Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for June 30, 2021

60 YEARS AGO
JUNE 29, 1961

Kay Ellen Ivey will represent the Camden Chapter of FHA at the National Convention in St. Louis, Mo. next week. Kay is State Parliamentarian will serve on the Public Relations committee while at the convention and will also participate in the All-State chorus. Miss Leacy Newell, home economics teacher at Camden and Chapter adviser, will accompany Kay on the trip. They will leave Montgomery Sunday afternoon with other representatives from the State and will return home the following Saturday.

McDonald Gallion, Attorney General of the State of Alabama, was the guest of Judge Bill Dannelly, at the Camden Exchange Club on Monday evening, June 26, at the Camden School. Mr. Gallion spoke to 52 Exchangites after their regular dinner meeting in the school cafeteria. Mr. Gallion gave the Club some facts from official records about the “Freedom Riders.” He also gave an interesting account of his appearance on the Dave Garroway “Today” show in New York recently. Blanchard McLeod, president of the Camden Exchange Club, is shown left.

Wilcox Sheriff Named President Of State Officers Association: Wilcox County Sheriff P.C. “Lummie” Jenkins was named vice president of the Alabama Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association during its annual session in Birmingham this week. Six hundred delegates gathered for the 29^th convention when Birmingham Mayor James W. Morgan and County Commission President W.D. Kendrick welcomed the lawmen to Birmingham at the opening session at the Thomas Jefferson Hotel.

73 YEARS AGO
JUNE 24, 1948

Local Post of Legion To Elect Officers: Election of officers for the coming year will be the chief item of business at the Irby Savage-Sam McNeill Post No. 84 of the American Legion at its meeting a week from tomorrow, Friday night, July 2. Announcement of the election was made by Commander W.L. Hybart, who urged that all paid members make every effort to attend and aid in choosing good officers to serve the post in the year just beginning. Commander Hybart also announced that another big Legion dance is to be held sometime in the month of July, the exact date to be announced later.

Lambert Confirmed As Darlington Postmaster: The Senate of the United States confirmed by voice vote last week several nominations for postmaster of Alabama towns. Among those so confirmed was the name of James Ernest Lambert, to be postmaster at Darlington.

Camden Scouts Attending Camp This Week: Scoutmaster Jack Bogie announced today that nine members of the Camden Boy Scout Troop are at camp this week. Two of the Scouts, Bol Lambert and McGown Cook Jr., left last week for camp and will attend for two weeks. The other seven, who left here Wednesday by bus, are attending for one week, from June 2 to 30^th. Those who left for camp this week are Larry L’Abbe, Max Stabler Jr., John W. Bozzard, Jimmy Rowel, Ralston McBeath, John Paul Bigger and Ben Sanders. The camp is located north of Montgomery.

86 YEARS AGO
JUNE 27, 1935

Judge Claude Hardy, formerly of Pine Apple and principal of the high school here so many years, but now making his home at Brewton, is visiting his daughter, who was formerly Miss Virginia Hardy in New York City.

The regular meeting of Dale Lodge No. 25, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, will be held Monday night, July 1. All members are urged to be present. Installation of officers by District Lecturer.

The Auxiliary of the Irby Savage Post No. 84 will meet with Mrs. Howard Wooley today at her lovely suburban home at Bellview.

EVERYBODY come to Camden on July 4^th. Barbecue and two BASEBALL games. Camden vs. Montgomery. Benefit Camden P.T.A.

Dr. William Rufus King Beck and bride, who was Mary Christine McLeod of New York City, will arrive next week to visit his mother, Mrs. Mary T. Beck, at her plantation home at Walnut Bluff. Dr. Beck, or “Bill” as he is best known here, has been taking a Post Course in New York in skin diseases and cancer and will locate in Montgomery.

The Era will be published on Wednesday, July 3^rd. Please send all ads and news items in EARLY.

99 YEARS AGO
JUNE 29, 1922

The newly elected officers for Unity Lodge No. 136, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, are as follows: Dr. A.B. Curtis, Worshipful Master; Dr. K.A. Mayer, Senior Warden; Ben D. Stabler, Junior Warden; A.L. Slaughter, Treasurer; J.W. Gibson, Secretary; J.P. Gibson and L.L. Jeffrey, Deacons; J.M. Kirk, Tyler; W.F. Floyd, Chaplain; W.R. Welch and J.M. McCloud, Stewards.

Camden ball players appeared on the diamond Tuesday evening with a large letter C sewed on the left sleeves of their shirts. This was done through kindness of some of the ladies of our town.

The baseball fans are enjoying the well screened new grandstand, which commands a perfect view of the field.

Mrs. Alma Stanford’s residence on Fail Street came very near being destroyed by fire Friday morning. The family were out visiting when some people who were passing by saw the blaze from a defective flue and gave the alarm. The damage was slight.

Wilkinsons Restaurant has filled a long felt want and necessity for our growing town. His business has increased wonderfully.

Senator Prestwood of Andalusia, candidate for Congress from the second congressional district, was in Wilcox County Tuesday in the interest of his candidacy.

112 YEARS AGO
JUNE 24, 1909

The Wilcox Mineral Springs – Shuster, Wilcox County, Ala. – The hotels will be opened for guests on first of July. Basket picnic on the grounds July 3^rd; a string band procured for the occasion, dancing, baseball and other amusements. Everybody invited.

A man and horse while plowing on the Midway place during the rainstorm were instantly killed by lightning. Another man was also killed by lightning on or near W.C. Jones’ plantation in the eastern end of the county on Wednesday.

Newly elected officers of Sunny South Lodge No. 497, Free & Accepted Masons: Edward Strickland, Worshipful Master; R.L. Grantham, Senior Warden; Fred S. Morgan, Junior Warden; S.W. Morgan, Treasurer; J.D. Carmichael, Secretary; J.A. Kane, Senior Deacon; J.C. Grantham, Junior Deacon; H.C. Pearson and J.B. Tompkins, Stewards; and J.A. Tompkins, Tyler.

It is with regret that we learn of the death of Columbus M. Jackson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jackson, who died at his parents’ home in Canton Bend last Saturday night, aged 14 years. About two weeks since, he fell from a mule that shied at a bundle that he was carrying, and as Columbus fell, the mule kicked him and the injury resulted in his death.

The Masons of Camden Chapter No. 40, Royal Arch Masons, and Wilcox Council No. 24, Royal & Select Masters, enjoyed an interesting and pleasant fraternal reunion last Tuesday and Wednesday, a week when Camden was honored by a visit from Past Grand High Priest and Past Grand Thrice Illustrious Master George A. Beauchamp of Montgomery, who came to assist in the work.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 29, 2021

Benjamin Franklin Riley

THREE YEARS AGO
JUNE 28, 2018

Evergreen weather observer Betty Ellis reported 0.35 inches of rain on June 21 and 0.5 inches of rain on June 24. She reported a high of 99 degrees on June 23 and a low of 72 on June 19.

The Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce presented Samuel Skipper Construction with the Business of the Month Award for the month of June last Thursday at the company’s office on West Front Street in Evergreen. Pictured from left at the award presentation are Chamber representatives Debbie Jacob, Carol Hamrac and Ronnie Johnson and Skipper Construction owner Sam Skipper and office manager Stacey O’Ferrell.

The Conecuh County Commission recognized recently retired county employee Calvin Samuel on Monday with an official resolution honoring him for over 31 years of outstanding service to the county. Pictured from left at Monday’s presentation at the Conecuh County Courthouse in Evergreen are Commissioner Wendell Byrd, Samuel and County Engineer Winston Foshee.

Conecuh County Probate Judge Rogene Booker announced this week that a Republican primary run-off election for federal and state offices will be held in Conecuh County on July 17.
Booker, the county’s chief election authority, said that polls will open throughout the county on that day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

28 YEARS AGO
JUNE 24, 1993

One-fifth of an inch of rain was all that fell on Conecuh County last week, according to weatherman Harry Ellis. (Ellis reported highs of 92 on June 16 and June 20 and a low of 67 on June 19.)

County Engineer resigns after commission request: John McAnulty, who has served as the Conecuh County Engineer since 1990, has tendered his resignation effective July 1. The resignation came after it was requested by the county commission, following an executive session last Friday.
McAnulty confirmed his resignation but refused comment Tuesday afternoon. He began working with the county on July 20, 1987 as an assistant engineer. He was hired in the engineer’s slot on Nov. 1, 1990.

Mack Goneke is administered the oath of office for county coroner by Conecuh County Probate Judge Rogene Booker. Goneke was selected by Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. to fill the unexpired term of former coroner Danny Garnett, who resigned in March after moving out of the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Martin (nee Vickie Raines) of Evergreen proudly announce the birth of twin daughters, Stephanie Leigh, five pounds, 13 ounces, and Tiffany Lynn, five pounds, seven ounces, on June 16, 1993 at Monroe County Hospital.

CALLED MEETING OF MASTER MASONS, GREENING LODGE NO. 53: A special called meeting of all Master Masons of Greening Lodge No. 53 will be held Tues., June 29, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. at the lodge. All men are urged to attend.

53 YEARS AGO
JUNE 27, 1968

Clearing and construction work are underway at the Flxible Southern Co. plant. Soon a modern building will rise from the rubble resulting from the fire last Feb. 21 which caused almost total destruction of the plant.

