Saturday, October 31, 2020

Eli McMorn and the Strange Case of Kill Devil Hill – Part 13

I eased off to the shady side of the washed-out dirt road and stopped just far enough inside the woodline so that the casual observer might not notice the outline of my dark green Jeep. A large, faceless timber outfit based in Spokane owned this land but leased it to a local hunting club. I knew I was breaking the law and, if caught, I would end up spending the night in the Monroe County Jail on trespass charges rather than atop the Kill Devil Hill. 

No doubt jail would be safer.

I sat there for a few seconds and looked out my dirty windshield. I was miles from the nearest paved road and had reached the point closest to Kill Devil Hill. To make sure, I pulled out my creased topo map for a second look.

From here, it would be a hike west through thick woods. I traced the route with my finger, and it didn’t seem far. Best guess, it would be a two-mile walk if my compass didn’t lead me astray.

Early that morning, back at The Herald office in Claiborne, I reviewed aerial maps of this area on my laptop. Satellite images showed the infamous hill in the middle of a five-acre clearcut. Between here and there was nothing but a wide strip of thick woods, presuming the overheads were up to date.

I switched off my Jeep and prayed it would crank when I returned. It was a few minutes before noon on October 31 – All Hallows’ Eve – and first frost had fallen two days before. Cold weather will suck down an old battery faster than anything other than leaving your headlights and radio on overnight.

I stepped out of the Jeep and listened. The smell of autumn woods filled the air, and the longleaf pines rocked in the wind with the sound like tires passing somewhere on a distant highway. My boots crunched on the road’s surface as I stepped around to the back of the Jeep to grab my pack.

I pulled out my cell phone and waved it slowly in front of me. No service. I was too deep in the woods. There’d be no calling for help if I stepped on a late-season rattler or ran into a tweaker tending a hidden dope patch.

The solid weight of the Beretta M9 on my hip reassured me that I could handle anything I might encounter. Its 15 rounds would do the job. Plus, I had spare magazines. In one cargo pocket, I even had a magazine full of custom-made silver bullets.

I’d used that magazine of costly silver bullets before. The last time had been on a werewolf in Claiborne’s Narrows, that mazelike slum of old buildings, shunned warehouses and wretched shanties. But that is a story for another day.

My Jeep was about as secure as it was going to get. Who knows when another vehicle had passed this way? I saw no recent tracks on the way in and figured that chances were pretty good that my Jeep would still be here unmolested when I walked out in the morning.

So used to going it alone, I realized then that I’d made the mistake of not telling anyone where I was going. Did I really want to do this? What was the point? What was to be gained?

I’d had this conversation with myself many times before. Truth is, I was Eli McMorn, Alabama’s foremost paranormal investigator. I grew up playing in the Sinks, a place where over the years so many have entered but never returned.

I’ve been places like this before. I’ll be in them again. I am not afraid of the boogeyman. I was born to do this sort of thing.

With my mental pep talk over, I hoisted my pack unto my shoulders and was glad that I only had to hike two miles. Its weight consisted mostly of a special load that I wouldn’t have to carry back. Of course, that’s presuming that I can do what others say is impossible and survive through one night atop Kill Devil Hill.

(All rights reserved. This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.)

Singleton tells of a visit to an old bridge in northern Monroe County

Ford Model T
(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “Wooden bridge withstands test of time in north Monroe” was originally published in the March 15, 1973 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

Only the sound of running water rushing against the timber structure of the wooden bridge could be heard as I stood near the edge, looking down into the creek below. No sign of automobile or wagon tracks could been seen in the rain settled dust from the day before. The trees that grew along the creek seem to watch over the old bridge and the creaking of the planks seem to cry out to be heard as I walked its length and observed its structure.

As I sat down on the edge and dangled my feet over the side I thought of the many instances of which this bridge had been a part over the years. I thought of the times when the creek had flooded and this bridge was the only hopes of getting from the Old Scotland and Franklin communities or other points north. I thought of the times when a mule or a horse team would have to be unhitched from a wagon or buggy because one of the animals was skittish and the driver was afraid that one would push the other off the side of the bridge. Unhitching a team in the dead of night and leading the horses one by one across a high bridge and then having to pull the wagon across by hand was something that would test the patience of the most dedicated or maybe the driver of a Model T or some other early make of automobile, coming along when the road and bridge was wet and slippery; and spine tingling sensation of trying to keep the narrow tires from slipping off the runners.

I wondered too about the many tales that had been told to the small kids that lived along the roads near the bridge. Tales about the boogie man and a thousand other things that lived under the bridge, about how it wasn’t safe to go near the bridge in fear of something getting you and eating you whole. This was the way of keeping small children away from the bridge, so they wouldn’t fall off the side and get seriously hurt or killed.

I remember a bridge of this type near where I grew up as a boy. The story was that a huge cat stayed under this bridge and would only come out at night. I remember how afraid I was to cross it even during daylight hours.

Times have changed and not many of our young people know the joy of traveling horse and wagon; or sleeping in the wagon bed on a pile of quilts, when returning from a visit to the neighbors or from Sunday night church; or being able to run along behind the wagon and hold on to the rear, jumping off and one whenever the notion presented itself; or throwing rocks off the bridge as the wagon passed over.

I thought of the many people who had lived their lives in this area and had never had the opportunity to come this way and rest awhile on this bridge and reminisce away the hours of a sunny afternoon. If you haven’t, you are missing something.

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)

Friday, October 30, 2020

The Evergreen Courant's 2020 list of 'Spookiest Places in Conecuh County'

Old Carter Hospital in Repton.
Halloween is this coming Saturday, and in the spirit of that creepy holiday, I give you today my annual list of the “Top 10 Spookiest Places in Conecuh County, Alabama.”

I compiled this list after discussing the subject with a number of the county’s lifelong residents and individuals well versed in the county’s long history. I was surprised by a number of their suggestions and even learned a little bit about a few places that I’d never heard of.

Without further ado, here’s the list:

1. Booger Bottom: Located on County Road 5, between Burnt Corn and Pine Orchard, old-time residents say that an entity named “Harry Bill” lives in these woods and will nab travelers who linger too long in this area. Others have seen unexplained “balls of fire” in trees in this area, and others have seen unexplained white creatures dash across the road there in the middle of the night. Some also claim to have seen a mysterious stranger with a white dog walking up and down the road in this area.

2. Church’s Chicken: Located on West Front Street in Evergreen, this is one of Evergreen’s best places to stop for fried chicken. However, some former employees say the restaurant’s haunted and what many readers may not know is that the restaurant was built on top of the spot once occupied by a large, two-story house that served for many, many years as Evergreen’s only funeral home. The house, which saw an untold number of funerals, was torn down decades ago to make way for the restaurant building.

3. The Evergreen Courant Office: Located in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Evergreen, unexplained noises can be heard during the day and after hours. Long time employees at The Courant jokingly say that the noises are just former employees who don’t know that they’ve passed their final “deadline.”

4. Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library: Staff members at the library have had a number of unusual experiences in the building, which is located on Cemetery Avenue in Evergreen. Unusual occurrences at the building include unexplained temperature drops, thumping noises and the sound of someone coming up the stairs when no one is there. Staff members have also found lights on that should have been off and books “turned topsy-turvy” or misplaced on shelves as well as items on the floor, even though things had been in their proper place when they closed the building the day before. Other library workers claim to have seen a ghost outside on the library grounds. They describe this ghost as a young girl, wearing what looks like turn-of-the-century clothing and riding breeches, standing next to a phantom horse. The girl has her arm draped around the horse’s neck, witnesses said.

5. First Evergreen Cemetery: Small cemetery located in Evergreen, just off Main Street, adjacent to old Evergreen High School property. Contains some of the city’s earliest graves, including three unusual-looking unmarked vaults made with handmade bricks.

6. Gallows Hollow: Located north of Lyeffion near the intersection of the CCC Trail and the Sepulga River, it’s where outlaw brothers Irvin and Stephen Ward were hung for the murder of Allen Page on Nov. 18, 1859. After the hanging, the old gallows were not removed following the execution and it stood for many decades as a reminder of the tragic murder at Fork Sepulga. The location of that murder and hanging, where the old gallows stood, was known thereafter as “Gallows Hollow.”

