BUCKET LIST UPDATE No. 158: See Niagara Falls in person

View from the Observation Point at Niagara Falls State Park.

One of the world’s great natural wonders is Niagara Falls. Like most people, I’ve heard about Niagara Falls and seen photos of it all my life, which is why I put it on my “bucket list” several years ago. I officially scratched this item off my list yesterday when I saw “The Falls” for the first time with my own eyes.

My family and I arrived at Niagara Falls State Park yesterday around five o’clock. Once we got the lay of the land, we set out to see the famous falls for ourselves by crossing the pedestrian bridge from the mainland to Goat Island, which is between the U.S. and Canada. Niagara Falls is actually made up of three larger waterfalls called American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, and a short walk took us to an observation deck where we got good looks at Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls.

We then crossed another short bridge onto a smaller island called Luna Island, where another observation deck provided us with an even more impressive view of the American Falls. We would learn later there there’s another popular observation point on the mainland called Prospect Point, where people get good looks at the American Falls.

Later, we walked to the other end of Goat Island to a point called Terrapin Point. From here, you can see the largest of the falls, Horseshoe Falls, which stretches from the U.S. board across to the Canadian border. When I say this waterfall is huge, it’s HUGE.

Trying to sum up the Niagara Falls experience is somewhat difficult because it’s hard to verbalize what it’s like to see all that raw, natural power. There’s also a palpable element of danger involved because you know that if you fall in the water there, you’d be a goner. My hat’s off to all the daredevils who tight-roped across the falls, rode barrels over them, etc., etc.

In my mind, Niagara Falls is somewhat comparable to the Grand Canyon. It’s a sight that every American should see for themselves at least once in their lives. Photos don’t do it justice, and, young or old, it’s something you’ll never forget once you’ve seen it.

In addition to seeing “The Falls,” there’s a lot more to do at the park. You can ride the famous “Maid of the Mist,” tour the “Cave of the Winds,” climb to the “Crows Nest,” geocache, visit the Aquarium of Niagara, eat at the Top of the Falls Restaurant and see the Nikola Tesla Memorial. Maybe best of all, it’s not that expensive, especially if you buy a Discovery Pass, which gives you a huge discount on most of the attractions at the park. For more information about Niagara Falls State Park, visit its official Web site at www.NiagaraFallsStatePark.com.

In the end, how many of you have seen Niagara Falls in person? What did you think about them? What other similar sites would you recommend seeing in person? Let us know in the comments section below.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 30, 2014

TEN YEARS AGO

JULY 1, 2004

Local weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .57 inches of rain on June 22, .10 inches on June 23, .55 inches on June 24, .22 inches on June 25, .01 inches on June 26 and .60 inches on June 27. He reported a high of 91 degrees on June 21 and a low of 66 degrees on June 27.

“Drug bust nets 50 lbs. of coke: A traffic stop early Friday morning on I-65 by Conecuh County deputies resulted in the seizure of approximately 50 pounds of cocaine and the arrest of the sports utility vehicle’s occupants. According to reports, the vehicle was observed swerving on the highway and causing a hazard to other vehicles.

“The 2004 Ford Excursion was stopped and the occupants questioned by the officers. The two were extremely anxious and gave conflicting stories about their business.

“The officers searched the vehicle and seized 23 kilograms of cocaine with a street value estimated at approximately $2 million.

“The bust that netted close to 50 pounds of cocaine is one of the largest in recent history in Conecuh County.”

“Conecuh County can give itself a hardy well done after the 2004 Relay for Life last Friday night. The Relay raised over $78,555.25 to help the American Cancer Society battle one of the biggest killers of humans.”

25 YEARS AGO

JULY 6, 1989

“There were 11 injuries but no deaths when this van hit a guard rail and turned over after a tire blew out Friday afternoon. The van, property of Springhill Church of God of Mobile, was returning home from a church retreat when the accident occurred just north of the Conecuh County line on I-65. Several of the injured had to be transferred to a Mobile hospital by ambulance. State Trooper Gene Stubbs investigated.”

Local weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .22 inches of rain on June 26, .15 inches on June 27, .35 inches on June 28, .24 inches on June 29, .25 inches on July 1 and 1.22 inches on July 2. He reported 11.67 inches of total rainfall during June, twice the normal amount, with rain falling on 20 days during June. He reported a high temperature of 89 degrees on June 26 and lows of 67 on June 29 and June 30.

“Karen and Pete Wolff, owners of Wolff Broadcasting Corporation of Evergreen, announced this week that WIJK FM is now broadcasting on their new frequency of 93.3 MHZ, with a full 50,000 watts of power. With this power increase, the new station will cover an area from near Montgomery to the Gulf Coast, as well as from Fort Rucker to near the Mississippi state line.

“The new program format features the greatest hits of the 60s, 70s and early 80s, hitting the target age group of 24 to 50.

“According to Keith Holcombe, station manager, ‘We bring back happy memories of a time when we were young and carefree.’”

40 YEARS AGO

JULY 4, 1974

Local weather reporter Earl Windham reported no rain between June 23 and June 30. He reported a high of 92 on June 30 and lows of 60 degrees on June 25, June 28 and June 29.

“Final rites held for Dr. Fountain: Dr. Hugh Clingman Fountain, 94, died Fri., June 28, in the Evergreen Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. Dr. Fountain was a much beloved dentist who practiced for over 60 years and over 50 of those in Evergreen after moving here from Burnt Corn.

“Dr. Fountain was most active as a Mason and perhaps knew more about Masonry than any man in Alabama. He was widely known in Lodge circles and loved and respected by his brothers.”

“Greening Lodge has installation: Greening Lodge F.&A.M. installed officers for 1974-75 at a communication on June 25. District Lecturer Jesse Byrd of Greenville was the installing officer. The Lodge will meet again Tuesday night, July 9, at 7:30.

“New officers are: Melvin Watts, W.M.; A.K. Williams, S.W.; Loftin Shell, J.W.; Delma Bowers, S.D.; Edgar Tatum, J.D.; Quinton Buras, Chaplain; M.E. Kierce, S.S.; John Bewley, Tyler; Horace Deer, Secretary; Albert Owens, Treasurer.”

“Trooper Sgt. dies in Thursday crash: Sgt. Julian D. Stuckey, 36, commander of the Dothan State Trooper Post, was killed in an accident about a mile south of the Owassa exit on I-65 about 1 p.m. last Thursday.