The qualifying of Edward (Buddy) Evers for Place 4 on the Evergreen City Council leaves two councilmen, Dr. Joseph H. Hagood in Place 1 and Knud Nielsen Jr. in Place 5, without opposition. Evers will oppose incumbent Bob Bozeman.

Sheriff James Brock and ATU agent Roy Blount of Mobile confiscated a four-barrel whiskey still and 200 gallons of mash on Sunday afternoon in Nymph.

The Student Council, assisted by the Key Club, sponsored the construction of this handsome marker at Evergreen High School. The council committee, headed by Emmett Price and Tim Stinson, cleaned the bricks donated by Emmett and aided the brick mason so that the marker could be built at a small cost. Members of the vocational agriculture classes, under the direction of D.C. Fleming, will plant shrubbery around the marker in the fall. The Student Council is to be commended for their project which adds prestige to the “Home of the Aggies.”

Evergreen’s new telephone directory is being delivered this week, according to J.D. Kaylor, manager for Southern Bell.

78 YEARS AGO
JUNE 24, 1943

L&N Electrician Electrocuted Thursday: Charles C. Rutherford, 33-year-old electrician employed by the L&N Railroad Co., was electrocuted Thursday afternoon about three o’clock while installing wires near Sparta in this county. Rutherford was one of a special crew which is engaged in installing the new central control system which is now being put in on the Montgomery-Mobile line.
According to best information available, Rutherford came in contact with one of the wires which had become supercharged probably from the effects of an electrical storm which occurred about that time.

MASONIC CONFERENCE WILL MEET HERE JULY 7: The annual session of the Conecuh County Masonic Conference will meet with the local lodge in Evergreen Wed., July 7. All Masonic lodges in the county are urged to send representatives and all Masons are invited to attend the session. The local lodge will provide entertainment.

Mrs. Sid Lambert (Ruby Lee Pierce) left Monday for Niagara Falls, N.Y., where she will join her husband.

Veteran Chaplain Dies At Atmore Home: Howard Stanley McMillan Sr., aged 60, died of a heart attack at his home in Atmore, Ala. June 14. He was a native of Monroe County but had made his home in Atmore for the past 10 years.
Entering the Army in 1918 as a first lieutenant, he served in the capacity of chaplain in the first World War.

128 YEARS AGO
JUNE 22, 1893

THE EVERGREEN STAR

Amos Hodge will be hung at Brewton July 7 for murder.

All Confederate veterans in Conecuh County are asked to meet at the courthouse next Saturday, the 24^th, at 12 noon, for the purpose of organizing a camp.

Miss Ada Beck, who satisfactorily conducted the music department of the Evergreen Academy, will leave this week for her home in Camden, to the regret of her many friends she has made here.

Several from this place expect to attend the Fourth of July celebration at Greenville.

THE AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL: The people of Conecuh County have an opportunity presented to them for educating their children that was never before offered and perhaps never will again. The location of the agricultural college and experimental station will be determined within the next 30 days, and if Conecuh County does not secure it, it will be our fault. The commissioner of agriculture, whose duty it is to locate it, has been here and examined the surroundings and was well pleased with the situation.

We see that Rev. B.F. Riley, D.D., of Howard College, has been selected professor of belles lettres at Athens, in the University of Georgia. This promotion is a merited one, but it will take from Alabama one of our ablest divines and bests educators. Dr. Riley, we learn, will accept.

Wilcox County boys faced grand jury indictment for playing baseball in Camden in the summer of 1905

I have always loved baseball. I played Little League, Babe Ruth and high school baseball, and while I was a very average player, I still love the sport. I’m sure a lot of men in the reading audience will know exactly how I feel.

Nowadays, especially this time of year, you can watch a baseball game on television, on a laptop or on your cellphone just about any day of the week. There is no shortage of games to watch when you take into account all of the colleges and professional teams that take the field each and every day. In today’s world, we also don’t give a second thought to sports like baseball being played on Sunday, but this hasn’t always been the case.

Blue laws, which were sometimes called Sunday laws, once existed to prohibit many activities on Sundays, including activities like sports. These laws were passed to encourage people to rest and attend church on Sunday. A common “blue law” that you still see in some places today is the prohibition against alcohol sales on Sundays.

One of the most remarkable blue law incidents in Wilcox County history involved a bunch of young boys and baseball. This happened way back in 1905 when Sunday baseball was pretty much illegal everywhere except for Chicago, Cincinnati and St. Louis. It wasn’t until 1919 that Sunday baseball was legalized in New York City.

In the June 29, 1905 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, editor John S. Hunter reported, under the headline “Sunday Ball Players Told to Go Their Way and Sin No More,” that the “cases against the boys who were indicted by the last Grand Jury for playing ball in Camden on Sunday came up before the County Court on Monday, June 26, and the cases were nol prossed on the promise of the participants to play no more ball on Sunday.”

While the story doesn’t mention the names of the boys involved, Hunter did sympathize with them and editorialized about their legal plight.

“The long dreary Sundays in the country are spent in various ways,” Hunter wrote. “With the young, the time hangs heavily on their hands. The old-time, rigid, compulsory methods of bygone days now belong to the past, and young America of today keeps pace with civilization and the customs of the present age.”

Despite my best efforts, I was unable to find any additional information about the 1905 Sunday baseball incident in Camden. Apparently, the paper didn’t publish a story about their original arrests, that is, if the young baseballers were even indeed arrested. Reading between the lines, this incident seemed to have been a hot topic in the community since the court’s final decision was so well publicized.

In the end, please let me hear from you if you have any additional information about this incident. More than likely all of the young boys involved have long since passed away, but no doubt many of their descendants still live in the Camden area today. Who knows, maybe some in the reading audience will remember ol’ grandpa telling them about the time he and his buddies got indicted for playing baseball on a Sunday way back in 1905.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for June 23, 2021

U.S. Vice President William Rufus King

58 YEARS AGO
JUNE 27, 1963

New Zip Code Is Effective Monday, July 1: ZIP code, the Post Office Department’s new system of delivery, goes into effect nationally July 1, according to postmasters in the area.
Postmaster W.L. Albritton of Camden has announced that the five-digit ZIP code for Camden is 36726. Postmaster Ruby N. Bridges of Arlington lists the number for that post office is 36722. The ZIP code number for the Pine Hill post office is 36769, Mrs. Marie Nuss announced.
Postmaster Bessie N. Harris of Kimbrough has listed 36746 as the code for Kimbrough. Louise Agee, postmaster at Annemanie, has announced the Annemanie post office code number as 36721.
Postmaster M.M. Threadgill of Coy urges citizens in the Coy post office to use the correct code number 36435.

BUYS ANGUS: L.C. Albritton, Camden, recently purchased an Aberdeen-Angus bull from Fred Bain Henderson, Millers Ferry.

Mrs. C.D. Blakeney Named To Faculty: Mrs. Elizabeth D. Blakeney, who has been a member of the Pine Hill School faculty, has been employed as a teacher in the Wilcox County High School, it was announced today by Superintendent of Schools, Bill Jones.
Mrs. Blakeney, who has a Master’s degree in Science and Math, will teach science in the Wilcox school.

Jimmy Bonner of the University of Alabama spent the past weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Robins Bonner.

85 YEARS AGO
JUNE 25, 1936

Prof. and Mrs. A.C. Moore of Atmore passed through enroute to Greensboro to see her mother, Mrs. Florence Goode Ratcliffe. Prof. Moore was principal of Wilcox County High School 1910 and 1911 and his wife was the lovely Miss Annie Ratcliffe of Gastonburg.

We welcome Mr. Luke McCorkle to Camden. He is now employed at Sellers Barber Shopp. He has been with The Albert Hotel Barber Shop for seven years. Call to see him, your business appreciated. – SELLERS BARBER SHOP, Camden, Ala.

Prof. H.W. Dark, who is getting his degree from Birmingham Southern and whose these is William R. King, was here Monday and Tuesday securing data.

Hon. Daniel Gullett Cook, our representative in legislature, has just returned from Cuba, where he went with the Press Association. He reports a fine trip, and he went to Matanzas, where Vice President Wm. R. King took the oath of office as Vice President by special act of Congress in 1853.

NOTICE – This is to certify that the school building at Lower Peach Tree, District No. 29, Wilcox County, Alabama, has been completed according to plans and specifications of the State Department of Education. – A.C. SPINKS, Contractor.

PAROLE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that Johnnie Fails, who was sentenced in the Circuit Court of Wilcox County on June 21, 1935 to a term of 18 to 24 months for distilling, will make application for a parole.

111 YEARS AGO
JUNE 23, 1910

The business and editorial office of The Wilcox Progressive Era is now at the office of Mr. S.D. Bloch. We will be pleased to have our county and town friends call to see us on business and also to give us the county news.

The Grand Chancellor, Knights of Pythias, has appointed Col. Quarles of Selma as District G.L. Deputy for the district in which the Wilcox County Lodges has been merged. The same Grand Temple building committee has been retained.

Dale Lodge No. 25 at Camden has elected the following officers: J.C. Benson, Worshipful Master; W.B. Reynolds, Junior Warden; T.M. Baggett, Secretary; W.B. Jones, Junior Deacon; A.M. Jackson and P.M. Dannelly, Stewards; W.G. DeWitt, Tyler; I.B. Foster, Senior Warden; G.G. Newell, Treasurer; E.W. Berry, Senior Deacon; and Rev. S.G. Boyd, Chaplain.