7. Interstate 65: This 40-mile stretch of the interstate between Evergreen and Greenville was designated “The Haunted Highway” in the book, “Haunted Places: The National Directory” by Dennis William Hauck. Book claims that this section of highway is haunted by the spirits of displaced Creek Indians and has resulted in an “accident rate that is well above average.”

8. King’s Crossing: This railroad crossing, located at the intersection of West Front Street and Belleville Street in downtown Evergreen, has been the site of countless accidents and deaths during the past century. At one time considered the most dangerous railroad crossing in Alabama and one of the most deadly in America, Evergreen Mayor Pete Wolff told The Mobile Press-Register that the crossing was “almost like a ghost crossing. It just invites people to run into trains, and not only do they pull in front of them, they even run into them from the side sometimes. We’ve had people that walked on the tracks and been run over. Sometimes a train will come and you can’t hear it. There’s just something weird about it.”

9. Old Carter Hospital: Located on Burnt Corn Street in Repton, this was once the only hospital for a hundred miles in every direction. Closed in the mid-1950s, when Monroe County Hospital opened in Monroeville, this structure has seen more than its fair share of pain, sickness and death.

10. Old L&N Train Depot: Located in downtown Evergreen and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this building is over 100 years old. Thousands of people passed through this train station during its heyday, and former employees have shared tales about hearing unexplained noises in the building at all times of the day and night.

Before I wrap this thing up, I want to make clear that more than a few of these places are more than likely located on private property, so if you get the idea to visit any of these places (especially at night) you’d better get permission first or run the risk of trespassing. Also, if you plan to visit any of these places, especially cemeteries, respect your surroundings.

In the end, I’d like to hear from you if you know a good local ghost story or have information about a spooky location in Conecuh County.

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Does ghostly woman haunt the woods around Locke Hill in Monroe County?

Locke Hill on River Ridge Road in Monroe County.
I was out riding around late one afternoon last week and eventually found myself on State Highway 41 in the Franklin community. I eased along past the fire house, and a few miles later, on a whim, I turned right onto River Ridge Road. My travels down this red dirt road eventually took me past the River Ridge Cemetery, the Red Hills Cemetery and finally to Locke Hill.

Those familiar with this part of the county will know that Locke Hill is a highpoint between the Red Hills Cemetery and the wooden bridge over Big Flat Creek, about six miles east of Highway 41. The other day, when I reached Locke Hill, I eased off the side of the road and stepped out of my truck for a breath of fresh October air. I was all alone, and in times past, I’ve heard geese, coyotes and other animals while standing in this remote, isolated part of Monroe County.

A glance at my watch told me that sunset was near at hand. The dimming sun was sinking low towards the western horizon, and the shadows atop Locke Hill were growing longer and longer. It was in that moment that I was reminded of all the ghost stories that I’ve heard over the years about Locke Hill.

In years past, more than a few travelers and hunters claim to have seen the ghost of a woman roaming the woods around Locke Hill. She is described as tall and thin with long white hair. Some say that she wears a long sack-type dress and bonnet and is sometimes seen carrying an old-timey wooden bucket.

Those who claim to have seen this ghostly woman say that she only appears late in the evening or early in the morning. Some say she is the ghost of a woman who lived in an antebellum homestead on Locke Hill, and that she lost one son to the Civil War while her husband and infant daughter died of fever, leaving her all alone. Some say that she is seen carrying a bucket because she is walking back and forth between her old home and an old well in the nearby woods.

It’s been said that years ago, a farmer and his family were traveling down River Ridge Road in a mule-drawn wagon and when they reached Locke Hill, they saw the ghostly woman. When the woman turned to walk away, the farmer’s mules panicked and tried to run away. The farmer managed to bring the mules under control, but when he looked back, the woman had vanished.

As time went on, travelers began avoiding this area, especially late in the evening and early in the morning. Travelers also quit stopping at the well for water and as the years went by, the well became overgrown and fell in. Today, few people remain who remember where the old homeplace and well were located.

In the end, it’s hard to say how much of the above is true. With that said, it should be noted that many of these old tales have a heart of truth to them, so I wouldn’t be so quick to laugh them off. Those who have been to Locke Hill will tell you that it’s one of the most remote, mysterious and secluded locations in northern Monroe County. In other words, it might be the perfect place to see a ghost if you linger too long on a late October evening.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Creepy locations make fifth annual list of 'Spookiest Places in Wilcox County'

Gee's Bend Ferry Landing
This coming Saturday is Halloween and in the spirit of that creepy holiday, I present to you my fifth annual list of the “Spookiest Places in Wilcox County.”

As in years gone by, I compiled this list after discussing Wilcox County’s “haunted history” with longtime county residents and with local history buffs. This year, I’ve narrowed down the list to a “Top Ten,” but be sure to check out the honorable mentions at the end. Without further ado, here’s my Top Ten List of the Spookiest Places in Wilcox County.

1. Purifoy-Lipscomb House: Located at Furman, this antebellum residence was built by the Purifoy family in the 1840s and is arguably Wilcox County’s most well-known haunted location. An old well behind the house is reportedly haunted by the spirit of a worker who died after being accidentally buried by tons of dirt while digging the well. This house has been mentioned in numerous books, including Kathryn Tucker Windham’s “13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey” and “Haunted Places: The National Directory” by Dennis William Hauck.

2. Gaines Ridge: Located off State Highway 10 east of Camden, this iconic house-turned-restaurant is said to be haunted by several spirits. According to one history of the house, Gaines Ridge “has its share of ghosts: the woman who screams and calls out, and has been seen from outside floating past the windows, the incessant crying of a baby, the aroma of pipe smoke in one room when nobody in the house is smoking, and the reflected image of a tall, gaunt man, dressed in black with a long beard.”

3. Unfilled Hole: Located on the northwest corner of Camden’s downtown square in front of the Old Courthouse, this unusual hole is now covered by a large, brick flowerbed. Historians say that a large pecan tree once stood on this spot, and it was used for public hangings more than a century ago. Supposedly, the spot beneath the hanging limb would not stay filled, despite the county’s best efforts, and visitors to the site today report feeling “cold spots.” This “haunted hole” is also described in the book, “Haunted Alabama Black Belt.”

4. Snow Hill Institute: Located off State Highway 21 at Snow Hill, this historic school was founded in 1893 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. A wide variety of ghosts have been seen on this old campus and at the slave cemetery nearby. For more information about this supposedly haunted school, I recommend that you read “Haunted Alabama Black Belt” by David Higdon and Brett Talley.

5. Millie Hole: Located on private property on Pine Barren Creek, west of County Road 59, this old swimming hole is supposedly haunted by the ghost of slave named “Millie.” The story goes that Millie was going to be sold away from her family, so she drowned herself in the creek. On moonlight nights, she supposedly rises up out of the creek, wearing a long white dress, and some claim to have heard her moans.

6. House of the Dancing Skulls: Located on County Road 51 north of the Rosebud community, the attic of this house was supposedly filled with human skulls. The belief is that spirits from these skulls are easily excitable, and when they become upset, they dance about in the attic and frequently about the walls and the ceiling. In times of great excitement, especially during storms, these “hants” even venture out into the yard and hover around the tombs that hold their companions. For more information about this story, check out “Ghosts and Goosebumps: Ghost Stories, Tall Tales and Superstitions from Alabama” by Jack and Olivia Solomon.

7. Coy Cemetery: Located at the dead end of Coy Cemetery Road, southwest of Camden, this large, country cemetery has been the subject of unusual claims of supernatural activity for years. Visitors to this cemetery have reported seeing an eerie, unexplained light over the graves and have heard disembodied voices from unknown sources. Some witnesses have even reported hearing their names called out by unseen spirits.

8. Castro’s Tree: Located behind the old Progressive Era newspaper office in Camden, this large pecan tree is said to be visited by an unusual informant with uncanny knowledge about events in Camden, including the names of wanted criminals. The late Mark Curl, who worked at the newspaper, said that Castro was a young black man who often rode up to the tree on his bicycle in the late 1970s. Curl indicated that there was something otherworldly about Castro especially since no one else in town had ever heard of him or seen him, including the police. This tree was damaged by Hurricane Nate in October 2017.

