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

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the June 27, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Camden has been without a marshal for several weeks. In fact, the only need of one is to pump water from the deep well for the town use and to chase in a few straggling cows. Under the regime of the dispensary such a condition would have been absurd.

DEATH OF MRS. JENKINS: On Friday night, Mrs. P.C. Jenkins passed away after several days illness. Her death came as a surprise and shock to her many friends. She was preceded to the grave by her husband, Mr. P.C. Jenkins, several weeks ago. She leaves four children, Tom, Lummie, Carrie Knox and Louise. The children and other relatives have the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement.

Hon. Harry T. Hartwell to Speak In Camden July 4^th: Hon. Harry T. Hartwell of Mobile, Senator from Mobile County, and candidate for Congress, will address the citizens of Camden on July 4^th, on patriotic issues. The management of the patriotic celebration are to be congratulated in securing Mr. Hartwell for this occasion as he is a most gifted speaker and the fact of his success in life having been attained through his own energy and persistence is especially appealing to our people. A large audience will no doubt greet him.

Prof. J.M. Laird of Rehobeth and father J.S. Laird were Camden visitors Friday. Prof. Laird, who was principal of the Louisville High School the past session, has been elected Superintendent of Education for Barbour County. Mr. Laird is well qualified for the position and will make good in his calling.

Mr. W.L. Jeffrey of Lower Peach Tree lost his barn on Monday afternoon by fire. It burned about 200 bushels of corn, a quantity of oats and hay. Origin of the fire is unknown. It was only through heroic work of the citizens that his store and other nearby buildings were saved.

THE PROGRESSIVE SPIRIT: The board of education met on Thursday and granted the request of the patrons of Coy, Nellie and Dickinson schools to consolidate and build up a first-class consolidated school at a site selected near the Dickinson school. This step means a departure from past precedents in Wilcox. The board of education has pledged itself to the support of this school and it is their intention as well as purpose of the citizens behind the move to build up a school in this section that will be the equal to any in Wilcox. The most significant feature of the progressive spirit manifested by the patrons of the school was that there was not a dissenting vote from any one of the schools after the plans and purposes were explained. Nearly all patrons were represented at the meeting. Already $1,800 has been secured for the school building and whatever amount is needed will be supplied. The site of five acres for the building was donated by Mr. Godfrey Lambrecht. A building committee consisting of J.M. McLeod of Coy, N.M. Newell of Asahel and R.M. Dickinson was appointed to organize the work. Other communities will do well to watch the work. Citizens of Watson Crossing are also to be commended for the manifestation of progressive spirit. They have determined to build up a first-class school in that community and are hard at work to raise adequate funds for a two-room building. Messrs. W.H. McGraw and Ashworth together with all the citizens of that country are pushing the move and will soon begin the work of construction.