Mr. C.B. Bryant of Canton Bend has sent to the Mobile Register sporting editor, a left forefoot of a graveyard rabbit, killed on a Friday night for good luck to the Mobile baseball team.

News reached us Monday evening of the death of Mr. John A. McArthur, which occurred at his home in the Grampion’s. Our sympathy goes out to his wife and two daughters in this sad hour of their deep bereavement.

Lamison: The comet has gone and the old earth still moves on. What will the next excitement be?

134 YEARS AGO
JUNE 22, 1887

After the exercises at the Institute Friday night quite a large crowd of young people repaired to the ball room of the Masonic Hall and enjoyed the fascination of the dance to a later hour. Many sweet young ladies in their handsome dresses graced the dance.

TOWN ORDINANCE: Be it ordained by the Intendant and Councilors of the town of Camden, that it shall be unlawful for any person to permit any hog or hogs to run at large within the incorporate limits of the town of Camden and any one violating this ordinance shall be fined not less than one dollar nor more then 10 dollars. – Sol. D. Block, Intendant.

Mrs. E.R. McDonald, wife of H.M. McDonald, died Thursday morning about 11 o’clock. She bore her sufferings with Christian fortitude. We sympathize with her bereaved family.

Rev. C.W. Hare, editor of the Home Ruler, arrived Friday night, and on account of his work on the Alabama Baptist, which he has leased and is now editing, he will discontinue the Home Ruler. Mr. Hare is a superior gentleman and an excellent editor.

A capitalist named Brown, from Kansas, visited Snow Hill last week, prospecting for a large tract of land.

170 YEARS AGO
JUNE 24, 1851
CAMDEN PHENIX

TO OUR PATRONS: Having undertaken the publication of the “ANTI-SECESSION BANNER,” for the Campaign, we are compelled to issue the Phenix only as an advertising sheet, in connection with the “Banner.” Believing that this change will be acceptable to the majority of our subscribers, we hope that the balance will bear with us for a time. Six numbers of the Campaign paper will be issued from this office, after which we will resume the regular form of our paper, with several improvements. We are endeavoring to make arrangements to procure aid in the Editorial department, and with a new suit of smaller type, we will commence our second volume on the first of December, with a surety of permanency in the publication of a Union paper in this county.
We must dispense with our usual matter of Miscellany, Anecdotes, Poetry, Agriculture, etc. until this important canvas is closed. The result of this campaign interests us all. We are to learn whether the disorganizers are to succeed in dismembering this “glorious Union” of States, or if we are still to enjoy peace, plenty and prosperity in a government the freest and happiest that God ever blessed.
The ladies (God bless them) who have heretofore hailed the appearance of the Phenix, expecting to find something interesting to them, will be more interested in the “Anti-Secession Banner,” for we know the prayers of their hearts are for the success of our cause, the triumph of law and liberty. They are our true patriots – lovers of their country (as well as their country’s sons), they are all for UNION – to a man!

 

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 22, 2021

EIGHT YEARS AGO
JUNE 27, 2013

Local weather reporter Betty Ellis reported 2.18 inches of rain on June 17, .32 inches on June 18 and .10 on June 19. She reported a high temperature of 90 degrees on June 18 and lows of 67 on June 19 and June 21.

Greening Lodge Nov. 53, Free & Accepted Masons, chartered in 1875, inducted its officers for the coming year during a ceremony Tuesday night at the Masonic lodge on Edwina Street in Evergreen. Pictured after the induction ceremony are Donald Salter, Senior Steward; Brian Crandall, Senior Warden; Danny Covin, Worshipful Master; Mark Godwin, Junior Warden; Jim McKinney, Junior Steward; James “J.B.” Franklin, Tyler; Lee Salter, Marshal; Wayne Ginwright, Installing Officer; Jettie Shell, Secretary; Phil Freeman, Chaplain; and Alex Pate, Senior Deacon. Not pictured are Gary Wayne Pate, Junior Deacon; Ben Peters, Treasurer; and John Potts, Historian. Meetings of the lodge are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, staring with fellowship and refreshments at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m.

Businessman and Tea Party leader, Danny B. Joyner, announced Tuesday that he is launching the ‘Faith-Family-Freedom’ campaign in his bid to represent the people of South Alabama in the Alabama Senate in District 22.

24 YEARS AGO
JUNE 26, 1997

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported a trace of rain on June 16, .55 inches on June 17, .33 inches on June 18, 1.80 inches on June 20 and .02 inches on June 21. He reported a high of 89 degrees on June 16 and lows of 65 on June 20 and June 21.

State Senator Pat Lindsey was in town last Thursday to present a check to the Evergreen Public Library. The check for $7,000 can be used by the library for any purchases that will help the library to grow. Pictured are Senator Pat Lindsey, Library Board Chairman Rebekah Poole, Vice Chairman/Secretary Joye Fordham and Library Director Vern Steenwyk.

Mrs. Betty Carrier was honored on Sun., June 8, for her 24 faithful years of service as director of the Evergreen Baptist Church Child Development Center. Pictured are Betty Carrier and Rev. Phil Weaver, Pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church.

The Hillcrest High School Band Boosters will hold a reception Thurs., June 26, at 6 p.m. to introduce the new Hillcrest Band Director, Ms. Christal Carter. The reception will be held in the Hillcrest High School Cafetorium.

Sentencing was held Tuesday morning in the Circuit Court of Conecuh County for four men recently convicted of felonies.

Charles DeVaughn Stuckey, one-year-old, receives his first haircut from his great uncle, Eddie Salter, while mother Cherry (Neky) Hanks looks on.

49 YEARS AGO
JUNE 22, 1972

Harvey held in fatal shooting: Andrew Harvey, 35, has been charged with the murder of Calvin Crenshaw, according to Sheriff James (Shorty) Brock. Action has been waived to the grand jury and bail set at $5,000.
According to Chief Deputy Bill Kent and Deputy Marshall Jones, Crenshaw was shot about 9:30 Saturday night at Harvey’s wife’s apartment in the housing project off Magnolia Avenue in Evergreen.
Kent and Jones were assisted by the Evergreen Police Department in investigating the shotgun shooting.

Fred Stevens has been elected Chairman of the Board and President of the Corporation of Sparta Academy. Charles Burt is vice-chairman and vice-president. John Nielsen has been elected treasurer and Mrs. Barbara K. Register is secretary.
Other members of the board of directors of the private school are Alton Johnson, Frank Pate, Wayne Hutcheson, Eugene Darby, James Street, Eldon Scott, Dr. Carl Wilson, John Law Robinson, William Ward, James S. Cook, James Ansley and Bill Johnson.

Interest and activity are increasing in the election for Mayor of the City of Evergreen and of five members of the City Council. The election is set for Tues., Aug. 8.
The race for mayor has drawn three candidates, dentist Joe Hagood, businessman Coy Harper and cosmetologist Robert Moorer.

68 YEARS AGO
JUNE 25, 1953

Local Post Office Becomes First Class Wed., July 1: The United States Post Office at Evergreen will become a first class office Wed., July 1, according to Postmaster Mary R. Cunningham. The class of office is based on stamp sales, box rents, etc. and first class is the highest grade.
Postmaster Cunningham points out that the local office’s increase in grade follows a gradual increase of gross postal receipts. Since 1942, sales have nearly doubled with increase being registered each year during the period.
The increase in postal sales is attributed to a gradual rise in business and growth in postal population and to the mailing of large quantities of parcel post of the Evergreen Garment Co. and Southern Coach Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Conecuh Will Induct 13 Men In July: Alabama’s induction call for July will be 707 men, according to Col. J.T. Johnson Jr., Acting State Director of Selective Service. This first represents Alabama’s part of a national call of 23,000 men. All of these men will be furnished to the Army and no men under 20 years of age will be inducted in Alabama in July, Col. Johnson said.
The number of men Conecuh will be called upon to furnish for July is 13.

Strong winds Sunday night caused considerable damage at the Moonlite Drive-In Theatre some four miles out of Evergreen on the Brooklyn Highway. Striking fiercely late that night, the winds caused damage estimated at $1,200 by owner Bert Gorum and put the theatre out of business this week.

75 YEARS AGO
JUNE 27, 1946

Former Negro Slave Dies At Ripe Old Age Of 99: Christana Stokes, age 99 years, six months and 18 days, died at her home near Owassa June 17. She was born as a slave in 1847 and was owned by the Ray Family.

Elmer E. Erb Dies Of Accident Injuries: Friends and relatives of Mrs. Elmer E. Erb (formerly Bertha Dewberry of Conecuh County) will regret to learn of the death of her husband, Elmer E. Erb which occurred June 7, when he accidentally fell from a cherry tree and was killed instantly. It is presumed that he had climbed the tree for cherries and lost his footing when he fell. However, he was alone at the time and was found by passing motorist.

March Planted Cotton Has Fine Crop Bolls: James Jordon and Will Lowe of McKenzie, Rt. 2, were exhibiting some fine specimens of grown cotton bolls here last Saturday. Mr. Jordan stated that they had 14 acres of this cotton which was planted in March and that it had already had a very fine crop of virtually mature bolls. He expects a yield of about a bale to the acre or over, he said.

Friends of E.A. White will be glad to know he is convalescing from a leg injury he suffered last week when a counter in his store became dislodged and fell on him, causing severe injury to both legs.

