Sculpture from Manhattan now on display in Brundidge, Alabama

The "Strider from Chernobyl" in Brundidge, Ala.

My wife and I enjoy riding around on Saturdays and visiting antique stores. It’s one of our favorite things to do, and we’re always on the look out for “junk stores” that we’ve never been to. We rarely buy anything, but we do a lot of looking.

The other day, we stopped at a place called Jinright’s Hillside Antiques and Collectibles. It’s located between Troy and Brundidge in the Antioch community. It’s inside of an old gas station building on the south side of Highway 231 South.

While there, the proprietor told me that the old gas station was built in 1945 from a Sears & Roebuck kit that was delivered by train. I’d heard of Sears & Roebuck house kits, but I’d never heard that they sold commercial building kits. The store owner noted that the original building has been added to over the years, but the original structure dates back to the end of World War II.

From there, we set off for a place called City Antiques, just down the road in Brundidge. We found this store with no problem, but unfortunately it was closed for the day. After peaking through the windows, we promised each other to return some day.

On the way out of town, we pulled over at a small park across the street from the Brundidge Piggly Wiggly. It’s here at this small park that you’ll find one of Alabama’s most unusual sculptures, a “world-renowned” work of art known as the “Strider from Chernobyl” by folk artist Ronald Godwin. A few feet away, you’ll see a lesser-known sculpture known as the “Scorpion from Fukushima.”

Sources say that Godwin built the “Strider from Chernobyl” – a metal sculpture of a strangely deformed fish – after the nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl in 1986. Godwin, who was working as a sculptor in New York City, was outraged over the disaster and created the “Strider” in protest. Godwin originally wanted to display the “Strider” on a sidewalk in Manhattan, but city officials wouldn’t allow it.

Sources say that Godwin and some of his buddies, at the risk of arrest, managed to get the sculpture onto the sidewalk, where it drew the attention of more than a few newspapers and TV stations. City officials decided to cut Godwin some slack and allowed him to display the “Strider” for a couple of weeks. Eventually, it made its way down to Godwin’s hometown of Brundidge.

Godwin built the “Scorpion from Fukushima” after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused a nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan. Described as a “disjointed arthropod on the loose,” Godwin created the “Scorpion” to express his reaction to the way civilization affects life on Earth. Today, you’ll find the “Scorpion” just a few feet from the “Strider.”

In the end, if you’re ever in Brundidge, take a few minutes to stop for a closer look at Godwin’s sculptures. Visitors from around the world come to Brundidge for a first-hand look at these sculptures, so don’t miss the opportunity to do so yourself if you ever find yourself in that neck of the woods. Maybe best of all, there’s no charge to visit Godwin’s “sculpture park,” which is open around the clock, seven days a week.

Pine Apple's Fred Cone played in first ever football game at Lambeau Field

Fred Cone of Pine Apple

Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin is one of the most famous football stadiums in America. Located about 1,000 miles from Wilcox County, many describe Lambeau Field as a “football Mecca,” and many football fans have a trip to this famous stadium on their bucket lists. I’ve never been there, but I’ve always wanted to go.

Interestingly, today – Sept. 29 – marks the 65^th anniversary of the first game ever played at Lambeau Field. It was on that day in 1957 that the Packers defeated their rivals, the Chicago Bears, 21-17. Even more interesting is the fact that Pine Apple native Fred Cone played in that historic first game at Lambeau Field.

Cone, who graduated from Moore Academy in Pine Apple, was a fullback and placekicker for the Packers, who drafted him in 1951. During his six seasons with the Packers, he led the team is scoring in five of those seasons, including his rookie season. In 1955, he also led the NFL is successful field goals.

The inaugural game at Lambeau Field, which was then known as New City Stadium, was the opening game of the season for Green Bay and their win over Chicago was considered an upset. A crowd of 32,132 fans were on hand for the game, which included an elaborate stadium dedication ceremony. (Today, the stadium has a seating capacity of 81,441.)

Chicago struck first when Ed Brown scored on a five-yard run in the first quarter. George Blanda kicked the extra point to give Chicago a 7-0 lead.

Green Bay responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter from Babe Parilli to Billy Howton. Cone, who would be inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1974, booted the extra point to tie the game, 7-7.

Chicago grabbed the lead later in the second quarter when Harlon Hill scored on an 11-yard pass from Ed Brown. Blanda added the extra point to give Chicago a 14-7 lead.

Later in the second quarter, the 5-foot-11, 199-pound Cone rumbled into the endzone on a one-yard run. He tacked on the extra point to tie the game, 14-14.

Chicago posted their final points of the game in the third quarter when Blanda kicked a 13-yard field goal to give Chicago a 17-14 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Green Bay put themselves over the top when Gary Knafelc caught a six-yard scoring pass from Parilli. Cone scored the final point of the game when he kicked the ensuing extra point through the uprights, leaving the Packers with a 21-17 advantage.

Cone finished the game with 20 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. His longest run of the game was a six-yarder. Interestingly, fellow Alabamian Bart Starr, who would go on to become a legendary player under Vince Lombardi, would finish the game with three pass completions for 38 yards.

Cone sadly passed away on Dec. 31, 2021 at the age of 95. He lived a long, full life and he no doubt had many memories from his football playing days. Chief among those memories would have to be the first ever game played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, so many miles away from his hometown of Pine Apple.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Sept. 28, 2022

77 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 27, 1945

MASONIC MEETING: Regular meeting of Dale Lodge No. 25, Monday night, Oct. 1, 1945. – Will Albritton, Secretary.

Robert Smith: Word was received here last week by friends of the Robert Smith family (former residents of Camden) that Mr. Smith died early Sunday morning, Sept. 16, at his home, 7112 No. 2^nd St., Birmingham, Ala. Mr. Smith was sick only 48 hours with pneumonia. He leaves his widow, Mr. Smith, and only daughter, Laura, who graduated from Wilcox County High School several years ago. Laura also attended Huntingdon College, Montgomery, and graduated with honor a few years ago. She has since taught History in Junior High Schools in Georgia and in Jefferson County, Ala. The Smith family were well known in Camden and were active members of the Camden Baptist Church. Mr. Smith was in the jewelry business and gave most of his time to watch repair work having a shop in Mr. Clarke Jones’ Drug Store. He was a World War I veteran.

Boykin Hollinger of the U.S. Army was recently discharged from the U.S. Army and reached here on Monday. Boykin was in a number of engagements in France and Germany.

Mr. and Mrs. Kittrell Agee of Monroeville announce the arrival of a baby boy, whom they have named Kittrell Jr. Mrs. Agee will be remembered in Camden as the former Dot Dunn.

Roy Lee Farish, U.S. Navy, stationed at Pearl Harbor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rip Farish, has been promoted to Yeoman Third Class.

87 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 26, 1935

PARDON OR PAROLE NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that Dave Garner, who was convicted for distilling in the Wilcox County Circuit Court at the Spring Term 1934, and given a sentence of one year and one day as a minimum and 20 months as a maximum, will make application for a pardon or parole.

Mr. Clarence L.G. Kelly left Tuesday for St. Louis where he will see the big games between Chicago and St. Louis.

The regular meeting of Dale Lodge No. 25 will be held on Monday night, Oct. 7. All members are urged to be present.

MOORE ACADEMY SCHOOL NEWS: The football team of Moore Academy is practicing hard. The boys are already displaying a fine spirit of cooperation and school loyalty. They are looking forward to a great year.
The first home game of the season will be played with Monroeville Friday, Sept. 27, on the local field.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl McNeill are being congratulated upon the arrival of a daughter whom they have named Evelyn Elise. Mrs. McNeill was the popular Merle Cobb, daughter of our Circuit Clerk, S.M. Cobb.

By last Sunday’s Advertiser we see a photo and the announcement of the approaching marriage of Miss Gasque Lee Byrne, lovely daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Byrne of Pine Hill and Mr. William Bibb Irby of Peach Tree, but now located at Mobile.

96 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 23, 1926

Miss Helen Burford left Saturday to attend Northwestern University at Chicago this winter where she will take a Masters degree. She was accompanied as far as Montgomery by her brother, Peyton Burford.

The storm Monday and Monday night blew down many of the pretty shade trees in Camden and several of these trees fell on the wires of the Power Company and it seemed as if Camden was to be in darkness that night. Fearing that some of the people might not know the danger of coming in contact with the high power wires, the company even during the store, were out on the wires and at 6 p.m. had the wires up and light restored.

