Thursday, January 3, 2013

Stereopticon show of Panama Canal took place in Evergreen a century ago

A stereopticon slide projector machine
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 January 1913.

In the Jan. 2, 1913 edition of The Conecuh Record, editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “Passenger Train No. 2, which passed through Evergreen at 5:19 a.m. Thursday morning, was wrecked at Garland. The engine and three cars were overturned and it is reported that the engineer, fireman and several others were injured. This makes the third wreck on this division of the L&N during the past 10 days.”

Readers that week also learned that “Beaven-Jackson Lumber & Veneer Co. are erecting several new buildings at their plant to accommodate their rapidly increasing business. They are also building an addition to their ice plant for the storage of ice.”

Whitcomb also let readers know that week that “the members of Camp Capt. Wm. Lee, Confederate veterans, met at the courthouse Wednesday and while the attendance was not large, the interest was fine. The old officers were reelected for the ensuing year, as follows: G.R. Boulware, commander; J.T. Fincer, lieutenant commander; J.A. Jones, adjutant; M.B. Salter, sergeant major; and J.D. Wright, chaplain. Dr. Skinner was elected surgeon of the camp. Wm. J. Tomlinson, J.T. Fincher and J.W. Cook were elected as delegates to the national reunion at Chattanooga next June.

“There is said to be only about 100 Confederate veterans in this county at the present time, and the ranks are thinning rapidly.”

In the Jan. 9, 1913 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported that “a cold wave struck Evergreen Wednesday morning, accompanied by a heavy rain.”

That week’s paper also contained the following advertisement – “Fire Department. A LECTURE On The Panama Canal will be illustrated by Stereopticon Views of the Great Work Being Done There, will be given at the Court House on TUESDAY NIGHT, FEB. 4, for the benefit of the FIRE DEPARTMENT. Be sure to attend as it will be a rare test for old and young. Remember the date, Tuesday Night, Feb. 4.”

Readers that week also learned that “Dr. F.L. Tatom, who has been a resident of Brooklyn for a number of years, has moved with his interesting family to Florida and located at Hosford. As a citizen and physician, the doctor stood high in this section and we doubt not that his skill and ability will enable him to build up a fine practice in his adopted home.”

It was also reported that week that “Henderson Stokes of Loree died last Saturday and was buried with Masonic honors at Owassa on Sunday.”

Whitcomb also reported that his wife, “Mrs. J.C. Whitcomb returned from a two weeks’ visit to relatives at Crete, Ill. last Monday.”

In the Jan. 16, 1923 edition of the newspaper, Whitcomb reported that “the cold wave reached this section on schedule time, making fires and overcoats real luxuries.”

That week’s paper also included the following ad – “Save Time By Sending your orders to us by mail. If you live within a radius of 50 miles of Evergreen, you can have 11 Pounds Sent to You via Parcel Post for 35 cents. Cheap ain’t it? We want your business and any orders entrusted to us will have prompt and careful attention. A Square Deal Always. DUNN HARDWARE CO.”

Readers that week also learned that “an interesting meeting is in progress at the Baptist Church, the preaching being done by Dr. J.W. Phillips of Mobile, well known as one of the ablest pulpit orators in the state. The services at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. are being largely attended. Dr. Phillips also gives an interesting and instructive lecture on John Bunyan’s pictures of a Christian life at each morning service.”

It was also reported that week that “Dr. Robeck, the clever L&N operator at this place, left for New Orleans Wednesday on a short vacation trip.”

Whitcomb also reported that “Superintendent-elect of Education R.E.L. Key and family have recently moved to Evergreen from Castleberry.”

In the Jan. 23, 1913 edition of the paper, Whitcomb reported that “local strawberry men are busy with preparations for the approaching crop.”

It was also reported that week that “Dr. H.M. Hawthorne was in the city Monday. He states that he has located in Brooklyn and will practice medicine at that place. We wish him success.”

That week’s paper also included the following advertisement – “Six Doctors in Conecuh County Own Fords. The Reason is ‘Service - The Doctors Know.’ Let us bring you into consultation with these Doctors before you buy. We have a staff of Five in Monroe County also. If You Feel Shaky About Buying, Write To Us For A Cure. Evergreen Motor Car Co. (Incorporated) Evergreen, Alabama.”

Readers that week also learned that “the work of grading Main Street was commenced last week but owing to a heavy rain was discontinued for a few days. When completed it will be a great improvement to that portion of town.”

Whitcomb also gave voters in the county this now-outdated reminder – “Better pay your poll tax – the limit is up the first of February.”

Whitcomb closed out that week by saying that “if civic pride and a due regard for lady pedestrians will not, then common decency should keep tobacco-chewers from spitting on the sidewalks.”

In the Jan. 30, 1913 edition of The Record, readers learned that “a crew of workmen made some repairs on the Evergreen and Brooklyn telephone line last week.”

It was also reported that “87 cases were treated for rabies from Montgomery County during the past year.”

Whitcomb also wrote that “C.P. Deming and perhaps others from Evergreen will attend the trial of Mizell at Geneva this week for the killing of Ed Stamps.”

Readers also learned that “Tom Lee and sister of North Alabama are visiting their sister, Mrs. J.J. Pate of McCreary, after a separation of 52 years, during which time they had not see each other.”

It was also reported that “a young son of Wesley Bell of near Brewton, was thrown from a wagon by a runaway team and instantly killed.”

Whitcomb also reported that “T.C. Cargill, an old and respected citizen of Evergreen, died on the morning of the 24th inst. after a lingering illness. Mr. Cargill was an old Confederate soldier, well known over the county and his demise will be sincerely regretted by numerous friends and acquaintances.”

Whitcomb closed out the month by telling readers that “we are revising our subscription list and if you are in arrears, we will appreciate it if you will call and settle up at an early date.

“Subscription, One Dollar per Year, Strictly in Advance. Advertising Rates made known on application.”

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 February 1913 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.

No comments:

Post a Comment