PIX THEATRE – EVERGREEN, ALA. – Wednesday and Thursday – July 3-4 – Jungle Love! “Tarzan and the Leopard Woman” – Johnny WEISSMULLER, Brenda JOYCE, Johnny SHEFFIELD.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for June 21, 2021

30 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1991

Members of the 1991 13-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars were announced Saturday night. Team members are Reggie Boykin, Tommy Byrd, Josh Scott; Lavon Merrills, Detrick Womack, James Johnson, Kevin Riley and Chad Wilson. Not pictured are Joey Griffin, Henry Holt, Lewis Lowe and Gabriel Potts. The team will represent Conecuh County during the area tournament, June 27, in Brewton. They will face Atmore’s all-star team at 7:30 p.m.

The Most Valuable Player trophies were handed out Saturday night at the Evergreen Municipal Park for the Babe Ruth Baseball League. The MVP winner for the 14-15 year olds was Rhett Wilson. Shannon Shufford was the runner-up. The winner of the MVP award for the 13-year-olds was Detrick Womack. The runner-up is to Detrick’s right, Reggie Boykin.

Members of the 14-15-year-old all-star team was announced Saturday night. The Evergreen Babe Ruth All-Stars will play South Monroe’s all-stars in Atmore, July 5, at 7:30 p.m. Team members are as follows: Sedrick Fluker, Shannon Sims, Eric Owens, Matthew Jones, Marlo McDaniel, Rhett Wilson, Willie Womack, Robert Ball, Isaac McMillan, Shannon Shufford, Britt Ward, Bryant Robinson, Steven Bledsoe and Robert Rabren.

42 YEARS AGO
JUNE 21, 1979

Bill Cope wins Stuart Trophy: Bill Cope, who graduated with the Class of 1979, won one of the most coveted athletic awards at Sparta Academy for the 1978-79 school year when he was presented the D.T. Stuart Jr. Sportsmanship Trophy. The presentation took place during graduation exercises on May 24.
Bill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cope, North Main Street, earned letters in football his last four years at Sparta. He played primarily as an offensive lineman until his senior year when he was outstanding on both offense and defense “in the trenches.”
The Stuart Trophy, awarded here for over 30 years, is highly desired because the winner is determined by the vote of members of the football team. His Warrior teammates chose Bill for the high honor.
It is interesting to recall that Bill’s father, an outstanding two-way tackle on some of Evergreen High School’s better football teams in the 1950s, also won the Stuart Sportsmanship Trophy his senior year.
Tal Stuart Jr. began awarding the trophy in the late 1940s to encourage hard, but fair, play by local football players.

Trip Hendrix and Wayne Harrelson share the honors on this trophy bass. The fish was 24 inches long and weighed 8-1/8 pounds. Trip and Wayne said they caught this big one “out of the water.”

57 YEARS AGO
JUNE 18, 1964

Despite a six-run Brave second inning, the determined Pirates would not be denied and kept fighting back until they emerged victorious 8-7 Thursday night.
The big Brave second inning was highlighted by two RBIs by Jud Stinson and a run-scoring triple by Johnny Brown. The Pirates began to roll in the third inning as they pushed across three runs, the big blow of the inning being Eddie Thornley’s triple. In the fifth inning, the Pirates struck for two more runs on Glenn Bolton’s double after Hicks and Thornley had walked.
The Braves rallied for a run in the sixth as Gray Sullivan reached first base on an error, moved to third and scored on a passed ball. In the seventh inning, the Pirates wrapped it up as Eddie Thornley singled, stole second and third, and came home on a single by Benny Burt. Tommy Chapman started for the Pirates and was relieved by Wayne Hicks in the sixth. Johnny Brown started and took the loss for the Braves. Wayne Hicks got the win.

Coach Shirley Frazier, director of the Evergreen Recreation Department’s summer program is asking for instructors for a baseball clinic. Clinic instruction will be on catching, pitching, infield and outfield. Coach Frazier said that the clinic will be held from 8 to 10 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Anyone interested in helping with the clinic can contact Frazier at the Evergreen Pool.

Gary Faulkner and Ronnie Elliot combined to pitch the Tigers past the Indians as they scattered three hits and provided the difference in a 5-2 Tiger win. The Tigers started their scoring early in the game as Bubba Faulkner was hit by a pitch, stole second and came home on a wild pick-off attempt.

71 YEARS AGO
JUNE 15, 1950

The Evergreen Golf Club’s second annual handicap golf tournament will begin Thursday afternoon, June 22. The tournament is open to all club members and any person in Conecuh County interested in playing.
Entry fees and qualifying scores should be turned in to one of the following tournament committee members: Knud Nielsen Jr., Roy Pace or Herman Bolden.
Billy Carleton won last year and is expected to be on hand to defend his title.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Newman spent the weekend in Pensacola, and Mr. Newman played in a golf tournament while there.

Following a custom that has prevailed for the past several years, the Brewton baseball team will again observe “Evergreen Night” on June 28, in appreciation of the fine support of many fans who attend the games there.
Jess Taylor of Brewton, who arranges this event each year, was in Evergreen Tuesday making the final plans. He informs The Courant that Check Ellis, local boy pitching for Brewton, will be on the mound that night as the Millers face Andalusia.

81 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1940

J.C. Hamilton, local businessman, exhibited in front of his shop Wednesday morning a large bob cat that he and his dogs killed while engaged in hunting fox Tuesday. The cat was reddish brown in appearance and measured 31 inches from his nose to the tip of his tail. He stood 16 inches high. Hamilton and his 12 dogs happened upon the animal close to McGehee’s farm between here and Tomlinson’s Mill.

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

Amassa Coleman "A.C." Lee

25 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1996

Twelve high school juniors will compete for the title of Monroe County’s Junior Miss for 1996 Saturday at 7 p.m. in Nettles Auditorium on the campus of Alabama Southern Community College.
(Junior Miss contestants that year included Chasity Michelle Black, Sherry Michelle Bohannon, Rachel Leigh Davis, Erika Nicole Dawson, Amy Christa Hamiter, Summer Leigh Harrison, Amanda Kay Morgan, Shiloh Dawn McLaurin, Jessica DeAnn Stuckey, Darby Leeia Smith, Amanda Kaye Yelverton and Lori Elizabeth Wasden.)

South Monroe’s all-stars will serve as host for the Little League Baseball District 3 Tournament for 9- and 10-year-olds that starts tomorrow (Friday) at Grafton Coleman Field in Frisco City. Members of the team are Blake White, James Akins, Bubba Giadrosich, Kevin Adair, Heath Wiggins, Dusty Smith, Bruce Mosley, Kyle Holder, Matthew Adams, Chase Reeves, Chase Jordan, Brent McInnis and Jason Black and coaches Johnny Presley, Larry Peacock and Marshall Presley.

David Katz Sr. – Graveside services for David Katz Sr. of Monroeville were held Tues., June 18, 1996 at 11 a.m. in Pineville Cemetery.
Mr. Katz, 85, died Mon., June 17, in Englewood Health Care Center. Mr. Katz was owner of Katz Department Store on the Downtown Square in Monroeville from 1934 to 1981 with his brothers, the late Moses, Israel and Isadore Katz. The store was then owned by David’s daughter and husband, Suzanne and Robbins Williams, until 1986 when the store closed.

50 YEARS AGO
JUNE 17, 1971

The Journal’s type-setting computerized: This issue of your Journal was produced with computerized typesetting equipment, making the transition to computerized headlines and body (story) type complete.
For several weeks, The Journal’s headlines had been produced on a computerized head-setter. This past week, The Journal added new and separate equipment to computerize all typesetting.
Actually, the new type first appeared on the front page of last week’s issue. This week, it was used throughout.

New bank on way up: The new Monroe County Bank, to be located at the intersection of South Alabama Avenue and Hines Street in Monroeville, is rising daily, beam by beam. Eugene Lazenby is contractor for the work.

David Wayne Wiggins graduates with honors: David Wayne Wiggins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Wiggins of Goodway, has graduated from Livingston University, where he received a B.S. degree in education. Wiggins was recognized during graduation exercises as an honor student. He placed fourth in his graduating class. He is a 1967 graduate of J.U. Blacksher High School and a 1969 graduate of Patrick Henry Junior College.

Church’s new look: Burnt Corn Methodist Church, which is in the process of being renovated, stands as a marker of faith and history. The church, which has been inactive for the past several years, has been given a fresh new appearance outside. Work is continuing inside. The church was formed in 1913 by members of the Puryearville Church and built in historic Burnt Corn.

75 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1946

Clyde Marshall Dies Of Injuries: Clyde Marshall of Monroeville, employed by the Adams Motor Co. in Mobile, died Tuesday at 3:25 p.m. of injuries received about noon when a truck, running free down a ramp, crushed him against a wall.
His body was brought to Monroeville Wednesday and funeral services will be held today (Thursday).

Fire Destroys County Garage: The county garage, north of the square, was completely destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon about one o’clock. The fire started while Herman Allison, foreman of the shop, was making repairs on a truck. Gas was ignited from a leaking gas line and the flames spread beyond control in a few minutes, in spite of the heroic work of Mr. Allison, his helper Godfrey Wiggins and the fire department.
Two trucks were lost in the blaze, together with 10 barrels of oil and grease, a number of road patrol tires, truck and tractor parts, shop tools and other supplies stored in the building.

Riley Kelly Jr. of Excel, who has been serving in the Navy, has been discharged and is at home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Riley Kelly.