W.F. HOPKINS PASSES AWAY: W.F. Hopkins of Caledonia died at his home on Wednesday night, Sept. 15, after a lingering illness of several months.
He united with the Methodist church during his boyhood days and was an active worker in all the different branches, being Superintendent of the Sunday School at the time of his death.
The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. Walker Bancroft of Pine Apple, assisted by Rev. Childs of Camden.
His remains were laid to rest in the Caledonia cemetery. His resting place was literally a mound of flowers, speaking mutely of the love of all who had known him.

106 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 28, 1916

Mr. J. Paul Jones left this week for New Orleans, where he will resume his course in medicine.

Dr. J.C. Benson is located for the present in Vredenburgh, where he takes the practice of Dr. Cannon, who has gone north for medical treatment.

Mr. J.W. Peters, President of the Selma Marble and Granite works, was a visitor to Camden this week. This firm has erected many monuments and tombstones in our county and their work gives general satisfaction.

On Friday of last week Miss Icie McGraw and Mr. Joe Pritchett of Burl were married, Rev. Kimbrough officiating. The couple drove to Camden, where they secured license and returned home immediately after the ceremony. Miss McGraw was a student in the High School last session and both parties have many friends to congratulate them.

Gus Watts lost his house on last Friday night by fire. Practically all his household goods were lost. The origin of the fire is unknown. It was partially covered by insurance.

FOR RENT 1917: The Leppert plantation, four miles south of Camden, Ala. 1,000 acres, nearly all fenced and crossed fenced with hog wire. Ample water, large cattle barns, silo, dwelling house. This place ideal for cattle, hogs and farming. Write Mr. S. Rowan, Benton, Ala.

FOR SALE: One 18-horse power Buick Roadster in good condition, new tires, $125. One two-year-old horse mule, 14 hands high, well grown for age and works kindly, $75. Box 152.

116 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 27, 1906

Mr. W.J. Stanford of Pine Apple, the hustling agent of the Jesse French Piano and Organ Co., was in Camden on Friday last.

NOTICE: All persons having property in their possession belonging to Troop B, such as saddles, bridles, blankets or leggings, are hereby notified to have them in the armory by Oct. 20, as they will be prosecuted for using them. By order of J.D. Jenkins, Capt.

Hardy-Bowden: On Wednesday morning, Sept. 19, 1906, Mr. L.W. Hardy of Schuster was happily married to Miss Cora Bowden of Gordon, Ala. Mr. Hardy is a planter, has a saw mill and brick yard at Schuster, is a man well known and liked in the county, who wish for him and his bride all the joys that a happy future can bring.

Pupils entered in the boarding department of Camden Public School: Miss Starr of Rock West, Miss Watson of Neenah, Miss Gray of Caledonia and Miss Sharp of Shawnee. Others are arriving daily.

Mr. A.V. McMillan, who has been in Knoxville for the past three weeks, returned to Camden last Friday and was called back to Knoxville on Saturday on account of the death of his father, Mr. T.B. McMillan.

Miss Marcie B. Davis, daughter of Mr. John S. Davis, formerly of Fatama, Wilcox County, was recently married in Mobile to Mr. John S. Blalack. Our best wishes for the bridge and groom.

Mr. Robert H. Neville has been appointed Rural Route Carrier for Camden with Mr. T.F. Neville as substitute.

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

1949 Ford Custom Four Door Sedan

EIGHT YEARS AGO
SEPT. 25, 2014

Locals honored in Tuscaloosa: Monroeville residents and University of Alabama graduates George Thomas Jones, K.J. Lazenby and Barbara McMillan were all featured during the Alabama-Southern Miss game Sept. 13 in Tuscaloosa. Jones, 91, a WWII veteran, was honored for his service in the Armed Forces. Lazenby and fellow members of the 1964 NCAA national championship football team were recognized for the team’s 50^th anniversary and McMillan, a former member of UA’s Million Dollar Band, participated in the band’s performance.

BHS BULLDOGS 4-0! In J.U. Blacksher’s 26-24 win Friday night in Chickasaw, the Bulldogs and Chieftains combined for 772 total yards, 122 plays, 50 points and 33 first downs.
(Blacksher head coach Wes) Sims noted that quarterback Andrew Redditt had one of his better games and running backs Hunter Turberville and James Smith both played well as did the offensive line.
Redditt completed eight of 12 passes for 163 yards with Travouris Hill catching four balls for 96 yards.
(Other top Blacksher players in that game included Colton Allen, Desmond Dean, Tyler Dean, Tristan Lett, Colton Smith, Justin Smith and Dalton Tolbert.)

Miller crowned MCHS queen: Monroe County High School senior Kylaria Miller was crowned 2014 Homecoming Queen during halftime ceremonies Friday night in Monroeville. She is the daughter of Kathy Crimpton and was escorted by her stepfather De’Ron Watkins.

34 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 28, 1989

McKinley Grocery sold to McKissick: Joe McKissick of Frisco City is the new owner of McKinley’s Grocery on County Road 17 near Claiborne Lock & Dam.
Wayne McKinley of Finchburg owned the 1,700-square-foot store five years. Before building this larger store, McKinley ran a smaller on in the area 15 years.
McKissick was the longtime owner of the former McKissick’s Grocery Store in Frisco City.

Fourth quarter safety brings Excel 8-6 victory: Senior defensive end Brady Johnson tackled McKenzie punter Robert Shufford in the end zone to record a safety, propelling second-ranked Excel High School to an 8-6 victory over third-ranked McKenzie High Friday in McKenzie.
The score was knotted at 6-6 and 7:50 was left in the fourth quarter when McKenzie’s center snapped the ball over the head of Shufford, standing near the 20-yard line.
“Our kids never quit,” said Excel head coach Bo Bishop. “That was the difference in winning and losing.”
(Other top Excel players in that game included Tracey Kelley, Brian Manning, Tony Maye, Heath Nall, Mack Ross and Kevin White.)

Co-op mill destroyed in blaze: The Frisco City Farmer’s Cooperative Market feed mill was destroyed by fire early Friday morning, according to Frisco City Fire Chief Larry Pugh. Eleven Frisco City firemen and two trucks along with six Mexia firemen and a truck fought the fire for a total of seven hours, said Pugh. Night watchman Amos Cross spotted the first about 4:30 a.m., but the cause is unknown. When firemen arrived, the building was engulfed in flames, said Pugh.

58 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 24, 1964

New Lime Plant Operations Announced: Corporation papers for the forming of a lime chalk mining company were filed in probate court last Friday.
Formed as the Claiborne Lime Co., Inc., the $70,000 corporation will produce agricultural lime.
Officers are William L. Wells of Prattville, president; Ernest T. Lance, Prattville, vice president; W.P. Loftin of Claiborne, secretary-treasurer; and W.E. Deer, Claiborne, and W.H. Hagler Jr., Montgomery, directors.

Whippets Even Record With Win Over Excel: The Frisco City Whippets evened its record at 1 and 1 Friday night with an 18-6 win over the Excel Panthers, whose record stands at 1-1.
(Top Frisco City players in that game included Hubert Broughton, Larry Eddins, Mike Johns, Larry Jones, Jack Kelly, Jim Kelly, Johnny King, Bill Wiggins. Top Excel players included Charles Godwin, John Stokes and Wayne Wright.)

VOLUNTEER POLICE FORCE: Monroeville’s volunteer police force, which was organized about the first of June for emergencies and other police duty, will assist the local police force with traffic at all Monroeville High School’s home football games, according to Police Chief O.D. Godwin. Some of the members of the force are A.B. Brown, John Shannon, Luther Napp, Raymond Matchett, Alvin Kilpatrick, L.G. Wiggins, Jim Brown (member of the regular force), Charles Cox, Jesse York, David Salter, Glenn Gladwell, Ivan Wiggins, Jim Andrews, Robert Lee and John B. Carter, another member of the regular force.

83 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 28, 1939

Mr. B.H. Bailey Bitten By Snake: Mr. Brutus H. Bailey of Franklin is suffering from a snake bite, inflicted last Thursday just before noon. Mr. Bailey, in the company of several other men, was surveying a piece of land near Franklin when the snake struck him. It is not known exactly what kind of snake bit him, as none of the men saw it, but it is supposed to have been a rattlesnake or a rattlesnake’s pilot. He was rushed to Monroeville to a doctor, where he was given treatment.