“Sgt. Stuckey, who worked out of the Evergreen Post and was stationed in Monroeville prior to being promoted recently to Dothan, was traveling south when a tire blew out, according to troopers. His car left the road and crashed into a guardrail, killing him instantly.”

55 YEARS AGO

JULY 2, 1959

“Dickey Bozeman Buys Thomasville Times: Sale of The Thomasville Times to Clyde Dickey Bozeman is announced today by Earl L. Tucker, editor and publisher. Bozeman took over the Clarke County weekly at close of business Tuesday.

“Bozeman is the son of R. Gaston Bozeman Sr. of Evergreen, editor and publisher of The Courant from 1926 to 1957, and now serving the paper in an advisory capacity. He joins his brother, Bob, in the weekly editing and publishing field.”

“Castleberry Man Bitten By Monster Rattlesnake: Frank Pate, good citizen living near Castleberry, is reported to be about fully recovered from the effects of a rattlesnake bite which he suffered Sat., June 27, while working about his farm. Mr. Pate’s quick thinking and action in taking his pocket knife and gashing the affected leg, causing it to bleed, no doubt saved his life. He was brought to the Conecuh County Hospital for treatment but was able to go home Monday.

“Mr. Pate saw the snake after it had bitten him but did not kill it as he was too busy trying to save his own life. Two of his neighbors, A.J. Smith and Pete Singleton, later found the snake and killed it. It measured 5-1/2 feet in length, weighed 12 pounds and had 11 rattles. They brought it to Evergreen, where it attracted a large crowd of curious spectators for several hours.”

70 YEARS AGO

JULY 6, 1944

“Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant: Knud Nielsen Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Knud Nielsen, received his commission as 2nd lieutenant at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma last Saturday and arrived home Monday to spend several days leave with his parents. He will return to Ft. Sill for another month’s training before being given his assignment. He is in the field artillery.”

“Willie Shepherd Cook Dies In Action June Second: A telegram received by Aaron Cook July Fourth announced the sad news that his brother, Pvt. Willie Shepherd Cook died from wounds received in action June 3, 1944. Mr. Cook had received a telegram about a week previously informing him that his brother had been seriously wounded June 2. According to the last message, he died the same day he was wounded. He was serving with the Fifth Army in Italy in Co. C, 133rd Infantry.

“Young Cook was born Feb. 4, 1924, the son of the late N.S. Cook and wife. He lived here until he entered the service in January of 1943. He has been in Italy since last September.”

“Prof. McMillan’s Brother Killed in Accident: Citizens of this community were shocked and saddened Sunday afternoon when it became known that Lt. Col. Kenneth D. McMillan, brother of Prof. W.P. McMillan and Miss Lizabeth McMillan, had lost his life in an accident in England June 12. The telegram announcing his death gave no details.

“Col. McMillan was connected with the Department of Aerial Photography. Before entering the service, he lived in Birmingham where he engaged in the real estate business. He had been overseas for several months.”

More details about 'Spurling's Raid' into Conecuh County during Civil War

Andrew Barclay Spurling

(The following article was originally published in the July 4, 1976 edition of The Evergreen Courant under the headline "An Historical Sketch: Spurling’s Raid." It was written by B.C. Smith.

Today’s residents of Conecuh County, unlike many millions, have luckily escaped the horror of having a war fought in and out and among their homes. What little we know of warfare we learned at Verdun in ’16, Guadalcanal in ’42, “The Punchbowl” in ’52 and Hue in ’68. Yet during the Civil War, Conecuh’s citizens were subjected to the catastrophe and destruction of warfare; and, while not the bloody slaughter of a My Lai or the destruction of a Coventry, to the people of Conecuh in 1865 it was just as trying.

Until 1868, the eastern two-thirds of Escambia County formed the lower part of Conecuh. When the Civil War began in 1861, this entire area became one vast fortress, the principal base of which was Pollard, dedicated to the protection of Southern Alabama. Following the occupation of Pensacola by Union forces, it became doubly important to protect the Montgomery-Mobile railroad, especially the junction and marshalling yards at Pensacola Junction (now named Flomaton). Throughout most of The War, aside from an occasional skirmish there was very little military action along this front. In fact, Confederate personnel considered posting to Pollard as soft duty – balls, picnics and barbecues were far more frequent than grapeshot or cannonshells.

The Federal victory on Mobile Bay in August 1864 changed the situation drastically. The towns of Blakely and Spanish Fort were invested and the city of Mobile placed under siege. The Confederate defenders had two access routes of which the Alabama and Florida Railroad through Pollard was the most important; and to stop or disrupt the flow of supplies and reinforcements, the Federals at Pensacola planned an attack on this strategic rail line. Consequently in January 1865, a strike was launched against Brig. Gen. James H. Clanton’s command at Pollard. The general’s available strength had been seriously weakened by the transfer of most of his infantry and all of his cavalry to Mobile. None the less, his troops fought a sharp battle before they were forced to retire on Brewton by the numerically superior and better equipped Yankees. The town of Pollard was looted and burned; rail and military facilities destroyed.

The prompt restoration of facilities at Pollard, coupled with the tenacious defense of Mobile soon prompted the Union command to devise a more extensive raid into Alabama. On Tuesday, 21 March 1865, Col. A.B. Spurling, 7th Tennessee Cavalry, USA, left Milton, Fla. with three cavalry brigades and orders to raid the railroad in Conecuh. Spurling advanced north into Covington County, passing Andalusia early on the morning of the 23rd, doing little or no damage to either public or private property (Covington’s well known and loudly proclaimed lack of sympathy for the Confederacy and its “cause” may have been the grace which saved Andalusia from nothing more serious than a bad scare.)

From Andalusia, Spurling’s Raiders turned westward into Conecuh and although not definitely known it is supposed that he passed along what is now U.S. 84 through Cohasset and Old Town to Owassa (then known as Gravella), where he struck the A&F RR about 11:30 p.m. A northbound mixed freight-passenger local train was captured at 4:30 a.m. on Friday the 24th, and the southbound train had 107 officers and men of the Confederate army aboard who, though half asleep and taken by surprise, gave the Yanks a hot little skirmish before their surrender. The two trains were destroyed, the station and other property burned and several hundred yards of right-of-way dislocated. From Gravella, Spurling descended upon the unsuspecting town of Evergreen, arriving an hour before noon, where railroad rolling stock, station, warehouse and commercial establishments were put to the torch.

