'Disastrous fire' strikes downtown Castleberry a century ago

Castleberry bank building as it looks today

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 August 1913.

In the Aug. 7, 1913 edition of The Conecuh Record, editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “large quantities of timber and lumber are being shipped daily both north and south. Evergreen is the shipping point of a large amount also. The export across the water is said to be heavy.”

It was also reported that week that “the local military will leave Monday morning for Mobile to go into their annual encampment.”

Readers that week also learned that “W.W. Lamb sold out the Evergreen hotel to Mine Host Mixon of the Sewell and that well known hostelry is now running under the new management.”

In news from the Brooklyn community, correspondent Ren Lion reported that “E.N. Amos and A.A. McCreary have bought the lot and ginnery owned by J.A. Feagin, deceased, and a new gin house of modern style is being built.”

Whitcomb closed out that week by saying that “it’s a pity that the beautiful section of the street immediately in front of the Methodist church is allowed to be used as a feeding place for stock. That is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city, and to thus be made a filthy eyesore is most regrettable. It is a subject of unfavorable criticism by all visitors who pass thru.”

In the Aug. 14, 1913 edition of The Record, under the headline “FIRE,” it was reported that “a disastrous fire occurred at Castleberry Sunday night. A building owned by P.M. Skinner was destroyed, which was occupied by the following firms: Skinner Hardware Co., Peoples Bank, S. Berman & Kirkland Drug Store, all of who lost their entire stocks of goods. A favorable wind is all that saved the town from a more destructive conflagration. The origin of the fire is unknown.”

Readers that week also learned that “Company K, our local military company, left Monday for their annual encampment at Mobile. Capt. H.S. Hagood is in command of the company.”

Subscribers also learned that the “new 2-1/2 cent passenger rates on the L&N railroad throughout Alabama went into effect Monday night.”

It was also reported that week that “Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Hawthorn of Castleberry is visiting Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Page. Mr. Hawthorn was at one time treasurer of Conecuh County and has many friends throughout this section.”

Also that week, it was reported that the “continued hot, dry weather is damaging cotton and corn in many sections of the county.”

Whitcomb closed out that week by reporting that “the ‘first bale’ is being reported in almost every quarter.”

In the Aug. 21, 2013 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that the “Mobile gin company, located at this place, ginned five bales of cotton last week – the first week’s run of the season.”

Readers that week also learned that “P.M. Skinner, recently burned out at Castleberry, is preparing to build a two-story brick building in which he will conduct his large mercantile business.”

Whitcomb also reported that week that “The Peoples Bank of Castleberry has closed a deal for the purchase of a valuable corner lot in that place and will begin at once the erection of a handsome bank building.

“It is said that the vaults in The Peoples Bank at Castleberry sustained very little damage from the fiery ordeal through which they passed a few nights ago, only a few papers being scorched.”

Subscribers that week also saw that the “soldier boys returned Monday from their recent annual encampment at Mobile. Notwithstanding the extremely warm weather, the occasion proved to be a pleasant outing for the boys.”

Whitcomb closed out that week by poking a little fun at the rival newspaper owner in town – “Brother Salter of The Courant is improving the looks of his home by bricking up his front yard and also running a brick wall along the sidewalk immediately in front of his residence. The Courant must have booked a cash subscriber.”

In the Aug. 28, 1913 edition of the paper, Whitcomb reported that “Haskew Johnson, who was shot by another man at Burnt Corn last Sunday and has since been in the Betts’ Infirmary, is said to be improving although it was thought that the chances were against his recovery at first.”

It was also reported that week that “P.M. Skinner, one of the leading businessmen of Castleberry, was here a few days ago. Mr. Skinner has faith in his home town and believes that great things are in store for Castleberry and The Record believes so too.”

Readers that week also learned that “Rev. Keith, the Presbyterian pastor at this place, has resigned in order to accept a call to Plant City, Fla.”

Subscribers also saw that “J.J. Bizell, prominent citizen of Monroeville, transacted business in Evergreen last Saturday,” and that “Miss Cora Goodwin, one of Georgiana’s popular and charming young ladies, spent Sunday with Evergreen friends.”

Whitcomb closed out the month by reporting that an “excursion train consisting of 15 heavily ladened passenger coaches, passed up Monday morning about 11 o’clock en route to Birmingham to see the big ball game. Sixteen went from this place.”

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 September 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.