Mrs. Eugene Lazenby recently underwent an appendicitis operation at Carter’s Hospital in Repton. Her friends are glad to know she is recovering nicely.

W.M. Mullins New Water Service Manager: Mr. W.M. Mullins, formerly of Wetumpka, recently came to Monroeville to accept the position of manager of the local Alabama Water Service Co. This position was made vacant by the resignation of Frank Sheffield, who had served as manager for almost a year. The citizens of Monroeville are glad to welcome Mr. Mullins and his family as residents of the town.

New Ford To Be Shown Here Oct. 6: B.L. Chambers, K.J. Lazenby, Dayton Russell and Charles Cole returned from Atlanta yesterday, where they attended a meeting of Ford Dealers and Salesmen in the Atlanta territory. At this meeting, the new Ford, Mercury and other 1940 models produced by the Ford Motor Co. were show. The Chambers-Lazenby Motor Co. will have the 1949 Ford on display at their show room on Friday, Oct. 6.

108 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 24, 1914

To Confederate Veterans: If you were in the army with my husband, John A. Simmons or know anyone who was in the same company or regiment that he was in, please write to me. Mrs. Amanda Simmons, Valley Mills, Texas.

WILCOX MINERAL SPRINGS, Schuster, Alabama: Opened for the Summer Season May 19: The hotel will be supplied with the best food the market will afford. The waters of the springs are splendid and healthful, and are especially adapted for stomach, bladder and kidney troubles. There is fine bathing and boating on the lake. Rates very moderate for families or parties. Any baseball team desiring to play will be furnished with a competing team by proprietor. For further information, address JOHN H. McWILLIAMS, Proprietor of Wilcox Mineral Springs and Hotel, P.O. McWILLIAMS, ALA.

Judge I.B. Slaughter, Judge W.G. McCorvey, Mr. F.W. Hare and perhaps others attended the cotton conference in Montgomery Tuesday.

The electric light plant is making excellent progress, according to the manager. The poles are being raised for lines enclosing the public square and the electrical machinery has been shipped and will arrive this week. This plant was formerly used at the Marion Institute and is of 400 light capacity, sufficient to supply the needs of Monroeville until water power can be developed in this vicinity.

There were 1,094 bales of cotton ginned in Monroe County from the crop of 1914 prior to Sept. 1, 1914, compared with 1,532 bales ginned prior to Sept. 1, 1913. S.D. Nettles, Special Agent.

Many motorists pass Medlock Cemetery each day on their way between Mexia and Perdue Hill

Medlock Cemetery near Perdue Hill.

If you’ve ever driven along U.S. Highway 84 between Mexia and Perdue Hill, you’ve driven past the old Medlock Cemetery. This small cemetery is located about 100 yards north of Highway 84 beneath a small grove of trees, just west of the Turkey Trot Ranch.

No doubt like many readers, I’ve driven by this cemetery hundreds of times, but I’d never taken the time to stop for a look around. A few days ago, I was headed towards Claiborne with a few minutes to spare, so I turned off Highway 84 and eased up the wide grass lane leading to the cemetery.

For about 15 minutes or so, I walked among the headstones and quickly realized that this cemetery has been in use for well over a century. Just eyeballing it, I’d say this cemetery contains about 40 graves. Surnames that you’ll find there include family names like Blanton, Bussey, Dailey, Grace, Harrison, Jaye, Lambert, Lowrey, Talbert, Tuthill, Williams, Wright and, of course, Medlock.

As with many old cemeteries, this cemetery contains many unmarked graves and more than a few headstones that don’t display much information. The oldest marked graves that I was able to find belonged to a pair of young boys, Thomas J. Lowrey and William E. Lowrey. While I can’t say for sure, more than likely these boys were brothers.

Thomas passed away at the age of eight in September 1862, about four days before Antietam. William was only five months old when he passed away that November, less than two months after Thomas. Did disease carry these young children away or was it hunger brought on by the privations of war?

As you would expect, there are more than a few members of the Medlock family buried here. The oldest Medlock grave that I found belonged to Leo Medlock, another child whose life was cut short. He passed away at just four months old in May 1902.

Leo was the son of Sylvester Medlock, a prominent citizen in his day. Sylvester, who is buried a short distance from his son, was described in his obituary as “one of the pioneer citizens” of Monroe County. He died in his late 80s in 1939. At the time of his death, he was survived by nine living children.

Another interesting grave is that of Joseph W. Blanton. His gravestone says that he died in 1880, but military records indicate that he died in August 1862 while serving at Oven Bluff with the 36^th Alabama Infantry. If that is true, then his grave is the oldest in the cemetery, predating that of Thomas Lowrey’s by about a month.

A few minutes later, as I drove the 10 or so miles back to Monroeville’s downtown square, I continued to think about all that I’d seen at the Medlock Cemetery. What made early residents of that area select that location for a cemetery? Was there a church there at some point in the distant past or was there some other reason?

In the end, if anyone in the reading audience knows more about the history of the Medlock Cemetery, please let me know. My feeling is that there is much more history here than meets the eye. Perhaps someone out there in the reading audience will be able to shed more light on this obscure corner of local history.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Sept. 21, 2022

76 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 19, 1946

William Rufus King

WILCOX GINNERS REPORT: There were 379 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County, from the crop of 1946 prior to Sept. 1, 1946, as compared with 888 bales ginned to Sept. 1, 1946.

CAMDEN CHEERLEADERS: The football players have elected the following as cheerleaders: Betty Jean Crawford, Connie Kennedy, Betty Andrews, Olivia Watts and Sue Ervin. It is hoped that all students and other supporters of the Camden Tigers will cooperate with the cheering section. The first game is will Orrville on Sept. 27. – E.W. Woodruff, Principal.

Mrs. W.A. Dexter: Mrs. Eliza Beck Curtis Dexter, widow of the late W.A. Dexter, died at her home in Camden Friday afternoon, Sept. 13, 1946.
Mrs. Dexter was born in the Rock West community, a few miles from Camden on April 21, 1848. She was thus 98 years of age and was perhaps the oldest person in Wilcox County. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Henry Curtis and Eliza Beck Curtis. She came of pioneer Alabama families and her ancestors were distinguished Alabamians. Her father, who was a native of Raleigh, N.C., was a practicing physician in the Camden community for a number of years. He also was at one time a member of the legislature from Wilcox and Conecuh counties. Her mother was a member of the historic Beck family, and was a niece of Vice-President William R. King.
Her knowledge of local families and Camden history was very great. She was 13 years of age at the beginning of the Confederate War.

86 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 17, 1936

GINNERS REPORT: Census report shows that there were 2,361 bales of cotton ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1936 prior to Sept. 1, as compared with 2,615 bales ginned to Sept. 1, crop of 1936. – W.H. Speir, Special Agent.

Mrs. Mabel Barnes left Thursday for Old Texas to resume her school duties. She has taught in the public school there for several years.

Dr. Hunter Dickson Farish and his aunt, Mrs. Jennie Farish of Beatrice, were guests of Mrs. C.V. Beck Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Farish received his PhD degree from Harvard the 19^th of June and has the chair of assistant professor in History at Harvard for the coming year. A Wilcoxan of whom we are justly proud.

The Irby Savage Post No. 84, American Legion, with its auxiliary, enjoyed a “chicken fry” at the L.P. Andrews spring Tuesday night with a goodly number of Legionaires and auxiliary members and friends present. After a bout in the ring between two boxers with Mr. Pressly Bryant as referee and Mr. Eugene Watts as time keeper and gong sounder. After which, Capt. Emmett Kilpatrick made a very inspiring talk followed by a few remarks by Mrs. Joe McMoore auxiliary president.

The Globe Man will be here Monday, Sept. 21. – R.L. Spurlin.

95 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 15, 1927

MORISETTE FALLS IN TRUCK WHEEL: On Saturday evening, Eli Morisette, truck driver for Mr. B. Holloman of Coy, Ala., pushed his car off to crank it. When it caught, he tried to get on it from behind. He missed his hold and his right foot went through the left wheel. He was brought to Camden where his foot was amputated.

HON. J.M. BONNER A CANDIDATE FOR SUPREME COURT: Senator J.M. Bonner of Camden has announced his candidacy for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, to succeed Judge Gardner. Senator Bonner is well known throughout the State, both as a lawyer and as a statesman, having represented Wilcox County for three terms in the State Senate. He has been engaged in the practice of law for more than 25 years, and is widely known as a capable and efficient lawyer.