9. Intersection of County Roads 59 & 24: Located north of Pine Apple, this eerie intersection is reportedly haunted by the spirits of slaves and Civil War soldiers. Visitors to the site after sundown say that they’ve heard the rattling of chains. Others say that the sound is caused by the clanking of military gear as ghostly soldiers march through the area after dark.

10. Gee’s Bend Ferry Landing: Located at the end of Ellis Island Road, northwest of Camden, this landing is said to be the site of a ghostly light that rises to the surface of the Alabama River. Witnesses say that this light grows up to 60 feet in diameter, and some say that it may have something to do with a military plane that crashed near the landing decades ago. Other say it’s the ghostly remnants of someone who drowned there while others say it has to do with a riverboat disaster.

Other nominees for this year’s “Spookiest Places in Wilcox County” list included the Camden Cemetery, the Coy Railroad Crossing, the Dale Masonic Lodge in Camden, Harris Hill Cemetery, the Harris-Jones House, the “Haunted Hills of Furman,” Institute Creek at Snow Hill, the Liddell-Burford House in Camden, McIntosh Cemetery in Camden, McWilliams Cemetery, the Moore Academy in Pine Apple, Prairie Bluff Cemetery, the Reaves Chapel Cemetery, Snow Hill Institute and the Wilcox Female Institute in Camden.

Before I wrap up, I want to make it very clear that many of the places mentioned above are on private property, so if you want to visit any of these places (especially at night) you’d better get permission first to avoid getting in trouble for trespassing. Also, if you plan to visit any of these places, especially cemeteries, respect your surroundings.

In the end, contact me if you know a good local ghost story or if you have information about a spooky location in Wilcox County.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Oct. 27, 2020

USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
24 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 1996

Weather reporter Harry Ellis reported 0.03 inches of rain in Evergreen on Oct. 18. He reported highs of 82 degrees on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17 and a low of 38 degrees on Oct. 20.

A large crowd once again mingled throughout “No Man’s Land” for the 16th Annual Heritage Day held this past Saturday in Evergreen. The festival was a huge success by the Heritage Committee.

Army Pfc. Lasedrick R. Rogers has graduated from basic military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma. Rogers is the son of Clifford and Barbara Rogers of Rural Route 1, Evergreen. The private is a 1996 graduate of Hillcrest High School, Evergreen.

David Cook Jr. of Lyeffion accepts a plaque as outgoing board of director president of Southern Pine Electric Co-Op. Mr. Cook served as board president for two years. Presenting the plaque is David Dean Jr. of Lottie, the newly elected board president.

Rodney Hildreth, a serviceman for Southern Pine Electric Cooperative and also a volunteer fireman for Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department, volunteered his time Thurs., Oct. 4, visiting schools in the Evergreen area teaching fire safety. Rodney taught the students when to dial 911 and how they should try to react if they were caught in an emergency situation. Over the course of the day, Rodney visited Marshall Middle School, Evergreen City School and Sparta Academy.

49 YEARS AGO
OCT. 28, 1971

Navy Petty Officer Third Class Larry L. Andrews, son of Mr. Roland Andrews of Rt. D, Evergreen, recently crossed the Equator enroute to the Indian Ocean from Singapore aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, and was confirmed a member of the mythical order of “Shellbacks” following traditional initiation rites.

EHS Aggie Band attends Festival Saturday Troy State University: The 47-piece Evergreen High School marching band will represent Evergreen High School Saturday at the Southeastern Marching Band Festival. This year’s festival, featuring bands from four states, will be held at Troy State’s University in Troy.
The Evergreen High band, under the direction of Darwyn Davis and field direction of majorettes Janice Ellis, Charlotte Hall and Jo Anne Rogers, will compete in parade and halftime show competition.

John M. Harbert III, President of Harbert Construction Corp., announces the appointment of James C. Kelley Jr. as manager of his Highway Construction Division. Kelley, a native of Evergreen, joined Harbert following his graduation from Auburn University in 1966. Kelly’s appointment assures that Harbert will be in the forefront for future highway and bridge work in Alabama and the southeast.
Jimmy, his wife Linda and their children, Cindy and Chet, make their home on Bryan Drive in Birmingham.

74 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 1946

For Meritorious Service: First Lt. Samuel H. Murphy, U.S. Marine Air Force, son of Mr. and Mrs. Zell Murphy of (Evergreen), was recently cited for meritorious service and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with a gold star in lieu of the Second DFC. He was also awarded the Air Medal and Gold Stars for five additional medals.
Lt. Murphy saw approximately four years service with the Marine Air Force having participated in a number of campaigns in the Pacific area. He received his honorable discharge a few months ago and is now with his parents here. He expects to reenter Auburn at an early date and complete his course in civil engineering.

Boy Scout News: The scouts held an interesting meeting last Monday night. A special program concerning First Aid was given.
(Members of the troop included Kenneth Barlow, Dickey Bozeman, Dewey Brantley, Brown Hagood, George Jones, Howard Owens, Dean Shaver and Curtis Walker.)

Cpl. Sidney Lamar Bradley left Monday for Fairfield, Calif. to resume his duties as traffic air clerk on a C-54 plane in the Pacific.

George Huey Jr. returned home Sunday after having recently received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. George was in the service about 20 months and spent approximately one year overseas in the Pacific area.

87 YEARS AGO
OCT. 26, 1933

Repton Student Dies From Accident Injuries: Hunter Jernigan, age 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jernigan of near Repton, died at Monroeville Hospital Friday afternoon from injuries received Thursday afternoon when he fell under the wheels of a school bus on which he was being carried to his home.
According to information available, young Jernigan had gotten off the bus with another boy near his home and attempted to catch it after it had started. He fell under the wheels and his body was badly mangled. He was picked up and carried to Repton and from there to Monroeville, where he died the following afternoon.
The bus was driven by Edwin Owens, senior at Repton High School and son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Owens. The driver was held blameless in the unfortunate accident, according to those who investigated. It is said that young Jernigan had been warned a number of times about careless and reckless habits of catching to the truck while it was in motion.

ALABAMA WOMAN DIES OF SLEEPING SICKNESS: Georgiana, Ala., Oct. 20 – Mrs. William Kelsoe, 35, of McKenzie, Route 2, died at Tippins Hospital here at 11:30 a.m. yesterday of sleeping sickness. She had been ill only a few days. She is survived by her husband and four children. Burial will be near McKenzie today.

Miss Harper Gantt and three guests, Misses Nell Parker of Meridian, Bernice Godbold of Waltz and Sara Ratcliff of Monroeville, spent the weekend with Mr. Zula Gantt.

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Oct. 26, 2020

24 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 1996

Senior cheerleader Landra Padgett was named Miss Football 1996 during Sparta Academy’s homecoming activities Friday night, Oct. 11. Senior running back Michael Pate was named Mr. Football 1996.

Hillcrest High School held homecoming activities Friday night, Oct. 11. During pregame activities, the senior homecoming court was presented and Miss Homecoming and Miss Football were crowned. Members of the senior homecoming court are Sumetri McMillian, senior attendant; Lawanda Hall, first alternate to Miss Homecoming; Shakira Darden, Miss Homecoming 1996; Jennifer Batchen, Miss Football 1996; Courtney Cook, first alternate to Miss Football; and Casey Pugh, senior attendant.

The Opp Bobcats held off a late charge by the Hillcrest-Evergreen Jaguars to take a hard-fought 13-12 win in the Class 5A high school football thriller last Friday night at Brooks Stadium in Evergreen.
(Top Hillcrest players in that game included Charlie King, Don Ray Mixon and Demetrius Rudolph.)

The Sparta Academy Warriors went to Lakeside last Friday night and defeated the Lakeside Chiefs 42-0.
(Top Sparta players in that game included Lyle Bell, Justin Brown, Chris Kervin, Rod McIntyre, Seth McIntyre, Michael Pate, Stephen Salter, Drew Skipper and Charlie Ward.)

49 YEARS AGO
OCT. 28, 1971

Sparta Warriors whip Wesleyan: Dwight Watson rushed for 133 yards and Larry Tranum passed for another 147 yards to lead their Sparta Academy Warriors to a 34-0 victory over Wesleyan Christian Academy of Citronelle.
(Top Sparta players in that game included Robert Carleton, David Daniels, Tubby McInvale, Jeff Nichols, Joey Nix, Don Owens, Jerry Sasser, Sam Skipper and Mike Turner.)

