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| Fort Morgan, Alabama. |
What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Dec. 27,
1917 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.
Never in the history of our county has a quieter or more peaceful
passing of the yuletide been witnessed than experienced in Camden prior and
through the holidays. Only a few years ago, the only function of the express
office was to disburse the accumulated packages of Christmas joy imported from
the nearby cities. The scenes immediately following were such as to cause many
heart aches and tears; the streets were unsafe and the noise and uproar kept
the town in a state of suspense. In fact, it was a relief to many to see the
holidays pass. On Christmas eve the town was absolutely quiet. No sign of
drinking could be detected. The town marshal complained that he had nothing
left to do except chase into the pound pen the straggling calves of some
negligent citizen. The true spirt of the yuletide prevailed. Should a reward
have been offered we doubt seriously if anyone could have been found under the
influence of drink. Could there be a single father or mother who would exchange
these conditions for those of the past? Is it necessary to discuss the cause of
such a transformation? We all know why and also we know that never again will
our young men be subjected to the temptations that have once been thrown in
their path.
Among the Wilcox boys who have made good in the army are two
brothers, known in civil life as Dr. George and Professor Emmett Kilpatrick.
Both had made remarkable success in their chosen professions, and both in
answer to their country’s call volunteered their services. Dr. Kilpatrick now
holds the rank of captain while Prof. Kilpatrick is first lieutenant. They are
the sons of Capt. J.Y. Kilpatrick, who was a distinguished veteran of the Civil
War. The Progressive Era notes with pride the advancement of these gentlemen.
Mr. Frank S. Tait, who is in training at the United States
naval operating base, Hampton Roads, Va., is improving after a month’s illness.
Mr. Marshall Smith of Selma is spending the holidays with
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Smith of Canton. Marshall has volunteered for
service in the Aviation corps.
There were 7,450 bales of cotton, counting round as half
bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1917 prior to Dec. 1, 1917 as
compared with 4,089 ginned to Dec. 1, 1916. – C.S. Dale, Special Agent.
Mr. Clem Sills, who is attending the A.P.I. at Auburn, has
been signally honored by election to the Phi Kappa Phi honorary fraternity. The
election is made by the faculty each year from the senior class and the
faculty. The qualifications of membership are based on merit alone, and Mr.
Sills’ election is a source of pleasure to his many Camden friends. He is a
most deserving young man and has a bright future ahead.
Mr. J.L. Bonner of Rosebud was a Camden visitor Wednesday.
Dr. Ed. McIntosh of Catherine spent a few days with his
father and relatives this week.
Judge and Mrs. Helsel of Fort Dodge, Iowa are the guests of
Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Liddell.
Mrs. Tunstall and children of Mobile and Mr. and Mrs. Tom
Parker are the guests of Mrs. F.L. Moore Jr. this week. Mr. Parker is connected
with the navy and is located at Fort Morgan.
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