100-year-old news highlights from The Wilcox Progressive Era

Washington Irving's 'Rip Van Winkle'

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Dec. 6, 1917 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

To the Subscribers of the Wilcox Progressive Era: For almost 30 years, and since the time, with others, that I established the Wilcox Progressive in 1887, it has been my endeavor through the columns of the paper to speak to you words of cheer and encouragement in the task we all had in building up our native town, county and state, and its agricultural business, educational and professional interests. I have always advocated Jeffersonian Democracy and local self-government, as these were taught by our fathers and elders. My weekly chats with you has been a labor of love, and if my humble efforts to help build up our town, county and state have been partially rewarded by success, then I am thankful. Contemplated business matters which will require my entire attention and time will force me to relinquish my editorial management of the Progressive Era, which ceases with this issue. To succeed me as owners and editors of the Progressive Era, I have been fortunate in being able to secure Messrs. Stanley C. Godbold and O.C. Weaver. In their personalities I feel assured that they will give their best efforts and continue to help build upon our town, county and state. My regret is softened with the knowledge that they will continue to give you a weekly journal in the Progressive Era, that will continue the high standard I trust that has filled its columns in the past. I thank each and every one of you, the business and professional men, and the many friends who have so liberally aided me in the past, and with the sale I have transferred my good will to Messrs. Godbold and Weaver.

My citizenship will remain in Wilcox County and in the future I will aid all that I can that the present prosperity may continue for our people; and now, dear subscribers, the regretful word must be spoken, and in severing my connection with the Wilcox Progressive Era, I will say adieu, but not goodbye, and in the words of Rip Van Winkle, “May God bless and prosper you all.”

Yours very truly,

Sol. D. Bloch

County Engineer H.G. Smith informs us that a new bridge is being built across Strait Creek, on the Camden and Pine Apple road. Another bridge is being built across Pine Barren, at Ward’s mill in Pine Apple beat, and that Mr. M.C. Weir, road overseer, is repairing small bridges in Gees Bend that were damaged by the September floods. The bridges in West Wilcox are reported in pretty fair shape for fall and winter usage.

Cotton Ginned: There were 7,071 bales of cotton, counting round bales as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1917 prior to Nov. 14, 1917 as compared with 8,894 bales ginned to Nov. 14, 1916. – C.S. Dale.

The Wilcox Progressive Era will continue to be published weekly as it has been done for the past 30 years. We trust our friends will remember us and send in their subscription dues.

The new daily mail route from Catherine by Miller’s Ferry and Canton Bend to Camden began operation on Dec. 1. The mail arrives about one o’clock in the afternoon and returns from here to Catherine. It is a great convenience to our west side friends.

Mr. Boyd Wallace, now of the U.S. Army, is visiting his father and family, Rev. W.H. Wallace, on furlough.

Lt. Dr. Dan Cook, located at Camp Gordon, Ga., was a recent visitor to his mother and family for Thanksgiving.

Circuit Clerk S.M. Cobb has been appointed U.S. explosive licensing agent by the department at Washington, D.C. Apply to him for licenses for explosives.

Col. Ed. N. Jones, who was recently stationed in Wisconsin, has been transferred to Washington city, where he is now in command of the 44^th United States Infantry.

Mr. John P. Holman, now a sergeant in the medical department of the 81^st Field Artillery at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. is at home on a furlough to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Holman. Mr. Dougal Salter, formerly of Camden, is also in the supply department of that camp.

Last Monday was the regular term of the County Court, Judge Dannelly presiding.

Mr. W.C. Vaughan Jr. is now in the U.S. Army and located at Camp Wheeler, Ga.

The town council held its meeting last Monday night and accepted the resignation of Mr. F.L. Moore as marshal. Mr. W.H. Holt was elected as his successor.

Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Burford and Misses Kittie and Helen Burford and Miss James visited Mr. P.D. Burford at Camp Gordon, Ga. We are glad to learn that Mr. Burford is now battalion sergeant major.