Continuing south, the Union raiders occupied Sparta about four o’clock in the afternoon. At Sparta Station, two miles west of town, the entire community including homes and businesses were looted and burned. In Sparta proper, only the county jail was fired after releasing some prisoners-of-war captured at Pollard in January. The next morning, Spurling and his men continued southwestward into what is now Escambia County where they were engaged by a Confederate force at Muddy Creek. Spurling repulsed the Confederates and by Saturday, 1 April, had rejoined his main command in time to participate in the capture of Blakely and Spanish Fort in Baldwin County.

Colonel Spurling’s official report listed the following spoils of his Conecuh raid: 200 blacks, 250 horses  and mules, 120 prisoners, one of whom was the late Willie McCreary of Belleville, captured when the Bellevillians attempted to aid Evergreen. His report did not list a considerable amount of jewelry, silver and other valuables looted from homes and plantations, nor did he attempt to evaluate the financial value of private property destroyed. 

George Singleton enjoyed traveling down, fishing on Flat Creek

George Buster Singleton

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “Beauty of Flat Creek spoiled,” was originally published in the Jan. 17, 1985 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

To the ones who have traveled down Flat Creek by small boat or canoe, it would be a waste of time to try and describe the raw and primitive beauty that abounds there. But to the ones who have never made the journey, time is running out.

The quiet, scenic surroundings are fast being turned into a floating garbage dump. Some among us have decided that Flat Creek is the place to throw their filth and garbage.

The last thing I would ever want would be to get involved in a dispute about the garbage situation, but I feel that I must bring this to the attention of the citizens who still love nature and enjoy its beauty.

Picture yourself floating down this beautiful stream on a lazy afternoon, as I have, fishing a little hear and there. But mostly floating along, moving in and out of the deep, clear water, casting over its edges, not really caring whether you get a strike from a big, beautiful trout or not.

You slowly round a bend in the creek, and there is a drift of logs in the water. This is commonplace, but you don’t understand the huge, bloated white and yellow garbage bags that fill the creek. The rotten garbage reeks a terrible odor. There are paper and filth floating over the water. The beauty and peace that were witnessed a short time earlier have come to a sudden stop.

The primitive surroundings have ceased to be. Modern man has begun his war here against nature and the environment. How sad when we cannot live in harmony with nature! What is wrong when the human race has to deface and destroy that which God has made so beautiful for all to enjoy?

Where there was beauty and peace, there is now filth and decay. Where once wild flowers and the smell of ferns filled the air, now there is the odor of rotten filth, the mark of man and his stupidity.

We must not forget that our days on this planet earth are numbered. Man does not control nature. One day nature will rebel, and man will be the most helpless of all creatures.

Our waste and filth will spread across the land like a killer plague, along with all the chemicals that we have foolishly used in the name of progress.

What a pity that it must all end with only a few caring. Sickness and death will cover the land, and a cup of pure, clean water will be worth its weight in gold. Filth and decay will greet us on every turn, and the smell of rotten waste will ride the winds always. The words of a little-known poet will take on new meanings:

Let me taste the wind,

O Creator of all the universe.

Let me feel the warmth of

The golden sun on my weary body.

Let me rest my soul

By the side of the rippling stream.

Let me look upon Thy wonders

At the close of a perfect day.

Let me be for a time atop a high

Hill, and feel Your presence.

Let my restless spirit reach beyond

The sunset, where the air is pure,

And the sky is forever blue.

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from 1964 to 1987. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)

Battle of Gaine's Mill was a bloody affair for 'Conecuh Guards'

Battle of Gaine's Mill - June 27, 1862

Today marks the 152nd anniversary of one of the bloodiest days of the Civil War for the Confederate military unit from Conecuh County.

On June 27, 1862, Confederate forces under the command of Robert E. Lee clashed with U.S. forces under the command of George B. McClellan and Fitz John Porter at the Battle of Gaine’s Mill in Hanover County, Va. This battle resulted in a Confederate victory but was costly for Co. E of the 4th Alabama Infantry Regiment. Also known as the “Conecuh Guards,” this unit was organized at Sparta on April 1, 1861.

At the Battle of Gaine’s Mill, a total of 2,377 men on both sides of the fight were killed and another 9,509 were wounded. Many members of the Conecuh Guards were among those numbers.

According to B.F. Riley’s 1881 book, “The History of Conecuh County, Alabama,” seven members of the Conecuh Guards were killed at the Battle of Gaine’s Mill - Jerre Downs, Caleb Garner, John Garner, John Gaff, Fielding Lynch, Julius A. Mertins and Thomas Robbins.

Sixteen other members of the Conecuh Guards were wounded at the Battle of Gaine’s Mill, and some of them would survive the war while others would not. Among the wounded were Capt. William Lee, 1st Lt. James W. Darby, 2nd Lt. John G. Guice, Sgt. William D. Clarke, Charles Floyd, Francis M. Grice, William Hodges, John D. Hyde, William Horton, William W. Johnson, John Myers, William Quinley, Henry C. Stearns, Nick Stallworth, Mitchell B. Salter and Evans Sheffield.

Lee, who’d been promoted to captain only about two months before, would go on to be wounded about a year later at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, and he died from his wounds the following day.

Darby would survive the war and live to old age. In fact, 45 years after the Battle of Gaine’s Mill, on Nov. 22, 1907, Darby and Col. Pinckney D. Bowles would present the Conecuh Guards flag to the Alabama Department of Archives and History, where it remains today.

Almost two months later, Guice, who’d been wounded earlier at the Battle of First Manassas, would be wounded again in two places at the Battle of Second Manassas, losing one of his legs and receiving an honorable discharge.

Grice, not to be confused with Guice, lost his left arm at the Battle of Gaine’s Mill, but he didn’t go home. Instead, he became what’s known as a “sutler” for the 4th Alabama Infantry. In the old days, a sutler was a peddler who followed an army around to sell goods and food to soldiers. Grice survived the war, returned home and eventually moved to Escambia County.

Hodges would be taken prisoner at the Battle of Lookout Mountain on Nov. 24, 1863, and he died near Washington, Ga. in 1865. Horton was wounded in the shoulder and leg at Gaine’s Mill, and he moved to Butler County when he returned home after the war.

Johnson was disabled by the wounds he received at Gaine’s Mill, and he received an honorable discharge before returning home to Conecuh County.