The Evergreen Aggies suffered another defeat Friday night, this time a 46-18 drubbing at the hands of the Niceville Eagles of Niceville, Fla.
(Top Evergreen High School players in that game included Wavie Ausby, Billy Booker, Julius Booker and Frank McMillan.)

The Lyeffion High School Yellow Jackets take on one of the strongest teams on their schedule when they travel to Uriah tomorrow night. The J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs have an impressive record including the feat of handing powerful Excel its only defeat. The Jackets will be back at home for the final two games of the season. Nov. 5 they will observe homecoming with Highland Home furnishing the opposition. The season-ender is Nov. 12 with Red Level in the Lyeffion Stadium.

Sparta Warriors aim at .500 mark in trip to Silas: It’s another long, long trip for the Sparta Academy Warriors as they travel to Silas tomorrow night for a game with Silas Academy. Coach Mickey Goneke’s Warriors racked up their third win of their first season of varsity ball last Friday night.

56 YEARS AGO
OCT. 22, 1964

The Repton High Bulldogs came from behind to tie a strong Red Level team 12 to 12 Friday night and remain undefeated.
The Bulldogs came back strong in the third quarter and fullback Nickey Thompson drove over from the two-yard line to knot the score at 6-6. The Bulldogs went out in front early in the fourth quarter with Thompson scoring again, this time from the three.

The Evergreen High School Aggies rolled past Lyeffion 25 to 0 here Friday night for their fourth win of the season against one loss.
(Evergreen’s Paul Deason scored two touchdowns and Jimmy Warren and Brent Thornley scored one each. Ronnie Hayes handled the extra-point kicking duties, and Mike Fields had an interception.)
Warrant netted 103 yards on 18 carries to top the ground gainers. Deason struck for 77 on 10 carries, and (Truett) Sims for 28 on four for Evergreen. Don Jones collected 36 yards on nine attempts, and Mickey Fountain 14 on six to lead Lyeffion.
(Other standout players for Lyeffion that night included Larry Blackmon. John Robinson was Evergreen’s head coach.)

Paul Deason became the first Aggie to win the honor twice this year when he was chosen “Player of the Week” by the Evergreen Jaycees in the Evergreen-Lyeffion game. The big left halfback combines power with speed, is a good pass receiver and a threat every time he handles the ball.

74 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 1946

The Evergreen Aggies suffered their first defeat of the season Thursday night as W.S. Neal handed them a 19 to 6 defeat on Neal Field.
Little Rural Gibson paced the Neal attack with his running and kicking. The longest run of the game was an 80-yard run by Gibson.
The Aggies were trailing 13 to 0 at the half, but came back fighting the second half. Mickey Logue, the Aggie ace passer, threw some beautiful passes and Ivey caught one for a touchdown.
Ivey, Ryan and McIntyre stood out for the Aggies defensively. The Aggie running attack failed to click against Neal.

The Junior Aggies and the Evergreen Bees suffered their first defeats of the season at Greenville Saturday night.
The Junior Aggies lost a thriller 13 to 12 with Jones going over in the final seconds of play. The attempt for the extra point was stopped only inches from the goal.
The Bees held the Greenville team for the first half, but the Greenville lads pushed across two touchdowns and held the Aggies for the remainder of the game.

86 YEARS AGO
OCT. 25, 1934

Messrs. J.L. Kelly, R.G. Bozeman, Paul McMillan and J.E. Jones attended the Alabama-Tennessee football game in Birmingham Saturday.

Saturday, October 24, 2020

Eli McMorn and the Strange Case of Kill Devil Hill: Part 12

Administrators at the Haines Island mental institution had given me the okay to interview Tommy Lawson for only one hour, and time was almost up. Lawson was the sole survivor of a 1988 Halloween incident that left five Claiborne teenagers dead. It had been years since he’d talked about the unexplained incident.

“As soon as I saw Jimmy’s class ring in the Sheriff’s hand, I knew I was in trouble,” Lawson said. “I still don’t know why I took it off Jimmy’s finger and put it in my pocket.”

According to the Sheriff’s report, Lawson claimed to have forgotten that he even had the ring. After a young bowhunter accidentally shot Lawson in the chest on the morning after Halloween, Lawson was taken to Claiborne City Hospital. A pair of emergency room nurses undressed him to put him in a hospital gown, and his filthy clothes, jewelry and wallet ended up in a plastic bag.

When investigators searched Lawson’s belongings, they thought it odd that Lawson had two class rings. One belonged to him, but the inside of the other was stamped “JC” for Jimmy Creason. The fact that Lawson was alive and that he had Jimmy’s ring raised a lot of questions that Lawson couldn’t answer.

“I told them over and over what happened, but they didn’t believe me,” Lawson said. “You’ve got to understand. Five kids were dead. The law was under pressure to get answers. I was the only suspect, so they indicted me.”

Apparently, Lawson’s court-appointed lawyer had his own doubts about Lawson’s innocence. The lawyer – Roland Galbraith III, Esq. – had a psychiatrist evaluate Lawson, and that doctor helped convince the court that Lawson was unfit to stand trial. He said that Lawson was delusional and had suffered a violent psychotic break due to drugs and stress.

“Rather than send me to prison, they had me committed, sent me here,” Lawson said. He waved a hand at his bleak surroundings. “They never proved that I killed anybody, but as long as I’m in here, case closed, right?”

The one-hour timer I’d set on my wristwatch beeped, and I knew that the guard in the hallway would walk in any minute now to take Lawson away. “Anything else you’d like to tell me?”

Lawson’s pale, bony hands shot across the table and grabbed me hard by the arm. “You’re a fool to spend the night on top of Kill Devil Hill,” he said, his spooky, yellow eyes locked on mine. “That place is vulgar, unholy. The Indians knew it. You should stay away.”

As if on cue, the guard entered the room, and Lawson released my arm. I turned in my seat to look at the guard, who hadn’t seen Lawson grab me. The guard tapped his wristwatch with a pudgy index finder. “Time’s up, McMorn.” He cuffed and shackled Lawson and led him from the room. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” the guard said to me over his shoulder. “I have to walk you out.”

I stowed my things and a few minutes later, the guard returned. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go.”

I followed him as he buzzed me through a maze of locked doors and bleak hallways. I could hear distant, unnerving yells from somewhere deep in the building. “You and Lawson have a good talk?” The guard shook his head and chuckled, his question laced with sarcasm.

“Not too bad,” I said. “He’s an interesting guy. I learned a lot from what he had to say.”

“Yeah, right,” the guard said and rolled his eyes.

“What?”

We arrived at the wide wooden doors to the outside. “Oh, come on. You know what. Lawson didn’t talk to you.”

“We talked for about an hour,” I said.

“Yeah, ok,” the guard said. He shook his head in humorous disbelief. “Listen, whatever happened to that kid back in the 80s, I don’t know, but he’s missing his tongue. It got cut out or he bit it off or something. He hasn’t uttered a word in years, not since I’ve worked here.”

The guard pushed open the doors, and I stepped out into the storming rain. I ran to my vehicle and once inside, I pulled out Lawson’s medical records. The only injury mentioned was from the arrow the boy had fired into his chest.

I fished out my tape recorder and pushed play. Nothing happened. The batteries were dead. I sat there for several minutes and looked through the windshield at the wide façade of the drab mental hospital. Eventually, I turned the key and guided my vehicle out of the parking lot towards Claiborne.

(All rights reserved. This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.)

 

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Lawrence Gulley releases new book, "Sweet Liberty: If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us"

Many of you in the reading audience will remember reading in this space last week about the Oct. 16, 1973 incident in which two police officers and a police dispatcher reported seeing a UFO over Evergreen. This incident was major news at the time and was reported by news outlets across the country. In fact, Evergreen residents in California said they saw it on the news way out on the West Coast.

Not long after last week’s newspaper hit the streets, I received a call at the office from a woman who was living in Montgomery in October 1973. She said that her parents lived in an old house in Evergreen at the time, and they were in bed at the time of the UFO sighting, which happened around midnight. Her parents said that they were awoken by the sound of an old hallway phone, which wasn’t ringing. Instead, it was making a weird, pulsing noise.

