Sunday, December 6, 2015

100-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from Dec. 1915

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published five editions 100 years ago during the month of December 1915. Those issues, which were dated Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville. What follows are a few news highlights from those four editions. Enjoy.

DEC. 2, 1915

Miss Jennie Faulk spent several days last week with friends in Evergreen.

Thanksgiving passed very quietly in Monroeville, and aside from the suspension of ordinary business there was nothing to mark or mar the occasion.

There were 8,756 bales of cotton ginned in Monroe County from the crop of 1915 prior to Nov. 14 as compared with 19,882 bales ginned prior to Nov. 14, 1914. – S.D. Nettles, Special Agent.

The principal and faculty of the Monroe County High School were hosts on Monday to the principal, Miss Sarah Luther of the Conecuh County High School, and faculty, composed of Misses Skinner and Vaughn and Prof. Williams; and on Wednesday Prof. Claude Hardy, principal of the Wilcox County High School and Miss Palmer of the Alabama Girls’ School, Montevallo, were visitors to the school. Prof. Harris jocularly remarked that he was in doubt as to whether these visits were for the purpose of straightening out the local school or merely to take dots for the improvement of the sister institutions. Whatever the motive, the visits were appreciated and will probably result in an exchange of courtesies on convenient occasions.

Mrs. L.A. Hixon’s handsome new dwelling is nearing completion and will prove quite an addition to that part of the city.

The new bungalo being erected by Mr. M.R. Sowell near his residence is well underway and will be ready for occupancy by Mr. E.R. Morrissette Jr. and family by the first of the new year.

DEC. 9, 1915

Dr. A.B. Coxwell attended the session of the Masonic Grand Lodge in Montgomery last week.

Death of Thomas C. McCorvey Jr.: Thomas Chalmers McCorvey Jr., the second son of Col. and Mrs. Thomas C. McCorvey, passed away last night at seven o’clock at the home of his parents on the University campus, death coming to relieve a long struggle which had been made against odds, for the deceased had been an invalid for three years.
Tom McCorvey, as he was affectionately known throughout the state, was born on the 28th of October, 1886. He finished preparatory school and entered the University of Alabama in the fall of 1904, leaving two years later to accept a responsible position in the City Bank and Trust Co. of Mobile in which he was the first assistant cashier. During his University days, Mr. McCorvey was prominently associated with every phase of college life and was universally popular among the boys. When physical strength was no longer sufficient for the demands of service, Mr. McCorvey was granted a leave of absence from the bank and three years ago he went west hoping that the climate would invigorate him. But failing to recover completely he returned to his native home where, surrounded by his loved ones, he fought a valiant but losing battle.
The deepest sympathy of the entire state will go out to the parents and family of Mr. McCorvey, for his father Col. T.C. McCorvey, is one of the oldest and best loved professors in the University and is one of the best known educators in Alabama, while his mother, a member of the distinguished Tutwiler family, has been a friend to the University boys for many years.

DEC. 16, 1915

LOST – Between Repton and Castleberry, bunch of keys. Suitable reward for return to S.J. Yarbrough, Monroeville, Ala.

A Christmas play will be given at the Jones Mill auditorium on Dec. 21 at eight o’clock p.m. The program will consist of a reading in two acts accompanied by vocal and instrumental music by Miss Shell for the benefit of the piano fund. Admission 25 and 15 cents.

Mr. H.L. Dees of Repton, accompanied by his two daughters and two sons, paid Monroeville friends a brief visit on a recent Sunday afternoon, driving his handsome new Buick Six.

The board of revenue held an all-day session at the courthouse Tuesday, all members of the board being present. The board wastes no time but sticks strictly to business.

Mr. and Mrs. John McDuffie are at home after two weeks absence attending court at Grove Hill.

The boys and girls who are away attending the various state institutions will soon be returning home to partake of Christmas cheer with home folks.

Dr. A.B. Coxwell and Messrs. C.W. Jackson and J.D. Rawls motored over to Brewton Sunday to attend the Methodist conference.

DEC. 23, 1915

There will be a singing convention at Goodway, Ala. on Sun., Jan. 2, 1916. Singing in the Sacred Harp. Singing people of Monroe County will be cordially welcomed. – Thos. D. Matheny.

Mr. A.J. Dees, living near Peterman, killed three fine porkers, weighing respectively 294, 337 and 358 dressed or an aggregate of 993 pounds. The shadow of hard times do not overspread the Dees home.

The regular examination of applicants for teachers’ certificates began in the courthouse on Monday under the direction of County Superintendent Barnes. A goodly number essayed the ordeal.

Rev. C.A. Williams, the new pastor of the Monroeville group of Methodist churches, is expected to arrive with his family about New Year.

Rev. D.F. Ellisor spent a few days among Monroeville friends this week while arranging for the shipment of his household effects to his new home at Jackson.

Mr. O.M. Crook was over from Burnt Corn yesterday.

Dr. G.H. Harper of Uriah was here Wednesday, greeting his many Monroeville friends.

Messrs. J.B. Barnett and L.J. Bugg were business visitors to the Gulf City last week.

DEC. 30, 2015

Christmas in Monroeville was unusually quiet and uneventful. All business houses were closed throughout the day and Sabbath stillness pervaded. It is gratifying to note that not the slightest indication of intoxication was observable on the streets.

Miss Lula Nole was accidentally shot in the face with a .22 caliber rifle by her little nephew on Christmas day near Roy. Only a flesh wound was inflicted and no serious consequences are apprehended.

Mr. C.E. Barker of Birmingham has been employed as County Road Engineer, succeeding Mr. P.W. Turner. Mr. Barker has been connected with some of the largest engineering enterprises in the state and is otherwise highly recommended.

Rev. C.A. Williams, the new pastor of the Monroeville circuit, arrived Wednesday evening with his family and is comfortably domiciled in the parsonage. Our people extended to them a most cordial welcome.

Mr. W.S. Keller, State Highway Engineer, spent Monday in Monroeville, supervising the letting of a contract for a section of state aid road.

Dr. W.B. Simmons and family of Piedmont, S.C. are with Dr. Simmons’ mother and other relatives here for the holidays.

Rev. N.H. Gibson, who was pastor of the Franklin circuit during the past year, left Monday for Greenville to take up the duties of his new charge.

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