MOORE ACADEMY NEWS: On Sept. 6 at nine o’clock, Moore Academy opened her doors to the children of Pine Apple and the surrounding communities for the 45^th time. We are very proud of the high standard she has and hope that it will be greater in the future. We now have one of the best faculties that Moore Academy has ever had.

Mr. Hugh White of Dallas, Texas is visiting friends and relatives in Camden this week. Hugh formerly lived in Camden and was a member of The Progressive Era force. His many friends welcome him to his old home town again.

Mr. Joe Bonner is enjoying a visit to friends in Charlotte, N.C. and in Due West, S.C., where he will see Erskie’s football squad in preliminary practice.

105 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 20, 1917

Death of Dr. C.C. Lloyd: The many friends of Hon. J.B. Lloyd throughout Wilcox County will sympathize with him in the death of his brother, Dr. C.C. Lloyd, who died at his home at Greenville, Ala. on Sept. 8.
Dr. Lloyd was quite an old man, having passed his 83^rd milestone. He was a Confederate veteran and a member of the 17^th Alabama Regiment during the war, and took a great deal of interest in the Confederate reunions and until his death was chaplain of his camp.
Dr. Lloyd retired from the practice of medicine about 35 years ago since which time he has devoted his life to the ministry of the gospel.

Wilcox Boys Leave: War as a reality was more vividly impressed on Wilcox in the past week than ever before. On Wednesday morning, 22 young men entrained for Camp Wheeler, near Macon, Ga. Quite a number of citizens were present at the depot to give the departing boys a last farewell.
(The group of 22 included John Ernest Blount, Will Bennett, Richard Coates McWilliams, Thomas Jones Horton, Henry W. Thomas, Carlos P. Weatherly, Josiah Forniss Irby, John William Rogers, Albert Streit, Horace Falls, John Henry Daily, Walter Bright Godbold, William McDaniel Reaves Jr., Willie O. Morgan, Bob Autrey, Silas Henry Ricketts, George Calvin Rikard, Henry Loftin, Sam Jones Albritton, Eugene Lafayette Cathcart, Harry Irby Savage and John George Daily.)

Mr. Frank Tait has gone North to serve in the U.S. Navy.

115 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 19, 1907

Ho! For the High School: The citizens of Camden and vicinity are requested to meet at the Court House on Fri., Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. for the purpose of taking action on the proposition of getting the State High School located at Camden, Ala. – Very respectfully, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, R.L. Hawthorne, President.

Camden School Opening: A very large audience assembled at the Institute on Monday morning to attend the opening exercises of the Camden Public School. The years of this time-honored institution of learning are now something like 65 and in all that time, the school has annually been in session. The enrollment of the school is expected to reach 200 or more the ensuing session.

Rev. W.C. McCully returned home last week from Evergreen, where he attended the Presbytery.

Mr. B.L. Sessions, who is clerking for The Camden Hardware Co., spent Sunday with his parents in Sallie.

Misses Kate, Marguerite and Maude McWilliams have entered the Synodical College for Women in Talladega.

J.M. Miller, Esq., and little daughter, Marlow, leave today for a visit in Statesville, N.C. and the Jamestown Exposition.

The Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist Church are preparing for a bazaar to be held the first week in December. Many handsome and useful articles, which will make nice Christmas presents, will be for sale.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Sept. 20, 2022

Dr. Eugene Allen Smith

28 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 15, 1994

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 0.28 inches of rain on Sept. 8. He reported a high of 87 degrees on Sept. 6 and a low of 61 on Sept. 5.

Heritage Day set Oct. 15; various activities planned: Conecuh County’s 14^th Annual Heritage Day will be held Sat., Oct. 15, in downtown Evergreen. Heritage Day is sponsored by the Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce with cooperation of citizens from all over Conecuh County.
Activities for the day include a mini-fair, arts and crafts, live entertainment throughout the day, displays and exhibits, children’s activities and food booths, according to Veronica Lambert, Chairperson of the Conecuh Heritage Committee.

Commission accepts contract for new roof on courthouse: The Conecuh County Commission voted in their regular meeting Monday to award the contract to replace the roof on the Conecuh County Courthouse.
The contract was awarded to Lambert Roofing Company. The contract will cost approximately $105,500.

Commissioner Frank Pate then informed the other commission members the Cripple Bridge in his district had become impassable. The commissioner stated that the bridge is used by many of the community members and should be replaced as soon as possible. The cost to replace the bridge will be approximately $9,600. The commissioners voted to go ahead with the replacement.

53 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 18, 1969

First wedding ever for Baptist Church at Burnt Corn: When Miss Margaret Catherine Salter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Salter of Burnt Corn, became the bride of Elliott DeWitt Sadler Jr. of Beatrice on Sept. 6 this was the first wedding ever to take place in the Burnt Corn Baptist Church, although the church was first organized in the year 1821.
The church had stood idle for a number of years until it was reactivated and reorganized on Easter Sunday 1967 and renamed Burnt Corn Baptist Church. The Rev. D.F. Hickman is the pastor and the church is very active in the community with 20 members on roll.

Arson is suspected in the fire which created this havoc at Conecuh Printing Co. early Friday morning. The fire was discovered just as it started by City Policemen Salter and Daw who were “shaking doors” about 3:15 a.m. and they turned in the alarm immediately. Thanks to prompt and efficient work by the Evergreen Fire Department with an assist from the Andalusia firemen, the fire was contained when it might easily have burned out the south end of East Front Street. French Dry Cleaners had some smoke and water damage as did Harper Furniture Company’s warehouse. The second story of the building, unoccupied, was damaged heavily. Salter, who was behind the building, saw a man run from the area, jump in a car parked across from Evergreen Methodist Church and drive away at high speed. A state fire marshal investigated the fire and state toxicologist is also working on it. Herbert Harpe, owner of the printing firm, said he had partial insurance coverage. The building is owned by Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Holley.

65 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 19, 1957

Balloon Number Four Found Near Wilcox By W.R. Diamond: A part of Conecuh’s fourth balloon to fall was found last Tuesday by W.R. Diamond of Owassa, Rt. 1, about one mile east of Wilcox (or Greggville).
Alvin Diamond, his son, brought the radiosonde gear, similar to that found by J.L. Fields, by The Courant office Saturday morning. According to the data on the box, the balloon was released from the Montgomery Weather Station on Aug. 23, 1957.
Also brought in by Diamond was the parachute which let the gear float to earth gently. This parachute is on display in the window of The Evergreen Courant.
Very little else of the balloon was found except for some plaited nylon lines, and some of the fabric of the balloon.
The radio sonde gear was returned to the Radiosonde Reconditioning Center at Joliet, Ill. by Alvin Diamond.

The County Agent, Mabry Huggins, issued a warning this week for farmers and residents to be on the alert for Army Worms, reported to be making a comeback in this section.

Martin Is Appointed As Night Policeman: A new policeman was appointed to the Evergreen City Police Department. He is Chester Martin, a resident of this city for two years before accepting a position of manager of the B.C. Moore and Sons store at Adel, Ga. While Martin lived here before, he worked at Evergreen Heading Co., Evergreen Hardware and was assistant manager for a year of the Evergreen store of B.C. Moore and Sons. He is presently working on the night shift.

78 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 21, 1944

PFC Burley C. Wallace Killed In Action Aug. 8: Friends and relatives were made sad when news came in a telegram Sun., Sept. 17, that Pfc. Burley C. Wallace, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Wallace of Garland, Ala., Rt. 1, Asbury community, was killed in action in France Aug. 8, 1944.
Pfc. Wallace was drafted into service Oct. 23, 1941. He was sent to Camp Croft, S.C.., later to Fort Custer, Michigan. Then April 1, 1942, he was sent to Iceland, at which place he served 18 months. He was then transferred to England, then to North Ireland. From Ireland, he was assigned duties in France. It was during the last assignment that he gave his life Aug. 8, 1944.
Special memorial services will be held Sun., Sept. 24, 1944 at 11 o’clock a.m. at Asbury Church.

102 Year Old Woman Passes At Nichburg: Madora Nicholson of the Nichburg community died at her home last Tuesday night at the age of 102, following a short illness. Her husband, George Nicholson, preceded her in death some eight years ago at the age of 96, soon after they had celebrated the 72^nd anniversary of their marriage. The authenticity of her age was undisputed by the oldest residents of the county as she was a slave in the Cunningham family and reputedly nursed Mr. John Cunningham, who has attained considerable age himself.
“Aunt Madora,” as she was known, enjoyed unusual good health until the past few months. She was the mother of 17 children, several of whom preceded her in death.