Myers may have been the most mysterious of the group. Wounded at Gaine’s Mill, he was dropped from the unit’s roll in 1863, and according to Riley’s book, Myers was killed in Butler County after the war.

Quinley would go on to be wounded at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, and according to Riley, Quinley deserted to U.S. forces in 1865. Stearns survived the war and returned to Conecuh County when it was all over.

Stallworth may have been the most colorful character in the unit. Stallworth was born in Evergreen on Aug. 9, 1845 and became the youngest member of the 4th Alabama Infantry when he enlisted at the age of 15. He would later be wounded at the Battle of Cold Harbor near Mechanicsville, Va. in May 1864.

He returned to Conecuh County and became a farmer, lawyer, state legislator and solicitor for the 11th Judicial Circuit. Early on the morning of June 7, 1909, Stallworth passed away at the age of 64 at his home on Evergreen’s Main Street after a long illness.

Salter, who was 23 years old at the time of Gaine’s Mill, would be wounded later at the Battle of Chickamauga (some sources say Gettysburg), and his arm had to be amputated. Salter died on Nov. 8, 1920 at the ripe, old age of 81, and he’s buried in the Old Evergreen Cemetery. However, the bone from his arm that was amputated at Chickamauga is currently on display in the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington, D.C.

Sheffield would also be wounded later at the Battle of Gettysburg, and he returned to Conecuh County after the war. Bizarrely, according to Riley’s book, Sheffield was later killed by a falling tree.

Floyd apparently survived the war, but Riley’s book indicates that Floyd moved to Texas after the war. Also, unfortunately, I don’t have any other information about what happened to Clarke and Hyde.

In the end, if you’ve got any other information about the men mentioned above, I’d like to hear about it. You can contact me at The Courant at 578-1492 or e-mail me at courantsports@earthlink.net. You can reach me by mail at The Evergreen Courant, ATTN: Lee Peacock, P.O. Box 440, Evergreen, AL 36401. 

Daily Weather Observations from SW Alabama for Fri., June 27, 2014

Temp: 71.8 degrees F.

Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.10 inches

Humidity: 84 percent (Humid)

Conditions: Mostly Cloudy skies; birds audible and visible; flying insects and crickets audible; light dew on the ground.

Barometric Pressure: 29.60 inHg. 

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.20 inches

Month to Date Rainfall: 4.00 inches

Summer to Date Rainfall: 0.20 inches

Year to Date Rainfall: 43.55  inches

NOTES: Today is the 178th day of 2014 and the seventh day of Summer. There are 187 days left in the year.

Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-4, Station Name: Excel 2.5 ESE. 

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for June 26, 2014

Hillcrest's Rajah Savage (1)

ONE YEAR AGO

JUNE 27, 2013

“The Evergreen Heat captured Conecuh County’s first ever state championship at the Alabama Sports Festival’s 16-and-Under youth basketball tournament Saturday in Hoover. Players on the team are Jahod Booker, Keyshawn Roache, Ceauan Smith, Azavian Ingram, Matthew Likely, Mikyie Dees, Tyrell Riley and Latreal McCreary. In addition to the team’s gold medal finish, Roache was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. (The team’s coaches were Earnest Boykin and Bryan Boykin.)

“Hillcrest High School basketball player Rajah Savage has accepted an athletic scholarship from Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss.

“Savage, 18, played four years at Hillcrest as a shooting guard and graduated in May. He paid an official visit to Alcorn’s campus on April 18-19 and plans to sign with the Braves later this month.

“Savage is the son of Jim Marshall and Donnie Savage, both of Evergreen.”

“The lake at Evergreen Municipal Park is teeming with fish, and officials with the City of Evergreen are encouraging citizens to ‘catch and keep’ all the fish they want from the crowded lake.

“According to City Projects Manager Jeff Sullivan, two biologists with the Alabama Department of Natural Resources in Mobile conducted a survey of the lake on Tuesday of last week and reported that the lake contained large numbers of fish.”

16 YEARS AGO

JUNE 25, 1998

“Sonia Spears McCall, a team mother, would like to congratulate the Mariners on a great season. She would like to thank the coaches, Brian Martin, Joe McInvale and Paul Hamby, the team mom, Pam McInvale, and the team sponsor, John’s Collision Center. The coaches present each team member with a trophy.”

“Sunshine Floyd was chosen to represent Sparta Academy at the 1998 session of Alabama Girls State, held on the campus of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, June 14-19, 1998.

“Sunshine was selected to attend Alabama Girls State because of her outstanding participation in Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, FCA, class offices, cheerleading, softball…”

31 YEARS AGO

JUNE 23, 1983

“Softball tournament at Park Saturday: A ladies softball tournament sponsored by the China ladies softball team will be held at the Evergreen Municipal Park Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.”

“Little League Round Up:

“Little League: Giants, 12-0; Yankees, 6-6; Dodgers, 4-7; Cubs, 3-7; Braves, 3-8.

“Junior League: Minors, Mets, 5-3; Orioles, 4-3; Red Sox, 2-5-2.

“Girls Softball: Wildcats, 6-2; Tomboys, 4-4; Angels, 2-6.

“T-Ball: Tigers, 7-0; Rangers, 3-4; Athletics, 1-7.”

46 YEARS AGO

JUNE 27, 1968

“Two days of fun and instruction in various phases of outdoor sports and wildlife conservation were enjoyed last week by 52 campers at the annual Evergreen Rotary Club Fish and Wildlife Camp. Tal Stuart’s Pond near Belleville is the permanent site of the camp.

“The Rotary Wildlife Camp Committee made up of Johnny Nielsen, Hub Robison, Bill McGehee, Kilmer Bodiford, Tal Stuart, Sam Cope, Mabry Huggins, Bob Bozeman, Henry Kinzer, Luther Gowder, Hill Stallworth, Brown Boykin, Jack Wild and Henry Sessions was responsible for the successful camp. Huggins and Bobby Moorer, assistant county agent, were directors.

“Counselors were Tommy Weaver, Emmette Price, Armour Stacey, John Crum Sessions, Hill Harper, Mike Lanier, John Robinson, Jim Williams, Eddie Reeves, James Coburn, Lynn McCreary, Shelby Windham and Jeb Barron.

“A new activity, tent pitching, was introduced this year. Two boys were assisted to a pup tent.