Monroe Mills Annual Picnic Set For June 22: The annual picnic given by the owners of Monroe Mills for all employees of the organization will be held this year at Little River State Park on Sat., June 22, beginning at three o’clock in the afternoon.
The main feature of the occasion will be the barbecue supper with plenty to eat for everyone. Elaborate plans are being made for one of the greatest celebrations in the history of Monroe Mills.

100 YEARS AGO
JUNE 16, 1921

Prof. G.A. Harris was reelected County Superintendent of Schools at a recent meeting of the Board of Education. Prof. Harris has made one of the most efficient superintendents the county has ever had. During his administration greater progress has been made in the matter of improved school buildings, local taxation and in the school system generally than ever before, due in a large measure to his activity and cooperation with the people.

Senator Riley Kelly was up from Excel Thursday.

MRS. B.B. FINKLEA LANDS FINE TROUT: Possibly the largest trout taken from the streams of this section was landed by Mrs. B.B. Finklea on a recent fishing trip to Little River. When the crowd of fishermen gathered around to help land the monster, she promptly told them to “hands off.” The trout was 23 inches long and weighed 7-1/2 pounds. When the angler’s buttons are passed around, she is entitled to the first one as the old fishermen said that was the finest specimen they had ever seen taken from Little River.

The gathering of Irish potatoes has been practically completed throughout the county. Shipments for the season aggregated a little over 140 cars. Returns will probably all be in by next week when we hope to give definitive figures.

Mr. Edward Lovett has been confined to his room with malaria for several days. His many friends hope to see hm out soon.

Messrs. F.W. Hare, J.B. Barnett and A.C. Lee are in Mobile on professional business.

125 YEARS AGO
JUNE 18, 1896

W.H. Louiselle of the Bear Creek Mill was in the city last week.

Monroeville has the “bicycle craze.” Several of our citizens have invested in wheels.

George W. Salter Jr. of The Evergreen Courant attended the commencement sermon of Monroeville Academy this week.

D.J. Hatter & Son’s saw and grist mill near town has been down several weeks for repairs.

The members of the local military company returned from encampment at Mobile on Sunday. They report a very pleasant occasion.

Miss Sophie Neville opened a school in the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood on last Monday.

Capt. Thos. A. Nettles of Longstreet was in town Monday attending a meeting of the County Board of Pension Commissioners, of which he is a member. Capt. Nettles reports fine crops in his neighborhood, also plenty of grass since the rains.

Carpenters Take Notice: Carpenters desiring to bid on the erection of a Methodist parsonage at Monroeville can see plans and specifications at The Journal office.

Manistee: Rev. A.J. Lambert preached a most able sermon last Sunday at Pleasant Hill Church to quite a large congregation.

Mr. Arthur Sowell, one of Monroeville’s handsome boys, is clerking for the Bear Creek Mill Co.

Singleton tells of 'tumbling waterfall,' 'forgotten homestead' near Monroe County's Pleasant Hill community

George Buster Singleton

(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 “Tumbling waterfall makes endless music” was originally published in the July 17, 1975 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

I think that one of the most peaceful and restful spots a person can find is near a waterfall. One can sit for hours and listen to the endless music that the water makes as it tumbles over and downward to the stream below.

Such a place is in south Monroe County near the Pleasant Hill community. I had the opportunity to visit this place with some friends of mine. We left the main road and turned into a heavily wooded area on a trail that was almost impassable. After considerable effort we reached a spot that was near enough that we could hear the waterfalls in the distance.

Forgotten homestead

We made our way downward toward the tumbling waters, by an old homestead that had long been forgotten. All that remained was a few old rocks that had been part of the fireplace. These were scattered here and there among the cedar trees that had been planted in years past. If you looked real close you could see where the old yard fence once stood.

We moved down the hill to the small stream that shone brightly with its sparkling waters rushing onward toward the falls a few yards below. Here the crystal clear water would float through the air for a brief moment before it splashed into the mirror-like pool beneath the falls.

As I stood in the shade of the dogwood trees and listened to the falling water, I wondered about the many people in the world who have never and will not ever witness such a breath-taking display of nature.

Gentle breeze

I thought of the gentle breeze that was fanned by the falling water as it caressed my face and cooled my brow. And I thought of a time when, as a boys, I would have shed my clothing and felt the cold waters close around my body as I plunged into the deep, clear pool.

As we walked up the hill past the old homestead, I thought of the laughing children who had in times past run down this same hill on a hot summer day with the same thought in mind.

A thunderstorm shortened our stay at this beautiful spot, but as we made our way over the slippery trail toward the main road, I vowed that I would soon return and do the one thing I wanted to most – to cool for a long, long time in the waters below the falls while listening to the music of the falling waters

(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 also helped organize the Monroe County Museum and Historical Society and was also a past president of that organization. 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.)

Holleys Ferry is one of the oldest landmarks along the Alabama River in Wilcox County, Alabama

Lake Glen at Holleys Ferry in Wilcox County, Alabama.

Holleys Ferry is one of the oldest landmarks along the Alabama River in Wilcox County. Located southwest of Camden, between Possum Bend and Yellow Bluff, this point on the river was once a prominent cotton landing and later became an important ferry crossing. Today, travelers cross the river near this point by taking the Frank Dobson Bridge.

I found myself traveling west on State Highway 10 the other day and had a few minutes to spare, so I turned right onto the dirt road that takes you down to Holleys Ferry Park. This park is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and features a boat landing, areas to fish and hiking trails. It had been several years since I’d visited this spot, and I was interested to see if it had changed much.

I followed the dirt road to the parking lot just up from the boat landing, parked and walked down to the river on foot. Aside from the sound of distant vehicles passing along Highway 10, all was quiet as the river’s muddy waters slipped south towards the Gulf of Mexico. Not even the sound of a boat motor disturbed the quiet of this humid, late spring afternoon.

From my vantage point at the boat landing, I could see the underside of the Frank Dobson Bridge, which was built in the late 1960s. Standing there, I thought about how some historical maps show that the original Holleys Ferry (sometimes spelled Holly Ferry or Holly’s Ferry) was located just south of the 2,322-foot-long bridge that spans the river there today. A mockingbird flittered onto a limb nearby as I thought about the innumerable travelers over the years who crossed the river here by ferry boat, long before anyone could have imagined the steel and concrete bridge that carries travelers over the wide river today.

Just how Holleys Ferry gained its name is also somewhat of a mystery. In the old days, ferry operators were usually given licenses to operate ferries, and these licenses were often given as rewards for military service or some other type of important service to the government. In many cases, the ferry crossing was named after the person who was given the original license.

Those who have been to Holleys Ferry Park will also know that it includes a small lake that maps designate as “Lake Glen.” This lake takes its name from former owner Glen David Liddell, who opened it for public fishing in 1962. Prior to that, only members of a private fishing club were allowed to “drown a worm” in its waters.

Before leaving, I strolled over to the edge of Lake Glen for a closer look and sat down on one of the wooden benches that you’ll find along its banks. All was quiet, and I wondered if there were any old ghost stories or local legends associated with this area. No doubt ancient Indians lived all throughout this area in olden times, and one can only guess what they would have thought about the massive bridge that passes high over the Alabama River today.

In the end, let me hear from you if you know any more about the history of Holleys Ferry, especially where it was originally located and how it got its name. Chances are, someone in the reading audience will know more about this unique location and its history. If so, please let me know so that this information can be documented for the generations yet to come.

Brother of the 'Hero of the Alamo' buried in the old Herbert community in Conecuh County, Alabama

The old Herbert Community Center building.

I was out riding around the other day and found myself in the old Herbert community. For those of you unfamiliar with Herbert, it’s located east of Evergreen on U.S. Highway 84, between Old Town and the Sepulga River. It’s about 9-1/2 road miles from downtown Evergreen.

Sources say that Herbert was named after Congressman Hilary A. Herbert, who established a post office in the community in 1879. Herbert, who lived most of his life in Greenville, was appointed Secretary of the U.S. Navy by President Grover Cleveland in 1893. Herbert died in 1919, and the post office that bore his name closed in 1957.

According to the 2002 book, “The Heritage of Conecuh County, Alabama,” the Herbert community was once a bustling place. In the late 1800s, Herbert had two doctors, a dentist, two general stores, a Methodist church, a barber shop, a gin, a garage, a two-story school and Masonic lodge. The community’s post office was located in the Shaver Brothers Store.

Today when you go to Herbert, the most prominent landmarks you’ll see are the old store building at the County Road 43 intersection, the Herbert Volunteer Fire Station, the old community center building and the Herbert Cemetery. While there the other day, I took a few minutes to visit the cemetery, which contains a number of old graves. Just eye-balling it, I’d say this cemetery contains about 140 graves, including many from the 1800s.

While walking among the headstones, the oldest grave that I was able to find was that of Saphronia Travis, who passed away at the age of 44 in 1875. She is buried alongside her husband, James Calloway Travis, who passed away at the age of 88 in 1918. Travis, an old Confederate veteran, was the younger brother of William Barrett Travis, the “Hero of the Alamo.”

Also in this cemetery you will find the grave of William Benjamin Shaver, who was one of the earliest settlers and merchants in the Herbert community. Born in Georgia in 1834, he served four years during the Civil War, fighting in many battles before being taken prisoner at Kennesaw Mountain in 1864. After the war, he worked as a doctor in the Herbert community for many, many years.

