removed to Georgia several years ago where he became prominent in business and politics, being a member of the Georgia legislature at the time of his death. He was about 60 years old.”

On a lighter note, it was also reported that “T.N. Moody of Mill beat dropped in to renew his allegiance to The Courant while here on Monday. He and others in his community are much pleased over improved mail facilities when on Monday next, Route 1 from Skinnerton will be extended through that section. He is at present on Route A, which necessitates going three miles for his mail. Mr. Moody says crops up in that section are doing well, though small as is the general complaint.”

In the May 18, 1921 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that “W.J. Green was up from Castleberry Monday. ‘Still shipping berries’ was the reply when asked about news in his locality. The berry growers have certainly reaped a deserved harvest in berries and cash this season. No one begrudges them the nice bank accounts that each one of them now has. They deserve it.”

Also that week, readers learned that an “Evergreen girl, Miss Irene Brown, was awarded second prize in the Montgomery Advertiser contest, ‘How to Win a Woman.’ The prize was $10 in gold and was awarded Miss Brown on May 1. Three prizes were offered and there were essays on the subject by 130 contestants from all sections of the state, and the fact that an Evergreen girl was given second prize is highly creditable to her ability as a writer. Miss Brown is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Brown, who reside on Bruner Avenue.”

Also that week, it was reported that the “Southern Alabama Dental Association held the semi-annual meeting (in Evergreen) last week. The visiting dentists were royally entertained at the Country Club after the business session by Dr. and Mrs. Kendrick, covers were laid for 40.

“New officers were elected as follows: Dr. G.F. Petry of Florala, President; Dr. S.R. Hartley of Georgiana, Vice President; Dr. H.H. Kendrick of Evergreen, re-elected Secretary and Treasurer; Drs. Kendrick, Hopkins and Dozier, membership committee.

“At the afternoon session, Dr. W.F. Betts gave an interesting talk on diseased teeth and other diseased conditions of the mouth, relative to the health of the patient. He also spoke of the need of cooperation of the medical and dental profession in treating diseases of a dental origin. This was discussed by Drs. Haggard and Jones of Brooklyn, and members of the dental profession.”

In the May 25, 1921 edition of the paper, it was reported that “J. Golightly of Evergreen has been awarded the contract for the construction of the Baldwin County High School at Bay Minette. Mr. Golightly also is contractor for the Evergreen City School building.”

Readers that week also learned that the “body of Rix Smith, who died from wounds in France about two years ago, is expected to reach here one day this week from Hoboken, where a large number of bodies were landed on Saturday last. His mother, Mrs. W.F. Kelley, received a message a few days ago, notifying her of the fact. This is the first body to be returned to Evergreen from across the water. It will be reinterred at Old Town cemetery.”

Also that week it was reported that a “little excitement was occasioned on Saturday afternoon when the fire alarm was sounded. The building next to the Episcopal Church caught fire on the roof but was extinguished with slight damage resulting.”

Readers that week also learned that “Wuford S. Price, magician, entertained an interested audience at the school auditorium on Tuesday night, displaying much skill in magic and pleasing the spectators.”

It was also reported that week that “Charles Cunningham and Miss Nannie Kelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Kelly, were quietly married by Rev. H. Lizenby at the Methodist parsonage on the evening of the 17^th. The young couple have been recipients of many hearty good wishes from numerous friends.”

Readers that week that heard that “Evergreen people who had the pleasure of hearing Dr. W.M. Murphy of Brewton on Sunday last at the Baptist church were much charmed with this able minister and can well understand why he has been serving the Brewton church for 14 years. He is a forceful speaker and his long service in one sister city proves that Brewton Baptists appreciate a strong man. This was his second appearance before an Evergreen congregation.”

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 June 1921 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.