The couple got up to check on the phone, but it quit making the weird noise about the time that they got to it. They had no idea that police officers across town were witnessing a UFO behind city hall. Only after they saw the news reports about the incident did it occur to them that the phone incident occurred at the same time the officers were seeing the UFO.

The woman who told me this story last Thursday asked me not to use her name, but when she read the UFO story in the paper, she felt compelled to share the unusual phone story with the paper. I’m glad she did, and it makes me wonder if anyone else out there in the reading audience remembers anything unusual about that night. If so, please call me and let me know, so we can complete the picture of events that night.

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Noted author Lawrence Gulley of Excel, over in Monroe County, visited Evergreen on Friday morning to announce the publication of his new book, “Sweet Liberty: If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us.” Released on Sept. 30 by Icebox Publishing, this 202-page book is about the American Revolutionary War. I believe that Lawrence said that this is his seventh book and if “Sweet Liberty” is as good as his previous books, readers have a lot to look forward to. If you’re interested in buying a copy, Lawrence encourages you to search for it on Amazon.

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Next week’s edition of The Courant will be dated for Oct. 29, and it will be the last paper before Halloween. With that said, in next week’s paper I’ll be running our annual list of spookiest places in Conecuh County. The more that I explore Conecuh County, the more I realize that there’s a lot that I haven’t seen out there. No doubt there are also a lot of “spooky” places in the county that I’m unaware of.

If you know of a good spooky location and the spooky story behind it, let me hear from you. I’d like the opportunity to add it to the list and maybe check it out in person at some point.

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The fourth week of our local ESPN College Football Pick ‘Em contest wrapped up on Saturday night, and the aftermath of this weekend’s slate of games caused another shake up in our local standings.

After the final seconds ticked off the clock in the last game on Saturday, we found that we had a four-way tie for first place in the local standings. Those tied for first place included Austin Weaver, John Johnston, Justin Mixon and Casey Grant. Robert Bozeman was in sole possession of fifth place.

We had a three-way tie for sixth place between myself, Arthur Ingram III and Steve Stacey. Jesse Jordan and Vanessa Sales were tied for ninth place while Tristan McPhaul, Brett Loftin, Clint Hyde, Mark Cotten and Josh Dutton were all tied for 11th place.

If you’re competing in this contest and didn’t do so hot over the weekend, don’t sweat it. We’ve got seven more weeks to go and a lot can (and will) change over the course of the next two months. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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The fourth weekend of the SEC football season also closed out on Saturday, and fans were treated to some upsets and a few surprises. For example, No. 2-ranked Alabama beat No. 3 Georgia by a whopping 17 points. Unranked Kentucky beat No. 14 Tennessee by 27 points, and unranked South Carolina upset No. 13 Auburn.

This week, we’ve only got three SEC games lined up for this Saturday: Alabama at Tennessee, Auburn at Ole Miss and South Carolina at LSU. For what it’s worth, here are my predictions for that slate of games.

I like Alabama over Tennessee, Auburn over Ole Miss and LSU over South Carolina. (Last week: 2-3. So far this season: 17-9)

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Also of note over the weekend, former Hillcrest High School football standout Cam Riley, who is now a freshman at Auburn, made his first official start at linebacker for the Tigers. Auburn opened its game against South Carolina with a three-linebacker look, and Cam was one of the three linebackers on the field for Auburn. Cam’s got a long college career ahead of him, and I’ve got a feeling that in four or five more years, I’ll be sitting here at The Courant typing about his first NFL start. Between now and then, we’ve got a lot of good football left in front of us as Cam continues to represent Conecuh County in fine fashion.

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The Atlanta Braves went down in flames in Sunday night’s National League Championship Series, falling by one run to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Atlanta had a good season and got off to a great start in the NLCS, but they just couldn’t hold on against the Dodgers.

Los Angeles will face the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series, which was scheduled to begin on Tuesday. The World Series is a best-of-seven series, and if it goes to seven games, Game Seven will be played on Wed., Oct. 28. All of those games will be broadcast by FOX.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

What's the most unusual place name in Wilcox County, Alabama?

Last week in this space, I wrote about an online article called “The Creepiest Places To Visit In Every State.” Not long after The Progressive Era hit the streets last week, a reader sent me another article titled “Top 10 Bizarre U.S. Town Names,” which was published on the website, Listverse.com. I was interested to see if any Alabama towns made the list, and I was somewhat disappointed to see that places like Burnt Corn, Scratch Ankle and Slapout hadn’t made the cut.

Towns with unusual names that were mentioned in the article included Swastika, New York; Accident, Maryland; Knockemstiff, Ohio; Buttzville, New Jersey; Humptulips, Washington; Boogertown, North Carolina; Nothing, Arizona; No Name, Colorado; Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; and Satan’s Kingdom, Massachusetts.

Reading about all of these unusual names got me to thinking about some of the unusual place names in Wilcox County. As it turns out, there are quite a few. Here are a few words about some of the unusual place names that I found while reviewing some old Wilcox County maps.

Annemanie: Located in the northwestern part of the county on State Highway 5, north of Pine Hill, this community was named after Anne, the daughter of A.M. Manie. A post office was established here in 1893. Sometimes, this community’s name is spelled as two words, “Anne Manie.”

Awin: When this community’s first post office was established in 1881, Jack Murray Williams was appointed to serve as its first postmaster. Among his first duties, Williams was tasked with giving the post office an official name, and he proceeded to ask people of the community what name they preferred. Exactly how Williams went about doing this is unclear, but he apparently compiled a list of several suitable names. According to “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue, Williams wrote “A win” beside the name on the list that the majority of residents favored. Williams sent his list to postal officials who were to give the post office its official name, but they apparently became confused and took Williams’s “A win” comment to be the chosen name.

Burl: Located in the southeastern part of the county, not far from McWilliams, this community was also known as Watsons Crossing. The Burl post office was in operation from 1914 to 1958. Foresters in the reading audience will tell you that a “burl” is a rounded knotty growth on a tree that’s commonly seen on tree trunks and sometimes on branches.

Corkville: This old community was located in the southeastern part of the county, just west of Schuster Springs. At one time, it was once large enough to support a post office. In fact, sources say that there was a post office there between 1898 to 1903.

Eggville: Eggville was located between Oak Hill and Pine Apple on what is now State Highway 10. There’s not much at Eggville nowadays, but it’s one of the oldest communities in Wilcox County. It can be seen on county maps as far back as 1868, right after the Civil War.

Fairplay: The old Fairplay community was located on the west side of Bear Creek, northwest of Pine Apple. A post office operated there from 1831 to 1842. It was found on county maps up until around 1882.

Lower Peach Tree: According to “Place Names in Alabama,” this community was “given the same designation as that of one of the two Indian villages once in this area. Benjamin Hawkins, the Creek Indian agent, had introduced peaches to the Indians around 1800. During the Creek War of 1813-14, the soldiers finding peaches at these two abandoned Indian settlements called the southernmost one Lower Peach Tree and the other one Upper Peach Tree.”

Pine Apple: According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, this town was originally called Friendship, but was incorporated as Pine Apple in 1872. Sources say that the town was called Pine Apple because of all the pine trees and apple trees in and around the small town.

Sunny South: According to “Place Names in Alabama,” Sunny South was “named for the Sunny South, a steamboat destroyed by fire in 1867 at Portland, a dead town once located on the banks of the Alabama River in Dallas County.”

In the end, if anyone in the reading audience has any additional information about how these places got their names, please let me hear from you. Also, if you know of any other unusual place names in Wilcox County not listed above, please let me know. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that there are a few more unusual names out there.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Oct. 20, 2020

Jeff Sessions
EIGHT YEAR AGO
OCT. 18, 2012

Weather reporter Betty Ellis reported .05 inches of rain on Oct. 14, 2012. She reported a high temperature of 85 degrees on Oct. 13 and lows of 49 on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9.

A host of well-wishers that included dozens of representatives from the law enforcement, government and legal communities in Conecuh and Monroe counties were on hand Monday morning to mark the retirement of longtime district attorney, Tommy Chapman.