Many who have passed this old cemetery have no doubt noticed the white building that sits beside it. For many years, I thought this was an old church building, but I was informed by many that this was actually the old two-story school building and Masonic hall. At some point, the second story was removed and the building continued to serve as a community center.

Many that I talked to have fond memories of community singings at this old building. According to former Sepulga Baptist Church minister Cleveland Brown, singings were held there on a regular basis in the 1960s and 1970s, back when Bertie Bolton played the piano while Red Harden and Lamar Wilson played guitar. Cleveland also remembers a time when old-timey shaped-note singing classes were held there.

My old buddy Gilbert Harden, who works down at the Evergreen post office, told me that some of his fondest memories are tied to this old building at Herbert. When he was a lad, gospel singings were held there every Saturday night, beginning at seven o’clock and sometimes ending well after midnight. He said the Herbert community center was “the place to be” on a Saturday night and that he’d often seen “that little building packed to the back door many times.”

As I headed back to Evergreen, I thought about my old King and Peacock family ancestors, who also lived in the area around Herbert and Old Town. One is left to wonder what they and others would think about what the community looks like today. No doubt they would be surprised by how much has changed since this old community’s heyday before the Great Depression.

In the end, let me hear from you if you know anything more about the history of the old Herbert community. I’m especially interested in any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore associated with this community. If you know of anything along these lines, please let me know so that we can document it for the generations yet to come.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for June 16, 2021

60 YEARS AGO
JUNE 15, 1961

FIRST COTTON BLOOM: David Mingo, farmer on H.H. Wilkinson’s plantation near Boykin, brough the first cotton bloom of the season to The Wilcox Progressive Era office June 13, 1961. He stated that he had bloom on Saturday, June 10.

New Principal Is Employed At Pine Hill: Curtis W. Self of Hanceville has been employed by the Wilcox County Board of Education to succeed George Davis as principal of Pine Hill High School for the coming school year.
Mr. Self is a graduate of Jacksonville State College at Jacksonville, Fla. and holds a master’s degree from the University of Alabama. He has been principal at Hanceville for the past four years.

Dean T. Tait Opens Airport: Dean T. Tait, planter-cattleman of Route 1, Camden, has completed his Plantation Airport, which was licensed by the Alabama Department of Aeronautics as a commercial airport on May 16, 1961.
Asa Rountree Jr., State Director of Aeronautics, has listed Plantation Airport in his records as being located five miles west of Camden and lying East-North-East, West-South-West. Plantation Airport is 2,500 feet long and 200 feet wide, and meets state requirements for a commercial license. Aviation gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 80 percent will be available as well as aviation oils, tie-downs and hangers, will be erected as the need arises.
Plantation Airport is now available to fulfill this need of Camden and vicinity. Transportation to and from the airport will be available.

80 YEARS AGO
JUNE 19, 1941

Camden Theatre – Camden, Ala. – Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, The Marx Brothers in “Go West” – News and Comedy – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 25-27, Clarke Gable, Vivian Leigh in “Gone With The Wind” – Matinee and Night – Matinee 2 p.m. Admission 22 cents and 37 cents plus State and Federal Tax – Night 7:45 Admission all tickets 50 cents plus State and Federal Tax – Saturday, June 28, George O’Brien in “Triple Justice” – Comedy and White Eagle.

NOTICE – RABIES CLINIC: In accordance with the state rabies law, I will be in Camden at Moore’s stable all day Saturday, June 21, to vaccinate the dogs of Camden and vicinity. The schedule for the remainder of the County will be announced later. – Dr. Monroe Thompson, Rabies Inspector.

Friends over the County will be glad to know that Hon. A.C. Cook, Circuit Clerk of Wilcox County, is recovering from a recent illness.

Leon Dunnam Jr. has accepted a position as typist with the State Highway Department. He is now located at Selma.

Arlington: A large crowd from here attended the funeral of Mitchell Beverly at County Line Sunday afternoon.

Pine Hill: Friends of “Sonny” Newsome are sorry to know of the accident he suffered in a ball game Saturday. A finger was broken. He’s wished a speedy recovery by all.

105 YEARS AGO
JUNE 15, 1916

The first cotton blooms of the season were brought to us Monday by farm demonstrator A.H. Barnett from the A.C. Cook farm at Rock West and Eddie Williams and Joe Ross of Canton Bend.

Dale Lodge No. 25, Free & Accepted Masons, has elected the following officers: J.T. Edwards, Worshipful Master; E.W. Berry, Senior Warden; H. Marcus, Junior Warden; D. Salter, Treasurer; J.C. Benson, Secretary; C. Hardy, Senior Deacon; Felix Tait, Junior Deacon; W.T. Hale and W.P. Harris, Stewards; A.D. Campbell, Tyler; and B.H. Matthews, Chaplain.

Dr. T.W. Jones has about completed his new office building and store adjoining the same. This office is a worth addition to the town of Camden. In fact, it is one of the most complete and up-to-date buildings to be found anywhere.

The waterworks system will be in operation in the course of a few weeks. Work on the streets also will be pushed. That Camden is forging ahead in every respect there is no doubt. We have a great future and a continued cooperation and enthusiasm will establish us on the map to stay.

Revised prints of the specifications of the Methodist Church have been received from the architect and can be seen at the Camden National Bank. The active work on the church will begin now just as soon as prices can be secured on building materials. When completed this church will be quite an addition to the town. It had been hoped to have work begun sooner but unavoidable delay deferred action.

132 YEARS AGO
JUNE 19, 1889

SOMETHING NEW IN WILCOX – A BEAR: On the morning of the 11^th inst., about three miles east of here, Mr. T.J. Pritchett started out very early. About a quarter of a mile from his house, he saw where a very large bear had crossed the Black’s Bluff road. It was evident that it had just crossed as it had rained one hour before day, and there was no sign of rain on the track. Mr. P spread the news as quickly as possible. In three hours, a considerable crowd of men with guns and dogs met at the place where the bear crossed, but the dogs would not take the trail. The men then spread out over the woods for several miles around, but did not find the bear.
Later in the day, we heard by William Jones of Allenton that some men saw one near Allenton the same day at seven o’clock in the morning. It is thought there are two bears in the bounds of Wilcox County as the one first mentioned was 12 miles from Allenton, going in the direction of Flat Creek. There was one seen last August in this neighborhood by several persons but for the want of dogs we did not have a chase. – R.J. Dunnam, Rowell, June 13, 1889.

A mule on Mr. D.S. Pritchett’s Pursley Creek plantation was struck by lightning last Thursday evening and instantly killed. Morris Burton, who had been plowing the mule, had stepped under a cotton house during a shower and was stunned by the stroke.

Editor, Wilcox Progress – Below I give a list of officers of Wilcox Lodge No. 80 for the ensuing Masonic year: E.I. McBryde, Worthy Master; W.J. Jones, Senior Warden; W.W. McConnico, Junior Warden; W.M. Fitzgerald, Treasurer; J.S. McBryde, Secretary; John Hall, Senior Deacon; A.T. Chapell, Junior Deacon; R.H. McBryde, Chaplain; J.A. Monk, Tyler. This lodge meets Friday on or before the full moon at 10 a.m. – Yours very truly, W.J. Jones.

152 YEARS AGO
JUNE 15, 1869
WILCOX NEWS & PACIFICATOR

DIED in this city, on the 30^th of May, 1869, at two o’clock p.m. at the residence of his brother-in-law (M.R. Boggs, Esq.), Mr. James M. Coate of the firm of M.R. Boggs & Co., aged 56 years. He was an honest man. A husband, father and friend, he discharged well the duties incumbent upon him. In his death, society has lost a valuable member, and his family one whose place can never be filled. – Selma Times.

Judge Morse and Wm. J. Gilmore, Esq., were examined on Thursday in Demopolis before Chancellor Dillard on a writ of habeas corpus for the alleged murder of N.E. Thomas. The State was represented by W.H. Grant, Esq., Solicitor, and the defendants by Messrs. Reavels and Bailey. About 12 witnesses were present, none of whom were examined by defendants. Upon the testimony of the State’s witnesses, the Chancellor admitted Judge Morse to bail in the sum of $1,000 and Mr. Gilmore in the sum of $500. The bonds were promptly given and the parties discharged.

Arrivals and Departures of the Mails: RIVER MAIL, up and down, arrives on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays, up and down, at 3 p.m.
Letters intended for departure by these mails should be sent to the office by 2 p.m. – R.J. Kittrell, Postmaster.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 15, 2021

75 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1946

Jeptha Perryman Tomlinson Dies At Ripe Old Age: After many months of declining health due to advanced age, Jeptha Perryman Tomlinson, age 85, prominent pioneer citizen of this county died at his plantation home a few miles north of Evergreen Fri., June 14, at 1 p.m.
Mr. Tomlinson was born on the plantation where he died and had lived his entire life there. He was a descendant of some of the early settlers of this county, the Perryman and Tomlinson families. He was widely known, beloved and respected by a host of relative and friends.

Mr. Cunningham Wins Prize As Oldest Father: Mr. John Cunningham, Evergreen’s oldest citizen, was notified this week by the Montgomery Fair, Montgomery firm, that he had won the prize of $50 as the oldest father in a contest which the store sponsored prior to Father’s Day. Mr. Cunningham is 97 years of age, but still enjoys good health and takes and active interest in life.

