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

Judge Augustus Holmes Alston of Clayton, Ala.

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the May 9, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Mr. J. Mack Stevenson was accidentally struck by a train at the Camden depot and seriously injured. He is now reported as improving.

Carl Watts, chief clerk in the probate office, and his brother, Eugene, has gone to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.

Mr. Alfred McBryde of Kerr County, Texas is visiting relatives in Camden and county. Mr. McBryde is a former resident at Oak Hill and left here 40 years ago.

The county and Camden continue to prosper and real estate continues to advance in value. Our county is prospering.

There will be no preaching at A.R.P. church on next Sabbath, the pastor will be absent at Marion Junction.

At the Baptist Church Sunday morning the sermon will be in keeping with the observance of Mother’s Day. Union service at night. All invited. – I.N. Kimbrough.

LOST – Two large vases for holding flowers have been borrowed or removed from A.R.P. church, if anyone can locate them please report to Mrs. B.H. Grier.

The spring term of our county circuit court brought to our county seat a large number of visitors who were welcomed by Camdenites.

The martins are with us. It is said they bring good luck and prosperity to the homes and yards where they lodge in the spring months. For this reason, martin boxes are erected.

Dr. and Mrs. Philip V. Speir of Furman will celebrate their crystal wedding on Tuesday evening, May 14. Their many friends wish them continued happiness and prosperity.

Mr. J.S. Bennett of Darlington attended court this week. Mr. Bennett says he has a son in the army and feels sometimes as though he would like to go with him.

Mr. S.M. Cobb has purchased the residence of the late Dr. W.E. Eatman and moved his family there.

Judge A.H. Alston of Clayton, Barbour County, who is Supernumary Judge, is presiding over the present term of the circuit court. Judge Alston has the reputation of being a learned judge, and he has impressed our people with the fact that this reputation is well deserved. He is very affable, and, as we have heard several express it, has a most agreeable personality.

With the compliments of Miss Mildred McDowell of Camden, invitations have been received to the commencement of the Alabama Girls Technical Institute at Montevallo coming May 19. Miss McDowell is a member of the graduating class.

Mr. Hunter Dixon Farish was a guest of the Young Ladies Sewing Circle of Tuscaloosa last Wednesday afternoon. This is quite a unique society and very few University boys are invited. This marks the closing of the society for the school year and officers were elected for the coming term. Mr. Farish was elected honorary member.

FURMAN NEWS: On last Monday evening at the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Perdue, a musical was given for the benefit of the Red Cross. Those rendering the program were Mrs. P.V. Speir, Miss Zelma Cox and Mr. Tom Simpson. Mrs. Speir and Mr. Simpson gave many beautiful piano selections, and Miss Cox rendered several lovely vocal numbers. A nice little sum was realized, and everyone enjoyed the opportunity of hearing these most talented young people.