Century-old news highlights from March 1922 editions of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper

Alabama Gov. Thomas E. Kilby

Today marks the first Thursday of the month, so it’s time to take another trip back down memory lane for a look at some of the interesting things that happened in Wilcox County a century ago, way back in March 1922.

In the March 2, 1922 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, publisher Stanley Clifford Godbold reported that Edward Leroy Tate and Ethel Hattie Powe had gotten married on Sun., Feb. 26, at Powe’s home near Coy.

“Mr. Tate was reared near Enon church in this county, is a World War veteran and since his return to the States has been the efficient carrier of the Coy RFD mail. Mrs. Powe (nee Ethel Hattie Outlaw) is a descendant of one of the old reliable families of Black’s Bend, widow of the late Willard Powe. Numerous relatives were present to witness the nuptial vows and many friends called later to congratulate them and wish for them a long useful and happy life.”

Readers that week also learned that “Camden lost the game of basketball Saturday evening at the Masonic Hall against Selma. The score was 36 to 16.”

In the March 9, 1922 edition of The Progressive Era, under the headline “Practical Joke On Peachtree Holders Causes Big Excitement,” readers saw the following reprinted item from The Selma Times Journal: Many telephone messages were received in the office of The Times Journal relative to the rumor concerning the prospective Lower Peachtree Oil well which was reported Friday evening to have struck a gusher. This rumor was found to be a practical joke as the well is at present only 600 feet in depth and it would be an extraordinary test to strike even symptoms of oil at that depth. However, the report was given credence and was circulated freely about the streets, causing a great amount of excitement among the stockholders and citizens of Selma.”

In the March 16, 1922 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that “Mr. P.C. Riggs, a faithful member of the Baptist Church, died at his home in Camden Thursday. He had been an invalid for some time. He was sitting late smoking and in putting his pipe on the mantle, his robe caught on fire and death was the result. His body was taken on the L&N train of which he was an employee to Repton for interment.”

Readers that week also learned that the “Friday Afternoon Club is still trying to beautify the Confederate Square at the Cemetery. They are in need of some gravel for the walks and some fertilizer for the flowers. If any one wishes to contribute to this, please confer with Mrs. John Miller, the Chairman of the Committee.”

In the March 23, 1922 edition of the paper, it was reported that “E.P. Toulmin of Mobile was the lowest bidder for construction of 12.52 miles of the Jackson Highway in Wilcox County, between Catherine and Arlington. His bid was $134,398.57, which was $502 under the next bidder. He will be awarded the contract at the next meeting of the Highway Commission.”

It was also announced that week that “there will be an Easter Egg hunt on the lawn of Mesdames Lottie and Mary Beck’s residence Easter eve, April 15, 1922. Beginning at three o’clock, there will be ice cream, etc. for sale. There will also be an Easter festival at St. Mary’s in which every child in Camden of Sunday School age is invited to participate. Notice of practice will be given later.”

In the March 30, 1922 edition of the newspaper, under the front-page headline “Pine Hill Dedicates School Building,” it was reported that “on last Friday, the school building at Pine Hill was dedicated with appropriate exercises. The building is two stories constructed of brick upon the most modern plans and provides commodious and comfortable classrooms and auditorium. The presiding officer of the occasion, Mr. P.C. Byrne, discharged his duties gracefully and presented the speakers in well-chosen words.”

Readers that week also learned that “Mesdames Florence Farish, Miller Bonner, John Miller and Leon Spurlin were appointed at the request of Gov. Kilby to represent the Friday Afternoon Club at the Alabama Education Association in Birmingham April 13-15.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. On the first Thursday of next month, I plan to take a look at the events of April 1922 in Wilcox County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to get you started.