The Evergreen City Council voted to move forward with the purchase of land from Gil McKenzie located along I-65 at Exit 96 for upcoming development at their regular meeting Tuesday night. The city will pay $2.3 million for the remaining property owned by McKenzie and begin working on the infrastructure to build a new grocery store along with several other businesses that have committed to building on the site.

One of the biggest annual events in Conecuh County is scheduled to be held this coming Saturday in downtown Evergreen – the 10th Annual Evergreen Sausage Festival.

The 21st Annual South East Regional Fly-In, which brings aviation enthusiasts from around the country to Conecuh County, will be held next week at Middleton Air Field in Evergreen.

23 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1997

Weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .01 inches of rain on Oct. 12, 1997. He reported a high temperature of 90 on Oct. 9 and a low of 62 on Oct. 6.

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions was in Evergreen Tuesday for visits with local industries. Here Sessions was being given a quick lesson on how Knud Nielsen’s sweet smelling potpourri is packaged. Earlier in the day, he visited and toured the Conecuh Sausage Plant. He said Washington is quite hectic and day to day activities changed consistently on the floor of the Senate.

The 17th Annual Conecuh Heritage Day, sponsored by the Conecuh County Heritage Day Committee and the Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce will be held this Sat., Oct. 18, at Evergreen Municipal Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Castleberry got a new business a few weeks ago with the opening of Palmer’s Sports Bar and Grill located on County Road 18. On hand for the celebration were Jim Clifton, Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Board; Castleberry Mayor Curtis Wolff, James A. Palmer III, James A. Palmer Jr., owner, Henry E. Palmer Jr., Willie J. Moncrease and Lula Palmer, James Jr.’s mother.

Robert Barnett was recognized recently for 40 years of employment with Pugh & Son, Inc. He began working with D.M. Pugh and his son, Moye, on May 1, 1947. The business was then known as Pugh Sash & Cabinet Shop.

38 YEARS AGO
OCT. 21, 1982

Local weather reporter Earl Windham reported .31 of an inch of rain on Oct. 12, 1982 and .73 of an inch on Oct. 13 He reported a high temperature of 90 degrees on Oct. 10 and a low of 45 on Oct. 15.

Brownville and Owassa have formed a rural community fire department. Fire Chief Edwin Brown and David Burt, Chairman of the Conecuh County Commission, recently signed a cooperative equipment lease between the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Commission and the Brownville-Owassa Fire Department. Richard Bowers of the Alabama Forestry Commission and a resident of the community witnessed the signing.

Conecuh County’s public schools could be closed by Christmas of this year, according to Superintendent of Education Walter B. Hudson Jr.
Hudson said that unless the economy makes an unusual and sharp change to the up-side, or additional money is found, the county public school system just won’t have the money to keep school doors open after the Christmas holidays.

Lizbeth McMillan (Miss Lib), retired and much loved fifth grade teacher at the Evergreen City School for about half a century, takes a real good look at the prize-winning display of the Conecuh Heritage Day open house hosted by the Evergreen Study Club at the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 3. The winning display was prepared and offered to view by the public by Mrs. Wilber (Marie) Nall of Lenox.

53 YEARS AGO
OCT. 19, 1967

Ralph L. (Leon) Stinson Jr. of Evergreen has been named Industrial Representative for the State Planning and Industrial Development Board.

A power outage to do necessary work is scheduled in the Highway 31 South area this Sunday morning. The current will be turned off at 7 a.m. and should be back on about 9:30 a.m., according to J.W. Weaver, City Electrical Superintendent.

Major C.B. DeMarque, whose wife Alice is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Dean of Montgomery and formerly of Repton, recently took part in a highly successful mission over North Vietnam.
DeMarque and fellow F-4C Phantom II pilots inflicted heavy damage on enemy storage areas and truck convoys carrying supplies southward.

Mrs. Robert G. Kendall of Evergreen has been named chairman of the 1967 Christmas Seal Campaign in an announcement by John Jenkins, President of the Alabama Tuberculosis Association.

FT. BENNING, GA. – Army Private Edward W. Ridgeway, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ridgeway, Rt. 2, Evergreen, fired expert with the M-14 rifle near the completion of combat training at Ft. Benning. The expert rating is the highest mark a soldier can achieve on his weapons qualification test.

68 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1952

According to figures released by County Superintendent H.G. Pate, a total of 4,980 pupils had been enrolled in the white and colored schools of Conecuh at the end of the first scholastic month.

Contract for the construction of a bridge across Sepulga River near Brooklyn on Highway 83 was let by the State Highway Department Oct. 3 to the W.A. McWaters Construction Co., Montgomery. The approximate cost of the bridge is $116,000.

New city councilmen and the new mayor took their oaths of office at an organizational meeting held by the new administration of the City of Evergreen last week. The oath of office was administered by City Clerk Hunter Thornley.
Vernon B. Millsap is the city’s new mayor. Councilmen O.B. Tuggle and H.J. Kinzer were re-elected. New councilmen are Aubrey Griffin, Guy Mason and C.A. Robinson.

Evergreen Troop 40, Boy Scouts of America, has again been granted a charter by the National Boy Scout Council. The Evergreen troop is the oldest Scout Troop in the Gulf Coast Council. Fifty-eight boys are registered in the troop and Explorer Post for the coming year.
W. Paul (Mr. Mac) McMillan is registered for his 28th consecutive year as scoutmaster of the local troop. His record is unmatched in the council. At the Annual Scout Council Meeting in 1951, Mr. Mac was honored by the Gulf Coast Council for his outstanding Scouting accomplishments with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor that a council can present to a scouter.

Monday, October 19, 2020

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Oct. 19, 2020

Wayne Frazier
34 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1986

The Sparta Academy Warriors blanked Crenshaw Academy 21-0 in Luverne Friday night.
Tim Wilson scored all three of Sparta’s touchdowns, two on runs and one on a pass from Jeff Walker.
Wilson picked up 85 yards on 21 carries and scored twice. Lee Wild had 27 yards on nine carries; Jeff Carrier, 24 on six; Kenny Bledsoe, 16 on two; Robbie Bolton, 4 on two; and Walker, 3 on four.
Lynn Ralls topped the tackle chart with seven solo hits and one assist.
(Other players on Sparta’s team that year included Johnny Brock, Chris Turner, Glynn Ralls, Shannon Kendall, Chris Davis, Scott Adams and Jeff Brundage.)

Friday night the Repton Bulldogs tamed the Tigers of McKenzie by a score of 42-0, giving the homecoming crowd another awesome display of both defense and offense.
John Thompson scored a touchdown in the first quarter and again on a four-yard run in the second quarter. Eddie Waters threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Allen Nettles with 37 seconds left in the first half.
Carl Stanton scored three touchdowns on the night. His first came on a 48-yard run in the third quarter. He followed that with a 63-yard scoring run with 6:32 left in the game. His final touchdown came on a 94-yard run with 1:18 left in the game.
Repton kicker Spencer Day with perfect on the night, connecting on six of six extra points kicks.
(Other standout Repton players in that game included Russell Royster, Keith Baggett, Greg Rudolph, Chris Dukes, Ken Harter, David Welch, James Montgomery and Greg Mayo. Hugh Wilson was Repton’s head coach.)

49 YEARS AGO
OCT. 21, 1971

Brett Gearhart won second place in the district punt, pass and kick contest held Saturday in Atlanta. Earlier, Brett had won first place in the local contest and in the zone contest in Prattville in the 11-year-old division. The boy he lost out to in Atlanta was the national winner as a 10-year-old last year. Brett is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gearhart. The PP&K contest is sponsored locally by Warren Ford Co., Inc. and coordinated by the Evergreen Jaycees.

The Evergreen Aggies suffered a 36-0 drubbing at the hands of the Luverne Tigers here in Brooks Stadium on Friday night.
The absence of starting quarterback Harold Rogers and tackle Ronnie Robinson due to injuries and the awesome running attack (by Luverne) combined to shutout the Aggies.
(Other Evergreen players that season included Wavie Ausby, Frank McMillan and Willie Paige.)

Mrs. Tommy Hartley doesn’t seem to be particularly enjoying the close of holding this big rattlesnake. The snake was five feet long and had six rattles and a button. Guy Hartley disposed of the rattler. His daughter-in-law claimed the snake for her Sparta Academy biology class to dissect.

