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

William W. Brandon of Tuscaloosa

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the June 20, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Hon. W.W. Brandon of Tuscaloosa, candidate for governor, was in Camden the past week, shaking hands with his friends and looking after his interest in general. Judge Brandon is a genial personality and active campaigner.

Beatrice Masons Elect Officers: At a regular Communication of Beatrice Lodge No. 691, A.F.&A.M., the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Wm. M. Hestle, Worshipful Master; J. Neal Andress, Senior Warden; J.M. Mims, Junior Warden; S.D. Andress, Treasurer; J.W. Fountain, Secretary; W.L. Forte, Chaplain; Joe M. Holloway, Senior Deacon; W.W. Hestle, Junior Deacon; W.A. Marshall, Senior Steward; W.M. McPherson, Junior Steward; Mack Helton, Tyler.

Prof. M.B. Partin of Neenah was in Camden Tuesday.

Hon. N.D. Godbold was a recent visitor to the capital city.

Dr. Z. Moore of Lamison is in Camden this week attending meeting of the Exemption Board.

There will be a patriotic song service at the Auditorium on Thursday evening, the 20^th, at 6:45. Everybody invited. Come out and sing. If you can’t sing, come out anyway.

The many friends of Mr. Peyton Burford will be pleased to know that he has received his commission as lieutenant. It requires real merit, under severe tests, for one enlisting as a private to attain the rank of lieutenant within a few months, and while Lt. Burford’s friends are not surprised, they are gratified that he is attaining the rank for which his good qualities so fit him.

The School Improvement Association of Awin sold ice cream at the school building Saturday afternoon and night, June 15. Proceeds were $60. Mr. O.C. Weaver, our Superintendent, made an excellent talk in the afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Hawthorne and Miss Rosa Boltz left Sunday for Flomaton, where they joined the son and nephew, Judson Hawthorne, who has been transferred from California to an officers training camp at Jacksonville. We are glad to note recognition of Judson’s worth by the authorities and feel sure he will make good.

Extensive preparations are underway in every school district in the county to hold special meetings on June 28 to secure pledges to War Saving Stamp purchase. The county is well organized and no doubt will “go over the top.”

Books for census enumerators have all been mailed out. Any enumerator who has failed to receive same will please notify me at once. – O.C. Weaver.

Sunday was scheduled as the hottest day on record for the past 50 years in Mobile, for same date in June. It was a little warm in Camden.

Mr. Henry Roberts of Mt. Hope brought in a nice lot of watermelons Tuesday. These are the first of the season.

Mrs. W.H. Lloyd of Pineapple spent several days this week with her granddaughters, Mrs. O.C. Weaver and Mrs. J.C. Jones.