“Rotarians and youth and adult counselors gave instruction in bait, fly and spin casting and rifle marksmanship. Prizes were awarded to the outstanding camper in each category.

“The boys attended sessions on Fish Pond Construction and Management led by Luther Gowder, Trapping and Hide Preservation led by A.K. Williams and Herbert Oakley, Firearm Safety led by Earl Kennamer, Auburn University Extension Wildlife Specialist, and Tree Identification and Forest Management for Wildlife led by Kilmer Bodiford. Tal Stuart and Skip Stacey conducted a tour of the Wildlife Management Area. A water safety demonstration was provided by the Water Safety Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation.

“The camp was termed a big success and thanks expressed to the Soil Conservation Unit in Evergreen and all others who made the camp possible.”

“Steve Dunn is mighty proud of the wristwatch he received as a prize for being selected as the Best Camper at the Rotary Wildlife Camp last week. Steve is the 12-year-old son of Mrs. Ernestine Dunn of Lyeffion. The prize was given by Boykin Jewelers of Evergreen.”

“These six boys won proficiency awards at the closing of Rotary Wildlife Camp last Thursday. Winners were Troy Bakel of Evergreen, best fly caster; Steve Dunn of Lyeffion, best camper; Benny Landon of Evergreen, best rifle shot; Doug Austin of Brewton, best spin caster; Harry Pipkins of Lyeffion, best bait caster; and Johnny Andrews of Evergreen, best shotgun shot. Prizes were donated by Conecuh Quick Freeze, Bank of Evergreen, Persons Hardware, Wild Brothers Hardware, Western Auto and Boykin Jewelers.”

“CATFISH SUPPER: The Lyeffion Quarterback Club will sponsor a freshwater catfish supper on Sat., July 6, at Lyeffion High School. Serving will begin at 6:30 p.m. The price is $1 for ‘all you can eat.’”

“WE NOW HAVE BAIT – Crickets – Red Worms – Live Minnows – 1-Stop does it all at John Allen’s EVERGREEN CONOCO STATION, Highway 31 So.”

61 YEARS AGO

JUNE 25, 1953

“Greenies Edge Baker 2-1 In Extra Innings; Gaston Whiffs 18 Men: The Evergreen Greenies won an uphill, 2 to 1 victory over Baker, Fla. in a game played in Brooks Stadium Sunday afternoon that really gave fans their money’s worth. The local sluggers tied the game up 1-1 in the ninth inning and chased home the winning run in the last of the 11th. George Gaston and newcomer Jerry Kemp were heroes in the win.

“Gaston scattered eight hits and it took a ‘fluke’ home run by Baker’s pitcher L. Rice to get a score off him. He shoved that third strike past 18 Baker batters, 16 of them falling in the regulation nine innings.

“Kemp who moved to Evergreen only a week ago started his first game for the Greenies at third base and played errorless ball afield. In the 11th, he singled home Sam Brown for the inning marker.

“Gaston was never in much trouble except in the eighth when he allowed two more hits after Rice’s homer. He struck out Whitfield with two men on to end the threat.

“Sam Brown led the Evergreen hitters with two hits, one a triple, in five trips to the plate. He scored both runs for the locals.

“Jeff Moorer also got a triple and a single in four trips and Kemp had two singles in five trips.

“L. Rice had two hits in four trips, D. Rice and Holloway had two for five to lead the Baker batters.

“The Greenies play the Brewton Millers in Brewton tonight (Thursday) and the Millers come to Brooks Field for a game Sunday afternoon at three o’clock. Baker will be here again Sunday week.” 

Has any other Evergreen all-star team ever made the state tournament?

2014 Evergreen Cal Ripken 12-and-Under All-Stars

Hats off this week to Evergreen’s 12-and-Under Cal Ripken all-star baseball team, which will be representing Conecuh County this weekend at the state Cal Ripken tournament in Demopolis.

For good reason, much has been made during the past week or so over the fact that this team is the first team from Evergreen to play their way into the state tournament. Cal Ripken baseball in Evergreen traces its roots to April 15, 2011 when the first ever Cal Ripken Baseball Opening Day was held at Evergreen Municipal Park. Prior to this, children in Evergreen played Little League Baseball.

Since April 15, 2011, no all-star team from Conecuh County has advanced to the state tournament, which is what makes this year’s success so remarkable.

During the past week, I’ve had several people ask me if any team from Evergreen has ever made it to the state tournament, going back to even before Cal Ripken when local kids played Little League Baseball.

Honestly, I don’t know, but I’ve been told that a team during the mid to late 70s did go to the state tournament. As best that I can remember, I haven’t ran across any information about this team or any others while researching my weekly Sports Flashback feature, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.

In the future, I plan to keep my eyes open for any mention of this team or any others that may have made the state tournament. I’m also keeping my eyes open for articles about youth baseball in Conecuh County, which is somewhat of a local sports mystery.

When were the first youth baseball leagues established in Conecuh County? Who was responsible for establishing those leagues? Who were some of the first players? Who was the first girl to play youth baseball in Conecuh County? These are all questions that I’ve been trying to find the answers to for some time.

Organized youth baseball seems to have come to Conecuh County some time after World War II, and those youth leagues went by a variety of names, including the Junior League, Senior League, Pony League and others. Some of those old leagues were administered by the City of Evergreen and went by a wide variety of rules. Managers were sometimes even allowed to trade players and “buy” them from other teams.

The earliest reference to Little League Baseball that I’ve seen in old editions of The Courant was in 1955, but there’s a good chance that Little League Baseball and other youth baseball leagues were established even earlier than that in Conecuh County. Local kids played Little League through 2010, and, as mentioned above, in 2011 the local youth league shifted from Little League to Cal Ripken Youth Baseball, which is based in Baltimore, Md.

In the end, if anyone out there knows more details about the establishment of youth baseball, especially Little League Baseball, in Conecuh County or about any past state tournament teams from Conecuh County, let me hear from you. You can call me at The Courant at 578-1492 or e-mail me at courantsports@earthlink.net. You can also write me at The Evergreen Courant, ATTN: Lee Peacock, P.O. Box 440, Evergreen, AL 36401. 

Daily Weather Observations from SW Alabama for Thurs., June 26, 2014

Temp: 72.1 degrees F.

Rainfall (past 24 hours): Trace.

Humidity: 82 percent (Humid)

Conditions: Mostly Cloudy skies; birds audible and visible; security lights still on in the distance.