95 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 15, 1927

Wednesday marked the official opening of the Evergreen Cotton Exchange, upstairs in the Newton building.

Conecuh County teachers over 100 strong took peaceful possession of this town early this morning, where they will hold a two days Annual Institute. The meetings are being held in the beautiful City School building, where there is ample room for the joint sessions and departmental sessions too. Miss Norma Smith of the State Department of Education at Montgomery, is assisting Supt. M.A. Hanks and County Supervisor, Mrs. Jeretta Newton in conducting the institute.

BODY OF DR. SMITH IS LAID TO REST: Tuscaloosa, Ala., Sept. 8 – With scores of friends gathered from all parts of the state to pay him homage, last rites for Dr. Eugene A. Smith, state geologist, who died Wednesday, were held at the residence yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o’clock. Ben Harrison, lay leader of the Episcopal church, officiated.
Following the simple but beautiful ceremony, interment took place at Evergreen cemetery. The grave was bedecked with many floral designs, sent by friends and admirers of the distinguished scientist, professor and businessman.
Dr. Smith held the position of state geologist since 1873 being appointed by the legislature to that office upon its revision of the state geological and agricultural survey. During his lifetime, he was a professor at the University of Alabama, and held many and various important offices.
The pallbearers were: Dr. George Denny, president, University of Alabama; Walter B. Jones, assistant geologist; Robert Hodges, chemist of geological survey; H.E. Wheeler, head of natural history department, University of Alabama; Prof. S.J. Lloyd, professor of chemistry, University of Alabama; and Roland Harper, geological survey department.

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

SIX YEARS AGO
SEPT. 15, 2016

Excel welcomes Hall as new chief: Just before Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the Excel Town Council saw their third police chief sworn in this year as 54-year-old John Hall took the oath of office from Councilmember Mike Powell.
Hall, who has lived in Excel since 1989, has worked as a Conecuh County Sheriff’s Office deputy since 2007. Hall replaces Brian House, who worked four months before returning to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to assume the role of chief investigator.  House replaced Darrell McKinley, who served two months as chief after spending several years as assistant chief. McKinley left for a job in the private sector and replaced long-time chief Paul Lindsey, who was tapped as the county’s Emergency Management Agency director in March.

Tigers win in double OT: It took two overtime periods, but Monroe County High’s football team came home from Atmore with a 24-18 win (over Escambia County High School) Friday night.
Daylan Parker and Tydarious McClain both had good nights running the ball, MCHS head coach Juan Williams said, and Brandon Dees caught a touchdown pass from Jekevien Stewart. Jalen Davis had a pick-six, and Packer turned in a scoop-and-score on defense.

Alabama Ag Credit opens new office: Alabama Ag Credit recently moved to a fully renovated building at 87 North Mt. Pleasant Ave. on the northwest corner of Monroeville’s downtown square and will hold a ribbon-cutting next Fri., Sept. 23, at 10:30 a.m.

32 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 19, 1991

First Baptist breaks ground: First Baptist Church of Monroeville broke ground about noon Sunday for a new fellowship hall and children’s wing. From left are James Holley, chairman of deacons; Tommy Abernathy, member of the building steering committee and liaison with the contractor; Jim Johnson, minister of education and activities; George Jones, chairman of the church trustees; Grover McNider, chairman of the building steering committee; Glenn Eubanks, associate pastor; and Dr. Randal Adkisson, pastor. The $700,000 project – in two parts connecting to both ends of the existing educational building – is expected to be complete within six months.

Excel remains unbeaten with 40-8 victory: Three turnovers and 45 yards in penalties kept it from being a pretty victory, but nonetheless it was just that Friday in Montgomery for Excel High School when the Panthers pounded Catholic High School 40-8 to remain unbeaten.
Excel’s ball carriers were led by Shawn Manning, who had three rushes for 69 yards. Excel’s defense was paced by Durran Watson, a sophomore inside linebacker, who collected nine solo tackles and 12 assists. He also caused a fumble and batted down a pass.
(Other top Excel players included Mike Bishop, Chris Casey, Steven Goodman, Trey Harris, Shawn Partin, Bryan Luker, Clifton Nettles and Jerry Pharr. Bo Bishop was Excel’s head coach.)

The Repton Town Council named Scott Dees to fill a council vacancy at its Sept. 3 meeting and also decided to review proposed building codes. Dees will complete the term of Bruce Hayes, who resigned in August when he accepted a job in Monroeville.

56 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 15, 1966

J.W. Sales Buys Local Ford Agency: J.W. Sales of Flomaton has purchased the Russell Ford, Inc. Ford Agency in Monroeville and is planning to move his family here, Mrs. Sales announced this week.
A native of Flomaton, Mr. Sales is married to the former Willean Bondurant, also a native of Flomaton. They have four children: Johnnie, James, Jan and Dianne.
Mr. Sales, who served in the Korean conflict, served as manager of automobile agencies in Mobile and in West Palm Beach, Fla., before establishing his business in Flomaton. Mr. Sales said his grand opening event has been scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 29.

Two successful extra points spelled the difference in the Repton-Frisco City game last Thursday giving Repton a 14-12 win over the visiting Whippets.
Scoring both touchdowns for the victorious Bulldogs was Greg Salter, running 12 yards for the first score and adding the second touchdown on an eight-yard scamper. Gary Boatwright ran both extra points in for Repton.
Jim Kelly scored from eight yards out, and Don Wiggins broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown jaunt for Frisco City.

Rare Albino Martin Seen In Monroeville: An extremely rare albino martin was sighted in Monroeville last week. The bird was spotted at the woodyard on Drewry Road of the Container Corporation, where it, along with other martins of normal color, feed off the insects from the woodyard. Workers at the woodyard take time out many times to see the albino in flight.

80 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 17, 1942

Kelley Takes Over Gulf Oil Agency: Mr. Claude D. Kelley announced the first of the week that he had taken over the Gulf Distributorship for the Monroeville territory. As delivery salesman for products of the Gulf Refining Co., Mr. Kelley has secured the services of Mr. L.R. Gulsby, who has had experience that qualifies him to give the best service to those who use Gulf products.

585 Hogs And Cows Sold Tuesday: Rain which fell most of the day Tuesday kept farmers out of the cotton fields, but they did not lose in the long run. Those who had hogs and cattle brought them to the Stockyard here and helped to make Tuesday another good sale day.
In the sale there were 367 graded hogs, weighing 38,500 pounds; 151 feeders and 218 head of cattle for which the farmers were paid $14,052.61. Top hogs sold for $12.62-1/2.

NU-MODERN CLEANERS MAKING REPAIRS: The building occupied by Nu-Modern Cleaners is undergoing extensive repairs. A new front has been added and the walls are being covered with imitation brick siding.

VREDENBURGH GIRL BUYING WAR BONDS: Miss Gloria Moore of Vredenburgh is doing her part in the war effort and has set an example for other girls and boys over the county. From her savings over a period of years, this young lady has purchased this year five $25 war bonds.

Pvt. Luther Johnson of Scott Field, Ill. spent last week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Johnson in Excel and visited other relatives. Before returning to his post, he will visit in Birmingham. Pvt. Johnson was manager in Sears Department Store in Birmingham before entering the Army.

106 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 21, 1916

Workmen are rapidly progressing on the dwelling of Mr. D.M. Ratcliffe.

Dr. Samuel S. Gaillard of Perdue Hill has been granted a patent on a rotary valve for gasoline engines.

Federal authorities turned down the cavalry troop recently organized in the county on the grounds that the volunteers were too badly scattered to conveniently attend the frequent drills. Sixty or more young men had joined and were naturally disappointed at the decision of the authorities, however several troops in different parts of the state have been rejected for reason stated above.

Four additional students matriculated at the County High School Monday and there are others to follow. The enrollment should easily reach 150 during this term. The classification of students was satisfactorily arranged during the first week and the school is hard down at work on the daily routine. In athletics, a football team has been organized and is in training under the direction of Prof. Jones.

Unveiling at Mexia: Sun., Sept. 17, at three o’clock the W.O.W. marched into the cemetery and unveiled the monument of sovereign Jas. E. Scruggs with imposing ceremonies. Sovereign D.H. Sawyer was made Master of Ceremonies and sovereign Z.B. Booker, orator. Sovereign Booker delivered a very able address on the order and the deceased.

