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| Mary Bankhead Owen |
In the Dec. 1, 1921 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era,
publisher Stanley Clifford Godbold reported, that “there were 5,607 bales of
cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County, from the crop of
1921, prior to Nov. 14, 1921, as compared with 5,026 bales ginned to Nov. 14,
1920.”
Readers that week also learned that “oranges can be grown
in Wilcox County, has been proven by the fact that Mrs. M.L. Staples of Lower Peachtree
has gathered over one barrel from her trees at that place.”
On the front page of the Dec. 8, 1921 edition of The
Progressive Era, it was reported that “Mrs. Marie B. Owen, director of the
state department of archives and history, has been presented with two sets of
valuable old books regarding the American Indians and the bird life of the
nation, which have been placed in the department. The books were presented by
the two daughters of Judge Charles Tait, the first federal judge in Alabama,
who now reside at Camden. The donors, before their marriage, were Misses Mary
and Carlotte Tait. They married brothers, who were the sons of Col. Franklin
Beck, commanding officer of the Third Alabama regiment of the Confederate army,
who was killed in action.”
The books included a three-volume set by Thomas L.
McKenney and James Hall titled “History of the Indian Tribes of North America.”
The other books were a 12-volume set called “American Ornithology,” published
by Bonaparte & Wilson.
On the front page of the Dec. 15, 1921 edition of the
newspaper, under the headline “SHERIFF NABS COPPER STILL,” it was reported that
a “copper still, complete in every detail and very likely designed and operated
for the elite trade, was captured the past week by Sheriff McLean. The still
was copper throughout and evidently from its makeup, turned out a very fine
brand of corn. So far, it is the first genuine copper plant captured, most of
the shinny plants being crude lard can affairs. It is a 12-gallon capacity.”
In the Dec. 22, 1921 edition of the paper, readers learned
that the newspaper’s editor was “in receipt of a cotton bloom from Mr. George
Strother of Canton Bend. This bloom no doubt owes its presence to the mildness
of the season as well as the oversight of the boll weevil. Cotton blossoms in
December certainly presages a climate rivaling that of Florida.”
It was also announced that week that there would “be
preaching at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Christmas Day at 11 o’clock.
Subject of sermon, “Unto you is born this day, a Savior, which is Christ the
Lord.” All are cordially invited to attend.
In the Dec. 29 edition – the final issue of the 1921
calendar year – it was reported, under the front-page headline “NEW BUILDING
FOR CAMDEN,” that the “Matthews Hardware Co. has broken ground for the erection
of a magnificent building on their lot across from the National Bank. This
building, when completed, will be the most convenient as well as the most
extensive business building in Camden. Planned on modern basis, it will afford
ample room for this progressive firm and will be an added asset to the town.”
Readers that week also learned that “Camilla, the little
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Capell, was bitten last week by her pet shepherd
dog. The head of the dog was sent to Montgomery, where they pronounced it
hydrophobia. The child is taking the serum at her home in Camden and is doing
nicely.”
Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. On the first Thursday of next month, I plan to take a look at the events of January 1922 in Wilcox County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to get you started.
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