Barometric Pressure: 29.58 inHg. 

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.10 inches

Month to Date Rainfall: 3.90 inches

Summer to Date Rainfall: 0.10 inches

Year to Date Rainfall: 43.45  inches

NOTES: Today is the 177th day of 2014 and the sixth day of Summer. There are 188 days left in the year.

Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-4, Station Name: Excel 2.5 ESE. 

Ever wondered how the town of Red Level, Alabama got its name?

This week’s featured historical marker is the “RED LEVEL HISTORY” marker in Covington County, Alabama. This marker is located on Main Street in Red Level, just across the railroad tracks from the town’s post office.

This historical marker was erected in July 2010 by the Alabama Tourism Department and the Town of Red Level. There’s text on both sides of this marker, and both sides are different. What follows is the complete text from the marker.

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“A RED LEVEL HISTORY: Red Level community became the town of Red Level when chartered by the Alabama Legislature on March 4, 1901. Named after Read’s Level, a store two miles away from present-day location, it was the designated post office from 1857-1866. The Civil War forced its closing, but it was re-established in 1868. The name changed to Red Level in 1876, and moved to its present location in 1880. Red Level is home or birthplace to notables: Dr. Luther L. Terry, U.S. Surgeon General during the Kennedy administration and first author of the Surgeon General’s report on smoking; Dr. Thomas L. Smith, Brigadier General, U.S. Army Dental Corps; Flying Tiger hero Ben Crum Foshee, killed in action in China in 1942; and President Bill Clinton’s great-grandfather, James M. Cassidy. Red Level School was established in 1898, and later became part of the Covington County School System. Fairmount cemetery has served the community since the 1800s. (Continued on other side)”

“A RED LEVEL HISTORY: (Continued from other side) Red Level citizens worked and traded with local merchants and farmers, ginning, warehousing and trading cotton, livestock, feed, fertilizer and many other goods. Some of those were: Read’s Level, J.O. Adkinson Stables, City Hotel, Commercial Hotel, Bush Furniture Company, Red Level Mercantile Company, John I. Deens, Dr. J.R. Ealum Drug Company, W.C. Smith Drugstore, Smith Barber Shop, Joe Smith Store, Terry Drugstore, Pure Food Store, I.E. Wilson Barber Shop and Beauty Parlor, Miss Lettie Hugghins Ladies Shop, Miss Roxie Wesleys 5&10 Store, Eva Adams Dress Shop, Adam’s Gin, Foshee Feed and Milling Co., Clark Hardware and Funeral Home, the Red Level Café, the YellowBird Café, Gorum’s Enterprises, United Super Grocery and Appliance, Rene’s Style Shop, Barrow Motor Service, Brook’s Grocery, Barrow Furniture, the Gulf/Bp (“the bottom”) gas station, Sara’s Nursery, A.B. Powell Lumber Co., J.W. Stowers Lumber Co., Patrick-McGowan Lumber Co., Western Union, General telephone and many others forgotten or unknown.”

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I encountered this historical marker last Friday while on the way to a baseball tournament in Opp. I’d been to Red Level a few times before, but this was the first time that I’d been there since this marker was put in place. If you ever find yourself in downtown Red Level, be sure to check out the old Fairmount Cemetery and Crystal Springs Park, which is located near Red Level High School’s football field.

In the end, visit this site next Wednesday to learn about another historical marker. I’m also taking suggestions from the reading audience, so if you know of an interesting historical marker that you’d like me to feature, let me know in the comments section below.

Daily Weather Observations from SW Alabama for Wed., June 25, 2014

Temp: 71.8 degrees F.

Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.00 inches

Humidity: 81 percent (Humid)

Conditions: Mostly Cloudy skies; birds audible (including woodpecker); flying insects visible; light dew on the ground.

Barometric Pressure: 29.61 inHg. 

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.10 inches

Month to Date Rainfall: 3.90 inches

Summer to Date Rainfall: 0.10 inches

Year to Date Rainfall: 43.45  inches

NOTES: Today is the 176th day of 2014 and the fifth day of Summer. There are 189 days left in the year.

Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-4, Station Name: Excel 2.5 ESE. 

Did the legendary Jim Bowie once live in Monroe County, Alabama?

Col. James 'Jim' Bowie.

If you’re even slightly interested in Alabama history, I highly recommend that you check out an older book called “Reminiscences of Men and Things in Alabama” by Benjamin Faneuil Porter. 

Originally published in 1853, this book describes life in Alabama during the early 19th Century as well as various places and important Alabama residents of that time. The edition of the book I read was published in 1983 by Portal Press in Tuscaloosa and was researched and edited by Sara Walls.

Porter was no run-of-the-mill writer or historian. Born in 1808 in South Carolina, he moved to Monroe County, Ala. in 1829, and he lived in Claiborne for about six years. During his life, he would bear many titles, including that of physician, lawyer, Circuit Judge for Mobile and Butler counties, State Representative for Monroe and Tuscaloosa counties, railroad developer, prison reformer, journalist, women’s rights activist and advocate for public education. He’d eventually become mayor of Greenville, and he died there in 1868.

Being a native of Monroe County and fascinated by the history of Claiborne, I was especially drawn to a couple of items that I encountered in Porter’s book. The first item was about the proprietors of an early Claiborne newspaper, and the second item was about the legendary Jim Bowie.

While talking about his days as a young man in Claiborne, Porter wrote that he spent his “time singularly enough. I wrote essays and poems, under the name of Will Honeycombe, for a paper published in Claiborne under the title of The Index by Kean & Neuffville. I do not know what became of these poor fellows. Kean was a jovial soul, full of anecdote and joke, fond of the bottle, and a most kind-hearted, agreeable companion. Neuffville was from Charleston – very talented, but, like Kean, pleased with sack, and full of wit and repartee.”

A few pages later, Porter mentions that Col. Jim Bowie, who died at the Alamo in Texas in 1836, once lived in Monroe County. During a discussion of Alamo hero and former Claiborne resident William B. Travis, Porter wrote that "I am reminded that Col. (Jim) Bowie, who fell with Travis, and from whom the term 'Bowie knife' was derived, also lived in Monroe (County). On the road from Claiborne to Burnt Corn, near the present site of Monroeville, was a double log house where Col. Bowie resided."