SCHEDULE CHANGES: Effective 12:01 p.m. June 30 – Train 5 for Mobile and New Orleans will be changed to No. 7 and leave 6:15 a.m. instead of 5:40 a.m. Train 4 for Montgomery, Atlanta, Washington, Birmingham, Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Chicago will leave 4:10 p.m. instead of 4:20 p.m. Train 38 for Jacksonville, Montgomery, Atlanta, Washington and New York will leave 5:22 a.m. instead of 5:03 a.m. Train 6 for Montgomery will leave 1:59 p.m. instead of 1:50 p.m. For further particulars consult L&N Ticket Agent.

100 YEARS AGO
JUNE 15, 1921

The body of Rix Smith, who died of wounds in France about two years ago, reached here on Friday night last and on Saturday morning was conveyed to Old Town cemetery for interment. Rev. S.P. Lindsay officiated at the funeral and made a very appropriate talk. Quite a number of overseas soldiers were present at the interment.

J.I. McKinney, superintendent of the L&N Railroad, and connected with the road in one way or another for the past 50 years, will voluntarily retire on July 1. He deserves a well earned rest.

Masonic Officers Elected: The annual election of officers of the local Masonic lodge held on Thursday night last resulted in the selection of the following: L.J. Mixon, worshipful master; Geo. M. Jones, senior warden; J.R. Brooks, junior warden; M.S. Baldwin, treasurer; J. Lamar Kelly, secretary; R.H. Jones, senior deacon; R.E. Ivey, junior deacon; F.N. Hawkins, tyler; Jerry Murphy and R.J. McCreary, stewards; Dr. J.G. Dickinson, chaplain; and Sam Craig, marshal.

Dr. H.T. Fountain of Burnt Corn attended the dedication of the White House of the Confederacy and his name should have appeared among those representing Conecuh, but The Courant was not advised of the fact.

Irish Potato Season at Repton Closes: Repton, Ala., June 11 – Repton has about finished shipping Irish potatoes for the season, having shipped something like 30 cars from Repton and vicinity. Each car contained about 500 bushels. The price received was about $1 per bushel on an average.
This is the first time Repton has planted Irish potatoes, but the experiment has clearly demonstrated the fact that Repton can compete with any place in the state growing Irish potatoes.

121 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1900

Masonic Officers: At the regular communication of Greening Lodge No. 53 on Saturday night, the following officers were elected: H.A. Shields, W.M.; J.T. Amos, S.W.; Carl Rubach, J.W.; D.W. Powell, S.D.; W.D. Goodson, J.D.; W.H. Hawkins, Secretary; M.W. Etheridge, Treasurer; J.H. Stamps, Tyler; P.S. McKinley and Willie Ellis, Stewards; Rev. E.A. Dannelly, Chaplain.

R.E. Whittle, the clever proprietor of Whittle’s mill, was here Monday.

Evergreen’s artesian well is a complete success and everybody is delighted. The pump was put to work yesterday to make a test of its capacity and flow of water. It was found to flow 110 gallons a minute. The water is cold, clear and as pure as the dews from heaven. Mr. Porter, the waterworks man, unhesitatingly said that it is the finest well he has ever made in all his long and wide experience.

I.F. Goodson has purchased of Mrs. E.J. Hamil the Gantt Hotel building opposite the depot, also her elegant residence on Magnolia Street. Mr. Goodson will at once thoroughly overhaul, renovate and improve the hotel and make it a more attractive, convenient and up-to-date hostlery. It will continue to be occupied by Gantt & Son for a hotel.

President Brown of the Bank of Evergreen, who some months ago purchased one of the Lewis stores next to C.B. Savage and now being occupied by the courthouse officials, is having a brick vault and skylight put in preparatory to removing the bank into it as soon as the courthouse is ready for occupancy.

131 YEARS AGO
JUNE 19, 1890
THE EVERGREEN STAR

We have learned that it is likely that Mr. Shields, who will succeed Mr. T.J. Ansley on the L&N road, will occupy the Methodist parsonage.

Col. P.D. Bowles and Mr. C.P. Deming were among the Evergreen visitors to Mobile on “Governor’s Day” last Friday.

Mrs. Austill, wife of Jere Austill, one of the pioneers of Conecuh County, and noted as an Indian fighter during the first settlement of the country, died in Mobile last week at an advanced age.

WANTED: Old United and Confederate States Postage Stamps, Highest cash price paid for same, also Confederate Music Bonds, and War Relics. – H.H. Fosdick, Mobile, Ala.

An Ordinance: That after June 20, 1890, it shall be unlawful for any hog to run at large on the streets of Evergreen, and any hog found so running at large shall be taken in custody by the marshal and impounded and kept by said marshal for a period of five days, after which such animal will be sold to pay expenses and marshal’s fee. That the fee of the marshal for impounding shall be one dollar for each animal. W.D. ATKINSON, Mayor; W.E. LIVERMAN, Clerk.

We learn that there has been some violation of the prohibition law recently at Castleberry, but we are sure the law-abiding people of that place will not suffer this state of things to continue long if they can prevent it.

142 YEARS AGO
JUNE 19, 1879
THE EVERGREEN STAR

Hundley Agee of Talladega, a son of N. Alfred Agee, Esq., of Claiborne, has been selected for a course in the National navy academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Mr. Agee is a nephew of Mrs. E.W. Martin of Evergreen.

EVERGREEN ACADEMY: The closing exercises of this school take place on the 2^nd and 3^rd of July. The friends of education are earnestly invited to call upon us and see if we have been of any service to the children of Evergreen.
Prof. C.A. Newton, our efficient Superintendent of Education, has consented to give us an address on the occasion.
Examination of classes on Thursday. Exhibition on Friday night. We hope the people will be present. – J.F. Tate, Principal.

Mr. Frank Forbes of Belleville killed a rattlesnake recently which was six feet in length and had 14 rattles and a button.

We are informed that the young people of our town had a dance at the Hotel on the evening of the 16^th inst. and furthermore that all present had a most pleasant time.

A little child of Mr. John S. Deer of Old Town was severely scalded on the 14^th inst. We have no particulars.

Died – At his residence in Leake County, Miss. April 21, 1879, Col. John T. Donald, in the 74^th year of his age. The deceased was an uncle of John C. and Alex. H. Donald of this county.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for June 14, 2021

Wayne Frazier of Evergreen, Alabama.

59 YEARS AGO
JUNE 14, 1962

Former Auburn Center Wayne Frazier and Tackle Billy Wilson Saturday were named to the 50-man College All-Star squad which will meet the Green Bay Packers Friday night, Aug. 3, at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
Wayne Frazier, 225-pound son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Frazier of Evergreen, has signed with the San Diego Chargers in the American Football League.

The Lyeffion High School will sponsor a recreation program in the Lyeffion gymnasium during the summer. The first recreational social will be Friday night, June 15, 7:30 until 10:30.
A color film of the 1962 Senior Bowl will be shown Friday night.
Coach Shirley Frazier urges everyone, young and old, to come out each Friday night and enjoy the friendly fellowship.

EVERGREEN SENIOR LEAGUE” by Malcolm Craft – “Indians vs. Tigers: The Tigers, after falling behind 4-0 in the first inning, came back with a five-run third inning which was flanked on either side by three-run outbursts to take an 11-5 decision from the hapless Indians.
Bubba Faulkner started for the Tigers but lasted only one third of an inning. Mike Fields replaced Faulkner on the mound and after the second inning held the Indians scoreless. Bob Ivey lasted until the fourth when Paul Deason took over the losers.
Joe Sasser, Calvin Smith and Mitch Kilpatrick each contributed two hits apiece to the Tiger attack which was aided considerably by sloppy Indian defensive work.

66 YEARS AGO
JUNE 9, 1955

W.E. (Bill Parsons) Named Head Football Coach At Tuskegee High School Last Week: Announcement was made here the latter part of last week by Prof. Claybrook, principal of the Evergreen High School, that Bill Parson has tendered his resignation as assistant coach to accept the position as head coach at Tuskegee High School.
He has held the position as assistant coach and director of the city recreational program for the past two years.
Parsons… is a native of Americus, Ga. He was an all-state fullback-center on the 1944 Georgia State Champions. Following graduation, he accepted a football scholarship at Auburn. But a two-year hitch in the Navy ended his Tiger career. After receiving his discharge, he entered South Georgia Junior College and earned Little All-America recognition. Later, he led the South Georgia 11 to a victory in the Little Rose Bowl Game.
When Wyatt Posey moved from SGC as head coach to Tulsa, he took Parsons and four other players with him. As a senior at Tulsa, Parsons scored 16 touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per run, gaining 713 yards.
In 1952, following graduation at Tulsa, Parsons accepted the head backfield coaching job at Southwestern State Teachers College, while recovering from a knee operation.
He resigned from Southwestern to sign a professional football contract with the Chicago Cardinals in 1953, but reinjured his knee and returned home. He was immediately sought after by Evergreen and joined Wendell Hart there as assistant coach and summer recreational director for the city.

73 YEARS AGO
JUNE 10, 1948

The Evergreen Greenies had to come from behind to win a thriller in Frisco City Sunday, 7-6. In the tenth, Ottis Johnson crossed the plate with the game-winning tally.
Page, E. Johnson and Tolbert wielded the big sticks in the Greenies nine hit assault with two safeties each.
Wendell Hart hurled for the Greenies giving up nine hits and striking out a like number.

