Alabama's 37th governor campaigned in Wilcox County in June 1918

William W. Brandon of Tuscaloosa

This week’s edition of The Progressive Era is the first for the month of June, and, every once in a while, it’s fun to review what was happening in Wilcox County 100 years ago.

At the State Department of Archives and History in Montgomery, they have microfilmed copies of The Progressive Era going way back, well over a century ago, and they’re fun to read, just to see how much has changed – and how much remains the same.

Recently, with the start of the new month of June in mind, I reviewed the four issues of The Progressive Era that were published a century ago – in June 1918 – and found a number of interesting news items that took place 100 years ago this month.

In the June 6, 1918 edition of the newspaper, editor Stanley C. Godbold reported that well-known citizen, Dr. James Cook Benson, had died in a Selma hospital. Benson, who was born in Oak Hill in 1867, “occupied a position in the esteem and respect of his fellow man that few are fortunate to hold.”

Benson was also a prominent Freemason “and his enthusiastic work in the local lodge has possibly had a greater influence on the chapter than any other member in its history.” Benson was buried in the Camden Cemetery with Masonic honors and an “immense crowd” attended, the “largest seen in many years on such an occasion.”

In the June 13, 1918 edition of the newspaper, Godbold reported, under the headline “Old Glory To Float Over Camden,” that a Flag Fund had been established to raise money to buy a 40-foot flag pole and a wool bunting United States flag for downtown Camden. The idea for the new flag and pole was suggested by B.H. Matthews and plans were to “have a flag raising and patriotic demonstration” on the Fourth of July. Those who wanted to contribute were asked to do so at Matthews Hardware Co. or Camden National Bank.

In the June 20, 1918 edition of the paper, it was reported that William W. Brandon of Tuscaloosa, a candidate for governor in the 1918 gubernatorial election, “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.”

Interestingly, Brandon, a Democrat, lost the 1918 governor’s race to Thomas E. Kilby, but became governor later when he defeated Bibb Graves in 1922 to become Alabama’s 37^th governor, serving from 1923 to 1927.

Last, but not least, in the June 27, 1918 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that State Senator Harry T. Hartwell of Mobile, a candidate for U.S. Congress, was to be the keynote speaker during Camden’s “patriotic celebration” on July 4.

“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.”

As you can see from the news items above, June 1918 was an eventful time in Wilcox County, and there is no doubt that June 2018 will prove to be the same. If you ever get the urge to look through old Wilcox County newspapers for yourself, I encourage you to make a trip to the state archives building in Montgomery. The friendly, helpful staff there will be more than happy to point you in the right direction and get you started.