Singleton tells of Indian life along the flowing waters of local creeks

Spot along Flat Creek where an Indian village was located

(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 “Indian life centered along streams” was originally published in the Feb. 12, 1976 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

Since man first appeared and began his long trek across the pages of history, he has associated himself with the streams of clear running water. As one looks back into the past and scans the many rustic pages that flutter in the winds of time, he will notice how important these streams were to man’s survival and well-being.

Before the white settler moved down from the east and the north, the red man enjoyed a happy and contented life along the banks of the clear cool streams that abounded throughout this area. The ruins of the many villages along the banks of the larger streams proves beyond question that the Indian found magic in the music of the sounds of the dancing waters.

Contentment, peace

It is true that some of the food that made up the daily diet of the red man came from these clear waters. But I think the most important part in the passage of their lives was the contentment and peace that was to be found in the Lullabyes of the rushing waters and the whispering of the sighing winds in the treetops along the banks.

Many of the hundreds of legends that were told by the tribal story-tellers around the many campfires mentioned the running waters. Many told of the spirits of those long departed and how the same spirits rode the whispering waters on the journey into the Great Beyond. And how, always at the end of this long journey, the great dwelling place of the wandering spirit was always beside a clear running stream that was full of life and glistened in the eternal sun.

Simple things in life

Perhaps today, in our struggle for the so-called better things in life, we have forgotten that man must associate himself again with the simple things in our world, just as the early Indian did. We should pause, too, and listen to the sound of the running waters.

And when we approach the Creator and ask for the many, many things that we do, we might ought to keep our requests simple, as the red man did when he talked to the Great Spirit.

“Oh, Great Spirit that holds all things in one hand, and the warm sun in the other. Reach down and touch my soul and give me strength that I may run with the swiftness of the deer, and I may have strength of the giant oak tree that grows beside the rippling waters.

‘Give me wisdom’

“Give me the wisdom that I might seek food and shelter from the cold winters winds that howl down from the north. Guide my hands that I may use only that which I need, and that I may walk straight and true toward the sunset.

“As I grow old from the passing of many winters, let me look into the dawn of that great day when I will rest forever by the waters that give eternal life, where the air is pure, and the sky is forever blue.”

When one thinks about this simple prayer, what else could a man ask for?

(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.)

Little remains of the old Xebec community near Perdue Hill

Randons Creek off Turkey Trot Road.

After lunch last Thursday afternoon, I got the itch to get out and do a little rambling. I grabbed my best two or three maps, jumped into my truck and struck off west towards Perdue Hill. About 10 miles from Monroeville’s downtown square, I turned off of U.S. Highway 84 and onto Turkey Trot Road.

Those who regularly travel Turkey Trot Road know that this old dirt road runs from Highway 84 to Bear Creek Road. I’ve heard people say over the years that this road is one of the oldest in the county. It’s said that it was once the main route between Old Claiborne and Pensacola in the long-ago days of early statehood.

I continued south for three or four miles until I came to the old wooden bridge across Randons Creek. I pulled off the side of the road, got out and walked out onto the bridge for a closer look at the creek. Farther along its course, it takes on the waters of Bear Creek, Porter Branch and Lovetts Creek before emptying into the Alabama River, south of Marshalls Bluff.

As I walked back to my truck, I realized that I was near the almost forgotten community of Xebec, which was sometimes spelled “Xbec” on old maps and papers. At one time, there was even a post office at Xebec. It opened in 1904 and closed about two years later in 1906.

No one seems to know how this community got its name. Noted Monroe County historian Steve Stacey says that a Xebec was a sailing vessel with three masts that originated in Mediterranean countries. How it was applied to a post office in Monroe County is anyone’s guess, Stacey said. There is no entry for Xebec or Xbec in the authoritative book, “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue.

There are very few references to Xebec in old editions of The Monroe Journal. The earliest I found was in a community news column written by correspondent “Black-Eyed Boy” in the April 19, 1906 edition of The Journal. In that column, readers learned that the “weather has been fine for a few days and the farmers have made the best possible use of it. Cotton planting is the order of the day.”

After November 1906, references to Xebec fade from the pages of The Monroe Journal. A close reading of the community columns that ran between April and November of that year indicate that members of the Blanton family were a prominent part of that community. Names like Sid Blanton, Wiley Blanton and Wayne Blanton received frequent mention in the local news. Other Xebec names mentioned in The Journal include Barzile Ward, Becky Little, J.T. Walston, Fate Ward, Janie Joiner, Mary Smith and Drusilla Norris.

These long dead Monroe County residents would probably be surprised to know that little remains of the old Xebec community. In fact, other than a few references on old maps and postal records, almost nothing remains from the heyday of this old Monroe County community. At no time was it ever a large place, but it was at least home to more than a few families in the early 1900s.

In the end, if anyone in the reading audience knows more about the Xebec community, please let me hear from you. It would be interesting to know if the community had any stores, a school or churches. As best that I can tell, there are no cemeteries in the immediate area, so reach out to me if you know anything more about this community’s history.

Were there wolves in Wilcox County, Alabama as late as 1975?

Allen Hall with wolf killed in 1975.

Were there wolves in Wilcox County as late at 1975?

That is the question that ran through my mind the other day as I looked at a picture of a wolf that was killed near Camden on Dec. 7, 1975. The photo, taken by Monroeville photographer Aaron White, was published in the Dec. 11, 1975 edition of The Monroe Journal newspaper. The caption beneath the photo read as follows:

“Wolf killed: Allen Hall of Route 1, Monroeville, killed this wolf while hunting Sunday near Camden. Wolves are rarely seen in this part of the state, and was a prize kill for Hall. He will have the animal mounted.”

Now before I go any further, I will be the first person to tell you that I am no wolf expert, but I couldn’t help but wonder if the animal in the photo was actually a coyote that had been misidentified as a wolf. According to Outdoor Alabama, red wolves, also known as brush wolves, one inhabited a variety of habitats statewide, but they were extirpated from Alabama in the 1920s. By the 1980s, there were no known wild populations in existence anywhere in the Southeast.

Red wolves were reported to be on the verge of extinction in Alabama in 1921. The last known stronghold of these animals in Alabama was in the rough, hilly region from Walker County northwestward to Colbert County. Present-day red wolf populations exist in captivity with the exception of a reintroduction to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina.

It would be interesting to know if Hall had his wolf mounted because a close examination of the wolf’s remains might shed more light on the situation. Unfortunately, Hall, who went by the nickname “Buck,” passed away in 2012 at the age of 81. Hall, a Navy veteran of the Korean War, was widely known throughout the area for his work as an electrician and plumber for over 50 years.

Could Hall’s wolf have been a coyote? The two animals are similar, but there are also striking differences. Coyotes are usually smaller than wolves with darker coats and pointed muzzles. Sources say that coyotes make high-pitched howls, barks and yelps while wolves make lower howls, whines and barks.

Also, coyotes are frequently seen in urban areas, but wolves tend to stay far away from humans. According to Outdoor Alabama, red wolves prefer bottomland river forests and swamps, but they were sometimes seen around farms and coastal prairie marshes. As a rule, they thrive in areas where they have a lot of prey to feed on and where there are very few humans.

When it comes to their tracks, there are big differences between wolves and coyotes. Coyote tracks are usually about two inches wide and 2-1/2 inches long. Wolf tracks can be as large as an adult human palm, that is, almost four inches wide and five inches long.

In the end, let me hear from you if you have any additional information about Allen Hall’s wolf. Also, contact me if you’ve ever had a personal encounter with a wolf inside the boundaries of Wilcox County. While it’s highly unlikely, it’s not impossible that there may be a wolf or two out there somewhere in the deep, dark woods of Wilcox County.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Sept. 13, 2022

17 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 8, 2005

Volunteers were busy accepting donations of nonperishable foods Tuesday afternoon in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot to be delivered Wednesday to the people along the gulf coast near Mobile. The food will be given to the Gulf Coast Food Bank for distribution to those in need. The people of Conecuh County have truly come to the aid of their neighbors in need after Hurricane Katrina devastated a large portion of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The local South Alabama Woodmen of the World has opened up their camp to evacuees in an effort to provide temporary housing.

A second group of New York Police Department officers headed to the New Orleans area to help with rescue efforts stopped at the Owassa Exit Tuesday afternoon for fuel and rest. The group consisted of over 70 vehicles and they will join another group that arrived in New Orleans on Sunday. This group had 88 officers, 11 sergeants, five lieutenants, one captain and one chief.