64 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 1956

The Tigers from Greenville tallied three times in the first half and were held to six points in the last half as they took a grueling game from the Evergreen Aggies 25-6.
The lone Aggie score came in the last quarter, climaxing a 90-yard drive. The Aggies got the ball on the kickoff after a Greenie score and returned it to the 10. On the first play, Robert Ellington burst through the line for seven yards and then Robbie Boykin and Billy Grace each added two for the first down. In the next series, it seemed the drive was halted after two drives at the line netted one yard, but Grace drifted back and passed beautifully to Mickey Joyner for eight yards, and on a fourth down with only inches to go, Grace pushed forward for the first down.
The drive seemed stalled again at the Evergreen 48 and Wayne Frazier dropped back to kick. Instead of kicking, he ran, hard and fast, around right end for 30 yards to the Greenville 22 for the Aggies’ longest run of the night. Grace then passed to Joyner for the touchdown, from 22 yards out. The try for the point was blocked.

79 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1941

The 1941-42 hunting season was ushered in Wednesday of this week when the ban was lifted on squirrels from Oct. 15 to Jan. 1, both dates inclusive. Those who went to the woods Wednesday report that there were plenty of nimrods on hand and a few squirrels. Bag limit on this specie of game is 10 per day.
The season on doves opens Dec. 1 and closes Jan. 11, bag limit 12. On quail the season opens Dec. 1 and closes Feb. 20, bag limit 12. Season on deer for this area opens Nov. 20 and closes Jan. 1, bag limit one pronged antler buck per day, three a season.
Turkeys, gobblers only, one a day, five a season, split season, Nov. 20 to Jan. 1; March 20 to April 15. Opossum and raccoon, no bag limit, Oct. 1 to Jan. 31; Rabbit, no bag limit, Oct. 1 to Feb. 20; Ducks, 10 a day in aggregate of all species including one wood duck, Nov. 2 to Dec. 31.
There are numerous other regulations which possibly have little importance to hunters of this area and aren’t published herewith, however, it would be well for those who are interested to investigate if they have any doubt as to any particular point.

94 YEARS AGO
OCT. 21, 1926

The Evergreen Aggies went down to defeat last Friday afternoon when the fast Brewton outfit came up and trounced them to the tune of 19 to 0.
The local boys went outplayed in particularly every department of the game. Although the visitors were light, they were fast and consistent players. They were able to gain much ground via the air and by means of deceiving passes and end runs.
The defeat of the Aggies was no doubt due largely to the fact that two of the best players weren’t able to play. Captain Northcutt and Dreaden were both on the sideline due to injuries received in practice.
Local fans are hoping for better luck next Friday when the Atmore team comes up and plays the Aggies on the local field. It is believed that both Northcutt and Dreaden will be in position to assume their respective positions when Coach Henderson says go.
All lovers of the game are reminded to be on hand next Friday afternoon at Gantt’s Field. It is freely predicted that there will be a better story to tell than was possible last Friday.

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Old newspaper excerpts from The Monroe Journal newspaper of Monroe County, Alabama

19 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 2001

Firefighter awards: Four Monroeville firefighters and a local civic club received awards during the Monroeville Fire & Rescue Department’s annual awards banquet held last Thursday night at the Monroeville Community House. (Award recipients included T.J. Mann, Rookie of the Year; Ben Rawls, Firefighter of the Year; Eddie James, Leadership Award; Lee Pettis, W.D. Pickens Award for Best All-Around Firefighter; and Robert Sims, representing the Monroeville Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis Club received the department’s Citizen of the Year Award.)

Volunteers rout Morgan 35-14 to remain unbeaten: Monroe Academy put 28 points on the scoreboard in the first half and coasted to a 35-14 victory over Morgan Academy Friday at MA.
Senior halfback Karl James (K.J.) Lazenby and junior fullback Tyler Dawson led Friday’s charge as both backs rushed for over 100 yards. Lazenby finished with 134 yards on just nine carries. Dawson had 108 yards on 12 totes.
(Other top Monroe players in that game included Trey Dobson, Brian Kilpatrick, Decatur Lazenby, Joah Norris, Charles Ramsey, Cameron Stacey and Jeff Wasden.)

Weatherman visits area schools: Alan Seals, WKRG-TV5 meteorologist, recently spoke to Excel School’s elementary students and Monroeville Elementary School’s students. Seals spent about an hour at each school, explaining how weather forecasts are formulated. He also told the students how much education it takes to become a meteorologist.

44 YEARS AGO
OCT. 21, 1976

A patrolman from the Atmore police department has been hired as police chief of Frisco City.
The new police chief is Arthur G. Gunn, and the new patrolman is Ralph M. Tatum, a former member of the Frisco City auxiliary force.
Tatum was sworn in Oct. 9; Gunn was sworn in Monday. Jim Bayles was acting police chief until Gunn’s hiring.
Frisco City’s former three-man police force was dismissed when the present town council took office Oct. 4. The reason for the dismissals was not made public.

The J.F. Shields Panthers won a big area game and their second home game of the season Friday night, downing Wilcox County High, 38-22.
Step Burgess, the Panthers’ hard-running fullback, rushed for two TD’s in the first half and gained 209 yards during the night for an outstanding performance. Judge Nelson, Thomas Dale and Dwight Wright also made TDs.
The Shields defense was led by Willie Black with nine tackles and three assists.
(Other top Shields players in that game included Tyrone McFadden, Larry Nettles, Oscar Stallworth and Clifford Williams.)

Journal’s editorial page tops nationally: The Monroe Journal has placed first among newspapers over 4,000 circulation in the “Best Editorial Page” category of the National Newspaper Association’s 1976 National Better Newspaper Contest.
Awards, based on issues published during calendar year 1975, were announced in connection with the association’s annual convention last week in Lake Geneva, Wisc.

69 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 1951

Frisco Soldier Given Purple Heart Award: Pfc. Wiley G. Sawyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Sawyer of Frisco City, was recently awarded the Purple Heart medal by the U.S. War Department for wounds received in action in Korea.
He has had Korean combat duty for four months as a member of Co. C of the 35th Infantry Regiment.
Having been wounded in the arm and foot, Pfc. Sawyer is now recuperating in an Army hospital in Pusan, Korea.

Excel Eleven Downs Baker High 20-0: The Excel High Panthers found little opposition in downing the Baker High team in Mobile last Friday night.
Left half Ray Scruggs and right half Charles Stacey starred for Excel in the 55-yard drive which ended in a TD for the Panthers in the second period by gaining most of the territory covered. Scruggs finally scored from the five-yard stripe.
Scruggs was winner for the Excel squad again in the last period when he ran 25 yards on an off-tackle play, while Stacey again shared the spotlight as he rammed his freedom over tackle during the same quarter for the Panthers’ final TD.

Monroeville Residents Receive Scout Offices: Four Monroeville residents were recently elected to serve as officers of the Gulf Coast Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
A.A. Nettles has been named to the executive board while Max Bradley, M.I. Hanks and R.A. Wible will serve as council members at large, all of whom have been active in state Scout work for some time.
Announcement of these appointments was made earlier this week by Bob Radford, executive for the Gulf Coast Scout Council.

94 YEARS AGO
OCT. 20, 1926

HOMICIDE AT MEGARGEL: Jesse Steadman Jr. shot and killed Ben Hawkins at the home of Steadman about noon on Tuesday. From the best that can be learned concerning the circumstances leading to the tragedy, it appears that there had been feeling between the parties for some time over matters of a domestic character. Hawkins having been warned both by Steadman and mutual friends to stay away from the Steadman home. Returning home about noon Tuesday, Steadman found Hawkins in his house in a compromising position with his wife, whereupon Steadman fired two shots into the body of the trespasser, killing him almost instantly. Steadman surrendered to the Sheriff but was promptly released on bond to await the action of the grand jury.

Mr. R.B. Williams is having a new brick building erected on the lot adjoining the Sanitary Market. It is understood that the building will be occupied by Mr. Clyde Marshall as a garage and auto repair shop.

A canvass will be made of each home and the business district on next Friday afternoon, Oct. 22, to solicit contributions and books for the City Library.