The Evergreen Greenies jumped on two Flomaton pitchers for 16 hits here last Thursday to win their fifth league game of the season, 17-4.
George “Lefty” Gaston had his fast ball working nicely as he whiffed 12 batters in the abbreviated seven inning contest.
Glenn “Sleepy” Hart, Cliff Harper and Georgie Brown collected three hits each to pace the Greenies powerful plate attack.

The Evergreen Men’s Softball League is now in full swing with each team having played two games. Last Thursday night, Southern Coach overpowered the Evergreen Equipment Company by a 21-2 score with Hal Standley on the mound.

86 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1935

The pennant for the first half of the 1935 season was salted away Sunday afternoon in a mud battle when Evergreen defeated Opp on the local baseball lot, 15 to 1.
The win made it impossible for Andalusia to overtake the flying Evergreen nine, and assured the local entry of a share in the post season series, to be played after a winner for the second half is decided.
The race had become a dogged affair between Evergreen and Andalusia with the locals holding a slight advantage, although the gap was closed by the Covington County lads in late games. Evergreen, after getting off to a bad start, came down the back stretch with a rush and held the lead to the wire for the first half.
The two games played last week were split, Andalusia defeating the locals at Andalusia last Thursday, 5 to 2, behind “Red” Paschal. Doc Jones hurled for the locals and although hits were scarce, the Brooklyn star was wild and got himself into trouble by donating passes.
Skin Hyde suffered an attack of ptomaine poisoning and was taken to an Andalusia hospital for treatment Thursday afternoon. The hard-working Skinny was on hand at the park for the game and hurled the last three innings of the Thursday game despite illness.

97 YEARS AGO
JUNE 12, 1924

Evergreen defeated Chapman Thursday afternoon by a score of 11 to 3. Evergreen scored seven runs in the first inning, but the balance of the game was well played by both sides.

35 Students Arrested: Kalamazoo, Mich. – Thirty youths, 15 of whom are high school students, including several members of the Central High School football squad, have been arrested following investigation of reports that a vice ring exists here. Various charges have been made against nine of those arrested. Charges of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles have been made against some of the others. Eight girls are in the custody of the county juvenile agent.

Prize Fighter Fatally Shot: Omaha, Neb. – Jack Lawler of Oklahoma, a prizefighter, who at one time called himself featherweight champion of the South, was fatally shot here by Patrolman N.E. Neilson of the Omaha police department.

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

24 YEARS AGO
JUNE 12, 1997

Veteran reporter joins Monroe Journal staff: Art Culpepper has joined the staff of The Monroe Journal as a reporter.
Culpepper has roughly four years experience in various aspects of the newspaper industry. In 1991 and 1992, he worked as a reporter at The Troy Progress, a weekly paper in Troy.
More recently, he worked for 2-1/2 years at The Andalusia Star News, a daily, as a reporter, systems manager and managing editor.

Monroeville Dixie Youth Baseball League announced its all-star teams Saturday during closing ceremonies at the city ball park. Players and coaches named to the all-star team for 7- and 8-year-olds are Hunter Norris, J.D. Mohn, Stephen Jaye, Joey Blanton, Thomas Williams, Austin Smith, Stephen Ikner, Justin Chandler, Matthew Baxter, Todd Kilpatrick, Matthew McDaniel, Tyler Christmas, Anderson Hudson and coaches Randy Baxter, Dan Mohn, Kevin Norris and Alan Jaye. The team will compete in the district tournament tomorrow in Monroeville. The local all-stars play Grove Hill at 7:30 p.m.

MA hires first female chief: A Monroe Academy graduate has been chosen as the school’s new headmaster. Kim Smith of Bermuda will become the school’s first female headmaster. She will replace Dick Cleveland, who resigned in January after two years.
For the past four years, she has been the coordinator for Education Talent Search, a federally funded program which serves low-income, first-generation potential college students, at Alabama Southern. She worked with all high schools in Monroe and Conecuh counties.

49 YEARS AGO
JUNE 8, 1972

Kiwanians observe 25^th birthday: The Monroeville Kiwanis Club is 25 years old – the oldest service club in Monroe County. Its birthday was Tues., June 6.
Its membership dutifully noted the approaching occasion last Friday at noon at the regular weekly meeting at the Hi Ho when A.B. Blass Jr., past president and also a past division lieutenant governor, led the group in a discussion of the club’s accomplishments during the last quarter of a century.
Today the Kiwanis Club of Monroeville has some 84 members and is one of the largest small-community Kiwanis Clubs in Alabama.

Shield’s new football stadium: J.F. Shields High School’s new football field is well on its way of being completed. The field has been sodded and is being watered by sprinklers. The field is scheduled to be completed by the fall football season.

Journal lists staff changes: Two staff changes on The Monroe Journal were announced this week by Bill Stewart, publisher.
Larry O’Hara, editor of the paper for the past 18 months, has resigned to accept a position with the Woodmen of the World Insurance Society.
Stewart will assume the duties of editor pending the employment of a replacement for O’Hara.
Miss Barbara Dailey, former employee of The Journal, has rejoined the staff as assistant editor and social editor. She succeeds Mrs. Dianne Sellers, who has taken a leave of absence.

74 YEARS AGO
JUNE 12, 1947

Kiwanis Club Is Organized Here: Due to the efforts of several forward looking businessmen of our town and the help of the Greenville Kiwanis Club, a Monroeville Kiwanis Club was organized last Thursday night at a supper meeting at the Tally-Ho Café.
At that time, Warren Kinsey of Chattanooga, Tenn., a representative of Kiwanis International, was present and handled the organization of the local club.
The first president of the Monroeville Club is Owen Ivey, and he has proceeded to set up the working organization of Monroeville’s Kiwanians.
B.H. Stallworth Jr. was elected vice president and Douglas Hotch as secretary-treasurer. Thirty-two businessmen of Monroeville became the charter membership of the Monroeville club, which elected the following to serve as directors with the above named officers: Rev. L. Reed Polk, W.F. Christman, D.M. Maxwell Jr., Isadore Katz, Frank Lathram, M.L. Bergman and R.M. Lazenby.

Misses Nelle Lee and Elizabeth Snowden, who have been students at the University of Alabama, returned home last weekend for 10 days vacation, after which they will return to summer school.

Two Ball Games Here This Week: Monroeville’s baseball team will play two games at home this week. Thursday afternoon, the local team will play McCullough here. Sunday afternoon, Evergreen will play Monroeville here. Both games are scheduled to start at three o’clock.
McCullough defeated Monroeville Sunday in a game that was played under protest.

99 YEARS AGO
JUNE 8, 1922

The annual Masonic banquet under the auspices of Alabama Lodge No. 3, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and Monroe Chapter No. 122, Royal Arch Masons, will take place at the Lake Park Club House on June 16. The occasion this year will differ from that of last year only in the fact that the festal board will be graced by the presence of Masons’ wives and daughters.

DEATH OF HENRY HUDSON: Mr. Henry Hudson died at a sanitarium in Selma on Thursday morning, June 1, where he had been under treatment for several weeks.
Mr. Hudson suffered an attack of influenza more than a year ago, developing pneumonia and other stubborn complications rendering him an invalid since that time.
Prior to his illness, he had been the efficient agent of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad at Repton for several years and resided with his family at that place.

MASONIC OFFICERS: At a regular convocation of Monroe Chapter No. 122, Royal Arch Masons, on Monday evening, the following officers were elected for the ensuring capitular year: Q. Salter, High Priest; L.S. Biggs, King; A.B. Coxwell, Scribe; J.A. Lazenby, Secretary-Treasurer; E.M. Salter, Captain of the Host; A.E. Shafer, Principal Sojourner; J.O. Simmons, Royal Arch Captain; A.L. Nettles, Master of the Third Veil; J.J. Hestle, Master of the Second Veil; H.A. Baggett, Master of the First Veil; T.F. Rumbley, Sentinel.

Prof. H.G. Greer, principal of the Jones Mill High School, will take a post-graduate summer course at Chicago University.

134 YEARS AGO
JUNE 9, 1887

Lightning struck an oak in Dr. McMillan’s yard not more than 30 feet from the house Monday. The doctor says the shock was felt quite sensibly.

Prof. W.M. Webb, principal of the Perdue Hill High School, left Sunday for his home at LaFayette, where he will spend a part of his vacation. We are informed that the people of Perdue Hill are highly pleased with him and have no intention of losing his valuable services as a teacher, which with the many attractions the Hill presents, we think it scarcely probable they will do soon.

There was a hail storm on Little River about five miles south of (Mount Pleasant) on the 26^th ult. The hailstones were from the size of a hen egg down, and it hailed so long and rapidly that the ground was literally covered with stones. Some of our oldest citizens say that they never saw such a storm before. The hail lay on the ground from four until seven o’clock before it all melted.

DIED – Near Monroeville, on Wednesday, June 8, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Broughton.

Mr. Charles Slaughter of Hunter’s Mill gave us a pleasant call Monday. He reports business very dull in his section of the county, the mill having shut down for the summer, but says crop prospects on the river are encouraging.

Mr. E.D. Conover and family of Athens arrived Friday on a visit to friends at this place, guests of the Watson House. They will remain during the greater part of the summer and we learn that Mr. C, who is an excellent and talented artist, will open his Photograph Gallery in a few days for the accommodation of the public.