Notice to our subscribers: On Thurs., Sept. 1, The Courant received a notice that effective immediately the U.S. Postal Service had suspended the acceptance of all periodical and standard mail in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
This emergency action was taken as a result of severe facility damage, evacuations and other issues resulting from Hurricane Katrina.

32 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 13, 1990

Weatherman Harry Ellis reports .06 of an inch of rain on Sept. 9.

John Henry Johnson of Evergreen has been named the new manager of the Piggly Wiggly. Johnson has served as assistant manager of the local store for a number of years.

Wayne Padgett, Commander of Alma Martin Post 50 of the American Legion, presents a Certificate of Participation to Brent Salter, who represented Hillcrest High School at Boys State this summer. Looking on is Post Adjutant Howard Fore. The American Legion is the local sponsor of Boys State. After the presentation, Brent gave a short talk to the Legion on his experiences at Boys State.

Local ladies to be on WSFA TV-12: Ye Olde Railway Emporium will be featured on ’12-Talk’ on Wed., Sept. 19, on WSFA-TV, Channel 12, Montgomery. Mrs. Emily Brogden, County Agent-Coordinator, Mrs. Alva Quarles and Mrs. Mary Dent Worman will travel to Montgomery to help promote the Shop, the City of Evergreen and Conecuh County.

Plans are being announced for Conecuh Heritage Festival which will be centered in downtown Evergreen on Sat., Nov. 10.
As a major event in the celebration of Heritage Year in Conecuh, the Festival is being sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce with the cooperation of the citizens in all parts of Conecuh County. Many special attractions are being planned and a large crowd is expected for the gala event.

47 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 11, 1975

James M. (Bill) Pierce has resigned as administrator of the Conecuh County Hospital, effective Sept. 19, according to Jimmy Cook, chairman of the Executive Board.

Sp/4 F.E. Murphy completed the primary noncommissioned officers course for combat arms on Aug. 29 at Ft. Lewis Washington. He was awarded a trophy and a plaque for being the Distinguished Honor Graduate of Class I-76.
Murphy is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James T. Murphy of Evergreen and is with C Co., 2nd Battalion, 75th Infantry (Rangers) at Ft. Lewis.

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bledsoe announce the birth of a son, Steven Robert, weight eight pounds, nine ounces, on Aug. 9 at Monroe County Hospital.

Postmaster Gene Hyde today announced that effective Sept. 14, there will be a change in postal rates. First-class mail will be 10 cents for the first ounce and nine cents for each additional ounce.

Earl Windham reports rainfall of 1.5 inches Sept. 5 and .2 of an inch Sept. 7.

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Peacock celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sun., Aug. 31, at their home, 422 Bellview. Their only child, Mr. Jimmy Peacock, his wife and their four children helped to entertain the 129 friends and relatives who called during the hours. Miss Sandra Peacock, a granddaughter, registered the guests.

62 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 8, 1960

Pardon The Delay: Your Courant is reaching you a day late this week. Please do not blame your mailman as it is The Courant’s fault, not his.
Monday, an important part of the Linotype (type setting machine) broke putting the machine out of operation. Unable to contact anyone in the parts office due to the holiday, the editor and Herbert Harpe, Linotype operator, drove to Atlanta Monday night and returned to Evergreen with the part Tuesday afternoon.
Harpe got the machine back into operation late Tuesday afternoon. Rather than give you a ‘skeleton’ paper, it was necessary to delay publication to Thursday morning in order to get all of the type set.
We hope you missed your paper and we also hope we aren’t late again any time soon.

The largest paving program in the city’s history has just been completed here. Fourteen new streets were paved, additions to two old streets paved and 22 old streets were resurfaced. Total mileage for the new paving and resurfacing was over 15 miles.
New streets paved were: Newton Parkway, East and West Monte Sano, Williams, Beach, Stella Lane, Old Greenville Road, Oak, Spring, City School Drive, South Shipp, Reynolds, Old Owassa Road, Pierce and Cemetery and Martin.

77 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 13, 1945

Evergreen suffered a great loss, on last Friday in the passing of John Tom Gaillard, which occurred at his home on Bruner Avenue, after a few days illness. Mr. Gaillard was City Clerk, an office he filled most efficiently, always ready to help, listen and furnish help.
He was born in Camden, Sept. 15, 1878, and it was with no small degree of modesty, he always spoke with deep affection of his old home, Camden, Wilcox County.
His father was a graduate of law, from Yale, and his mother was Annie Caldwell, of distinguished South Carolina families.
He served as Cadet in the Spanish-American War and as First Lieutenant in World War I. It was a source of great regret that he could not serve in World War II.
Interment was in Magnolia Cemetery.

John Hunter Thornley, well known and popular young man of Evergreen, was elected by a unanimous vote of the City Council Monday as City Clerk of Evergreen to fill the vacancy caused by the death last week of J.T. Gaillard.

Fire, which apparently originated in the rear of Owens Grocery about 10 o’clock Sunday night, inflicted considerable damage before it was brought under control.

Fire of unknown origin which was discovered late Friday night, completely destroyed the new vocational building at Repton High School.

Cpl. E.S. Simmons, son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Simmons, arrived home Sunday night from the Pacific area, after having served there for 30 months. Cpl. Simmons was wounded on Okinawa.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Sept. 12, 2022

Evergreen's Justin Nared

EIGHT YEARS AGO
SEPT. 11, 2014

Sparta Academy’s varsity football team improved to 2-0 on the season Friday night with a 28-25 win over Crenshaw Christian at Stuart-McGehee Field in Evergreen.
The win came after an unusually long rain delay in which officials prevented both teams from taking the field due to lightning, thunder and rain in the area. The game kicked off around 9 p.m. and ended shortly before midnight.
Quarterback Ethan Roberts led the Warriors on offense with eight pass completions for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Roberts also ran the ball five times for 35 yards.
(Other outstanding Sparta players in that game included Tristan Crutchfield, Tyler Davis, Dalton Draper, Tyler Hanks, Zane Lambert, Todd Mayo, Stone Riley, Dakota Stokes, Ethan Tyree and Griffin Weaver.)

Hillcrest High School’s varsity football team saw its record drop to 1-1 on the season Friday night after falling to 3A Region 1 opponent Opp, 34-32, at Brooks Memorial Stadium in Evergreen.

Evergreen’s Justin Nared threw for over 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns during Tuskegee University’s season opener Saturday afternoon, a 30-17 loss to Alabama A&M in Tuskegee.
Nared, Tuskegee’s senior signal caller, completed 12 of 30 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns, including an 87-yarder with 5:27 left in the first quarter. His second touchdown pass was a 16-yarder with 12:49 left in the game.

26 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 12, 1996

Hillcrest down but not out: The Hillcrest Jaguars hit the practice field Monday afternoon determined to correct the mistakes that led to a 33-8 defeat at the hands of the powerful W.S. Neal Eagles last Friday night in East Brewton.
“Our kids are a little down, but they know we could’ve won if we hadn’t kept shooting ourselves in the foot,” Assistant Coach Morgan Boyd said before practice. “Neal only ran five offensive plays the whole first half, but still had a big lead at halftime.”
Top players for Hillcrest that season included Charlie King, Ryan Meeks, Donald Ray Mixon and Eugene “Bam” Nevlous. Dennis Anderson was head coach.

The Sparta Academy Warriors dropped their record for the 1996 season to 1 and 1 at the hands of the Greenville Academy Tornadoes last Friday night at Stuart-McGehee Field. (Greenville Academy won, 30-19.)
Michael Pate led the Warrior rushing attack with 151 yards on 22 carries. He also had two touchdowns. Lyle Bell had 48 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown; Rod McIntyre, 21 yards on five carries; Seth McIntyre, -5 yards on one carry; Cliff Herbest, -19 yards on two carries.
In the passing department, Rod McIntyre was six for 17 attempts for 102 yards, and Lee Goodwin was two for two for eight yards.
(Other top players for Sparta included Joey Brewton, Chris Kervin and Charlie Ward.)

34 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 8, 1988

These Sparta Academy cheerleaders have had plenty to yell about so far this season as the Warriors have rolled to wins over Escambia and Springwood. They’ll be cheering the Warriors on when they go for their third win Friday night at 7:30 when they meet South Montgomery Academy at Stuart-McGehee Field. (Cheerleaders that year were Shawn Hammonds, captain, Missy Sanford, Mendy Ward, Laurie Garnett, Abbie Till, Stephanie Hooks, Stacey Holmes and Christi Bush.)

