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 February 1917.
In the Feb. 7, 1917 edition of The Evergreen Courant,
editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. reported that “the body of Mrs. Mary Ella
Bowles-Cobb was brought here on Saturday last for interment beside her husband
and father and mother. Mrs. Cobb died at her home in Tampa, Fla. on Thursday. She was the daughter of the late General P.D. Bowles and Mrs. Bowles and the
widow of the late J.M. Cobb. Deceased is survived by a little daughter and a
sister, Mrs. Frank of Tampa.”
Also that week, readers learned that “the home of B.G.
Moye near Belleville was destroyed by fire on Monday night. Practically all the
contents also went up in smoke. It has not been learned how the fire
originated.”
Salter also reported that week that “three of Conecuh’s best
known and oldest citizens have passed away within the past few days. Charles G. Albreast of near Castleberry died on Friday,
James L. Jones of Melrose on the same date and Jerry P. Matthews Sr. of
Castleberry on Sunday. Mr. Albreast was 78, Mr. Jones 73 and Mr. Matthews 85. All of these were excellent citizens and highly esteemed by
all who knew them. Their deaths will be greatly deplored by their large number
of friends.”
Also that week, it was reported that “tomorrow night, Feb.
8, at 8 p.m. in the chapel of the Agricultural School the Mother’s Club will
give an entertainment of living pictures. There will be 40 participants. This
entertainment will be very unique and no one should miss seeing it. Benefit
City School. Admission 50 cents and 25 cents.”
Salter closed out the week by telling readers that “Judge
Dunn presided over the county court for the first time on Monday. Quite a
number of cases of minor importance was up before His Honor.”
In the Feb. 14, 1917 edition of The Courant, Salter reported
that the “first session of the board of County Commissioners began on Monday
and had not adjourned at the hour of going to press. The new body appears to be
getting matters well before them.”
Also that week, under the headline “County Divided Into
Commissioner’s Districts,” Salter let readers know that “the Court of
Commissioners has divided the county into districts with assignments as
follows: Commissioner Aarons, Beats 7, 8 and 9; Commissioner Brown, Beat 1, 2,
10 and 14; Commissioner Pritchett, Beats 5, 6, 11 and 12; Commissioner Salter,
Beats 3, 4, 13 and 15. Each member of the board is required to look carefully
after his district, especially as to roads and bridges.”
It was also reported that week that “the annual meeting of
the board of trustees of the Baptist Orphans Home is being held here today. The
board as now constituted is composed of 15 members, five of whom are ladies.
The full board was present and a harmonious session held.”
Salter also told readers that they would “not recognize the
part of Cemetery Avenue from the power house to Park Street when the work now
in progress is finished. The improvement will be marked.”
Elsewhere in the paper it was reported that “Judge Zell
Gaston, prominent lawyer and well known in this section, died on Sunday
following a stroke of paralysis on Saturday. He was for a number of years
probate judge of Butler County. He was 50 years old.”
In news from the Bermuda community, the correspondent there
reported that they were “glad to know that Miss Etta Wood is again able to take
up her studies in the Monroeville high school after losing so much time at home
with lagrippe.”
In the Feb. 21, 1917 edition of The Courant, Salter reported
that “on Friday night the bard of Mrs. John Dr. Burnett, together with its
entire contents, was destroyed by fire. The origin of the fire could not be
figured out. Before this barn had burned down, the barn of Mrs. Sampey, in
another part of town, was found to be on fire. This last fire was discovered
before the flames had gained much headway and was promptly extinguished. It is
the belief of many that these fires were started by fire bugs who probably
hoped to attract a large crowd from the business section in order to commit
robbery.”
Readers that week also learned that “the heaviest rainfall
since the memorable July freshet occurred on Saturday afternoon and night, the
rain gauge of the local weather observatory registered four inches at seven
o’clock on Sunday morning. Two inches fell in as many hours on Saturday
afternoon. We learn that the rainfall was heavier on the headwaters of Murder
Creek than was recorded here, considerable damage is reported to roads in the
county.”
It was also reported that week that “a balloon passed over
Evergreen Saturday afternoon and attracted considerable attention. It came from
Pensacola and seems to have gotten from the control of those in charge. It is
said to have gone to ground near Tyson, a few miles south of Montgomery.”
Salter also remarked that week that “the travel to Mardi
Gras from northern points appears heavier than in former years. Many trains
have passed through loaded with people. Very few Evergreen folk took in the
carnival this time.”
Salter closed out the week by saying that “parties desiring
to pay arrears for subscription to The Courant in syrup will bear in mind that
we will accept only fresh syrup in new cans. We cannot use it otherwise.”
In the Feb. 28, 1917 edition of The Courant, readers saw the
following advertisement - “Saturday, March 3, at Arcade Theatre, children’s
day. Mutt and Jeff and Golden Locks and the Three Bears.”
Salter also reported that “Morton Jones has been quite sick
for several days and is yet confined to his bed. Morton has presided at the
general delivery window of the post office for a number of years and has many
friends who hope that his illness will be of short duration.”
Readers that week also learned that “Mrs. Hart, relict of
the late Elisha Hart, was found dead in her bed on Sunday afternoon last. It is
stated that death resulted from some kind of poison taken with suicidal intent.
Deceased with 75 years old. The funeral occurred on Monday at Old Town.”
It was also reported that the “Rev. J.M. Shorter, president
of the Downing Industrial School, requests The Courant to state that any member
of the Girls Canning Club of this County who desires to enter the school as a
student may pay her tuition in canned goods at five cents a dozen above the
market price. This offer is made in the interest of deserving girls who are
ambitious to obtain an education. Any girls interested in this offer should
confer with Mrs. Mary Sturdivant, county agent of Girls Canning Club.”
Also that week, in news from the newspaper’s correspondent
in Belleville, it was reported that “there are many longing hearts in our
community to see the bright faces of our soldiers again.”
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 March 1917 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.
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