Many dismiss the idea that Bowie lived in Monroe County as a mistake on Porter’s part, but his remarks give me reason to pause. Porter was no backwoods scribbler, he was a prominent doctor and lawyer and one of the leading legal scholars of his day. He personally knew Travis, and if he wrote that Bowie lived in Monroe County, my thinking is that he at least had a good reason for believing that was the case. While it’s very possible that Porter made a mistake, I’m convinced that he had good reason to believe Bowie lived in Monroe County at some point prior to 1836.

In the end, how many of you have read “Reminiscences of Men and Things in Alabama”? What did you think about it? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments section below.

Daily Weather Observations from SW Alabama for Tues., June 24, 2014

Temp: 72.1 degrees F.

Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.00 inches

Humidity: 82 percent (Humid)

Conditions: Overcast skies; birds audible (including woodpecker) and visible; dogs audible; light dew on the ground; a few, small falling raindrops felt.

Barometric Pressure: 29.57 inHg. 

Week to Date Rainfall: 0.10 inches

Month to Date Rainfall: 3.90 inches

Summer to Date Rainfall: 0.10 inches

Year to Date Rainfall: 43.45  inches

NOTES: Today is the 175th day of 2014 and the fourth day of Summer. There are 190 days left in the year.

Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level. CoCoRaHS Station No. AL-MN-4, Station Name: Excel 2.5 ESE. 

BUCKET LIST UPDATE No. 157: Watch “Lonesome Dove” (1989)

For a long time, I think I’ve been one of the few people still walking this earth who could say that I’d never watched “Lonesome Dove.” Based on Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this 1989 TV mini-series is considered one of the finest Western movies ever made. It somewhat pained me that I’d never watched this movie from start to finish, which is why I put it on my “bucket list” several years ago.

Originally broadcast on CBS in February 1989, this mini-series consisted of four episodes. I’d seen portions of this movie, on and off over the years, but I knew that I’d never seen the entire movie, which is nearly 6-1/2 hours long. On Saturday and Sunday, I took the time to watch all four episodes and really enjoyed finally scratching this item off my bucket list.

For those of you who haven’t seen this movie or read the original 1985 novel, it’s set in the 1870s and is about a group of cattlemen, led by two former Texas Rangers, who set out to drive a herd of cattle from the Texas-Mexico border town of Lonesome Dove to Montana. Their lives seem to revolve around simple pleasures like good whiskey and the few women that live close by. Their lives are dominated by the tough environment, the constant threat of hostile Indians, violent outlaws, chance accidents and strong friendships.

Directed by Simon Wincer, the movie’s cast included Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover, Ricky Schroder, Anjelica Huston, Diane Lane, Robert Urich and Steve Buscemi. This movie was a huge hit when it first aired on CBS and today you can buy the complete DVD set of the series or watch it like I did on NetFlix.

As you might have imagined, “Lonesome Dove” can be found on a number of “best of” lists, and one that caught my eye a while back was released by one of my favorite Web sites, “The Art of Manliness.” The list, called the “17 Best Western Movies” list, was released over a year ago and ranked “Lonesome Dove” at No. 5, right between 1952’s “High Noon” and 1960’s “The Magnificent Seven.”

Usually the book is almost always better than the movie, and I’ve had “Read ‘Lonesome Dove’” on my “bucket list” for a while too. I started reading it yesterday, but it’s going to take me a while to finish it since it’s over 900 pages long. So far so good, and I expect to be done with it in three or four weeks.

The book is also on a number of “best of” lists, including The Art of Manliness’ “Fiction for Men” reading list and Esquire magazine’s list of “75 Books Every Man Should Read.” The Art of Manliness also ranked it No. 89 on a 2011 list called “100 Must Read Books: The Man’s Essential Library.” It’s also a past winner of the Western Writers of America’s Spur Award for Best Novel.

In the end, how many of you have ever watched “Lonesome Dove”? How any of you have read the original novel? What did you think about them? Let us know in the comments section below.

BUCKET LIST UPDATE No. 156: Watch “Logan’s Run” (1976)

One of my favorite science fiction novels is “Logan’s Run” by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson. Published in 1967, this novel is set in a future in which no one’s allowed to live past the age of 30. Supposedly, for the betterment of society, those past 30 are put down to prevent overcrowding and to conserve resources. Those who fight or flee are tracked down by trained killers called Sandmen.

I read “Logan’s Run” for the first time several years ago and loved it. A short time later, I was discussing it with my brother-in-law, and he said he knew of a group of friends who celebrated their 30th birthdays by having "Logan’s Run"-themed birthday parties in which they actually watched the motion picture version of the book. It dawned on me that I’d never seen this movie, which is why I put it on my “bucket list” a short time later.

During the past week, courtesy of NetFlix, I officially watched “Logan’s Run” from start to finish, and it was actually better than I thought it would be. Directed by Michael Anderson, this 1976 movie starred Michael York, Richard Jordan, Jenny Agutter, Farrah Fawcett and Peter Ustinov. Not only was this movie nominated for two Academy Awards, but it also won the 1976 Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film.

If you’ve never seen “Logan’s Run,” be forewarned. It’s not a slick, modern sci-fi movie like you’d see in theaters today. The special effects remind me of what you’d seen in the old “Planet of the Apes” movies or from the old “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” TV series. That’s not to say the movie isn’t any good. It’s just a little out of date by today's standards.

As you might have imagined, you’ll also find “Logan’s Run” on a number of “best of” lists. Not only did it win a Saturn Award, but it was also ranked No. 16 on Popular Mechanics’ list of “100 Best Sci Fi Movies.” This movie and novel also spawned a 14-episode TV series that aired on CBS, and that series was ranked No. 28 on Popular Mechanic’s list of “50 Greatest Sci-Fi TV Shows Ever.”

If you’ve never read the original novel, I highly recommend it. I read it in August 2010, and the novel is somewhat different than the 1976 movie version. In the book, citizens aren’t allowed to live beyond the age of 21. In the movie, citizens aren’t allowed to live beyond the age of 30. Also, in the book, the main character is named Logan 3, but in the movie, he’s called Logan 5. These are just two of more than a few differences between the movie and the book.

In the end, how many of you have watched “Logan’s Run”? How many of you have read the original novel? What did you think about them? Let us know in the comments section below.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 23, 2014

Greening Lodge's officers for 2013-2014.

ONE YEAR AGO

JUNE 27, 2013

Local weather reporter Betty Ellis reported 2.18 inches of rain on June 17, .32 inches on June 18 and .10 on June 19. She reported a high temperature of 90 degrees on June 18 and lows of 67 on June 19 and June 21.