CCHS homecoming to be held Friday: Conecuh County High School will celebrate their annual homecoming Fri., Sept. 16, 1988.
This year, all alumni will be honored at the last varsity homecoming for Conecuh County High School. We encourage each alumnus to contact former classmates and teachers to join in the homecoming festivities.
The pre-game activities will begin at 7 p.m. with the game kicking off at 7:30 p.m. The CCHS Blue Devils will be playing the McKenzie Tigers.

The flag corps will be performing with the Pride of Evergreen Band when the Evergreen High School Aggies host Opp High School Friday night. The kickoff at Brooks Stadium is set for 7:30 o’clock. Flag corps members are Beverly Jacobs, Patience Hanks, Cherry Hanks, Roslana Armstrong, Katrina Bradley and Sylvia Grace.

46 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 9, 1976

Warriors rap Raiders 20-0: The Sparta Academy Warriors used a three-pronged running attack to whip the South Butler Academy Raiders, 20-0, here Friday night at Stuart-McGehee Field.
Bobby Johnson, Jerry Peacock and Andy Skipper led the powerful rushing attack that netted 355 yards and three touchdowns.
According to Stanley Johnson’s tackle chart, Bobby Padgett had seven solo tackles and nine assists.
(Other Sparta players in that game included Greg Anthony, Tony Baggett, Hugh Bradford, John Cook, Kent Cook, Steven Dubose, Harry Crabtree, Tim Johnson, Jamie McKenzie, Ronnie McKenzie, Terry Peacock, Johnny Ralls, Joey Rayfield, David Sabino and Gray Stevens.)

EHS Aggies lose opener to Neal: Coach Charles Branum’s debut as head coach of the Evergreen High Aggies was spoiled by a tenacious W.S. Neal defense as the Blue Eagles won, 19-0.
The Aggies got off to a roaring start as Tony Rogers made a sparkling 35 yards return of the opening kickoff to the Eagle 45. However, Evergreen could not get its offense on track and had to punt.
The defense was led by a pair of senior linebackers, Tony Rogers, who had nine solo tackles and five assists, and Marvin Williams, a 280-pounder, who had six solos and nine assists.
(Other Evergreen players in that game included Wayne Malden and Wendell Parker.)

53 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 11, 1969

Aggies rip Atmore 13-0; rugged defense leads way: The Evergreen High Aggies successfully opened their 1969 season in Atmore Thursday night beating the battling Blue Devils 13-0. The rugged defense paved the way to victory before a large crowd that must have included a thousand from Evergreen.
The Aggies entered the game all “shook up” over a protest filed by Atmore against the eligibility of Tim Skipper, a transfer from McKenzie. Bubba Scott, executive secretary of the Alabama High School Athletic Association notified EHS of the protest the morning of the game. A hearing on the matter was set by the District Board in Monroeville Monday night.
Coach Wendell Hart did not play Skipper pending the outcome of the hearing, but said he was confident that the Board would rule him eligible. The 189-pounder had won starting berths at center on offense and tackle on defense.
(Against Atmore, quarterback Hollis Tranum scored Evergreen’s first touchdown on a four-yard run, and Jeb Barron added the extra point. Ivon Gomes scored Evergreen’s final touchdown on a 17-yard run. Other standout Evergreen players in that game included Jimmy Bell, John Brantley, Ronald Halford, Jimmy Hamiter, Larry Peacock, Eric Pugh, Eddie Ralls, Ernest Shipp, Reggie Smith and Richard Wilson.) 

Chandler recounts the first airplane landing in Monroe County, Alabama

Chandler’s plane: still aloft (in 1976)

(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 “First airplane lands here: 1925 special to L.J. Chandler” was originally published in the Jan. 29, 1976 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

The year 1925 held special significance for L.J. Chandler of Peterman. This was the year that the first airplane landed in Monroe County, and it was during this year that Chandler bought a new Model T Roadster.

Not a lot was happening in Peterman that day that word spread around that an airplane was going to land in Monroeville. So far as anyone knew, this was to be the first airplane to touch down in this part of the country.

Chandler, being like everyone else, wasn’t going to miss the chance of seeing this contraption that flew through the air with a man aboard.

So he closed his blacksmith shop on short notice and, along with three friends, headed toward Monroeville, new Model T and all.

This was quite a day for the surrounding communities, according to G.S. Chandler, son of the late L.J. Chandler. Several of the schools and quite a few of the local businesses shut down so that all could see the great event.

After all, it wasn’t every day that an airplane came to town.

After the event was over and everything had returned to normal, L.J. Chandler decided that, being the blacksmith that he was and the airplane still vivid in his memory, he would make a model or replica of what he had seen.

After finding suitable tin for the wings and the other parts, he fashioned all this to his liking.

For the propeller, he used an old fan blade from a Nash automobile. This he mounted on a stout, slender iron rod and placed it where one would expect him to put it: above the car shed that housed his beloved Model T.

Here, above the car shed, for 51 years, the model has weathered the seasons, turning this way and that, heading into the wind with its whirling propeller.

I asked G.L. Chandler – who, like his father, operates a machine and blacksmith shop nearby – if any maintenance was required for the old model. Chandler stated that he lubricates the old fan blade that is used for the propeller once a year.

Wings its way

Many changes have taken place in this area during the past 51 years. Few remember the day when the first airplane bumped to a stop on the grass that is now part of the golf course.

But through it all, the old handmade replica at Peterman still wings its way through the winds above the old car shed.

And the few who take time to inquire about this handmade replica come away smiling, and glad that they took time to stop and ask.

(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.)

Locklins claimed to have seen ‘Ghost Riders of McConnico’ during wagon ride near Perdue Hill, Alabama

My son James and I got up early on Labor Day to wet our hooks in the Alabama River at Claiborne. On the way home, we cut down County Road 1 at the Masonic Hall at Perdue Hill, taking the back way home. Eventually, we passed by the Old McConnico Cemetery, and while we did not stop, I could not help but think about the “Ghost Riders of McConnico.”

Stories of these ghostly riders vary, but the most popular version of this spooky tale says that travelers near this cemetery late at night claim to have seen 12 ghostly cavalrymen mounted on grey horses. They ride side by side in a long column, and they are dressed in full cavalry uniforms with sabers, harness, the whole nine yards. However, the riders are said to wear no headgear.

Witnesses say that the riders wear white gloves, folded across the pommels of their saddles, their reins hanging loose. Witnesses describe these riders as “corpse-like” and say that each rider has a white cloth tied around his head. It’s said that this method was used in the 1800s to prepare corpses for burial. Witnesses go on to say that these riders move silently up the road, not even the hooves of the horses make a sound.

James, who is 14 years old, listened in silence as I recounted this tale and didn’t say a word until I finished. “You really believe that stuff?” he asked, giving me a sideways look. “It’s just an old story,” I answered, shrugging my shoulders as we continue on toward the house.

For those of you interested in reading more about this story, you can find more details about it in Kathryn Tucker Windham’s 1982 book, “Jeffrey’s Latest 13: More Alabama Ghosts.” This book dedicates an entire chapter to the “Ghost Riders of McConnico” and talks about how Mr. and Mrs. Charles Locklin saw the 12 ghostly riders. The Locklins supposedly encountered the riders as they traveled down County Road 1 in a wagon.

Windham’s version of the tale describes the riders as “Union horsemen.” In her story, it’s theorized that the cavalrymen were the victims of Confederate raider Lafayette Seigler, who would ambush Yankee patrols and cut off their ears. Supposedly, this is why the riders are seen wearing white bandages around their heads.

I believe that the Charles Locklin mentioned in Windham’s story to be Capt. Charles William Locklin Sr., who is buried in the McConnico Cemetery. Nicknamed “Steamboat Charlie,” Locklin died in 1905 and is buried alongside both of his wives. His first wife, Martha, died in 1885, and his second wife, Olivia, died in 1905, about two months after Charles died. Which of these wives was with Charles when the “ghost rider” encounter occurred is up for debate.

In the end, let me hear from you if you have any additional information about this unusual Monroe County ghost story. I’m especially interested in hearing more about Lafayette Seigler and the Locklins. Of course, I’d love to talk with anyone who has personally seen these “ghost riders,” so let me hear from you if you’ve had any firsthand encounters with these spectral cavalrymen.