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| A.C. Lee of Monroeville |
Monroe County has gone through many changes in the past
century and you’ll really notice the big changes if you ever look at old
editions of The Monroe Journal newspaper. Earlier today, I took advantage of
the archives at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville and looked closely at
the four editions of The Journal printed 100 years ago this month, way back in
February 1914. Here are some of the news highlights from those papers.
FEB. 5, 1914
“Mr. John Bigger of Finchburg left at this office a few days
ago a turnip weighing 5-3/4 pounds, a specimen of what Finchburg soil is
capable of producing. Another turnip grown by Mr. Bigger weighed 7-3/4 pounds.”
“The Old Folks Concert given under the direction of Miss
Eppes at the high school auditorium on Monday evening has been the talk of the
town since the event transpired. The opinion is general that local talent is
easily capable of producing entertainment attractions the equal of any lyceum
bureau that has heretofore included Monroeville in its circuit.”
“There will be a recital at Excel School house by Miss
Estelle Hayes of Bermuda, Ala. on Feb. 13 at eight p.m. Admission 25 cents and
15 cents. Everybody cordially invited.”
“Small pox is reported in several places in Hale County.”
FEB. 12, 1914
“Thomas Bradley of Tensaw, Monroe County, had his barn and
2,500 bushels of corn burned by an incendiary.”
“The boys of the (Monroe County High School) ball team have
all equipped themselves with new suits and have begun practice. Friday
afternoon the first team played the second team. Score 6 to 0 in favor of the
first team. However, the second team gave them good practice.”
“Mrs. Julia W. Emmons has removed to the old plantation home
near Franklin.”
“Mr. Willis W. Hybart of Bells Landing was among Monroeville
friends Wednesday.”
“Mt. Pleasant: The Blacksher & Bryars turpentine works
are progressing nicely. Fire broke out among the turpentine trees the other day
but did very little damage as Mr. Bryars’ skillful efforts soon quenched it.”
“Local Agent Coxwell reports a larger area of land broken at
this date than for many previous years which goes to show that the farmers are
coming to realize the value of a properly prepared seed bed.”
FEB. 19, 1914
“Mr. F.J. Powell had the misfortune to lose his dwelling at Claiborne
by fire a few days since. The fire was presumably of accidental origin.”
“Improvements continue to be made in Monroeville. Messrs.
Barnett and Bugg are having the old building on the north side of the square
demolished preparatory to the erection of a new business house.”
“Capt. William B. Kemp, for many years an honored citizen of
Monroe County, died at his home at Wilmer, Ala. on Thursday of last week and
was buried at Tunnel Springs on Friday. Capt. Kemp served his company and
people in many responsible positions during his long and useful life. Among the
positions he held the office of Sheriff in the early 70s and later served
several terms in the legislature, both in the senate and house. Peace to his
ashes.”
“The Vredenburgh Saw Mill Co. will in the near future
install daily passenger schedule between Coy, Wilcox County, and Corduroy,
Monroe County. The new service will prove a great convenience to the people
living in that section.”
FEB. 26, 1914
“There was a heavy fall of snow here at intervals on Tuesday
night and Wednesday, but melted almost as fast as it fell and no depth was
reached on the ground.”
“Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Lee, accompanied by there little
daughter, Alice, visited relatives at Graceville, Fla., the first of the week.”
“The Journal learns that Monroeville is soon to have another
mercantile establishment. The new store that will take the place of the
building now being razed on the north side of the square will be occupied by
Mr. C.C. McWilliams.”
“Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Hendrix attended the Carnival in Mobile
the first of the week.”
“Homer Brooks and Nick Sawyer are attending Mardi Gras in
Mobile this week.”
“The work of construction on the Gulf, Florida and Alabama
railroad continues uninterrupted. Weather conditions have been quite favorable
for several weeks and good progress has been made.”
Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for today.
Next month, I’ll take a look at the events of March 1914 in Monroe County.
Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s history yourself, take
advantage of the Monroe County 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 your started.
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