“Greening Lodge Nov. 53, Free & Accepted Masons, chartered in 1875, inducted its officers for the coming year during a ceremony Tuesday night at the Masonic lodge on Edwina Street in Evergreen. Pictured after the induction ceremony are Donald Salter, Senior Steward; Brian Crandall, Senior Warden; Danny Covin, Worshipful Master; Mark Godwin, Junior Warden; Jim McKinney, Junior Steward; James “J.B.” Franklin, Tyler; Lee Salter, Marshal; Wayne Ginwright, Installing Officer; Jettie Shell, Secretary; Phil Freeman, Chaplain; and Alex Pate, Senior Deacon. Not pictured are Gary Wayne Pate, Junior Deacon; Ben Peters, Treasurer; and John Potts, Historian. Meetings of the lodge are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, staring with fellowship and refreshments at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m.”

“Businessman and Tea Party leader, Danny B. Joyner, announced Tuesday that he is launching the ‘Faith-Family-Freedom’ campaign in his bid to represent the people of South Alabama in the Alabama Senate in District 22.”

16 YEARS AGO

JUNE 25, 1998

Local weather reporter Harry Ellis reported a trace of rain on June 15, .04 inches of rain on June 19, .06 inches on June 20 and .01 inches on June 21. He reported highs of 97 on June 18, June 19 and June 20 and lows of 67 on June 20 and June 21.

“Fleming inducted into FFA Wall of Honor: A Conecuh County teacher has been inducted into the Future Farmers of America Wall of Honor.

“David C. Fleming was honored by the FFA at its state convention held June 9 at the Montgomery Civic Center. Fleming taught in public school systems for 33 years. He was cited for being a Christian, a husband, a father, a grandfather, friend and dedicated teacher of vocational agribusiness education.

“He graduated from Coffeeville High School in 1943, served three years in the U.S. Navy and graduated from Auburn University in 1949.

“He began his teaching career in 1949 at Foley High School, where he stayed three years before moving to Evergreen. (He would go on to teach in Evergreen for 30 years.)

“Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Padgett of Evergreen is presented the Distinguished Service Medal of Alabama, the state’s highest military award, by Capt. Thurman Dennis, commander of the Alabama Army Guard’s state headquarters company.”

“Work crews are currently replacing the roof at Evergreen City School. The same was recently completed at Lyeffion Junior High School at the school system attempts to improve the existing buildings.”

31 YEARS AGO

JUNE 23, 1983

Local weather reporter Earl Windham reported .47 inches of rain on June 16, 1.33 inches of rain on June 17 and 1.11 inches on June 18. He reported a high of 92 degrees on June 17 and a low of 65 on June 12.

“The (Evergreen City) council approved a motion to purchase timers for the runway lights at Middleton Field Airport, upon the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration. The timers will allow pilots flying into the airport at night to turn on the lights from inside their planes. This will permit the lights to be turned off at night and by doing so, save the city money on electric bills. The estimated cost of $950 for the timers may be recovered in approximately 2-1/2 years.”

“Six members of 4-H clubs from the Second Congressional District were recently in Washington, D.C. to attend the 1983 Washington Focus Sessions. They are shown above with Congressman Bill Dickinson during a visit to Capitol Hill. The members and their leaders who met with the Congressman are Mrs. Teresa Williams, Assistant County Agent, Ozark; Katrina Riley, Evergreen; Tabitha Thomas, Luverne; Vanessa Joyce, Ariton; Congressman Dickinson; Casey White, Ozark; Kim Dennison, Elmore; Mrs. Margaret Sanders, Andalusia; and Britton McNeill, Evergreen. These 4-H members were in Washington as part of a group of 94 Alabamians who took part in the weeklong affair that was held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md.”

46 YEARS AGO

JUNE 27, 1968

“Clearing and construction work are underway at the Flxible Southern Co. plant. Soon a modern building will rise from the rubble resulting from the fire last Feb. 21 which caused almost total destruction of the plant.”

“The qualifying of Edward (Buddy) Evers for Place 4 on the Evergreen City Council leaves two councilmen, Dr. Joseph H. Hagood in Place 1 and Knud Nielsen Jr. in Place 5, without opposition. Evers will oppose incumbent Bob Bozeman.”

“Sheriff James Brock and ATU agent Roy Blount of Mobile confiscated a four-barrel whiskey still and 200 gallons of mash on Sunday afternoon in Nymph.”

“The Student Council, assisted by the Key Club, sponsored the construction of this handsome marker at Evergreen High School. The council committee, headed by Emmett Price and Tim Stinson, cleaned the bricks donated by Emmett and aided the brick mason so that the marker could be built at a small cost. Members of the vocational agriculture classes, under the direction of D.C. Fleming, will plant shrubbery around the marker in the fall. The Student Council is to be commended for their project which adds prestige to the ‘Home of the Aggies.’”

“Evergreen’s new telephone directory is being delivered this week, according to J.D. Kaylor, manager for Southern Bell.”

61 YEARS AGO

JUNE 25, 1953

“Strong winds Sunday night caused considerable damage at the Moonlite Drive-In Theatre some four miles out of Evergreen on the Booklyn Highway. Striking fiercely late that night the winds caused damage estimated at $1,200 by owner Bert Gorum and put the theatre out of business this week.

“Mr. Gorum has been working speedily to make repairs and stated Wednesday that the theatre would be back in operation this Sunday night when ‘David and Bathsheba’ starring Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward will be screened.

“The wind Sunday night completely destroyed the Moonlite’s screen ripping it into hundreds of pieces. A number of patrons were attending the show at that time but their cars suffered no damage.”

“Evergreen’s Newest Eagle Scouts are pictured above in front of the fireplace of the new Boy Scout Hut. The boys are John (Pete) Mosley and Sammy Robison. They were awarded their Eagle Badges, the highest Boy Scout rank, at a ceremony recently. Sammy was a 1953 graduate of Evergreen High School while Pete will finish next year and is one of the youngest Scouts to ever received the Eagle award here.”

“The United States Post Office at Evergreen will become a first class office Wed., July 1, according to Postmaster Mary R. Cunningham. The class of office is based on stamp sales, box rents, etc. and first class is the highest grade.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Byron Warren spent several days in Atlanta last week and attended the 50th Anniversary Dinner of Ford Motor Co.”