MAMMOTH POTATOES: Some of the largest sweet potatoes ever grown in the county are on exhibition in The Journal office. Judge Fountain brought in a “whopper” of the Porto Rico variety 12 inches long and 18 in circumference, which tipped the scale at eight pounds, while Mr. F.L. Rutherford of Franklin left with us specimens of the Jersey variety of almost equal size and weight. The potato crop of the county generally is reported unusually fine and good prices are obtained in the local market.

119 YEARS AGO
OCT. 17, 1901

The following attorneys are in attendance on the circuit court this week who were not present last week: C.J. Torrey, Mobile; N. Stallworth, Evergreen; J.F. Stallings, Greenville; J.N. Miller and Gen. R.C. Jones, Camden.

Manistee: R.F. Lowrey and Messrs. Agee and Florey are contemplating putting in a stock of merchandise near this place.
Dr. George H. Harper of this place was called away last week to visit his family at Franklin, where his wife and children are sick with scarlet fever.

The Journal received a pleasant call from Mr. M.V. Middleton of Buena Vista Tuesday afternoon. For 20 years or more, Mr. Middleton has handled The Journal as postmaster in his town, but this is the first time it has been our pleasure to meet him. Mr. Middleton will resume his mercantile business in a few days, as will be seen by reference to his card in this issue. The Journal wishes him prosperity and success.

JORDAN M. CRAWFORD: Died on the morning of Oct. 3, 1901, at his residence near McNeil, Ala., Jordan M. Crawford. The deceased was born at Burnt Corn, Monroe County, Ala. on May 9, 1838. He united with the Missionary Baptist Church at Bethany, near the above named place, at an early age. He enjoyed the distinction of being a Mason, though at the time of his demise was not a member of any lodge. With a conscious pride of patriotic duty, he served in the Confederate army.

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Singleton disturbed by increasing amount of trash and garbage seen in nature

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “Trash mars woodlands in county” was originally published in the Feb. 8, 1973 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

For many months now I have become more and more disturbed at the increasing amount of trash and garbage that is being dumped and discarded along the back roads of Monroe County. Since my early childhood I have retreated to the cool clean woods, when the burdens of our society began to press too heavy on my shoulders. Deep in the arms of Nature I can rest and think: there my wounds will heal; and soon I’m refreshed ready to go to face the problems of life again.

I think that it is intended for man to return to the healing arms of Nature, just as a small child returns to the arms of its mother when it is hurt or saddened. I’m sure that this is the reason the early Indians called the deep pine forests of this area, “The Healing Place.” They believed that the earth was the mother to all things. This is true, though primitive as is may seem. That is why our lives and well being depend so much upon the land around us.

The early inhabitants were aware of the necessity of keeping the land clean. They knew that they were breaking the laws of Nature when they threw trash and filth to the found winds. They knew better than we know now that man could push himself literally off the face of the earth.

In the spring of 1759 a young Indian chief stood on the banks of the Alabama River and addressed his people. He prophesied of the things to come and warned them of the threat that would spread across the land. Here are some of his words.

“Young men and warriors! Do not disregard the Master of Life. The sky is blue, the sun is without spots, the weather is fair, the ground is white, everything is quiet on the face of the earth and the blood of man ought not to be spilt on it. We must beg the Great Spirit to preserve it pure and spotless among the peoples that surround us.

The Great Spirit once blessed us with a magnificent river, abounding in fish, with delicious and cool fountains gushing out from the foot of the hills, with rich lands that produced without cultivation, and with vast forests, abounding with game of every description. But the whole scene is changing. The country is no longer half so beautiful. The waters of our beautiful river begin to discolor. The forests are being cut down. Deer bound not over the plains. The great bear has ceased to find its way through the deep swamps. The cunning panther does not spring upon its prey. Wolves have ceased to howl upon the hills. Birds cannot be seen in the branches of the trees. Graceful warriors guide no more their well-shaped canoes across the crystal clear waters of our river. Our beautiful maidens loiter not upon the plain nor pick the wild delicious berries.”

How frightening it is to think of the time when there will be no more green woods to wander in. When along each path one will find only the trash and garbage of our civilization, instead of the wild and beautiful trees and flowers that once were so plentiful. Instead of the fresh sweet smell of the woods in bloom, one will only encounter the stale sour odor of decaying garbage.

How pitiful it will be when the sounds of nature will have been stilled and all that will remain will be the growls of the scavengers and the buzz of the flies as they battle for the remains and scraps that litter our land. When as far as the eye can see will be nothing more than piles of junk.

This may sound far-fetched to the readers of this article, but I say in truth, that this is nearer than we realize. Few places can be found anymore where the trash from our “Good Life” can’t be seen to scar and disfigure the land before us.

Must we be buried in our own filth or will we awaken in time to stop the deadly menace that is slowly creeping across our land? This answer must come from you and I – only time will tell.

[This “Photostory” also included six photos taken by Singleton that carried the following captions: The Parker’s Eddy Road along Limestone Creek, once a scenic nature trail, is now strewn with trash and garbage (Photo 1). Another nature spot off a county road near Monroeville also has been littered with trash (Photo 2). Trash and debris have marred the beauty of this Monroe County scenic road (Photo 3). This illegal dumping site lies about 20 feet off the Old Salem Road in Mexia (Photo 4). The side of this woodlands road seems to have become a regular dumping spot for thoughtless litterbugs (Photo 5). Discarded furniture and other debris make for the ghastly appearance of this scenic road near Limestone Creek (Photo 6).]

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)

Eli McMorn and the Strange Case of Kill Devil Hill – Part 11

I could sense that our interview was near its end. Lawson’s drawn face was pale, and lines of fatigue showed around his eerie eyes and thin mouth. Retelling his strange tale had called up many loathsome memories, and it had affected him.

“What happened after you saw the shadow outside your hospital room window?” I asked.

“A young nurse came to see what was wrong,” he said. “I remember she had a winged Cupid tattooed on her left wrist, almost covered up by her watch. It made me think of the boy that shot me with the arrow.”

Lawson startled me when he lifted the bottom of his faded uniform shirt. He pointed to a small scar an inch below his right nipple. “They told me the emergency room doctor removed the arrow with a pair of wire snips and medical pliers. The arrow missed my lung by a hair.”

“Did you tell the nurse what you saw outside?”

“Yes and she told me to calm down, that I was in intensive care and had been given a lot of pain medicine. She also said that my room was on the third floor, so I couldn’t have seen anyone outside.”

This explanation made sense. In his drug-addled state, Lawson probably imagined the whole macabre thing or maybe he’d just had an odd nightmare. Maybe he was lying. Or maybe he was truly insane.

“Turns out, I’d only been in the hospital for a few hours,” he continued. “This was the night of the same day that I’d been shot.”

Another lonely peel of thunder boomed outside as the wretched weather worsened. A wave of dark rain slashed against the dirty window. I dreaded my ride back into Claiborne. Rush hour traffic on the city’s outdated streets in bad weather was often exciting, but never fun.

“Investigators with the Sheriff’s Department showed up the next morning,” he went on. “My friends had been reported missing by then, and their parents were upset. I told the deputies just what I told you, and they left. My memory of all that is hazy. Like the nurse said, I was on a lot of pain medicine.”

According to the Sheriff’s yellowed incident report on the table between us, deputies went to Kill Devil Hill with a few grim guides from the rescue squad and found five dead bodies. Brooks was stone dead atop the mysterious hill just like Lawson described. Blood was everywhere.

Jimmy Creason was found about 100 yards away with major injuries to his head and chest. Medical examiner said later that his injuries were consistent with a car crash. He also had compound fractures to both legs. Rescue squad men found him because of all the buzzards.

All three of the girls - Kara Creason, Cathy Merriweather and Meghan Caldwell – were more or less found together. Their twisted, partially-clothed remains were found within 19 yards of each other. Kara and Meghan were both missing their eyeballs, and Merriweather was missing her tongue.

“I woke up some time later at the hospital, and the Sheriff and two of his deputies were standing there at my bed,” Lawson continued. “The Sheriff was a big man. The first thing I saw was the gun on his hip, and the second thing was in his other hand. It was a small, plastic evidence bag that contained Jimmy Creason’s bloody class ring. I knew right then that I was in trouble.”

(All rights reserved. This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.)